Microsoft recently announced that it will be making four of its Xbox video games available on other platforms. This is a big change for Microsoft, as they usually keep their games exclusive to their own Xbox console. However, they are now starting to listen to the preferences of a new generation of gamers who don’t care about which device or brand they use. Sony, another big gaming company, is also thinking about putting more PlayStation games on other platforms.

Making games available on different devices is a good idea because it means you don’t have to buy expensive special equipment. Lots of people already have powerful computers in their smartphones, so it makes sense to let them play games on those devices. There are also many gamers who use different devices and want to play popular games and buy extra stuff in the games. The gaming companies want to make more money and get more people to play their games, so they are changing their strategies.

Even though Microsoft is making this big change, it’s unlikely that they will stop making Xbox consoles. If they did, they would lose a lot of money from selling the consoles and the games. There are even rumors that Microsoft might be making a new handheld device to compete with the Nintendo Switch, which is a popular gaming device that you can take with you.

For gamers, the best way to play Microsoft’s games is through their Games Pass subscription service. This service lets you stream lots of different games for a monthly fee. It’s getting more and more popular, with 34 million people subscribed to it right now. This is good news for game developers because more subscribers means more people playing their games, especially multiplayer games that need lots of players to keep the community active.

In conclusion, gaming companies like Microsoft are changing their strategies to appeal to a new generation of gamers. They want to make more money and get more people to play their games. Even though they are making games available on other platforms, they will still keep making Xbox consoles. If you want to play Microsoft’s games, the Games Pass subscription service is the best way to do it.

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 and then write a summary of the main points in their own words. Encourage them to include key details and important information. Afterward, have students share their summaries with a partner or in small groups.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Select 10-15 vocabulary words from the article and write them on the board. Divide the class into teams and have one student from each team come to the front. Give each student a word and have them draw a picture that represents the word without using any letters or numbers. The rest of their team must guess the word based on the drawing. The team that guesses correctly earns a point.

– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Pose a question related to the article, such as “What are the advantages and disadvantages of making video games available on multiple platforms?” Give students a few minutes to think about their response individually, then have them pair up with a partner to discuss their thoughts. Afterward, open up a class discussion and have pairs share their ideas with the rest of the class.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups. Assign one group to brainstorm the pros of making video games available on multiple platforms, and assign the other group to brainstorm the cons. Give students a few minutes to come up with their ideas, and then have each group share their list with the class. Encourage discussion and debate about the different points raised.

– Two Truths and a Lie
Instructions: Have each student come up with two true statements and one false statement related to the article. They can be about specific details or broader concepts. In pairs or small groups, students take turns sharing their statements and the others have to guess which one is the lie. This activity encourages listening and critical thinking skills, as well as reinforcing vocabulary and content from the article.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Why is Microsoft making four of its Xbox games available on other platforms?
2. What is the advantage of making games available on different devices?
3. Why are gaming companies changing their strategies?
4. Will Microsoft stop making Xbox consoles?
5. What is the rumored competition for the Nintendo Switch?
6. What is the best way for gamers to play Microsoft’s games?
7. Why is the Games Pass subscription service getting more popular?
8. What are gaming companies trying to achieve by changing their strategies?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Microsoft recently announced that it will be making four of its Xbox video games (1)______ on other platforms. This is a big change for Microsoft, as they usually keep their games exclusive to their own Xbox (2)______. However, they are now starting to listen to the preferences of a new generation of gamers who don’t care about which device or brand they use. Sony, another big gaming company, is also thinking about (3)______ more (4)______ games on other platforms.

Making games available on different devices is a good idea because it means you don’t have to buy expensive special equipment. Lots of people already have powerful computers in their smartphones, so it makes sense to let them play games on those devices. There are also many gamers who use different devices and want to play (5)______ games and buy (6)______ stuff in the games. The gaming companies want to make more money and get more people to play their games, so they are (7)______ their (8)______.

Even though Microsoft is making this big change, it’s unlikely that they will stop making Xbox consoles. If they did, they would lose a lot of money from selling the consoles and the (9)______. There are even rumors that Microsoft might be making a new (10)______ (11)______ to compete with the Nintendo Switch, which is a popular gaming device that you can take with you.

For (12)______, the best way to play Microsoft’s games is through their Games Pass subscription service. This service lets you stream lots of different games for a monthly fee. It’s getting more and more popular, with 34 million people subscribed to it right now. This is good news for game developers because more subscribers means more people playing their games, especially (13)______ games that need lots of players to keep the (14)______ active.

In conclusion, gaming companies like (15)______ are changing their strategies to appeal to a new generation of gamers. They want to make more money and get more people to play their games. Even though they are making games available on other (16)______, they will still keep making Xbox consoles. If you want to play Microsoft’s games, the Games Pass subscription service is the best way to do it.
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 making their Xbox games available on other platforms?
2. How would you feel if you had to buy expensive special equipment to play video games?
3. Do you like playing games on your smartphone? Why or why not?
4. What do you think about gaming companies changing their strategies to make more money?
5. How do you think Microsoft would lose money if they stopped making Xbox consoles?
6. Do you think Microsoft should make a new handheld gaming device? Why or why not?
7. What do you think about the Games Pass subscription service? Would you use it? Why or why not?
8. How would you feel if more people started playing your favorite game? Why?
9. Do you think it’s important for gaming companies to listen to the preferences of new generations of gamers? Why or why not?
10. What other gaming companies do you think should make their games available on other platforms?
11. How do you think making games available on different devices can benefit gamers?
12. What are some popular multiplayer games that need lots of players to keep the community active?
13. How do you think gaming companies can make more money from their games?
14. Do you think gaming companies should focus more on making money or on making games that people enjoy? Why or why not?
15. How do you think the gaming industry will change in the future?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. exclusive
2. preferences
3. platforms
4. equipment
5. smartphones
6. strategies
7. rumors
8. handheld
9. compete
10. subscription
11. stream
12. developers
13. multiplayer
14. community
15. appeal

Meanings:
(A) To try to be better than others
(B) To attract or interest someone
(C) People who create and build things, especially in technology or games
(D) The types of technology or services you can use something on
(E) Unconfirmed information that people are talking about
(F) Only available in one place or to a certain group
(G) To watch or listen to something in real time over the internet
(H) Plans or methods for achieving something
(I) Mobile phones that can do a lot of things besides calling
(J) Games where you play with or against other people online
(K) A service you pay for regularly to use or access something
(L) A group of people with shared interests or goals
(M) The tools or gear needed for a specific purpose
(N) Small enough to be used while being held in your hands
(O) What you like or choose over other options
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Why is Microsoft making four of its Xbox video games available on other platforms?
(a) To make more money from selling consoles and games
(b) To appeal to a new generation of gamers who use different devices
(c) To compete with Sony’s PlayStation games
(d) To encourage people to buy expensive special equipment

2. What is the benefit of making games available on different devices?
(a) It allows gamers to buy extra stuff in the games
(b) It makes the games more popular and profitable
(c) People can play games on devices they already own, like smartphones
(d) It eliminates the need for Xbox consoles

3. What is the likelihood of Microsoft stopping the production of Xbox consoles?
(a) Very likely, as they are focusing on other platforms
(b) Highly probable, as they are losing money from selling consoles
(c) Very unlikely, as they are making a new handheld device
(d) Unlikely, as they would lose money from selling consoles and games

4. What is the Games Pass subscription service?
(a) A service that allows you to buy Xbox consoles at a discounted price
(b) A service that lets you stream lots of different games for a monthly fee
(c) A service that offers exclusive games only available on Xbox consoles
(d) A service that provides free games to subscribers

5. Why is the Games Pass subscription service popular among gamers?
(a) It allows them to access a wide variety of games for a monthly fee
(b) It offers exclusive multiplayer games that require lots of players
(c) It provides free games to subscribers
(d) It is the only way to play Microsoft’s games on other platforms

6. What is the main reason gaming companies like Microsoft are changing their strategies?
(a) To compete with other gaming companies like Sony
(b) To stop producing Xbox consoles and focus on other platforms
(c) To eliminate the need for expensive special equipment
(d) To make more money and attract more players

7. What is the purpose of making PlayStation games available on other platforms?
(a) To make more money from selling consoles and games
(b) To compete with Microsoft’s Xbox games
(c) To appeal to gamers who use different devices
(d) To encourage people to buy expensive special equipment

8. What is the rumored new device that Microsoft might be making?
(a) A handheld device to compete with the Nintendo Switch
(b) A new version of the Xbox console
(c) A smartphone specifically for gaming
(d) A virtual reality headset for Xbox games

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. This is a minor change for Microsoft, as they usually keep their games exclusive to the Xbox.
2. Microsoft is likely to stop making Xbox consoles because they would gain a lot of money from selling just the games.
3. Microsoft’s Games Pass subscription service is the best way to play their games, as it allows streaming of various games for a monthly fee.
4. Many people already have powerful computers in their smartphones, making it logical to let them play games on those devices.
5. Making games available on different devices is a good idea because it allows people to play without buying expensive special equipment.
6. Sony, another small gaming company, is also considering putting fewer PlayStation games on other platforms.
7. Microsoft is making four of its Xbox video games available on platforms other than their own console.
8. Gaming companies want to make less money and repel more players, so they are changing their strategies.
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. Why is Microsoft making four of its Xbox video games available on other platforms?
2. What is the benefit of making games available on different devices?
3. Why is it unlikely that Microsoft will stop making Xbox consoles?
4. How can gamers play Microsoft’s games through the Games Pass subscription service?
5. Why are gaming companies like Microsoft changing their strategies?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Why is Microsoft making four of its Xbox games available on other platforms?
Microsoft is making four of its Xbox games available on other platforms to appeal to a new generation of gamers and to increase the number of people playing their games.

2. What is the advantage of making games available on different devices?
The advantage of making games available on different devices is that people don’t have to buy expensive special equipment. Many people already have powerful computers in their smartphones, so they can play games on those devices without needing to purchase a separate console.

3. Why are gaming companies changing their strategies?
Gaming companies are changing their strategies to make more money and attract more people to play their games. They are listening to the preferences of gamers who don’t care about which device or brand they use, and they want to tap into the market of gamers who use different devices.

4. Will Microsoft stop making Xbox consoles?
No, it is unlikely that Microsoft will stop making Xbox consoles. They would lose a lot of money from selling the consoles and the games. There are even rumors that Microsoft might be making a new handheld device to compete with the Nintendo Switch.

5. What is the rumored competition for the Nintendo Switch?
The rumored competition for the Nintendo Switch is a new handheld device that Microsoft might be making.

6. What is the best way for gamers to play Microsoft’s games?
The best way for gamers to play Microsoft’s games is through their Games Pass subscription service. This service allows subscribers to stream a variety of different games for a monthly fee.

7. Why is the Games Pass subscription service getting more popular?
The Games Pass subscription service is getting more popular because it allows people to access a wide range of games for a monthly fee. With 34 million people subscribed to it currently, more subscribers means more people playing the games, especially multiplayer games that require a large player base to keep the community active.

8. What are gaming companies trying to achieve by changing their strategies?
By changing their strategies, gaming companies are trying to make more money and attract more people to play their games. They want to tap into new markets and meet the preferences of gamers who use different devices and don’t care about brand loyalty.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) available
(2) console
(3) putting
(4) PlayStation
(5) popular
(6) extra
(7) changing
(8) strategies
(9) games
(10) handheld
(11) device
(12) gamers
(13) multiplayer
(14) community
(15) Microsoft
(16) platforms
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. exclusive
Answer: (F) Only available in one place or to a certain group

2. preferences
Answer: (O) What you like or choose over other options

3. platforms
Answer: (D) The types of technology or services you can use something on

4. equipment
Answer: (M) The tools or gear needed for a specific purpose

5. smartphones
Answer: (I) Mobile phones that can do a lot of things besides calling

6. strategies
Answer: (H) Plans or methods for achieving something

7. rumors
Answer: (E) Unconfirmed information that people are talking about

8. handheld
Answer: (N) Small enough to be used while being held in your hands

9. compete
Answer: (A) To try to be better than others

10. subscription
Answer: (K) A service you pay for regularly to use or access something

11. stream
Answer: (G) To watch or listen to something in real time over the internet

12. developers
Answer: (C) People who create and build things, especially in technology or games

13. multiplayer
Answer: (J) Games where you play with or against other people online

14. community
Answer: (L) A group of people with shared interests or goals

15. appeal
Answer: (B) To attract or interest someone
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Why is Microsoft making four of its Xbox video games available on other platforms?
Answer: (b) To appeal to a new generation of gamers who use different devices

2. What is the benefit of making games available on different devices?
Answer: (c) People can play games on devices they already own, like smartphones

3. What is the likelihood of Microsoft stopping the production of Xbox consoles?
Answer: (d) Unlikely, as they would lose money from selling consoles and games

4. What is the Games Pass subscription service?
Answer: (b) A service that lets you stream lots of different games for a monthly fee

5. Why is the Games Pass subscription service popular among gamers?
Answer: (a) It allows them to access a wide variety of games for a monthly fee

6. What is the main reason gaming companies like Microsoft are changing their strategies?
Answer: (d) To make more money and attract more players

7. What is the purpose of making PlayStation games available on other platforms?
Answer: (c) To appeal to gamers who use different devices

8. What is the rumored new device that Microsoft might be making?
Answer: (a) A handheld device to compete with the Nintendo Switch
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. This is a minor change for Microsoft, as they usually keep their games exclusive to the Xbox. (Answer: False)
2. Microsoft is likely to stop making Xbox consoles because they would gain a lot of money from selling just the games. (Answer: False)
3. Microsoft’s Games Pass subscription service is the best way to play their games, as it allows streaming of various games for a monthly fee. (Answer: True)
4. Many people already have powerful computers in their smartphones, making it logical to let them play games on those devices. (Answer: True)
5. Making games available on different devices is a good idea because it allows people to play without buying expensive special equipment. (Answer: True)
6. Sony, another small gaming company, is also considering putting fewer PlayStation games on other platforms. (Answer: False)
7. Microsoft is making four of its Xbox video games available on platforms other than their own console. (Answer: True)
8. Gaming companies want to make less money and repel more players, so they are changing their strategies. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧