Microsoft has had issues communicating lately, including around Xbox. Xbox leader Phil Spencer recently had to share more Xbox details to address rumors.
Today Microsoft announced it will make 4 upcoming Xbox games available on other consoles too. They didn’t say which games yet. However, they confirmed 2 big exclusives that will only be released on Xbox: Starfield and Bethesda’s next Indiana Jones game.
So Microsoft is being more open with Xbox plans to resolve communication problems. Some games will lose Xbox exclusivity, but major titles like Starfield will remain exclusive. Clearer details directly from them help clarify Xbox’s strategy as we advance.
Cross-platform games
In a podcast video titled “Updates on the Xbox Business,” Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, revealed that four titles slated for multiplatform release are “more than a year old.” Among these are a couple of “community-driven” games serving as initial entries in a franchise. Spencer hinted at their potential growth on non-Xbox consoles.
Additionally, two other titles, described as “smaller games than ever were intended to be built as platform exclusives,” are also set for multiplatform release. Spencer emphasized the strategic move to introduce Xbox franchises to players on other platforms, aiming to pique their interest in the Xbox ecosystem.
The games that would become multiplatform
The Verge quotes “sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans” when reporting that Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded These are the four cross-platform titles that Microsoft refers to today.
Among the games slated for multiplatform release, both Hi-Fi Rush and Pentiment have garnered significant critical acclaim despite their relatively small size. These titles boast distinct personalities that have resonated with players.
On the other hand, Sea of Thieves and Grounded are larger-scale games, operating as ongoing “games as a service” with substantial histories. Their multiplatform release presents an opportunity for Microsoft to capitalize on game sales and revenue generated through microtransactions.
The future of exclusive games
Spencer cited the recent expansion of cross-platform releases in stating
a fundamental belief that in the next five to ten years… games that are exclusive to one hardware will be a smaller and smaller part of the gaming industry.”
The future of Xbox looks incredible
Microsoft proudly announced that Xbox Game Pass has reached a milestone of 34 million subscribers, showcasing the platform’s growing popularity and appeal among gamers. In a notable partnership, Diablo IV will become the first Activision Blizzard game to join the Xbox Game Pass lineup, expanding the library of titles available to subscribers.
Additionally, Microsoft revealed plans for a new console currently in development, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and longevity in the gaming industry.
