The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S next-gen consoles are launching in just over two weeks, and their success heavily depends not just on their launch line-up, but also on the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. Xbox Game Pass' pitch is instant access to over a hundred games for an affordable price, but even Xbox boss Phil Spencer acknowledges that there is room to improve. Specifically, Spencer said there is a need for more casual content on Game Pass.
In an interview with Game Reactor, Spencer candidly responds to a question regarding whether something is currently missing from Xbox Game Pass. Spencer's response was that, "Casual content with a broad appeal" is what's missing. He mentions "E-rated" content, in particular, referring to the ESRB's most accessible E for Everyone rating. Suffice to say, Spencer must feel like Xbox is doing a better job delivering hardcore gamer experiences than it is trying to broaden its audience.
Spencer does acknowledge that Xbox Game Pass isn't without its E for Everyone titles, and mentions that Minecraft is a great example of this. Minecraft is one of the most popular games in the world, is available across a huge variety of platforms, and appeals to players of all ages. Spencer also mentions that Xbox has "other franchises" that appeal to a casual audience, too, but doesn't name any specific brands.
Part of why Spencer could have a renewed focus on casual games is Xbox Game Pass' recent expansion onto Android devices, as part of its xCloud streaming service. The latest round of confirmed Game Pass titles has a number of games just for Android devices. It'd be no surprise for Xbox to try and further its appeal on mobile through more casual games, perhaps to directly compete with the Apple Arcade subscription. Xbox has also notably committed to releasing xCloud on Apple.
Spencer segues his response into a discussion about potential future Xbox acquisitions. He mentions Xbox's continued pursuit of "teams that can build new franchises, tell new stories." While many Xbox fans may be looking forward to Bethesda-sized acquisitions in the future, Xbox could actually be focusing more toward smaller or more casual-focused studios.
Core gamers enjoy casual and family-friendly games too, of course. For Xbox fans, there's a lot worth looking forward to in this next generation. Game Pass has already grown popular due to its impressive offerings on the Xbox One. But with all of Xbox Game Studios' recent acquisitions and expansion, there should only be more to look forward to on Xbox Game Pass on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
Source: Game Reactor