Xbox executive Phil Spencer has spoken out to clarify some of his earlier comments in reference to how the video game industry can promote growth in the future.
In 2015, Spencer remarked that he wanted that year’s E3 show to focus more on Microsoft’s own franchises and expanding them. He was recently asked on Twitter if this was still the company’s intended directive. Spencer has confirmed this to indeed to be true. He cited things like EA Access, Fallout mods, the Game Preview program, and cross-play between Xbox One and PC that are things that “more gaming forward” and are in some cases Xbox exclusive.
“Our [first-party] IP should do the same,” Spencer said, referencing efforts that push gaming forward.
He went on to say that the continued support for Halo 5, particularly its Forge mode, is an example of Microsoft continuing to invest in and grow its own franchises. As for what Spencer doesn’t want to do, he said, “Paying marketing funds to another console’s base can’t play a piece of content doesn’t feel like growth.”
This is not meant to be a dig at Sony’s timed-exclusivity deal with Activision for Call of Duty and Destiny DLC, Spencer says. “People [are] getting worked up on this.” he said. “Never said Xbox [has] never done this, not calling out others, just not [a] practice I like, that’s it.”
