Xbox CEO Phil Spencer is planning an update event next week where he will hopefully provide clarity after a week-long rumor fest. Rumors about first-party Xbox exclusives going multi-platform have been growing for some time but seem to have culminated this week leading to speculation about what Microsoft’s future plans are for its games. As if the rumor mill wasn’t churning out enough “could-be happening” hyperbole another surfaced this week suggesting that Intel could be throwing its name into the hat to be the APU provider for the next Xbox console. There’ve even been those speculating that Microsoft intends to abandon hardware manufacturing, which at least for now, seems almost unthinkable.
Multiplatform Rumors
It’s no secret that more Xbox games are expected to be released for other consoles such as the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch but lately, everything from Bethesda Game Studios’ blockbuster Starfield to the only just recently announced, and unreleased, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle have been said to in the works to become multiplatform titles. Other mentions include Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, and even Gears of War. While any of these might cross over it has led to confusion since previous statements about exclusivity status for some of these games have clearly said otherwise. To further add confusion most of these rumors are coming from credible industry insider sources. One such, Nate the Hate, who has a good track record for things regarding Xbox has recently attempted to shed some light on at least a few of the rumors going around.
People are making wild assumptions that EVERY game is going multiplat — which is not the case.
— NateTheHate2 (@NateTheHate2) February 6, 2024
Nor is MS going to exit the hardware industry.
The multiplat strategy is a slight shift in strategy, in which SOME titles go multiplat. MS will keep high profile games exclusive.
With all of these rumors, and perhaps even more, it makes sense that Xbox CEO Phil Spencer may have some damage control to do. Microsoft has after all invested billions into its Xbox console and games division with studio purchases, marketing, and ongoing game and hardware development so it likely has a long-term strategy for the brand. As such, Mr. Spencer announced a meeting for next week that will hopefully address these and perhaps other issues.
We're listening and we hear you. We've been planning a business update event for next week, where we look forward to sharing more details with you about our vision for the future of Xbox. Stay tuned.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) February 5, 2024