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Microsoft has no intention of diving headfirst into the virtual reality waters with its next home console, Project Scarlett.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

November 26, 2019

1 Min Read

Microsoft has no intention of diving headfirst into the virtual reality waters with its next home console, Project Scarlett

Speaking to Stevivor at X019, Xbox chief Phil Spencer explained he has "some issues" with VR, and that Xbox customers simply aren’t clamoring for the technology.

"I have some issues with VR -- it’s isolating and I think of games as a communal, kind of together experience. We’re responding to what our customers are asking for and nobody’s asking for VR," he commented. 

"The vast majority of our customers know if they want a VR experience, there’s places to go get those. We see the volumes of those on PC and other places."

It’s interesting to see Spencer distance the Xbox brand from VR, especially when rivals like Sony and (to a very small extent) Nintendo have already entered the market with the PSVR headset and DIY Labo goggles. Xbox itself has even dabbled in VR promises in the past, at one time saying the Xbox One X would support VR only to pivot away from those plans one year later.

Of course, this doesn’t mean we won’t see Xbox hop on the bandwagon further down the line. Indeed, Spencer admits "we might get there eventually” but quite rightly points out that the technology still has some work to do to win over consumers.

About the Author(s)

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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