Why Microsoft Is "Very, Very Cautious" About Making Movies And TV Shows Based On Its Games

Microsoft has a big library of popular characters and franchises, but film and TV adaptations of its IP have been few and far between over the years. Xbox boss Phil Spencer has now revealed why.

Speaking at TheGrill 2021 with Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick, Spencer said that, as with many things, it comes down to economics. Simply put, the business opportunity for interactive entertainment like games far outpaces the potential money Microsoft could make from a film or TV show based on one of its franchises or characters.

There is some value in transmedia efforts like the Halo TV show, the Minecraft movie, and the Gears of War film--but it's more about marketing and publicity as opposed to being a profit-driver on their own.