Summary
Xboxveteran and Microsoft Gaming CEO, Phil Spencer, recently pickedElden Ringas his favorite title to come out during the latest console generation. Besides current-gen consoles, theXboxboss’s game of choice, which was released by FromSoftware in 2022, is also available on previous-gen platforms.
Since taking the reins of Microsoft’s video game brand in early 2014, Phil Spencer has increasingly been turning into a name synonymous with the Xbox brand. From thehuge growth of Xbox Game Passto major studio acquisitions, such as the Activision-Blizzard takeover, the American exec has been there throughout some of the company’s biggest moments. Speaking of ‘biggest moments,’ one of the most notable releases in the game industry in recent years has been the award-winning RPGElden Ring, which experienced monumental success at the time of launch and, then again, when theShadow of the ErdtreeDLC was released. While professing his love for the highly decorated title, the Xbox head recently bestowed a distinguished recognition upon the Soulslike game.
In an interview withXboxEra, Spencer namedElden Ringas his “best” game of the ongoing generation. Highlighting his interest in “new worlds” and new IPs, he shared that the Hidetaka Miyazaki-directed game took “so much” of his time “in a good way.” Before choosingFromSoftware’s magnum opus, he mentioned his decision to “leave out” naming any first-party Xbox game, possibly to avoid any unintentional self-promotion. Moreover, the Microsoft Gaming chief fondly recalled his Astrologer class character inElden Ring"throwing rocks at people" and called the experience “so much fun.” In the segment that followed, he also revealed thatNinja Gaidenwas his favorite franchise by Japanese devs at the moment.
Phil Spencer’s Fondness of Elden Ring is No Secret
It’s worth noting that Phil Spencer’s preference forElden Ringmay not come as a surprise to many, as he has publicly praised the game before. Back in 2020, he revealed playing a pre-release version of the fantasy title and called it “the most ambitious game” by Miyazaki. A couple of months after the game’s launch, certain eagle-eyed fans also spottedanElden Ringmemorabiliaon the Xbox lead’s shelf, something that could also be noticed in the background of his video frame during the latest chat with XboxEra.
Meanwhile, Spencer would be preparing for the launch of another major action game, but this time from an Xbox-owned studio called id Software. On June 03, 2025,Doom: The Dark Agesis scheduled to hit the storesfor players on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Elden Ring
WHERE TO PLAY
ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware, Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware’s largest game to date. Hidetaka Miyazaki - President and Game Director of FromSoftware Inc. Known for directing critically-acclaimed games in beloved franchises including Armored Core and Dark Souls.George R.R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire - A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast For Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. As a writer-producer, he has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
