Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Stream Xbox One games to any Windows 10 device later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/stream-xbox-one-games-to-windows-10-pcs-and-tablets-later-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/stream-xbox-one-games-to-windows-10-pcs-and-tablets-later-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/stream-xbox-one-games-to-windows-10-pcs-and-tablets-later-this/#comments Microsoft has announced that Xbox One owners will soon be able to stream their library of games to any Windows 10 device, later this year.

"With Windows 10 we will enable streaming of Xbox One games to any PC or tablet running Windows 10, later this year," Xbox boss Phil Spencer said during a Windows 10 showcase event today. As part of his gaming-focused announcements for the operating system, Spencer showcased streaming by playing Forza Horizon 2 on a Surface Pro 3.

"We will treat Xbox gaming on Windows 10 with as much passion" as on the console, he added. As part of a set of gaming announcements for Microsoft's upcoming operating system refresh, Spencer also announced Fable Legends would launch on PC and allow for cross-play (either co-operatively or competitively) between the Xbox One.

JoystiqStream Xbox One games to any Windows 10 device later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcPhil-SpencerWindows-10Windows-10-Eventxbox-oneWed, 21 Jan 2015 13:34:00 EST<![CDATA[More news on Xbox One's Windows 10 update arrives in January]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/more-news-on-xbox-ones-windows-10-update-arrives-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/more-news-on-xbox-ones-windows-10-update-arrives-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/more-news-on-xbox-ones-windows-10-update-arrives-in-january/#comments In September, Microsoft revealed that core components of the Windows 10 operating system would be added to the Xbox One in a 2015 update, though scant further information was available. According to Xbox division head Phil Spencer, all the crucial details are coming in January.

The goal of this cross-platform integration is user convenience. By including features of the Windows 10 operating system in the Xbox One, Microsoft makes things much easier for developers looking to port their games from one device to another, say from the PC to the Xbox One, or from the Xbox One to a Windows Phone device. In a world where people can easily own half a dozen gaming devices, this is a very attractive feature, especially to smaller developers who lack massive budgets.

Spencer will appear at a Microsoft event at the computing giant's Redmond, Washington campus on January 21 to lay out his course of action. If you can't make it to the Pacific Northwest, you'll be able to watch a live stream of the event. Details on when and where you'll find that stream are reportedly coming soon.
[Image: Microsoft]

JoystiqMore news on Xbox One's Windows 10 update arrives in January originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcphil-spencerwindows-10windows-10-on-xbox-onexbox-oneFri, 12 Dec 2014 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox One's screenshot feature won't arrive until next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/xbox-ones-screenshot-feature-wont-arrive-until-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/xbox-ones-screenshot-feature-wont-arrive-until-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/xbox-ones-screenshot-feature-wont-arrive-until-next-year/#comments The Xbox One's screenshot-making feature won't be added to the system's feature set until next year. Xbox head Phil Spencer explained to IGN that as the company comes "back into the new year, we'll see new stuff, and screenshots is on the list." The news follows Spencer's promise a few weeks ago that the company would deliver on oft-requested features such as screenshot creation and background themes for the Xbox One's dashboard. Those custom backgrounds will be part of the system's November update.

"In December, it's probably a time for us to pause for a little bit and settle just as all the new consoles are coming online," Spencer said, indicating a small break in the action for the console's development team. He also noted that screenshot creation for Xbox One is "a little more technically challenging than I thought," but that the team found a "good solution" two weeks ago. "They're working on it. They know people want it. The team has a path to getting it done, and now it's just prioritizing," he added.
[Image: Microsoft]

JoystiqXbox One's screenshot feature won't arrive until next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesmicrosoftPhil-Spencerscreenshotssystem-updatexbox-oneThu, 23 Oct 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 2: Anniversary getting a making-of documentary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/19/halo-2-anniversary-getting-a-making-of-documentary/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/19/halo-2-anniversary-getting-a-making-of-documentary/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/19/halo-2-anniversary-getting-a-making-of-documentary/#comments

In an upcoming documentary that's bound to make the wait for Halo: The Master Chief Collection's November 11 launch more painful, fans will get a peek at what went into tackling the compilation's most-anticipated piece. 343 Industries has released the above teaser for Remaking the Legend - Halo 2 Anniversary, which appears to be a reflection on Halo 2's initial significance as well as the work involved in bringing it to Xbox One.

Head of Xbox Phil Spencer, Xbox spokesperson Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb and 343 Studio Head Bonnie Ross are among the figures featured in the trailer, which signs off by promising the full work is coming soon.
[Image: 343 Industries]

JoystiqHalo 2: Anniversary getting a making-of documentary originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Oct 2014 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesbonnie-rossdocumentaryhalo-2halo-the-master-chief-collectionmajor-nelsonmicrosoftphil-spencerremaking-the-legend-halo-2-anniversaryxboxxbox-oneSun, 19 Oct 2014 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox head Phil Spencer defends ID@Xbox parity clause]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/11/xbox-head-phil-spencer-defends-id-xbox-parity-clause/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/11/xbox-head-phil-spencer-defends-id-xbox-parity-clause/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/11/xbox-head-phil-spencer-defends-id-xbox-parity-clause/#comments The ID@Xbox parity clause that requires indie games to launch on Xbox One at the same time as on other platforms (unless they already have an exclusivity deal and, we imagine, a bunch of other legal red tape) is meant to make each Xbox One owner feel like a "first-class citizen," according to Phil Spencer, head of Xbox.

"I look at all the people who buy an Xbox, and they invest their time and their money in Xbox One, and, as millions of people obviously own Xbox Ones, I want them to feel like they're first-class, because they are," Spencer said earlier this week on The Inner Circle, an Xbox-oriented podcast.

"I don't want somebody to come in and just think, 'I'm going to go do a special game on one platform and then I'll get to Xbox whenever I get to it,' because I don't think that's right," Spencer continued. "But I also get that, hey, for some guys, they just can't afford the time to get both done, so we've just entered into conversations with people as they're launching, and I feel pretty good about the plan."

Despite the positive sentiment shared, Spencer's statements on the podcast sparked a reaction thread on NeoGAF, which was generally unimpressed. When the thread was brought to his attention via Twitter, Spencer responded, "I see the feedback on my stance on the clause, I want to rethink how we approach this, responses are heard."

JoystiqXbox head Phil Spencer defends ID@Xbox parity clause originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Oct 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>id-at-xboxindiemicrosoftparity-clausephil-spencerxboxxbox-oneSat, 11 Oct 2014 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spencer: Screenshots, themes and more coming to Xbox One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/spencer-screenshots-themes-and-more-coming-to-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/spencer-screenshots-themes-and-more-coming-to-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/spencer-screenshots-themes-and-more-coming-to-xbox-one/#comments
Xbox boss Phil Spencer has announced that dashboard customization options such as themes and background images will arrive on Xbox One in the future. Spencer also confirmed the ability to take screenshots, something he says people "beat us up" about, will come in future updates.

"We're going to deliver on them. I can't give you a when yet, but people should know they are coming," Spencer told The Inner Circle Podcast, available in the video above at 37m 3sec.

JoystiqSpencer: Screenshots, themes and more coming to Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftPhil-Spencerxbox-dashboardxbox-oneWed, 08 Oct 2014 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox chief: Minecraft will continue on PlayStation, mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/15/xbox-chief-minecraft-will-continue-on-playstation-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/15/xbox-chief-minecraft-will-continue-on-playstation-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/15/xbox-chief-minecraft-will-continue-on-playstation-mobile/#comments
When word spread last week that Microsoft was considering a purchase of Mojang and its gaming titan Minecraft, fans were concerned about the game's future. Would Minecraft become an Xbox exclusive? Would it be locked to Windows Phones going forward? In a video discussing the acquisition, Xbox chief Phil Spencer said that Microsoft would continue to help develop Minecraft on all the platforms that made it a $2.5 billion brand in the first place.

Continue reading Xbox chief: Minecraft will continue on PlayStation, mobile

JoystiqXbox chief: Minecraft will continue on PlayStation, mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftMinecraftmobilepcPhil-Spencerplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4vitaxboxxbox-oneMon, 15 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spencer: 'I don't want the Rare brand to mean Kinect Sports']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/16/spencer-i-dont-want-the-rare-brand-to-mean-kinect-sports/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/16/spencer-i-dont-want-the-rare-brand-to-mean-kinect-sports/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/16/spencer-i-dont-want-the-rare-brand-to-mean-kinect-sports/#comments
Xbox head Phil Spencer has some encouraging words to fans of GoldenEye and Banjo-Kazooie development studio Rare. Speaking to CVG at Gamescom, Spencer said that the company is developing a new game - a new "Rare game."

"I think it's about them thinking about the next game that's going to be the next 'Rare game' and really stand for what they are," Spencer said. "I know they've got some great ideas. I've not been up to Twycross for maybe six months, but I'm planning on getting up there this fall and seeing bits for the new game. But I know they're hard at work and Phil Harrison has been up talking to them."

Rare was under evaluation earlier this year, after Microsoft revealed a Kinect-free Xbox One. Rare was the developer behind the Kinect Sports series, and with no more guaranteed Kinect, the studio's future seemed questionable. However, Spencer assured CVG that Rare was an "important" part of Xbox's future.

"I don't want the Rare brand to mean Kinect Sports," Spencer said. "The Rare brand can be more valuable to them, to us and to gamers than that."

[Image: Microsoft]

JoystiqSpencer: 'I don't want the Rare brand to mean Kinect Sports' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Aug 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescomgamescom-2014kinectkinect-sportsmicrosoftphil-spencerrarexboxxbox-oneSat, 16 Aug 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox head Phil Spencer: Phantom Dust has settled until 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/13/xbox-head-phil-spencer-phantom-dust-has-settled-until-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/13/xbox-head-phil-spencer-phantom-dust-has-settled-until-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/13/xbox-head-phil-spencer-phantom-dust-has-settled-until-2015/#comments 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]

JoystiqXbox head Phil Spencer: Phantom Dust has settled until 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Aug 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftphantom-dustphil-spencerxbox-oneWed, 13 Aug 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-orders, pre-downloads for 'select' titles coming to Xbox One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/12/pre-orders-pre-downloads-for-select-titles-coming-to-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/12/pre-orders-pre-downloads-for-select-titles-coming-to-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/12/pre-orders-pre-downloads-for-select-titles-coming-to-xbox-one/#comments
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.

JoystiqPre-orders, pre-downloads for 'select' titles coming to Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Aug 2014 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescom-2014gamescom-2014-xboxmicrosoftphil-spencerpre-downloadpre-orderxbox-oneTue, 12 Aug 2014 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Spencer: Consumers love Kinect, they'll still buy it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/23/phil-spencer-consumers-love-kinect-theyll-still-buy-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/23/phil-spencer-consumers-love-kinect-theyll-still-buy-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/23/phil-spencer-consumers-love-kinect-theyll-still-buy-it/#comments 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."

JoystiqPhil Spencer: Consumers love Kinect, they'll still buy it originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jun 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasia-music-evolvedharmonixkinectmicrosoftphil-spencerxbox-oneMon, 23 Jun 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft working with Rare to determine what's next]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/17/microsoft-working-with-rare-to-determine-whats-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/17/microsoft-working-with-rare-to-determine-whats-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/17/microsoft-working-with-rare-to-determine-whats-next/#comments
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]

JoystiqMicrosoft working with Rare to determine what's next originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 May 2014 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmicrosoftphil-spencerrareRarewareviva-pinata-beggingxboxSat, 17 May 2014 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Elder Scrolls Online, free-to-play games still require Xbox Live Gold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/13/elder-scrolls-online-free-to-play-games-still-require-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/13/elder-scrolls-online-free-to-play-games-still-require-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/13/elder-scrolls-online-free-to-play-games-still-require-xbox-live/#comments 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.

Continue reading Elder Scrolls Online, free-to-play games still require Xbox Live Gold

JoystiqElder Scrolls Online, free-to-play games still require Xbox Live Gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksesofree-to-playfree-to-play-mmohappy-warskinectmicrosoftmmommorpgpaid-subscriptionPhil-Spencerpoliciessubscriptionthe-elder-scrolls-onlinewarfaceworld-of-tanksworld-of-tanks-xbox-360-editionxboxXbox-Livexbox-live-goldxbox-live-gold-membershipxbox-onexbox-one-80Tue, 13 May 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get to know the Phil Spencer Xbox wants you to know]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/12/get-to-know-the-phil-spencer-xbox-wants-you-to-know/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/12/get-to-know-the-phil-spencer-xbox-wants-you-to-know/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/12/get-to-know-the-phil-spencer-xbox-wants-you-to-know/#comments

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]

JoystiqGet to know the Phil Spencer Xbox wants you to know originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Apr 2014 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftphil-spencerxboxxbox-oneSat, 12 Apr 2014 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Weekly: Amazon Fire TV, Reaper of Souls review, Mario Kart 8 video preview and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/05/joystiq-weekly-amazon-fire-tv-reaper-of-souls-review-mario-ka/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/05/joystiq-weekly-amazon-fire-tv-reaper-of-souls-review-mario-ka/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/05/joystiq-weekly-amazon-fire-tv-reaper-of-souls-review-mario-ka/#commentsWelcome 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!

Continue reading Joystiq Weekly: Amazon Fire TV, Reaper of Souls review, Mario Kart 8 video preview and more

JoystiqJoystiq Weekly: Amazon Fire TV, Reaper of Souls review, Mario Kart 8 video preview and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Apr 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-wonders-3amazon-fire-tvAmy-Hennigcapcomdiablo-3diablo-3-reaper-of-soulsgoat-escape-2Joystiq-Weeklymario-kart-8Phil-Spencersomasquare-enixthe-elder-scrolls-onlineSat, 05 Apr 2014 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spencer: 'They're putting a gaming person at the head' of Xbox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/31/spencer-theyre-putting-a-gaming-person-at-the-head-of-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/31/spencer-theyre-putting-a-gaming-person-at-the-head-of-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/31/spencer-theyre-putting-a-gaming-person-at-the-head-of-xbox/#comments 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.

JoystiqSpencer: 'They're putting a gaming person at the head' of Xbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftPhil-Spencerxboxxbox-oneMon, 31 Mar 2014 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Spencer is the new head of Xbox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/31/phil-spencer-is-the-new-head-of-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/31/phil-spencer-is-the-new-head-of-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/31/phil-spencer-is-the-new-head-of-xbox/#comments 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.

JoystiqPhil Spencer is the new head of Xbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2014 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftPhil-Spencerxboxxbox-oneMon, 31 Mar 2014 11:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft praises Valve, vows 'renewed focus' on PC games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/24/microsoft-praises-valve-vows-renewed-focus-on-pc-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/24/microsoft-praises-valve-vows-renewed-focus-on-pc-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/24/microsoft-praises-valve-vows-renewed-focus-on-pc-games/#comments 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]

JoystiqMicrosoft praises Valve, vows 'renewed focus' on PC games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Mar 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcphil-spencersteamsteam-machinesvalvewindowsMon, 24 Mar 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Phil Spencer responds to Games with Gold concerns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/microsofts-phil-spencer-responds-to-games-with-gold-concerns/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/microsofts-phil-spencer-responds-to-games-with-gold-concerns/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/microsofts-phil-spencer-responds-to-games-with-gold-concerns/#comments 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]

JoystiqMicrosoft's Phil Spencer responds to Games with Gold concerns originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>games-with-goldmicrosoftphil-spencerxboxxbox-oneMon, 10 Mar 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft considered disc-less Xbox One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/02/microsoft-considered-disc-less-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/02/microsoft-considered-disc-less-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/02/microsoft-considered-disc-less-xbox-one/#comments 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."

JoystiqMicrosoft considered disc-less Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jan 2014 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raydigitaldrmmicrosoftphil-spencerxbox-oneThu, 02 Jan 2014 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft partners with Japanese developers, games to be announced in 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/26/microsoft-partners-with-japanese-developers-games-to-be-announc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/26/microsoft-partners-with-japanese-developers-games-to-be-announc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/26/microsoft-partners-with-japanese-developers-games-to-be-announc/#comments 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."

JoystiqMicrosoft partners with Japanese developers, games to be announced in 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Nov 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developerdevelopmentIndieJapanmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosPhil-Spencerxbox-oneyukio-futatsugiTue, 26 Nov 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spencer: Microsoft focused on core games for PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/06/spencer-microsoft-focused-on-core-games-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/06/spencer-microsoft-focused-on-core-games-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/06/spencer-microsoft-focused-on-core-games-for-pc/#comments 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."

JoystiqSpencer: Microsoft focused on core games for PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Nov 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmicrosoft-studiospcphil-spencerxboxxbox-oneWed, 06 Nov 2013 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Spencer: Xbox One, PC cross-platform play 'makes a lot of sense']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/12/spencer-xbox-one-pc-cross-platform-play-makes-a-lot-of-sense/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/12/spencer-xbox-one-pc-cross-platform-play-makes-a-lot-of-sense/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/12/spencer-xbox-one-pc-cross-platform-play-makes-a-lot-of-sense/#comments 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.

JoystiqSpencer: Xbox One, PC cross-platform play 'makes a lot of sense' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Oct 2013 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-platformmicrosoftpcphil-spencerxbox-oneSat, 12 Oct 2013 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft 'expanding' sports broadcasts on Xbox One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/19/microsoft-expanding-sports-broadcasts-on-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/19/microsoft-expanding-sports-broadcasts-on-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/19/microsoft-expanding-sports-broadcasts-on-xbox-one/#comments 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.

JoystiqMicrosoft 'expanding' sports broadcasts on Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Sep 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>live-tvphil-spencersportstvxbox-entertainment-studiosxbox-oneThu, 19 Sep 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft shows off the first retail Xbox One box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/15/microsoft-shows-off-the-first-retail-xbox-one-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/15/microsoft-shows-off-the-first-retail-xbox-one-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/15/microsoft-shows-off-the-first-retail-xbox-one-box/#commentsMicrosoft shows off the first retail Xbox One box Like a proud parent sharing pictures of their child, Xbox LIVE Director of Programming Larry Hryb, aka Major Nelson, has revealed the company's first Xbox One system off the assembly line via Twitter. The mystery can be sustained no longer, and we now know exactly what a retail Xbox One looks like. It's green! Surprise!

Microsoft Game Studios head Phil Spencer will be bringing the Xbox One to the Tokyo Game Show, where there will also be eight Xbox One games playable on the show floor.

JoystiqMicrosoft shows off the first retail Xbox One box originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Sep 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>larry-hrybMajor-NelsonPhil-Spencertgs-2013tokyo-game-showtokyo-game-show-2013xbox-oneSun, 15 Sep 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Spencer to give Gamescom keynote, Microsoft show 'really short']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/13/phil-spencer-to-give-gamescom-keynote-microsoft-show-really-sh/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/13/phil-spencer-to-give-gamescom-keynote-microsoft-show-really-sh/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/13/phil-spencer-to-give-gamescom-keynote-microsoft-show-really-sh/#commentsPhil Spencer to provide gamescom keynote Phil Spencer, Corporate VP of Microsoft Studios, will deliver the Gamescom keynote when the convention kicks off next week in Cologne, Germany.

"Gamescom is the ideal platform to discuss the impact of new hardware, accessories and software for the next generation of games," Spencer said in a statement obtained by CVG. "There has never been a better time to be a part of this industry. It is exciting to see how developers and authors to use the new opportunities and create a completely new way of playing."

Apart from the keynote, Microsoft's on-stage showcase on Tuesday, August 20, will be "really short," Spencer told Major Nelson. It will focus on developers and their games, with a "unique exclusive" and "Europe's biggest franchise," Spencer said, and following presentations will give press and players hands-on time with Xbox One games.

JoystiqPhil Spencer to give Gamescom keynote, Microsoft show 'really short' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Aug 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamesCOMGamescom-2013kinectmicrosoftPhil-SpencerxboxTue, 13 Aug 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox One won't require plugged-in Kinect, Whitten says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/12/xbox-one-wont-require-plugged-in-kinect-whitten-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/12/xbox-one-wont-require-plugged-in-kinect-whitten-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/12/xbox-one-wont-require-plugged-in-kinect-whitten-says/#commentsXbox One Kinect can be unplugged, console will still function Xbox One does not need the Kinect sensor in order to function normally, Xbox Corporate VP Marc Whitten tells IGN. This runs contrary to previous statements: In May, Microsoft Studios Corporate VP Phil Spencer said the Xbox One would require the Kinect to be plugged in.

It's unclear whether this is a shift in policy or phrasing, but Whitten says that while ditching Kinect may limit the console's capabilities, the sensor isn't a necessary piece of equipment at all times. Instead, you'll only need it for voice- and motion-based navigation features, or to play games like Fantasia: Music Evolved, which rely on the sensor.

"Games use Kinect in a variety of amazing ways, from adding voice to control your squad mates, to adding lean and other simple controls beyond the controller, to full immersive gameplay," he says. "That said, like online, the console will still function if Kinect isn't plugged in, although you won't be able to use any feature or experience that explicitly uses the sensor."

Clean out some extra space on the entertainment center or in the closet: it depends on what you play.

JoystiqXbox One won't require plugged-in Kinect, Whitten says originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Aug 2013 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectMarc-WhittenMicrosoftPhil-SpencerxboxMon, 12 Aug 2013 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Killer Instinct to launch alongside Xbox One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/killer-instinct-to-launch-alongside-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/killer-instinct-to-launch-alongside-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/killer-instinct-to-launch-alongside-xbox-one/#commentsKiller Instinct to launch alongside Xbox One Microsoft's revival of Rare's fighting series, Killer Instinct, will be a launch game for the Xbox One. Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer told me Killer Instinct is "being overseen by people who are really core to that franchise," and suggested the developer, Double Helix Games, was getting a "bad rap" for its recent history of movie-licensed games.

"I think the developer is getting a little bad rap around this game," Spencer said. "We found a developer who really cares about the game. They're building a great game at 60 frames per second."

Though it seems to have coalesced into a real product made purely from recurring internet wishes, Killer Instinct is practically seen as an ambassador for Xbox One's improvements to online matchmaking. "Obviously, multiplayer is pretty core to what the game is right now, but when you think about asynchronous matchmaking, and I don't know if it really came across [during Microsoft's media briefing], but while you're playing your match, your next fight is being set up. So, you're literally just carousel-ing from fight to fight. A fighting game, given its round-based nature and how long the rounds are, is a great opportunity to showcase the asynchronous matchmaking."

Of course, that isn't to say Twitter had no participation in the matter. "And then, yes, my Twitter feed is always lit up with, you know, there are a few games - Crackdown being one, Killer Instinct being another. When are you going to do this game? Everyone thought there was going to be a Kameo 2, or ... I don't get a lot of Brute Force 2."

Gallery: Killer Instinct

JoystiqKiller Instinct to launch alongside Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-helix-gamese3-2013killer-instinct-2013microsoft-studiosphil-spencerxbox-oneTue, 11 Jun 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft investing $1 billion into games on Xbox One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/microsoft-investing-1-billion-into-games-on-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/microsoft-investing-1-billion-into-games-on-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/microsoft-investing-1-billion-into-games-on-xbox-one/#comments
Microsoft is investing $1 billion into games on the Xbox One, financing not only new studios but also securing exclusives for Microsoft's next-generation console. This is an unprecedented investment for Microsoft, much more than its most expensive game yet, Halo 4.

Xbox One is planned to have 15 exclusives from Microsoft in its first year at retail, including eight new intellectual properties - the product of two years that has seen the formation of new studios in London, Washington and Victoria, British Columbia. Phil Harrison, former Sony exec, was brought on to oversee internal projects; Lionhead's new boss is John Needham, a guy with a heavy MMO background.

Microsoft Studios boss Phil Spencer told OXM Rare is returning to one of its older franchises (Killer Instinct, anyone?) and Black Tusk Studios is hard at work on Microsoft's next big franchise. Lift London is working on smaller cloud-based games, while Microsoft Studios Osaka has a project under way - something Don Mattrick says will illustrate how Microsoft is "committed" to Japan. Finally, Press Play and Twisted Pixel are in Microsoft's bullpen, working on "weird, unique" games for Xbox Live.

And that's not counting the continuing Call of Duty exclusivity deal and games Microsoft did talk about during its Xbox reveal event: Turn 10's Forza Motorsport 5; Remedy Entertainment's Quantum Break; and four games from EA Sports in UFC, Madden 25, FIFA 14 and NBA Live 14. Later, Crytek confirmed its Kinect-powered brawler Ryse is coming to Xbox One.

Xbox One is due later this year, with more to be shown at E3 between June 9 and June 11 in Los Angeles, California.

JoystiqMicrosoft investing $1 billion into games on Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>don-mattrickkinectmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosphil-spencerxboxxbox-onexbox-revealWed, 29 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[1 vs 100-style game shows possible on Xbox One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/1-vs-100-style-game-shows-possible-on-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/1-vs-100-style-game-shows-possible-on-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/1-vs-100-style-game-shows-possible-on-xbox-one/#comments While no such thing is planned for the Xbox One launch window later this year, Microsoft Studios VP Phil Spencer isn't ruling out the possibility of video game shows like 1 vs 100 for the Xbox One.

Microsoft learned "a ton" from 1 vs 100 about bringing "hundreds of thousands of people together in a virtual game environment and have them play with each other and give away real prizes," Spencer told OXM. "I think that's a category that lends itself to our kind of community and interactivity," but he added no such thing would likely make launch. "We'll see how our timelines go."

1 vs 100 was a big hit with the Joystiq staff when it launched in 2010. 1 vs 100 was a weekly free game show played through Xbox Live at a specific time, where contestants could win real prizes. Microsoft pulled the plug in July of that year, though ex-host Chris Cashman was kind enough to produce a goodbye video of sorts.

Joystiq1 vs 100-style game shows possible on Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-vs-100game-showskinectmicrosoftphil-spencerxboxxbox-livexbox-onexbox-revealWed, 22 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo franchise up to 46 million games sold worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/halo-has-made-nearly-3-billion-in-sales-46-million-units-wor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/halo-has-made-nearly-3-billion-in-sales-46-million-units-wor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/halo-has-made-nearly-3-billion-in-sales-46-million-units-wor/#comments Halo has made 'nearly' $3 billion in sales, 46 million units sold worldwideThe Halo franchise is up to 46 million games sold worldwide. Microsoft gave us the impressive figure today ahead of the launch of Halo 4, which was recently revealed as comfortably Microsoft's most expensive game to date.

According to Microsoft, Halo has so far generated $3 billion in revenue, there are 120 million pieces of user-generated content in Halo 3 to date, and 5 billion hours have been logged into Halo games via Xbox Live. We won't speculate on what all these figures may rise to following Halo 4's release next week.

JoystiqHalo franchise up to 46 million games sold worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halohalo-3halo-4microsoftphil-spencerrevenuesalesxboxWed, 31 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Expect SmartGlass support in every Microsoft Studios game going forward]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/09/expect-smartglass-support-in-every-microsoft-studios-game-going/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/09/expect-smartglass-support-in-every-microsoft-studios-game-going/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/09/expect-smartglass-support-in-every-microsoft-studios-game-going/#comments Microsoft's SmartGlass initiative aims to enrich the entertainment offerings on Xbox with an informative, context-sensitive "surface," spread across compatible tablets and smartphones. Phil Spencer, Corporate VP of Microsoft Studios, tells me you can expect SmartGlass support from all of the company's games after the feature becomes available this fall.

"It just makes so much sense for a developer who wants to supply, maybe not time-critical information, like 'that enemy is getting ready to shoot you,' but information that augments what's happening on screen," Spencer says. He used last year's Halo Waypoint Atlas app, which offered multiplayer GPS tracking, as an example of how SmartGlass features could share additional game information without hampering the moment-to-moment gameplay. "And then you're even going to see situations like with Ascend, where there's actually gameplay that happens on the phone, even when you're away from your television and that interacts back with the online game that's happening. So I think you'll see information sharing, context sharing while you're in the room, with video and with games, as well as gameplay happening in more distributed environments."

SmartGlass will be encapsulated in a single app that syncs with your Gamertag and enables features based on what you're playing or watching (provided they support SmartGlass). "You don't have to log in and out of each app - you know, 'I'm gonna start the Mass Effect app, and now I'm gonna start the Game of Thrones app.' So you have this surface, this smart surface," Spencer says, "that sits on any device that you already own that's always in sync with what's happening on the television, and it knows where to go and grab the right content to display at the right time, to make sure that if you're playing Halo, then the Halo surface is available on SmartGlass."

During its E3 2012 press conference, Microsoft showed a concept of what might become Halo 4's SmartGlass functionality. The app, as shown, allows players to track stats and send game invites via tablet or smartphone. Microsoft has said that it supports the "device you already own," but hasn't directly addressed SmartGlass variations between iOS, Android and Windows 8.

Continue reading Expect SmartGlass support in every Microsoft Studios game going forward

JoystiqExpect SmartGlass support in every Microsoft Studios game going forward originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidascend-new-godse3-2012game-of-throneshalo-4iosipadiphonemicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosmobilephil-spencersmartglassxboxSat, 09 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gore Verbinski's 'Matter' coming to XBLA from Blind Wink Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/gore-verbinskis-matter-coming-to-xbla-from-blind-wink-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/gore-verbinskis-matter-coming-to-xbla-from-blind-wink-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/gore-verbinskis-matter-coming-to-xbla-from-blind-wink-games/#comments 'Matter' for Kinect announced, coming in 2013
This E3 brought the announcement of Matter, a new Xbox-exclusive game from the mind of Gore Verbinski, the director of Rango, The Ring, and 75 percent of Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Matter appends a title to the first project from Blind Wink Games, which was formed in partnership with Universal Studios. Phil Spencer, Corporate VP of Microsoft Studios, says Verbinski was the one to pitch the game in the first place. "He had been exposed to Kinect, and had this idea for a game. We heard the pitch and we were able to find a developer to plug in. So it was really born of his mind, and his idea."

The idea, first shown by an abstract, Tron-esque trailer during Microsoft's E3 2012 press conference, came from Verbinski's desire to highlight an emotional connection between players and their movements on screen. "You should hear it from him, he does a much better job than I do in explaining it," Spencer says, "but the idea was that in your physical motion, your emotion actually comes through.

"To a lot of people who haven't played games for a long time, somebody standing completely stationary with a controller in their hands kind of seems emotionless, even though we know that we'll be sweating or twitching," Spencer adds. "And [it was] his feeling, that with motion and movement, that the connection of the emotion that's happening on screen and how the player feels would be more natural."

We still don't know much of the Kinect game, but it sounds like it may be some kind of abstract puzzle game. According to Spencer, the shiny sphere in the teaser trailer is used as "a control surface for the game" (like rolling a Katamari with your hands, perhaps?), and the visual presentation is in line with a futuristic aesthetic that Verbinski wanted to explore in games.

Matter is coming to Xbox Live Arcade sometime in 2013.

JoystiqGore Verbinski's 'Matter' coming to XBLA from Blind Wink Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012gore-verbinskikinectmattermicrosoftphil-spencerxblaxboxFri, 08 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek's Ryse still in the works, Kinect will be 'part of it']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/cryteks-ryse-still-in-the-works-kinect-will-be-part-of-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/cryteks-ryse-still-in-the-works-kinect-will-be-part-of-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/cryteks-ryse-still-in-the-works-kinect-will-be-part-of-it/#comments Ryse, an Xbox-exclusive action game from Crytek, isn't ready to be shown beyond the concept trailer released during E3 2011. I asked Phil Spencer, corporate VP of Microsoft Studios, about the game's progress since Microsoft revealed its partnership with Crytek two years ago under the banner of "Codename Kingdoms."

"We're just not at a point right now to show the game, and instead of ... we're still working with Crytek, we're still extremely committed to the relationship, but we want to make sure that we're putting our best foot forward every time we show the game," Spencer said. "You'll see more about that game, no doubt."

Ownership of Ryse was rumored to have shifted between studios, from a downsized and redirected Crytek Budapest to Crytek's Frankfurt studio. Ryse is alive and well, Spencer assured, though I got an inkling that the brutal, first-person combat shown in the initial trailer may not be entirely relegated to Kinect when we see it next. When asked if Ryse was still "a Kinect game" as before, Spencer replied, "Kinect will be part of the game, absolutely."

This year Microsoft highlighted several more games that are "better with Kinect," even when you're slouched in the couch. The most prominent example comes from Capcom's mech action game, Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor, which pairs several seated gestures with a traditional controller.

JoystiqCrytek's Ryse still in the works, Kinect will be 'part of it' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekcrytek-budapestcrytek-frankfurte3-2012microsoftmicrosoft-studiosphil-spencerrysexboxThu, 07 Jun 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Max and the Magic Marker dev acquired by Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/max-and-the-magic-marker-dev-acquired-by-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/max-and-the-magic-marker-dev-acquired-by-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/max-and-the-magic-marker-dev-acquired-by-microsoft/#comments Microsoft has just acquired Press Play, developer of the multiplatformer Max & the Magic Marker. MS's Phil Spencer revealed the news during a pre-E3 discussion on Spike (which you can actually watch on Joystiq!) calling the developer the latest addition to Microsoft Studios.

JoystiqMax and the Magic Marker dev acquired by Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012Max-and-the-Magic-Markermicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosphil-spencerpress-playxboxMon, 04 Jun 2012 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Summer of Arcade: Deadlight, Wreckateer, Tony Hawk HD, Dust: An Elysian Tale and Hybrid]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/summer-of-arcade-deadlight-wreckateer-tony-hawk-hd-dust-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/summer-of-arcade-deadlight-wreckateer-tony-hawk-hd-dust-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/summer-of-arcade-deadlight-wreckateer-tony-hawk-hd-dust-and/#comments During pre-show coverage of Microsoft's E3 press conference, Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer revealed the lineup of this year's Summer of Arcade promotion.

The first game he talked about was Hyrbid, 5th Cell's jetpack-driven multiplayer shooter. This was followed by a brief vignette of Deadlight, the Tequila Works side-scroller set in a post-apocalyptic world. Next was Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD from Robomodo, followed by Wreckateer for Kinect. Rounding out the list is Dust: An Elysian Tale.

There's no word on when Summer of Arcade kicks off - summer, right? - but considering Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD drops in on July 11, at least we have some idea of the Summer of Arcade window.

JoystiqSummer of Arcade: Deadlight, Wreckateer, Tony Hawk HD, Dust: An Elysian Tale and Hybrid originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deadlightdust-an-elysian-tailhybridhybrid-xblakinectmicrosoftphil-spencersummer-of-arcadetony-hawks-pro-skater-hdwreckateerxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeMon, 04 Jun 2012 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 awakens Master Chief on November 6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/halo-4-wakes-up-master-chief-on-november-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/halo-4-wakes-up-master-chief-on-november-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/halo-4-wakes-up-master-chief-on-november-6/#comments
Microsoft and 343 Industries announced this morning that Halo 4 will launch worldwide on Tuesday, November 6. The news comes one day after teasy tweets from Microsoft's Major Nelson indicated some form of collaboration between Microsoft and everyone's favorite freakishly tall late night host, Conan O'Brien, which sparked rumors of a potential launch date reveal.

Microsoft studios corporate VP Phil Spencer offered lofty goals alongside the launch date announce. "With Halo 4 leading the charge, we're confident 2012 will be the most successful year in Xbox history," Spencer said. He also pointed out that Halo 4 is just the beginning of Microsoft's renewed relationship with the Chief. "We are beginning a new saga with Halo 4 and embarking on a journey that will encompass the next decade of Halo games and experiences." Just no more cat helmets, Phil. That's all we ask.

Additionally, Halo 4 will appear in some form on tonight's episode of "Conan," which Microsoft described as nothing more than a "special segment."

Update: Red vs Blue created the charming short above to announce Halo 4's release date. Enjoy!

Continue reading Halo 4 awakens Master Chief on November 6

JoystiqHalo 4 awakens Master Chief on November 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesconanconan-obrienhalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosphil-spencerq4-2012red-vs-bluerelease-datexboxTue, 17 Apr 2012 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spencer: Halo without Master Chief just isn't as 'centered' on what players want]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/spencer-halo-without-master-chief-just-isnt-as-centered-on-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/spencer-halo-without-master-chief-just-isnt-as-centered-on-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/spencer-halo-without-master-chief-just-isnt-as-centered-on-w/#comments We're not 100 percent sure what Microsoft Game Studios head Phil Spencer is trying to say in this quote from E3, but as far as we can tell, he's just happy that Halo 4 is returning the player to Master Chief's head. He says he wants to make sure that the new game "lives up to what I think gamers fell in love with," and for him, that means being the Chief again.

Spencer says Halo Reach "made more sense to you if you were a Halo fan. If you were new to Xbox 360, 360 is where you started playing on Xbox, you understood what Halo 3 was. ODST and Reach, maybe you weren't as centered." So, newcomers want -- and expect -- to play as the Chief, whereas fans of the franchise were fine with something new.

At any rate, Spencer's just trying to make it clear that Master Chief is coming back, in both the anniversary remake of Combat Evolved, and Halo 4 next year. Why couldn't you just say that, Phil?

JoystiqSpencer: Halo without Master Chief just isn't as 'centered' on what players want originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halohalo-4halo-odsthalo-reachmicrosoftpcphil-spencerxboxMon, 11 Jul 2011 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Spencer: Microsoft once considered Crytek for 1st party development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/spencer-microsoft-once-considered-crytek-for-1st-party-developm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/spencer-microsoft-once-considered-crytek-for-1st-party-developm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/spencer-microsoft-once-considered-crytek-for-1st-party-developm/#comments
According to Microsoft's Phil Spencer, the company was once in talks with Crytek to turn the German developer into a first-party studio. Speaking to the UK Official Xbox Magazine, Spencer noted that Microsoft first started talking to Crytek around eight years ago and "started talking about what it'd mean for them to become first party."

At the time, Crytek was dead set on creating the motherboard-melting sci-fi shooter, Crysis. Unfortunately, the title would have clashed with Microsoft's then full slate of "militaristic future shooters" (which one, we wonder), so the deal never came to be.

Fast forward a few years and Crytek is developing Ryse -- an Xbox exclusive -- with Spencer saying that Crytek has "fallen in love with the Kinect" and that the project is "a perfect marriage" between the two companies. So remember, kids, true love does exist!

JoystiqSpencer: Microsoft once considered Crytek for 1st party development originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekkinectmicrosoftPhil-SpencerrysexboxMon, 04 Jul 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA['Halo Anniversary has Kinect integration,' says Microsoft Studios' chief]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/halo-anniversary-has-kinect-integration-says-microsoft-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/halo-anniversary-has-kinect-integration-says-microsoft-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/halo-anniversary-has-kinect-integration-says-microsoft-studio/#comments When Microsoft registered KinectHalo.com, we all imagined an intense cardio jumping routine punctuated by occasional cries of "Energy sword ON!" While we hope that prototype still exists somewhere in Redmond, it seems like Kinect functionality in Halo won't be as intrusive as we imagined. Microsoft Studios boss Phil Spencer told GameSpot, "As a first party we believe that Kinect will be important to all genres of games [...] even games like Halo Anniversary has [sic] Kinect integration."

Of course, this is the same Halo Anniversary that we first broke news of way back in February, and previewed at E3 this month. Notably, Kinect functionality was never mentioned (or showed) leaving us to speculate on what kind of integration the update has. With games like Forza Motorsport 4, Ghost Recon Future Soldier, and Mass Effect 3 going for a "Better with Kinect" strategy, that's as likely a scenario as any. And it's also the kind of non-intrusive, level-headed implementation we were worried they'd settle for.

[Update 2:15pm - Halo Waypoint forum admin 'bs angel' had this to say about Halo Anniversary's Kinect integration: "Just to let everybody know, the Kinect features we're exploring with Halo: Anniversary are optional and won't affect your core gameplay experience. Our mission, from day one, has been to deliver a faithful recreation of the original game, and we remain dedicated to seeing that through to completion." Sounds like "Better with Kinect," right? Called it!]

[Image credit: 'LaughPong']

Joystiq'Halo Anniversary has Kinect integration,' says Microsoft Studios' chief originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo-combat-evolved-anniversaryKinectmicrosoftMicrosoft-StudiosPhil-SpencerSaber-InteractivexboxMon, 20 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST