Xbox creates team dedicated to game preservation and backward compatibility, next-gen Xbox aims for 'biggest technological leap ever'

Sarah Bond, president of Microsoft's Xbox division, has established a team dedicated to game preservation and backward compatibility , according to a report from Windows Central. In addition, she reiterated that Xbox is aiming for its 'biggest technological leap ever' with its next-generation hardware.

EXCLUSIVE: Xbox President Sarah Bond has set up a new team dedicated to game preservation and forward compatibility | Windows Central
https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/exclusive-xbox-president-sarah-bond-has-set-up-a-new-team-dedicated-to-game-preservation-and-forward-compatibility

Microsoft loses key for Xbox executive amid continued gaming shake-up - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/5/24122208/microsoft-xbox-kareem-choudhry-leaving-xbox-cloud-gaming

Xbox sets up a game preservation team and wants 'the biggest technical leap ever' for its next-gen system | Eurogamer.net
https://www.eurogamer.net/xbox-sets-up-a-game-preservation-team-and-wants-the-biggest-technical-leap-ever-for-its-next-gen-system

Windows Central has obtained an exclusive email sent by President Bond to Xbox employees outlining 'the direction of the gaming division going forward.' In the email, President Bond said, 'It's been about six months since we came together as an organization. Our collective accomplishments in this time have been immense. Everyone should be incredibly proud of what we've accomplished and excited about the opportunities ahead. We are focused on accelerating the development of our next-generation hardware and delivering the biggest technological leap in history this generation,' emphasizing the achievements since Microsoft completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October 2023, and explaining that the company aims to deliver the 'biggest technological leap in history' in the development of next-generation hardware.

In addition, Microsoft's aim to realize unprecedented technological innovation with the next generation Xbox has been revealed in the official Xbox podcast.

Microsoft says next-generation Xbox will be 'the biggest technological leap we've ever seen,' and there's a possibility of a portable game console being released - GIGAZINE

In addition, Bond also announced that Xbox has established a new team focused on game preservation and backward compatibility. Regarding this, Bond explained, 'We have formed a new team focused on game preservation, which is important for Xbox and the entire gaming industry.' In addition, Bond said, 'We continue to build on our strong history of providing players with backward compatibility and remain committed to delivering a great library of Xbox games for next-generation Xbox players to enjoy.'

When Windows Central contacted Microsoft about the contents of Bond's email, which it had obtained independently, the company confirmed that the contents of the email were correct. In addition, The Verge reported that 'further details may be announced during the Xbox showcase scheduled for June 2024.'

Microsoft laid off about 2,000 employees across its gaming division, including Xbox and Activision Blizzard, in January 2024. However, Bond said, 'While the industry is growing at a slower pace, we are continuing to grow,' emphasizing that the future of the company's gaming division is bright.

Microsoft lays off 1,900 Activision Blizzard and Xbox employees - GIGAZINE

Additionally, Bond commented on Microsoft's recent focus on collaboration between AI and games, saying, 'We're committed to innovating in gaming AI and are focused on delivering player-first, developer-first value around discovery, engagement and creator velocity.'

Bond also explained how Microsoft will integrate Activision Blizzard games and Battle.net (Blizzard Entertainment's online gaming service) with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.

Microsoft worked with the Windows Microsoft Store platform team to bring Activision Blizzard title Diablo 4 to Xbox Game Pass. Bond cited this example, saying, 'We're integrating Activision Blizzard titles into our service. We put Diablo IV on Game Pass, and Xbox quickly became the number one platform for Diablo IV players.' He also explained that other Activision Blizzard titles will be actively released on Microsoft platforms.