Xbox head and Microsoft Gaming CEO, Phil Spencer, recently revealed his top pick for the current console generation: Elden Ring.  The acclaimed 2022 FromSoftware title, available on both current and previous-gen platforms, captured Spencer's attention and playtime.

Since assuming leadership of Microsoft's gaming division in 2014, Phil Spencer has become synonymous with the Xbox brand.  He's overseen the impressive growth of Xbox Game Pass and orchestrated significant studio acquisitions, including the monumental Activision-Blizzard deal. Amidst these milestones, Elden Ring's release and subsequent Shadow of the Erdtree DLC have marked significant moments in the gaming world, achieving widespread critical acclaim and commercial success.

In a recent interview with XboxEra, Spencer declared Elden Ring his favorite game of this generation. Citing his appreciation for "new worlds" and original IPs, he confessed to dedicating a significant amount of time to the Hidetaka Miyazaki-directed title. Notably, he consciously excluded any first-party Xbox games from consideration, likely to avoid any perception of bias. Spencer fondly recounted his experience playing as an Astrologer, "throwing rocks at people," and described the gameplay as immensely enjoyable. He also shared that Ninja Gaiden currently holds the top spot among his favorite Japanese-developed franchises.

Spencer's admiration for Elden Ring isn't new.  In 2020, he played a pre-release version and lauded it as Miyazaki's "most ambitious game."  Months after its official release, observant fans noticed Elden Ring memorabilia displayed on Spencer's shelf, visible again during his recent XboxEra interview.

Meanwhile, Spencer is gearing up for the launch of another highly anticipated action title, Doom: The Dark Ages, from Xbox-owned studio id Software.  Scheduled for release on May 15, 2025, the game will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.