As this console generation begins to wind down, both Sony and Microsoft have begun briefly mentioning details about the upcoming PlayStation and Xbox hardware, which are expected to release in the next year. With the rise of subscriptions and streaming services, however, the future beyond the next generation has been brought into question, with some wondering if physical hardware will continue to be a necessity. With respect to Microsoft, and its upcoming Project Scarlett, the company plans to not let the rise of new services disrupt its vision for the future of gaming.

Speaking in an interview during E3, Phil Spencer, head of the Xbox brand, stated that while the company is gearing up for the release of Project Scarlett next year, there are no intentions for it to be the last Xbox console. Spencer was quite quick to admit, though, that Microsoft hasn't looked too far ahead in its hardware pipeline, as the infrastructure of Project Scarlett's successor will depend on how gaming evolves in the coming years. That evolution consists of changes Microsoft could make to services and features, such as Xbox Game Pass and Backwards Compatibility, and also how new competitors, such as Google Stadia, will force the company to adapt.

While Microsoft seems keen to continue making new hardware after Project Scarlett's release, Sony doesn't seem as convinced it will do the same after PS5. The CEO of Sony's Gaming Division, Jim Ryan, has said the introduction of new ways to play games could alter the company's plans in the future, stating the transition into the next generation will be "more interesting than any other we've seen in the past." Sony and Microsoft recently announced a partnership to push both company's cloud gaming and streaming services forward, which appears to be a direct response to the recent Google Stadia reveal.

xbox project scarlett console

As for Microsoft, the upcoming Project Scarlett will offer players multiple gaming options when it launches. During its E3 press conference, Xbox announced its cloud gaming service, Project xCloud, will launch this October, and it will support all digital Xbox One games. While the industry shows a clear transition to digital and streaming-oriented future, Xbox has confirmed Project Scarlett won't deprive those who prefer physical media of their gaming experience, as next year's console will still have a physical disc drive.

Project Scarlett releases holiday 2020.

Source: GameSpot