As Xbox adapts to the evolving gaming industry, CEO Phil Spencer shares insights on past missteps and the "toughest calls" made over the years. Discover his candid remarks and updates on upcoming Xbox game releases.
Phil Spencer Discusses Xbox’s Biggest Franchise Missteps
Destiny and Guitar Hero: Xbox’s Missed Opportunities
At PAX West 2024’s "Story Time with Phil Spencer" interview, Xbox chief Phil Spencer reflected on pivotal games that shaped his tenure at Microsoft’s gaming division—and those he let slip away. Spencer candidly discussed passing on major franchises like Bungie’s Destiny and Harmonix’s Guitar Hero, decisions he now ranks among his career’s "toughest."
Spencer, who joined Xbox when Bungie was under Microsoft’s umbrella, shared his complex emotions about Destiny. "I worked closely with Bungie’s Alex Seropian and Jason Jones in Redmond, learning so much from them," he said. "Destiny stirs mixed feelings for me."
Spencer admitted Destiny didn’t initially resonate with him, only clicking after its House of Wolves expansion. Similarly, he recalled doubting Guitar Hero when Harmonix pitched it. "I’ve made some of the hardest game-choice calls," he confessed, reflecting on his initial skepticism.
Dune: Awakening Targets Xbox Release, Poses Challenges for Funcom
Despite past regrets, Spencer remains forward-looking. "I don’t dwell on what could’ve been," he said. "I focus on the opportunities ahead and stay optimistic about our work."
Xbox is now eyeing major franchises, including Dune: Awakening, an action RPG by Funcom based on the iconic Dune novel and film. Set for release on Xbox Series S, PC, and PS5, the Xbox version has proven tricky for developers.
At Gamescom 2024, Funcom’s chief product officer, Scott Junior, discussed these hurdles. "We’re prioritizing PC first due to optimization needs for Xbox," Junior explained. "The Xbox Series S is particularly challenging." Still, he reassured VG247 that the game will run smoothly even on older hardware, stating, "We’ll make it work!"
Enotria: The Last Song Hits Xbox Release Roadblock
Elsewhere, indie developer Jyamma Games’ Enotria: The Last Song has faced Xbox release delays just weeks before its planned September 19 debut. The studio noted Microsoft’s lack of response to their submission, despite the game being "ready for both Series S and X." CEO Jacky Greco voiced frustration over Xbox’s silence, which has stalled the game’s launch on the platform. Enotria will proceed with PlayStation 5 and PC releases, leaving the Xbox version in limbo.
"We know this disappoints Xbox fans," Jyamma Games stated on their website. "Despite our team’s hard work, unforeseen challenges have delayed the Xbox release."
As reported by Windows Central, Greco addressed the issue on Enotria’s Discord, stating, "Xbox hasn’t responded to us in two months. It feels like they don’t value Enotria or its fans." He added, "We’ve invested heavily in the Xbox port, but we can’t move forward with submission." Greco told Insider Gaming that a communication breakdown with Xbox, particularly around store page issues, has blocked the release. "We’re eager to launch on Xbox soon," the studio tweeted, "but their lack of response makes it tough."
