Phil Spencer Talks Xbox One Backwards Compatibility, Evolution of Consoles, Quantum Break and More

Phil Spencer Talks Xbox One Backwards Compatibility, Evolution of Consoles, Quantum Break and More

Giuseppe Nelva August 1, 2015 3:21 PM EST

Microsoft’s Xbox Division boss Phil Spencer is preparing for Gamescom after a few days in Shanghai for Chinajoy, but he still took the time to provide the fans with a few interesting answers on Twitter.

First of all, we learn that data installation for backwards compatible games on Xbox One will always be a download. Installing from the disk is not possible because it requires data that is not available on the original print.

@GLXB It will always be a download, we need some data for the emulator that isn’t on the 360 disc. — Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) August 1, 2015

He then further clarified that having that data directly in the OS won’t be possible at least for this generation:

@Stevo_safc Probably not this gen, sorry. — Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) August 1, 2015

Still talking about backwards compatibility, he mentioned that consoles need to evolve to be more similar to Windows in this, as PC gamers can take advantage of new hardware innovations without needing to worry about backwards compatibility.

@XYLAMIC Windows gamers don’t think about back comp and they get advantages from new HW innovations, consoles need to evolve to do the same. — Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) August 1, 2015

Asked if Quantum Break will get a firm release date at Gamescom, he responded with the following:

@VagelisVala You’ll see on Tuesday. I think you’ll be happy. — Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) August 1, 2015

That “I think you’ll be happy” might definitely sound like a tease, if I ever saw one.

Finally, he agreed with the need to support other markets, and hit customers with emotional surprises:

@AAziz_Almutairi Thanks, always trying to get better. I agree on both of your points. — Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) August 1, 2015

I’m quite eager to see if Spencer will manage to hit our heartstrings at the press briefing at Gamescom. The conference will be on Tuesday at 4 PM CEST (10 AM EDT), and I’ll be sitting among the audience writing away.