Phil Spencer, who leads Microsoft’s Gaming division, has been clear about his desire to move away from the traditional console model of exclusive digital stores. In an interview with Polygon, he discussed the potential for Xbox consoles to support alternative digital storefronts like the Epic Games Store or Itch.io. Although it was hypothetical, it shows the change in how Microsoft views competition.
Microsoft’s head, Spencer, thinks that letting console players use different stores would give them as many choices as PC players currently have. He doesn’t think the limited ecosystems of consoles is the future. By letting Xbox users access other stores, Microsoft wants to grow its customer base and renew interest in console gaming. In the end, you’re playing it on an Xbox anyway, so they all win.
Historically, companies that make game consoles have lowered the price of their hardware and made up for that lost money by taking a cut of game sales on their own online stores. However, this is getting harder to do. The cost of the parts that go into the consoles isn’t going down as fast as it used to. Also, the market for game consoles isn’t growing much, while the markets for PC and mobile games are still getting bigger. If anything, taking a cut from the storefronts seems like a smart idea.
“… [Consider] our history as the Windows company. Nobody would blink twice if I said, ‘Hey, when you’re using a PC, you get to decide the type of experience you have [by picking where to buy games]. There’s real value in that.”
Phil Spencer
According to Spencer, an open and inclusive approach might be the solution for revitalizing the console market. He highlights games such as Sea of Thieves as an example. The goal is to create a gaming ecosystem with less restrictive hardware choices, allowing all gamers to be part of the experience.
The move towards being more open has started, as Microsoft has intentionally started releasing games on other platforms. If Spencer’s ideas come true, different stores could have lower prices and a wider game selection for the Xbox. This shift could be good for gamers and the industry overall.
This is all hypothetical, as stated before, but it seems like Phil Spencer and Microsoft are willing to break traditional barriers in the gaming industry. This could significantly change the console market if it shows to be better for everyone involved.
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