The gaming industry is among many sectors worldwide affected by measures against the spread of coronavirus and covid-19. However, despite major upheavals, Microsoft is well placed to deliver both new console and new games towards the end of the year. However, the Xbox boss reports that the coronavirus situation makes it difficult to say anything for sure.
In a comprehensive interview with IGN, Xbox boss Phil Spencer confirmed that both the Xbox Series X and the much-awaited Halo Infinite appear to be reaching their scheduled release dates. Admittedly, he pointed out that the situation could change at any time and that Microsoft would always prioritize the health of its employees.
“The thing I’m going to put front and center is the safety and security of the team,” Spencer stated. “There is no decision that I will make, or frankly anybody at Microsoft would even ask me to make, that would compromise the safety and security of the teams for a near-term financial or product gain. The teams are the most important thing.”
As for the Xbox Series X, Spencer noted that the suppliers in China were starting to get back on track, which promises well for the production of the console. However, working with games – such as Halo Infinite – presents a greater challenge, especially if the teams have to work from home for extended periods.
“Building a video game from home … a large, distributed team of hundreds of people … is not easy. Video games are big, and there are massive asset bases that each one of these games has. Things right now aren’t easy. Things are stretched. I can feel it in the teams … they are stretched. We have nothing right now that says we’re not going to make the dates that we’ve been planning, but I’ll also say this is real-time stuff. I’m gonna put the safety and security of our teams at the top, along with a quality product. I don’t want to rush a product out if it’s not ready,” Spencer declared.
Should one or more game releases be delayed, it will not affect the launch of the Xbox Series X. Regardless of which games are ready; the plan is to release the console by the end of the year. Spencer promises to inform about any changes so consumers can stay up to date on what’s happening.