Microsoft recently announced that they will be hosting an 'Xbox Business Update' in the form of a podcast. The announcement, featuring just the Xbox logo on a black background, has added to the speculation surrounding rumors that some of Microsoft's exclusives may be headed to Playstation and Nintendo Switch.
Scheduled for Thursday, February 15 at 3 PM ET, the podcast will feature Phil Spencer, Matt Booty, and Sarah Bond, providing updates on the Xbox business. While the nature of the podcast remains a mystery, the lack of flashy graphics and detailed teasers has created an unusual ambiance reminiscent of a funeral.
The absence of denials from Microsoft regarding the rumors suggests that there might be some truth to them. This has led to the anticipation that this announcement may indeed be about Xbox exclusives finding their way to other platforms. However, the specific titles, along with the timing and implications for Microsoft's exclusive policy going forward, remain unclear.
Interestingly, many were unaware of the existence of an official Xbox podcast prior to this announcement. It is important to note that this is not just an audio format; there will be a video component available on YouTube. This raises questions about what to expect from the podcast. Will it feature the executives discussing their plans with each other, or will they simply deliver rehearsed statements to the camera? Given the significance of the news, a casual, organic conversation seems unlikely.
One thing Xbox should avoid at all costs is further uncertainty. While it is anticipated that a few titles such as Sea of Thieves, Hi-Fi Rush, and now Pentiment will be announced as going multiplatform, Microsoft needs to provide clarity on their broader strategy. Saying things like 'we will decide on a case-by-case basis' would only contribute to doubts and speculation. Every future Xbox release would then be accompanied by the question, 'Will this game also be available on PlayStation next year?'
If this new policy only applies to 'smaller' games, the impact may not be as significant. However, if even one high-profile game, like Starfield, were to become available on another platform, it would raise concerns about the exclusivity of all future Xbox titles. This is especially relevant considering Microsoft's previous remarks in court about the exclusivity of certain IPs and the distinction between new and established franchises.
It remains to be seen if this podcast will provide the answers we seek. Given the complexity of the situation, immediate decisive answers may not be attainable. The success of Microsoft's handling of this announcement will determine whether they can navigate through this period with their reputation intact.
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