Phil Spencer, the CEO of Xbox and a key figure in the gaming world, recently shared his enthusiastic opinion about the standout game of this console generation. His top pick? None other than Elden Ring, a masterpiece from FromSoftware that captivated gamers since its launch in 2022. Not limited to just the latest consoles, players on the older systems can also dive into its rich expansive worlds.
Having helmed Xbox since 2014, Spencer’s tenure has seen significant moves like the growth of Xbox Game Pass and the landmark purchase of Activision-Blizzard. Under his watch, Elden Ring emerged not just as a bestseller but as a critically-acclaimed title, bolstered by its acclaimed DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree. His admiration for the game isn’t new—this Soulslike title has clearly found a special place in Spencer’s heart.
During a chat with XboxEra, Spencer declared Elden Ring the pinnacle of the current gaming landscape, driven by his fascination for exploring new realms and properties. He fondly recalled his Astrologer character creating chaos by “throwing rocks” in the game, describing these moments as thoroughly enjoyable. With a nod to Japanese developers, he also expressed his current favoritism towards the Ninja Gaiden series, another iconic franchise.
Phil Spencer’s ongoing appreciation for Elden Ring is well-documented. He previously sang its praises after playing a pre-release version, heralding it as Hidetaka Miyazaki’s boldest project yet. Fans even spotted Elden Ring memorabilia in the background of Spencer’s virtual appearances, underscoring his fandom.
Looking ahead, Spencer has his sights set on the upcoming release of another major title, Doom: The Dark Ages, crafted by Microsoft-owned id Software and set to debut on May 15, 2025. This release promises to be yet another thrilling chapter in Xbox’s expanding game library, available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S players.
