why PS+ and game pass won't rule future gaming

The recent discussions around the future of gaming and subscription services like PS+ and Game Pass have been met with skepticism due to a lack of supportive data. Despite Ubisoft's Philippe Tremblay advocating for a shift in player mentality regarding game ownership, industry analysts indicate that subscription services are not on track to become the dominant force in gaming. Circana analyst Mat Piscatella highlighted that subscription service growth has flattened and constitutes only 10% of video game content spending in the US. Furthermore, Omdia's projections reveal that Xbox Game Pass's subscriber growth has slowed, noting that over half of its subscribers use the Ultimate tier which is not platform-specific.

These insights show that while subscription services offer additional options for gamers, developers, and publishers, they are unlikely to replace traditional game purchasing soon. A senior games analyst at Omdia, James McWhirter, pointed out the slowing adoption of Game Pass services, suggesting that players still appreciate the ‘traditional model’ of buying games. Prominent developers like Swen Vincke of Baldur’s Gate 3 have also emphasized the importance of selling games directly to players. Updates on platforms like Xbox aim to improve gaming experiences without resorting to a subscription-dominant future.

No, current data and industry analysis suggest that subscription services are more of an addition to the gaming market rather than becoming the dominant model for video game distribution.

Baldur's Gate III, a game mentioned in the article, is a highly anticipated role-playing game developed by Larian Studios, known for creating the Divinity series. The game follows in the footsteps of its revered predecessors, offering a rich narrative, deep character customization, and both single-player and multiplayer experiences. It's set within the Dungeons & Dragons universe and promises a deep strategic combat system combined with an engaging story. As it stands, Baldur's Gate III is not expected to be included in subscription services like PS+ or Game Pass soon, adhering to the traditional game purchase model.