Monthly round-up: Fewer games added and removed in June 2021 than May 2021

From May to June 2021, the overall number of titles included in Ampere’s tracked games content subscription services increased by 8%. However, Ampere began tracking two additional services–Apple Arcade and GameNow–in June, which accounted for 7% of the overall catalogue. Excluding the two new services, the total number of titles in our tracked services rose by 1%.

The Magenta Gaming catalogue grew by 7%, the largest relative increase seen in June 2021 but from a small base: Bigben Interactive and Plug In Digital each accounted for 33% of the games added to the service. SFR Jeux was the only service to see a net decrease in catalogue size and this was by just one game. The service removed four games and added three, bringing Overcooked to the service while removing Asterix & Obelix XXL, for example.

There was an overall decrease in catalogue activity from May to June 2021, with fewer games both added and removed from the services tracked. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate accounted for the largest share of total new games added at 24% (excluding Apple Arcade and GameNow), and the largest share of total games removed at 29%. Notable additions to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate include Yakuza: Like a Dragon, six games from the Fallout franchise, and Medieval Dynasty (Game Preview). Of the games removed from Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, two were from the Kingdom Hearts franchise.

Microsoft outlines plans to improve ease of access to Xbox Game Pass via Xbox Cloud Gaming 

On 10 June 2021, Microsoft discussed what is next for Xbox Game Pass. With Xbox Cloud Gaming at the forefront of new user acquisition, it is unsurprising that the tech plays a key role in several of the projects detailed by Microsoft, including:

• Working alongside manufacturers to embed cloud gaming into internet-connected TVs
• Creating an Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming device that would work on any TV or monitor
• Integrating cloud gaming into the Xbox app on PC
• Utilising Xbox Cloud Gaming technology to create new features such as ‘try before you download’ on console

In late June, Xbox Cloud Gaming was made available to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers via web browsers on Windows 10 PCs and iOS devices. The broader streaming options are currently supported in 22 countries and the company plans to launch this in a further four later in the year.

With over 20m subscribers to date, Microsoft’s aim for Xbox Game Pass is to rapidly acquire subscribers on a large scale. This growth strategy heavily depends on accessibility and streaming distribution is integral to its success. Cloud technology enables those who are unable or unwilling to invest in gaming hardware to join the Xbox ecosystem, creating an opportunity for scaling as anyone with a strong internet connection and a screen can subscribe to the service.

Cloud gaming services partner with telecommunications operators in the US and LATAM

Telecall and Radian Arc formed a B2B partnership with Blacknut in June 2021. The relationship will utilise Radian Arc’s GPU-based edge cloud technology to power Blacknut’s cloud gaming service, which Telecall plans to resell to its large telco operator consumer base. The collaboration will primarily focus on Brazil and other LATAM countries, where console hardware remains financially inaccessible to a large share of the population; cloud gaming lowers this financial barrier to entry.

Between late May 2021 and mid-August 2021, Verizon is offering a free 12- or six-month subscription to Google Play Pass: Consumers must be subscribed to an eligible Unlimited 5G plan to claim the offer. Similarly, AT&T revealed that 5G wireless and fibre customers will receive a free six-month subscription to Stadia Pro. In conjunction with this offer, users who redeem the subscription can claim a Stadia Controller and Chromecast Ultra bundle for $19.99. Subsidised subscriptions to cloud gaming services add value to 5G mobile plans, thereby improving monetisation and uptake. Simultaneously, trial periods encourage unwilling consumers to try games content subscriptions, heightening the likelihood of converting the individual to a monetised user.