With Addition of Valorant and League of Legends to Xbox Game Pass, Sarah Bond Weighs In on Microsoft’s POV for Esports

During the recent Tokyo Game Show 2023, Sarah Bond was interviewed about Microsoft’s plans to work with Asian developers and bring their games to the Xbox Game Pass. The interview, held on September 22, 2023, revealed some interesting plans of branching out into the world of competitive Esports.

With games like Valorant and League of Legends added to the Xbox Game Pass, it is clear that Microsoft is taking a step towards eSports titles. While competitive gaming was not the primary focus of Xbox Game Pass, VP of Xbox’s game creator experience and ecosystem division, Sarah Bond explains their new direction on the situation.

Microsoft to focus more on Esports titles on Xbox Game Pass

With the addition of games from the Riot Games library to the Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft has started moving in a direction that promotes competitive gaming with strong esports formats. Games like Valorant and League of Legends have an average of 3 million active players online at any given time. This really helps Microsoft work on its path toward liberating the Esports scene within the Xbox Game Pass.

She was asked a question about the addition of Valorant and League of Legends to the Xbox Game Pass. And she replied, “For us, esports is a different way for people to experience using equipment. When you applaud the players, you can also join those who do not play and applaud the players, and I feel it is one way to learn about the game.”

She went on to add that there are different paths to pave the way to a world of games for players who have never played them. Sarah’s insight on the way Microsoft will be approaching Esports titles is a great look into Microsoft’s plans for the future.

Benefits of Riot Games being on Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft and Riot Games announced a partnership that brings significant benefits to Xbox Game Pass subscribers. This collaboration was initially announced in June 2022, and the specifics are now unveiled.

Read More – Xbox Game Pass Price Hike Is Inevitable in the Future, According to Phil Spencer

Although Valorant and League of Legends are free-to-play titles, Microsoft motivates players to play the game with the Xbox Game Pass. Since December 12th 2022, subscribers of Xbox Game Pass have access to a unique perk. Players will be able to use every character available in Riot Games’ titles, League of Legends and Valorant.

This perk is significant because both League of Legends and Valorant have extensive rosters of characters. League of Legends alone features over 140 champions, which players can use without any additional cost or effort. Although that number is quite substantial compared to the characters in Valorant, players will have access to all 18 agents from the get-go.

In addition to character access, Riot Games is expanding its presence on the Xbox platform. PC versions of Riot Games’ titles will be accessible through the Xbox PC app. This means that players can access these games either through the Xbox PC app or their Riot accounts, and the benefits are available on both platforms.

Microsoft’s new direction towards the world of sports must not come as a surprise to everyone. However, it was an important move to execute. With titles from Riot Games pushing their narrative, fans can expect to see more eSports competitive titles make an appearance in the Xbox Game Pass.

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