Decoder with Nilay Patel Microsoft's Phil Spencer on launching the new Xbox and the future of games
Nov 24, 2020
Phil Spencer, Executive VP of Gaming at Microsoft, shares his insights on the gaming industry’s evolution, particularly through the lens of the pandemic. He highlights how gaming has surged into mainstream culture and delves into the rise of game streaming services, comparing it to Netflix. Spencer discusses the challenges of launching new Xbox consoles, emphasizing the importance of game titles and fostering a collaborative environment. He also explores innovations like Game Pass, which enhances game discovery, and the need for open access to encourage creativity in gaming.
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Unexpected Journey
- Phil Spencer never had a strict career plan at Microsoft.
- He followed his passions, starting as an intern and rising to Executive Vice President of Gaming.
Gaming Acceleration
- The pandemic accelerated gaming adoption by a year or two, according to Phil Spencer.
- This acceleration is less drastic than in other sectors due to gaming's pre-existing communal aspects.
Leadership Lessons
- From Bill Gates, Phil Spencer learned the importance of consistent vision.
- From Steve Ballmer, he learned customer focus, and from Satya Nadella, empathetic leadership.