Microsoft's Phil Spencer thinks real-time strategy games will see a resurgence on this generation of consoles
The Head of Xbox also drops some hints about Microsoft’s E3 press conference.
Historian Reacts To Manor Lords MultiVersus – Official The Joker Character Reveal Trailer | “Get a Load of Me” Sonic Rumble - Official Announcement Trailer BPM x ROBOBEAT Crossover Gameplay Trailer l Coming May 14th Dead by Daylight | Official Horror In Our Hearts Trailer Marvel Rivals - Hela - 'Queen of Hel' | Character Gameplay Reveal Trailer Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition — Announcement Trailer Gundam Breaker 4 - Official Release Date Gameplay Overview Trailer AEW: Fight Forever | Official Season Pass 4 Trailer Solo Leveling: Arise - Global Launch PV: Game On A Whole New Level! No Rest For The Wicked Is Brutal And Ambitious, But A Little Confused | Early Access Impressions Rocket Knight Re-Sparked! Collection | Pre-Order Trailer
Please enter your date of birth to view this video
By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Head of Xbox Phil Spencer answered questions from fans on his Twitter last night and revealed some interesting clues as to what Microsoft is preparing for this year’s E3 and beyond.
One fan asked him “which now-marginalized genres do you think might see a resurgence this gen?” To which Spencer responded “RTS on console.” This is particularly interesting since we recently learned via a job listing on Microsoft’s careers page that Microsoft Studios is looking for someone "to help build and lead the team for a new AAA title within an established and well-loved strategy game franchise."
As we noted when we first learned the news, Age of Empires and Halo Wars are two RTS franchises that fit that description well. Spencer also told IGN earlier this year that he thought the original Halo Wars, which was exclusive to Xbox 360, was fun and expressed interest in seeing a new one. He also suggested it was possible that such a game could be developed internally due to there not being many "great RTS developers out there anymore."
Some other interesting things Spencer said:
- He’s interested in bringing back some of FASA’s IP, which includes games like MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Shadowrun. Microsoft shuttered FASA in 2007.
- His favorite Halo game is Halo 2.
- Microsoft is making progress on an Xbox One controller for PC.
- Regarding PC-related announcements at E3, he said that he’s “very focused on PC right now,” but that we’ll probably not hear anything until after E3.
- Spencer said we can also expect a few more announcements prior to E3. He explained that this is so he’ll have time to focus on other things during the show.
- Regarding “core” gamers’ expectations about Microsoft’s E3 press conference, Spencer said: “I know we'll never please everyone. Having some new partners on stage, some old friends and knowing XBOX gamers are watching is fun.”
- And also: “The lineup at E3 looks good. A couple of things we are still trying to land but it's coming together.”
With E3 2014 nearly upon us, GameSpot has everything you need to know about the show.
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Join the conversation