Phil Spencer Refutes Future Possibility Of Titles Exclusive To Game Pass

Phil Spencer has refuted the possibility of Xbox Game Pass-exclusive games in an interview during his visit to Japan.

[ChasterMies]

Phil Spencer has refuted a lot of things.

[fr0sty]

I do agree with him here, though, it wouldn't make financial sense for them. I would see them just backing out of console hardware entirely before making that decision, which is likely to happen anyway based on Phil's own comments (if we don't get a lot more subscribers by 2027, we're getting out of the gaming market entirely).

Gamepass isn't profitable enough for them to give up the profits made from physical or digital copy purchases. Plus, the developers would not stand for that, they make a lot more on selling a game than they do on putting a game on GP.

[Magog]

Skipping the much larger install base of Playstation doesn't make financial sense either until you realize their goal isn't to make money in the short term selling games but to collapse the entire gaming industry into a subscription revenue stream.

[ChasterMies]

Subscription services have incredible profit opportunities. If 30M subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate, that’s $510M every month. That pays for a lot of game development. There would be no more waiting 5 years or more to profit from release of your game. Microsoft would have a steady stream of income whether or not games are bad or delayed. Microsoft is going to do whatever it takes to get to that place.

[ConsoleAgnostic]

Should we get started on a lot of the things that Jim Ryan has refuted lol. First and foremost, both of these guys run a business and they are going to make decisions that make sense for their business. That is even before the fans of the company. I personally like Phil Spencer more than Jim Ryan... Not a Sony or Xbox thing, I own all. It's just whenever Phil Spencer usually says something in public, He sticks to it. Jim Ryan mocks Xbox for PC releases and then turns around and starts releasing PlayStation titles on PC.

[ChasterMies]

No, because Jim Ryan isn’t backed by a trillion dollar company that makes so much from OS and office software that it can buy entire industries.

[Rude-ro]

What?
Spencer has been a part of Xbox for how long?
Not one year goes by when he produces nothing and changes his tune.
You go off of history to learn about the future.
Spencer has stabbed Sonny for indie games… then the very next year bragged about indies because that was all they had.
Spencer was a part of monopolizing third party games… then was against it… and is turning around buying the developers themselves to avoid the above contradictions.
You may like him…
But delivering is not Microsoft’s fortes..
They sell the ideal of popularity more than create it through their content.

[343_Guilty_Spark]

The Activision purchase wasn’t refuted - thankfully

[Christopher]

Phil today: "Xbox isn’t just about Xbox Game Pass."

Phil a few months ago: "If we don't have more Cloud gaming by 2027, which is built into Game Pass, we're out."

[maniacmayhem]

Are we paraphrasing a quote out of context based on a projected number from separate MS department?

https://www.laptopmag.com/g...

[MrDead]

"He said the aim of the Xbox Game Pass is to give players a choice, not take it."

Coming from a company that has taken more from gamers than any other in history of the industry. MS's truly has no respect for the community, which isn't surprising considering it's never had to show any thanks to it's sycophants supporting them no matter how scummy they get.

[BeHunted]

"Coming from a company that has taken more from gamers than any other in history of the industry."

For Clarification, Call of Duty 2 didn't release on PlayStation Platform, it was exclusive to PC/Xbox.

[ocelot07]

Call of duty 2 big red one was on PS2. Call of duty Declassified was exclusive to playstation?

[zaanan]

Really? In your attempt to counter the “MS takes from gamers” point, you have to go all the way back to 2005?

Not exactly a strong counterpoint…

[Santouryuu]

@MrDead

The key word is 'aim'.
He doesn't say they are going to give players a choice.
There is not a 100% certainty.

[Zeref]

You should be grateful that you're still getting Call of Duty. Although. They could just change the name and pretend it's a new game and make that exclusive.

The tears would be amazing to see. One could only dream.

That new Infinity Ward RPG and Blizzards new game should do the trick though. Plenty of tears will be had. I can't wait 😁

[IceKoldKilla]

So sad to see people like you exist. You clearly have sided with a billion dollar company that doesn't know you and care about you. You're here proud to be such person yet don't realize how foolish it looks. I'm going to assume you either are quite young or have nothing else going for you in your life. It's sad if that's the case and hope you do find more meaning in life than Xbox v PS drama. Own both and enjoy both. Competition is good as long as the consumers benefit, but MS is ruining the industry right now with their business moves. It won't benefit anyone long term. Then we'll see who'll be shedding tears. Everyone.

Stop protecting the console you own and look at the bigger picture for once. You clearly haven't worked in a business where decisions are based on profits, not what some random fan thinks.

[Zeref]

@IceKoldKilla

Cool story bro. Except MS is NOT killing the industry. Only Playstation fanboys like you believe that nonsense 😂

[343_Guilty_Spark]

Taken what exactly. Please clarify.

[XiNatsuDragnel]

Isn't Microsoft shameless already imo?

[Vengeance1138]

Oh it's for sure coming if MS doesnt get the sub numbers they want. They will force it at all costs, by any means it takes, backlash be damned.

[VersusDMC]

I saw that redfall sold 70k at launch on steam...i doubt they would pass up on taking suckers money. And they don't want to pass up on selling 200$+ special editions as well.

[Wintersun616]

70k is practically nothing. Also they can just sell all the side stuff of a special edition for 150 and include a one month gamepass code.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

With that sales figure, it sounds like they lost money on that one, and a fair whack of it too.

[recoctimocassirnff]

Agreed. ms have proved time and time again what kind of company they are.

[Sharky231]

I’m officially done with Microsoft and Xbox. I get exclusives. Every console has them. But when you take away games like elder scrolls which was on ps3 and ps4. Next will be fallout which has been established on all platforms. That’s totally different. If there is a Destiny 3 I promise it will be on Xbox and PC. The way Xbox is operating and the way that Phil talks is two different things. I can’t get behind that.

[Godmars290]

Would think GP exclusives would become a thing if it did start getting number MS wants.

Though I suspect they'll start with exclusive DLC vs full games.

[Zeref]

It doesn't make financial sense to do so lol. But anything goes for conspiracy theories I guess 🤣

[Hofstaderman]

And if they do become exclusive and still can't increase their sub numbers?

All eggs in one basket...over two decades of having your ass handed to you makes one desperate.

[Doomeduk]

Looks the type who sniffs his own farts

[TheColbertinator]

Game Pass will soon be the only game in town.

[Barlos]

This website had turned into a Phil Spencer platform!

[jlove4life]

Lol seem like it huh

[EvertonFC]

The leaks are gonna ruin MS and Xbox even more than they already have imo.

[Zeref]

Lol the leaks don't do anything. It sucks for the developers but that's it. Us knowing what's coming via leaks has no effect on their business. Also plenty of things could change in their planning. 2028 is far away.

[PitbullMonster]

It will happen after Microsoft ditch console hardware for cloud gaming. Stadia showed that not many people want to buy games on a streaming platform.

[Lightning77]

What a way to discredit your own comment with that statement.

Why would MS go all cloud like Stadia if it tanked them in the first place?

[PitbullMonster]

Why? Microsoft only wants cloud gaming and in cloud gaming people rather like the subscription Modell than buying games.
Now the Ubisoft CEO also says the same thing as I am, that Cloud gaming will turn gaming more into Netflix.

[ravens52]

We will not own anything in an all digital future. Mark my words!

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

Cloud gaming is never going to work, or at least, not with the current infrastructure.

[Lightning77]

Not possible even MS wanted to do something like that. The internet infrastructure isn't great across the world especially here in the U.S. There main market. If they went all cloud here they might as well pack up and leave. Stadia didn't fair too well either and it failed miserably.

[CobraKai]

Spencer talk for yes. There will be GP Exclusives

[Redgrave]

I don't understand how he can so much and then do the literal opposite on so many occasions, and even with indisputable proof such as from the FTC leaks, and have people go "yeah, this time he's being honest."

We give far less chances to way better people, what is it about Phil and MS in specific that keeps people roped in?

[Lightning77]

"what is it about Phil and MS in specific that keeps people roped in?"

It's hard to believe but guess what?There's some ppl out there that actually like playing on Xbox and don't care about console war shenanigans and simply play games and minding there own buissness. Wow What a revelation right!? I bet I blew your mind just now!

You getting all concerned over ppl playing on a different console than you says a whole lot more about your mental health than anything else. Since you're having a hell of a hard time trying to figure it out.

Lol that's sad.

[BlackTar187]

Actually what I think is sad is there are people who are such consumers that they would not take any interest in the going on of companies they support or the hobby they love. It’s called blind consumerism and it damn near should qualify as a mental disorder.

[Lightning77]

@Tar I guess I Phone users and Samsung users, TV brands, movie/TV sports fans hell brands of entertainment across the world are ppl who have mental disorders then?

I hear it all the time. IPhone users call Samsung users dumb or weird. While samsung users call iPhone users sheep and basic. It's called enjoying what you like and most importantly sticking to what you like instead of obsessing over things you don't like or what the other platform is doing. Now that's a real mental disorder.

[BlackTar187]

Yes that is true. Half those people talk about being better humans etc etc while buying products made from slave labor. Thanks for bringing it all into the food

[Zeref]

Because he's not doing the opposite of anything. You Playstation fanboys just love playing make believe 😂

[Redgrave]

Okay, I referenced actual examples of his contradictory opposite behavior, but I have yet to see any defenders provide proof that is not the case.

Please, by all means. Show me the proof otherwise without involving Playstation or some unfounded accusation about mental health states. The floor is all yours.

[Zeref]

Where are these "examples" you're talking about?

Because 99.99 percent of the time these "examples" that you fanboys provide is purposely misconstrued information or just flat out lack of reading comprehension.

But go ahead. Show me these examples.

[Redgrave]

Dodging the opportunity to prove yourself, a staple tactic and strike one.

The recent FTC leaks, which showed previously private and closed door discussions with Phil himself saying things he is now "refuting". Just a little older than that, we have what was revealed in the court proceedings for the Activision acquisition where Phil was again shown to be saying the opposite of his public claims. Especially regarding exclusivity of titles, and Pete Hines comments on it solidifying it.

Your turn. Don't be shy now.

[Lightning77]

Are you serious you're the case study. You can't make this up. I literally just told you and quoted you're own statement already.

"what is it about Phil and MS in specific that keeps people roped in?"

[Redgrave]

Actually, what you did was claim indifference and throw around baseless nonsense without saying much of anything.

Claiming indifference to brand loyalty in an Xbox related article, where you tend to be the most vocal, doesn't explain why Phil is the lord and savior of gaming despite the years of evidence to the contrary.

Both you as well as Zeref had adequate time to explain yourselves, but chose to "lmao no u" me instead of discussing your positions in an intelligent and informed manner. Since lowbar responses is all your capable of, I apologize for assuming that you were capable of more.

[Zeref]

What exactly are these "things" he said?? 😂 Saying he said "things that are now refuted" is not evidence lmaaoo

Exactly what I expected though, You got nothing. You're just parroting what other Playstation fanboys are saying.

[derek]

Well Spencer is a liar so.

[thesoftware730]

Aren't you guys tired of fear mongering? Everyday it's some huge video game ending plot coming from MS right?

You guys are the definition of hypocrites.

MS raise GP prices, with the added bonus of every first party games included, and it's the end of the world

Sony increase PSN + prices massively for ALL old games, and oh, it's to support single player games, which are nowhere in sight..but it's all good.

Sony realesed an all digital console, it's smart.

MS releasing an all digital SX, and they have this nefarious agenda to end gaming!

Jim Ryan says, all our Gaas is to make more single player games...he should be believed with only 1 single player game announced.

Phil Spencer says there will be no exclusive GP only titles, he is a lying Sob and aims to destroy gaming.

MS has a drought 2022, omg..they suck.

Sony has a drought 2023, oh yeah they must be getting ready to blow the lid off things soon, good games take time, any day now.

MS makes Gaas, they suck!!

Sony announces 10!! , 10!!...they have a plan.

MS brings game to PC, oh man no one needs an Xbox.

Sony brings games to PC, makes sense and they have a strategy.

MS allows game streaming for ALL their games, on almost any device with Internet, meh..it's not that great, who cares.

Sony, announces a $200 mobile screen, oh man, this will be useful, now I can play away from my T.V!

MS promoted 3rd part due to the 2022 first party drought, who cares, all those games will be on PS, MS sucks.

Sony promotes multiple shows with 90 percent multiplaform games, and it's...hey they have to promote their partners.

The list goes on and on, but yet everyday it's a new gaming ending MS conspiracy.

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

Phil Spencer has shown you can't take his word as 100%.

***"You guys are the definition of hypocrites"***

And so are you...

***"Sony increase PSN + prices massively"***

The general reception to this has been negative. You're just choosing what you want to see per usual.

***"Sony realesed an all digital console, it's smart."***

Huh? Is the Series S not all digital?

***"Jim Ryan says, all our Gaas is to make more single player games...he should be believed with only 1 single player game announced.

Phil Spencer says there will be no exclusive GP only titles, he is a lying Sob and aims to destroy gaming."***

Well that's what happens when you have a track record for delivering top notch single player experiences or as your people like to call it "one and done games that all play the same." Single player games have been Sony's bread and butter for decades so there's little reason to see that stopping anytime time soon despite gaas announcement. Phil Spencer one the other hand.... not so much. It would not be surprising at all if one day they make a game exclusive or timed exclusive to GamePass in the future. I'm sure if that happens you'll defend them despite saying that we should take his word as truth right now.

***"MS has a drought 2022, omg..they suck.

Sony has a drought 2023"***

This is another track record scenario. Sony has earned it MS has not. Which is why MS are buying out the industry right? Also I'm pretty sure you've defended MS's output last and are only just now acknowledging that it was a drought this year, typical.

***"Sony brings games to PC, makes sense and they have a strategy."***

One of the few things you are right about...

***"Sony, announces a $200 mobile screen, oh man, this will be useful, now I can play away from my T.V!"***

Reception has been negative overall. Another case of you seeing what you want.

***"MS promoted 3rd part due to the 2022 first party drought, who cares, all those games will be on PS, MS sucks.

Sony promotes multiple shows with 90 percent multiplaform games, and it's...hey they have to promote their partners."***

MS has been doing that for years though not just 2022. When it comes to shows in general, everyone flip flops there. Whether it be exclusives vs multiplats, release dates vs no release dates, CGI in game trailers vs in game trailers, etc. Both sides always flip on these.

***"The list goes on and on, but yet everyday it's a new gaming ending MS conspiracy."***

Shall we bring up the reaction to Starfield's sales/chart position vs the reaction to FF16's?

[thesoftware730]

Earned a drought, hahaha...you can't make this shit up.

Nope the $200 screen there is a post on the bubble that is N4G where people talking about how great and useful it will be.

Yes the Series S is all digital, so is the PS5, but now MS making an all digital SX, they are somehow evil and trying to kill game ownership lol...make it make sense.

And you ever hear you only as good as your last fight?

In this case, you only as good as your last drought....there is no carry over points...what the hell is this, vacation days?

[shinoff2183]

I'm not replying to all your points. You said ms had a drought in 22. Ha , ms has been in a drought for quite sometime. Sonys 23 drought Sony has always delivered so yea I'll let it slide. In 24 if it's again I'll take issue. Even with that your ignoring alot of ps fans here that have criticized Sony for 2023 though

[thesoftware730]

Hahaha, I can't believe the nonsense,

They can slide for a year, hahaha...what kinda shit is that? A drought is a drought, what the hell are you people talking about, they get a pass? They earned a pass? This is entertainment man, no major 1st party games except a rinse and repeat SM, and the promise of foam stars with more like it to follow.

[Chevalier]

"Sony realesed an all digital console, it's smart.

MS releasing an all digital SX, and they have this nefarious agenda to end gaming!"

Well yeah we can agree Xbox is very stupid in their digital systems. The S is absolutely the worst idea for a digital system so yeah Playstation was smarter because they didn't split the market with both systems with the same specs. Whereas Xbox has to course correct with the digital X

[thesoftware730]

No it was a good idea, as they sold a great many of them, and was able to execute their plan of spreading their GP strategy to more users, any device, power users, with the SX, mid tier users with the SS to casuals on mobile, to soft gamers on Televisions, to PC, and even Mobile PC.

Spread it to anyone no matter income level and situation...you can play GP.

The sales and continued sales prove it wasn't a mistake, only geeks like us give a shit.

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

"Earned a drought, hahaha...you can't make this shit up."

Well it's hard to take the same people who have defended MS's output ALL these years then all of sudden pointing at a down year for Sony seriously. You can't make this shit up.

At least Sony has been releasing games to the point where you can't say they need to buy some of the biggest multiplatform publishers in the industry to address their gaming portfolio huh?

Were you laughing at last years Microsoft drought? Rinse and repeat Spider-Man? Glad you're showing your true colors huh? Were you saying that about Forza and Halo when those were the only highlights of MS's lineup? Want to talk about hypocrites look at yourself bro...

[thesoftware730]

See that's the difference, I don't mind Sony's drought, just like I didn't MS drought, there is always 100 of good 3rd party games to play, and I echoed that sentiment in 2022 when you guys were going ape shit on MS... remember that's why I'm the King of all console...it still holds true.

My entire point is the hypocrisy, the brazen way you guys think Sony earned something, and get passes,and feel like you can say it's all good when they have a very similar situation to MS, it's bullshit fanboy talk.

My true colors? Come on man, We can clearly see SM is a rinse and repeat, and yes so is Forza, Halo, it don't mean they are not great just like SM is great...my $$ will show that...the point is it's nothing new, you know the thing you guys say Sony ALWAYS do innovate and all that jazz. SM will be great and I'll show you my Trophies.

You still on that buying pubs weak ass argument? Ok I'll bite, Sony bought Bungie and bragging about it being better than A/B deal...so there is that, they bought a pub...no spins, not technicalities, no fast talk, a pub of one of the biggest games ever and using their technical know how to actually make games systems just for PS...and you can bet your ass that they will make exclusives for Sony.

[Chevalier]

"No it was a good idea, as they sold a great many of them, and was able to execute their plan of spreading their GP strategy to more users, any device, power users"

Except with Games developers having issues with the series S like Baldurs Gate resulting in delayed releases. I'm sure there's games that could skip Xbox entirely to save from making 2 more versions due to the parity clause too.

Again goes to show how shortsighted Xbox is and with their fans its no surprise.

[thesoftware730]

Yeah the Switch is underpowered as well, so it sold well and Nintendo was able to capitalize on their handheld strategy.

The SS is underpowered to an extent and sold well, and it's allowing MS to capitalize on their startegy, make points of entry for GP on many different scales..why can't you see that? Yeah BG3 got delayed, but it's coming to both the SX and the SS, and MS dropped the parity clause. It's not a hill to die on, when you have just about every other game running in the SS, tells you something.

Shortsighted? Lol no you just can't see the bigger picture... eliminate barriers for GP, cover all points of entry. Only geeks like us even know about BG3 being delayed...not off the table mind you, just delayed.

And I speak from actually owning a PS5, SX and na SS...my son has no issues play multiplayer with me on the SX and him on the SS, with one GP account.

[gold_drake]

the issue is that phil talks too much. if that weren't the case, people wouldnt be so critical.

also, sony gets alot of shit while xbox gets a pass for alot of things too.

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

***"See that's the difference, I don't mind Sony's drought, just like I didn't MS drought"***

You're literally here complaining that people aren't complaining about Sony's drought... how about the hypocrisy of those that gave MS a pass last year, but aren't doing the same for Sony this year? I only brought up the acquisitions to highlight Microsoft's lackluster lineup that goes beyond just 2022 last year which you seem to think was their only down year.

"My entire point is the hypocrisy, the brazen way you guys think Sony earned something, and get passes,and feel like you can say it's all good when they have a very similar situation to MS, it's bullshit fanboy talk."

My entire point is your hypocrisy, the brazen way you guys have defended and gave Microsoft a pass and have defended their lackluster lineup for years and then want people to attack Sony this year when you wouldn't do it for MS in the past. That bs fanboy talk too.

"they bought a pub...no spins, not technicalities, no fast talk, a pub of one of the biggest games ever and using their technical know how to actually make games systems just for PS...and you can bet your ass that they will make exclusives for Sony."

1. Bungie is not a publisher

2. This is too funny. The guy who says we should believe everything Phil says, doesn't believe that Bungie and Sony are telling the truth when it comes to platform exclusivity. Not that I disagree with you, they will make exclusives, just pointing the hypocrisy.

[maniacmayhem]

The problem is this echo chamber of a select few on this site. They have convinced themselves that everything MS does is to destroy gaming so every decision MS makes is some nefarious 80's cartoon villain plot. The problem is they never realize that a lot, if not most decisions from MS are industry based decisions, meaning this is where the whole industry is heading. Some are stuck in this past nostalgic form of gaming, so when they see these changes they spend their time working themselves up over their own false MS/Xbox narratives and when Sony finally does come around and does the exact same thing they spent so much time arguing against they have to backtrack their statements, make excuses on why it's now a good thing, some may express some disappointment but you'll never get the same outrage energy they put out when MS was doing it.

[Chevalier]

"And I speak from actually owning a PS5, SX and na SS...my son has no issues play multiplayer with me on the SX and him on the SS, with one GP account."

Again extremely short-sighted. There's many developers that just won't release on Xbox and it's because doing 2 versions is costly for little benefit.

Also as an entry point it's cheap sure. But it has not moved the needle in any meaningful way. If the Switch 2 ends up having similar specs or better the S will be obsolete

[Crows90]

I think he meant to say...case by case basis...that's his go to line when he's lying.

[Lexreborn2]

I don’t believe shit Phil says, that man lives in opposite day

[gold_drake]

Phil is one of them people who say "its sunny outside" and then you check and its actually raining haha.
never trust. always suspect ha.

[DarXyde]

I wonder how many proud bridge owners there are on n4g.

[jznrpg]

He said he doesn’t want to take away games or he doesn’t like exclusives.

But then he wouldn’t buy 3rd party games and make them exclusive ? He would never !!

Oh wait he’s already done it with a huge publisher and numerous other studios in few years time.

So now he won’t make games only available on Gamepass? That seems to be their exact plan.

You have to sub to game-pass to get any of their games.

I could see them only offering 6month or 1 year subs eventually as well.

They just need enough people locked in to their ecosystem and the the flood gates are open.

Their plans are plain to see

[ravens52]

This is the whole plan. They don't want you to own anything in this "all digital " future.

[Markusb33]

you can trust a single thing this company or its used car salesman states.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

I don't trust anything he says, Microsoft still wants the paltry sales from game purchases even if the majority of the Xbox fanbase is using Game Pass for the majority of their gaming, but if they could get away with it, I'm pretty damn sure they would attempt it.