Xbox boss Phil Spencer affirmed his belief that studio acquisitions are a "natural and healthy" part of the games industry in a recent interview.
Speaking with IGN, Spencer commented on his vision for Xbox's games portfolio and how acquisitions factor into that plan. He highlighted "family-friendly content" as one area where Xbox still has room to grow, and stressed that Xbox will "continue to grow our first-party capabilities." Naturally, studio acquisitions will be a part of that growth.
"And I understand some of the sentiment from the community when acquisitions happen, but one thing I'll put out there is that starting a new studio – starting any small business, frankly – is a very risky proposition. Starting a video game studio even more so. And if a team actually takes the risk of starting a new company, starting a studio, building that over years, building value in that, to say that they shouldn't sell I think is just short-sighted."
Spencer was quick to add that "it doesn't mean every team has to end up selling their studio, but described the "cycle" of new studios growing to a point that they can find success, whether through an acquisition or independence, as a "natural and healthy part of our industry."
In the same interview, Spencer said that Halo Infinite won't make or break the Halo franchise, which "will be here 10 years from now."
