Xbox’s Potential Game Expansion: First-Party Titles to Sony and Nintendo Platforms?
Amidst shifting tides in the gaming industry, Microsoft appears to be contemplating a significant departure from its traditional approach. Reports have emerged suggesting that the tech giant is entertaining the notion of launching its coveted first-party titles on rival consoles. Notably, Starfield, the highly acclaimed space RPG developed by Microsoft-owned Bethesda Softworks, initially exclusive to Xbox and PC platforms since its September release, is rumored to be making its way to the PS5. Furthermore, another anticipated title, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, showcased at Xbox’s Developer Direct event last month, is also said to be under consideration for a PS5 launch.
The buzz surrounding Starfield’s potential expansion beyond the Xbox and PC ecosystem stems from reports by XboxEra, drawing from undisclosed sources indicating discussions within Microsoft regarding a PS5 release. While specifics regarding a release timeline remain elusive, conjecture suggests that it might materialize post the launch of the Shattered Space expansion, slated for Xbox consoles and PC later this year.
Moreover, insiders have revealed to XboxEra that Microsoft has bolstered its investment in PlayStation 5 development kits, signaling a commitment to ongoing endeavors in this space. However, this strategic pivot has not been without its challenges, as internal deliberations within Microsoft’s senior leadership reportedly reflect dissenting views. Nevertheless, the allure of tapping into new revenue streams by extending its flagship titles to platforms like the PS5 and Nintendo Switch underscores the compelling financial incentive driving this potential shift in strategy.
Aside from Starfield, Bethesda’s next big game, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, is also being considered for a PS5 launch, according to The Verge. The report, citing a source privy to Microsoft’s plans, claims that the Indiana Jones game seems set to be joining a list of Xbox titles that could make their way to PS5 and Nintendo Switch.
Announced for Xbox Series S/X and PC, Indiana Jones will reportedly be a timed exclusive, with a potential PS5 launch being weighed for some months after the game arrives on Xbox and Windows. The report says that publisher Bethesda is looking at a December 2024 launch timeline for Microsoft consoles and PC.
Microsoft has not officially confirmed any details about its reported plans to release first party games on other platforms and its decision on certain exclusive titles going multi-platform could change. The new reports, however, follow rumours of other Xbox titles potentially coming to PS5 and Nintendo Switch. Exclusive titles like Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves could reportedly go multi-platform, with XboxEra sources saying that the former could be available on rival consoles in the first quarter of 2024.
Microsoft did, however, acquire Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard last year for $69 billion (roughly Rs. 5,73,000 crore) after a long-running regulatory battle with the US’ Federal Trade Commission and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority. While the acquisition bolsters Microsoft’s position in the market, bringing lucrative franchises under its umbrella, the company has had to acquiesce to certain conditions to placate antitrust authorities. The Xbox parent signed an agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation. Microsoft and Activision also agreed to sell non-European cloud streaming rights for their titles to Ubisoft.
Starfield, despite its overall mixed reception, has remained a strong performer for Microsoft, with the game emerging as one of Steam’s best-selling titles in 2023. In December last year, Spencer said the Bethesda RPG had hit 12 million players since launch.