Head of Xbox Phil Spencer appeared on CNBC yesterday to discuss the recent surge in demand for Xbox Live, and also gave an update on Xbox Series X plans. Responding to a question of whether the coronavirus pandemic had affected the system's launch schedule, Spencer began by stating the following:
"We're learning every day. I say over and over, the safety and security of our teams is the most important thing. Obviously creating safety for our customers online with our services is critically important. As you look specifically, it's an exciting year for us - we're launching an Xbox this year - that drives so much excitement on the teams and in the community."
Spencer went on to talk more specifically about the Xbox Series X hardware, suggesting that a Holiday 2020 release is still very much on the cards for the device. However, he also honestly admitted that game production could be affected, despite later claiming that he still feels good about it for the moment:
"Teams are doing a really good job on keeping our hardware on track. I'd say that the bigger unknown is probably the game production, just being honest. Game production is a large scale entertainment activity now, you have hundreds of people coming together, building assets, working through creative."
"On the hardware side we feel good about our plans - there's obviously some impact to schedules, but overall I think we're in line with where we thought we would be. On the game production side, we're learning every day. I still feel good about it, but I also need to make sure that the security and safety of the teams is the most important thing, and not unduly push when things just aren't ready."
What do you make of Phil Spencer's latest comments on the Xbox Series X? Let us know down below.
[source cnbc.com]
Comments 10
At least Series X will breath new life into legacy games. Even if the launch title selection is smaller due to COVID-19 (which will also impact PS5, I am sure), there will still be an entire back catalog to explore using the full power of the hardware.
Sure, one could argue against buying a new system to play old games, but I see value in supporting everything that came before because there is zero risk to upgrade - you will lose nothing and gain everything.
@GamingFan4Lyf Right? I'm actually not that bothered if some games get delayed. At least I can enjoy those legacy games on new hardware in the meantime.
At least he's being honest. However, I remain convinced neither console will launch this year. Depending on the state of the economy, a £500+ console might not even be wanted until next year
@GamingFan4Lyf I am looking forward to playing Gears 5 on Series X.
Oh well, gives me more time to work through my backlog then if games are delayed. Take your time, make the game as good as possible. I'll wait, I got other stuff, especially other games to play through still.
No shocker here about the games. Sony & 3rd party games have suffered the same fate.
Like others have said, I have a backlog the size of Texas.....so I’ll be fine. And the key is everyone to stay safe, so delays are 👍🏻 with me.
@Grot
I am the same. I need to get a 4k TV before I buy the Series X anyways. And money isn’t exactly flowing right now around the globe.
Phil is of the right mindset; get the games where they need to be, but not at the expense of the teams working on them. Looks like backwards compatibility is about to become even more essential. 😏
I don't think I'll be able to afford the new console on launch day, but anyway it would be better for everyone if games are released when they're ready, not rushed. Even if there's not a huge lineup, but there are some solid titles to make things start to heat up, backwards compatibility working fine and Game Pass on, it's gonna be all right.
What some people said in comments is true: many people will have to upgrade their TVs if they want to to fully enjoy the next generation. I'm against the grain here. I already have a 4K TV. Just don't think I'll be able to get the console LOL and facepalm
Not an issue for me, as I didn't have an xbox this generation, so there'll be plenty launch games for me available! Also, although I recently bought a 4K telly, I'd rather have 60fps games at 1080p.
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