Microsoft to move gaming focus to software following Xbox One X launch

Microsoft hasn’t had the best of times when it comes to game development. First party games have suffered following the closure of Lionhead and the cancellation of Scalebound from Platinum Games. This year has seen some successes with indie titles like Cuphead, but for the big triple-A titles, Microsoft has been lacking in star releases.

However, the owner of the Halo and Gears of War franchises is addressing this, according to an interview with Phil Spencer on news website, Bloomberg. Microsoft is about to release its new console, the 4K, premium edition to the Xbox family, the Xbox One X. Following this, the attention will return to video game development.

“We need to grow, and I look forward to doing that,” Spencer told Bloomberg. “Our ability to go create content has to be one of our strengths. We haven’t always invested at the same level. We’ve gone through ups and downs in the investment.”

To do that, Phil Spencer is helping to renew interest in the brand at a board level and Microsoft will be looking to acquire new studios and increase its funding to its in-house teams that fall under the Microsoft Studios banner, according to the articles from Bloomberg. That could include Halo developer 343 Industries and Gears of War developer The Coalition.