In just a couple of weeks now, we’ll have the new generation consoles to play around with (at least, if you managed to get pre-orders in anyway). Microsoft will be launching two systems with unique tier-based approach in the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. However, as many may know, Microsoft has created a far more open approach to where they put their games in recent years, and that’s not changing anytime soon.
When speaking to Gamereactor, Xbox’s Phil Spencer talked about Microsoft first party support. When asked about continuing those titles on the PC, he said that the plan was to continue doing exactly what they’re doing and that now there’s a customer expectation for them to do so. Not only that, he also reaffirmed commitment to Steam, which Microsoft recently open up to for first party titles.
“There is this expectation from customers like there is now on PC, where people don’t really question—there might be some timing things, on when certain things happen—but if we are shipping a first-party game it’s coming to PC. If we are shipping a first-party game on PC it’s coming to Steam and our own store. Like we built an expectation from our customers.
“I feel good about the games that we are building, and I feel good about that on PC. You know if I rewind five years ago, I would say over and over, that we are committed to PC and then get a bunch of eye rolls, and rightfully so for we weren’t doing much. But I think now when you look at what our standing is on Steam and Game Pass on PC, we have shown that our commitment over time has paid off. PC customers may or may not love what we do, but they know that when we are shipping things, we’re gonna do our best effort on PC as well as on Xbox.”
While at one point Microsoft’s PC support was only to the Windows Store, but now their titles consistently release on Steam, and they have also talked about bringing xCloud to PC at some point as well. The company definitely seems they are on PC to stay.