Reports claim that Xbox is in free fall in Europe: what does this mean?

The future of Xbox, at least as an independent brand with its own hardware and exclusives, seems to be hanging by a thin thread.

Although Microsoft has tried to put on a brave face, the future of Xbox, at least as an independent brand with its own hardware and exclusives, seems to be hanging by a thin thread. The reason? The low sales of the console.

Xbox Game Pass DOWNLOAD

Last month, Microsoft tried to calm concerns with an Xbox Business Update, in which they revealed that several older and smaller-scale games would be cross-platform, but that others, like Starfield, would not be for now. They also promised to continue working on new hardware that apparently will represent the “biggest technical leap in history”.

All of this sounds good, but it can clash with the harsh reality that Xbox faces in the console sector. According to Christopher Dring from GameIndustry.biz, he has heard a “very important” publisher say that the performance of Xbox Series X/S is “plummeting” in Europe.

Microsoft is not sure if Xbox Series has been a good bet

The situation was already bad last year, when some European retailers completely abandoned Xbox Series X/S, but it is said that this year is even worse, to the point that publishers are starting to wonder why they bother supporting Xbox.

The potentially worrying points don’t end here: according to Dring, he has heard that the “majority” of Xbox exclusives will end up on PS5 at some point, and that less attention is being paid to Game Pass, which has largely stagnated in terms of popularity.

Of course, this should be taken with caution, but GamesIndustry is not known for publishing sensationalist headlines or inaccurate rumors.

Xbox Game Pass DOWNLOAD

Microsoft can say they want to continue manufacturing hardware all they want, but if publishers stop being interested in putting their software on your platform, that’s where reality comes into play.

If we look back, you will remember that it was then when things started to get ugly for Nintendo during the Gamecube era. It’s what happened to Sega before being forced to abandon hardware. Will Xbox have to become just a publisher?

Author: Chema Carvajal Sarabia

{ "de-DE": "Journalist, spezialisiert auf Technologie, Unterhaltung und Videospiele. Über das zu schreiben, was mich begeistert (Gadgets, Spiele und Filme), ermöglicht es mir, bei Verstand zu bleiben und mit einem Lächeln im Gesicht aufzuwachen, wenn der Wecker klingelt. PS: Das stimmt nicht 100% der Zeit.", "en-US": "Journalist specialized in technology, entertainment and video games. Writing about what I'm passionate about (gadgets, games and movies) allows me to stay sane and wake up with a smile on my face when the alarm clock goes off. PS: this is not true 100% of the time.", "es-ES": "Content Manager - Periodista especializado en tecnología, entretenimiento y videojuegos. Escribir sobre lo que me apasiona (cacharros, juegos y cine) me permite seguir cuerdo y despertarme con una sonrisa cuando suena el despertador. PD: esto no es cierto el 100 % de las veces.", "fr-FR": "Journaliste spécialisé dans la technologie, le divertissement et les jeux vidéo. Écrire sur ce qui me passionne (gadgets, jeux et films) me permet de rester sain d'esprit et de me réveiller avec le sourire aux lèvres quand le réveil sonne. PS : cela n'est pas vrai 100 % du temps.", "it-IT": "Giornalista specializzato in tecnologia, intrattenimento e videogiochi. Scrivere di ciò che mi appassiona (gadget, giochi e film) mi permette di mantenere la sanità mentale e di svegliarmi con un sorriso sul viso quando suona la sveglia. PS: questo non è vero al 100% del tempo.", "ja-JP": "", "nl-NL": "", "pl-PL": "", "pt-BR": "Jornalista especializado em tecnologia, entretenimento e videogames. Escrever sobre o que me apaixona (gadgets, jogos e filmes) me permite manter a sanidade e acordar com um sorriso no rosto quando o despertador toca. PS: isso não é verdade 100% do tempo.", "social": { "email": "chemacs91@gmail.com", "facebook": "", "twitter": "https://twitter.com/chematopetazo", "linkedin": "" } }