Last night, during the Xbox business update blog and podcast, Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer, Xbox president Sarah Bond, and head of Xbox game studios Matt Booty discussed the state of play for Xbox. They teased new hardware, confirmed cross-platform rumors, but avoided chat about the Xbox mobile app store.
Fortunately, The Verge addressed the topic with Spencer after the event. Is Microsoft planning its own Xbox-branded alternative app store? According to Spencer, there are regulatory and building barriers to consider, but there is excitement for an alternative storefront on mobile devices that can offer better economics and benefits for both gamers and third-party developers.
Spencer also explained that Xbox Cloud Gaming proper won’t be coming to iOS anytime soon due to Apple’s insufficient proposal to open up the platform. He expressed Microsoft’s commitment to working with regulators, Apple, and Google to create a space for alternative storefronts to benefit consumers and creators.
The focus then shifted to the discussion of Xbox exclusives and the rumors of bringing Xbox games to other platforms. Spencer admitted that exclusive games are becoming a smaller part of the industry and emphasized the potential for big games to land on multiple platforms. Microsoft has confirmed four titles making the jump to other formats but did not reveal the names during the event.
Furthermore, Spencer clarified that these games would not include Starfield or Indiana Jones, but rather four titles that are over a year old and have been on Xbox for a while. He emphasized that Xbox Game Pass will only be available on Xbox. However, he affirmed that new Xbox “options” are set to arrive this holiday season.
Lastly, Spencer mentioned that he’s a big fan of handhelds, hinting at the possibility of an Xbox handheld device without any official announcement. He emphasized the importance of being a platform for creators aiming for a multi-platform presence, while Xbox’s hardware will continue to play existing game libraries or subscriptions and is expected by this Christmas.
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