Microsoft appears to be like to be in the midst of nailing down an enormous shakeup to the Xbox technique when it comes to the way forward for the platform, as Starfield and quite a few different Xbox-exclusive video games have been rumored to get future PS5 availability.
This is able to signify a reasonably main change in the way in which Microsoft handles Xbox sport releases. As unique titles typically usher in gamers and persuade them to purchase into the {hardware} ecosystem. Starfield has been accessible for PC and Xbox since September of 2023. With no hope of the sport ever coming to PS5. However a brand new report claims Microsoft is contemplating bringing the sport over to increase its attain. And all of that is a part of Microsoft’s future plan for Xbox.
First reported by XboxEra, “sources aware of Microsoft’s plans” declare a PS5 launch is within the works. Curiously sufficient, rumors of the sport touchdown on PS5 have been round for lengthy earlier than the sport was ever out. This was additionally earlier than Microsoft finalized its acquisition of Zenimax, which owns Bethesda. And the remaining is historical past. Starfield grew to become one in every of various video games that might stay a first-party title for Microsoft’s platforms. These being Home windows PCs and the Xbox Collection X|S consoles. That appears to be altering, nonetheless.
The discharge wouldn’t be for a short while. The identical report notes that Microsoft is concentrating on a deliberate PS5 launch of Starfield someday after the Shattered House growth is launched for Home windows and Xbox. There’s no agency launch date on that but but it surely isn’t till later in 2024.
PS5 will achieve the supply of extra first-party Xbox video games apart from Starfield
Starfield is likely to be one of many more moderen high-profile video games rumored to land on Sony’s newest PlayStation {hardware}. But it surely’s actually not the one sport mentioned to be on the way in which. Excessive-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves have been rumored for a PS5 launch as nicely. A report from The Verge additionally claims that Microsoft is contemplating much more PS5 releases of its first-party video games. Particularly, the Indiana Jones sport that’s because of hit Xbox consoles and Home windows PCs.
The Gears of Wars sequence is reportedly being thought-about for a PS5 launch sooner or later as nicely. Large Bomb’s Jeff Grubb (through VGC) talked about the potential launch on the Sport Morning Mess podcast. Microsoft has but to substantiate any of those claims. However the Head of Microsoft gaming Phil Spencer does appear to be alluding to a whole lot of huge adjustments coming.
“We’re listening and we hear you. We’ve been planning a enterprise replace occasion for subsequent week, the place we stay up for sharing extra particulars with you about our imaginative and prescient for the way forward for Xbox. Keep tuned,” Spencer mentioned on X. It’s not completely clear what the enterprise replace entails. However Microsoft will likely be sharing these adjustments with the general public someday subsequent week. The query some have posed is that if Microsoft shifts to providing first-party exclusives on PlayStation and different platforms, will customers wish to hold investing within the Xbox console for future generations? That is still to be seen. Xbox doubtless isn’t going anyplace. However this type of change makes somewhat little bit of sense.
Microsoft started providing its software program on platforms like Android, iOS, and even MacOS years in the past. And since then it’s seen extra income are available simply from these licensing charges. Maybe Xbox software program is headed in the identical route.
We’re listening and we hear you. We have been planning a enterprise replace occasion for subsequent week, the place we stay up for sharing extra particulars with you about our imaginative and prescient for the way forward for Xbox. Keep tuned.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) February 5, 2024