"Consoles Never Die": Former Blizzard President Takes a Jab at Microsoft's Multiplatform Strategy

Mike Ybarra, former president of Blizzard, is not buying into the narrative of the "death of consoles". In a series of sharp responses on X (formerly Twitter), Ybarra criticized Microsoft's strategy of focusing on multiplatform games for the Xbox, contrasting with Sony's approach of exclusivity.

"If your strategy is to dominate the living room, you need exclusive hits, because winning involves both the platform and the games," Ybarra stated. And he didn't stop there: "I think those who are losing push the narrative that suits them best. In my opinion, consoles will never die."

For him, Sony is a master at creating big hits and ensuring that the best third-party games are exclusive. If he were in the company's place, he would "bet everything now, because the smell of blood is in the air."

Ybarra also took the opportunity to criticize the failure of the launch of Concord and Sony's recent obsession with live service games: "I would completely abandon that approach. Players are tired of battle passes and $18 skins."

These comments come after his departure from Blizzard, shortly after the billion-dollar acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft, a deal worth $68.7 billion that shook the industry. Since then, Ybarra has not stayed silent. Recently, he defended Xbox boss Phil Spencer after the closure of Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks studios.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Ybarra has given controversial opinions. In a recent discussion about game prices, he suggested that players should be able to tip game developers. However, it is rare to see him criticize his former employer. During his time at Blizzard, Ybarra faced internal criticism, especially after a disastrous meeting to discuss an employee satisfaction survey.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is gearing up for the big release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle this Christmas, with a planned debut on the PS5 in spring 2025. And when it comes to exclusivity, Phil Spencer admitted during PAX West: "I made some of the worst decisions in choosing games," citing the cases of Destiny and Guitar Hero as missed opportunities.

Now, the big question is: are consoles really on their way out? If it were up to Ybarra, the answer is a resounding "no."