Former Xbox executive speaks out against strategy shift, but Microsoft remains steadfast

The former Blizzard and Microsoft executive asks for respect towards Xbox's most loyal fans.

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The decision to bring Halo to PlayStation has sparked debate within and outside the gaming community. This time, it’s been Mike Ybarra, former Xbox executive and former president of Blizzard, who has once again spoken out publicly about the direction the brand is taking.

From his personal social media account, Ybarra shared a message in which he acknowledges being “happy to see Halo on PS and Steam“, but also criticizes Microsoft’s communication team:

I’m glad to see Halo on PS and Steam. Accept the publisher’s strategy and leave the pain behind. But don’t have your community manager wear a PlayStation t-shirt on the same day you announce it. That hurts loyal Xbox fans. The way you treat players lasts a lifetime.

A increasingly critical stance on Xbox’s current direction

Ybarra, who worked at Microsoft for nearly two decades before joining Activision Blizzard, has been critical of Xbox’s recent decisions on several occasions. While he acknowledges the value of a multi-platform model, he insists that the company should be more mindful of its perception among its most loyal users.

The comment comes just hours after Matt Booty, president of Xbox Game Content & Studios, stated that “the competition is no longer about other consoles, but about everything that competes for the player’s free time“, thus confirming the shift towards a global and open model.

In any case, Ybarra’s words reflect a sentiment shared by the community: the need to balance multi-platform expansion with respect for Xbox’s original identity is a delicate and complex issue. In the end, time will tell, but what’s clear is that Microsoft is sticking to its plan and doesn’t seem to be changing course.