Following weeks of intense speculation and days after Phil Spencer finally broke his silence, Microsoft Gaming has confirmed that it will host a special episode of the Official Xbox Podcast on February 15 to discuss the future of Xbox.
The episode, featuring Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, Xbox President Sarah Bond, and Studio Head Matt Booty, will address recent rumors regarding potential changes to Xbox’s first-party game exclusivity strategy.
This announcement follows a flurry of reports suggesting that popular Xbox titles like Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, and even Bethesda games like Starfield and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle might be coming to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. While Microsoft hasn’t directly commented on these rumors, Spencer acknowledged them last week, prompting excitement and anticipation among fans.
Please join us for a special edition of the Official Xbox Podcast.
Hear from Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond and Matt Booty as they share updates on the Xbox business. pic.twitter.com/TxwWJVUbgx
— Xbox (@Xbox) February 12, 2024
The podcast format for this event is a noteworthy choice. Unlike the more traditional press conferences, podcasts offer a more informal and conversational setting, potentially fostering a more candid discussion about Xbox’s plans. However, this format also raises questions about the depth and detail of information that will be shared.
While specific details remain under wraps, the trio will likely address several key areas. Case in point, Xbox’s future, specifically, its approach to exclusivity. Will Microsoft continue to release certain first-party titles as exclusives? Are we going to see a shift towards multiplatform releases?
Beyond these, details regarding upcoming games and projects are highly anticipated. Fans are eager to learn more about the Shattered Space DLC for Starfield, Fable, and Perfect Dark, potentially including release dates and platform availability.
Finally, Microsoft has heavily invested in building an intricate gaming ecosystem, including Game Pass and xCloud. The discussion might shed light on how Microsoft will integrate these services into its plans and how they will evolve.
While many questions remain unanswered, the February 15 podcast episode promises to be a significant event.
With Phil Spencer at the helm, along with key leadership figures, fans are looking forward to a transparent and informative discussion about the future of their favorite platform.
It’s important to remember that this is just a first step. While the podcast may provide some clarity, it’s unlikely to reveal the full picture.
