Sarah Bond Discusses Xbox’s Vision in Recent Fortune Interview
In a recent video interview with Fortune Magazine, Sarah Bond, who has been serving as Xbox president for nearly two years, shared insights into her professional journey and her passion for gaming. Before joining the gaming world, Bond held positions at McKinsey & Company and T-Mobile, experiences that she believes enrich her current role at Microsoft.
The Future of Xbox Hardware
During the interview, Bond addressed how hardware fits into Xbox’s expansive multiplatform strategy. She emphasized that the foundation of Xbox’s offerings begins with its consoles, stating that the next generation of hardware will provide a “powerful experience.”This assertion aligns with speculation suggesting that the upcoming Xbox hardware may outperform Sony’s anticipated PlayStation 6.
Enhancing Player Experience
Bond remarked on the integral role of hardware within Xbox’s ecosystem:
Hardware is absolutely core to everything that we do at Xbox, because we know that our most valuable players, the people who love Xbox, love the hardware experience.
Addressing Recent Rumors
Concerns around whether Microsoft would retreat from the console market emerged recently, driven by declining sales of the Xbox Series S and X. However, Bond confidently reassured audiences that Microsoft remains committed to launching new hardware in the future.
The Evolving Landscape of Gaming Access
With the rise of cross-platform availability for Xbox titles—spanning PCs, mobile devices, and competing consoles—questions about the relevance of Xbox hardware have grown among gamers. Traditionally, brand aficionados would defend the Xbox experience by highlighting the value of Game Pass. While this was compelling, a recent 50% price increase for the Ultimate tier (the only one offering first-party titles, including the latest Call of Duty, on launch day) has raised eyebrows within the gaming community.
Flexibility in Consumption Models
Bond acknowledged the shifting dynamics in gaming consumption, stating:
We support every business model. So if you want to subscribe and get access to your library games, you can absolutely do that. If you want to buy your games and build up your own library, you can also do that.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Bond’s vision amplifies Xbox’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design, catering to an ever-diversifying audience.
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