Xbox Does Not Want Consoles Going All Digital, Says Phil Spencer

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Avinash Jaisrani

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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Physical gaming has seemingly stood the test of time, while other forms of entertainment switched to a digital future years ago. However, recent events show that the same may be inevitable for the gaming industry.

Recent digital-only titles like Hellblade 2 and Alan Wake 2 signify small but meaningful steps toward such a future. However, Xbox seems uninterested in committing to a digital-only focus, with Phil Spencer stating that an all-digital future is not a key strategy for Microsoft.

Why it matters: The demand for digital media is on the rise, and Xbox is already a digital-centric platform due to Game Pass.

In a recent interview with Stephen Totilo, Phil Spencer finally addressed the elephant in the room.

Recent layoffs reportedly impacted a large part of Microsoft’s physical games department. However, the Head of Microsoft Gaming states that this was a consequence of the decision to align teams across various Xbox divisions.

Xbox did not eliminate the capability to produce more physical games. Furthermore, Phil Spencer signals that Microsoft will follow the current trends, heading where the demand takes it.

Getting rid of physical, that’s not a strategic thing for us.

-Phil Spencer

He also confirmed support for physical media but reiterated that future decisions would be made based on demand since Microsoft intends to follow the customer’s lead.

Phil Spencer acknowledged the difficulties associated with modern physical disc drives. Since disc drives have gone extinct apart from gaming consoles, companies like Sony and Microsoft have access to a limited number of suppliers for production.

This makes it an inherent challenge in the long run, but physical gaming seems safe for the time being.

In terms of a potential all-digital Xbox Series X refresh, Spencer refrained from saying much. However, he noted that the Series S already serves as an all-digital hardware release from Microsoft.

During the same interview, the Head of Microsoft Gaming reiterated plans to bring Call of Duty to Game Pass. This was already hinted at in a statement last week, signifying that this year’s annual title could come to the service on day one.

Featured Image Credit: Windows Central

Avinash Jaisrani

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