“I Can Make Anything Happen”: Puzzle Game Dev Reveals How Xbox CEO Phil Spencer Bagged a Game Deal Even After PlayStation Got It First

The video gaming industry is being rocked by the ongoing battle between console makers for the top spot. Both Xbox and PlayStation are doing everything they can to establish themselves as the top players in the market. Both consoles have an extensive list of exclusive titles that they hope would win over more fans to their respective camps. With such a market condition, a developer studio has made more startling revelations.

Critics and fans alike have hailed the puzzle game Inside unique. Now, Dino Patti, the co-founder of the game’s developer Playdead, has revealed that Xbox boss Phil Spencer approached him for a deal after the game had made promises to PlayStation.

Xbox boss wanted Inside first

Back in 2016, Inside was available on the Xbox Game Pass for a brief span. While many fans lamented missing out on the game while it was available, there may be more to the matter than what meets the eye.

Talking to a podcast, Patti claimed that Phil Spencer approached him to get the game on the Game Pass despite the PlayStation having already made a deal with the devs.

“I don’t know if he got wind of it somehow. I was sitting one night at eight o’clock, in my sweat pants, and then my phone rings, displaying an American number. And it’s Phil Spencer from Microsoft. It was crazy! ‘And I was like, ‘Well, we’ve actually made an okay deal…,'” explained Patti.

According to Patti, Spencer wanted the game on Xbox before it was available to any other console. He also says the Xbox boss was ready to do anything to make it happen. After Spencer contacted him, Patti notified him of their deal with the PlayStation, but Spencer wouldn’t have any of that.

Read more New Titles Coming to Xbox Game Pass Revealed: Venba, The Wandering Village, Celeste, and Much More

Inside had a Metascore of 93, showcasing just how good the game was, and understandably, Spencer wanted the best cuts for himself first.

Phil Spencer promised riches and fortune

During the talk, Patti mentioned Spencer was adamant about his demands. Despite knowing about the deal with Sony, Spencer said they could sweeten it even more if Playdead agreed to make the game available on the Xbox Game Pass.

After Patti told Spencer about the PlayStation agreement, the latter told him, “No, no, no, no, you don’t understand what I’m saying. I can make anything happen; what do you want?”. It shows how desperate Xbox was to get its hands on Inside first.

The Xbox Game Pass is one heck of a sweet deal if you’re looking to access multiple titles for a low fee. In case you still haven’t played Inside yet, we highly recommend you to do so.

Do you also think the Xbox Game Pass is a great deal? Tell us your favorite titles from the bundle in the comments below.

Watch this story: Everything You Get When Choosing the New Xbox Game Pass Core