Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft’s gaming division, spoke about the company’s ambitious plans for the further development of Xbox. The company is considering new acquisitions and preparing to enter the market of portable gaming devices.
«We definitely want to be in the market, and when we can find teams, technologies, and capabilities that complement what we’re trying to do in gaming at Microsoft, we will definitely act,» Spencer emphasized.
Microsoft is also looking to diversify its game development teams through greater cooperation with China. The company has already released a mobile version of Age of Empires in collaboration with Tencent.
«It was a good opportunity for us to learn from creative teams that have unique capabilities. The real opportunity lies in partnering with creative teams in China for the global market,» the executive shared.
Spencer hinted that Microsoft is working on its own portable gaming device, but its release is expected in a few years. «In the long run, I love the idea of creating devices», he said. — «And I think our team could do some really innovative work, but we want to build on the experience and what’s happening now». For now, the company will focus on improving the Xbox app’s performance on existing devices and working with hardware manufacturers «».
The launch of Xbox’s own online mobile game store has been postponed as the team conducts additional market research. Microsoft is waiting for the outcome of court cases against Apple and Google’s mobile stores to provide an effective path for its store on smartphones.
«If we’re just hoping that if we make a store, users will come to us, I’m willing to bet that it won’t work,» Spencer said.
Despite the reduction of 2500 jobs and the closure of three game studios, Spencer is optimistic about the growth of mobile gaming and Microsoft’s overall gaming business in 2025.
A multi-platform approach is also becoming an important part of Microsoft’s strategy. After the successful release of the first Xbox games for PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, the company plans to continue this practice. According to Spencer, Microsoft does not see any «red lines» in its portfolio of games regarding their release on other platforms.
«The Xbox business has never been healthier,» he emphasized, noting growth in cloud and PC gaming, as well as in console usage. «To reach new players, we need to be creative and adapt to new business models, new devices, new ways of access. We will not be able to expand the market with $1000 consoles».
Source: Bloomberg
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