How Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo 2024 Gaming Went: The Companies' Successes and Failures

Contents:

• Microsoft: The gaming situation is improving, but the company is changing strategy
• Sony: A pause in AAA releases and the launch of PlayStation 5 Pro
• Nintendo: A lull before the announcement of the next console

December is a time to take stock and analyze the past year in the gaming industry, especially among the largest publishers and platform holders. The last 12 months have been controversial for all market participants. Microsoft increased the number of releases, but this caused discontent among fans. Sony introduced the PlayStation 5 Pro, but its decisions regarding PC gaming were controversial. Nintendo continues to successfully sell the Switch, but there are no major releases in its portfolio. Let's look at the key successes and failures of these three companies in 2024.

2024 in Review: The Best Games and Unforgettable Moments

2024 has become a significant stage in the world of video games, Marked by a number of outstanding releases and exciting events, this year offered players a wealth of new ways to immerse themselves in captivating gaming worlds. Among the year's best games were projects that captured attention thanks to innovative gameplay, captivating storylines, and stunning graphics.

Games released in 2024 demonstrated significant advances in technology and design. Many received acclaim from both critics and players, confirming their high quality and engaging nature. A key aspect of this year was not only new releases but also sequels to popular series, which managed to maintain their relevance and attract new audiences.

The key memories of 2024 are associated not only with games but also with events in the gaming industry. Conferences, exhibitions, and tournaments brought together numerous participants and spectators, providing a venue for exchanging experiences and discussing current trends. The gaming community has become more active, and many were able to find like-minded people by sharing their impressions and discoveries.

2024 left a bright mark on the world of video games and became an important milestone for many developers and players. We expect that the coming years will continue to develop and improve the industry, bringing new ideas and unforgettable moments.

Microsoft: the gaming situation is improving, but the company is changing strategy

In 2023, Microsoft's game releases did not live up to expectations. Redfall was a failure, and Starfield and the new Forza Motorsport received mixed reviews. Against this background, Hi-Fi Rush stands out, winning several technical awards, but, unfortunately, failing to achieve significant financial results.

In 2024, Microsoft achieved the desired release pace, which it had strived to maintain in recent years by actively acquiring game studios. In May, Ninja Theory's Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 was released, and in September, players got their hands on the strategy games Ara: History Untold and Age of Mythology: Retold. In October, the anticipated blockbuster Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was released, in November, the new installment of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was released, and in December, the long-awaited Indiana Jones and the Great Circle debuted. Due to such a tight release schedule, Obsidian's role-playing game Avowed has been delayed until February 2025.

All games developed by Microsoft's internal studios are automatically available in the Game Pass subscription, making it an attractive offer for users. Microsoft is also actively adding major third-party games to this service. In 2024, subscribers received the Persona 3 remake and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, among other new releases, which highlights the diversity of content available in Game Pass.

Microsoft does not provide specific data on game sales and changes in the number of Game Pass subscribers after significant releases, making it difficult to assess their success. However, the company has high hopes for Black Ops 6, and the new Call of Duty game appears to be living up to these expectations.

The shooter has become the most successful part of the series in terms of player engagement, which is reflected in the growth of the audience, an increase in time spent in the game, and the number of matches played. On Steam and PlayStation, the shooter's sales exceeded last year's Modern Warfare 3 by 60%. Microsoft's Black Ops 6 launch was considered the biggest in the franchise's history.

In June, Microsoft held a major Xbox Games Showcase presentation, demonstrating its commitment to continuing to develop the gaming industry. During the event, new projects such as Doom: The Dark Ages and Gears of War: E-Day were announced, slated for release in the coming years. These announcements highlight the company's commitment to creating innovative and engaging games that are sure to attract the attention of both loyal fans and new players.

In 2024, Microsoft decided to transition to a new and controversial gaming strategy, significantly shifting the focus of its game schedule. This decision was an important milestone for the company, as it affects its future development in the video game industry. A busy game schedule has taken a backseat, giving way to new approaches and ideas that can both attract and repel players. It is important to monitor changes in Microsoft's strategy and their impact on the market, as this could affect the future of gaming projects and interactions with the community.

In early February, rumors began circulating online that Microsoft was planning to port games from its internal studios to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. Among the titles mentioned were such popular projects as Halo, Starfield, and Hi-Fi Rush. This news caused a negative reaction among Xbox fans, which was echoed by some bloggers. Many users expressed dissatisfaction, claiming to have lost faith in the brand and even threatening to trade in their consoles for a PlayStation 5. They called on Microsoft to clarify the situation, otherwise it could be described as a real disaster for Xbox.

A few days after the announcement, Xbox representatives, led by Phil Spencer, confirmed that four games from the company's internal studios would be released on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. The list included Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, Grounded, and Sea of ​​Thieves. Management also noted that the appearance of other titles on competitors' consoles is possible, and this will depend on the success of the first wave of games.

Microsoft is taking steps to expand its gaming business beyond the Xbox ecosystem. The company's goal is to make Xbox available on every device, be it a TV, a portable PC, or a smartphone. According to Phil Spencer, Microsoft has no plans to abandon exclusive games or the development of new Xbox consoles. However, over the next 5-10 years, games available exclusively on a single platform will account for a smaller and smaller share of the gaming industry. This change highlights the company's commitment to adapting to new trends and growing user bases, which could lead to a more universal gaming experience.

We make every decision with the long-term health of Xbox in mind. This includes platform growth, improving game performance, creating an optimal environment for developers, and reaching as many players as possible. Our leadership team is constantly learning and evolving. We believe now is the time to leverage the strengths of other platforms to advance and grow our franchises.

Phil Spencer serves as president of Microsoft's gaming division. He plays a key role in shaping the company's video game strategy, including the development of the Xbox platform and services like Xbox Game Pass. Under his leadership, Microsoft is actively expanding its gaming ecosystem, introducing new technologies and improving the user experience. Spencer also advocates for inclusivity and diversity in the gaming industry, making him a significant figure in the world of video games. His vision and initiatives help strengthen Microsoft's position in the market and attract the attention of both gamers and developers.

There's some truth to Spencer's words. Even Sony is actively adapting its exclusive games for PC, seeking to attract new audiences amid the challenging gaming industry. However, we shouldn't expect titles like The Last of Us to appear on the Xbox platform.

Rumors about Microsoft potentially bringing games to other consoles have been circulating for a year, but soon died down. However, the company officially confirmed the release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PlayStation 5, scheduled for spring 2025. This announcement came during the game's significant presentation at Gamescom 2024, a clear sign that Microsoft is seriously rethinking its strategy.

Spencer noted that Microsoft won't impose any significant restrictions on game releases for other platforms until the end of the year. In November, the company launched a massive advertising campaign called "This is an Xbox," claiming that virtually any device with a screen can be considered an Xbox. This highlights Microsoft's commitment to promoting its games without requiring an Xbox console, allowing for a wider audience and increased accessibility.

In 2024, Microsoft caused concern among Xbox fans not only with new strategic changes but also with the unexpected closure of several studios during a restructuring. In May, lesser-known Roundhouse Games and Alpha Dog Studios closed, as did the well-known Arkane Austin, creators of games like Redfall and Prey, and Tango Gameworks, developers of Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within. These actions sparked much discussion about the future of Xbox and its exclusive games, highlighting the importance of studios in the company's ecosystem.

The closures of smaller companies and studios behind Redfall were defensible, but the liquidation of the studio that created Hi-Fi Rush, one of the most exciting games of 2023, has no rational explanation. Fans and industry representatives are openly expressing their dissatisfaction and calling the decision absurd. The situation raises concerns about the future of indie games and creative studios in a rapidly changing gaming market.

The situation was exacerbated by Microsoft representatives publicly emphasizing the rhythm action game's success, but this did not save the team from negative consequences. Many began to believe that after this move, no Microsoft studio could feel safe, regardless of the quality of the game they created. This created an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety among developers, who now question the stability of their position in the company.

In a short period of time, Xbox has managed to undermine the trust of its fans in the brand. Is it possible to restore this lost reputation? At this time, it is difficult to understand what steps the company is taking to rectify the situation.

Andy Robinson is an editor at VGC, where he is responsible for the creation and curation of content related to video games. His experience and deep understanding of the industry allow him to provide readers with relevant information and analysis. At VGC, he covers key events and trends in the gaming world, as well as interviews thought leaders and developers. Robinson's work helps readers better navigate the rapidly changing world of video games, offering high-quality reviews and engaging articles.

Microsoft failed to clearly explain the reasons behind the criticism of Tango Gameworks. The decision was justified by concern for the future of Xbox and a desire to focus on key projects. As a result, fans, still reeling from news of some games being ported to PlayStation 5 and Switch, began to carefully analyze every action and statement made by Microsoft representatives. This led to increased discussion in the gaming community and increased attention to the company's strategies.

Fans of Ninja Theory studio began actively worrying about the team's future in the lead-up to the release of Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the insufficient promotional campaign, even inviting journalists to join the discussion. Xbox's head of marketing was forced to publicly reassure concerned fans that promotion for Hellblade 2 is ongoing. Promotional efforts include social media and collaborations with partners like Samsung. Microsoft's expectations for the game remain unclear, but Ninja Theory remains operational and is expected to remain in business until the end of 2024.

The story of Tango Gameworks continues. In August, publisher Krafton acquired the studio and the rights to Hi-Fi Rush, allowing approximately half of its former employees to continue working for the company. The developers are expected to focus on creating a sequel to this game, which could significantly expand its world and capabilities.

Xbox fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the changes to the Game Pass subscription. In September, Microsoft introduced a new Standard plan costing $15 per month, which does not include new titles. This plan replaced the previous Game Pass Console tier, which was offered for $11 and included access to all games. The changes to the subscription model caused a backlash from users who expected more favorable terms.

Day one releases on Xbox consoles are only available with an Ultimate subscription for $20. PC owners can take advantage of the PC Game Pass subscription for $12, which allows them to access the entire catalog of games. This may also indicate Microsoft's desire to expand its audience and attract players not only on consoles but also on PCs.

In 2024, Microsoft continued to carry out layoffs within its ranks, particularly in the gaming division. Over the past year, more than 2,500 employees have lost their jobs. These layoffs are due to the need to optimize the company's structure after the completion of the merger of Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, which took place in the fall of 2023. The reduction in headcount is part of the company's strategy to increase efficiency and adapt to the new conditions of the video game market.

In 2025, it will be interesting to watch the development of Microsoft's gaming strategy and whether the company can restore the trust of its fans, which has been undermined in recent months. Xbox representatives continue to share cautious information about work on a portable console and a next-generation console, which opens the possibility of announcements of new hardware from the company. It is important to monitor Microsoft's new initiatives in the gaming industry, as they can significantly affect the further development of the console market and player attitudes towards the brand.

Sony: a pause in AAA releases and the launch of PlayStation 5 Pro

Sony's gaming division is going through a transition year. In February, the company adjusted fan expectations, announcing that no new releases from major PlayStation franchises should be expected until March 2025. However, users haven't been left without games, and Sony continues to offer a diverse range of content to satisfy its audience.

Sony continues to actively collaborate with partners, as evidenced by the release of several significant titles this year that have become PlayStation 5 exclusives. These include the highly anticipated Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, as well as the trade show favorites Stellar Blade and Rise of the Rōnin from the developers of the Nioh duology. While the first two titles will likely come to PC in the future, Sony has already capitalized on their exclusivity. Furthermore, the successful Silent Hill 2 remake and the unexpectedly popular Black Myth: Wukong are exclusive to PlayStation 5, with no word yet on a possible Xbox release. This underlines Sony's strategy to attract audiences and strengthen the PlayStation 5's position in the video game market.

The company continues to update its game catalog with remasters of popular titles. Remasters of The Last of Us Part 2 and Horizon Zero Dawn are now available for PlayStation 5. The necessity of these releases is debatable, but it's impressive that Sony is successfully filling its schedule with new projects even during slower periods. Furthermore, iconic games of recent years, such as Horizon Forbidden West, Ghost of Tsushima, and God of War: Ragnarok, have been released on PC, continuing to attract players and strengthening the company's market position.

Some of the company's most significant failures of the year were its gaming projects. Leading the pack was the multiplayer shooter Concord, which became one of the biggest flops in gaming history. The game's servers were shut down just two weeks after its August 23 release, and Firewalk Studios closed at the end of October, ruling out any possibility of a Concord relaunch. Details about the situation with this game can be found in our separate article.

Read also:

The Death of Concord: History from Announcement to Server Shutdown

Concord, the Game That Attracted The game, which captured the attention of many gamers, went through many stages before its servers were finally shut down. In this article, we will examine the key moments that led to the project's closure, from its announcement to the final days of server operation.

From the moment Concord was announced, the developers promised a unique gaming experience that combined elements of strategy and interaction with other players. However, despite high interest in the project, the game faced serious problems during the development and testing stages.

Criticism from fans and a lack of functionality contributed to the decline in Concord's popularity. Complex mechanics and poorly thought-out gameplay did not meet the community's expectations. This led to a decline in the number of active players and, as a result, a decrease in the project's funding.

Ultimately, after several years of waiting and attempts to revive the game, the developers announced the closure of Concord. The server shutdown was the final blow to a story that began with high hopes and ambitions but ended in disappointment for many.

Thus, the story of Concord is a clear example of how high expectations can collide with the reality of game development. This experience can serve as a lesson for future projects in the gaming industry.

The introduction of mandatory PlayStation Network account linking for PC versions of Sony games has become a controversial event in the gaming community. On May 3, Sony announced this system for Helldivers 2, which provoked a backlash among users, leading to widespread review bombing. Additionally, it was revealed that creating a PSN account is not possible in all countries, which led to the game being removed from sale in more than 170 regions on the Steam platform on May 5. This event highlights the importance of taking regional specifics into account in game marketing and distribution strategies.

The scandal surrounding Helldivers 2 had significant consequences, and on May 6th, Sony decided to remove mandatory PSN account linking. Despite this, sales of the game in various countries were not resumed, and registration remained optional. Negative reviews on PSN, coupled with controversial balance changes and a lack of new content, led to a significant decline in online play for Helldivers 2 on the Steam platform. While the peak number of players at the time of release reached 458 thousand, by the beginning of December the average figure was around 27 thousand. While this is still a decent result for a game that has been on the market for almost a year, it remains a feeling that it could have been higher with more active support and updates.

The situation improved significantly thanks to the release of a major update "Omens of Tyranny", which introduced a new enemy faction. In mid-December, the number of concurrent players in the online game on Steam reached 130,000-150,000. This update attracted attention and gave new impetus to growing interest in the game.

Sony continues to insist on requiring a PSN account for all new releases, despite criticism from players. In the case of Helldivers 2, the company explained this requirement as a result of improved security and protection against abuse. However, for entirely single-player games, the publisher provided no justification for this decision. This raises questions about how important it is for Sony to unite its projects into a single ecosystem and what implications this might have for players who prefer single-player adventures without the need for an internet connection.

In 2024, Sony unveiled the PlayStation 5 Pro, its most powerful gaming console yet. The upcoming release had long been the subject of rumors and discussions among insiders. However, the announcement of the new console drew criticism, which also included discussions of its specifications and potential impact on the gaming market. The PlayStation 5 Pro promises improved performance and new features for gamers, making it an anticipated event for Sony fans and video game enthusiasts in general.

Users expressed dissatisfaction with the high price of the PlayStation 5 Pro, which is $700 or €800, significantly higher than previous models. The need to purchase a removable disc drive and stand separately was also disappointing. In addition, the difference in games between the Pro version and the standard PlayStation 5 was not as significant as expected. However, an analysis of popular forum discussions shows that, despite the criticism, the PlayStation 5 Pro still has its audience ready to appreciate its capabilities.

Sony hasn't disclosed initial sales figures for the PlayStation 5 Pro, but in its financial report, CEO Hiroki Totoki noted that the device's price had no negative impact on demand. The PlayStation 5 Pro was initially positioned as a console for enthusiasts, which likely reflects expectations for its initial results. According to M.Video - Eldorado, October pre-orders for the console were three times higher than the chain's forecasts. Interest in the device may have increased thanks to detailed analyses of improvements in games that began to be released ahead of the console's November release. It's important to note that the PlayStation 5 Pro promises improved performance and new features for gamers, which could contribute to its popularity in the market.

In September, analysts predicted that final sales of the PlayStation 5 Pro would be close to those of the PlayStation 4 Pro, which sold approximately 14.5 million units, representing approximately 12% of total PlayStation 4 sales. However, it will be some time before we can confirm these assumptions. In Russia, the PlayStation 5 Pro is available for purchase from retailers and marketplaces starting at 100,000 rubles.

One of the key characteristics of this year is the lack of major presentations. Sony held several State of Play streams, but at these events, the company and its partners focused primarily on showcasing already announced projects. However, there were some positive highlights, such as an impressive demo of the Death Stranding sequel in January, a 20-minute breakdown of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth in February, and the announcements of Astro Bot and Ghost of Yotei. These events highlight Sony's proactiveness in promoting its content despite the overall lack of major announcements.

Since Sony's last major gaming presentation on May 25, 2023, the company has not held a similar event. PlayStation Showcase, which took place that day, failed to make much of an impression on viewers, as it did not include announcements from the publisher's major studios. It remains unclear what renowned teams like Santa Monica Studio, Bend Studio, and Bluepoint Games are working on, as two to five years have passed since their previous projects. Player interest in future releases continues to grow, and many are anticipating new details about these studios' developments.

At The Game Awards 2024, held on December 13, Naughty Dog unveiled a new game—a sci-fi action-adventure titled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. The release date has not yet been revealed.

Sony's reasons for secrecy are becoming clear: the publisher is likely seeking to avoid prematurely announcing AAA games. This allows developers to minimize audience pressure and complete projects without delays. In November, the company confirmed its intention to release single-player AAA games annually, starting in 2025. Thus, some of the plans for the second half of the PlayStation 5 life cycle may be revealed soon.

In 2024, Sony fans will remember significant changes in the company's leadership, associated with the departures of two well-known figures: Jim Ryan and Shuhei Yoshida. Both executives dedicated more than 30 years of their careers to Sony, beginning with the launch of the original PlayStation. Their departures mark a significant milestone in the company's history, which could impact the future development of the brand and its products in the video game industry.

Ryan served in recent years as the head of Sony Interactive Entertainment, where he oversaw the successful launch of the PlayStation 5. Yoshida, who led Sony's internal studios from 2008 to 2019, then focused on collaborating with indie developers. The departure of these key figures truly symbolizes the end of an important era in the company's history.

Sony continues to share sales data for PlayStation 5, which reached 65.6 million units by October. Although this figure is slightly lower than that of PlayStation 4 for the same period (67.5 million), PlayStation 5 still significantly outpaces Xbox Series. Thus, its leadership in the stationary console market remains stable and is not under threat.

The PlayStation Portal accessory for streaming from PlayStation 5 held leading positions in sales in various countries throughout the year. In November, reports appeared that Sony, inspired by the success of Portal and Steam Deck, had begun developing a new portable console. However, there is no certainty yet that this device will be released to market.

Nintendo: calm before the announcement of the next console

In 2024, one of the main topics of discussion in the gaming community became rumors about the next Nintendo console. In the absence of official announcements, fans actively analyzed and discussed every piece of news and speculation that could shed light on the device's future. Information came from various sources: some claimed the console would be released before the end of 2024, others published supposed renders, and still others shared the technical specifications of a potential successor to the Nintendo Switch. Interest in the new product is only growing, and many players are eagerly awaiting official confirmation from the company. Understandably, users' impatience is understandable: the Nintendo Switch console was released in March 2017 and has established itself as one of the company's most successful home consoles. However, fans were not left without news. First, Nintendo announced that the next console will be unveiled before April 2025. Second, the new device will support backward compatibility with the Switch, allowing existing games to be played on the new platform. This is where the official announcements end, and now all that remains is to wait for further news about the future of Nintendo.

This year, Nintendo realized the need to launch a new device, accompanied by major gaming hits. In its financial reports, the company noted that quarterly performance was down year-on-year, due in part to the absence of blockbusters such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This underscores the importance of releasing new games and the console to maintain the company's market position.

Nintendo Switch games continue to be released, and this year we've seen releases such as the remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Luigi's Mansion 2 HD, and Princess Peach: Showtime. All of these games have already sold between 1 and 2.5 million copies. However, none of these titles have become true system-sellers capable of significantly increasing console sales. Nintendo continues to delight fans with new projects, but it remains to be seen which games will attract a wider audience and become true hits.

Sales of the Nintendo Switch console have reached 146 million units, although the pace of purchase has slowed somewhat. From July to September 2024, 2.6 million consoles were sold, 300,000 fewer than in the same period last year. The Switch still ranks third in console sales history, behind only the Nintendo DS with 154 million and the PlayStation 2 with 160 million units.

In 2024, Nintendo continued its active fight against piracy and achieved significant success. The spotlight fell on a popular Switch emulator for PC called Yuzu. Yuzu's creators agreed to a pre-trial settlement with Nintendo, paying the company $2.4 million in damages. Also worth mentioning in this context is Ryujinx, another well-known Switch emulator whose developer decided to cease work on the project in collaboration with Nintendo. The closure of these two popular emulators sparked heated online debate about the legality of Nintendo's actions and their impact on the gaming community. The company also focused on clones of these emulators, emphasizing its commitment to protecting intellectual property.

Nintendo actively pursues lawsuits against those distributing illegal copies of games and console hacking tools. One such case was the lawsuit against SwitchPirates Reddit administrator James Williams, whose identity was established by the company's lawyers based on his old social media posts. This demonstrates Nintendo's serious approach to protecting its intellectual property and combating piracy.

A striking example of copyright infringement is the lawsuit against blogger Jesse Cagin, who streamed pirated and emulated games and actively encouraged his viewers to pirate Nintendo titles. Despite repeated bans of his channels, he found ways to return with new accounts and openly stated that he would not be silenced. As a result of these actions, the streamer now faces a fine of up to $7.5 million. This case highlights the importance of copyright enforcement in video games and the consequences that can befall violators.

Nintendo has likely stepped up its fight against piracy due to concerns about the rapid hacking of its next console. In 2025, not only the announcement of a new console is expected, but also the presentation of a launch lineup of games, which may lead to significant changes in the video game market. The brand continues to focus on protecting its intellectual property rights to ensure user safety and maintain a high level of quality of its products.