Summary
Highlights
Xbox has decided to release four games on other consoles as an experiment. This move is not a fundamental shift in their exclusive strategy but aims to grow existing franchises and reach more players. Phil Spencer emphasizes that long-term health of Xbox involves a growing platform and reaching as many players as possible. The games chosen are older, community-driven titles and smaller games that have reached their potential on Xbox and PC, now seeking to leverage other platforms for business value and potential future investments.
Matt Booty explains that while Xbox will release some games on other platforms, their core principles remain: all first-party games will be on Xbox, available on Game Pass day one, and Game Pass will remain exclusive to Xbox. The focus is on cross-play and cross-save functionality, enabling players to play with friends across devices and maintain their game progress. Sarah Bond announces that Activision and Blizzard games, starting with Diablo IV on March 28th, will be coming to Game Pass, making them available to 34 million members.
Phil Spencer highlights that the current strategy is an evolution of a decade-long vision: to make Xbox a platform for creators looking to reach the widest audience. Xbox has become a significant publisher on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile through additions like Activision Blizzard and ZeniMax. The goal is to grow the gaming industry by finding new players rather than solely monetizing existing ones, ensuring a healthy ecosystem for players and creators alike.
Sarah Bond discusses the role of hardware in Xbox's strategy, emphasizing that consoles offer the flagship Xbox experience and serve as a target for developers. Xbox is investing in future hardware, aiming for the largest technical leap in a generation, and is committed to long-term game preservation and backward compatibility. This commitment ensures that players' investments in games and saves are respected across generations and devices.
The speakers reiterate Xbox's core promise: a platform where the biggest games are always available, where Game Pass offers day-one access to first-party titles, and where player-first features like cross-play, cross-save, and backward compatibility are paramount. Xbox is dedicated to fostering successful creators and continually bringing new and better experiences to players. With over ten major releases planned for 2024, including Hellblade 2, Avowed, and Indiana Jones, Xbox remains a central hub for gaming innovation.