u/Deezy530

Long time listener to KF. I love hearing the discussions, and all of the recent shows touching on what Xbox can do to claw back market share has gotten me thinking a lot about the topic. I know the Phil Spencer quote well, and the guys keep saying it: Xbox lost the most important generation where gamers built their digital libraries.

However people need to stop looking at generations by console. Yes, that's the main definition of generation we all use. However there is a different generation that's far more relevant when it comes to consumer industries: the gamer / age generation.

Yes, Xbox lost the gamer generation during the PS4 generation, and those gamers who built their digital libraries aren't likely to switch without a steady stream of amazing exclusives. Lucky enough for Xbox, there are new gamer generations every few years. Xbox needs to cater to the newer, incoming generations for a long term fix to the brand. A new gamer buying their first console doesn't have a digital library. They are tied down to an existing ecosystem. They very likely have a very specific game they want the console for. Fortnite, Roblox, or... Minecraft.

To me, the key to the future is simple. Minecraft 2. Make it an Xbox / PC exclusive, and push hard for a Series S-2 that is an affordable entry point for the next generation. Minecraft 2 could be the gateway game for the next generation, that gets them into the ecosystem.

It doesn't even need to be anything crazy from a gaming standpoint. Ability to round corners on blocks, some new terrains, expand redstone functionality, new enemy types, etc.

Xbox needs to stop trying to win back hardcore, aging gamers and focus on the long game and ushering in the next generation.

They should continue to support Minecraft 1, because that is a cash cow you don't want to lose. However the startup screen just needs to advertise Minecraft 2, Xbox exclusive, and within one full console generation Xbox will be back to a competitive spot in the console market.