If you feel that Xbox Series X can use some more exciting exclusive titles, you might be happy to hear that the head of the company agrees with you: Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, also believes that the company’s flagship console it could use a few more titles which helps differentiate it from the PS5 (and, to a lesser extent, the Nintendo Switch). However, he believes 2023 could be a bumper year for Xbox, with at least two major exclusives on the way.
Spencer discussed the Xbox release schedule at length on the same brain podcast (opens in new tab) as the partially transcribed VGC (opens in new tab). If you want to hear his in-person comments, you can fast-forward to the 20-minute mark during a section titled “The Future of Xbox”.
“One thing we’ve definitely heard loud and clear is that it’s been too long since we’ve shipped [a] great first party game, ”he said. “We may have our apologies about COVID and other things, but in the end, I know that people are investing in our platform and want to make great games.”
Spencer went on to clarify that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused delays in Microsoft’s production schedule, but by next year the company’s bookstore should be more or less on track.
Microsoft isn’t the only one with production problems
Spencer was quick to point out that despite some great Christmas games, like God of War: Ragnarok and Nintendo’s Switch range, the gaming industry in general doesn’t have all the high-budget releases we may be used to these days. of the year.
In particular, Spencer highlighted two great Xbox-exclusive titles due out in 2023: Starfield and Redfall, both courtesy of Bethesda. He also said the company will continue to invest in its PC and cloud gaming platforms. It is worth mentioning that with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, players will be able to stream these two titles, even if they don’t own a gaming PC or Xbox Series X / S.
The entire interview lasts around 45 minutes and is worth listening to for Xbox fans or people interested in the inner workings of the gaming industry in general. Topics range from Xbox Game Pass, to Call of Duty, to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, to how games help distant friends connect.
Meanwhile, if you have an Xbox Series X, the message seems clear: stay tuned for more exclusives next year, and if you want new games now, you’ll have to stick with cross-platform titles.