Microsoft: We need to do better in Europe

Microsoft: We need to do better in Europe
David Scammell Updated on by

Video Gamer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more

Xbox chief Phil Spencer has admitted that Microsoft needs to “do better in Europe” and that he wants to focus on improving Xbox One sales across the continent.

“We need to do better in Europe,” Spencer said in the latest issue of EDGE. “When I look globally, mainland Europe is definitely an area we want to focus on.

“I’m excited about going to Gamescom at the beginning of August, having another press show where we’re able to show games that we didn’t show [at E3]. So you’re going to see brand new games, as well as obviously some repeats, but you’re going to see Scalebound, Crackdown, Quantum Break from my friends at Remedy. From a product standpoint, I like where we are. I think the team’s doing a great job with the games and building a platform for gamers.”

An interview with SCEE president Jim Ryan published on VG247 yesterday claimed that PS4 has “market leadership in every country in Europe” and “very significant market leadership in continental Europe. Extremely significant. I don’t think market-share’s any less than 70%, and frequently greater than 90% in continental Europe.”

Ps4 xbox one

“Sony does a really good job in those markets, and they have a long history – long before we were in this business – and they’ve earned the success that they get in those regions,” Spencer continued to tell EDGE. “I watch what they do because they do a lot of good things, and I want to make sure that we’re being smart about succeeding. And there are places like Latin America where Xbox does really well, and in the US the numbers keep going back and forth – it’s good competition which I think is good for everybody.

“Content-wise, though, I’m excited about this Forza, I’m excited about Tomb Raider, I’m excited about the new Rare game, Sea Of Thieves… And I think we can do more artful games that I have found resonate more. That’s definitely a focus for us.”

Microsoft announced its plans for Gamescom yesterday, confirming that it will be holding a press briefing on August 4 featuring new looks at Quantum Break, Crackdown and Scalebound.

Sony, meanwhile, is sitting out this year’s show.

Source: EDGE | Issue 282