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Xbox head Phil Spencer: Phantom Dust has settled until 2015
Resurrected Xbox One arena shooter Phantom Dust won't be appearing at the ongoing Gamescom conference, according to comments made by Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's Xbox division. Game Informer approached Spencer at Gamescom to ask about Phantom Dust but were met with vague possibilities. After noting that the game won't be appearing at Gamescom, Spencer likewise expressed doubts that Phantom Dust would be shown at this September's Tokyo Game Show. "I would bet [Phantom Dust] won't be [at] TGS," Spencer said. Game Informer speculates that the game will appear at E3 2015 based on "the schedule of events following [Tokyo Game Show]," indicating they don't expect it to surface at the next major industry event after TGS, the 2015 Game Developer's Conference in March. Whether Phantom Dust is next seen at GDC or E3, it seems unlikely that we'll see any more from the revived cult-classic until next year. [Image: Microsoft]
Pre-orders, pre-downloads for 'select' titles coming to Xbox One
The aggravating wait to play digital copies of high-profile games as soon as they launch is about to become a little easier on Xbox One: during Microsoft's Gamescom 2014 presentation, Xbox head Phil Spencer announced the incoming option to pre-order and pre-download games from a "select" range of titles, which will include Forza Horizon 2 and FIFA 15.
Phil Spencer: Consumers love Kinect, they'll still buy it
Microsoft's recent, unexpected decision to offer an Xbox One without a mandatory Kinect camera peripheral will not drive developers away from the device, according to Xbox head Phil Spencer. "A Kinect game relies on the successful Xbox One installed base," Spencer told GamesIndustry. "I need to, as the head of Xbox, make sure that we've got a platform and a product offering that millions of consumers will love, and I stay focused on that." "We see millions and millions of people using Kinect today. We've had over a billion voice commands used," Spencer added. "Consumers love the device; they love the experience. They'll buy it. They'll either buy it at launch when they buy their console, or they'll be able to buy it after the $399 console; they'll pick it up and add it on later. And we'll continue to make sure that experience is great." Despite Spencer's assurances, reactions from Kinect developers have been less than positive. Staff at Harmonix, developer of Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved, responded to the news with sarcastic glee, before officially stating, "As game makers, this platform change doesn't affect our strategy - it reinforces that we must continue to focus on building innovative, compelling and well-designed motion experiences to motivate consumers to buy our games."
Engadget Daily: an interview with Phil Spencer, Nintendo's new 'Zelda' game and more!
Today, we interview Xbox head Phil Spencer, get a quick preview of Nintendo's new open-world Zelda game, watch Honeywell take on Nest with its new Lyric thermostat and drop our jaws at a $1.6 million, 370-inch TV. Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
Microsoft working with Rare to determine what's next
Touring Rare's history is pretty great, considering the company's standouts include Perfect Dark, Conker's Bad Fur Day and Banjo-Kazooie. After Microsoft purchased Rare, the studio still had a traditionally-controlled highlight in the Viva Piñata series, but Rare's more recent focus has been on supporting the Kinect with the Kinect Sports games. Now that Microsoft has conceded their Xbox One pack-in strategy for the peripheral, questions have arisen concerning Rare's next step as a studio, some of which were addressed in a Total Xbox interview with Phil Spencer, head of Xbox. "They're in the process of evaluating what they want to do next, and we're working closely with them to see what their new project will be," Spencer said. "And I've also laughed when people have tried to use the word, what I 'force' them to do," he added, explaining that trying to force "independent-minded" studios like Rare to do something is "never a successful equation." We're well aware that games need to be profitable and that a studio's team changes with time. However, if Rare isn't being forced to support the Kinect and we get another rough Kinect Sports game instead of a new Viva Piñata, we'll join the ranks of the Sour troublemakers and start wrecking havoc in the nearest garden. [Image: Rare]
ESO and other MMOs still behind Microsoft's console paywall
Microsoft announced yesterday that its Xbox Live Gold subscription will no longer be required in order to use Netflix, HBO Go, and other entertainment apps. The company's new-found generosity doesn't apply to free-to-play games and MMOs including The Elder Scrolls Online, though. Microsoft's Phil Spencer told Joystiq that "engineering constraints, policy constraints, and partner constraints" are to blame, though Bethesda has previously expressed its dissatisfaction with the arrangement. ZeniMax recently announced that ESO's console release has been delayed by six months.
Elder Scrolls Online, free-to-play games still require Xbox Live Gold
One of Microsoft's big announcements today was the restructuring of Xbox Live Gold; the company will now allow Xbox 360 and Xbox One owners to use entertainment apps like Netflix and HBO Go without requiring a paid Xbox Live subscription. As Microsoft's Phil Spencer clarified to Joystiq today, the latest in a series of "Xbox One-80s" doesn't apply to free-to-play and subscription-based online games. "Right now we haven't changed the policy on MMOs and free-to-play games," Spencer said. While not getting into specifics, he noted that with some games there are "engineering constraints, policy constraints and partner constraints in each one of these scenarios," so the decision to keep games behind the Xbox Live paywall reportedly doesn't rest solely in Microsoft's hands. Bethesda's latest MMORPG, The Elder Scrolls Online, will still require a Gold subscription on top of the developer's own monthly fees. For the time being, at least; Microsoft has "about six months" to consider changing its policies, as the game was recently delayed for consoles. The developer was in talks with Microsoft back in August to cut the extra fees for The Elder Scrolls Online, which won't be enforced by Sony via PlayStation Plus for PS4.
Weekends with Engadget: GS5 and Fire TV reviews, Sony's Yoshida on VR, and more!
Welcome to Weekends with Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines from the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. For even more action, subscribe to our Flipboard magazine!
Get to know the Phil Spencer Xbox wants you to know
Phil Spencer is the new head of Xbox, and as he said multiple times last month, he's all about the games. But what does that mean? Where did Phil "Gaming" Spencer get his start at Microsoft? What's his favorite game? Gamer game gaming. Games? Games. Xbox spokesman Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb recently gamed spoke with Spencer about his new position, giving us all a little more insight into the man now running Xbox. You can watch the interview above. In the interview, Hryb asks Spencer to recollect his history with Microsoft and asks why he's stuck around with the company for so long. Spencer says it's because he believes in the people there and their enthusiasm. Hryb also asks Spencer to choose his favorite game that he worked on. We'll give you a couple guesses to see if you can figure it out. Nope. Sorry, not that either. Give up? Voodoo Vince. "You think about all that I've worked on: I've worked on Halos, I've worked on Gears of War, I've worked on Forzas, games that are just amazing, fantastic games," Spencer told Hryb. "But to me, it's really about the memories that are created and the fun that you have when you play games. And I'll always remember Voodoo Vince and finishing it with my daughters." Games. [Image: Microsoft]
Joystiq Weekly: Amazon Fire TV, Reaper of Souls review, Mario Kart 8 video preview and more
Welcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet. With this week's announcement and release of the gaming-capable Amazon Fire TV, we're starting to think we'll need a spreadhseet to keep track of all the gaming platforms that aren't from Sony, Nintendo or Microsoft. Want to check Instagram after a round of Super Hexagon on your TV? Okay, there's Mad Catz's MOJO for that. Want something a little beefier that you can take on the go? Alright, Nvidia's Shield might be your thing. Spreadsheets are boring though - maybe a mock Pokedex would work better? Come on, it'd be fun! We could assign attributes, treat future improvements as evolutions and pit them against each other in battles! There could a category for dual-type devices like the Ouya, a console that's both its own thing and associated with a storefront on other platforms. We'd even have ghost-type entries, for efforts that have returned from the grave. We'll let this idea stew for a bit longer, but you can read this week's bulletpoints of news, previews and original content right now! Amy Hennig is now serving as creative director of a Star Wars game, Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls has been properly reviewed and we've got glimpses of Mario Kart 8 and Soma to share, too. It's all waiting for you with more stories after the break!
Daily Roundup: interview with Xbox's Phil Spencer, Google's Pokémon Challenge and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Spencer: 'They're putting a gaming person at the head' of Xbox
Phil Spencer is the new head of Xbox, which now includes the Xbox, Xbox Live, Xbox Music, Xbox Video and Microsoft Studios teams. He's been with Microsoft for 25 years, starting as a programmer, but his focus has always been on Xbox, he tells Joystiq in a phone interview. "What I think Xbox is about, is those core gaming fans that are out there, and franchises they know and love, and creating new franchises that they'll fall in love with in the future," Spencer says. He describes his approach to Xbox as all about the games: "They're putting a gaming person at the head of the division in me, as the head of Xbox. The Xbox brand has always been a gaming brand. People with their consoles use the entertainment offerings of the console every day – something that we will focus on. But I definitely come to this platform with a gaming focus, and I want to make sure that's what your readers hear, and they understand that Xbox is a gaming brand." By reputation, Spencer is a little more Gears of War, while his predecessor, Marc Whitten, was a little more Angry Birds. Spencer laughs at this comparison. "Is it better to be Angry Birds or Gears of War?" Spencer says he has relationships with companies across the gaming spectrum, calling out third parties such as EA and Activision, games such as Angry Birds and Clash of Clans, and studios in the ID@Xbox program. The new, all-encompassing Xbox division will support creators, he says. "Bringing the teams closer together creates that tight feedback loop between platform and content that I think can create unique assets for us as we think about continuing to push the Xbox creative platform forward for all the people out there," Spencer says.
Phil Spencer is the new head of Xbox
Phil Spencer, former VP of Microsoft Studios, is now head of Microsoft's Xbox division, overseeing Xbox, Xbox Live and Microsoft Studios teams. Spencer reports to Software EVP Terry Myerson. "In this new job, Phil will lead the Xbox, Xbox Live, Xbox Music and Xbox Video teams, and Microsoft Studios," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella writes in an email to employees. "Combining all our software, gaming and content assets across the Xbox team under a single leader and aligning with the OSG team will help ensure we continue to do great work across the Xbox business, and bring more of the magic of Xbox to all form factors, including tablets, PCs and phones." In February, Microsoft appointed former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop as the head of its Devices and Services division, which included Xbox. Elop is now officially EVP, Microsoft Devices Group, reporting directly to Nadella. Former Xbox Chief Product Officer Marc Whitten left Microsoft in mid-March for a similar gig with Sonos, a home audio company.
Microsoft praises Valve, vows 'renewed focus' on PC games
With the dust of the Xbox One launch having settled, Microsoft corporate vice president Phil Spencer is ready to turn the company's attention toward the future of PC gaming. During a recent roundtable discussion at GDC, Spencer was asked his thoughts on Valve Software, and more specifically, the upcoming Steam machine platform. "[Valve has] been the backbone for PC gaming for the last decade when you think about the work that they've done," Spencer replied. "As the Windows company I appreciate what they've done," he added. "In a lot of ways they've focused more on PC gaming than we have, and for me that's something inside the company that we'll have a renewed focus on - Windows and PC gaming inside of Microsoft is definitely happening - you saw the DX12 demos here and you will see more from us over the summer." Spencer failed to specify when we could expect to see more from Microsoft, though he later suggested the company is preparing for a big showing at this year's E3 conference. [Image: Microsoft]
Microsoft's Phil Spencer responds to Games with Gold concerns
Microsoft's Phil Spencer is getting more involved with what franchises feature in Games with Gold, but the Xbox executive downplayed comparisons with Sony's PlayStation Plus service. Polygon reports that at his SXSW panel, Spencer reiterated there's no restraint over playing games given away by the Xbox service when a Gold subscription ends. Responding to feedback that Games with Gold offerings are often older than Plus games, Spencer told the SXSW audience, "One of our issues with Games with Gold - not 'issues,' but differences between the other system we get compared to, is the fact that with Games with Gold, you get to keep that game, regardless of whether you continue to subscribe. "And the business around Games with Gold, for us, is just fundamentally different from some of the other programs that are out there, which does put a different financial picture on a - you're gonna go buy a game that's brand new, the cost of putting that in, just to be kind of blunt about it." Microsoft launched Games with Gold last summer to provide Gold subscribers with two free Xbox 360 games each month, and the program is due on Xbox One sometime this year. However, users have drawn inevitable comparisons to greater number of games offered on Plus, and how they're often fairly new releases such as Tomb Raider on PS3 this month. "That said," Spencer continued, "I have been sitting down monthly now with that team - some of the earlier months were already programmed - and playing a more active role in picking franchises that show up in Games with Gold, and I think you'll see at least something that feels, at least, more true to what I think Games with Gold should look like with the constraints that are there." [Image: Microsoft]
Microsoft considered disc-less Xbox One
Following the Xbox One's showing at E3, Microsoft considered eliminating the optical disc drive from the console entirely. "Obviously, after the announcement and E3, there was some feedback about what people wanted to change," Microsoft Studios boss Phil Spencer explained to OXM. "There was a real discussion about whether we should have an optical disc drive in Xbox One or if we could get away with a purely disc-less console, but when you start looking at bandwidth and game size, it does create issues." Spencer elaborated to OXM that Microsoft ultimately decided on adding the Blu-ray drive and giving "the people an easy way to install a lot of content. From some of those original thoughts, you saw a lot of us really focusing on the digital ecosystem you see on other devices - thinking of and building around that." When the Xbox One was first announced, Microsoft envisioned an all-digital, DRM-tuned console, though Microsoft would shortly after change its DRM policies following blowback from the community. Microsoft Senior Director of Product Management Albert Penello has said that folks weren't ready for an all-digital console. "We may have been right. What we were wrong about was that it's just too soon. People just weren't ready to make that leap right away."
Microsoft partners with Japanese developers, games to be announced in 2014
Microsoft has signed on some Japanese development teams to bolster the Xbox One's presence in that region, Microsoft Studios Corporate VP Phil Spencer told Kotaku. Spencer said the as-yet-unannounced games will be revealed in 2014, and that they will be "full Japanese games" as opposed to downloadable ones. Spencer also discussed the hardware manufacturer's relationship with Panzer Dragoon creator Yukio Futatsugi, who recently launched Crimson Dragon on Xbox One. Microsoft is currently "talking to him about what we might want to do next with him," and that "there's some interest out there in some older [intellectual property]." Spencer specifically noted that Phantom Dust, Futatsugi's original Xbox cult classic, has been discussed as a property that could potentially be rebooted. Futatsugi told Joystiq in June at E3 that he would like to make a Crimson Dragon RPG. Spencer added that he expects an increase in Japanese indie developer interest in Xbox One. "We kicked off our independent developer program when were at Tokyo Game Show and saw some top talent walk through the door, so I think you'll see some indies too... I'm committed to the development there."
Spencer: Microsoft focused on core games for PC
Microsoft Studios vice president Phil Spencer reaffirmed the company's commitment to PC gaming in a recent chat with Shacknews, revealing that the company has several core gamer-focused first party projects in the works for Windows. "We probably have more individual projects on Windows than we've had in ten years at Microsoft Studios," Spencer said. "At the launch of Windows 8, we had about 30 games in the Windows Store. A lot of those you'd consider lightweight or casual games... But we've covered all of that property now. Now we're starting to look at bigger and core gamer things. I'm excited by that." While Microsoft is currently focusing on its upcoming console launch, notable Xbox One projects like Titanfall and Project Spark are also slated for a PC release. Spencer notes that cross-platform interactivity and content-sharing will be a key component of Microsoft's strategy going forward. "For us, we're first-party across all Microsoft devices," Spencer explained. "We definitely think about ourselves that way in our studios. If you think about a service like Spotify or Netflix, you expect that service to work on any device you have. For some games, it will be similar. I just want to have an Xbox Live account and it works on my phone, on my console, and my Windows machine. And then I'll be able to access my content in a screen-appropriate way."
Spencer: Xbox One, PC cross-platform play 'makes a lot of sense'
Microsoft Studios VP Phil Spencer thinks cross-platform play between Xbox One and PC "makes a lot of sense." In an interview with AusGamers, Spencer said a "connected ecosystem" across a wide range of devices is where he sees "the future of gaming." "I'm not allowed to leak things," Spencer told AusGamers. "But I think what you're talking about makes a lot of sense." Spencer pointed to Shadowrun, a cross-platform multiplayer game that launched on the Xbox 360 and PC in 2007, as something that Microsoft "learnt a lot from" despite its inability to find financial success. "This connected ecosystem across all the different devices is definitely where I think the future of gaming is going," Spencer elaborated, bringing up multi-platform game Skulls of the Shogun and the Halo 4 rewards players can earn by playing Halo: Spartan Assault as prime examples. "You don't have to do it as a developer, but you have the capability and I think a system like Xbox Live across all those screens where you know who someone is and who their friends are, what their Achievements are and their progression is really critical to that." The Xbox One launches in 13 different markets on November 22. The console includes an improved Kinect, headset for voice chat, HDMI cable and a redesigned controller. All who pre-order the special Day One bundle in Europe, available for the same price, will net a free copy of FIFA 14 or Forza Motorsport 5.
Microsoft 'expanding' sports broadcasts on Xbox One
Microsoft is hoping to offer more sports programming on Xbox One. Speaking to Bloomberg, Phil Spencer, Corporate VP of Microsoft Studios, said Microsoft believes "sports is a very interesting category globally" and that the company will be "expanding what we do in sports to bring more international sports into the mix." In May, Microsoft announced a new partnership with the NFL that would see live broadcasts on Xbox One. Earlier this month, ESPN announced it too would present live content on Xbox One. This is all part of an overall more concentrated effort to present more programming on Xbox One beyond the console's ability to be a TV middle man. In addition to its agreement with the NFL, Microsoft has also created a specific Entertainment division that is currently working on the Halo TV show. Former CBS executive Nancy Tellem is heading up Entertainment and original programming on Xbox One.
