Microsoft made a huge announcement at E3 2016 last month and this had something to do with the upcoming feature called “Xbox Play Anywhere”. The new program will allow select Xbox One and PC game titles to be played on both platforms which many feel is a move to compete against Sony’s strategy.
Speaking to the Guardian, Xbox executive Phil Spencer cleared the air on the obvious impact the feature has sent to the gaming world. He clarified that the “Xbox Play Anywhere” move is not something intended to directly compete with Sony’s PS4 program.
Spencer admits that Sony has done an incredible job with their cross-platform program but explains that Microsoft is doing something fundamentally different. The Xbox boss admitted that discussing the strategy of a competitor is something he is not too keen on discussing, opting to talk about what he and his company are up to.
Trial stages
In the course of that talk, Spencer seemed unsure on whether the “Xbox Play Anywhere” would be successful or not. While all the remains to be seen, the more important thing for Spencer is catering to their customer’s gaming experience and options.
‘Xbox Play Anywhere’ is all about choice
The “Xbox Play Anywhere” program is seen by some as a possible ploy to reel in more PC customers to their game console segment. Spencer clarifies that this is not the case and that the program should be seen more as a choice.
Spencer explains that all this is about player preference. PC gaming is different from Xbox One game play but thanks to the deals on select game titles, customers get the choice to play on both platforms.
Part of the “Xbox Play Anywhere” program includes getting hold of select game titles digitally for both PC and the Xbox One. So if someone buys an Xbox One game title, he gets the PC version for free (and vice versa).
Moreover, game progress will be carried on via both platforms which back up Spencer’s claim of adding convenience and flexibility to gamers. It should be noted however that not all games will be covered.
The Xbox Play Anywhere program is expected to launch this September starting with “ReCore” and “Forza Horizon 3”. “Gears of War 4” is set for October with other games like “We Happy Few” and “Ark: Survival Evolved” also on the catalog.
