As Xbox faces criticism over its new exclusivity policy, a reader argues that the company's entire game lineup lacks must-have titles. The writer, an Xbox Series X owner, expresses regret over their purchase and doubts the platform's future.
A Decade of Mismanagement
The reader feels sympathy for new Xbox boss Asha Sharma, inheriting a decade of poor decisions. Despite owning Activision Blizzard and Bethesda, and being backed by a $3 trillion company, Xbox has become irrelevant. The writer notes that Phil Spencer should have been replaced years ago, but his tenure saw every choice worsen the situation.
The Catch-22 of Exclusives
With no reason for sensible consumers to buy an Xbox, exclusives don't make financial sense, but their absence further reduces console appeal. Microsoft hinted at bringing back exclusives, but only announced Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution as exclusives at the Xbox Game Showcase. The company refuses to explain why these games were chosen, especially after the Gears of War remaster launched on PlayStation 5 last year.
Weak Lineup and Uncertain Future
The reader doubts E-Day and Halo: Campaign Evolved will perform well on PlayStation 5, noting their heyday was two decades ago. Fable might do well if good, but Forza Horizon 6 wasn't mentioned for PS5. Bethesda's slow pace and Call of Duty's declining popularity compound the issue. The writer concludes that Xbox is a games company where nobody wants the console, and only a fraction of its games are desirable.
A Bleak Outlook
The reader believes Xbox may not survive this generation and wouldn't be surprised if Sharma recommends selling off the division. They question whether the brand can be saved at all.
