Xbox Boss Claims More AAA Games From Japanese Developers Are On The Way

Xbox boss Phil Spencer recently claimed that more AAA games from Japanese developers are on the way to Xbox. However, he did not elaborate when such games could release or what they are.

In an interview with Japanese outlet Game Watch (translated by VGC), Spencer was asked whether Xbox could receive more Japanese games on the platform, even potentially games that do not also release on PlayStation and/or Switch. He confirmed that more games are on the way but did not clarify what games would be coming or from what developers.

Spencer elaborated, "There are also Japanese game creators who are part of Microsoft Game Studios, and while there are titles we can’t announce yet, we are currently developing new games in collaboration with Japanese companies. With further growth, including first-party and third-party, I believe you can look forward to the arrival of even more Japanese titles in the future."

This is not Xbox's first swing at bringing more Japanese games to the platform. Back in the Xbox 360 days, Microsoft worked with Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi resulting in the cult classic RPGs Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey. More recently, Xbox acquired The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo developer Tango Gameworks, as part of its deal with ZeniMax Media. Since the acquisition, Tango Gameworks released Hi-Fi Rush, which surprise launched on PC, Xbox Series X|S, as well as on Game Pass during a promotional stream. The Platinum Games title Scalebound, a action-adventure game about dragons, was canceled back in 2017. However, rumours of a revival abounded after talks between Platinum and Xbox.

The Xbox is still not as popular as PlayStation in Japan, but has made strides. The combined sales of the Xbox Series X|S outstripped the Xbox One last year.