Advertisements extolling the merits of the Xbox, no longer very numerous, could dry up completely. Microsoft has decided to stop marketing expenses in several countries of the world, notably Europe. That does not mean that we can no longer buy Xbox, but rather that the device will highlight its services, Game Pass in the lead.
Microsoft promotes Xbox Series S/X in newspapers, on the internet, on TV or on billboards. It is not better: according to the indiscretion by Tom Warren of VergeThe company has reportedly changed its marketing strategy for the new fiscal year (which begins on July 1): in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the funds that will be dedicated to promoting comfort will be allocated to something else.
It’s all about Game Time
Therefore, rare ads for Xbox completely disappear in the so-called MEA region. Tom Warren did not get confirmation, so the caveat remains in order, but we can clearly see that Microsoft has completely abandoned this type of communication around video games. Stocks, especially in Europe, would be reduced to a bare minimum, although the Xbox will remain available for purchase.
In fact, Microsoft intends to further promote Game Pass, the Xbox Cloud Gaming service (game streaming available in Game Pass Ultimate), PC gaming and the Xbox controller. Game Pass has become an essential element of the company’s shopping experience, which actually increased prices this week.
Microsoft doesn’t plan to abandon the hardware anytime soon. we wait the all-new cheaper white Series X (and without an optical drive) announced a month ago. And then the device revolves around the system a portable PC console in Xbox colors. But in terms of market share, Xboxes are third, far behind Nintendo and Sony who are also preparing new consoles (respectively the. Switch 2 and PS5 Pro).
But it’s clearly going to be in the program, as we’ve seen again in recent days Xbox application compatible with Amazon Fire TVswho has access to the Game Pass catalog… without an Xbox.