Xbox Has Made the \"Worst Decisions\" with Big Franchises Says Phil Spencer

Xbox CEO Phil Spencer Reflects on Past Mistakes and Future Plans

In a recent interview at PAX West 2024, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer openly discussed past decisions, admitting some were among the "worst" in his career. This candid reflection covered missed opportunities with major franchises, highlighting the impact on Xbox's gaming strategy.

Missed Opportunities: Destiny and Guitar Hero

Spencer revealed his regrets over passing on Bungie's Destiny and Harmonix's Guitar Hero. Despite his close relationship with Bungie during his early years at Xbox, Destiny's initial concept didn't resonate with him until later. Similarly, his initial skepticism towards Guitar Hero proved to be a costly oversight. He acknowledged these as significant missteps in his career.

Looking Forward: Dune: Awakening and Development Challenges

While acknowledging past mistakes, Spencer emphasized his forward-looking approach. Xbox is actively pursuing new partnerships and franchises, with Dune: Awakening being a prime example. However, Funcom, the developer, has faced challenges optimizing the game for Xbox Series S, leading to a PC-first release strategy. Funcom's Chief Product Officer, Scott Junior, confirmed that despite these challenges, the Xbox version will ultimately perform well, even on older hardware.

Indie Development Delays: Entoria: The Last Song

The indie title Entoria: The Last Song by Jyamma Games experienced significant delays on Xbox due to a lack of communication and responsiveness from Microsoft. The game, reportedly ready for release on both Series S and X, has been postponed indefinitely for the platform, leaving the Xbox community disappointed. Jyamma Games CEO Jacky Greco expressed frustration over the lack of communication and support from Microsoft.

In summary, Phil Spencer's reflections highlight the complexities of the gaming industry, showcasing both the successes and setbacks in Xbox's journey. While acknowledging past mistakes, the focus remains on securing future successes and delivering a strong gaming lineup for Xbox players.