Phil Spencer confirms cross-platform gaming is paramount for Microsoft
Microsoft has confirmed that two new Xbox consoles are in the pipeline. Thus, the big M had seemingly forgotten about Windows gaming in light of its new console Xbox consoles, which the company is expected to showcase in 2019.
However, Microsoft’s vice president of gaming, Mr. Spencer, insists that Windows gaming is a priority for the software giant.
Mr. Spencer has just discussed Windows gaming and Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Obsidian and inXile with PC Gamer.
When asked about the significance of PC gaming to Microsoft, Mr. Spencer replied:
Delivering great gaming experience to PC players is critically important to the future of Xbox and gaming at Microsoft.
He also added:
I know we’ve talked quite a bit over time about what we want to deliver for the player on PC, but at E3 this year, and throughout 2019, you’ll begin to see where we’ve been investing to deliver across Store, services, in Windows and in great games. It’s just the beginning.
Therefore, Mr. Spencer has pledged to enhance the MS Store for Windows gaming. User feedback has informed Microsoft that the MS Store’s UI is in need of a revamp as a storefront for Windows games.
Quite a few players have also stated that it takes too long to download games from the MS Store.
Mr. Spencer was reiterating what he stated at 2018’s XO18 event. There he stated:
Windows is something I’m very committed to, I’ve heard the feedback about our Store. I’m going to take a bigger leadership role on what’s going on with the Windows Store, make it really tailored to the gamers that we know want to see the best from what we have to offer.
So, Microsoft is at least promising a better MS Store for Windows gaming.
Microsoft’s recent acquisition of the Obsidian and inXile PC game developers further highlights the company’s commitment to Windows gaming, so long as those developers do not shift to producing Xbox games.
Mr. Spencer told PC Gamer that he does not expect either studios to shift their focus from Windows gaming. However, he also stated:
Obsidian, inXile and all our studios will have the resources to reach players on any device and we’ll support the decisions each studio makes regarding the platform and features that let them deliver the experience they want for gamers.
So far as game releases are concerned, Microsoft is due to release Age of Empires 4 for Windows. The software giant announced a new installment for a seemingly forgotten Age of Empires series in 2017.
Microsoft has not confirmed a release date for AoE 4, but the software giant might launch the game toward the end of 2019.
So, Mr. Spencer has made it clear that Microsoft has big plans for Windows gaming despite its upcoming Xbox console.
Players can expect quite few big Windows games in the next few years from the likes of Obsidian and inXile. Furthermore, Microsoft will revamp MS Store for PC gaming.
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