We saw a slew of confidential documents last week as part of the Epic Games vs. Apple legal battle, and the latest document to circulate has revealed some intriguing information about Xbox Cloud Gaming.
This 222-page confidential document, created in September 2020 and reportedly verified by The Verge, appears to suggest that, Microsoft now requires indie developers to support Xbox Cloud Gaming in order to publish on the platform, allegedly using “harsh language around the requirement” according to Epic.
In a new interview with GamesRadar, Xbox’s head of gaming services Ben Decker teased a new, unannounced game currently in development at one of Microsoft’s many studios.
“55 per cent of these polled said the most reason they joined was to urge new games as soon as they were released – that day one content. That is why we have made the investments, we have “He told GamesRadar about it.
“We have 23 studios spread across Xbox and Bethesda performing on Halo, Forza, Fallout, and new IP that we’ve not even mentioned yet which will blow your mind. We can incorporate all of that into Game Pass on the first day.”
Xbox E3 2021
With E3 2021 so close, it’s possible that we’ll see a reveal of this new IP before the end of the summer, so place your bets now. Along with Bethesda, Xbox Game Studios now includes Double Fine, Rare, Ninja Theory, Mojang, and others, so there’s plenty of room for something truly spectacular.
Microsoft’s investment in Xbox Games Pass has also proven to be a wise decision, with the company recognising that when it comes to subscription services, content reigns supreme.
“There are three major themes that we hear from members, that are reflected in the surveys,” he said of Microsoft’s findings. “The first is that when we ask people what they want from Game Pass, the number one answer is always ‘games’; ‘games, games, games!’ According to the research, nearly 60% of Game Pass members say that one of the main reasons they are a member is because , of the variety of games “intention.”
