In the past few weeks, fans have been questioning the future of Microsoft's console gaming business due to a string of bad news hitting Xbox. First, Xbox hardware revenue dropped by 30%, followed by the CMA blocking Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Finally, players gave Redfall a lackluster reception.
Fans are now wondering when Microsoft will deliver a wave of triple-A games like during the Xbox 360 era, as 2022 has been relatively quiet for Xbox releases. However, Xbox chief Phil Spencer has made it clear that they're not trying to "out console" Sony or Nintendo, and their gaming strategy is focused on Xbox, PC, cloud, and mobile, not just consoles.
Spencer doesn't believe that building great games is enough to win in the console market anymore, as Microsoft lost ground during the Xbox One generation. Microsoft is focusing on Game Pass, xCloud, and the way they build their games. While the console is still the core of the Xbox brand, Microsoft is not relying solely on it.
Xbox fans are worried about some of the platform's biggest titles, given the underwhelming reception of Halo Infinite and Redfall. Microsoft's $7.5 billion investment in Bethesda to deliver great exclusive games for Xbox Game Pass adds to this concern. However, Spencer is hopeful that the upcoming Starfield will be a hit, and Microsoft has confirmed that it will showcase new gameplay during its Starfield Direct event on June 11th.
Fans are also wondering whether Starfield will have a 60fps mode on console, following the controversy surrounding Redfall's lack of such a mode. Spencer has promised that Xbox will clarify this summer whether Starfield will have a 60fps mode on console.
In conclusion, Xbox is facing challenges, but Phil Spencer and his team remain committed to delivering a great gaming experience across all platforms. While they're not trying to outdo Sony or Nintendo, they're focused on doing their own thing with Game Pass, xCloud, and great games. The spotlight is now on Starfield, which could be the game that gets Xbox back on track.
