After intense negotiations, Microsoft finally acquires Activision Blizzard in one of the largest transactions in entertainment history.
However, the company plans to expand further, including the possibility of launching stores like Steam and Epic Store on Xbox.
During the Game Developers Conference (GDC), in an interview with Polygon, Phil Spencer, leader of Microsoft Gaming, expressed his dissatisfaction with the closed ecosystem of consoles.
He hinted at the possibility of seeing PC platforms like Epic Games and Itch.io selling their games on Xbox.
Although Steam was not mentioned directly, it is important to highlight that it is currently the largest and most popular platform on computers.
When asked if he truly envisions a future where platforms like Epic Games and Itch.io sell their games on Xbox, Spencer responded in the affirmative.
He explained: "Consider our history as a Windows company. No one would be surprised if I said, 'Hey, when you're using a PC, you decide what kind of experience you want to have [in this case, he's referring to being able to buy games wherever you want]'. There is real value in this“, justified the executive.
Challenges in Subsidiarizing Xbox Consoles in 2024
Spencer criticizes the current console subsidy model, where players buy from official stores (such as the PS Store and Microsoft Store) to help cover production costs. He finds this business model largely challenging.
“Subsidizing hardware is more challenging in today's world“, said Spencer. “This may seem overly altruistic; I don't know if it's driving the growth of the industry. So I think, what are the barriers? What are the things that are creating friction in today's world for creators and players? And how can we contribute to opening up this model?“, he questioned.
The decision to bring Xbox exclusives to the PS5 and Nintendo Switch reinforces this position from the executive, who also cited Sea of Thieves as an example.
Spencer emphasizes that gamers shouldn't worry about the hardware they own, nor that of their friends. Instead, they should just focus on whether their friends have played or want to play Sea of Thieves.
“When I choose to play on a PC, I feel like I'm part of a seamless gaming ecosystem. Unlike on console, where my gaming experience is somewhat fragmented due to the different closed ecosystems I need to play in.“
Conclusion
In short, Phil Spencer's statements during the Game Developers Conference (GDC) demonstrate a clear desire to promote greater openness and accessibility in the gaming world.
Criticizing traditional hardware subsidy models and closed console ecosystems, Spencer highlights the importance of offering gamers a more unified and flexible experience.
His vision to enable PC platforms like Epic Games and Itch.io to sell games on Xbox, in addition to considering the availability of exclusive titles on other platforms, reflects a commitment to inclusion and expansion of gaming possibilities.
Not only could this transform the way gamers interact with consoles, but it could also drive innovation and growth in the gaming industry as a whole.
Spencer's message resonates as a call to evolution and adaptation, emphasizing the importance of putting players at the center of all decisions.
