Microsoft and Xbox have had a rough couple of days the last few days- mostly owing to the cancellation of the highly anticipated Xbox exclusive Scalebound from Platinum, and the ensuing fallout. However, speaking on Twitter, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer insisted that Xbox is still doing well in his eyes- people are happy with their consoles and playing games, which is what it comes down to in the end.
“Xbox is doing well, holiday was good, lots of people playing a lot of games which is what it’s all about,” he said. He also said that he strives for customer satisfaction with Xbox, and confidence in the brand- trying to win brownie points via PR wins isn’t necessarily his focus. “I’d add happiness with the product trumps all, confidence in brand is important. PR wins aren’t really my focus.”
I appreciate him taking the time to talk to fans even in the face of all negativity – too often developers just refuse to engage people in the face of backlash (remember Hello Games after No Man’s Sky released?) – and I hope he can announce projects soon that substantiate his statements, and restore sheen and confidence to the Xbox brand.