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Spencer Wants to Make Cross-Buy a Platform Feature, Thinks it is Good for Gamers

Spencer Wants to Make Cross-Buy a Platform Feature, Thinks it is Good for Gamers - News

by William D'Angelo , posted on 12 February 2016 / 7,150 Views

It appears Quantum Break won't be the only Microsoft published game that will release at the same time on Xbox One and Windows 10 with a cross-buy feature.

Head of Xbox Phil Spencer told a fan on Twitter that he wants to make cross-buy a platform feature and think that it is good for gamers.

 Free-to-play title Fable Legends will also see a release on Xbox One and Windows 10 and supports cross-play.

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A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.


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73 Comments
NinjaFox (on 12 February 2016)

If everything on XB1 is cross-buy on PC..... is there any one single reason to own their console? Doesn't this just further the argument of PC/Playstation/Nintendo = you play everything?

  • +18
Mr Puggsly NinjaFox (on 12 February 2016)

Well not everything on X1 is cross buy and clearly not every console gamer wants to buy a PC. But if what you're saying was true, the X1 is still more affordable than gaming PCs. I just bought a refurb X1 for $240.

  • -4
Skratchy NinjaFox (on 12 February 2016)

This is pretty much exactly what I'm thinking. Owning an actual Xbox One seems like less and less of a need.

  • +2
Jranation NinjaFox (on 12 February 2016)

Thats why he said "We think it's good for gamers.". It might not be good for MS, but its VERY GOOD for the Gamers!

  • -4
Cueil NinjaFox (on 13 February 2016)

So you think there are a lot of people who own the PC to play a lot of these games? Also why wouldn't you want a secondary gaming system? I'm a PC Gamer and it has no interference with my consoles

  • 0
malistix1985 NinjaFox (on 13 February 2016)

Its also a way for microsoft to push Windows 10, which is very important for them, so for them it makes sense right now.

  • +1
Sixteenvolt420 NinjaFox (on 14 February 2016)

Yeah, they are still trying to force Windows 10 on people, even though those whom haven't already downloaded it, pretty much don't want it. You think they'd learn that most of the crap they add to newer versions of Windows, the general computer user doesn't need/use.

  • 0
Azuren NinjaFox (on 14 February 2016)

@Mr Puggsly: The post suggested the hypothetical of all games being cross buy. Under those circumstances, I believe an XB1 becomes pointless.

  • +1
Barkley (on 13 February 2016)

So they want to do cross-buy but they won't allow crossplatform play? I really don't understand microsoft.

  • +5
captain carot Barkley (on 13 February 2016)

They do allow crossplatform play between PC and Xbox. Fable Legends will have crossplattform as well as Halo Wars 2 it seems.
Third Partys can do crossplattform play between Xbox and PC as well.

  • 0
KManX89 Barkley (on 13 February 2016)

I think someone's confusing simply streaming from PC to XB1 with actually being able to play with/against PC players on XB1, i.e: ACTUAL crossplatform play! MS wouldn't allow it for Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward, and it became a PS4, I shouldn't say exclusive, but console exclusive as a result. Same deal with SFV.

  • 0
KManX89 Barkley (on 13 February 2016)

I think someone's confusing simply streaming from PC to XB1 with actually being able to play with/against PC players on XB1, i.e: ACTUAL crossplatform play! MS wouldn't allow it for Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward, and it became a PS4, I shouldn't say exclusive, but console exclusive as a result. Same deal with SFV.

  • 0
SamLeheny Barkley (on 13 February 2016)

If your friends see you playing a multiplayer game and want to play too they have to buy the same console as you.
It's a business tactic. Bastards...

  • 0
FunFan (on 12 February 2016)

Great move. Now I want cross buy too.

  • +4
EyeAmTJ (on 13 February 2016)

People talking why even buy a X1, same could be said about buying a PC smh

  • +2
Chazore EyeAmTJ (on 13 February 2016)

Except people game on PC a lot more than Xbox, that's one big difference.

  • -1
Skratchy (on 12 February 2016)

Good news for PC gamers, but what about Xbox? I guess Microsoft wins either way?

  • +2
AsGryffynn Skratchy (on 13 February 2016)

Pretty much. I bet the Xbox Next will be a branded gaming PC with an special UI and all PC Games will have a "Xbox Next ready" tag on them. The difference is that this gaming PC will look and feel like a console and there will be games you can only play on it and not on other PCs...

I am starting to think they might be smarter than they let on...

  • +1
The_BlackHeart__ (on 12 February 2016)

My boy Phil graduated from a whole different school than any other PR on the business.
He is trying to sell us the fact that the XB1 is losing exclusives as a feature. And its working. Genius.

  • +2
Mr Puggsly The_BlackHeart__ (on 12 February 2016)

No, I think we've just gotten to a point where PC is platform really worth supporting. Most notably, MS Windows.

  • -3
Swordmasterman The_BlackHeart__ (on 12 February 2016)

MR Puggsly, did you need to Kill your own console to support the PC Market ?, look for what Sony, did, Sony, had developer making games for PC Only, DC Universe, H1 Z1, Planet Side, EverQuest, and a lot of other games that went to Sony's consoles, and PC, and really don't hurt console sales because those games are focused for PC.

Now Microsoft, is sending all their exclusives (i said all) for PC, and exclusives that appeal more for someone to buy a Console, like Quantum Break, that is a Single player game, Recore, but who is the next ?, Gears of War 4 ?, ScaleBound ? (becuse of the pc Port the delay to 2017 ?).

The true problem is that Microsoft, market Quantum Break, as a Xbox Exclusive, and after 3 years, just 7 weeks from launch, said that will come to PC, this makes impossible to believe in Microsoft, when they lie about exclusives, like Tomb Raider, that they were marketing as a exclusive before the announce of the timed, People will lost the trust in Microsoft, and will stop buying Xbox, this will make the console die, like the DreamCast.

  • -4
Chazore The_BlackHeart__ (on 12 February 2016)

@Swordmasterman, except Sony sold off all their PC ties and games and decided not to support PC, MS has always had a stake with PC since the beginning which is why MS is going back to their original market to leverage what Sony doesn't and never will have, two markets to pander to along with mobile.

  • -1
Semmie The_BlackHeart__ (on 12 February 2016)

Dont ever compare dreamcast to xbox one. Dc is boss. And died fighting. That console had loads of exclusives. Before u talk? Think

  • -6
Mr Puggsly The_BlackHeart__ (on 12 February 2016)

@Swordmasterman - What are you talking about? A lot of the most popular PS4 and X1 games are on PC. Based on your logic... shouldn't people be buying all those games on PC instead?

Xbox One already has double the sales of Dreamcast and they didn't chase off 3rd parties like Sega. You simply don't have the knowledge to have this conversation.

  • +2
Cueil The_BlackHeart__ (on 13 February 2016)

when did Microsoft send all their games to PC?

  • +1
malistix1985 (on 12 February 2016)

The biggest question is how you will be able to download the games on your PC if they have some sort of shitty service, like the original XBox live games, then its still not worth it. But overall I do feel like this is a great move, also for pc-sales if many XB exclusives get released on it

  • +2
SamLeheny malistix1985 (on 13 February 2016)

I feel like they're planning something...
At the moment they don't make licensing money from PC game sales like they do for Xbox games, but I feel like they have a plan to change that. I'm wary.

  • 0
Ruler (on 12 February 2016)

This is digital only tough, not for retail games

  • +2
Mr Puggsly Ruler (on 12 February 2016)

Selling it digitally is more proftiable for MS. Also, people who actually want a PC version are more comfortable with digital purchases.

  • -2
Chazore Ruler (on 12 February 2016)

Digital gaming is quite profitable on PC than PC retail.

  • 0
Ruler Ruler (on 13 February 2016)

yeah its profitable for Microsoft but not for us

  • 0
Chazore Ruler (on 13 February 2016)

Digital gaming is the future.

  • 0
Puppyroach (on 13 February 2016)

Great and forward thinking, now give us cross-platform play as well!

  • +1
Angelv577 (on 12 February 2016)

all that I know is that crapgamer is mad about this. Don't know why. More sales for the publisher which could guarantee a sequel for the game.

  • +1
Mr Puggsly (on 12 February 2016)

MS supporting its mega popular OS is not a bad thing. More people having access to great games is fine with me.

  • +1
Chazore Mr Puggsly (on 12 February 2016)

"just be happy with what you have" is what you said to me originally did you not?.

  • -2
Mr Puggsly Mr Puggsly (on 12 February 2016)

I don't recall saying that or the context.

  • 0
Chazore Mr Puggsly (on 12 February 2016)

You said towards PC gamers a few articles back.

  • -2
Mr Puggsly Mr Puggsly (on 12 February 2016)

Was it the article about The Division? That was about graphics. Which also applies to this PC release.

Maybe you're gonna need to show me that post if I'm wrong.

  • 0
Zkuq Mr Puggsly (on 13 February 2016)

To be honest, MS pushing PC to be a more closed environment is not a good thing. In the short term, this is great, but in the long term, this could also be trouble.

  • -1
Chazore Mr Puggsly (on 13 February 2016)

This was about accepting things as they are rather than getting upset about the salt, it works both ways.

  • -2
Mr Puggsly Mr Puggsly (on 13 February 2016)

What? I'm not complaining. I like that MS is supporting PC, which should help software sales.

So... I think you misunderstood that post.

  • 0
soulsamurai (on 14 February 2016)

Considering they own both Windows and XBOX....it doesn't matter which system they're selling it for as long as it's selling...and quite honestly not being too big of a fan of Microsoft's policies....I'm actually impressed by this move.

  • 0
SamLeheny (on 13 February 2016)

How about cross platform on Platstation as well? You're like to yap about not being about creating walls between players, so how about you put your money where your mouth.

  • 0
Puppyroach (on 13 February 2016)

Great and forward thinking, now give us cross-platform play as well!

  • 0
Peh (on 13 February 2016)

The only one who should've do it is Nintendo... I hate to buy the same game for my WII U and the 3DS :/ ... Like .. Mega Man 1-6 and Mario 1-3 and, and, ... My purse is crying.

  • 0
cfin2987@gmail.com (on 13 February 2016)

By ne t year, how much will a PC cost that can play these games?

  • 0
Chazore cfin2987@gmail.com (on 13 February 2016)

a million pounds.

  • -2
AlfredoTurkey (on 13 February 2016)

Microsoft might have just overplayed their hands with this one. Very telling.

  • 0
kooltrex (on 12 February 2016)

AGREED sony does it well and I am sure MS can learn a thing or two.

  • 0
HokageTenshi (on 12 February 2016)

sounds like they wanted XB fans shifting to PC...

  • 0
Chazore HokageTenshi (on 12 February 2016)

Just like they wanted with the original Xbox but in reverse...

  • 0
Cueil HokageTenshi (on 13 February 2016)

this is something that will work both ways you know

  • 0
think-man (on 12 February 2016)

Awesome i support this. More reason to play more pc titles and less reason to ever own a x1

  • 0
Chazore think-man (on 12 February 2016)

But still more reasons to support MS =P

  • +2
Jranation think-man (on 12 February 2016)

Yep that's why he said "We think it's good for gamers."

  • 0
Chazore think-man (on 13 February 2016)

Good to support MS in the end regardless.

  • +1
KLXVER (on 12 February 2016)

I can understand cross-buy when it comes to a console and a handheld, but who is going to play the same game on a console and PC? If you play both XB1 and PC, then you would choose the one that performed the best. Not both.

  • 0
SamLeheny KLXVER (on 13 February 2016)

I would and have. But that's because I moved from console to PC and wanted to get all my old games again. Now I don't ever touch my console, and surely MS doesn't want that :S

  • 0
soulsamurai KLXVER (on 14 February 2016)

I have been lucky enough to get a well paying job that I enjoy and do most of my gaming on PC, however some of my friends only have a console I would still love to play games with them on. It always pisses me off having to choose if i want to play with better graphics, controls and the ability to mod, or purchasing the version on console that doesn't have these things, but my friends playing it on there and I'd have a buddy to team up with. This opens up that choice.

  • 0
SamLeheny KLXVER (on 14 February 2016)

Ah, now there's an interesting point. Buy a game on Xbox and also getting it on PC is... not a huge deal for them business wise, but buying on PC and also getting on Xbox? Plenty of PC gamers pick up a console eventually, when they're cheaper. This could be a way of convincing them that when the time comes, they should choose Xbox.
Of course... since PC games are often a lot cheaper, that might just be providing Xbox players with a cheaper way of getting their games... which they probably don't want...

  • 0
Zkuq (on 12 February 2016)

The reason he thinks so is actually because it's good for Windows 10. It being good for gamers is secondary (but true).

  • 0
Mr Puggsly Zkuq (on 12 February 2016)

Windows has a lot of gamers as well...

  • 0
Zkuq Zkuq (on 12 February 2016)

Yup, but Windows 10 hasn't fared as well as Microsoft expected, I reckon. Windows 7 is still by far the most popular Windows.

  • +1
solidpumar (on 12 February 2016)

Great move, leverage the Xbox brand against Steam with crossbuy. Although steam will do same with steam/steambox.

  • 0
Chazore solidpumar (on 12 February 2016)

And Steam still has the bigger share of the market+all of it's features with their eco-system/client.

  • 0
Chazore solidpumar (on 12 February 2016)

And Steam still has the bigger share of the market+all of it's features with their eco-system/client.

  • 0
Chazore solidpumar (on 12 February 2016)

And Steam still has the bigger share of the market+all of it's features with their eco-system/client.

  • 0
hush404 solidpumar (on 13 February 2016)

They already do. Any game you buy is instantly available for any system you install steam on (if the game is available for said OS), be it Windows, Mac or Linux (steam machine included).

  • -1
hush404 (on 13 February 2016)

This kind of move speaks bounds to me about what Microsoft finds important, *hint, it's not the xbox brand.

  • -1
Mr Puggsly hush404 (on 13 February 2016)

Wow, how did you figure that out? MS isnt dependent on gaming like Sony and Nintendo. Gaming is something MS does to appeal to more people. Sony is more reliant on gaming than ever because they failed at other things.

  • 0
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