Xbox and PC platform exclusivity for games from Microsoft’s first-party studios could be coming to an end, as a new report indicates that the company is looking to take a multiplatform approach moving forward.
According to a report from The Verge), Microsoft is “weighing up which titles will remain exclusive and others that will appear on Switch or PS5 in the future.”
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is reportedly being considered for a PS5 launch, but only after the game has had a “rather short period” of exclusivity on Microsoft platforms, possibly launching in December 2024. Meanwhile, XboxEra claims that Starfield could also make the jump to other platforms, while games like Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves were also in the cross-platform headlines recently.
Microsoft’s senior leadership has reportedly been debating the pros and cons of this new strategy, according to the XboxEra report, and it’s claimed that “not everyone is necessarily happy” with the decision. It’s worth noting that these plans could still change, as nothing appears to be set in stone.
Looking at the broader picture, Niko Partners director of research and insights Daniel Ahmad added that this new direction could be a positive for Microsoft. “The incentive for Xbox console purchases will still be driven by Game Pass vs. $70 purchase on PS5. It’s a win-win situation,” Ahmad explained.
