While Sony will launch its new Playstation Plus formula on June 23, Xbox is visibly inspired by some new features offered by the Japanese manufacturer. Indeed, Microsoft is also considering offering Xbox Game Pass subscribers the opportunity to try out future Xbox exclusives in preview, via playable demos.
The war of gaming services is now open. While the Xbox Game Pass has reigned supreme for several years, Sony is preparing to counterattack with the launch on June 23, 2022 of the all-new Playstation Plus.
This unique formula resulting from the merger between the current PS Plus and PS Now, will offer three different subscriptions. The PS Plus Premium, the most expensive offer, will notably allow access to more 740 games from the PS4 and PS5 catalogs, but also PS1, PS2, PS3 and PSP. Something to please fans of retro gaming.
And that’s not all, since users will also be able to preview future PS5 games for a minimum of two hours, thanks to exclusive and timed playable demos. The opportunity for players to test a title before possibly going to checkout.
Microsoft wants to offer playable demos on the Xbox Game Pass
However, and according to renowned insider Tom Henderson, Microsoft is rather seduced by this idea. According to its sources, the Redmond firm intends to announce the integration of playable demos on the Xbox Game Pass before the opening of the Summer Game Fest, scheduled for June 9, 2022. In other words, an official press release will not be long in coming if Tom Henderson’s sources were right.
Still according to the information gleaned by the insider, the feature won’t roll out until next year and will therefore be reserved for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Please note that the distinction has not been made between classic subscribers and those of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
In addition, the playable demos would only concern independent productions Firstly. Developers who chose to offer a playable demo of their upcoming title would get certain quid pro quos, starting with compensation from Microsoft (creating a playable demo takes resources and time) and access to certain data (return players in particular) who can help them in the development of their game. Of course, this information should be taken with a grain of saltfor lack of official confirmation from Microsoft.
Source: Exputer