It is no secret to any gamer that Xbox’s first-party lineup has seen better days. In light of Microsoft’s decisions, from shutting down studios and cancelling games such as Scalebound, to not expanding first-party IP portfolio, gamers haven’t been able to feel positive about Xbox’s offerings.
Microsoft’s Executive Vice President Phil Spencer wants you to know he hears you loud and clear. In an interview with Games Beat, Spencer talked about his role in driving the gaming business forward. “I’m not deaf to the meme out there regarding our content and our need to invest more.”, he said. “Definitely, we are at a point where we’re investing more and we’ll continue to do that.”
Spencer’s comment reaffirms Microsoft’s commitment to gaming and investment in first-party studios to increase software output.
There has been some big development in Xbox gaming business. The Redmond-based giant announced this week that its first-party game development will be headed by Matt Booty.
Booty, who previously led Minecraft studio under Microsoft, has been promoted to Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Studios, and will report directly to Phil Spencer. The new chief of Xbox studios will be overseeing Microsoft’s first-party operations and execute strategies laid forth by Spencer. The move is to streamline Microsoft’s game development efforts in a bid to up first-party investment and sketch a clear path for the future.
Currently, Microsoft owns only a handful of studios; The Coalition, 343 Industries, Turn 10, Rare, Mojang, that feel to have been assigned to release sequels on every alternate year. Investment in new IPs is critical for Microsoft if it hopes to match the exclusives output of Sony and Nintendo.
