Head of Xbox Phil Spencer appeared in an interview with CBNC recently to discuss all things Xbox. In addition to revealing more about plans for the Xbox Series X launch, Spencer also responded to a question about how fierce the competitive landscape is proving due to companies such as Apple and Facebook making waves in the industry:
"We're seeing the big tech players come in and see this gaming opportunity. We really think in order to achieve success, you need great content, a large gaming community, and more and more we're leveraging our cloud assets at Microsoft to deliver our products to people on the devices that they already have."
Spencer went on to suggest that Microsoft's recent announcement of nearly 90 million monthly active Xbox Live users is "really an important metric," indicating that the company's long history in gaming and established community proves crucial, and will continue to be a key asset in the future.
He also praised the content from first-party and third-party developers on Xbox platforms, and went on to discuss the importance of Project xCloud in more depth. We heard earlier this week that the cloud streaming system is coming to Xbox Game Pass later this year, and as previously revealed, Spencer indicated that "hundreds of thousands" of people are already taking part in the service, despite it only being available for preview members at present:
"And this cloud asset, which is something that we're really leveraging right now, the partnership between Xbox and Azure is very strong. We have hundreds of thousands of people even in our preview - we haven't even launched our cloud streaming in a general availability yet - but hundreds of thousands of people that are playing Xbox games with their community via Project xCloud."
"And as we look forward, I think the competition is going to be there just like you say, but I think our long history in gaming as Microsoft, building up this community and the large content base, along with our strength in Azure, makes us uniquely positioned."
How well do you think Xbox is positioned heading into the future? Let us know in the comments.
[source cnbc.com]
Comments 10
Yes, just by the size of them, and being a technology company at their core, you can see how well positioned they are. And it's completely different from last time, when they were also well positioned but Mattrick blew it all, Spencer has really done wonders for Xbox. And to be honest, he's in charge, so the difference in this time and last is down to him.
Cant wait to see how next gen plays out. But firstly, the game reveals. Exciting stuff
In Phil we trust
@Bmartin001
You stole my line! 😂
But, I agree.
They definitely do seem to be setting up for something special.
They've seemingly got the most powerful console again, they've got a fantastic offering in Game Pass, and if they can really nail the streaming side of things they've potentially got the likes of Stadia dominated there as well.
It seems to me like they're really setting up on all fronts this coming gen.
It's looking like even if people don't buy the new Xbox they can still join the platform, be it through an Xbox One, a PC, or streaming on their phone or a computer.
The final piece of the puzzle is of course the most important though - the games.
"...and more and more we're leveraging our cloud assets at Microsoft to deliver our products to people on the devices that they already have."
Forum warriors who keep chanting sales figures will never understand how behind the curve they are, until it's too late. 😂
@gingataisen Indeed, for some contrived reason exclusivity is incredibly important to some people!
They seem well positioned, and very aware of what's needed to hit the ground running next gen. Things look promising!!
Sony fans feel very different about the direction of the industry than investors and MS. Ironically, Sony is quietly taking MS' position on cloud gaming and will do so for games as a service...
@IronMan30
Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida said recently that going forward, console sales numbers were not an accurate measure of engagement. Where, I wonder, have we heard that before?
@gingataisen bingo. Sony acknowledges this, but its fans refuse to do so.
Even as a mainly Nintendo guy (that wants them to stay in the hardware biz), I accept that they will likely follow Sony and MS by offering their own games as a service (Xcloud w/Game Pass) eventually. Investors want it too badly for it not to happen.
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