For decades, several have pushed the narrative that “console gaming is dying,” but if you ask one of the executives behind Activision Blizzard’s most successful runs, this will never happen.
Former Blizzard Entertainment president Mike Ybarra, who left Microsoft earlier this year, went on X to air his candid remarks over the weekend. He said, “Those losing push the narrative that fits for them. Consoles will never die in my opinion,” which many took as his way of saying that Microsoft is going in the wrong direction.
For years now, Microsoft’s gaming arm has focused more on software sales and boosting the Game Pass subscription numbers than selling the Xbox itself. It’s not just the overall lack of exclusives either despite the massive number of studios it has under its portfolio. Rather, it’s the fact that it’s content with giving away its system sellers to PlayStation, with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle being the most recent example. To make matters worse, Microsoft is currently under fire for taking so long to approve third-party publishers requesting for certification to release their games on Xbox and for requiring “parity” between the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X, which has already caused it to miss out on Black Myth: Wukong and Enotria: The Last Song just this month alone.
Exclusive titles are a cornerstone of the console gaming industry. Nintendo and Sony have mastered the art of cultivating a library of must-play games that are only available on their platforms, fostering brand loyalty among players that extends even to multiplatform games.
While cloud gaming and mobile gaming have undoubtedly grown, their rise hasn’t spelled the end for traditional gaming platforms. Instead, the market has expanded, with mobile games attracting a new audience while console and PC gaming thrives. The idea that mobile gaming would completely supplant other forms of gaming is an oversimplification of a complex and diverse market.
The barriers to entry for PC gaming remain a deterrent for many casual players. Building or buying a gaming PC requires a level of technical knowledge and financial investment that not all consumers are willing or able to commit to. The potential for compatibility issues and the need for regular upgrades can be off-putting for those seeking a more straightforward gaming experience.
Many gamers appreciate the plug-and-play nature of consoles, which eliminates the need for complex setups or troubleshooting. This ease of use is a significant factor in the continued popularity of consoles. The ability to simply turn on a device and start gaming without worrying about hardware compatibility or software conflicts remains a strong selling point for consoles.
As the industry moves forward, it’s clear that diversity in gaming platforms benefits players and developers alike. Consoles, PCs, mobile devices, and other incoming or emerging technologies each have their strengths, catering to different needs and preferences. Rather than a zero-sum game where one platform’s success means another’s demise, the future of gaming lies in cross-platform experiences.
For as long as there’s demand for accessible, high-quality gaming experiences in the living room, consoles will continue to play a vital role in the gaming ecosystem. The challenge for platform holders like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo is to innovate and adapt to changing consumer expectations while maintaining the core appeal.
