Microsoft has not been shy about using the term "next-gen" to describe its games and experiences for the Xbox One, but what exactly does it mean? Speaking with GameSpot, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said the term is multifaceted and at times difficult to convey.

　　"I think it's multiple things. Graphic fidelity is clearly going to be one of those...and I think graphic fidelity is always going to be at the top of what gamers think about," Spencer said. "But more and more you're seeing connected games. Titanfall is a great example, even [Forza 5] was a great example. And other briefings had similar functionality."

　　"The mix of exactly what makes a new generation game is now more faceted than it used to be because there's just more capabilities in the platform," he added. "Visual fidelity continues to excel here, but you actually just have a lot more capability in the hands of the creator, and you're seeing that show up."

　　Spencer explained that next-gen even extends beyond visuals and connected experiences to the creative teams behind the games themselves.

　　"And it's why, when I'm onstage, I will show something like Below that certain people look at and say, 'Is that really a new-generation game?' But I'm also just in love with the creative talent that teams have," Spencer said. "Because in the end, I think, it's about fun games. It's about fun games that people love to play."

　　Spencer also admitted that getting across to consumers what makes a next-gen game compelling will be difficult, considering the change is no longer standard definition to high definition in terms of visuals.

　　"It's a good challenge," Spencer said, of marketing next-gen experiences. "If you think about the original Xbox to Xbox 360, it was SD to HD. You saw those differences. I do think you're seeing visuals now that are remarkably different, but yeah, in your mind's eye you might think they look similar, but you put them side by side, and there's a dramatic difference."

　　The Xbox One launches in November for $500, a full $100 above Sony's competitive product, the PlayStation 4.

　　You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos.

　　Click To Unmute

　　Battle of the Exclusives: PS4 vs. Xbox One

　　How Alan Wake II Made Me Face My Fear of Horror Games

　　GameSpot's Top 10 Games of 2023Thompson: The Pop Culture Icon’s Strange Legacy - LoadoutFirearms Expert’s FAVORITE Weapons Of 2023State Of Gaming Handhelds In 2023How Lies of P Cracked the Souls GenreLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Ichiban Kasuga Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Saeko Mukoda Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Chitose Fujinomiya Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Eric Tomizawa Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Kazuma Kiryu Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Yu Nanba Character Spotlight Trailer

　　Share

　　LinkEmbed

　　Size:640 × 360480 × 270

　　Start at: End at: Autoplay Loop

　　Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?

　　Sign up or Sign in now!

　　Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.

　　This video has an invalid file format.

　　00:00:00

　　HTML5

　　Auto HD High Low

　　Report a problem

　　Sorry, but you can't access this content!

Please enter your date of birth to view this video

　　By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's

　　Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

　　enter