-XSX launch still on target for later this year
-Safety and security of team is paramount
-Segmented regional launch not ideal, and unlikely
-Wouldn't delay Series X platform launch for sake of game release readiness(i.e. Halo Infinite)
-Series X project started in 2016
-Q: Was it the aim to be the most powerful console?
A: Not thinking about other platforms. Hard to create goals relative to other platforms in the market
-XSX about balance between CPU and GPU. Looked at refresh rates and frame rates. Started with VRR and DXR on X1X and PC
-Performance goal is why the console looks the way it does
-Q: You watched Cerney's presentation. Reaction?
A: Felt really good about how XSX lines up. Likes the work they did with 3D audio and SSD on PS5
-It took years to get to this point with BC, latency, velocity architecture, xCloud integration
-Talked about the efforts of "forwards compatibility" coming to fruition
-When I saw their[Sony's PS5] disclosure, I felt even better about the choices we made
-Q: Do you worry about price relative to PS5?
A: You have to set a price target at beginning for yourselves
-I feel good about price and performance of XSX
-More people are taking advantage of All Access
-We think upcoming Xbox platform(XSX, PC, xCloud) is a winning plan
-Q: Is price fixed, or do you have flexibility?
A: Getting support from MS. Agile on pricing.
-Policy problems with Xbox One, not just about price. Still must have competitive price, though
-Game Pass, Smart Delivery, BC important to putting customer at center
-Allow people to play best version of games. Respect the customer. Old model "forces" player to re-buy games for better version
-What I've learned...respect the gamer. Respect the art form
-Q: Why removal of optical port from XSX?
A: Form factor, price plays a role, usage plays a role. We already had talks with headset manufacturers. We know how many use it. Did the math. Same for decisions on HDMI-In, Kinect Port, IR Blaster. Always somebody who's disappointed, but must have a plan for the future
-Phil started as software dev(MS Encarta)
-Concerning Cross-play: You should be able to play with the people you want to
-People should expect cross-play. Cross-progression and cross-buy are also things people should expect
-Q: How has it been working with Nintendo?
A: Relationship with Nintendo is great. We talk often
-Cross-platform can be confusing to customers. Rather be able to set expectations for Xbox experience for fans
-"I don't love the idea that for every one of games a little rumor pops up that it goes to Switch." Wants to set better expectations for fans
-"Ori is perfect game for me." Love having Moon Studios on Xbox
-Q: What's the strangest place you've used xCloud?
A: Nairobi, Kenya on bus, using WiFi to play Crackdown via London to Seattle connection. Jokes about frame rate/latency. Regardless, it was cool and everybody on bus wanted to see it
-Believes in social power of gaming. Bridges social gaps
-Q: Is xCloud going to be used to play game instantly before download complete?
A: Yeah that's definitely a possibility and under consideration
-Hundreds of thousands of people playing xCloud currently
-xCloud encourages people to try more games, more quickly
-Not a fan of the term "secret sauce", as if the laws of physics could be bent
-Xbox platform encourages "discoverability" of games, in the same manner that music platforms do
-Concerning xCloud latency: Limited by physics, the best experience you can have is a local device. Not trying to replace a PC or console
-Not pushing xCloud as superior, not trying to overblow it(regarding Stadia question)
-Working with ESA for E3, Game Stack Live was replacement for GDC. Studying how to virtualize announcement events
-Huge fan of E3
-Have to continue to give fans information they want. "We have a lot more to say"
-Q: Is there anything left to say about hardware?
A: We wanted to do hardware first to make room for game reveals
-Q: When can I preorder XSX?
A: Nobody should preorder without knowing the price. Info will come later in the summer
-Q: Can you address Scalebound cancellation?
A: It's a tough one, I have respect for Platinum. We tried to do something and it didn't work. Regrets being too public before we have a tangible plan and product. We're not working on it, moved past it
-Schedule is packed with new games: Ori, Flight Sim, Gears Tactics, Minecraft Dungeons
-More comfortable showing some stuff from internal teams. Better idea of where they're at in dev process
-You'll be hearing more from internal studios. The math dictates that soon we have to start announcing every time we're on stage because we have so many games
-Q: Are you setting up for significant amount of 1st-party support on launch?
A: More important people know when it's[games] coming. Doesn't necessarily help people to have 8 Xbox internal games on one day. Launch lineup is very important, but letting people know when games are coming is more important. Having a quality game is more important. A steady stream
-No Brute Force. Brute Force is not coming back. "Hahaha"
-Some great games like Sunset Overdrive deserved better, got caught up in platform noise/controversy from Xbox One problems. Same with Ryse. It's why BC is important: Some games find their audience later. Compares to Eternal Darkness on GameCube
-Can't wait to show what The Initiative is working on
-Fine line between new games and existing games IP creation is a balance we talk about. Important to have balance between feelings around old IPs and creating new experiences
-Q: What's an IP in the portfolio that you would personally like to see brought back?
A: MechAssault *immediate answer*. Obviously I picked something we're not working on. Would be cool if the stars aligned and we could bring it back
-"Shout out to Dynamite Cop for running my alt accounts on GAF while I'm busy with XSX launch. Stay safe, everyone."
