I am disappointed with the direction Microsoft is taking with their gaming: A Review

This isn’t a complete takedown of Microsoft, as I admire them overall, alongside tech giants like Google. However, both companies share a penchant for shutting down consumer-oriented projects, which extends to their gaming endeavors. This review focuses on my disillusionment with recent Microsoft-backed titles, particularly from Rare and Bethesda.

Sea of Thieves: Broken Promises and Grindy Gameplay

My frustration began with Sea of Thieves. I paid $60 for a visually stunning game, only to be thrown into a confusing world lacking basic instructions. Twitch streams offered little solace, as the rampant PvP culture led to constant harassment and mockery. While some enjoyed the challenge, I, and many others, simply desired a peaceful solo or cooperative experience. The developers, Rare, initially dismissed our pleas, urging us to “git gud.” My argument remains: why dictate how I play a game I paid full price for, especially when PvE content offered a viable alternative? After five years, a single-player mode finally arrived, highlighting the missed opportunity for a truly inclusive experience. This isn’t a free-to-play title where microtransactions dictate progress; it’s a premium game, accessible via Game Pass or direct purchase.

While I applaud Rare’s eventual concession to solo play, I believe full access to in-game items, except for PvP-oriented Reaper items, is essential. These rewards are earned, not gifted, and hold no tangible advantage over other players as they are just cosmetic. Those who prefer the chaotic PvPvE experience can freely enjoy it, but forcing me, or anyone else who paid for the game, to endure unwanted harassment is unacceptable.

Halo Infinite: Hype Deflated, Expectations Unmet

Halo Infinite, another Microsoft Studios title, similarly failed to live up to its pre-release hype. While enjoyable in parts, it lacked the innovation and polish expected from a flagship franchise.

Starfield: A Disappointment That Saved Me Money

My pre-order for Starfield’s “Watch” edition was thankfully canceled by Best Buy, potentially sparing me from further disappointment. The trailers and gameplay demos painted a picture that the final product, reminiscent of The Outer Worlds but arguably inferior, couldn’t match. This experience makes me hesitant to blindly trust Microsoft’s AAA marketing in the future.

Moving Forward: A Cautious Gamer My recent experiences with Microsoft-backed games have instilled a sense of caution. I’ll approach them with a critical eye. Until then, I’ll be holding onto my hard-earned money.