[18], Since taking over both Xbox and the Gaming division, Spencer has advocated for cross-platform play, as well as launched key initiatives, such as reintroducing backward compatibility to the Xbox platform, the purchase of Mojang and Bethesda, the further development and support of Minecraft, the introduction of Xbox Game Pass, launching the Xbox Adaptive Controller, an increased focus on PC gaming, porting some Microsoft published games to other platforms including the Nintendo Switch, the launch of xCloud, and increasing the number of first-party development studios. Why dont we start by talking about why gaming is such a priority for the company? Microsoft's previous Xbox head wanted to sell 200 million Xbox One Phil Spencer, former head of Xbox, will now lead this . Official sources referred to the new generation as, before unveiling the Xbox Series X name. His official title is Head of Xbox. Read Microsoft Gaming CEO's email to staff about the Activision The thing that I want to stress here is that we offer a ton of customization, Cole said. Blind Driving Assists are just one example of Xboxs continuous support of disabled players. In this role, Spencer is accountable for leading Microsoft's gaming business across all devices and services. Heres what Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer had to say about his new role and the companys gaming efforts in an email to staff today: Welcome back from the holidays. NY 10036. it's moving to acquire Activision Blizzard, Activision Blizzard deal means a lot for Xbox as a whole, Microsoft begins adding Activision Blizzard games to the service, Activision Blizzard in its efforts to develop new metaverse platforms, New Xbox home page shows a simple layout for gorgeous backgrounds, Apex Legends: Arsenal introduces big changes for World's Edge and a new Firing Range, Dell XPS Desktop (8960) review: A monster powerhouse with a minimalist design, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Lightsaber stances explained, Brave Search makes its final split from Bing but keeps Google fallback, Mags delivered straight to your door or device. We are full speed ahead in our mission to bring players more ways to play their favorite games. 2023 Vox Media, LLC. In this link you can check how to participate in . A keyboard and mouse will give you better precision than your standard Xbox One controller so you can keep up in cross-platform games without shelling out money for a top gaming PC. The 2018 release of the Xbox Adaptive Controller, feature tags on store pages, award-winning accessibility in titles like Forza Horizon 5, and even an annual showcase highlighting the varying ways in which Xbox and its studios are incorporating accessibility into their projects have put the disabled community at the forefront of Xbox conversations. This agreement is a testament to the impact our gaming team has delivered, and I am deeply grateful for their hard work and commitment. In Japan, only 123,000 Xbox units sold in the first week of release, validating Microsofts fear that the system would have a tough time breaking into the notoriously difficult overseas marketplace. [4] He is currently the head of the Xbox brand and leads the global creative and engineering teams responsible for gaming at Microsoft. Today, its the largest and fastest-growing form of entertainment, and as the digital and physical worlds come together, it will play a critical role in the development of metaverse platforms. wholeheartedly think that if this year doesn't go well exclusive wise, the xbox brand as a whole will be more of an embarrassment than ever before, probably irreparably so. See our ethics statement. Microsoft is now willing to spend billions on acquisitions to bolster its gaming efforts after acquiring Bethesda last year for $7.5 billion. Nadella:Thats so well said, Phil. But its cool to see how the industry learns and is inspired by each step, whether its the Adaptive Controller, or the work that The Last of Us has done, whether its individual game teams that are going out to spotlight, and frankly, build empathy for people who have a different lived experience. Phil Spencer has been with Microsoft for a very long time--longer than many of us at GameSpot have been alive. The much-anticipated sequels $125 million in sales made it the most successful launch of any entertainment product whether game, movie, or music album in consumer history up to that point. It would allow players to enter the new ecosystem more quickly, and Microsofts own Xbox console exclusives will also be compatible with Xbox One systems for at least a year after the Series X launches. Head of Xbox Phil Spencer, Talking Xbox Series X - Unlocked 437 Niantic, for example, showed a great demo Pokmon Go using Mesh at our recent event. Watch the Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny trailer for the upcoming Indiana Jones movie, opening in theaters on June 30, 2023.Harrison Ford returns as the legendary hero archaeologist in the highly anticipated fifth installment in the iconic Indiana Jones movie franchise. Nadella describes gaming as playing a critical role in the development of metaverse platforms, that the company is looking to develop for Xbox, Microsoft Teams, and beyond. Phil Spencer saved Xbox. Please enter a valid email and try again. Phil Spencer interview: The head of Xbox dishes on Game Pass, Xbox But youre right, we see the health of creators in and around our games as one of the key barometers for our overall business health. It is being marketed as the worlds most powerful console, with speculation that it could end up being even more powerful than Sonys PlayStation 5. He began his journalism career back in 2010 while still in high school, and subsequently graduated summa cum laude from Ohio University's E.W. We're big fans of the latest Xbox consoles here at Underscored. Microsofts long-rumored online gaming network had already begun its beta testing phase in August 2002, but the system went public in November with the Xbox Live Starter Kit. Spencer will report to Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the company's Operating Systems Group, which covers Windows, Windows Phone and the Xbox One operating system. You can change the pitch of the audio cues, and the narrator customizations that we have are the best in any game that Ive seen.. Heres how it works. New York, We look forward to extending our journey to create a more diverse and inclusive culture to our new colleagues at Activision Blizzard, and ensuring all our employees can do what they love, while thriving in a safe and welcoming environment one where everyone feels empowered to do their best work. With his team and game development partners, Spencer continues to push the boundaries of creativity, technical innovation and fun across gaming genres, audiences and . Despite reports of the next big thing arriving any day, the launch of Halo 2 proved that rumors of the Xboxs demise had been greatly exaggerated to the tune of more than 2.5 million units sold in the first 24 hours the game was available.