Xbox boss Phil Spencer has been talking to GameReactor about a variety of topics in a new interview, including Xbox's first-party output and its overall strengths and weaknesses.
When asked about whether a certain genre or type of studio was still missing from the Xbox portfolio, Spencer admitted that he felt more "casual content with a broad appeal" would be required in the future:
If we look at what people are playing on Xbox, what Game Pass subscribers are playing, I think what is missing from our portfolio is casual content with a broad appeal. E-rated content (to use an ESRB rating) is not a strength for us. We obviously have Minecraft and we have some other franchises. But when I think about expanding the creative palette that our teams have, I think that is critically important.
Despite this, Spencer also made a point of highlighting the "amazing line-up" that Microsoft now boasts as part of its Xbox Game Studios division, noting that he's "incredibly excited" and "feeling very good with the support we have."
Do you think the Xbox portfolio is lacking casual content? Give us your thoughts down below.
[source gamereactor.eu]
Comments 13
I mean they literally have the capability to improve upon this using Rare's IPs. The potential is there, they just need to utilise it.
Although it would be nice if Microsoft acquired another studio that has IPs with casual content. Playful Studios (New Super Lucky's Tale) comes to mind in this case.
If only they owned a hugely popular mascot 3d platformer 🤔
@thejameswhogames
I completely agree. Why this hasn’t happened yet is beyond me.
Just bring back Banjo & Viva Piñata & you are set.
Seeing a lot of the more colourful and cartoonish games ended up being released on the Switch where they sold really well (perhaps better than on the XB1), I wonder if this year XBX can move the needle in this category?
As my kids get older (6 & 4) they will want to play more games and i wouldn't mind more content i can play with them. Also having a different login for them on my gamepass would be fantastic as i ain't paying twice for it but don't want to scar their little souls with an accidental quick resume of Scorn or something of that ilk. Netflix of gaming... Netflix has user accounts...just saying
I'd like to point out that casual doesn't have to mean kiddie or cartoony.
I think Banjo really is something Microsoft should lean into and with the right development partners could give them a breadth of that family-friendly content.
A new Banjo platformer goes without saying, but what about a Banjo kart racer developed by Sumo? Or go beyond just Banjo and have a roster and courses comprised of characters from other Rare IP's. And not just the obvious ones, either. Get some deeper cuts represented in the roster and courses; Sabre Wulf, It's Mr Pants, stuff like that. I'd play the hell out of a SEGA All-Stars style kart racer celebrating Rare's history. Add some other Microsoft characters as guests (chuck Blinx in there to satiate the two people who care about Blinx) and job's a good'un.
They do have the Banjo, Conker, JetForce and Viva Pinata franchises just collecting dust...
Smash for Banjo Threeie!
Banjo-Kazooie cough Viva Piñata cough.
Two of my favourite IPs collecting dust since the Xbox 360 days.
I see a lot of people asking for the obvious resurrection of Rare IPs, the thing is, Rare is not the same studio anymore. Just like Naughty Dog wont be doing any more Jack and Dexter games, don't expect that out of Rare. Yes, the IPs could still be used, but MS needs to acquire or build new studios that are settup to create such type of games.
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