- Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently spoke about the end of the console wars.
- He discussed the gaming business for multiple minutes without mentioning ‘Xbox’ even once.
- The CEO is more focused on the publisher side of the gaming division compared to console hardware alone.
Microsoft’s Xbox business has been through all sorts of changes recently, with some decisions shocking fans more than others. Between multiplatform releases, OEM hardware, and an uncertain future, the brand has raised more than a few eyebrows.
Recently, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella attempted to clear the air regarding Xbox’s future, answering questions about Microsoft’s current focus. Interestingly, he did not mention the word ‘Xbox’ once throughout one very interesting multiple-minute-long clip of the interview.
Why it matters: Microsoft now seems to be looking at gaming as just another part of the business, as opposed to letting Xbox be different from the other Microsoft sub-brands.
Speaking to TBPN, Satya Nadella was asked to share his thoughts on the future of Microsoft’s gaming division in a post-console war era, and he noted that Windows is the biggest part of the gaming business.
The CEO reiterated his commitment to being a reliable gaming publisher and even drew a comparison to Microsoft Office in terms of being available across all devices for the larger user base.
The biggest gaming business is the Windows business to us.
Satya Nadella also noted that Microsoft intends to do better on both the console and PC fronts, noting that both are two sides of the same coin. However, the most interesting part of this clip may be that the word ‘Xbox’ was not said even once by the CEO.
In fact, looking at the clip, the discussion went on for over five minutes before Xbox was mentioned, and even though the conversation was diverted to other subjects during this time, it certainly shows Microsoft’s perception of Xbox today.
Whether the CEO intentionally avoided saying Xbox or it happened by coincidence is anybody’s guess, but it certainly did not leave a good impression on fans of Xbox. The brand has been under record levels of criticism recently, and Satya Nadella’s recent interview may hint at Microsoft slowly moving away from the Xbox brand.
In many ways, ‘Microsoft Gaming’ would be a more appropriate name for Xbox today. Perhaps Satya Nadella’s interview highlights Microsoft’s overall outlook and lack of interest in Xbox.
Elsewhere, the Microsoft boss noted that gaming’s biggest competition today is short-form content, something that Xbox executive Matt Booty also noted in the past. All in all, this interview, more than anything else, makes Microsoft’s priorities clearer than ever.
What do you make of the interview? Share your opinions in the comments, or visit the Tech4Gamers Forums for more discussions.
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[Senior News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than 5 years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.
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