After months of rumors about a shift to multiplatform, the leadership is announcing a different course: strengthening the console ecosystem and returning to proven franchises.
The strategy will be based on reviving old series owned by Microsoft, Bethesda, and Activision Blizzard. The new Chief Strategy Officer, Matthew Ball, believes that the key to success is a combination of nostalgia and modern technology. Instead of investing in new risky brands, Xbox will focus on remakes and reboots of well-known franchises.
Specific intellectual properties were not named, but players are already discussing the possible return of Banjo-Kazooie, Prototype, Quake, and Conker.
In fact, Xbox wants to bring back the atmosphere of the Xbox 360 era, relying on strong proprietary brands, a clearer platform identity, and exclusive games.
Rumors about abandoning consoles in favor of cloud gaming are also being refuted. The new strategy involves strengthening the position of consoles and their successors through unique features and integration with Game Pass. Consoles should remain the primary place for gaming.
Microsoft emphasizes that the focus is on returning to strong franchises.