Over the past year, Xbox playtime in Japan has risen by 20%, Microsoft chief Phil Spencer reported. The increase was observed across consoles, PC and cloud gaming.
Spencer stressed that the platform’s development is being balanced, while PC gaming is gradually gaining popularity among Japanese players.
Xbox aims to draw new users with major releases: Forza Horizon 6 will take place in Japan, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will include maps with Japanese-inspired themes, and Microsoft Flight Simulator will add more Japan-focused content. The goal is to bolster Xbox’s position in a market long dominated by Sony and Nintendo.
Despite the growth in engagement, the company has faced criticism for moves seen as unfriendly to consumers, including a 50% price hike for Game Pass. Spencer continues to promote the brand and the new portable console, the Xbox Rog Ally X, pointing to the platform’s positive momentum in Japan.
Source: iXBT.games