Microsoft CEO talks about Xbox’s ecosystem and the impact of exclusive agreements with Sony on their console share

In an interview for Kinda Funny Xcast the head of Microsoft’s gaming division devoted himself not only bad co-op shooter Redfall by Arkane Studios. There was also the overall market situation and how Phil Spencer sees it.

It may surprise many that they it’s not about them beating Sony or Nintendo. They say that is not a win or a solution for them. Instead, Xbox is looking for a different path and wants to become a console that allows gamers to feel like members of a full-fledged ecosystem.

According to Spencer’s hints, the previous generation was a turning point because that’s when players started to build digital libraries that they didn’t want to leave. Up to 90 percent of console players were supposed to lock themselves into their ecosystem, which they will not leave. AND this important generation, the Xbox One lost to the PS4, and it still carries the consequences today. Plus, the competition is making deals and other things that affect Xbox. He must have meant exclusive agreements where Sony prevents certain games from being released on other consoles.

Gamers often advise Microsoft to start making great games and the situation will change. Spencer doesn’t think so. According to him not enough great games to drastically change console share. So even Starfield won’t make gamers sell their PlayStation 5 and buy an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S. That’s why Microsoft’s focus is on various games offered on multiple devices via Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Game Pass.

To succeed on this journey, Microsoft needs to do everything right, including games. The difference between Starfield and Redfall in Microsoft’s case is mainly that the space RPG was not that far along in development when the American company bought ZeniMax with Bethesda. This made it possible to direct a large group of people from Advanced Technology Groupto help with some technologies and she made sure that Starfield would be a quality experience. It can be assumed that the specialists know the Xbox hardware inside out and will provide adequate assistance to Todd Howard’s team.