KeyXboxfigures have spoken more about future plans for the brand, describing a multiple-device ecosystem. Microsoft has recently been highlighting anext Xbox generationwith less focus on the console, following the underwhelming sales of the Xbox Series X/S and the success of Xbox Game Pass. While the gaming market has traditionally been dominated by hardware competition, Xbox has put an increasing focus on a versatile software platform.
In an interview withGamesRadar, Microsoft Gaming CEOPhil Spencer cites 28% growth in players using multiple devicesfor Xbox gaming each year. Speaking to his personal experience, VP of experiences and platforms Jason Beaumont called his console “one of a constellation of gaming devices”, emphasizing that Xbox is “really investing in refining the experience of playing your games across multiple devices.”
Xbox Is Focused On The Play Anywhere Concept
An Xbox Software Platform On Multiple Hardware Options
The newest comments echo a focus on Play Anywhere, an idea that emphasizes seamlessly playing the same games on everything from an Xbox Series X to a phone. With Play Anywhere support, key features like cross-progression are available on any device that supports the Xbox ecosystem. Head of Xbox Game Studios Craig Duncan explained toGamesRadarthat Microsoft’s data indicates “most console players use two or more devices,” and easing the complexity of doing so is core to the modern Xbox brand.
Xbox’s recent multi-platform initiatives have also broughtformer exclusives to platforms like PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Steam none of which support Play Anywhere features.Duncan describes this as part of a “strategy of reaching as many players as we can,“but the end goal is still making the official Xbox ecosystem the best option for playing these games. Some developers working with Xbox apparently agree, and Squanch Games CEO mentions that “Play Anywhere increases the number of gamers that will be able to play our games and partake in that experience.”
Xbox Play Anywhere Has Big Strengths & Weaknesses
The Perfect Fit For Some Players
The appeal of Play Anywhere as described by Xbox is hard to deny, especially now thatXbox is bringing a new handheldoption into the mix. At the same time,PlayStation and Nintendo’s continued focus on hardware retains some strengthsthat Xbox is abandoning. More robust support for physical releases can be reassuring, and exclusivity makes the value of buying into an ecosystem more obvious for those who don’t plan to play across multiple devices.
