Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has expressed openness to bringing more Xbox games to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, including the next Halo release. In an interview with Bloomberg, Spencer stated, "I do not see sort of red lines in our portfolio that say, 'Thou must not.'" Regarding the next Halo game, Spencer noted it was too early to make a decision. Microsoft announced in September that it is developing multiple new Halo games using Unreal Engine 5, though none have been officially announced yet. Elements from the Project Foundry demo are expected to appear in future Halo titles.
The use of Unreal Engine 5 in Halo games could facilitate the franchise's arrival on PS5, according to tech experts. Previous reports indicated Microsoft was considering bringing the sci-fi series to Sony's home console. Microsoft has already released several games on rival platforms, such as Sea of Thieves and Grounded. The upcoming Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set to launch on Xbox and PC in December, followed by a PS5 release in early 2025.
In the Bloomberg interview, Spencer also mentioned Microsoft's potential entry into handheld gaming devices, with prototypes currently in development. "I love us building devices," he said. "And I think our team could do some real innovative work, but we want to be informed by learning and what's happening now." Microsoft has long discussed plans for a handheld gaming device, with rumors suggesting the next Xbox home console could link with a new handheld device.
Spencer also discussed the possibility of further acquisitions, following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. He suggested pursuing deals that add "geographic diversity" to the company, including in Asia, though no imminent deals are on the horizon. Microsoft previously owned Japanese game developer Tango Gameworks, which was shut down but later re-emerged under Krafton's ownership.
Over the past year, Spencer has overseen more than 2,500 layoffs at Xbox, asserting that "the Xbox business has never been more healthy." He attributed the layoffs to the demands of capitalism. In his Bloomberg interview, Spencer also commented on Sony's recent launch of the $700 PS5 Pro, noting that expensive consoles are not conducive to growing the video game industry. "I feel pretty good about where this industry is going," he said. "To reach new players, we need to be creative and adaptive of new business models, new devices, new ways of access. We're not going to grow the market with $1,000 consoles."
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