Throughout the interview, Spencer highlighted the success of Game Pass, the rollout of Xbox Play Anywhere across more titles, and the importance of platform-wide collaboration between studios. He also discussed the ROG Xbox Ally, a new handheld made in partnership with ASUS, and shared his excitement about bringing Xbox experiences to more screens without compromise.
Game Highlights from the Xbox Games Showcase 2025
Spencer called 2025 Xbox’s biggest year ever, pointing to a packed slate of first-party titles already available or coming soon. He named Avowed, South of Midnight, Oblivion Remaster, DOOM: The Dark Ages, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, Gears of War Reloaded, Grounded 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, Keeper, and Clockwork Revolution as key parts of the lineup.
Obsidian earned special praise for what Spencer called an “incredible year,” with Avowed and Outer Worlds 2 both launching in the same four-month window. He also highlighted the studio’s creative growth and collaboration with external teams to expand their reach. For Grounded 2, he noted the jump in scale from the first game, which was originally built by just 12 developers.
Spencer also spoke at length about inXile’s work on Clockwork Revolution, calling it one of the clear standouts of the show. He praised the studio’s high standards, visual presentation, and writing. Double Fine’s Keeper was another personal highlight, with Spencer reflecting on his long history with the team and revisiting older games like Iron Brigade and The Cave after seeing the game come together.
Xbox Play Anywhere Expands Across More Games
Spencer made it clear that Xbox Play Anywhere is becoming a core part of the platform’s identity. He said the decision to feature it prominently during the showcase was shaped by how people are already playing. More users are switching between devices, and Xbox wants to make that transition feel seamless.
Spencer emphasized that your progress, purchases, and community should follow you no matter where you play. Whether it’s console, PC, or a handheld device, Xbox aims to treat every hour spent in a game as meaningful. He credited creative leader Ken Lobb with reinforcing the importance of respecting player time and progress.
He also pointed to growing support from third-party developers. According to Spencer, the number of gamers using multiple devices continues to rise, and more studios are recognizing that cross-platform play increases engagement. While Play Anywhere isn’t required, Spencer said it should feel effortless when you do switch devices. That goal continues to shape how Xbox designs its platform moving forward.
Xbox and ASUS Partner on ROG Ally Handheld
The ROG Xbox Ally was officially introduced during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, and Spencer described it as a major step forward for Xbox. He explained that the handheld was made in partnership with ASUS and designed to bring Xbox games to more screens without changing how they play.
Spencer said this project represents the strongest collaboration he’s seen between the Xbox and Windows teams in his three decades at Microsoft. The goal is to combine the flexibility of Windows with the familiarity of the Xbox experience. The device supports multiple storefronts, communication platforms like Discord, and offers users the freedom to install what they want. At the same time, Xbox wants it to feel console-like, with a simple setup, quick access to your library, and consistent performance.
Battery life, performance, and responsiveness are still active areas of improvement, according to Spencer. He’s personally testing the device, sending bug reports, and working closely with both teams as they finalize the experience. Whether you’re playing Minecraft, Fortnite, or something from your Game Pass library, Spencer said Xbox is committed to making sure everything works well on this device.
Japanese Games and Partnerships Continue to Grow
Spencer reaffirmed Xbox’s long-term commitment to supporting Japanese game developers. He spoke about the trust required for studios to bring their titles to Xbox and said that trust is something the platform continues to earn over time. He pointed to relationships with companies like Square Enix, Sega, Atlus, and Capcom as examples of that effort paying off.
This year’s showcase featured several high-profile releases from Japan. Final Fantasy XVI was a surprise drop, and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade was also confirmed. Spencer said watching the live reaction to those announcements was exciting. He also noted the earlier announcement of Final Fantasy Tactics and called it one of his personal favourites.
Other featured games included Persona 4 Revival and Metaphor: ReFantazio from Atlus. Spencer described Xbox as the current home of Persona, with several mainline entries now available through Game Pass. He said these partnerships are important to both Xbox and the wider community. And, that listening to developer needs in Japan continues to shape Xbox’s platform strategy.
Supporting Ongoing Games and Growing Communities
Alongside new announcements, the showcase also highlighted updates for live service games with strong communities. Spencer said it’s important to support long-running games and show appreciation for the millions of people still playing them. This year’s event featured new content for Sea of Thieves, Fallout 76, Elder Scrolls Online, and Age of Mythology.
Spencer reflected on the growth of these games and the studios behind them. He praised Rare for evolving Sea of Thieves into a successful, multi-season title despite limited experience with live service development. Now in its seventeenth season, the game has become one of Xbox’s most consistent community-driven experiences.
He also mentioned that ideas and lessons from these projects are regularly shared across studios. Maintaining large communities isn’t easy. And, Xbox wants to make sure the teams working on these games have the support they need to keep delivering. Spencer said balancing space in the showcase between new reveals and ongoing support is always a challenge. Still, it’s a priority to recognize games that continue to grow after launch.
Looking Ahead to Xbox’s 25th Anniversary in 2026
Near the end of the interview, Spencer shared his excitement about what’s coming in 2026, which marks the 25th anniversary of Xbox. He said fans can expect to celebrate with games and experiences tied closely to the platform’s legacy. While some familiar franchises weren’t featured in this year’s showcase, Spencer confirmed that titles like Fable, Gears, and Forza are part of the lineup planned for next year.
Spencer said he’s proud of what the team has delivered so far in 2025 and is looking forward to a strong finish to the year. But he also made it clear that 2026 is shaping up to be a major moment for Xbox. With long-running series returning and more new projects in the works, the focus will be on honouring the platform’s history while pushing it forward.
He didn’t share specific release windows or details about each project. Though, he made a point to let the community know that anniversary plans are well underway. For fans of core Xbox franchises, Spencer’s comments offered a clear signal that more updates are coming soon.
Xbox’s Past and Future Collide in a Packed Lineup
Phil Spencer’s interview offered a clear picture of where Xbox is headed and what’s driving its momentum. With major games already launching, more on the way, and the 25th anniversary set for 2026. Xbox is focused on delivering consistent experiences across devices. Spencer emphasized support for creators, studio collaboration, and the importance of meeting gamers where they are.
As someone who’s been a fan since the original Xbox console launch, I’ve followed the platform for years. Hearing Spencer talk about legacy franchises like Gears and Fable brought back a lot of memories. The fact that those names are part of the 2026 roadmap feels like a full-circle moment. Especially alongside new projects like Clockwork Revolution and Keeper. There’s a clear effort to honour the past while keeping things moving forward.
Whether through first-party releases, handheld partnerships, or cross-platform play, the platform’s priorities remain aligned with its community. Based on everything shown and shared, Xbox is moving into its next chapter with confidence and a packed release calendar.
Which Xbox game are you most excited for in the year ahead? Let us know what stood out to you from the showcase.
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