There are more and more indications of a pure and simple abandonment of physical video games at Microsoft, despite recent promises from Phil Spencer.
Microsoft announced it with the Xbox One, will Microsoft do it with the Xbox Series X? Video games on physical media seem closer and closer to the end in the Xbox ecosystem.
Latest clue to date: the site Exputer reports having been able to consult confidential documents pointing to the launch of a new white Xbox Series In September 2023, Microsoft mistakenly published a confidential document pointing to the launch of an “adorably digital” Xbox Series X without a disc drive for the end of 2024. According to Exputer, the launch would now be planned for June or July. In both scenarios, we can bet on a presentation at the Xbox Showcase conference scheduled for June.
The physical game is experiencing its last hours
However, just a few days ago, Phil Spencer, the boss of Microsoft Gaming, wanted to reassure fans during several interviews by indicating that the brand was not going to stop the marketing of physical games.
When we read his response specifically, however, we note that he indicates “ Microsoft will follow what consumers do “. However, consumers, particularly on Xbox, have become accustomed to consuming their games through the Xbox Store or Xbox Game Pass and less and less through a physical format.
And there is no shortage of evidence of such a strategy at Microsoft. In January, the firm, for example, confirmed that its future big title Hellblade 2 would go through a 100% digital release.
Also in January, Microsoft announced the layoff of 1,900 employees in its video game division. Among the teams most impacted, that responsible for the distribution of physical games.
Most recently, Microsoft confirmed the launch of four of its Xbox games on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. These games will obviously be released in digital format, but Pentiment will have the right to a physical version. The latter will be distributed by Limited Run Games, a specialist in the distribution of retro or independent games. In other words, Microsoft really no longer bothers to invest in the physical distribution of its games.
Microsoft is not the only one to make this change. Buying physical games can still be done through physical stores, where the Xbox shelves are becoming smaller and smaller, when they have not completely disappeared.
Third-party distributors and publishers no longer bother to promote Xbox versions of games in physical form, even when it is well marketed.
Smooth change
If Microsoft launches an Xbox Series All he will then have to do is slowly, but surely, remove the old Xbox Series X from the shelves.
If asked about this change, the brand may respond that it is only following a trend already noted by consumers.