Microsoft Doubles Down on Third-Party Titles, Splashes Nearly Double The Sony’s Concord Budget To Bring Games To Xbox Game Pass Every Year

The battle between Sony and Microsoft is getting intense as both companies are fighting hard to get popular video games exclusively for their consoles. Microsoft Xbox Game Pass has many exclusive video games, but Microsoft pays a hefty price to make it possible. A recent report revealed that the company spends roughly one billion dollars to encourage third-party developers and publishers to bring their games to Xbox Game Pass.

Ever since Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, they have gained an edge over Sony. Many gamers have already shifted to Xbox Game Pass, particularly because games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 are releasing on the pass on day one.

Microsoft Spends $1 Billion To Make Sure Games Come To Xbox Game Pass

A new report from Bloomberg has revealed that Microsoft now spends $1 billion a year getting third-party games on Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft gives a flat fee of “millions of dollars” to smaller publishers, alongside a portion of subscription revenue, to convince them to release their games on their subscription service.

On the other hand, Sony spent $400 million to develop one of the worst first-person hero shooter games of all time. Both companies are following their own operating models, but it seems like Microsoft is making some wise decisions. Sony does have some popular franchises under its belt, but Microsoft is making some long-term investments by focusing on games from small developers.

Microsoft Tried To Get Baldur’s Gate 3 On Xbox Game Pass For $5 Million

Microsoft spends a lot of money getting various games on Game Pass, however, it failed to secure Baldur’s Gate 3. In September 2023, some internal Microsoft documents were leaked, revealing the amount of money the company was willing to pay to get various games on Xbox Game Pass.

As per EuroGamer‘s report, Microsoft estimated it would take $300 million to get Star Wars Jedi: Survivor on Game Pass, or $250 million for either Mortal Kombat 1 or Suicide Squad. Other games included Dying Light 2 for $50 million, Gotham Knights for $50 million, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage for $100 million.

What’s crazy is that this report says Microsoft estimated that it would have to pay $5 million to get Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox Game Pass. Obviously, this deal was never closed and Microsoft failed to get the game on its subscription service. The prices of the Xbox Game Pass were increased recently but still, it is one of the most powerful products for Microsoft. With the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Microsoft has set things up perfectly for itself.

Do you think Microsoft is winning the console war? Share your views in the comments!