Head of Xbox Phil Spencer recently shared some valuable insights about the future of Xbox and how acquisitions continue to play an integral role in the equation. During IGN’s Unlocked podcast, as transcribed by VGC, Phil Spencer talked about how the Xbox Game Studios team still has a long way to go when it comes to diversifying its first-party portfolio.
Phil Spencer says, “When I look at the portfolio, I still think there’s an opportunity for us with, I’d say more family-friendly content.” He further adds on by saying, “When I think about the geographic diversity of our first-party studios, I think there’s still work for us to do there.”
“And the number one thing that drives our platform is the strength of creators, whether it’s our first-party or third parties, and that’s just got to be a constant focus for us. And as everything is continuing to grow, as the business grows, as engagement grows, as subscribers grow, we’re going to continue to grow our first-party capability, its just kind of part of the mission that we’re on and I think you’ll continue to see that.”
Xbox currently has 23 first-party studios, thanks to the recent acquisition of Bethesda’s parent company ZeniMax Media. It’s arguably more diverse lineup when compared to its immediate competition (and especially what it used to be itself not that long ago), with quite a lot of developers, for instance, currently working on western RPGs such as Avowed, Fable, and The Outer Worlds 2.
It’s great to see Xbox not resting on its laurels just yet, instead working for further improvement. Of course, it remains to be seen how these projects will pan out, since many of these studios haven’t shipped anything since their acquisition.
During the interview, Phil Spencer also shared a lot of valuable information about how acquisitions of smaller studios help grow the industry. Read more on that through the link.