Microsoft Gaming CEOPhil Spencerhas recently discussed the company’s recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, and the advent of other tech companies joining the gaming landscape. It’s been an eventful week for Microsoft following its acquisition of the company behindCall of DutyandOverwatch, as audiences remain skeptic about howXbox would be navigating its relationshipwith the developer, due to the current wave of controversy surrounding it.
But it hasn’t just been the recent acquisition that Spencer has had thoughts on, as plenty of other tech companies, namely Google, Amazon, Netflix, and Meta, are trying base themselves into the ever-growing landscape of gaming. Some, like Google with itscloud-based console Stadia, have had less than stellar success in spite of its push to be the dominant brand in the space of cloud-based gaming.
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In an interview with the Washington Post, Spencer spoke at length about his concerns with these competitors entering the gaming industry and the potential harm that could come from their presence. In the same interview, Spencer noted that this is different fromMicrosoft’s current competitors, Sony and Nintendo, simply because “they have a long history in video games.”
Spencer also recently tweeted that he has been in contact with Sony to ensure that their existing contracts and agreements regarding theCall of Dutyfranchise on PlayStation remained intact, stating that Xbox values its relationship with Sony, as it is an important part of the industry. This combined with Xbox’s long-standing relationship with Nintendo, such as when franchises likeMinecraftorBanjo Kazooieappear on Nintendo Switch.
It’s reassuring to know that Spencer has a broad view of the industry landscape, and has a clear vision for how Xbox can symbiotically exist with its current competitors, having faith that both Nintendo and Sony have the gaming industry’s best interests in mind. It’s also very telling how excited Spencer is to have awide variety of popular franchisesunder the Xbox umbrella that they wish to do work with, such asGuitar HeroandHexen.
While many players are more skeptical about how Microsoft will deal withthe current lawsuit against Activision Blizzardfor its working conditions and gender discrimination, it’s nevertheless exciting to know that Phil Spencer has an idea of how to incorporate the many new IPs into the Xbox family. It’s only a matter of time before many numerous brands see a resurgence, and how this new deal between the two companies will shape the industry going forward.
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