Phil still believes in physical media!

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/phil-spencer-says-xbox-is-not-dropping-physical-media

Xbox head Phil Spencer has clarified that Microsoft will continue to support physical media.

Speaking to Game File, Spencer said that Xbox will follow what players need when it comes to how they play their games following concerns that Microsoft was shifting to a digital-focused business model.

"We are supportive of physical media, but we don't have a need to drive that disproportionate to customer demand," he said. "We ship games physically and digitally, and we're really just following what the customers are doing.

"I think our job in running Xbox is to deliver on the things that a majority of customers want. Right now, a majority of customers are buying games digitally."

Spencer cited hardware costs as a potential issue when it comes to producing consoles with a physical disc drive.

"Gaming consoles themselves have kind of become the last consumer electronic device that has a drive," Spencer noted. "This is a real issue in terms of the number of manufacturers that are actually building drives and the cost associated with those.

"When you think about the cogs that we're going to put in a console – and as you have fewer suppliers and fewer buyers – the cost of the drive does have an impact."

He added: "But I will say our strategy does not hinge on people moving all-digital. And getting rid of physical, that's not a strategic thing for us."

He does bring up a good point tho.. at what point does the tray become extinct?! But hopefully Xbox continues to support physical games, even with their next system. Which seems to contradict the all digital Xbox Brooklyn. I guess we’ll find out.. Thoughts, SW? Are you happy about Xbox continuing to support physical games? Or Is it just a PR move and won’t last??

It’ll eventually go away no doubt but I’ll take it as long as the option is provided.

C-suite jackasses will say anything to get you guys to buy into their shit.

Phil doesn't "believe" in anything but making sure his stock prices are higher tomorrow than they are today. That's where it ends.

I can definitely see a scenario next gen where both consoles have optional drives.

I used to be all about physical games until I switched back to PC from consoles a while back.

Wow mrbojangles, you’re feisty today.

At least Nintendo uses cartridges lol.

Phil is full of 💩 end of story.

If you believe what he says then I have a fantastic opportunity for you. I am selling a bridge for 100k, currently I call it the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but once you purchase it you can name it anything you want.

Message me if you're interested lol.

MEOW!

*edit: HISSSSSSSSS!

Good to know

Physical will continue to be phased out once optical remains the standard.

While this is true, parts of our planet such as the 3rd-world still don't support basic Wi-Fi and as such, it's a good thing physical will still be around for those who cannot access Wi-Fi.

I don't believe a damn word Phil Spencer said here. Why did he make Series S in the first place? Xbox Series X can be both and that should have been good enough from that point on.

Guy will say anything.

This.

And his leaked emails shook Lems to their core. But to say Phil believes in anything is a stretch. His beliefs change with the wind...

@davillain: I am not sure about this third world country claim but my issue is with optical storage.

Same reason PlayStation made the PS5 Digital. Options.

For homes with basic internet and Wi-Fi, I doubt having an expensive games console with expensive games is a priority for them.

And lets not kid ourselves, physical is just the delivery method. All AAA games pretty much release in a beta condition these days, with the expectation that the games will be fixed or completed through chunky updates. So having a console with physical media really isn't going to solve a lot. You're still going to need a pretty good internet service and Wi-Fi.

I see it more like "we are not actively looking to kill physical drives but we look forward to the day we don't have to incorporate them." It's also not going to result in a better purchase price for the consumer just a better margin for the platform makers, (or if they're still losing on the hardware maybe they wont lose quite as much).

Phil nailed it. Good man, and thank you for options!

I do not believe a word that comes out of Phil Spencer's mouth.

I like DD don’t have to worry about discs getting dirty or misplaced

The only store that will have them is the gaming stores. Seems like all the big box stores are dropping them.

What options are you talking about? MS next big Xbox release is digital only.

Just Phil talking 💩 to anyone who's willing to listen.

The man is a textbook case of non-committed when it comes to making a statement. That PR type speak gives me a headache

I'm mostly digital this gen but think the option should be there for the people who still want it.

Phil da man!! lol :P

@SecretPolice: I defeated and buried Phil 4 posts up. Guy is a constant liar.

@last_lap:

Lies, lies I tell you; Uncle Phil can't be defeated with all his superpowers and all that jazz. lol :P

"But I will say our strategy does not hinge on people moving all-digital. And getting rid of physical, that's not a strategic thing for us."

What he's saying means nothing. He said that MS follows what the customers are doing. If no one buys physical anymore, they will of course get rid of physical, especially since the cost of disc drives goes up. This might make someone who's a fan of physical and a total idiot feel better, maybe?