We all knew it was probably going to happen eventually. With the extra computing overhead required to make the Kinect work with the Xbox One, the higher price point and the weaker performance on Microsoft's console, it was only a matter of time before the Xbox One ditched the Kinect.
Yesterday, Phil Spencer tweeted that new Xbox One developer kits would have a bit more graphical power with which to work. Microsoft later stated that it was not the result of new hardware, but new software that allows the developers to avoid the GPU overhead the Kinect typically uses.
In an interview with Eurogamer, a Microsoft rep said, "Yes, the additional resources allow access to up to 10 percent additional GPU performance. We're committed to giving developers new tools and flexibility to make their Xbox One games even better by giving them the option to use the GPU reserve in whatever way is best for them and their games."
This does represent a massive departure from Microsoft's previous policy and strategy for the new gaming console. Previously, the company had alleged that the Kinect was an absolute necessity, and that it was the keystone for their entire media-focused next-gen experience. Even so, the market has spoken, and Microsoft has begun to adapt to that demand.
Still, the new extra power isn't automatic. Developers will need to take advantage of that extra 10 percent by re-optimizing current games and planning future titles around the new standard.
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