Phil Spencer: You don't have to own studios to make great games

[Normando]

As a gamer? It makes very little difference. As a company? It's huge. Want to know the difference?

Paying a Dev:
The next game Epic makes will come to the PS4. Possibly as an exclusive.
The dev making Titanfall has already said they want to make a game for the PS4.
Bungie is making a multiplatform game that will have exclusive content for the PS4.
GTA went from being a Sony exclusive to being multiplatform.

Owning a Dev:
ND will never make a game for MS.
PD will never make a game for MS.
GG will never make a game for MS.
SM will never make a game for MS.

A developer is more important than just the game or games they make for you TODAY. Who do you think Halo fans would rather make the next Halo game? 343, or Bungie? Developers generate their own fanbases of gamers who trust them to consistently put out good games. Having them in your pocket is guaranteed support. Someone who loves Epic or Bungie no longer needs to buy an Xbox One to get the games they want. Someone who loves Naughty Dog or Santa Monica must buy a PS4 to get there games.