Microsoft confirms release of four Xbox games on rival platforms in multiplatform strategy

In recent days, rumors suggested Xbox might adopt a multiplatform approach by releasing its first-party games on rival consoles, and just recently Microsoft adressed this rumors by confirming that the gaming company will release four Xbox Studios games will come to rival platforms like Sony PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Specific titles haven't been disclosed, but rumored ones include Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, Pentiment, and Grounded.

Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, emphasized that this decision aims to ensure the long-term health of the Xbox brand, while clarifying that the choice to make these games multiplatform is due to their community-driven or smaller project nature, and that major exclusives like Starfield or Indiana Jones and the Great Circle won't be part of this initiative. Despite speculation, the company reaffirmed its commitment to the console market and promised new hardware announcements for the upcoming holiday season.

During the conference, it was also announced that Diablo IV will be the first Activision Blizzard game available on Xbox Game Pass following Microsoft's acquisition of the company.

Our take: This move is more significant than it may seem, as the console gaming market traditionally relies on exclusive content linked to specific hardware. Thus, extending this content to other platforms may indicate a potential reduction in industry-wide exclusivity. It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Xbox first-party games have arrived on rival platforms, as it was already known that games like Minecraft or Call of Duty would continue to be released on all platforms.