Phil Spencer Announces Xbox One First-Party Games And Dev Tools, Phil Harrison Allegedly Leaves Microsoft
The GDC 2015 has given Xbox One users a lot of pleasantly surprises. In fact, there are 50, counting all of the new games coming out of the ID@Xbox. Now, Xbox head Phil Spencer has announced a few more updates to enhance the overall experience on Microsoft devices, especially for the Windows 10.
The Xbox Live SDK for the Windows 10 has already been distributed to partners so they can create new games. According to the Xbox Wire, the new SDK will allow access to the Xbox Live services that are on the Xbox One via shared APIs and integration with the Windows Store.
There’s also the Windows Universal App Platform, which will integrate the core operating system, app platform, gaming social network and store for all of the Microsoft devices. This is to allow devs to create a single project that can instantly be distributed to a number of devices. An offshoot of this is that having one Windows Store allows for more flexibility and cross-buy opportunities.
DirectX 12 has also taken the stage, though Spencer mentioned the power and control that it will bring for PC developers. A 20% improvement can be expected, though it was not specified as to which platform this can be expected. However, it does mean that games running on DirectX 12 will put games on a higher visual plane that can be at par with PC gaming.
In addition, Spencer has also unveiled some of the games coming out from Microsoft Game Studios at the GDC 2015. No further details have been given, but Worlds Factory reports that the first-party games will be released for the Xbox One and Windows 10 PC.
On the flipside, it’s not all good news in Microsoft as GameIndustry.biz got wind of Phil Harrison’s plans to leave Microsoft. This bit of information has not yet been officially commented on by Microsoft, though it came from a few insider sources at the GDC 2015.
According to the report, both Spencer and ID@Xbox director Chris Charla did not comment on the allegation. A Microsoft representative further stated that the company does not comment on rumours. While the news may come as a surprise, the source suggests that this may have been the result of the lack of upward movement for Harrison within Microsoft given the departures and promotions that have taken place.
The alleged resignation also comes in at the same time as the closure of Lift London following a merger with Soho Productions, a company that is more known for its TV and media content turnout. Harrison has played a major role as one of the founders of the studio, which has mainly focused on a wide array of projects including those that are meant for tablets.
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