Updates on the Xbox Business | Official Xbox Podcast

Summary

In this episode of The Official Xbox Podcast, host Tina Amini is joined by Phil, Sarah, and Matt to discuss the latest updates at Xbox. They delve into the topic of game exclusivity, explaining that while Xbox remains committed to its core strategy, they will be releasing four older titles on other consoles to grow their franchises. The team emphasizes the importance of the long-term health of Xbox, which includes growing the platform, reaching more players, and supporting creators. They also touch on the Activision Blizzard acquisition and its impact on Game Pass, highlighting the upcoming addition of Activision and Blizzard games to the service starting with Diablo IV. The discussion further explores the future of live service games, cross-play, and cross-save functionalities, and the strategic importance of hardware in delivering the best Xbox experience. The team also addresses the significance of game preservation, with a commitment to respecting player investments across hardware generations and enhancing compatibility. Finally, they express excitement for upcoming major releases in 2024, including Hellblade 2, a Diablo expansion, Avowed, and the Indiana Jones game, positioning Xbox as a platform dedicated to player success and creator support.

Takeaways

• 🎮 Xbox is focusing on game exclusivity but will release four games on other consoles, not altering their overall strategy.
• 🚫 The four titles released on other consoles will not include Starfield or Indiana Jones.
• 🌟 Criteria for selecting games to release on other platforms include being over a year old, community-driven, and having reached their potential on Xbox and PC.
• 📈 The decision is aimed at growing the Xbox platform, supporting the long-term health of Xbox, and reaching more players.
• 🎲 Xbox believes that exclusive games will become less significant in the industry over the next 5 to 10 years.
• 🔄 Xbox Play Anywhere is a unique feature that allows Xbox games to be played on both Xbox and Windows platforms.
• 🎉 Activision Blizzard games, including Diablo IV, are coming to Game Pass, starting with Diablo IV's release on March 28.
• 🤝 Xbox is committed to cross-play and cross-save features, allowing players to enjoy games with friends across different platforms.
• 📈 Xbox's growth strategy involves expanding the player base and not just monetizing existing players.
• 💾 Xbox is dedicated to game preservation, ensuring that players can continue to access their games and progress across generations.
• 🔍 The upcoming Xbox hardware is expected to deliver a significant technical leap, enhancing the experience for both players and creators.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Xbox strategy discussed in the podcast?

The main focus of the Xbox strategy is to prioritize the long-term health of the Xbox platform, which includes growing the platform, ensuring game performance, building the best platform for creators, and reaching as many players as possible.

What was the decision regarding game exclusivity made by Xbox?

Xbox decided to bring four of their games to other consoles, but clarified that this does not represent a change in their fundamental exclusive strategy. The decision was made to help grow their franchises using other platforms.

Why did Xbox choose not to name the four titles that will be released on other consoles?

Xbox chose not to name the four titles to respect the game development teams and their partners, who put a lot of energy into their announcements and have plans that are not too far away.

What criteria did Xbox use to select the four titles for release on other consoles?

Xbox selected games that are over a year old and have been on Xbox and PC for a while. They included community-driven games that have reached their full potential on Xbox and PC, and smaller games that were not initially intended to be platform exclusives.

How does Xbox view the future of exclusive games in the industry?

Xbox believes that over the next 5 to 10 years, exclusive games that are tied to a single piece of hardware will become a smaller part of the gaming industry, as more games are landing on multiple platforms.

What is Xbox's stance on Activision Blizzard joining their portfolio and its impact on Game Pass?

Xbox is excited about Activision Blizzard joining their portfolio and announced that Activision and Blizzard games, starting with Diablo IV, will be coming to Game Pass, reinforcing their commitment to making Xbox and its games widely available.

How does Xbox's approach to hardware fit into their overall strategy?

Hardware is a critical component of Xbox's strategy as it provides the best experience for players. Xbox aims to deliver the largest technical leap in a hardware generation, making it better for both players and creators.

What does Xbox's commitment to game preservation entail?

Xbox is committed to respecting the investments players have made in their games, ensuring compatibility across generations, and providing cloud save systems to maintain game saves. They also offer Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing games to be played across Xbox and Windows.

What are the key player-first features that Xbox is dedicated to?

Xbox is dedicated to features such as cross-play, cross-save, cross-progression, backwards compatibility, and cloud gaming, ensuring players can enjoy their games across various devices and platforms.

How does Xbox's strategy benefit both players and game developers?

Xbox's strategy benefits players by providing access to the biggest games, Game Pass, and player-first features. For developers, it offers a platform to reach a wide audience, support for creative endeavors, and the ability to launch games on multiple platforms and services.

What is the significance of Xbox's commitment to cross-play and cross-save features?

The commitment to cross-play and cross-save features allows Xbox to deliver on the promise of allowing players to play with their friends on different platforms and devices, and to maintain their game progress and saves across those platforms.