We are absolutely actively looking for developers." Behind the scenes with some of the first games from Xbox's new Global Expansion team

[Windows Central]

During GDC 2024, I was able to sit down with Agnes Kim, Director of Global Expansion at Xbox, and previewed some upcoming ID@Xbox games.

We are absolutely actively looking for developers." Behind the scenes with some of the first games from Xbox's new Global Expansion team : Read more

 

[Zachary Boddy]

I had a blast talking with Agnes Kim, and I really looking forward to a lot of these games.

 

[fjtorres5591]

Great piece.
A good counter to the "XBOX is dying" and "GAME PASS is winding down" FUD from the "hardware sells games" camp.
No, games sell hardware. (And subscriptions.)
And XBOX will continue to prosper by sticking to that mantra.

So will the studios.
Not explicitly mentioned is that the Global team is (correctly) looking for smaller developers that might grow into bigger operations with a bit of relatively cheap help. At a time when a licensed pixel-pimping eye candy game might cost $300M for a ten hour game, XBOX can secure a dozen fun games for a fraction of that and in the process help grow the gaming industry.

Spencer talks a good story about wanting to grow the industry but he clearly walks the talk. And that is good given the growing pressures at the big established publishers.

 

[Zachary Boddy]

Great piece.
A good counter to the "XBOX is dying" and "GAME PASS is winding down" FUD from the "hardware sells games" camp.
No, games sell hardware. (And subscriptions.)
And XBOX will continue to prosper by sticking to that mantra.

So will the studios.
Not explicitly mentioned is that the Global team is (correctly) looking for smaller developers that might grow into bigger operations with a bit of relatively cheap help. At a time when a licensed pixel-pimping eye candy game might cost $300M for a ten hour game, XBOX can secure a dozen fun games for a fraction of that and in the process help grow the gaming industry.

Spencer talks a good story about wanting to grow the industry but he clearly walks the talk. And that is good given the growing pressures at the big established publishers.

I think there is merit to criticisms regarding Xbox's communication and consistency in messaging, but overall I'm optimistic about the platform's future, and it's because of endeavors like the Global Expansion team.

You're also correct that investing in talent early is exactly how you foster loyalty to a platform. These devs finding success on Xbox with the first games makes it far more likely larger projects they may do in the future will also come to Xbox.