9 Ways 2017 Has Changed The Future Of Video Games Forever

8. Microsoft Begin Shifting To A Fully Streamable Distribution Model

Though it's barely been talked about as Microsoft focus on the launch of the Xbox One X, they're actually looking into transforming the very way we consume video games.

Aiming to upend the physical retail model and surprisingly, ditch the idea of having a console whatsoever, Head of Xbox Phil Spencer noted that "Microsoft will probably debut a streaming service that doesn’t require a console for some types of content". This takes what they've perfected on the Xbox Game Pass (Microsoft's monthly fee that lets you download a selection of games) to the next level, using Azure's cloud functionality to maintain a stable connection.

Not for nothing, this is the exact same idea as Sony's PlayStation Now tech, which despite being powered by Gaikai's tech, is still an unreliable, frame-dropping mess. Still, Microsoft also getting on board proves that the industry wants to pipe games into your home in much the same way as Netflix or other streaming services.

Can you imagine a world where a "games console" is just a controller paired with your TV?