The video game industry is a big one, with Nintendo and Microsoft being two of the biggest contributors. From consoles to exclusive games, these companies don’t hold back when it comes to innovation and big numbers.
However, a large portion of the money being made often goes to those higher up in the management hierarchy, and it’ll come as a surprise to many when you find out how much personalities like Phil Spencer and Shuntaro Furukawa make.
Nintendo and Xbox Speak in Large Numbers
When we think of the industry’s highest-selling games, a few million come to mind. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has sold over 2.28 million copies in Japan alone, while Xbox Game Pass has over 34 million users subscribing to the gaming platform.
When you look at these staggering numbers, you’d want to believe that the profits get evenly distributed among those who make these games and services. Unfortunately, that would be far from the truth.
The reality is that Nintendo’s president Shuntaro Furukawa makes about $2.2 million in a year, while Xbox’s Phil Spencer earns an astounding estimate of $10 million a year. This information has been brought to light thanks to users like BasicalliLexi and Stealth40k on Twitter.
This also reads as disheartening news when you realize that 1900 people had to leave their jobs at Microsoft earlier this year. People are starting to wonder if Phil Spencer should truly be considered a “gamer” in the community or just someone higher up in the management chain who makes money, not games.
Money From or for Gaming?
Considering individual wealth and profits, there’s no reason to raise a question mark over what Phil Spencer chooses to do with that money. But it’s safe to assume that many players will wonder if it helps game developers in any way. After all, the company’s move from exclusivity has been a big step, and this may bring new studios to the limelight.
Well, we don’t know the exact salaries and related incentives for those working hard in hopes of developing some of our favorite digital experiences.
At the same time, Game Pass’ viability and potential are always shrouded in mystery. The community doesn’t know if studios truly profit from the platform, or even get to have a say in how resources are used for game development.
The transparency about salary and profit numbers can certainly raise a voice among gamers, though. If fans start asking tough questions and demanding actual reasons behind the increasing number of layoffs, maybe even Microsoft cannot hide from the truth for too long.
What are your thoughts on these numbers? Do you think the amount is justifiable? Let us know in the comments below.
