Un peu de Contexte : Xbox ferme des studios, y'a-t-il un pilote dans l'avion ?

Summary

The video script discusses the recent closure of four game studios by Microsoft, which historically belonged to Bethesda. It raises concerns about the future of video gaming at Microsoft and questions the company's strategy. The closure aligns with Xbox's shift in focus towards high-impact games, which are known franchises and sequels, as a response to the industry's crisis. The studios closed include Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and Alpha Dog Games, while Roundhouse Games will be integrated into existing teams. This move contradicts Microsoft's acquisition promises to Bethesda in 2020. The video also addresses Xbox's Game Pass strategy, which relies on a constant addition of new content to satisfy subscribers. Microsoft's past investments in game development and studio acquisitions are critiqued, as the company now faces challenges in converting these investments into quality content. The speaker expresses skepticism about the management's ability to navigate the complexities of overseeing numerous studios and the impact on employee morale and the Game Pass service. The summary concludes by highlighting the pressure on upcoming game releases and the need for a clear direction for Xbox's gaming strategy.

Takeaways

• 📉 Microsoft has closed 4 studios historically belonging to Bethesda, reflecting challenges in the gaming industry and raising questions about the future of Microsoft's gaming strategy.
• 🎮 Xbox is shifting its focus towards high-impact games, which are known franchises and sequels, as a response to the crisis in the gaming industry.
• 🔄 The closed studios include Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and Alpha Dog Games, which are known for titles like Prey, Redfall, and Mighty Doom, respectively.
• 📚 Roundhouse Games will be integrated into the teams working on The Elder Scrolls Online, highlighting a strategic realignment within Microsoft's gaming division.
• 💰 Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda in 2020 was meant to provide more resources and support to Bethesda's teams, but recent developments have contradicted this promise.
• 🚀 Xbox has been pursuing a unique strategy with Game Pass since 2017, offering a vast catalog of games for a monthly subscription fee, including day-one releases.
• 💸 The Game Pass model requires significant investment to reach a critical mass of subscribers, and Microsoft has been investing heavily in content creation and studio acquisitions to support this.
• 📉 Despite the investment, there has been a reduction in the amount spent on securing game exclusivity and a decrease in studio acquisitions since 2022.
• 🤔 The closure of successful studios like Tango Gameworks, which developed the well-received Hi-Fi Rush, contradicts the overall strategy of adding content to the Game Pass.
• 📈 The number of Game Pass subscribers seems to be stagnating or even declining, suggesting that the service needs a continuous influx of new, high-quality games to retain and attract users.
• ⏳ The pressure is on for upcoming games like Avowed from Obsidian and the potential release of Fable, as they are expected to contribute significantly to the success of the Game Pass service.

Q & A

Why did Microsoft close 4 studios historically belonging to Bethesda?

Microsoft closed the studios as part of a strategic shift to prioritize high-impact games, which are known franchises, sequels, and the like. This move is a response to the struggling gaming industry, aiming to focus on surefire values instead of risking original games.

What was the original promise when Microsoft acquired Bethesda in 2020?

At the time of the acquisition, Microsoft promised that Bethesda would remain in charge of its internal projects with no changes, but the acquisition was meant to bring more resources and support to Bethesda's teams.

How does the closure of these studios align with Xbox's Game Pass strategy?

The closure seems to contradict the Game Pass strategy, which relies on a constant addition of new content to satisfy subscribers and attract new ones. High-impact games and original content from various studios are key to the success of the Game Pass model.

What is the Game Pass and why is it central to Xbox's strategy?

Game Pass is a subscription service where users pay a monthly fee for access to a vast catalog of games, including Xbox's day-one titles. It's a unique concept that has been the centerpiece of Xbox's strategy for the past seven years, aiming to provide an unbeatable offer for users.

What is the challenge Xbox faces with its Game Pass service?

Xbox faces the challenge of continuously adding new content to keep subscribers satisfied and attract new ones. This requires significant investment and the management of a large number of studios to produce high-quality games.

Why did Xbox stop signing large checks for game exclusivity and buying studios?

Xbox has apparently reduced its spending and stopped buying studios since January 2024. This shift may be due to the complexity of managing a large number of studios and the need to consolidate resources and focus on a more streamlined content creation strategy.

What was the reaction to the closure of Tango Gameworks, known for Hi-Fi Rush?

The closure of Tango Gameworks was surprising and contradictory to Xbox's overall strategy, as Hi-Fi Rush was considered a success and a good example of the type of content needed for the Game Pass.

What did Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, say about the studio closures?

Matt Booty indicated that the resources of the studios were too spread out and that leaders within the division felt understaffed. This has raised questions about the management's decisions and the direction of Xbox's gaming strategy.

What is the concern regarding the future direction of Xbox's Game Pass?

The concern is that Xbox is not fully converting its studio acquisitions into high-quality content for the Game Pass. There is a need for continuous investment until reaching a critical mass of subscriptions, and a clear direction is necessary to avoid stagnation.

What is the current state of Xbox's Game Pass subscription numbers?

While not official, a chart shared in the GameDiscoverCo newsletter suggests that the number of Game Pass subscribers appears to be declining, which is a worrying sign for the sustainability of the service.

What type of games does Xbox need to focus on for the Game Pass to succeed?

Xbox needs to focus on developing games like Hi-Fi Rush—successes that are not costly to develop but provide high value to the Game Pass catalog. High-cost, long-development games like The Elder Scrolls 6 or Call of Duty may not be suitable for the current Game Pass model.

What is the paradox facing the Game Pass service?

The paradox is that while the Game Pass needs a continuous flow of new games to feed its content, Xbox is parting ways with smaller studios that can create such content, instead favoring larger ones that may not align with the Game Pass's economic model.