re: Microsoft to unify PC and Xbox One platforms

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Some outlets assumed this meant that Microsoft would be allowing consumers to make at-home, modular updates to console hardware. On the most recent Major Nelson podcast, Spencer shut that down completely.

“The feedback I’ve received about, ‘Hey, am I going to break open my console and start upgrading individual pieces of my console?’ That’s not our plan,” he said. “There’s something special with what happens with a console. You buy an appliance-like device. You plug it into your TV, and it just works when you plug it in. It’s 

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What I’m saying is that hardware innovations happen, we want to be able to embrace those in the console space and make those available and maybe not have to wait seven or eight years for that to happen,” Spencer explained. It took nearly a week to clear the air, as Microsoft was unwilling to clarify the statements when we spoke to them in follow-up last week.

Spencer also obliquely addressed the furor around the company’s Universal Windows Platform approach that more closely links PC and Xbox gaming. On Friday, Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney took Microsoft to task for what he feels is a move to monopolize the PC gaming space.

“We’re Microsoft. We build Windows. Success of gaming on Windows is incredibly important for us,” Spencer said. “Success of Steam on Windows is incredibly important for us. They are one of the most important software developers we have on Windows, and having them be successful. I believe that taking gaming on PC as a really important endeavor for us - a strategic endeavor - is great for Windows gaming.”

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