Microsoft has been making some rather interesting moves as of late – last year, it revealed that a number of Xbox One exclusives would be heading to Windows 10 on the PC as well. While it originally started by announcing Fable Legends for Windows 10 (featuring cross-platform support with Xbox One players), it followed up with Gears of War: Ultimate Edition and just recently, Comcept’s ReCore. Does that diminish the value of owning an Xbox One when you can simply purchase these games on PC?
Xbox division boss Phil Spencer answered a few queries regarding the same on Twitter. He first noted that with regards to ReCore going to PC, “We’ll continue to focus on Xbox One experience and bringing the Xbox experience to Win10. You can decide where you want to play.”
As for how this affects Xbox One sales with more exclusives going to PC, Spencer stated that, “Financials matter but it’s more about choice. XB1 is our best console exp. We want Win10 to be great for gamers as well.”
Will ReCore offer cross-buy support on PC with the Xbox One version, essentially allowing you to own the game on two platforms (much like some games on PS Vita/PS3 and PS4)? “We haven’t announced the model for ReCore yet, we’ll be sure to announce as we finalize the plans.”
In other news, Spencer also clarified the upcoming multiplayer beta for Crackdown 3. Arriving this Summer, Spencer promised that, “We will have more info coming. With the tech in Crackdown delivering MP/online is a big step.”
What about Xbox Arcade, which is a beloved memory for fans when it came to discovering some small yet awesome games? Interestingly, though smaller indie games are now handled by ID@Xbox, Spencer didn’t discount having a separate brand for them to fit under. “We partner w/ great ID@XBOX games to get smaller games. We don’t have umbrella brand like Arcade that we use, maybe we should.”
Remember when Microsoft’s Aaron Greenberg teased some surprises for E3 2016? Well good news! They’re most likely going to be revealed at E3 itself. “We have some launches coming but no big consumer event before E3 planned,” according to Spencer.
Spencer also clarified of “large” updates for the Xbox One. Do they only ever come after E3 2015? “Honestly rather not do big updates EOY. Highest usage, new games, challenging time to update platform/service. Team did good work.” This could indicate that if there’s ever an update equivalent to the New Xbox One Experience, it may not necessarily arrive near the end of the year.
@tac93700 We'll continue to focus on Xbox One experience and bringing the Xbox experience to Win10. You can decide where you want to play.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 4, 2016@woelfel @tac93700 We haven't announced the model for ReCore yet, we'll be sure to announce as we finalize the plans.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 4, 2016@hypershaters @aarongreenberg We will have more info coming. With the tech in Crackdown delivering MP/online is big step.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 4, 2016@SmallSoapDish We partner w/ great ID@XBOX games to get smaller games. We don't have umbrella brand like Arcade that we use, maybe we should
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 4, 2016@pengy_gamer We have some launches coming but no big consumer event before E3 planned.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 4, 2016@Ells144 Honestly rather not do big updates EOY. Highest usage, new games, challenging time to update platform/service. Team did good work.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 5, 2016