Free-to-play games on Microsoft consoles are in fact not free

Now Xbox One remains the only console where you need to pay to play freeplay titles. If the disadvantages for gamers are obvious, then what is the benefit of such a policy for Microsoft and will they be able to abandon it in the future?Kotaku drew attention to this problem after the developers of Rocket League announced the transition to frituplay.

After the update, which will take place this month, users will no longer need to pay for a PS Plus and Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play.

Why is this important?Despite the fact that the specifics of Microsoft’s policy have long been known, such cases raise a number of important questions.

In particular, is it right to take money from users for access to the game, which in fact is shareware?

Sony and Nintendo also require a subscription to play online. However, in the case of frituplein projects, they make an exception. At the same time, Xbox One users can download and install the same Fortnite for free, but they will not be able to play online.

A problem for gamers and a benefit for MicrosoftOn the one hand, for users who play several titles or regularly buy new items, it is not a problem to pay for Xbox Live Gold.

On the other hand, those who just want to play a conditional Destiny 2 are forced to buy online access for the sake of one nominally free game.

That is why on forums like reddit, topics regularly appear with questions about whether a subscription is needed for a particular game on the Microsoft console. Many players consider this approach unfair, especially in comparison with the policy of competitors.

At the same time, Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions are an important source of revenue for Microsoft’s gaming division. Despite lagging behind PlayStation in the number of consoles sold, the company manages to show positive dynamics of Xbox revenue.

Also, services like Xbox Game Pass are needed to attract new users to the platform. This is partly why Phil Spencer talks about the critical importance of the subscription model for the company.

Will Microsoft’s policy change in the future?The next generation of consoles may prove decisive in this matter.

PS5 and Xbox Series X in one form or another will support backward compatibility, and the developers of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War have already confirmed the possibility of crossplay between different devices and between generations.

Kotaku believes that this is a great moment for companies to completely abandon the idea of paid online. This may be especially relevant for Microsoft — when PC users will play the same Halo Infinite multiplayer for free, and XSX owners will have to pay extra money.

However, console manufacturers are not yet openly talking about the possible refusal of subscriptions for online access.

Also on the topic:

• Best Buy has leaked a possible price for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series XMicrosoft will release the Xbox Series X in November, and the release of Halo Infinite will take place only in 2021
• Phil Spencer: Xbox Series X and PS5 prices will be more important for users than teraflops
• Is there any news?