Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Opens Up on Regrets Over Passing on Hit Games

Phil Spencer, the Xbox boss, recently shared his insights on the games that got away during an interview at PAX West. Among the notable mentions were Bungie’s Destiny and Harmonix’s Guitar Hero. Spencer expressed his regret over passing on these games, admitting that he made some of the “worst” decisions in his career.

A Missed Opportunity with Destiny

Spencer revealed that he didn’t immediately click with Destiny when it was first presented to him. It wasn’t until the game’s first expansion, House of Wolves, that he began to appreciate its potential. Despite his initial hesitation, Spencer acknowledged the game’s success and praised the team at Bungie for their efforts.

Passing on Guitar Hero

Spencer also shared his experience with Guitar Hero, which he initially thought wouldn’t work. He recalled being pitched the idea of a game that involved playing guitar tracks with a plastic instrument and was skeptical about its potential. Looking back, Spencer acknowledges that he made a mistake in passing on the opportunity.

In spite of these regrets, Spencer emphasized that he’s not a person who dwells on past mistakes. Instead, he prefers to focus on the positive and celebrate the team’s achievements. This mindset is a valuable lesson for anyone in the gaming industry, where taking risks and making tough decisions is an integral part of the job

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Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Opens Up on Regrets Over Passing on Hit Games

Phil Spencer, the Xbox boss, recently shared his insights on the games that got away during an interview at PAX West. Among the notable mentions were Bungie’s Destiny and Harmonix’s Guitar Hero. Spencer expressed his regret over passing on these games, admitting that he made some of the “worst” decisions in his career.

A Missed Opportunity with Destiny

Spencer revealed that he didn’t immediately click with Destiny when it was first presented to him. It wasn’t until the game’s first expansion, House of Wolves, that he began to appreciate its potential. Despite his initial hesitation, Spencer acknowledged the game’s success and praised the team at Bungie for their efforts.

Passing on Guitar Hero

Spencer also shared his experience with Guitar Hero, which he initially thought wouldn’t work. He recalled being pitched the idea of a game that involved playing guitar tracks with a plastic instrument and was skeptical about its potential. Looking back, Spencer acknowledges that he made a mistake in passing on the opportunity.

In spite of these regrets, Spencer emphasized that he’s not a person who dwells on past mistakes. Instead, he prefers to focus on the positive and celebrate the team’s achievements. This mindset is a valuable lesson for anyone in the gaming industry, where taking risks and making tough decisions is an integral part of the job