Analyst Critiques PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass as Gaming’s Non-Future

Subscription services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass are currently a staple in the gaming world, but not everyone is convinced they’re the industry’s future. Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox each offer subscriptions that let players access a rotating lineup of games for a regular fee, while also providing essential online play capabilities. Yet, it seems these services might not be expanding as rapidly as they once did.

Recently, PlayStation increased the price of PS Plus in several countries for the second time in two years, and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions are set to become more expensive in 2024. Both platforms have added some exciting games and updates, suggesting the model isn’t fading yet. However, there’s speculation that this approach might not revolutionize gaming as initially thought.

Industry analyst Mat Piscatella shared insights on Bluesky, arguing that PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass are not the definitive future of gaming. His comments followed news that Sony is removing 22 games from PS Plus in May, including big names like Grand Theft Auto 5 and Payday 2. Piscatella noted that U.S. spending on these services has been fairly stagnant since the surge in 2020 and 2021, which doesn’t paint a promising picture for their long-term impact.

Interestingly, Piscatella acknowledged a spending bump in late 2024, largely due to the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on Xbox Game Pass, which helped set a new revenue record for the platform. Despite this success, he believes such gains are exceptions rather than the rule. He does see subscription services as a component of gaming’s future, but not the central pillar.

In a further comment, Piscatella mentioned that some companies are pulling back from aggressively promoting subscriptions, though others continue to find success with the model. For instance, Rebellion’s CEO credited much of Atomfall’s success to Xbox Game Pass, which expanded the game’s audience. The growth of platforms like Game Pass and PS Plus, and the industry’s evolution, remain to be seen.