Game Pass Unanimously Disliked By Publishers, Claims Jim Ryan

Following various heated exchanges between Microsoft and the FTC, the court hearings resumed today. However, unlike the previous days, Jim Ryan from PlayStation joined the case today.

While he had much to say, the SIE CEO made an interesting comment about Xbox Game Pass. According to Jim Ryan, gaming publishers do not like Game Pass.

Why it matters: Microsoft is betting on Xbox Game Pass for the future of the Xbox brand. The subscription is essential to Microsoft’s plans.

As reported by The Verge, Jim Ryan said:

“I talked to all publishers, and they unanimously do not like Game Pass, because it is value destructive.”

Previously, various developers have praised Microsoft’s approach to the gaming industry. However, a few studios have also criticized the subscription.

The developers behind Trine 5 claimed that Game Pass could lead to the oversaturation of content. Consumers have too many choices with the subscription, making it hard to commit to a single game.

However, Trine 5 was also released on the subscription. Developers like Tim Schafer have also claimed that Game Pass allows more risks and creativity, bringing a bigger audience to games that would be considered niche.

As such, it is clear that the subscription offers plenty of benefits. Despite these benefits, the SIE CEO is not a fan of Microsoft’s work.

Jim Ryan also believes Activision would not put Call of Duty on the subscription if the acquisition fails.

Previously, PlayStation has commented that Microsoft’s subscription model is unsustainable for PlayStation’s first-party games. The gaming giant has begun to release games on subscriptions like PS Plus Extra but is still not fond of day-one releases for AAA titles.