Xbox Has Made the \"Worst Decisions\" with Big Franchises Says Phil Spencer

Xbox CEO Phil Spencer reflects on past strategic missteps and acknowledges significant missed opportunities within the dynamic gaming industry. This article explores his candid comments regarding these decisions and offers insights into upcoming Xbox game releases.

Missed Opportunities: Destiny and Guitar Hero

During a PAX West 2024 interview, Spencer discussed key franchises that eluded Xbox, including Destiny and Guitar Hero. He openly admits these decisions rank among his career's "worst." While acknowledging his close relationship with Bungie during his early years at Xbox, he reveals that Destiny's initial concept didn't resonate with him until later. Similarly, he expresses initial skepticism towards Guitar Hero's potential.

Dune: Awakening Faces Xbox Release Challenges

Despite past setbacks, Spencer maintains a forward-looking perspective. Xbox is actively pursuing major franchises, including Dune: Awakening. However, Funcom, the developer, has encountered optimization challenges for the Xbox Series S release. Funcom's Chief Product Officer, Scott Junior, confirmed these challenges, stating PC will receive the initial release due to necessary optimizations before the Xbox launch. He assures players that the game will run smoothly even on older hardware.

Entoria: The Last Song Experiences Xbox Release Delays

Indie developer Jyamma Games' Entoria: The Last Song has faced significant delays on Xbox due to a lack of communication and response from Microsoft. The game, reportedly ready for release on both Series X and S, is launching on PlayStation 5 and PC, leaving the Xbox release uncertain. Jyamma Games CEO Jacky Greco expressed frustration over the situation, highlighting the lack of response from Xbox and the financial impact of the delays. The studio emphasizes their desire for an Xbox release but acknowledges the considerable hurdles presented by the lack of communication.