Could be, we will have to wait and see.
In looking into this I came up with some interesting info WRT gamepass and possible dangers for publishers
OK typically for the UK for PS/Xbox games the revenue split is typically 55-60% PS and 40-45% Xbox, due to there being slightly more PS users, see past charts for this data
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https://www.gamesindustry.biz/artic...-6-as-fifa-21-returns-to-no-1-uk-boxed-charts
Outriders 83% PS and 17% Xbox, less than 40-45% most likely due to it being also on gamepass, i.e. why spend money on something when you can get it for free (well technically $120-$180 a year)
The above makes sense everyone agrees, (though I would think 17% is prolly too high If it was me, I'ld get gamepass for 3 months and you get to play the game and still save money)
now look at last weeks sales
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/artic...22474487139-is-no-1-in-the-uk-uk-boxed-charts
Nier Replicant ver 1.22 89% PS and 11% Xbox!
Now this game is NOT on gamepass, so why only 11% and not the usual 40-45%?
well the last Nier game,
NieR:Automata was on Gamepass, so ppl are most likely thinking oh this game will also come to gamepass later so why spend money now when I can just get it for 'free' later.
The publishers have kneecapped themselves
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OK you say well they can also release it on gamepass and get the money from MS to make up for the lost sales,
yes they can but I assume it would go something like this.
MS - Well last time we gave you $20 Million to entice you to release on gamepass, this time though since you're coming to us the offer is now $2 million, take it or leave it
Nier - (Gulp) Well we better take it since we are not selling many copies on Xbox
Of course this is nothing like the modus operandi of a drug dealer
, shame on anyone thinking such a thing.