Microsoft boss, Phil Spencer, stated on Twitter that Microsoft will not make their own Battle Royale game.
He acknowledges the success and popularity of “Fortnite” and “PUBG” but states that none of the Microsoft Studios are making their own.
However, there might be a possibility if they can think of a unique or interesting idea to give the genre a twist.
Millions are playing BR games right now. I don't want to just build one because others have built them. FNBR is massive, PUBG is huge, new BR variants being built by some very quality devs, I'd rather support unless we find something special in 1P that's a different take.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) April 29, 2018
While Phil Spencer states that none of their studios are working on a standalone Battle Royale-style game, that doesn't’ necessarily mean that we won’t see a mode appear in an established game.
This might mean that we could see a Battle Royale mode for "Halo 6," for example. However, nothing has been announced or confirmed yet.
One of the reasons why it makes sense that Microsoft and Xbox aren’t planning to make a Battle Royale game is that they have a partnership with “PUBG” (“Playerunknown's Battlegrounds”). If Microsoft was to enter this genre, then they would likely compete with “PUBG” and due to their current exclusive partnership, it’s probably not something they want to do.
Innovation is key
“PUBG” and “Fortnite” are two of the most popular games of the moment. They are both Battle Royale style games where players fight to be the last one standing. While similar in principle, they play very differently and include different mechanics.
For example, “Fortnite” includes a crafting system.
The stance that Microsoft has taken is similar to that of Rockstar Games, of "Grand Theft Auto" fame, parent company Take-Two. Take-Two has stated they were interested to see the success of Battle Royale games, but that they wanted to create their own games rather than being derivative.
This means that they want to create something of their own unique flavour and innovation.
EA's thoughts
Another company, EA, has given their own opinions about the Battle Royale craze. Their CEO, Andrew Wilson, spoke in January to say that they also want to make something new. However, he also acknowledged that “Fortnite” and “PUBG” have changed people’s thoughts on shooter games.
He went on to say that EA produces some of the best shooters on the market and are looking for new and innovative directions. He said that their team, including the ones responsible for the “Battlefield” franchise, are looking at every aspect of their game including the gameplay and map design.
While none of these companies look like they are going to enter the Battle Royale genre, it doesn’t look like “PUBG” and “Fortnite” are going to stop any time soon. They are both incredibly popular and have frequent updates.