Former Xbox Exec Reflects on Console Wars and Microsoft's Shift to Multiplatform Strategy

Peter Moore, ex-Xbox VP, argues the console wars once fueled industry growth but says Microsoft's evolving focus on streaming has changed the landscape.

Peter Moore, former Xbox executive, stated that the console wars between Xbox and PlayStation were once beneficial for the gaming industry by fostering competition and visibility.
Moore admitted to actively encouraging the rivalry during his tenure, using high-profile PR stunts to strengthen Xbox's brand against competitors like PlayStation and Nintendo.
He noted that Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard marked a turning point, shifting the company's focus from traditional hardware competition to a broader multiplatform strategy.
Moore suggested that Microsoft would prioritize game streaming over hardware if possible, envisioning a future where content is accessible on any screen without the need for a console.
Despite the industry's evolution, Moore acknowledged that consoles remain popular, citing the enduring success of the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5.