Don't expect Microsoft to release Mario Kart-style racing game for Xbox One

Don't expect Microsoft to release a Mario Kart-style mascot racing game for Xbox One, Microsoft Studios executive Phil Spencer has said.

"Every time I hear someone say 'like Mario Kart' I cringe," Spencer said on Twitter last night. "It's kind of like open world driving, like GTA. Some games define genres."

Spencer's comments came in response to a fan who asked about the possibility of such a mascot racing game featuring Microsoft characters like Master Chief and Banjo.

Mario Kart's immense success has yielded numerous imitators from companies large and small, including Sonic & All-Stars Racing, which features characters from Sega franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog, Crazy Taxi, Super Monkey Ball, and Total War, among others.

Right now, Microsoft's racing endeavors are limited to the Forza franchise. The most recent entry was Forza Motorsport 5, which was released as an Xbox One launch title in November. Meanwhile, Mario Kart 8 is scheduled to launch this May for Wii U.