Phil Spencer Interview: Xbox Was 'Too Light on Games' in 2022, But a Big 2023 Could Await

ign.com:

Xbox couldn't have imagined it would be where it is right now when it first laid out its roadmap for the current generation. Led by Xbox Game Pass and massive acquisitions, the Xbox Series X|S was supposed to reverse Microsoft's dire fortunes from the previous generation while changing how we play games. But while the Xbox Series X|S has certainly been a marked improvement, other factors have made this generation more than a struggle for Xbox than expected.

Speaking with IGN in a brand-new interview following this week's Developer Direct, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer addressed many of those troubles, including recent layoffs and the uncertain status of 343 Industries. He also acknowledged Xbox's disappointing 2022, which saw virtually no major releases compared to its competitors.

"Our commitment to our fans is that we need to have a steady release of great games that people can play on our platform, and we didn't do enough of that in 2022, there's no doubt," Spencer told IGN. "And fundamentally, that's on me. I'm the head of the business."

During the interview Spencer also looked ahead to 2023, saying that it was "important to show games, to show dates" in the recent Developer_Direct, and talked more about Xbox's summer showcase plans, though he won't say one way or another whether Xbox will participate in the show. And he talked about the ongoing battle around Xbox's Activision Blizzard acquisition, which he describes as a "learning experience."

Asked whether 2023 is a critical year for Xbox, Spencer said in his typically cagey way "every year is critical." Nevertheless, he also said he feels "good" about Xbox's momentum.

"When I think about the rest of the work that we're doing this year, it's going to be an exciting year. From a