In a recent interview, Xbox head Phil Spencer shared his insights on the Xbox Series S, shedding light on the unique benefits it brings to game development. Many of the top Xbox titles are available on both the Xbox Series X and S. However, given some developers have voiced concerns about the challenges of creating games for both consoles—particularly the less powerful Series S—it’s intriguing to hear Spencer describe the Series S as a critical part of their design strategy.
Phil Spencer on Why the Xbox Series S is an “Advantage” for Developers
Spencer noted that the current trend toward handheld and less powerful devices aligns with the Xbox team’s expertise gained from developing for the Series S. Despite previous concerns from developers about the constraints posed by the Series S, Spencer is confident it can deliver current-gen games impressively.
During an appearance on The Destin Channel, Spencer addressed the topic of Xbox’s parity clause. This clause mandates that developers must ensure games are compatible with both the robust Xbox Series X and the Series S. He explained, "Interestingly, I see this as an advantage. With the rise of handheld PCs and consoles like the Switch 2, we’re gearing up across a spectrum of devices. It’s about creating games that work from battery-powered, compact devices to high-end systems."
Spencer emphasized the versatility of their approach, highlighting, "We’ve been focusing on the Series S for so long that our games can adjust to various specs. So now, when we talk about devices like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally, we already have games that fit those specifications. This foresight in design really gives us an edge."
Technology today allows game engines to adjust from handling top-tier, ray-traced graphics on high-performance PCs, right down to battery-operated handhelds. For Spencer, the adaptability inherent in the Series S is a valuable asset for their game library.
The conversation about the Series S’s capabilities isn’t new. Previously, there was buzz around the challenge of achieving parity with titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, especially when it came to optimizing features like split-screen multiplayer. Yet, with a bit of help from Microsoft’s engineers, gamers ultimately enjoyed one of the finest RPG experiences on Xbox in recent years.
Spencer also touched upon his own gaming experiences, saying, “I’ve been playing Indiana Jones on the Series S, and it looks fantastic. The Series S handles current-generation games admirably. Most future games are being designed to support a variety of devices, and the Series S specs align well with the emerging devices we see today."
He concluded, "The blend of power and performance in the Series S is definitely an important consideration for game development teams moving forward."
What do you think of Spencer’s perspective? If you’re gaming on the Xbox Series S, we’d love to hear your thoughts. And for those diving into Indiana Jones, keep an eye out for upcoming updates to enhance your adventure experience.
