Xbox's Phil Spencer wants to see fewer platform exclusives, more cross-play in future Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Xbox's Phil Spencer wants to see fewer platform exclusives, more cross-play in future While Activision deal makes "positive" progress. News by Victoria Kennedy News reporter Published on 24 Aug 2022 105 comments Xbox boss Phil Spencer has said he'd like to see more game releases that are not tied down to one specific platform, which will in turn allow for more cross-play opportunities. Chatting to Bloomberg, Spencer stated that platform exclusives are something we were all going to see "less and less of" in future, as he hopes for an industry that encourages people to feel safe and included "regardless of what device" they play on. Watch on YouTube Eurogamer Newscast: Gamescom Opening Night Live special Spencer said he also wanted to see more cross-play possibilties on the market. "Maybe you happen in your household to buy an Xbox and I buy a PlayStation and our kids want to play together and they can't because we bought the wrong piece of plastic to plug into our television," he explained. When thinking of cross-play, Spencer stated he therefore believed fewer exclusives would be "good for this industry" in the "long run". He continued: "Maybe in the short run, there's some people in some companies that don't love it. But I think as we get over the hump and see where this industry can continue to grow, it [will prove] out to be true." This all comes following Microsoft's accusations towards PlayStation, with the company claiming that Sony was intentionally "blocking" games from making their way onto Game Pass. On the flip side, Sony argued that Activision's Call of Duty was a franchise with no rival. In short, the PlayStation maker suggested, among other things, that the inclusion of Call of Duty on Microsoft's Game Pass service would hamper its ability to compete. As for this particular franchise, Microsoft has said that, at least for now, Call of Duty will remain a multi-platform release, even though it is in the process of buying Activision. Spencer has previously spoken about his views on the 'console wars', asking fans not to "weaponise" games for "battles between platforms". "I look at everybody who is brave enough to create something, put it out... have their peers, the industry, players, play and analyse and talk about what they do," Spencer said earlier this year. "Let's just celebrate the fact that so many great games are coming out from so many creators and realise that's such a foundation for where this industry is going to go." Meanwhile, on Microsoft's proposition to buy Activision Blizzard in a record breaking $68.7bn deal, Spencer said he is seeing positive progress being made. "I feel good about the progress that we've been making," he shared. "I've never done a $70bn deal, so I don't know what my confidence means... [but] I will say the discussions we've been having seem positive." Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Genshin Impact Path of Gleaming Jade dates, login event rewards Including other anniversary rewards and how to claim them. Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store