Xbox co-founder Laura Fryer has expressed doubts about the company’s hardware ambitions, calling its current roadmap “chaos.” In a new video, Fryer reflected on her time shipping the OG Xbox and Xbox 360, questioning the value of Microsoft’s latest handheld console, the ROG Ally. She believes there is no reason to buy the device, which she claims will lead to a slow exit from the hardware business.
Fryer pointed out that Microsoft is focusing on driving fans to Game Pass, which may be a strategic move to increase revenue. However, she remains uncertain about the company’s long-term strategy and its ability to produce new hits. With Xbox’s 25th anniversary looming, Fryer wonders what the future holds for the company.
Microsoft has reportedly been preparing for significant layoffs in its gaming business, with managers already briefed on the cuts. The company is expected to make these changes ahead of the release of its next-generation consoles. Despite this, some experts remain optimistic about Microsoft’s plans, with a recent partnership with AMD powering the next generation of Xbox consoles.
Fryer’s comments echo concerns about Microsoft’s shift in focus from hardware development to streaming and subscription services. As one of the original founding members of the Xbox team, Fryer’s opinion carries significant weight, highlighting the challenges facing the company as it navigates its changing business strategy.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-hardware-is-dead-says-founding-team-member-it-looks-like-xbox-has-no-desire-or-literally-cant-ship-hardware-anymore