Xbox Boss Finds Console Wars Debate "Distasteful"

Microsoft's head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, has said he feels the ongoing console-versus-console-feud raging rampant in online forums, comment sections, and social networks is something he finds "distasteful."

Speaking in an interview with GameSpot, Spencer was asked, in light of his success shifting the focus back to games on the Xbox One, what he'd like to tackle next and what keeps him up at night.

"I've said before, the one thing that I probably find a little distasteful in the discourse around games is the divisiveness that people try to build between platforms," he replied.

"It becomes more about what piece of plastic I own than what games I'm playing. It becomes more about somebody else failing than the things I love succeeding. I don't think that's a good place for our industry."

The Xbox exec noted that not everyone is partaking in their arguments but, nevertheless, it is a part of the gaming industry that he is actively interested in combating.

"I know that's not everybody, and it's easy to find the pockets of that vitriol and I kind of think that that is gaming, but I'm not going to embrace that. I'm going to actively push against that," he said.

Spencer's affable nature and willingness to directly praise his competitors has become one of the defining characteristics of his leadership. In the past he has congratulated Sony on the success of its PS4 exclusive Bloodborne, shown support for Nintendo's new CEO, and brokered deals with Oculus.

This, Spencer says, doesn't get in the way of his mission to make Xbox One the best video game platform it can be.

"People sometimes will make fun of me that I mentioned Sony or I mentioned Nintendo," he said. "It's not to placate anybody or make them think I'm some kind of good guy.

"My job isn't really to keep you from buying something else. My job is to make you proud of what we offer, and to give you an enjoyable experience with the product we have. That's 100% of what I'm focused on."

Elsewhere in the interview Spencer said he believes Halo has the same staying power as entertainment juggernauts such as Star Wars and Spider-Man, but requires managing to ensure it isn't overexposed.

Read our full interview with Spencer here.