Between Microsoft adding new developers to its stable of talent and some promising teases for upcoming console exclusives, 2018 was a decent year for the Xbox One. It was only the beginning of what could be an upward trend for the console though, and these are 5 ways Microsoft can improve the Xbox One in 2019.
5 Ways Microsoft Can Improve the Xbox One in 2019
Deliver on Exclusive Releases
For all of the goodwill that came from Microsoft finally announcing some exclusives, there’s still some hesitance from fans due to their less than timely release windows. Crackdown 3 is the poster child of this fear, having been delayed countless times in the four years since it was announced.
Granted, the delays were always to polish up the title so that players would be satisfied with its quality. Still, it left many Xbox One owners waiting for something to play that was uniquely Xbox.
Moving into 2019, alleviating these fears should be a primary focus for Microsoft. Delivering long-awaited titles like Crackdown, as well as more recently teased titles like Gears of War 5 or Halo Infinite, in 2019 would easily catapult the Xbox One’s popularity upward, its catalog flush with new games to check out.
5 Ways Microsoft Can Improve the Xbox One in 2019
Nab More Pre-Release Exclusivity Deals
Though they may seem less important in post-release, landing early access to betas and demos for multiplatform games and franchises has been a big boon for the Xbox One.
Being able to enter the multiplayer experiment that is Fallout 76 early via beta, or tearing through demons as Nero in an early demo of Devil May Cry V, is a nice reward for sticking with the console. Plus, it’s made all the sweeter by the fact that owners of other consoles will have to wait to get their hands on it.
It may seem like a small thing, but focusing on the acquisition of more early beta access and demos could go a long way toward maintaining the Xbox One’s user base and expanding it with newcomers.
Diehard fans will come running to get their hands on the latest entry in a series early, while newcomers will have something to point toward as a subtle perk of owning the system.
5 Ways Microsoft Can Improve the Xbox One in 2019
Keep up the Cross-Play Momentum
One of the most beloved features to come out of this console generation has been cross-play functionality. Allowing players from across consoles and PC to play together with one another, it’s a step forward for online multiplayer that most everyone is eager to take.
Sadly, Sony has remained rigid in their opposition to allowing cross-play on its console. Some exceptions have been made for overwhelmingly popular titles like Fortnite, but otherwise, it’s left owners of its consoles limited to playing only with other PlayStation users.
It’s a move that has irritated gamers continuously, but it also stands as something Microsoft can capitalize on in 2019. While Sony remains rigid in their denial of cross play’s popularity, They can focus on making the Xbox One the be-all end-all of the feature with full support across most any title.
It helps that they’ve already made progress toward this in 2018, supporting the feature while making their intentions of tapping its potential clear.
5 Ways Microsoft Can Improve the Xbox One in 2019
Continue Xbox All Access
It’s nothing new for publishers to release bundles or limited promotions to make their hardware more enticing, but Microsoft takes the cake thanks to their use of Xbox All Access.
Available with the purchase of any new Xbox One console, All Access sets gamers up with a slew of perks from two years of Xbox Live to over 100 games available for play through Xbox Game Pass.
It’s a sweet deal for newcomers to the console. Having games available to play from the get-go, and with other people no less, is a huge draw, and one that has likely swayed more than a few people toward buying the console.
As such, Microsoft shouldn’t let this become a temporary deal. Though it might be costly in the long run, the investment of keeping the deal around through 2019 could draw in plenty more gamers toward becoming Xbox One owners.
It’ll also accrue them plenty of good faith with the gaming community, showing a commitment to improving the quality of life for gamers who invest in their console.
5 Ways Microsoft Can Improve the Xbox One in 2019
Utilize Their New Developers
2018 was an exceptional year for Microsoft in terms of developer acquisitions. From Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice developer Ninja Theory to the renowned RPG makers Obsidian Entertainment, there’s no shortage of talent behind Xbox game development going into 2019.
With that in mind, Microsoft needs to strike while the iron is hot and fans are still excited by what these new studios have to offer. Maintaining a steady stream of updates on their projects, as well as trailers and other promotional material when possible, will keep the hype rolling while they wait for new software to play.
This will give their planned exclusives more room to breathe as well. While there’s no doubt Crackdown 3 and Gears of War 5 will have plenty of work and polish put into them, carrying the high expectations of the entire Xbox One user base to succeed could drag them down.
By expanding on what Xbox One owners are focused on, these titles will have at least a little more room for error or imperfection and will have a better chance of being forgiven by players if they’re not the only thing to look forward to and play.
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