Game Pass and Cross-Platform Allow Xbox to Develop More Single-Player Games

After reiterating that Microsoft no longer wants to push players to abandon PlayStation and Switch because of the opening to multiplatform, Microsoft Gaming boss Phil Spencer reflects on Game Pass support and the end of Xbox exclusives as a driving force for developing 'traditional' non-GaaS video games.

The senior executive of Microsoft's video game division starts from the announcements of Xbox Developer Direct '25 to broaden the discussion to the entire family of green-cross subsidiaries and the opportunities offered, precisely, by Game Pass support and the revenue generated by the now ex-Xbox exclusives that are arriving in multiplatform with ever greater frequency.

"I love organizing events like our Dev Directs," Spencer begins in his speech before explaining that "they are showcases that show how important it is to support traditional single-player video games, that is, engaging interactive experiences that have a beginning, a development and a certain conclusion. On this point, I would like to point out that this is a decision that we made consciously, we felt that it was in that precise direction that the attention of the players was moving. And then, frankly, I do not want to see every single video game transform into a Game as a Service, not all stories can be told in that way and not all video games can support the business model proposed by GaaS".

For Phil Spencer, therefore, support for Xbox Game Pass and Microsoft's multi-platform strategy for the future of Xbox are consistent with the vision outlined by the Redmond company in the development of single-player video games and 'traditional' titles: "It's a strategy that allows us to consolidate our position, creates a solid foundation on which we can build what we want. I've always loved traditional video games and I really enjoy spending time with the guys from studios like Double Fine, Compulsion, Obsidian or Rare. We want to offer them the best opportunities to make their dreams come true and allow them to do a great job, also knowing that to create certain titles you don't necessarily have to set up teams of over 1,000 people".