Xbox Boss Says He Doesn’t Want “Manipulative” Expansions

"I don't want it to be, like, the third level that you cut before you launched," says Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer.

Posted By | On 18th, Nov. 2024

starfield shattered space feature image

With Starfield: Shattered Space and Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, we’ve seen a couple of major first-party Microsoft games getting expansions this year, so clearly, adding to its games with sizeable post-release expansions is something the company isn’t against. But is it something that we can expect to see on a regular basis?

In an interview with Game File, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer touched on the topic, stating that developing post-launch expansions is by no means a “top-down mandate” for all first-party studios, and that above all, he doesn’t want expansions for games that feel “manipulative”, and instead add actual value to the larger experience.

“It’s really left to the creators [regarding] what plan they have for their stories,” he said. “I think it’s a great way for us to reengage players who may be lapsed.

“I don’t like expansions that are manipulative. I want it to have a unique point of view. I don’t want it to be, like, the third level that you cut before you launched.”

Spencer went on to add that every release continues to be a learning experience even now- like the aforementioned Shattered Space, which released earlier this year to divisive responses, with criticism being directed at its lack of new features. Interestingly, as per Spencer, those criticisms led director Todd Howard to wonder whether pairing the expansion with the release of buggies (which were added to the game for free earlier in the year) would have made it seem more substantial.

“But we’re always learning,” he said. “Todd and I were talking about Shattered Space. Starfield is a game I put a ton of hours into and really love, but they’ve had this thing where they’ve added features throughout the year and then they had an expansion.

“I think some of the feedback on the expansion is: ‘We wanted more features.’ And he’s like, ‘Well, should we have waited to put buggies out?'”

Ultimately, however, Spencer says that not every first-party Xbox title is necessarily going to do expansions.

“I think you’re trying to tune both development effort and the impact of the expansion. And I think there will always be a balance to managing the game month to month. But not every game will do expansions.”


Amazing Articles You Might Want To Check Out!

Share Your Thoughts Below  (Always follow our comments policy!)



Keep On Reading!

Dante’s Ring Announced by The Invincible Developer

Dante’s Ring Announced by The Invincible Developer

The disaster combat action-adventure RPG will enter early access "soon", with Starward Industries aiming for 2...

Nine Sols is Out Now on Consoles With New Boss Rematch Update

Nine Sols is Out Now on Consoles With New Boss Rematch Update

Battle Memories allows for fighting any previously defeated bosses again, though you'll need to finish the gam...

Can Grand Theft Auto 6’s Single Player Campaign Do Better Than Red Dead Redemption 2?

Can Grand Theft Auto 6’s Single Player Campaign Do Better Than Red Dead Redemption 2?

Red Dead Redemption 2 set the bar for story and realism in games sky high. Can Rockstar continually outdo them...

Rift of the NecroDancer Launches February 5th, 2025 for PC, Later on Nintendo Switch

Rift of the NecroDancer Launches February 5th, 2025 for PC, Later on Nintendo Switch

Developer Brace Yourself Games is taking more time to polish the rhythm title without "sacrificing our team's ...

Baldur’s Gate 3 Has Reportedly Sold Over 15 Million Units

Baldur’s Gate 3 Has Reportedly Sold Over 15 Million Units

Earlier this year, developer Larian Studios suggested the acclaimed RPG had sold well above 10 million units a...

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’s Post-Launch DLC Will be a “Narratively-Driven Unique Experience”

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’s Post-Launch DLC Will be a “Narratively-Driven Unique Experience”

The expansion will "fit in very good" with the main campaign, as per creative director Axel Torvenius, though ...