Xbox Rethinks Franchise Strategy, Aims for Improvement

Xbox CEO Phil Spencer reflects on past decisions, acknowledging missed opportunities and some "worst decisions" regarding major franchises. This article delves into his statements and provides updates on upcoming Xbox game releases.

Xbox Chief Reflects on Franchise Misses

Missed Opportunities: Destiny and Guitar Hero

At PAX West 2024, Phil Spencer discussed key moments in his Xbox career, including significant franchises that eluded Microsoft. He cited Bungie's Destiny and Harmonix's Guitar Hero as among the "worst" decisions, acknowledging his initial hesitation with both. While familiar with Bungie from his early days at Xbox, Destiny's initial appeal wasn't immediate, only resonating after the House of Wolves expansion. Similarly, Spencer admitted doubts about Guitar Hero's potential at its initial pitch.

Dune: Awakening Faces Xbox Release Challenges

Despite past setbacks, Spencer maintains a forward-looking approach. Microsoft is actively pursuing major franchises, including Funcom's Dune: Awakening, an action RPG slated for Xbox Series S, PC, and PS5. However, Funcom's Chief Product Officer, Scott Junior, noted challenges optimizing the game for Xbox Series S, leading to a PC-first release strategy. He reassured gamers that the game will perform well even on older hardware.

Enotria: The Last Song Encounters Xbox Release Delays

Indie developer Jyamma Games' Enotria: The Last Song experienced unexpected delays on Xbox, weeks before its planned September 19th launch. The studio reported a lack of response from Microsoft despite the game being prepared for both Xbox Series S and X. CEO Jacky Greco expressed frustration over the lack of communication, resulting in a PlayStation 5 and PC-only release for now, with the Xbox version's future uncertain. Greco publicly voiced concerns about Microsoft's lack of communication and responsiveness on the game's Discord server and in interviews, highlighting the significant financial investment already made in the Xbox port. The studio remains hopeful for a future Xbox release.