Don't think this got enough press amongst the gaming media and Xbox fans. I think this is a very big deal. My biggest concern about investing in the Xbox ecosystem the past 2 years was whether all those rumors of Microsoft selling would come true. This, to line up with a new console launch, squash that. This means Nadella sees value in gaming and is a sign Xbox will invest in differentiating their brand again. This probably means a better Windows store and more innovation into the overall ecosystem. The 1st/2nd party game investments will turn up. If all those things don't happen, this promotion wouldn't make sense.
Can remember being worried if Microsoft would keep going or not when PS2 was beating the OG Xbox. I don't think we have anything to worry about now. They just need to show that they're making true investments in first party studios. No more relying on second/third party deals to carry the brand.
I'm completely over the fact that there aren't any true exclusive games anymore because they went to PC. Never really cared to begin with, just thought some games should be exclusive to help sell the hardware. All i want to do is play games. Show me the investment and i couldn't care less what you do.