18/10/2024
Xbox expands Research division to collaborate with game developers
Microsoft has expanded its Xbox Research division, which traditionally focuses on player experiences, to solicit feedback from Xbox developers to improve future tools and services.
In a blog post, the company explained how its research team will "listen to developer partners in Xbox's ecosystem and [work] with product teams to bring forward insights and data that could help improve future tools and services."
The hope is that discussions and data will help Xbox Research "address pain points and enhance the experience of partners across the spectrum of disciplines."
Under the new program, the division will use research methods such as interviews, usability and play tests, surveys and more. Principal user research Deborah Hendersen said these are already used for players, but have been retooled to be more developer-focused.
Data from these studies "will help us figure out both what to build and how to build things well," she said. "It's all about giving game developers what they need to feel empowered and supported by Xbox."