After a series of showcases, panels, and interviews for this year, Microsoft’s Xbox leadership has begun to shed light on its plans for the future.
Headed by Matt Booty, Xbox Game Studios has been working on a more consistent release schedule, aiming to achieve at least four first-party game releases per year.
This ambitious goal was brought up during a post-Xbox Games Showcase panel in Los Angeles, What’s Next for Gaming. In response to questions about the previous year’s gaps in Xbox’s lineup of first-party games, Matt Booty acknowledged the past deficiencies but expressed optimism for the future.
His positive sentiment came from a belief that a change was underway in Xbox’s approach to exclusive titles. Booty claims that 2024 would be a significant year for Xbox’s first-party games, with their release lineup ramping up.
The Xbox team is keenly aware that such an ambitious goal might face inevitable delays, but they’re committed towards a regular release schedule and leveraging their recent acquisitions. Each studio under Xbox Game Studios is actively engaged in various projects, aiming to establish a consistent routine.
Besides the drive to enhance their first-party titles, Xbox Game Studios recognizes the importance of their existing gaming communities. From Minecraft to Elder Scrolls Online, these communities have grown over the years, boasting over 150 million monthly active users. These numbers aren’t just impressive statistics; they are a testament to Xbox’s commitment to investing in new franchises, taking calculated risks, and creating a diverse lineup of games.
One of the key pillars of Xbox’s current success is Bethesda Game Studios. Their collaboration with Xbox has enabled the creation of ambitious games like Starfield, which is expected to become the most-played Bethesda Game Studios title ever.
Starfield, alongside the other much-anticipated titles like Forza Motorsport and unannounced projects, is a sign that Xbox is determined to revitalize its much-criticized first-party release schedule and lure new players into its ecosystem.
Phil Spencer, the CEO of Xbox, mentioned that these efforts have already made twice the revenue compared to the Xbox 360 era.
Reflecting on the recently-concluded Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft’s strategy is clear: they are betting big on next year. With titles like Avowed, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Xbox aims to replicate the commercial and critical successes of its past releases.
Their goal of consistently releasing first-party games each year signals an exciting time for Xbox players. But as the gaming industry knows all too well, meeting these ambitious goals is a significant challenge.
