2024: The Year Microsoft Reinvented Itself

The gaming industry began 2024 with low expectations due to a perceived lack of high-quality releases. However, the year turned out to be relatively strong, with several surprise hits and unexpected successes. Games like Helldivers 2 and Astro Bot helped rescue Sony from a potentially empty year, while titles like Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Silent Hill 2 defied expectations. The year also saw the rise of Chinese game development, with notable releases like Marvel Rivals and Black Myth Wukong. On the other hand, live service games had a difficult year, with high-profile failures and shutdowns. Meanwhile, Microsoft underwent a significant transformation, shifting its focus from traditional platform holding to a broader platform service and third-party game publishing. This change has raised questions about the future of Xbox and its identity. As the industry looks to 2025, it will be defined by the impact of GTA 6 and Nintendo's new console launch, as well as Microsoft's continued repositioning and Ubisoft's attempts to rebuild its publishing success.