Since Microsoft scooped up Activision-Blizzard along with its vast array of development studios, it’s safe to say Microsoft—and its gaming arm, Xbox—has emerged as the largest third-party game publisher in history. So, recent remarks by Xbox chief Phil Spencer have made quite the splash, although they seem pretty logical. In a Gamertag Radio interview, Spencer talked about plans to launch future Xbox games on platforms like Nintendo and PlayStation.
Spencer’s comments—such as wanting “people to be able to experience the games that we build, the services that we offer on as many devices as we can”—came during a chat with Danny Peña and Parris in YouTube’s Gamertag Radio interview. The conversation was a treasure trove of industry insights, peppered with nostalgia for the earlier days of Xbox, from the classic original console to the Xbox 360.
For those not clued in on why these statements might stir up debate, here’s a quick console history lesson. Remember Sonic the Hedgehog? Before this blue blur made his way to the big screen, he was a gaming icon exclusive to Sega consoles. Sega, once a powerhouse in the console market with systems like the Dreamcast, saw its hardware ambitions crushed by Sony’s far superior PlayStation 2. After Sega exited the console business, the baton was effectively handed to Microsoft with its own console venture: the Xbox.
The early version of what we now know as Xbox, initially called “DirectX Box,” had plans to support backward compatibility with Sega Dreamcast titles, though this feature didn’t make it to the final product. Yet, exclusive Dreamcast follow-ups, such as Jet Set Radio Future, found their home on Xbox.
Initially, Spencer’s comments might appear to suggest Xbox is admitting defeat. However, that’s far from the truth. Microsoft’s deep pockets ensure it’s far from struggling. Rather, as Xbox becomes a colossal third-party publisher, it’s more focused on pushing its games to as many players as possible, regardless of their platform of choice.
Spencer emphasizes, “We want everybody to be able to play on Xbox and it does mean more of our games shipping on more platforms, not just PlayStation. We love the work that we do with Nintendo, we love what we do with Valve on Steam, and that’s going to continue.”
Is Xbox following in Sega’s footsteps then? Definitely not. Microsoft’s financial might safeguards against that fate. Yet, as new Xbox hardware looms, it will need to deliver compelling reasons for consumers to choose it over impending rivals like the possibly hybrid “Switch 3” and the powerhouse that’s expected to be the PlayStation 6, which will woo gamers with their own exclusive content, as is the tradition.
However, Microsoft must tread carefully with the idea of Xbox existing beyond just its hardware, as more of a portfolio of games and services. The risk? When everyone’s “on Xbox,” in a sense, no one really is.
