Microsoft recently announced that four Xbox-exclusive games will soon be available on PS5 and Nintendo Switch, marking a significant shift in the company’s strategy. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer shared the new Xbox vision in an internal memo to employees, emphasizing the company’s commitment to reaching gamers on multiple platforms.
Spencer revealed that four games will be going multi-platform, but declined to reveal specific titles. Potential titles include Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded. Notably, Indiana Jones and Starfield will not be among the games making the transition to other platforms.
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In addition to the multi-platform games, Diablo 4 will be coming to Game Pass on March 28, with Activision Blizzard games expected to follow. The arrival of Activision Blizzard titles on Game Pass has been highly anticipated since the deal closed last year, and the delay was attributed to “regulatory challenges.” Xbox reaffirmed its commitment to the service, promising that all first-party games will be available on day one.
Xbox also confirmed that it is working on a next-gen console, promising the “largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation.” A new hardware roadmap, including console and controller options, is set to be released this holiday. Rumors suggest that these new offerings may include a dedicated handheld device similar to the Steam Deck and a digital-only Xbox.
The Verge has obtained a copy of the memo outlining Spencer’s new strategy, which aims to reach gamers across consoles, PCs, and cloud gaming platforms. Although Microsoft did not directly mention “Xbox everywhere” or “every screen is an Xbox” during its official Xbox podcast, this new approach builds on the company’s existing push for Xbox games across various platforms. The key difference now is the inclusion of rival consoles in the company’s vision.
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The news comes after months of speculation regarding Microsoft’s plans for its exclusive games. Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, Pentiment, and Starfield have all been rumored to be heading to different platforms at various points, sparking a debate within the gaming community about the value of exclusives and Xbox’s path forward.
To address concerns about the company’s commitment to hardware, Spencer reaffirmed Microsoft’s plans to continue making consoles during a town hall meeting with employees. Microsoft’s Director of Program Management, Jason Ronald, emphasized the company’s goal of “making every screen an Xbox” in a separate internal meeting.
How does Microsoft’s announcement strike you? Are you excited or disappointed? Let us know in the comments!
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