Phil Spencer discusses games and Xbox Scorpio with Podcast Unlocked

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Phil Spencer recently sat down with IGN’s Unlocked podcast and talked about everything from games to Project Scorpio. We’ve decided to include some highlights from the podcast here so take a look. The main points are as follows:

• Phil Spencer said that Netflix and other video streaming services have resulted in a lot of content that might not make it as a traditional film or show. He hopes that over time developers look at Xbox Game Pass and maybe release games—in an episodic format—specially for Xbox Game Pass. Spencer also hopes that an Xbox Game Pass-like feature comes to Windows 10 eventually.
• Spencer said that moving Microsoft’s E3 2017 briefing to Sunday was due to the fact that he wanted more coverage for the news and that he likes opening E3.
• Spencer hinted that Project Scorpio may be revealed early because they don’t have time to show everything at E3 2017.
• Spencer reconfirmed that Project Scorpio is ahead of schedule. The upcoming console also has a lot of interest from Japanese developers. Apart from that, Project Scorpio’s design will feel like a premium piece of hardware.
• Project Scorpio will make it easier for developers to target 1080p displays and it will be easier for developers in general to code for the device.
• Spencer wants virtual reality to be perfected on Windows 10 before Microsoft brings it to consoles so it doesn’t feel gimmicky and experimental.
• Spencer said he’s watching to see if there’s space for a Nintendo Switch-like portable Xbox console.
• Spencer said that getting rid of certain first-party studios and cancelling projects is getting back to the core of where first-party games stand. They’re now in a position to grow and create more studios which focus on mature and interesting projects. Spencer said that he was investing in first-party studios and games because they’re now in a position to do so because they got rid of projects that weren’t working for them. This frees up resources to invest in more meaningful games.
• Spencer said that Project Scorpio games show a demonstrable difference between them and any console people are playing right now, including PlayStation 4 Pro.
• Halo 5 engagement is going up even after all these years. Spencer realizes people wanted to play as Master Chief and 343 Industries is listening to the feedback. Hopefully they’ll implement these changes in Halo 6.

That’s about it for the podcast. There were the major topics Ryan and the team touched upon. I definitely found it very exciting and you should listen to it too.

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