Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has transformed the company into a gaming powerhouse, with a vast portfolio of iconic franchises like Call of Duty, Warcraft, Halo, Fallout, and more. However, this has also created an identity crisis for the Xbox platform, as Microsoft considers releasing previously console-exclusive titles on other platforms like Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, challenging the traditional console gaming model.

While Microsoft has expanded its gaming horizons with PC, cloud, mobile, and Game Pass, the Xbox console itself has struggled, being outsold by PlayStation 5. Microsoft has also faced setbacks, with layoffs and studio closures, raising concerns about mismanagement and the true cost of consolidation in the wider games industry.

At todays Xbox showcase, Microsoft needs to present a cohesive vision for Xbox’s role, its relationship with fans, and its strategy for the future. They must clarify their stance on exclusivity, commit to Game Pass and console hardware, and convince the gaming community that their ambitious move to combine platform holder and third-party publisher roles will benefit the industry rather than harm it.

If leaks are to be believed announcements for games in the Doom and Gears franchises will go a long way to restoring the faith of the Xbox fans who havent had much to cheer about in 2024.

Personally Im hoping to see the hype build for a new Doom game if Gears of War gets the same visual treatment that Hellblade did recently we are all in for a real treat. If they could also show off a mobile games device to be released at the end of the year and announce batches of old Call of Duty games coming to GamePass over the next few months then they will have the “big Mo” and finally realise the true value of GamePass.