Ubisoft announced a new collaboration with Microsoft that will bring its Ubisoft+ subscription-based gaming service to Xbox consoles, including the Xbox Series S|X, and select games on Xbox One. While not every Ubisoft+ game will be available at the launch of the service on these consoles, most of the developer's flagship titles will be playable, including releases from Assassin's Creed, Watch Dogs, Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six, and more.
Going forward, though, Ubisoft+ subscribers on the Xbox ecosystem will have day one access to new releases from the company, which is an excellent value proposition given that the Ubisoft+ service retails for $14.99 per month, and a new game from Ubisoft typically retails for $59.99 on release. At the current time, it is not clear whether an existing Ubisoft+ membership on PC will transfer to Xbox consoles or if the service will exist separately.
Cross-Platform Game Libraries
Ubisoft is Bringing its 'Ubisoft+' Service to Xbox Consoles
Trend Themes
1. Subscription-based Gaming Services - Companies can capitalize on the trend of subscription-based gaming services like Ubisoft+ by offering a diverse catalog of games and convenient access across multiple platforms.
2. Cross-platform Game Libraries - Gaming industry players can innovate by developing cross-platform game libraries that allow seamless integration and accessibility across different gaming devices and platforms.
3. Value Proposition Bundling - For gaming developers, bundling subscription services with day-one access to new releases can present a disruptive innovation opportunity to entice more customers with a more attractive value proposition.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming Industry - The gaming industry can benefit from creating more cross-platform library options and exploring subscription-based services as a means of generating more recurring revenue streams.
2. Xbox and Microsoft - By partnering and integrating with subscription-based gaming services like Ubisoft+, Xbox/console providers like Microsoft could generate more customer loyalty, stickiness and recurring revenue.
3. Entertainment and Media Industry - Subscription service models like Ubisoft+ and cross-platform innovators could spark interest in similar value-added entertainment services within the broader entertainment and media industries, including music, books, movies, and TV shows.