Microsoft announced that four of its first-party games will soon be available on Sony’s PlayStation 5 and the Nintendo Switch, marking a significant departure from its traditional exclusivity strategy. The confirmation, made by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer on the Official Xbox Podcast, sheds light on the company’s evolving business decisions, including the development of the next generation of Xbox consoles.
While the specific titles have not been disclosed yet, reports suggest that games like Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded are among those slated for release on rival platforms. Spencer addressed rumors regarding Xbox exclusivity, confirming that major Bethesda releases such as Starfield and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will remain exclusive to Xbox and PC.
Explaining the decision to bring four Xbox exclusives to other consoles, Spencer emphasized the strategic value of leveraging platforms to grow their franchises. He assured that this move doesn’t signal a fundamental change in their exclusivity strategy but rather a strategic opportunity to expand their reach.
Although specific release dates are yet to be announced, Spencer mentioned that developers have plans for forthcoming announcements. He highlighted that the selected games were chosen based on their community-driven nature and potential for broader business growth.
Additionally, Xbox President Sarah Bond revealed that Activision-Blizzard games would join Xbox Game Pass, starting with Diablo IV on March 28. This development follows Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard in a landmark $69 billion deal, reinforcing its commitment to expanding the Game Pass library.
Despite initial concerns within the Xbox community, Spencer clarified that this change in strategy doesn’t imply a blanket shift towards multi-platform releases. Only the four confirmed titles are currently slated for release on PS5 and Nintendo Switch, with no further games under consideration for multi-platform launches.
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