Microsoft: Four Xbox exclusive games coming to PS5 and Nintendo Switch – Xbox

It's a strategic shift aimed at expanding Microsoft's gaming presence outside of the Xbox ecosystem, something that not long ago would have seemed like a sci-fi scenario.

In a recent episode of the official Xbox podcast, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, announced the company's intention to port four specific games to competing consoles. Microsoft is keeping the names of these games under wraps, but shared that two of them focus on community engagement, while the rest are smaller games.

Industry insiders told The Verge that the first titles to jump between platforms are Hi-Fi Rush and Pentiment, followed by Sea of ​​​​Thieves and Grounded. Despite the move, Spencer stresses that Microsoft's approach to Xbox exclusives has not changed. However, he expects a decline in platform-exclusive titles across the industry in the coming years.

Spencer sees this initiative as an exploratory move that allows Microsoft to “measure” response to Xbox games on other platforms. There is speculation that Microsoft's ambitions for a multi-platform presence could be expanded further, with potential PS5 releases for major AAA titles such as Starfield and the Indiana Jones game.

While Spencer confirms that Starfield and Indiana Jones are not among the original four games, he does not rule out future cross-platform releases. It emphasizes the flexible approach to the game, which responds to players' requirements and creative direction.

Microsoft doesn't plan to release all of its Xbox games on competing platforms right away, but the success of this initial batch could lead to more cross-platform releases. After all, Microsoft's significant presence on PlayStation and Nintendo platforms through Activision Blizzard and Bethesda games is a given.

Dubbed “Xbox Everywhere,” Microsoft's strategy aims to grow its franchises by leveraging existing user bases of other platforms. Decisions on bringing other popular franchises like Gears of War, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and the next installment of Doom to non-Xbox consoles have yet to be finalized, but the potential for expansion is clear.

The rationale behind this strategy is to boost Xbox's long-term success and counter slower growth in Xbox Game Pass subscriptions and sales of Xbox consoles compared to Sony's PlayStation 5. By distributing content across multiple platforms, Microsoft is looking to tap into new sources of revenue.

As Microsoft explores this new direction, feedback from Xbox fans will be vital in shaping future decisions. Spencer recognizes the importance of gaming communities and game libraries over individual exclusives in determining platform loyalty.

Additionally, Microsoft is hinting at exciting hardware developments, including the next generation Xbox console, to reassure Xbox fans about the future of Xbox hardware. Xbox chief Sarah Bond has announced major developments in the next generation of consoles.

in Interview with EdgeSpencer defined Xbox as Microsoft's leading gaming platform and content business, underscoring its importance as a consumer sector driven by technology and creativity. He avoided describing Xbox as just a console, emphasizing its evolution into a broader gaming brand. This shift towards an “Xbox everywhere” vision will likely reshape the gaming industry's approach to game development and distribution. If Microsoft's strategy works, it could redefine gaming standards, and if not, the company will likely rethink its strategy to continue expanding the reach of Xbox.