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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Microsoft’s Xbox Research team invited game creators who were not making games for Xbox to explain why and share what they need from the platform. The September 30, 2024 announcement included developers using competitors’ products, but it did not say Microsoft had individually contacted named PlayStation 5 studios.
What Microsoft announced
On September 30, 2024, Microsoft said Xbox Research was expanding beyond its traditional focus on player experiences to include the community of Xbox game developers. The team said it wanted to hear from developer partners and work with product teams to improve future tools and services. Microsoft’s announcement names Dr. Deborah Hendersen as Xbox Principal User Researcher.
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The invitation was open to people in all roles at game studios, not just technical staff, and explicitly welcomed creators whose games were not on Xbox. Hendersen put the invitation plainly: “If you are making video games, we’re interested in hearing from you. If you aren’t on Xbox, we’d love to know why. And honestly, if you are using our competitor’s products, you probably have a great perspective we could learn from!”
Was Microsoft specifically asking PS5 developers?
The PlayStation 5 framing comes from contemporaneous coverage, including HotHardware’s October 3, 2024 report. Microsoft’s own post was broader: it invited developers who were not on Xbox, including those using competing products. The announcement does not establish one-to-one outreach to named PS5 developers.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
What Xbox wanted to learn
Microsoft said it wanted to understand which features developers need, how they should be implemented, where existing tools or services fall short, and what could be improved. As Hendersen summarized the purpose, “It will help us figure out both what to build and how to build things well.”
The announcement described interviews, usability studies, playtesting, surveys and flighting as possible research methods, depending on the question. It stated the aims of the initiative; it did not report measured results or show that developer complaints had been resolved.
Rank #2
- Versatile compatibility: supports Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S consoles and PC Win10 and above (including the game platform Steam).
- Precise control: features Hall joysticks and Hall triggers for a comfortable feeling, long service life and improved game accuracy.
- Plug and Play Convenience: Wired USB connection (removable) for easy setup and instant play without the need for additional drivers.
- Customizable experience: Includes 2 custom backbuttons that allow users to eliminate false triggers and improve their gaming experience.
- Impressive gameplay: Provides a pulsating vibration trigger and an asymmetric vibration grip motor for intense tactile feedback.
What later platform figures do—and don’t—show
In 2026, GameSpot reported figures from the Game Developers Conference’s latest annual industry report: 47% of surveyed developers were making games for PS5 and 40% for Xbox Series X|S. Separately, 40% expressed interest in PS5 projects and 20% in Xbox Series X|S projects. These are distinct measures—current development and stated interest—and were not findings from Xbox Research. They also do not explain why any individual studio chose one platform over another. GameSpot’s report is a secondary account of the survey.
How this fits with other Xbox developer support
Xbox Research is a feedback initiative, not the same program as Xbox’s developer-acceleration work. In a 2023 GDC transcript, Xbox Wire described support for independent developers bringing games to Xbox, including help offsetting porting costs. That separate effort is background, not evidence of an outcome from the 2024 research announcement. Xbox Wire’s GDC transcript covers the earlier program.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Rank #3
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
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