In a recent interview, Head of Xbox Phil Spencer said that Microsoft had not been focusing on VR for its next-gen console Project Scarlett. Spencer gave the reason of "nobody’s asking for VR." Now, Sony's former head of worldwide studios (now head of indies), Shuhei Yoshida has joined the conversation, firing back at Phil Spencer.
Phil Spencer told Stevivor:
"I have some issues with VR — it’s isolating, and I think of games as a communal, kind of together experience. We’re responding to what our customers are asking for and… nobody’s asking for VR.
"The vast majority of our customers know if they want a VR experience, there are places to go get those. We see the volumes of those on PC and other places."
Spencer also mentioned that companies who are invested in VR tech aren't "selling millions and millions" of VR units. Considering the PSVR has sold over 4.2 million units as of March this year, that's a rather broad generalisation from Spencer.
Shuhei Yoshida took to twitter, and although he hasn't named Spencer directly, it does seem as if Yoshida is aiming his comment towards the Xbox boss.
The PSVR has seemingly been doing well for Sony if we go by the figures. As mentioned earlier, the PSVR has sold over 4.2 million units worldwide and around 22 million games. Sony is also sticking with the PSVR as Mark Cerny confirmed back in April that the headset would be compatible with the PS5 when it launches at the end of next year.
What are your thoughts on Phil Spencer's comment about virtual reality? Let us know in the comments.