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Xbox is changing and it’s confusing everyone

Xbox is changing and it’s confusing everyone

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Microsoft’s gaming strategy continues to evolve and it’s all about going beyond the console.

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Vector illustration of the Xbox logo.
Illustration: The Verge

It’s been six months since Microsoft’s bizarre Xbox “business update” podcast, where the company first announced that four Xbox-exclusive games were heading to PS5. In the months since, Xbox fans have feared that Microsoft is throwing in the towel on the brand — and any sort of vibrant future for Xbox hardware.

Microsoft hasn’t done much to ease their concerns. After spending big on Activision Blizzard, it’s now increasingly looking for gaming revenue opportunities far beyond an Xbox console.

It all started with that infamous Xbox podcast. Microsoft strangely didn’t mention the four games that were coming to PS5 during the podcast, leaving an air of mystery and confusion until Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded were all confirmed less than a week later. At the time, Xbox chief Phil Spencer said he was leaving it up to the individual studios to make the announcements, but then Xbox studios head Matt Booty made the announcement in a blog post.

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