Microsoft's gaming division is currently facing criticism for a perceived lack of innovation and an overall uninspiring portfolio of titles, according to a recent editorial. Despite the company's significant market presence and ownership of numerous studios and franchises, the argument is made that Xbox struggles to maintain momentum or generate genuine excitement.
Stagnant Franchises and Diminishing Returns
The recent Xbox showcase, which some have characterized as highlighting Microsoft's gaming business as "a zombie," is cited as evidence. While it's acknowledged that Microsoft may be holding back reveals for an upcoming console, the current output is described as a "crock of diminishing returns." Examples include the continued focus on remakes of established titles like Halo: Combat Evolved, a move that overlooks the franchise's past iterations and the perceived lack of charisma of its protagonist, Master Chief, when compared to other industry figures. Similarly, Gears of War: E-Day is presented as a regression, rewinding the franchise's narrative to its origins rather than exploring new storylines.
Even new ventures like Playground's Fable are viewed with skepticism, potentially heading towards a "milquetoast everyman role-playing" experience, a departure from the series' past. Other titles mentioned include State of Decay 3, a new Spyro game with "angrier eyebrows," and works from Double Fine, all framed as insufficient to counter the overall sense of stagnation.
Ownership of Established IPs
The editorial expresses frustration over Microsoft's stewardship of other major franchises. Arkane, a studio known for pioneering immersive sims, is now under Microsoft's purview, as is Doom, which is described as having transitioned into an "indifferently gratifying action-RPG." Even Call of Duty, once known for experimentation, is seen as a distant memory of its more innovative past. The piece also touches on Minecraft, acknowledging that while it hasn't been ruined in the 12 years since Microsoft's acquisition, there's been little significant innovation, with the game primarily evolving into a platform.
The author suggests that Microsoft's strategy often involves remastering or remaking existing properties and pushing them onto multiple platforms, with new sequels acting as mere "seasonal content." The focus on feeding Game Pass and competing with Steam are identified as primary drivers for supporting smaller or more experimental games.
The Case for Divestment
The editorial frames the discussion around boycotting Microsoft and Xbox within the broader context of the BDS campaign, which targets the company's partnerships with the Israeli military amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While acknowledging this as the primary rationale for the boycott, the author also posits that a secondary, albeit trivial, benefit for the gaming community could be a shift away from Microsoft's perceived dominance in the cultural conversation. The argument is that Microsoft's gaming output, while extensive, lacks the ability to be truly intriguing, leading to a "learned helplessness" among those who feel its scale is too immense to ignore.
Instead, the editorial encourages seeking out and supporting the vast array of alternative games and communities that exist outside of Microsoft's ecosystem. For every remake or sequel offered by Xbox, there are numerous other independent titles, survival sims, MMOs, and modding scenes that provide more adventurous experiences. The piece concludes by suggesting that a successful boycott, regardless of its primary motivations, could help remove Microsoft from occupying an outsized space in the minds of gamers, allowing for greater focus on the diverse and vibrant landscape of independent game development.