Phil Spencer: DirectX 12 Not a “Massive Change” For Xbox One; Explains Expectations from 1st Party Studios

The introduction of Direct X 12 has caused quite a stir in the community, especially due to how little we know on how much the new API will actually help the Xbox One. Many developers expressed their opinion, with some going as far as making unrealistic statements about doubling the efficiency of the console’s GPU, and others holding on more conservative and realistic stances.

Microsoft’s Xbox division head honcho Phil Spencer gave a quite realistic assessment of what we can expect today on Twitter, explaining that the new API won’t bring a “massive change,” but will help:

http://cdn.dualshockers.com/wp-content/themes/dualshockers2/images/blockquote_icon.gif) 20px 0px no-repeat transparent;">It will help developers on XBOX One. It’s not going to be a massive change but will unlock more capability for devs.

Interestingly, Spencer also explained what he expects from his first party studios as opposed to third party ones:

http://cdn.dualshockers.com/wp-content/themes/dualshockers2/images/blockquote_icon.gif) 20px 0px no-repeat transparent;">I don’t think it’s about a specific genre, more about creating exclusive franchises, taking some risks 3rd parties might not take.

http://cdn.dualshockers.com/wp-content/themes/dualshockers2/images/blockquote_icon.gif) 20px 0px no-repeat transparent;">Thing I ask 1st party studios is why is this a 1st party game, what tech, design or creative difference are we trying to land.

Talking about third party studios, Spencer also mentioned that he “really likes” Scaleborn, the Xbox One exclusive Hideki Kamiya and Platinum Games are developing in collaboration with Microsoft.

Personally, I find quite refreshing that Spencer isn’t overpromising on what DirectX 12 will deliver, especially considering that some really went overboard with their predictions, presenting scenarios that are simply unrealistic under every point of view.

It’s also interesting to see him talk about taking risks with first party studios, especially looking at the fact that nowadays the industry tends to shy more and more away from making risky design decisions.

        Pretty much expected really that DX12 would make some improvements to the X1 but nothing massive.

http://www.dualshockers.com/2014/06/17/phil-spencer-directx-12-not-a-massive-change-for-xbox-one-explains-expectations-from-1st-party-studios/

Nice. Honesty is the best policy. Like I said the other day in the thread about Reggie's interview, too much spin is actually bad PR. Props to Spencer.

Well at least fanboys can stop with the "secret sauce" bullshit right now.

At least he's being honest. An unusual quality in this industry nowadays.

Phil Spencer is so many leagues better than Don Matrick.

pffff fucking Sony fanboy

I think Phil Spencer is the best thing to happen to Xbox.

As far as I know though the first party aren't taking too many creative risks though. Black Dusk sidelined their new IP for Gears of War, 343 are the Halo factory, Turn 10 are Forza. Not sure who are working on Crackdown, the series had a lot of raw potential, hopefully there are some unique co-op/cloud features.

Signing up Platinum is a genius move, especially getting Kamiya to direct. He played a key role on Resident Evil, he was mentored by Mikami before going on to direct the sequel. He created Devil May Cry, Okami and Bayonetta amongst others. Platinum also seem happy to make games without owning the IP and Microsoft could do with a stronger catalogue of exclusive franchises.

Phil Spencer is a godsend for the Xbox. Hopefully he continues the "gamer only" mentality.

Great. Now please demystify the cloud please.

the gears thing though happend before phil took over so not much he can do about that.  as for crackdown the og creators studio is making it so its in good hands.  and phil seems to be more then willing to bring back the old ips they have