Microsoft CEO promises more cross-platform games against fans' wishes for Xbox exclusives

Xbox exclusives may soon be a thing of the past. Microsoft was in the spotlight for the possible arrival of popular Xbox games to PlayStation and Nintendo, which was confirmed later by the announcement of four games coming to other platforms. After the Activision Blizzard acquisition, it looks like Xbox is now focusing more on being a third-party manufacturer. This step broadens the accessibility of its games beyond the realm of Xbox consoles.

Seven games among the top 25 on the PlayStation Store were from Microsoft, shared Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO.

The PS5 is outperforming the Xbox Series X and S in terms of global sales with a ratio of 3:1. While the number of Game Pass subscribers has gone up, the revenue from the hardware sales is down by a significant 31% this quarter. Making Xbox exclusives available on other competing platforms can be Microsoft’s vision of expanding the Xbox ecosystem beyond just the hardware.

Note: Part of this article is based on the author's opinion.

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Fans want Xbox exclusives

Xbox players are not happy with Microsoft's decision (Image via Unsplash/ Sam Pak)

Gaming enthusiasts don’t look that happy with Microsoft’s decision. Players always have valued console exclusives. Franchises like Halo and Forza were once major selling points for the Xbox system. With the current move, Xbox might lose its identity, and players might feel weird playing Xbox exclusives on other platforms.

Exclusive titles are the most powerful draw to encourage users to invest in a specific console. Gaming enthusiasts feel excited to experience this unique gameplay, which can’t be accessible to any other platforms. They wanted more Xbox exclusives like Sony and Nintendo had for their console, but Microsoft's plans are facing the other way.

While cross-play facilitates a broader audience to enjoy games, nurturing a larger and livelier community, exclusives can create a dedicated fanbase and a significant reason to choose Xbox. Many might have bought up the consoles only for the Xbox exclusive. The prospect of those games being available on other platforms might result in Microsoft losing its devoted fanbase.

Perhaps a middle ground like Sony can be used. To create excitement and boost sales on their platform, Xbox could release some titles as exclusives first, and bring those titles to PC or other platforms later. This strategy lets Microsoft benefit from both approaches. It could also follow the same strategy for the Xbox exclusives.

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