Microsoft has stacked its enigmatic new "AAAA" development studio with a lot of talent, but it may not be enough to make up for the lackluster launch lineup of the Xbox Series X. The next-gen console, set to release this November, took a huge hit recently when Microsoft announced that its flagship title, the title will be delayed further still, though developer 343 Industries has directly denied them. This robs the Series X of its potential system seller and leaves the console's offerings looking quite barren compared to Sony's PlayStation 5.
Recent months have seen Microsoft scrambling to salvage its gaming lineup as the Series X's November release looms ever closer. The company has been pushing Xbox Game , a subscription service that gives players access to a large library of games that they can and play at their leisure. Game has done well for itself, but it doesn't get people buying the Series X. Furthermore, most Series X exclusives that have been revealed so far, including Halo Infinite, will also be available for PC. That means that if a Avowed appeals to someone, they may have options that don't involve investing in a whole new console.
It looks like Microsoft's latest attempt to save the Series X comes in the form of The Initiative, a mysterious new Microsoft-owned development studio dedicated to putting out games at "AAAA" levels of quality. The studio was first revealed at E3 2018, and since its inception, it has picked up some considerable talent. As reported by illustrious developers as Rockstar, Crystal Dynamics, and Activision.
The studio features some big names, but it has yet to actually announce any games. Xbox head Phil Spencer has claimed that The Initiative is challenging itself "to do new things (and old things) in new ways" which doesn't mean much until it can be backed up by actual games. With the arrival of the Xbox Series X mere months away, it's unlikely that any of these grand new "AAAA" experiences will be available at launch, even if they were revealed tomorrow. The studio clearly has the talent required to produce something great, but there's no telling when it will arrive.
Times are always tumultuous ahead of a new console launch. There's a lot of news for fans to follow, a lot of new games to be revealed, and, inevitably, a lot of disappointments. The delay of Halo Infinite is certainly a major disappointment for Xbox fans, and the consequences for the new console will likely be severe. Microsoft seems intent to drum up excitement for The Initiative, and there's bound to be a good reason for it, but unless it reveals that reason soon, it looks like the Xbox Series X is going to have a pretty bad time when it launches this November.
Source: IGN
