Phil Spencer: AAA Game Publishers Rely Too Much on Aging IPs, Lack Distribution Leverage

Phil Spencer's leaked email says AAA game publishers rely too much on aging IP and have high risk as they lack distribution leverage.
He points out many top games like Fortnite and Minecraft were created by independent studios, not AAA publishers.
Spencer seems to be referring to publishers like Ubisoft, Square Enix, EA, and others relying too heavily on longtime franchises.
Some studios are turning to branded IPs like Star Wars to try to create hits based on known properties.
Spencer believes the market is getting riskier for mid-size to big independent studios relying on just a few big releases.

forbes.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/9/2023

Microsoft: China and North Korea Using AI to Make Fake Images to Sway U.S. Opinion

Microsoft has warned of new technological threats from China and North Korea, specifically highlighting the dangers of artificial intelligence being used by malicious state actors to influence and deceive the US public.

9/20/2023

Xbox Chief: Major Game Publishers Too Reliant on Old Franchises, Slow to Embrace New Models Like Subscriptions

Xbox CEO Phil Spencer argues that major AAA game publishers have been slow to adapt to the growth of game subscription services, relying on production scale and existing franchises rather than investing in new IPs.

9/22/2023

Xbox Chief Critiques Major Game Publishers' Failure to Adapt to Digital Disruption in Leaked Email

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer's analysis of the challenges faced by AAA video game publishers in the age of subscription platforms like Xbox Game Pass highlights the declining dominance of big publishers, their dependency on established franchises, and the need for new paradigms in the industry.

10/14/2023

Microsoft Acquires Activision Blizzard, Gains Rights to Classic Gaming IPs Like Call of Duty and Warcraft With Potential for Revivals

Microsoft's recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard has given them ownership of a vast catalogue of classic games and IPs, including popular titles like Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, Diablo, Overwatch, Spyro, and Warcraft.

10/20/2023

Microsoft Closes $68.7B Activision Blizzard Deal, Eyes Mobile Growth With Candy Crush Maker

Microsoft's Xbox boss Phil Spencer has expressed caution about the immediate impact of the company's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, but is open to exploring new game ideas and potentially bringing back titles like Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk.

Topics

Posted 9/24/2023, 12:33:43 PM