Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer classic video games

In a recent series of revealing interviews, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer shared his vision for the company's future gaming direction, expressing a strong preference for reviving classic franchises over pursuing licensed game development. This strategic shift could herald a new era for beloved gaming properties that have long sat dormant in Microsoft's vast portfolio.

The Licensing Dilemma

Spencer's candid discussion highlighted the inherent challenges of licensed games, particularly when it comes to modern gaming services. "It creates some complexities for us when we think about putting it in a subscription or streaming it," he explained, pointing to racing games that eventually face delisting due to expired licenses. This practical concern shapes Microsoft's approach to game development, pushing them to be more selective about licensed properties.

Current Licensed Projects

Despite these reservations, Microsoft isn't completely steering clear of licensed games. Two major Disney-owned properties are currently in development:

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle by MachineGames, which Spencer praised for its compelling storytelling and immersive first-person perspective
Marvel's Blade, being developed by Arkane Lyon, representing another high-profile collaboration with Disney

A Treasure Trove of Classic IPs

The real excitement lies in Microsoft's extensive catalog of owned properties. With recent acquisitions of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, the company's portfolio includes numerous beloved franchises:

Rare's iconic characters like Conker and Banjo-Kazooie
The fighting game series Killer Instinct
Classic franchises like Hexen and StarCraft

The T-Shirt Oracle

Phil Spencer wearing gaming franchise t-shirts

Gaming enthusiasts have learned to pay close attention to Spencer's wardrobe choices during public appearances. His tendency to wear t-shirts featuring classic gaming franchises, most recently spotted during Xbox TGS 2024 wearing a StarCraft shirt, has become a playful way of generating buzz around potential franchise revivals.

Looking Ahead

Microsoft's strategic pivot towards its owned properties signals an exciting future for gaming enthusiasts. While the company maintains strong partnerships with Disney and other licensors, the focus on reviving classic franchises could mean the return of beloved gaming experiences for a new generation of players. As Spencer puts it, "I'm a big fan of us using the IP that we haven't even revisited," suggesting that some surprising announcements might be on the horizon.

The gaming community now eagerly awaits to see which classic franchises might make their triumphant return under Microsoft's renewed focus on owned properties. Which forgotten gaming gem would you most like to see make a comeback?

business text messaging platform smartphone interface

The Text Revolution: Why Businesses Are Racing to Meet Customers Where They Message

1 hour ago

1 hour ago · In an era where smartphones reign supreme, a quiet revolution is reshaping how businesses connect with their customers. The humble text message, once reserved for personal conversations, has emerged as a powerful tool in the corporate world, with consumers increasingly demanding the ability to text rather than talk. # The Power of Text in Modern Business Picture this: two-thirds of consumers say they would switch companies simply for the option to text instead of call. It's a staggering statistic that reveals just how much people value the convenience of messaging. This shift in consumer preference hasn't gone unnoticed, with the text-message marketing industry projected to reach an impressive $12.6 billion by 2025. # From Ringtones to AI: The Evolution of Blip At the forefront of this transformation stands Blip, a company whose journey mirrors the evolution of mobile communication itself. Founded in 1999 as a humble cellphone store, Blip has reinvented itself multiple times – from selling ringtones to pioneering conversational marketing. Today, Blip connects over 4,000 major brands, including giants like GM and Dell, with their customers across popular platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and iMessage. Their AI-powered chatbots handle millions of customer interactions daily, seamlessly transferring complex queries to human representatives when needed. # The Future of Customer Communication What makes Blip's approach particularly innovative is its focus on continuous improvement. Their platform creates a feedback loop that enhances each customer interaction over time. With features like sentiment tracking and integrated payment systems, they're transforming simple conversations into complete customer service solutions. Recent developments show just how promising this field has become: * A $60 million Series C funding round led by SoftBank with Microsoft's participation * Over 300,000 chatbots created using their platform * More than 50 million daily conversations facilitated through social messaging apps # Beyond Brazil: A Global Vision Headquartered in São Paulo, Blip has expanded beyond its Brazilian roots with offices in Mexico and Spain. Their success story is part of a larger trend: Latin American companies are increasingly catching the eye of venture investors, thanks to growing talent pools and rising demand for innovative services. The company's journey from a local cellphone store to a global communication platform showcases the transformative power of adapting to changing consumer preferences. As we move further into the digital age, one thing becomes clear: the future of business communication will be written one message at a time. Looking ahead, the question isn't whether businesses will embrace messaging platforms, but rather how quickly they can adapt to meet their customers' evolving communication preferences. In a world where convenience is king, text messaging might just be the key to unlocking better customer relationships.