In a recent conversation with Xbox Era, Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft’s gaming division, clarified the company’s stance on game ownership and subscription services. He emphasized that Microsoft is not attempting to steer players away from owning games, but rather aims to provide a variety of options for how players engage with their favorite titles.
Options for Players
Spencer articulated a vision where players can choose their preferred method of gaming, whether that be through traditional ownership or subscription models like Xbox Game Pass. He reassured gamers about the future of hardware, stating, “I’ve got a library of games on Xbox console. I want to make sure I’ll continue to be able to play those games.” This sentiment reflects a commitment to maintaining the integrity of gamers’ libraries across generations.
Addressing concerns about a potential shift away from hardware, Spencer affirmed, “Are we going to still do hardware? Are we going to still get to play the games the way we’ve always played?” He expressed confidence in Microsoft’s track record of respecting players’ libraries, citing features like backward compatibility and Play Anywhere as examples of this commitment.
Respecting Player Choices
Spencer further highlighted that players can purchase any game available on Game Pass, reinforcing that the company is not trying to funnel everyone into a singular business model. “Play the games the way you want to play them,” he stated, underlining the importance of flexibility in gaming experiences.
While acknowledging the necessity of running a profitable business, Spencer emphasized the goal of maximizing options for gamers. “We obviously have to run a good business, so we’ll have our pricing and everything that we do,” he noted, indicating a balanced approach to both profitability and player satisfaction.
Growth Through Innovation
Spencer pointed out that embracing Windows and cloud technology has been pivotal in expanding Microsoft’s reach. He revealed that one of the fastest-growing regions for the company is Asia, not due to increased console sales, but through cloud and PC gaming. “We’re finding more users year over year than in any other place,” he remarked, highlighting the cloud as the fastest-growing platform in the gaming landscape.
