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Xbox chief Phil Spencer has moved to reassure fans concerned about the future of Xbox following yesterday’s announcement that Lionhead Studios and Press Play Studios are to close.
Responding to a fan on Twitter asking him to promise that Xbox “is not going anywhere”, Spencer replied: “I promise”.
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“I’m proud of the games our 1P Studios have shipped on XB1,” he told another, “our plan is continue to build new IP and expand our franchises.”
“It’s impossible to go into all the detail and I apologize for that,” he added when asked why the decision was made to close Lionhead. “Just know I’m committed to our 1P [first-party].”
Yesterday, Microsoft announced plans to close UK studio Lionhead and cancel development of Fable Legends. It also confirmed plans to close Max: The Curse of Brotherhood developer Press Play Studios with immediate effect.
Following the announcement, it was discovered that five further Microsoft studios, including BigPark, LXP, Function Studios, SOTA and Good Science had been removed from the Microsoft Studios website, too, prompting speculation about their future.
The website currently lists 10 active Microsoft studios and initiatives, down from the 18 listed yesterday.
UPDATE: Spencer has commented further, saying that he’s “not sure I’m so loved right now”.
“Thanks,” he said to a fan offering words of support. “I’m not sure I’m so loved right now (not looking for sympathy), Gamer passion is strong.”
Source: @XboxP3
