Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Believes The Future Of Xbox Is On “Every Device Possible”

When speaking to The Guardian, Xbox boss Phil Spencer explained why gaming will eventually be moving away from hardware, with the new focus being solely on players instead of devices.

“Our focus is on bringing console quality games that you see on TV or PC to any device," Spencer said.

Spencer also thinks having developers tethered to making games for a specific platform. The best way to reach as many players as possible is to let consumers play and stream games on any device they want, whether it's on a phone or a new Xbox console.

"I want to see the creators that I have relationships with reach all two billion people who play games, and not have to turn their studio into something that makes match-3 games rather than story-driven single player games," Spencer said. "Because that’s the only way to reach a bigger platform. That is our goal: to bring high-quality games to every device possible on the planet.”

Microsoft’s New Generation Console Is Codenamed Scarlet

During the Xbox E3 conference, Xbox boss Phil Spencer Thurrot is reporting that the codename for at least one of the console they are working on is codenamed Scarlet. This is a sign that not only is Microsoft looking toward the future of Xbox, but in a way that they are being open with people about a non-traditional upgrade system. Thoughts ?

discussed the future of Xbox. He said that the hardware team is working on consoles that will focus on power for new games and ways to play them. Now the site

Xbox’s Phil Spencer Doesn't Like Paying For Console-Exclusive Content

In an interview with GameSpot, Head of Xbox Phil Spencer says he's not too pleased by the practice of paying for console exclusive content.

"I don't love the idea or practice of us paying so other platforms can't play or use a certain gun in a game or do a certain level". "I know I say that and, Xbox history – DLC exclusivity windows with Call of Duty – I understand the fingers are pointing right back to Xbox. I can only be who I am. It's not the best PR answer. But I don't like that." Spencer also talked about Cuphead, which it saw as too good to pass up. "When there are games that come along, Cuphead is a good example, and the team had certain ambition about what they wanted to go do," he said. "And together with them we wanted to invest more. We saw more opportunity. And what that turned into was us having an exclusive game on our platform. That's a game that probably wouldn't have happened the way it did if we didn't invest the way we did." 

I find it amusing how Phil talks about not being a fan of this practice, yet Xbox is guilty of doing this over the years. From Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 until Advanced Warfare, DLC for those games were exclusive to Xbox for 30 days. For a more modern example, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds will be a console exclusive when it releases later in the year. This practice is unavoidable with video games if you want to be on top. But those are just my thought, what’s yours ?

Xbox One X Pre Orders Coming Soon According To Phil Spencer

According to head of Xbox Phil Spencer, It won't be long before Microsoft opens pre-orders for Xbox One X. "Our plan is set for this," Spencer said on Twitter when asked about when the console will be available to pre-order. "All approvals are done so now just landing the announce with all the info, won't be too much longer." Xbox One X launches on November 7 for $499 USD.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard Is An Xbox Play Anywhere Title

Phil Spencer (Head of Xbox) has confirmed that Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is joining the list of Xbox Play Anywhere titles, enabling users who purchase the digital version of the game on Xbox One or Windows 10 PC (through Microsoft) will be able to play it on the other platform. The program also syncs saves and other progress, as well as digitally purchased content between the 2 versions.

RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard confirmed for @Xbox Play Anywhere – buy once, play on both Xbox One & @Windows 10 PC. https://t.co/yhcwjEnjla

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 18, 2017

Microsoft Original Wanted To Sell 200 Million Xbox One Units

In an interview with Stevivor, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer explained how the company originally planned to sell through 200 million Xbox One units. “The goal that the team had was to figure out how could we sell 200 million game consoles,” says Spencer. “We’ve never seen a console sell that many units. The biggest individual console, the PS2, did 120 million or something like that.”Spencer went on to explain how the original idea of an all-in-one media system has been scaled back in some respects to refocus on being a gaming console. “When we came in after 2 1/2 years ago and started running the Xbox program,” continues Spencer, “I centered us back on not trying to become something other than a game console. You don’t earn the right to be relevant in other categories of usage for the console until you’ve earned the gaming right, so let’s go make sure that’s what we deliver.” Thoughts on the Xbox One ? 

Wheelchair Options For Avatars Are Coming To Xbox Live

Microsoft's Phil Spencer has revealed that Microsoft will soon launch wheelchair avatars for Xbox Live. Following a user tweet suggesting that "wheelchairs might be relatively simple" to do, and another suggesting a petition, Xbox head Phil responded by saying ”No petition needed, we hear you. This is something that we've already looked at, not far off." Xbox Director of Program Management Mike Ybarra then tweeted a "sneak peek" of 2 possible avatars. Good on you Phil Spencer, you continue to show that you truly care about video games and its communities. 

@XboxP3 @goldennike11 @SeamusBlackley Sneak peek... 😀 pic.twitter.com/szoTUGR6ef

— ♏️ike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) July 5, 2016

Windows 10 Coming To Xbox One After Summer

Microsoft's new operating system won't be getting a mid-year launch on Xbox One. In a post on Twitter, Xbox boss Phil Spencer replied to an inquisitive fan by confirming that Windows 10 won't be available on Xbox One until sometime after summer in the United States. As we know Windows 10 will be coming to PC first, followed by support for Xbox One, mobile devices, and HoloLens. The company has yet to announce a firm release date for PC, but its rumored to come out sometime in July. 

Windows 10 Could Have An Xbox App

If leaked screenshots are to be believe it would appear that Windows 10 will be getting an Xbox App. Reports show that the app acts as a gateway to the Xbox ecosystem, giving you access to achievements, friends lists, activity feeds, and the Xbox Marketplace. Nothing is confirmed at this time as this is all just a rumor. 

What Xbox Boss Thinks About Street Fighter 5’s Exclusivity

Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox has commented on Street Fighter V's PlayStation 4 and PC exclusivity. "Business deals happen. We won't do all of them. When we have a first party franchise in a genre I'd rather invest in ours.” Phil Spencer is referring to Killer instinct in his comment, which is Xbox’s exclusive fighting game.

Get A White Xbox One While You Still Can

If you're looking for a white Xbox One,  only available through the Sunset Overdrive bundle, you may want to buy the first one you see. Xbox boss Phil Spencer has said that Microsoft is not likely to replenish stock for the holiday shopping season. The Xbox One Sunset Overdrive bundle is proving hard to find, as it's sold out on Microsoft's website. It's also unavailable at retailers such as GameStop and Best Buy. Microsoft has not announced plans to sell white Xbox One systems outside of the Sunset Overdrive bundle. On the subject of white Xbox One controllers, Microsoft says it has no plans to offer these for purchase outside of the Sunset Overdrive bundle.

Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Is Committed To PC Gaming

Xbox boss, Phil Spencer, wants to show gamers how Microsoft being both the Windows company and the Xbox company can be great for all. He isn't talking about specifics yet, though he stresses that he's committed to PC gaming. "We definitely haven't told our full story about gaming on Windows," Spencer said during an episode of the Major Nelson Radio podcast. "I've said a couple times that as the head of Xbox inside of Microsoft, I'm also the head of gaming for Microsoft. I think about those two things in sync with one another" "And I definitely want gamers out there to feel like the fact that Microsoft is both the Windows company and the Xbox company is a good thing for them. We'll have more to say in 2015," he added. "I think it can be a real good thing for gamers, the fact that Microsoft has a strong gaming presence on a PC and on their television."

Screenshot Functionality Coming To Xbox One In 2015

Microsoft still wants to introducing Screenshot functionality to Xbox One, but the company isn't going to come out with this feature out until sometime in 2015. The ability to take screenshots on Xbox One was one of the features Microsoft engineers were working to deliver through a future update. One of the reasons why we haven't seen this feature yet is because it's "a little more technically challenging" said Xbox boss Phil Spencer. Compared to the PlayStation 4 which has allowed users to take and share screenshots since launch in November 2013. The Xbox One's lack of screenshot functionality has put a damper on some game’s and the ability for players to share there cools moments.

Custom Themes To Come On Xbox One

It looks like Microsoft is working on bringing custom themes, background photos and the ability to take in game screenshots to the Xbox one. Head of Xbox Phil Spencer had this to say on a podcast called Inner Circle. “I was told themes and background pics are something that we are working on and screenshots, you know people beat me up on screenshots. The team has done a great job with the monthly updates, some of the things are just a prioritization and are a time in development. But I know that people like to customize the look of their dash, I think both themes, backgrounds and screenshots are things I know people want so we are going to deliver on them. But we can’t give a when yet. We’ve been carefully listening to your feedback and look forward to delivering many of those features and more as part of our regular Xbox One system updates. We look forward to sharing more details in the future.” This feature could possibly come out in the next few months via a software update. 

Microsoft Buys Minecraft Maker Mojang For $2.5 Billion

Microsoft just announced in a press release that it has acquired Mojang, makers of Minecraft, in a $2.5 billion deal. Phil Spencer (Head of Xbox) talks about the acquisition in an Xbox Wire blog post, where he confirms that the official Minecraft convention, heres what he had to say. 

“Our relationship with Mojang began when we initially talked to the team about bringing Minecraft to the console. Minecraft quickly became the top online game on Xbox Live, with over two billion hours played on Xbox 360 in the last two years. That working relationship set the ground work for other opportunities. We’ve long seen the incredible potential of Minecraft.”

“At Microsoft, we believe in the power of content to unite people. Minecraft adds diversity to our game portfolio and helps us reach new gamers across multiple platforms. Gaming is the top activity across devices and we see great potential to continue to grow the Minecraft community and nurture the franchise. That is why we plan to continue to make Minecraft available across platforms including iOS, Android and PlayStation, in addition to Xbox and PC. “

“The Minecraft community is passionate and diverse, ranging across all ages and demographics. We respect the brand and independent spirit that has made Minecraft great, and we’ll carry on the tradition of innovation to move the franchise forward. Our investments in cloud, Xbox Live and mobile technology will enable players to benefit from richer and faster worlds, more powerful development tools, and more opportunities to connect with the Minecraft community.”

“We’re excited to confirm that MINECON will continue next year. We’ll look to create even more ways for the vibrant community of YouTuber’s, innovators, bloggers and players to connect with each other – both in person and online. We will have much more to share in the coming months.”

“The Minecraft team’s unique vision, creative energy and innovative mindset make them a perfect fit alongside our other global studios. Microsoft Studios includes 343 Industries, Turn 10 Studios, and Lionhead Studios just to name a few. These industry-leading game studios within Microsoft that have had great success with beloved games and massively popular franchises like Halo, Forza, and Fable. We’re excited to welcome Mojang to the Microsoft family and we are thrilled to support the success and longevity of Minecraft for years to come.”

Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Takes On Ice Bucket Challenge And Challenges Sony, Nintendo and Valve

Xbox Boss Phil Spencer took on the the Ice bucket challenge today as seen in video below. Spencer had challenged Valve boss Gabe Newell, PlayStation worldwide studios president Shuhei Yoshida, and Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime to do the challenge next. The Ice Bucket Challenge is a campaign to raise awareness and donate money toward research to find a cure for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.