Microsoft has been promoting its so-called AAAA gaming studio The Initiative, but the company needs to focus on creating better AAA titles first.
Lately, Microsoft has been tapping some high-profile talent for its so-called "AAAA" Xbox gaming studio The Initiative. It's a big claim from the company, since they've notoriously struggled with exclusives and AAA titles over the years. Even the Xbox Series X is launching without key major exclusives. Before the company focuses on boasting about AAAA games, Microsoft needs to worry about getting AAA titles right.
Developers from Bungie and Crystal Dynamics are the latest to join Microsoft's AAAA project. It's a team of all-stars assembled like something out of The Avengers or Justice League, and Microsoft apparently has high hopes for The Initiative's future. Rumors are already circulating that The Initiative's first game will be a Perfect Dark reboot, which would undoubtedly excite a lot of fans, but the announcement of a AAAA studio was still met with considerable skepticism.
It's understandable that Microsoft is feeling pressured to show great exclusive titles that could be seen as "console sellers," games that are so popular they'll help move more units of the Xbox Series X. Considering the new console will release this year without a new Halo game, and without any Series X exclusives to speak of, Microsoft needs to give its fanbase a reason to get excited about the Xbox Series X. But promoting a AAAA gaming studio may not be the best way to do that.
Microsoft has struggled with their exclusive AAA titles in the past, especially within the latest Xbox One generation. The system sold fairly well, but has still been outsold by both competing current-gen consoles, the PS4 and the Nintendo Switch. The exclusives on Xbox One were also a mixed bag. AAA exclusives like Halo 5 were extremely divisive and considered by many people to be the weakest entries in the series. Exclusives like Gears 5 sold reasonably well but were met with so-so reviews, while Forza Motorsport 7 won awards and praise but is believed to have performed well below sales expectations.
Creating a new AAAA studio like The Initiative could be Microsoft's way of correcting its past mistakes. Still, it doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. If the poor handling of Halo: Infinite, which has encountered a number of problems, is indicative of Microsoft's future games, then there's a lot for fans to be worried about.
In the end, consumers will decide if Microsoft's AAAA gamble pays off. Right now, it seems like a stretch, especially considering how much current-gen Xbox exclusives have struggled. Maybe The Initiative will finally turn the company's fortunes around, but only time will tell.
