Microsoft’s gaming CEO has confirmed that there will be future Xbox consoles, as well as “other devices.”
During an interview with Rolling Stone, Phil Spencer talked about the future of the brand and their shift to a multi-platform strategy. This comes in the wake of Xbox’s newest marketing campaign, which highlights streaming your games to other devices alongside console and PC.
“It literally was a box when it first launched. It was the Direct X box. What it’s grown into now is more accessibility, ” said Spencer. “Xbox isn’t just one device, Xbox is on your smart TV, Xbox is on your PC, Xbox is on your phone, and we’re in the middle of that transition.”
Some fans have voiced displeasure at the platform’s move towards releasing their games on other platforms. Spencer is aware of this, acknowledging that these fans “long for the simplicity of a single box, single platform, single game,” but also pointing out that “today’s largest games are bigger than any of the individual platforms.”
Regarding the gaming CEO referring to “other devices”, Spencer clarified Xbox’s plans for new hardware. While there doesn’t seem to be any “incremental hardware” in the works for a mid generation upgrade, Spencer confirmed in a separate Bloomberg interview that they are working on a handheld device. There was an “expectation is that we would do something” he said, but also stated that it was years away.
“Longer term, I love us building devices,” he explained. “And I think our team could do some real innovative work, but we want to be informed by learning and what’s happening now.”
What are your thoughts about the future of Xbox? Do you think that a multiplatform approach including 3rd party hardware is the right move?
Need a refresher on how this generation has gone for Xbox so far? Check out the story so far here!
One Response
I think the huge thing that so many are missing here is the much bigger picture of gaming and accessibility.
I totally get why people will be worried about hardware but I see no reason to hit that panic button. Xbox will still make consoles and that will be the way the hardcore gamer plays Xbox if they want to and I certainly will be one of those people.
But cloud and playing on as many screens as possible is not a bad thing. So many people will be able to afford gaming and do so at a cost that better suits them.
More people will have more access to more games.
This is not a bad thing. I understand why many will not like it but times change and I for one am already playing Xbox at home, on IPad and on Gcloud.
Gaming is for everyone and this just means that can be more a reality then ever before.