Microsoft has announced that it is no longer developing games for the Xbox One console, signaling a full transition to the current generation of gaming with the Xbox Series X/S. While existing titles for the Xbox One, such as Minecraft and Halo Infinite, will continue to receive support, there are no new titles in development for the older console, according to Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty.
The decision to move on from the Xbox One was inevitable, as it allows Microsoft to fully leverage the capabilities of the Xbox Series X/S hardware and deliver more advanced and complex gaming experiences. By focusing on the latest generation, Microsoft can avoid the limitations imposed by the decade-old Xbox One hardware. However, Microsoft recognizes that players who still own an Xbox One will not be left behind entirely, as they will have the opportunity to play Xbox Series X/S titles through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
During its recent annual showcase, Xbox unveiled a strong lineup of upcoming games, including new titles like Compulsion’s South of Midnight and InXile’s Clockwork Revolution, as well as providing updates on highly anticipated games such as Fable, Avowed, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
By moving away from the Xbox One, Microsoft’s game development teams are now unburdened by the constraints of the previous generation, enabling them to fully utilize the capabilities of the Xbox Series X/S consoles. However, some third-party developers have expressed concerns about the performance limitations of the Xbox Series S, which is less powerful than the Series X.
Booty acknowledged the additional effort required to ensure games run smoothly on the Series S, stating that optimizing games for the less powerful console necessitates “more work.” Nonetheless, he emphasized that Microsoft’s studios, especially those working on their second games for this console generation, have gained experience and are better equipped to optimize their projects for the Series S.
With this shift in focus, Microsoft demonstrates its commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences on the Xbox Series X/S and PC platforms, while still providing support for existing Xbox One titles. The decision to leave the Xbox One behind is a strategic move that allows Microsoft to fully explore the potential of its latest hardware and cater to the evolving needs of the gaming community.
