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Three Things Microsoft Needs To Achieve In 2019

What’s going on Xbox fans? Did you have a Happy New Year’s Eve? Are you ready for Crackdown 3 to finally, hopefully come on in the next month and a half? Last year was a mixed bag for Microsoft, so let’s look at a few things they need to do now that we are in 2019.

*If you’d like to know what three things Nintendo or Sony need to do in 2019, just click their name!*

1.  Keep making Game Pass this good

When Microsoft first revealed Game Pass, it was pretty great. A Netflix type subscription that gave you unlimited access to select games. Obviously the initial library was not the best, and we have lost a good game or two (just like on Netflix with shows or movies) but it was a pretty good deal. Then this year Microsoft decided to blow the doors off.

Not only did the titles start getting better, Microsoft made the promise that every exclusive from them would be on Game Pass, DAY ONE. I mean, that just seems too good to be true, but it was. Microsoft has continued making Game Pass a must subscribe proposition, with adding even more great titles like Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds, Mortal Kombat X, and Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice in recent months. Preloading certain upcoming titles is also available, so if you want to play Crackdown 3 the second it launches, you can instead of waiting for sometime on release day.

I do not honestly have a plan for them here as they are simply kicking butt. Just keep it up. Keep adding phenomenal titles to the library, and you have something your competitors simply do not.

Three Things Microsoft Needs To Achieve In 2019
Gears 5 will be on Game Pass the second it’s out. That’s a win for Xbox fans. (Photo credit to Microsoft)

2.  On the subject of exclusives…

I have made mention of every company’s line of exclusives in this run of articles. Exclusives are the thing that drives players to you and makes them loyal. It is all well and good to have the most powerful console in the Xbox One X, but I cannot play Game of the Year contenders like Marvel’s SpiderMan and God of War on it. Since 2015, Sony has had at least one exclusive nominated for GOTY on the big stage. Xbox has to recapture that.

Microsoft has done some work in this area, acquiring several major studios. Most likely this will lead into the next console generation, but the exclusives they have for this year have to hit. The biggest one, Gears 5, is a personal favorite. This is one that can not get pushed. Crackdown 3 also has to be a hit, even though it has been in development hell for the last few years. Microsoft needs wins with exclusives, and while they are making some right moves, maybe grabbing some more second party titles would work like Sony has done with Marvel’s SpiderMan?

3.  If the streaming box is real, stop.

Microsoft garnered plenty of bad press when they kept pushing the always online functionality for the original Xbox One. They backtracked and saved face, but the damage was done. Now, word of a new Xbox coming to the family that only does streaming is afoot. As consumers, we have to say no to this idea. With Microsoft wanting to appease its fans, they should say no to this.

It sounds easier, and I get games will be downloadable most likely, but this is bad for buyers. A console where you have to buy games directly from the manufacturer will not ever go well. As of this writing, Gears of War 4 is regularly $39.99 digitally. You can go into a GameStop and buy it for $12.99 and get the exact same game. I do not mind digital, but this streaming system gives all the power to the game company and none to the consumer. I love Game Pass, but it should not push us to an all digital future.

Three Things Microsoft Needs To Achieve In 2019
Digital is fine, but not when it drives the cost up. (Photo credit to GameStop)

So those are the three thing Microsoft needs to do this year. What do you think they need to do? Put down your Elite controllers and drop us a comment below!