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Xbox boss Phil Spencer says Microsoft will still 'take risks' following Scalebound's cancellation

Spencer hopes to strike a balance between independent projects and internal, first-party development.

David Craddock

January 11, 2017 2:15 PM

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Following yesterday's announcement that Xbox One exclusive Scalebound had been cancelled, Xbox division boss Phil Spencer took to Twitter to talk with fans about the situation (via Dual Shockers).

"I know we have to take risks, I realize right now probably sounds hollow but I agree," he tweeted in response to a fan worried that what happened with Scalebound, developed by Platinum Games, could lead to Microsoft shying away from projects not baked in AAA molds.

In another tweet to a fan who lamented Scalebound's fate, Spencer said, "It hurt me as well and to the community I apologize. I want everything we start to turn out great, to take risks, create diversity."

Spencer assured fans that Microsoft aims to strike a balance between independent and internally developed, first-party software.

Along with its announcement of Scalebound's cancellation, Microsoft gave a quick rundown of its release plans for 2017. "We're working hard to deliver an amazing lineup of games to our fans this year, including Halo Wars 2, Crackdown 3, State of Decay 2, Sea of Thieves and other great experiences," a company representative said.

David Craddock

Long Reads Editor

David L. Craddock writes fiction, nonfiction, and grocery lists. He is the author of the Stay Awhile and Listen series, and the Gairden Chronicles series of fantasy novels for young adults. Outside of writing, he enjoys playing Mario, Zelda, and Dark Souls games, and will be happy to discuss at length the myriad reasons why Dark Souls 2 is the best in the series. Follow him online at davidlcraddock.com and @davidlcraddock.