Former Xbox Studios VP and PlayStation Exec Criticize Game Pass
Microsoft has been pushing Game Pass as its main growth strategy, making it a big part of its revenue. However, some argue that the subscription model reduces game sales and leaves many developers earning less than they would from direct purchases.
Reflecting these concerns, Pete Hines, the former head of Bethesda publishing, said in an interview that Game Pass hurts the quality of games. His words were later supported by Shannon Loftis, former vice president of Xbox Game Studios, who added that the model is not always good for game creators and also causes disagreements inside Microsoft.
Game Pass Creates ‘Weird Inner Tensions’ at Microsoft, Claims Ex-Xbox Studios Vice President
Hines explained that the subscription creates an ecosystem that does not reward content creators properly. Loftis agreed and said the service causes “weird inner tensions” within the company: “I could (and may someday) write pages on the weird inner tensions this creates.”
She also pointed out that Game Pass helped some games, like Human Fall Flat, avoid being forgotten. But in her view, for most projects, the service reduces retail revenue unless the game is built for strong post-launch monetization.
She explained, “While GP can claim a few victories with games that otherwise would have sunk beneath the waves (human fall flat, e.g.), the majority of game adoption on Gap comes at the expense of retail revenue, unless the game is engineered from the ground up for post-release monetization.”
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden also commented on the Game Pass debate on LinkedIn. He said that discussions about whether the service is profitable miss the real issue. According to him, the main focus should not be on subscription revenue, but on whether it helps developers keep making games and receive fair pay.
In related news, Arkane Studios founder Raphael Colantonio also calls Xbox Game Pass “unsustainable” and “damaging” to the gaming industry, warning it hurts sales and relies on Microsoft’s financial backing.
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