Xbox can be done with Permanent Console Exclusives

by

Summary

  • Xbox is moving away from permanent console exclusivity, a reputable insider claims.
  • All current and upcoming Xbox first-party games will presumably launch on PlayStation platforms “over time.”
  • The insider also hinted that Xbox first-party studios are preparing for “multiplatform simultaneous development.”



A credible insider has claimed that Xbox may be forgoing permanent console exclusivity going forward. 2024 marked a dramatic shift in Xbox's exclusivity strategy as Microsoft began publishing its first-party games on rival platforms PlayStation and Nintendo, and it seems the company's multi-platform efforts will only deepen with time.

Earlier this year, Xbox's top brass announced that four of the platform holder's first-party games, viz Pentium, Sea of ​​Thieves, Basedand Hi-Fi Rushwill go to PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. This major strategic shift came as a huge shock to Xbox fans and was reportedly driven by internal pressure from Microsoft to recoup its $68.7 billion investment to acquire Activision Blizzard. Over the course of 2024, more Xbox first-party games were announced for PS5, such as Doom: The Dark Ages and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.


Xbox Game Pass needed Indiana Jones

Family

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is exactly what Xbox Game Pass needs

Xbox Game Pass has had a pretty strong year overall, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was just what it needed to round out 2024.

The recent Game Awards 2024 show revealed that Obsidian's upcoming The Outer Worlds 2 will launch on PS5 day one next year, further casting doubt on Xbox's plans for console exclusivity. To shed some light on the matter, trusted Microsoft insider Jez Corden recently took to Twitter to claim a bleak future for Xbox fans. According to Corden, The “era” of exclusive Xbox consoles is “over”, and past and upcoming exclusive Xbox consoles such as Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Avowed, South of midnightetc. will make its way to PS5 and other competing platforms “over time.”


All existing and upcoming Xbox First-Party games are reportedly coming to PS5


As for why Xbox has yet to announce its remaining console exclusives for the PS5, Corden said the platform holder doesn't want to impose a “mandate” on first-party teams that aren't ready for “simultaneous multi-platform development.” This likely means that every Xbox family studio is developing PS5 (and possibly Nintendo Switch 2) versions of their current and upcoming Series X/S console exclusives. Corden's specific inclusion of “simultaneous” is also noteworthy, as it suggests that every Xbox first-party game going forward may launch on PS5 day and date along with Series X/S and PC.

Corden's comments certainly hint at a more resolute possibility for iconic Xbox franchises like Halo, Gears of Warand Forza coming to PlayStation in the near future. Additionally, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer recently pointed out that the company has no “red lines” for which Xbox titles go to PlayStation, and isn't even ruling out a PS5 release for the next Halo game. Microsoft will likely need to be quite sensitive with future announcements surrounding Xbox console exclusivity.


Leave a Comment