Microsoft has been trying to acquire Activision Blizzard for the past year. Following many hurdles, the gaming giant has finally completed the merger, expecting to grow Xbox Game Pass through new additions like Call of Duty.
The subscription service has already reached over 25 million subscribers, and analysts have predicted that 50% of the total subscribers will be on the Ultimate tier by the end of 2023.
Why it matters: Xbox Ultimate Pass offers several benefits over the base tier, providing Xbox Live Gold, Game Pass for PC, and EA Play. This is also the most expensive tier, making it beneficial for both Microsoft and the consumer.
According to Gamesindustry.biz, an analyst, Jijiashvili says:
“We estimate that nearly half of Xbox Game Pass subscribers will be on the Ultimate tier at the end of 2023.”
On the other hand, the analyst predicts only 1/3 of subscribers will opt for PlayStation Plus Premium, which is the most expensive tier. Since Sony has recently increased the prices of the subscription, the highest tier now costs $160 annually.
This may deter curious consumers from the most expensive PlayStation subscription. Following recent announcements, the Activision Blizzard merger is expected to have a positive impact on Xbox Game Pass moving forward.
As Xbox Game Pass grows, Microsoft will be one step closer to its aims of offering a gaming platform that encapsulates consoles, PCs, mobiles, and cloud gaming. In the past, Phil Spencer has also claimed that he values players over individual console sales.
IDG Consulting’s Emilie Avera explained that Microsoft’s business no longer revolved around the Xbox console. Therefore, Activision Blizzard’s merger will facilitate an overall expansion for Xbox on all platforms. She said:
“Phil Spencer’s vision has consistently been about transforming Xbox from a console-centric brand to a content-first platform.”
The analyst’s prediction also highlights Microsoft’s growing influence over the PC gaming crowd. Since Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ensures the service can be accessed on more than just consoles, this tier is very compelling for gamers who own both platforms.
In the past, an analyst has suggested that total Xbox Game Pass subscribers will rise to 50 million after the acquisition. Combining both predictions, it appears Microsoft’s service is in for incredible levels of success in the coming years.
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