Phil Spencer responds to Xbox cross-platform controversy amid Starfield PS5 reports

Xbox had a wild first weekend in February amid an influx of cross-platform controversy. Now, Phil Spencer is finally speaking up, stating more news is en route.

Xbox‘s start to 2024 has certainly been a wild one. The beginning of the year saw reports that console-exclusive titles Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves may jump ship to third-party platforms.

While this news caught plenty of traction, its scope intensified after fresh reports stated more Xbox exclusives would be making the switch. Of note, Starfield, the new Indiana Jones title, Halo Infinite, and even Gears of War were listed, leaving Xbox players in complete disarray.

Xbox’s head, Phil Spencer, has been relatively quiet during the commotion, but he’s now stepped forward, sharing an update on what’s to come.

Phil Spencer shares update amid Xbox cross-platform rumors

In a relatively short and direct update shared to Twitter/X, Xbox’s Phil Spencer shared the following statement.

“We’re listening and we hear you,” Spencer started. “We’ve been planning a business update event for next week, where we look forward to sharing more details with you about our vision for the future of Xbox,” he continues before the classic “Stay tuned.”

We're listening and we hear you. We've been planning a business update event for next week, where we look forward to sharing more details with you about our vision for the future of Xbox. Stay tuned.

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) February 5, 2024

Of course, there’s a lot for Spencer and the company to address. Outside of the cross-platform reports, the company is hot off the heels of laying off somewhere around 1,900 Microsoft employees.

Part of the layoffs reportedly included the team behind Xbox retail products, leading fans to think there’s an incoming pivot to an all-digital future. The cross-platform rumors only fueled the fires, causing more hysteria and unease, as fans foresee the platform devaluing exponentially.

Many of the replies to Spencer’s post echoed all of those fears. “Bringing Xbox to multi-platform will devalue the platform, please don’t,” one reply stated. Another jumped straight to the conclusion: “So it’s confirmed, then. May as well just say it now.” Others think the wait until next week is too long for Xbox to sit on.

There’s a lot to address, and before next week comes, new leaks and reports might spring forth. Stay tuned to this space as we’ll keep you updated with what comes next.