Xbox One VR No Longer A Priority, According To Microsoft Executive
There have been talks in the past of virtual reality making it to Xbox One and there have been efforts between the console-maker and the Oculus Rift device, but changes are in the works. As other platforms bring attention to new VR technology to the table, Xbox One VR was placed on the back burner and there’s a good reason for that. Speaking to GamesIndustry International, Microsoft executive Mike Nichols revealed that the team won’t be placing priority on that project anymore.
Nichols mentioned the possibilities for virtual reality are better suited for PC. In addition to that, other developers have their hands deep into that market already, so why bother? Contributing to a flooded market may result in wasted resources, so it is likely that Microsoft wants to devote their energy to the medium that’s been available since day one – the television.
We don’t have any plans specific to Xbox consoles in virtual reality or mixed reality. Our perspective on it has been and continues to be that the PC is probably the best platform for more immersive VR and MR. As an open platform, it just allows faster, more rapid iteration.
There are plenty of companies investing in it in the hardware side and the content side, or some combination therein. Obviously on phones, augmented reality is a good scenario as well that’s going to grow. But as it relates to Xbox, no. Our focus is primarily on experiences you would play on your TV, and ultimately we’d like to make those experiences more broadly.”
In addition to that, a substantial amount of resources and energy was spent on the development of the Xbox One X, but that doesn’t mean Microsoft isn’t determined to reach gamers of diverse needs and desires. Taking their new Xbox controller for example, which explored options and designed with accessibility in mind to make it easier for individuals with limited abilities.
As a matter of fact, extending their reach onto different platforms and mediums is their primary objective. Instead of Xbox One VR, they want to consider mobile gaming, cross-platform solutions, and others. Nichols continued:
We want to reach gamers of all types. We want to reach gamers who are only on phones. We want to reach gamers who are only on PC, who are only on console, and mixes therein. And in order to do that, we need to make our content available across the relevant devices. And in some cases, we want to make content specific to a device, like we announced the Gears Pop game specifically for mobile.
It is definitely a change in our approach, but it’s a change in our approach that I think reflects consumer dynamics, technology, evolution… Frankly, consumers look increasingly at every form of entertainment. They expect it to play across many devices. There are some reasons why that’s harder in gaming than other forms of entertainment, but I would still look at it as a really great vision to work towards, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
What do you think of Microsoft pulling away from the possibility of Xbox One VR? Do you think they should still invest resources into it, or should they approach other trends? Let us know what you think in the comments section below or start a conversation on DFTG Facebook page. To stay up to date on gaming news as it happens, follow us on Twitter! Here’s some of our latest:
Hoi Duong2131 Posts
Hoi is an elusive figure at DFTG, whose favorite past-times include chillin' in the Fade, reading manga, watching anime, collecting novelty items, and gaming.
