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When it comes to the next generation of gaming, former Xbox corporate vice president Mike Ybarra is picking up Sony’s PlayStation 5 instead of Microsoft’s Xbox Series X (via Game Rant).
After over twenty years of employment at Microsoft, Ybarra departed the company late last year. “It’s been a great ride at Xbox and the future is bright,’ he said, and expressed his appreciation for his colleagues who supported his direction on the Xbox Insider programme. He’s now an executive vice president and general manager at Blizzard Entertainment, and maintains a friendly rapport with the community who have followed him from his time with Xbox. One person asked him which of the next generation consoles Ybarra would be picking up, with both consoles boasting similar specs and both releasing in the holiday season of 2020. If you guessed the Xbox Series X…
PS5. Will play Xbox exclusives on PC. Wish they were all on PC!
— Mike Ybarra (@Qwik) January 7, 2020
He’s primarily a PC gamer, and Xbox exclusives do make their way onto PC through the Xbox Game Pass streaming service. PlayStation exclusives do not, and for that reason, Ybarra wants a PS5 instead of an Xbox Series X. He explained that he gets the best of both worlds if he takes this approach: “I know that sounds weird, but it’s accurate.”
Economic wise, for my profile it's better for Xbox if I'm a Game Pass subscriber (which I will be for PC) vs. buying their console. I know that sounds weird, but it's accurate. The Game Pass strategy is very smart. Who cares where you play, as long as you play in Xbox's world.
— Mike Ybarra (@Qwik) January 7, 2020
It’s surprising, but because Ybarra is now a lone ranger when it comes to the console camps, he’s able to choose whichever one works best for what he wants. Xbox boss Phil Spencer is enthusiastic for the competition and collaboration that will arise from the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X. “I like that Mark Cerny and his team at Sony are also investing in an SSD for the PlayStation 5, the engines and tools can implement corresponding functions,” said Spencer in an interview with PC Games Hardware. “Together we will ensure a larger installed base—and developers will do everything possible to master and support the programming of these hardware capabilities… it will be exciting to see how the industry will benefit from the comprehensive use of such solutions.”
