2027 Might Be the Most Crucial Year for Microsoft and Xbox Game Pass Program

Every gaming device has its own dedicated loyalists who swear by their favorite consoles. Among them, Xbox can boast of having some of the most passionate fans in the community. Since the original Xbox console’s launch in 2001, Microsoft has been able to carve out a niche for itself. Xbox consoles are one of the most-loved consoles in the world. However, its fans might be in for a shock as Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has hinted at something remarkable.

A recently surfaced document has revealed that Xbox may exit the industry if the company doesn’t reach the projected Xbox Game Pass subscriber numbers by 2027. While the possibility might break a lot of hearts, Spencer points out that it’s only that.

Spencer brings grim news to the fans from the court

The FTC-Microsoft ongoing trial is bringing up some staggering information in court. Fans got to learn that Microsoft has been planning to expand its mobile gaming footprint through its acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. While such things generally prove that a company has growth in mind, Micorosft’s recent internal memo hints at something entirely different. At a recent court hearing process, we got to know that Microsoft is banking heavily on its Xbox Game Pass subscription.

So much so, that it can become pivotal to Xbox’s continuing activity in the gaming industry. In the court, Phil was shown an internal chart and asked if he agreed with its numbers. The chart shows a projection depicting numbers for console, PC, and “cloud” gaming users. We can see that the number of console users barely touches the 50 million mark, while cloud gaming is well above 100 million users by FY30.

In response, Spencer said that there were only speculations and certain milestones will have to be crossed even before FY 29 to turn it into a reality. According to Spencer, by FY27, the console-users numbers have to be much higher for Microsoft to even compete in the gaming industry by FY30. Spencer also stated that if the Xbox Game Pass doesn’t reflect much higher numbers by FY27, the company’s further plans must be reevaluated.

Light at the end of the tunnel?

However, such things still don’t confirm that Xbox will stop its activities anytime soon. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard comes from the objective to expand into mobile and cloud gaming. Microsoft has elaborate plans on how to work with CoD devs to advertise more heavily in the mobile gaming market.

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So, we can speculate that Spencer may have blown things out of proportion just a bit. Xbox’s recent takeover has fans hyped. We got to know that Microsoft has plans for an exclusive Bethesda title. With Xbox now possibly and finally getting control over Activision-Blizzard, fans are also excited to see how Microsoft handles all the attention to stay relevant in the industry.

If you’re another Xbox fan like us, tell us if you really believe Microsoft’s claims in the comments.

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