Analyst Claims PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass Are “Not the Future of Gaming”
Subscription services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass have become staples in the gaming industry, but video game analyst Mat Piscatella believes they might not define the future of gaming. Despite both services offering a rotating selection of games in exchange for a regular fee, Piscatella argues that these platforms may not reshape the industry the way they were initially expected to.
In response to the news that Sony is removing 22 games from PS Plus in May, including titles like *Grand Theft Auto 5* and *Payday 2*, Piscatella shared his thoughts on Bluesky, saying that PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass are “certainly not THE future” of the gaming sector. He noted that U.S. spending on these subscription platforms has remained relatively flat since its peak in 2020 and 2021.
While acknowledging a recent revenue spike driven by *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6*’s day-one availability on Game Pass, Piscatella clarified that this was more of an exception than a trend. He believes subscription services will continue to play a role in gaming, but won’t necessarily dominate the market.
Piscatella also highlighted that some companies are stepping away from a subscription-first approach, though certain games like *Atomfall* have benefited significantly from Xbox Game Pass exposure. As the gaming landscape evolves, only time will tell how subscription services will adapt and grow.
