The new head of Xbox and Xbox One, Phil Spencer talks about his Microsoft history and his ideas for the future.
He joined Microsoft as a coding intern in 1988 and has since worked in numerous divisions within the company.
Having been at the company for 26 years, Spencer has worked on games like Fable and Rise of Nations right at the beginning of the Xbox library, and now is head of Xbox.
“When I started here the company was less than 5,000 people and with the Nokia acquisition, we’re north of 100,000 people now. I started as a programmer, always born out of technology and how technology can impact what we’re trying to do with consumers and our fans. This company has changed tremendously in my 26 years”, explained Spencer.
Previously, Spencer was head of Microsoft Studios, responsible for titles like Gears of Wear and Forza.
Many believe that his appointment as head of Xbox will bring the Xbox One’s focus back to gaming.
“We have the ambition to build the best gaming console for fans. The gaming console that plays the best games, has the best entertainment. To be in a company that has the resource, the ambition and the drive to go make that happen, it’s incredibly motivating for somebody like me.”
Launch of Xbox Live was a moment that Spencer feels particularly passionate about, especially how it brought together various Xbox development teams to create unique experiences for the Xbox 360.
“That feedback loop you found between the game creators and the console and the platform team, it’s really what I’m striving for now in bringing all those teams together – to create those magical moments where the creators are impacting the platform, the platform is pushing on the creators, it’s a unique capability we have and I think it leads to the best product for fans and creators alike.”
If you’re wondering what Microsoft has in store for us at E3, it is preparing at least one game that is along the lines of Limbo and Brothers.
“For me games are all about fun and about telling stories and the accomplishment that happens. It’s why I love games like Limbo and Max: The Curse of the Brotherhood.”
Read more: Best Xbox One games
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
