Phil Spencer
Reporting and statements that mention Phil Spencer.
Latest coverage
Gears of War: E-Day reportedly no longer coming to PlayStation 5
Gears of War: E-Day has reportedly been made an Xbox console exclusive and will no longer be released on PlayStation 5. The game is slated for an October 6th release and will be available day one on Game Pass. This decision appears to be a recent change following shifts in Xbox's leadership and strategy regarding multi-platform releases.
Xbox “Must Have Exclusive Content,” CEO Says
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company needs "must have exclusive content" to be a leading publisher and platform. She acknowledged that Xbox is not currently in a healthy spot financially and outlined the next 100 days as a period for resetting the business and returning to growth. Sharma also discussed the challenges of making affordable products amidst rising console prices and component shortages.
Asha Sharma commits to "resetting" Xbox, prioritising exclusivity and addressing AI in new strategy
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is implementing a new strategy focused on resetting the business, prioritizing exclusivity, and carefully integrating AI. She aims to make Xbox the leading gaming and entertainment company, addressing challenges like rising component costs and platform competition. Sharma emphasized a thoughtful approach to AI, ensuring it solves problems and enhances experiences rather than replacing AAA games.
After Describing Them as 'Antiquated', Xbox Now Says It 'Must Have Exclusive Content and Services'
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has indicated a shift in the company's stance on exclusive content, stating that to be a great publisher, games must reach large audiences, but to be a platform, exclusive content and services are necessary. This contrasts with previous statements from Sarah Bond, who called exclusives 'antiquated'. The company is now considering an 'exclusive content and services' approach on a case-by-case basis for its titles, potentially experimenting with games like Gears of War: E-Day.
New Xbox CEO says successful platforms "must have exclusive content" and is "looking at that very closely" as Halo and Fable prepare to jump to PS5
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that successful platforms require exclusive content, a strategy the company is actively considering for titles like Halo and Fable, which are reportedly coming to PlayStation 5. Sharma emphasized balancing broad audience reach with the need for platform-defining exclusives, acknowledging the evolving ways players consume content.
Xbox CEO says they are reconsidering showing other platform logos at shows
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has indicated that the company is reconsidering its strategy regarding the display of other platform logos at the end of game trailers. This discussion comes as Microsoft continues to expand its first-party game releases to competing platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
Xbox will keep showing PlayStation logos at showcases for now
Xbox will continue to display PlayStation and Nintendo Switch logos during its upcoming Xbox Games Showcase to promote transparency about game availability. This approach, championed by figures like Matt Booty and Phil Spencer, aims to clarify which platforms games will launch on. While some fans perceive this as a sign of surrender, Xbox acknowledges the mixed reception and is considering adjustments for future events.
Xbox CEO says Game Pass price cuts are "a good first step" but the company has a lot more to do
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that recent price cuts for Xbox Game Pass are a positive initial step towards restoring durable growth for the division. She acknowledged that subscriber growth had slowed and retention decreased after previous pricing changes, but noted improvements since the reductions. Sharma emphasized that further work and difficult choices are necessary to address the company's challenges.
Microsoft Reaches $250 Million Settlement in Lawsuit With Activision Blizzard Shareholders
Microsoft has settled a shareholder lawsuit related to its acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $250 million. The lawsuit, led by the Sjunde-AP-Fonden fund, accused former Activision Blizzard executives, including CEO Bobby Kotick, of breaching fiduciary duties by agreeing to the acquisition price. Both Microsoft and Kotick deny the allegations, with the settlement aimed at avoiding litigation distractions. The acquisition was finalized in October 2023, bringing Activision Blizzard into the Xbox family.
Forza Horizon 6 sells 4.9 million copies despite Xbox Game Pass "cannibalizing" revenue, says analyst
Forza Horizon 6 has achieved 4.9 million in sales since its launch, generating $325 million, with a significant portion sold through the Xbox storefront and Game Pass. Analyst Rhys Elliott notes that while Game Pass is cannibalizing direct sales, Microsoft may be banking on subscription lifetime value, though subscription growth is stagnating.
Report: Xbox adds Matthew Ball and Scott Van Vliet to leadership team
Xbox has appointed game industry analyst Matthew Ball as chief strategy officer and Scott Van Vliet, formerly of Microsoft's Azure OpenAI, as chief technology officer to bolster its leadership team. These changes follow Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's recent appointments and directives to accelerate operations.
The next 25 years of Xbox will see "more change" than "the 25 years that got us here," says director…
Xbox director Guy Richards stated that the next 25 years will bring more change to the platform than the past 25, emphasizing a shift in player behavior and business models. Recent changes include adjustments to Game Pass pricing and collaborations with Discord, signaling a focus on appealing to players who engage with games across various devices and access methods.
Xbox Is Rebranding Itself, Sort Of
Xbox, under CEO Asha Sharma, has seemingly rebranded its social media accounts to all caps "XBOX," mirroring the original console's naming convention. This change follows a fan poll and may be an effort to evoke nostalgia amidst recent hardware and game sales declines. The company is also adjusting its Game Pass strategy, with Call of Duty titles no longer receiving day-one access.
Xbox can never go back to exclusives and Halo on PS5 is the proof of that
The article argues that Xbox can no longer return to a strategy of dedicated console exclusives, citing the upcoming PlayStation 5 release of Halo: Combat Evolved as proof. Despite some internal discussions about re-evaluating exclusivity, the author believes that Microsoft's financial realities and the need to reach a wider audience make a multiplatform approach inevitable for major franchises.
Leaked Xbox Controller For Cloud Gaming Is Raising Eyebrows For Its Unique Design
Images of a rumored new Xbox controller designed for cloud gaming have leaked from Brazil's Anatel regulator. The compact device reportedly features Wi-Fi for streaming, a rechargeable battery, and standard inputs, but its unique, wide shape has drawn attention for potentially compromising ergonomics. This controller would complement Microsoft's ongoing efforts to expand Xbox Cloud Gaming accessibility.
Sega has canceled its live service 'Super Game' due to 'intensifying market competition,' and I really, really hope it's a sign that the industry is finally correcting itself
Sega has canceled its ambitious 'Super Game' project, which aimed to be a major live service title, citing intensifying market competition. The company is reallocating around 100 developers to traditional full-game development, signaling a potential shift away from free-to-play models. This decision is seen by the author as a positive sign for the industry, suggesting a move towards more sustainable and less risky game development practices.
We Loved Oblivion Remastered, But One Year Later, It Still Has Big Problems
One year after its release, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, despite initial praise for its overhauled visuals and gameplay fixes, continues to suffer from significant bugs and performance issues. Post-launch support from Virtuos was minimal, with only two updates addressing crashes before the studio seemingly abandoned the game, leaving players dissatisfied and questioning Microsoft and Bethesda's commitment to supporting their remasters.
Discord Nitro Now Comes With Game Pass “Starter Edition”
Discord and Xbox have partnered to offer a "starter edition" of Xbox Game Pass to Discord Nitro subscribers, including over 50 games. This edition has limitations on game streaming and console online multiplayer, primarily targeting PC users. Eligible Game Pass users will also receive exclusive Discord perks.
GamesStop wants eBay, Nintendo confirms Switch 2 price hike, and union boss says EA buyout is a national security risk - Patch Notes #51
This week's gaming news roundup covers GameStop's $55.5 billion takeover bid for eBay, Nintendo's confirmation of price hikes for the Nintendo Switch 2, and concerns raised by a union boss regarding the potential Saudi Arabian buyout of Electronic Arts, citing national security risks. The article also touches on internal leadership changes at Xbox, layoffs at 2K, and the rebranding of CCP Games.
Xbox will "offer a closer look at Project Helix", the successor to its Series X/S consoles, later today
Microsoft will host its first Xbox Game Dev Update to reveal "Project Helix," the successor to its Xbox Series X/S consoles. General manager Chris Charla and VP Jason Ronald will present details on the custom AMD-based SoC, co-designed for next-generation DirectX, which aims to improve developer workflows and performance. While primarily aimed at developers, the presentation is expected to offer insights into the future of Xbox and PC gaming.
