Another interesting thought on EA Access...
EA Access is effectively a separate store front for the Xbox One. Yes, all of the games are also in the Xbox Store, but the interesting fact is that in a roundabout way Microsoft has allowed a 3rd party to sell games to its users through its own store front and somewhat under its own rules.
Why is this interesting? Due to the major backlash from Blizzard and Valve over the initial launch of Windows 8. I argued at the time that they very likely made little or no attempt to make a deal with Microsoft over this. This move doesn't prove anything one way or another. But, it does show, that if the cards are played right, Microsoft is willing to make concessions, especially to big name publishers to keep their business.
History has also shown them to be the exact opposite of proactive on the matter. So, I'll retain my earlier theory that the fault lies on both sides.
Microsoft undoubtedly wants the support of companies like Blizzard and Valve behind their new interface. Perhaps if names like that could have been on board from the beginning Windows 8 wouldn't be the mess of back peddling it is today. The modern interface isn't bad, but a lack of industry support has crippled its value proposition.
I think, especially with Steam, if MS had gotten some concessions in place for such companies the general perception of Windows 8 would have been vastly improved.
Much speculation. But, just something I thought was worth noting on the heels of EA's subscription service and the delivery mechanism it uses.
Why is this interesting? Due to the major backlash from Blizzard and Valve over the initial launch of Windows 8. I argued at the time that they very likely made little or no attempt to make a deal with Microsoft over this. This move doesn't prove anything one way or another. But, it does show, that if the cards are played right, Microsoft is willing to make concessions, especially to big name publishers to keep their business.
History has also shown them to be the exact opposite of proactive on the matter. So, I'll retain my earlier theory that the fault lies on both sides.
Microsoft undoubtedly wants the support of companies like Blizzard and Valve behind their new interface. Perhaps if names like that could have been on board from the beginning Windows 8 wouldn't be the mess of back peddling it is today. The modern interface isn't bad, but a lack of industry support has crippled its value proposition.
I think, especially with Steam, if MS had gotten some concessions in place for such companies the general perception of Windows 8 would have been vastly improved.
Much speculation. But, just something I thought was worth noting on the heels of EA's subscription service and the delivery mechanism it uses.
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