Microsoft’s gaming division Xbox is taking major steps to ensure your favorite games won’t be lost to hardware obsolescence.
In a recently leaked internal email, Xbox president Sarah Bond revealed the formation of a new team dedicated solely to game preservation and backwards compatibility.
This initiative aims to safeguard the extensive library of Xbox games, ensuring their accessibility for future generations of players, regardless of hardware advancements or platform shifts.
Why Does Preserving Older Games Matter?
As gaming shifts increasingly towards digital downloads and online services, there are widespread fears that classic games could be lost forever once publishers or platform holders decide to shut down stores and servers.
We’ve already seen troubling examples on mobile, where Apple and Google have wiped thousands of games from existence with no means of re-downloading them.
Even on traditional consoles meant for physical game discs and cartridges, examples of games being cut off abound – such as Nintendo shuttering the Wii Shop Channel and 3DS eShop in 2022, and Microsoft closing the Xbox 360 store for new purchases later this year (July 2024).
While hundreds of popular Xbox 360 titles have already been preserved through backwards compatibility on Xbox One and Series X|S, this new initiative aims to future-proof the “entire” Xbox game library across all generations as new hardware emerges.
“We remain committed to bringing forward the amazing library of Xbox games for future generations of players to enjoy.”
Next-Gen Hardware: “The Biggest Technological Leap Ever”
Alongside the game preservation, Sarah Bond’s email shed light on Microsoft’s ambitious plans for the next generation of Xbox hardware.
In a bold statement, Bond revealed that the company is “moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware, focused on delivering the biggest technological leap ever in a generation.”
This statement aligns with her recent interview in the Xbox Business Update podcast which hints at Microsoft’s potentially working on a Next Gen console for Xbox Series or their rumoured Xbox handheld device.
While no further information was provided regarding the specifics of the hardware itself or its anticipated release date, leaked documents from 2023 suggest that Microsoft plans to unveil the next Xbox iteration in 2028.
However, given the company’s prioritization of this development, gaming enthusiasts may be able to experience the next-gen Xbox sooner rather than later.
According to rumors, Microsoft may share more details on this “Technological Leap” hardware at the upcoming annual Xbox Showcase event on June 9th, 2024.
Groundbreaking Innovations in Gaming AI
In addition to the game preservation initiative, Microsoft’s Xbox division is also pioneering groundbreaking advancements in gaming AI.
Sarah Bond highlighted the company’s focus on “delivering player-first, developer-first value for discovery, engagement, and creator velocity.”
By leveraging the power of AI, Microsoft aims to enhance various aspects of the gaming experience, including:
- Improve game discovery and engagement: AI algorithms can analyze player preferences, gaming habits, and data from various sources to provide personalized recommendations and tailored experiences. This can help players discover new games that align with their interests, fostering increased engagement and exploration within the gaming ecosystem.
- Assist developers in creating more immersive experiences: AI can be leveraged to streamline various aspects of game development, such as procedural content generation, intelligent game design assistants, and even the creation of dynamic, adaptive narratives. This can empower developers to create more immersive and engaging experiences while accelerating the development process.
Integration with Activision Blizzard and Battle.net
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has significantly expanded the company’s gaming portfolio, and the integration of these titles into Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass is already underway.
According to Sarah Bond, the recent launch of Diablo IV on Game Pass has propelled Xbox to become the #1 platform for the game’s players.
Furthermore, Microsoft is actively working on integrating Battle.net, Activision Blizzard’s gaming platform, into its ecosystem.
This move will not only enhance the user experience for gamers but also streamline the distribution and management of popular titles such as Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, Hellblade II, Avowed, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
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