The recent announcement by Microsoft that it will be opening up four of its Xbox video games to alternative platforms has sparked discussions about the future of gaming. This move represents a shift in Microsoft’s strategy, as it has traditionally favored exclusivity to its own Xbox platform. However, it seems that the company is starting to respond to the preferences of a new generation of gamers who are not loyal to a particular device or brand. This shift is not unique to Microsoft, as Sony has also expressed interest in putting more PlayStation games onto other platforms.

The idea of making games accessible on multiple devices is appealing because it eliminates the need for expensive proprietary hardware. With so many people already carrying high-performance computers in the form of their smartphones, it makes sense to tap into this existing audience. Additionally, there is a large market of gamers with alternative devices who are eager to play popular titles and pay for in-game extras. This shift in strategy is driven by the desire for increased revenue and market share.

While Microsoft’s move towards a more multi-platform strategy may seem drastic, it is unlikely that the company will completely abandon the Xbox console. Exiting the console platform business would leave a significant gap in Microsoft’s games-related revenues. In fact, there are even rumors that Microsoft may be developing new hardware, possibly a handheld device to compete with the success of the Nintendo Switch.

For gamers, the preferred gateway to Microsoft’s games is through its Games Pass subscription service, which offers unlimited streaming access to hundreds of titles. This service has been steadily growing, with 34 million subscribers as of now. It is good news for game developers, as more subscribers mean more people playing their titles, especially for multiplayer games that rely on larger player counts to sustain a community.

Overall, the shift towards multi-platform gaming reflects the changing preferences of a new generation of gamers. It also highlights the desire for increased revenue and market share among gaming companies. While there are still many questions about the future of gaming, one thing is clear: Xbox is here to stay.

Original news source: Xbox, Nintendo or PlayStation: does it still matter? (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

Slow

Normal

Fast

📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Have students read the article individually or in pairs. After they have read it, ask them to write a short summary of the key points of the article. Then, have students share their summaries with the class and discuss any differences or similarities they noticed.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Ask each group to come up with a question related to the topic of the article, such as “Do you think multi-platform gaming is the future?” or “Would you be interested in playing Xbox games on a smartphone?”. Have each group conduct a poll among the class members, asking their question and recording the responses. Afterward, have each group present their findings and facilitate a class discussion based on the results.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write a selection of vocabulary words from the article on individual index cards or pieces of paper. Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a set of vocabulary words and have them take turns choosing one word and drawing a picture to represent it. The other groups must guess the word based on the drawing. Encourage the use of English-only during the game.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups. Assign one group to come up with the pros of multi-platform gaming, and the other group to come up with the cons. Give each group a few minutes to brainstorm and write their ideas on a piece of paper. Then, have each group present their arguments to the class. Afterward, facilitate a class discussion where students can share their own opinions and thoughts on the topic.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask students to imagine what the future of gaming will look like in 10 years. Have them write down their predictions individually or in pairs. Afterward, have students share their predictions with the class and discuss the feasibility and potential impact of each prediction. Encourage students to use advanced vocabulary and grammar structures to express their ideas.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What has Microsoft recently announced regarding its Xbox video games?
2. How does Microsoft’s shift in strategy reflect the preferences of a new generation of gamers?
3. Why is making games accessible on multiple devices appealing?
4. What is driving the shift in strategy towards multi-platform gaming?
5. Why is it unlikely that Microsoft will completely abandon the Xbox console?
6. What rumors are circulating about Microsoft’s future hardware development?
7. What is the preferred gateway to Microsoft’s games for gamers?
8. How does the growth of Microsoft’s Games Pass subscription service benefit game developers?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

The recent (1)______ by Microsoft that it will be opening up four of its Xbox video games to alternative platforms has sparked discussions about the future of gaming. This move represents a shift in Microsoft’s strategy, as it has traditionally favored (2)______ to its own Xbox platform. However, it seems that the company is starting to respond to the preferences of a new generation of (3)______ who are not loyal to a particular device or brand. This shift is not (4)______ to Microsoft, as Sony has also expressed interest in putting more PlayStation games onto other (5)______.

The idea of (6)______ games accessible on multiple devices is appealing because it eliminates the need for (7)______ proprietary (8)______. With so many people already carrying high-performance computers in the form of their smartphones, it makes sense to tap into this existing audience. Additionally, there is a large market of gamers with alternative devices who are eager to play popular titles and pay for in-game extras. This shift in strategy is driven by the desire for increased revenue and market share.

While Microsoft’s move towards a more multi-platform strategy may seem drastic, it is unlikely that the company will completely abandon the Xbox console. (9)______ the console platform (10)______ would (11)______ a significant gap in Microsoft’s games-related revenues. In fact, there are even rumors that Microsoft may be developing new hardware, possibly a handheld device to compete with the success of the (12)______ Switch.

For gamers, the preferred gateway to Microsoft’s games is through its Games Pass subscription service, which offers unlimited streaming access to hundreds of titles. This service has been steadily growing, with 34 million subscribers as of now. It is good news for game developers, as more subscribers mean more (13)______ playing their titles, especially for multiplayer (14)______ that rely on larger player counts to (15)______ a (16)______.

Overall, the shift towards multi-platform gaming reflects the changing preferences of a new generation of gamers. It also highlights the desire for increased revenue and market share among gaming companies. While there are still many questions about the future of gaming, one thing is clear: Xbox is here to stay.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What do you think about Microsoft’s decision to open up its Xbox games to alternative platforms?
2. How do you feel about the idea of playing video games on multiple devices?
3. Do you think it is important for gaming companies to adapt to the preferences of new generations of gamers? Why or why not?
4. What is your opinion on the shift towards multi-platform gaming? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
5. How would you feel if Microsoft completely abandoned the Xbox console? Do you think it would be a wise decision for the company?
6. Do you think the availability of games on multiple devices will increase the overall revenue and market share for gaming companies? Why or why not?
7. What is your preferred gateway to playing Microsoft’s games? Do you use the Games Pass subscription service or another method?
8. How do you think the shift towards multi-platform gaming will impact game developers? Will it have a positive or negative effect on their success?
9. Do you believe that multiplayer games will benefit the most from the shift towards multi-platform gaming? Why or why not?
10. How do you think the availability of Xbox games on alternative platforms will impact the gaming community as a whole?
11. What are your thoughts on the rumors that Microsoft may be developing new hardware, possibly a handheld device? Do you think it would be successful in competing with the Nintendo Switch?
12. How important is it for gaming companies to consider revenue and market share when making strategic decisions?
13. Do you think the shift towards multi-platform gaming will lead to more innovation in the gaming industry? Why or why not?
14. How do you think the preferences of new generations of gamers differ from previous generations?
15. What do you think the future of gaming holds? Will multi-platform gaming continue to grow or will there be a shift back towards exclusivity?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. proprietary
2. exclusivity
3. platforms
4. preferences
5. revenue
6. multi-platform
7. subscribers
8. accessible
9. rumors
10. drastic
11. gateway
12. sustain
13. multiplayer
14. shifting
15. handheld

Meanings:
(A) Income generated from business activities or sales
(B) Relating to owning or being a unique product or service by a single party
(C) Unconfirmed information spread widely, often based on speculation
(D) Involving or relating to the use of multiple types of operating systems or devices
(E) Capable of being reached or entered
(F) Characterized by a significant or radical change
(G) A portable device designed for use in the hands
(H) Involving multiple players in a game, often over a network
(I) A means of access or entry point to a service or space
(J) To maintain or keep something going over time
(K) Types of operating systems or devices on which applications can run
(L) Moving or changing from one position or direction to another
(M) The state of being exclusive or having a unique right to something
(N) Individuals who have signed up to receive a particular service
(O) The likes, dislikes, or desires of individuals or groups
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the recent announcement made by Microsoft?
(a) Closing down all Xbox games
(b) Opening up four Xbox games to alternative platforms
(c) Releasing a new Xbox console
(d) Becoming exclusive to its own Xbox platform

2. Why is making games accessible on multiple devices appealing?
(a) It increases the cost of gaming
(b) It limits the audience for popular titles
(c) It decreases revenue and market share
(d) It eliminates the need for expensive proprietary hardware

3. What is driving the shift in strategy towards multi-platform gaming?
(a) The lack of interest from gamers in alternative devices
(b) The success of the Nintendo Switch
(c) The desire for increased revenue and market share
(d) The decline in popularity of Xbox consoles

4. Will Microsoft completely abandon the Xbox console?
(a) Unlikely
(b) Yes, it will exit the console platform business
(c) No, it will focus exclusively on the console market
(d) Maybe, it depends on the success of its handheld device

5. What is the preferred gateway to Microsoft’s games for gamers?
(a) Buying individual games
(b) Games Pass subscription service
(c) Streaming from alternative platforms
(d) Using smartphones as gaming devices

6. How many subscribers does Microsoft’s Games Pass subscription service currently have?
(a) 10 million
(b) 100 million
(c) 34 million
(d) 1 million

7. Why is the growth of the Games Pass subscription service good news for game developers?
(a) More subscribers mean more people playing their titles
(b) It decreases the player count for multiplayer games
(c) It limits the revenue potential for in-game extras
(d) It reduces the demand for new game releases

8. What does the shift towards multi-platform gaming reflect?
(a) Decreased revenue and market share among gaming companies
(b) The decline of Xbox as a gaming platform
(c) The lack of interest in alternative devices among gamers
(d) Changing preferences of a new generation of gamers

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Making games exclusive to one device saves the need for expensive proprietary hardware.
2. This move represents a shift in Microsoft’s strategy, as it has traditionally favored exclusivity to its own Xbox platform.
3. It is unlikely that Microsoft will completely abandon the Xbox console.
4. Microsoft’s shift towards a more single-platform strategy is driven by the desire for decreased revenue and market share.
5. Microsoft’s Games Pass subscription service, with 34 million subscribers, is the unpopular gateway to its games for gamers.
6. Microsoft may be developing new hardware, possibly a handheld device to compete with the Nintendo Switch.
7. Sony has also expressed disinterest in putting more PlayStation games onto other platforms.
8. Microsoft has announced that it will be opening up four Xbox video games to alternative platforms.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What is the reason behind Microsoft’s decision to open up its Xbox games to alternative platforms?
2. How does making games accessible on multiple devices benefit both gamers and gaming companies?
3. Why is it unlikely that Microsoft will completely abandon the Xbox console?
4. What is the preferred gateway to Microsoft’s games for gamers?
5. What does the shift towards multi-platform gaming reflect about the preferences of a new generation of gamers?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Microsoft has announced that it will be opening up four of its Xbox video games to alternative platforms.
2. Microsoft’s shift in strategy reflects the preferences of a new generation of gamers who are not loyal to a particular device or brand.
3. Making games accessible on multiple devices is appealing because it eliminates the need for expensive proprietary hardware and taps into the existing audience of smartphone users.
4. The desire for increased revenue and market share is driving the shift in strategy towards multi-platform gaming.
5. It is unlikely that Microsoft will completely abandon the Xbox console because exiting the console platform business would leave a significant gap in its games-related revenues.
6. There are rumors that Microsoft may be developing new hardware, possibly a handheld device to compete with the success of the Nintendo Switch.
7. The preferred gateway to Microsoft’s games for gamers is through its Games Pass subscription service, which offers unlimited streaming access to hundreds of titles.
8. The growth of Microsoft’s Games Pass subscription service benefits game developers by providing more subscribers and more people playing their titles, especially for multiplayer games that rely on larger player counts to sustain a community.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) announcement
(2) exclusivity
(3) gamers
(4) unique
(5) platforms
(6) making
(7) expensive
(8) hardware
(9) Exiting
(10) business
(11) leave
(12) Nintendo
(13) people
(14) games
(15) sustain
(16) community
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. proprietary
Answer: (B) Relating to owning or being a unique product or service by a single party

2. exclusivity
Answer: (M) The state of being exclusive or having a unique right to something

3. platforms
Answer: (K) Types of operating systems or devices on which applications can run

4. preferences
Answer: (O) The likes, dislikes, or desires of individuals or groups

5. revenue
Answer: (A) Income generated from business activities or sales

6. multi-platform
Answer: (D) Involving or relating to the use of multiple types of operating systems or devices

7. subscribers
Answer: (N) Individuals who have signed up to receive a particular service

8. accessible
Answer: (E) Capable of being reached or entered

9. rumors
Answer: (C) Unconfirmed information spread widely, often based on speculation

10. drastic
Answer: (F) Characterized by a significant or radical change

11. gateway
Answer: (I) A means of access or entry point to a service or space

12. sustain
Answer: (J) To maintain or keep something going over time

13. multiplayer
Answer: (H) Involving multiple players in a game, often over a network

14. shifting
Answer: (L) Moving or changing from one position or direction to another

15. handheld
Answer: (G) A portable device designed for use in the hands
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the recent announcement made by Microsoft?
Answer: (b) Opening up four Xbox games to alternative platforms

2. Why is making games accessible on multiple devices appealing?
Answer: (d) It eliminates the need for expensive proprietary hardware

3. What is driving the shift in strategy towards multi-platform gaming?
Answer: (c) The desire for increased revenue and market share

4. Will Microsoft completely abandon the Xbox console?
Answer: (a) Unlikely

5. What is the preferred gateway to Microsoft’s games for gamers?
Answer: (b) Games Pass subscription service

6. How many subscribers does Microsoft’s Games Pass subscription service currently have?
Answer: (c) 34 million

7. Why is the growth of the Games Pass subscription service good news for game developers?
Answer: (a) More subscribers mean more people playing their titles

8. What does the shift towards multi-platform gaming reflect?
Answer: (d) Changing preferences of a new generation of gamers
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Making games exclusive to one device saves the need for expensive proprietary hardware. (Answer: False)
2. This move represents a shift in Microsoft’s strategy, as it has traditionally favored exclusivity to its own Xbox platform. (Answer: True)
3. It is unlikely that Microsoft will completely abandon the Xbox console. (Answer: True)
4. Microsoft’s shift towards a more single-platform strategy is driven by the desire for decreased revenue and market share. (Answer: False)
5. Microsoft’s Games Pass subscription service, with 34 million subscribers, is the unpopular gateway to its games for gamers. (Answer: False)
6. Microsoft may be developing new hardware, possibly a handheld device to compete with the Nintendo Switch. (Answer: True)
7. Sony has also expressed disinterest in putting more PlayStation games onto other platforms. (Answer: False)
8. Microsoft has announced that it will be opening up four Xbox video games to alternative platforms. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧