Xbox Head Phil Spencer Offers Feedback On Scalebound's Cancellation

On Monday, Microsoft revealed some surprising news: Scalebound, the Xbox One exclusive in development by Platinum Games, had been cancelled. Microsoft's statement on why the game had been cancelled was brief, and didn't offer any substantial details about why development had ceased. "After careful deliberation, Microsoft Studios has come to the decision to end production for 'Scalebound.'"

Earlier today, Xbox head Phil Spencer took to twitter to respond to inquiry from fans about the game's cancellation, as well as what's in store for future third-party exclusives on Xbox One. You can find the embedded tweets below, but highlights include Spencer saying Microsoft still wants to take risks on games, won't stop signing independent studio projects, and that having a strong first party line-up is still important.

@Kinhdrakk Apologies but this isn't how games get built. There isn't a pour in $X and get game. Much more iterative and organic than that.

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 11, 2017

@LeoCasablancas @aarongreenberg @Xbox Good feedback, I know we have to take risks, I realize right now probably sounds hollow but I agree

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 11, 2017

@DevinKyleO I won't abandon signing independent studio projects but I agree 1st party internal studios are critical.

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 11, 2017

@XboxPY15 It hurt me as well and to the community I apologize. I want everything we start to turn out great, to take risks, create diversity

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 11, 2017

@jef1578 @BeastFireTimdog @XboxPY15 That's not changing.

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 11, 2017

For more on Scalebound, the game that will now never be (pending surprise investment that allows the game to complete development), head here. For more from Spencer, head here.

Our Take
It's nice to see Mr. Spencer taking questions on Twitter. It would have been very easy for him to be quiet and try to sweep the disappointing news under the rug, but I am glad he's getting in front of the news and offering at least some insight into why the game was cancelled.