Summary
- Xbox is rumored to make a shift towards multi-platform games, which may include titles such as Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, and Sea of Thieves for the PS5.
- The Official Xbox Podcast on February 15 with top executives will reveal more about the games and the future of Xbox hardware.
- Other potential multi-platform games include Starfield, Marvel's Blade, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, though rumors surrounding Halo's expansion to PlayStation are less reliable.
Rumors of PlayStation 5 transition. Initial rumors of Xbox's transition away from exclusivity came as something of a surprise, especially considering Microsoft's recent focus on acquiring studios to push strong exclusives. At this point, however, it's hard to deny that there's a shift happening, whether Xbox fans like it or not.
Xbox has officially addressed the situation on February 15 through an update on the Official Xbox Podcast, which features Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, Xbox President Sarah Bond, and Head of Microsoft Studios Matt Booty. This clarifies what titles might have ports currently in the works, although there may be more under consideration that aren't officially underway. Microsoft may also offer clarification on the future of Xbox hardware, which is likely to continue despite the increased focus on software sales over moving console units on store shelves. During the podcast, Spencer confirmed "four games" will be arriving on other platforms, but didn't specify which ones. However, based on hints given during the broadcast, some educated guesses can be made.
Xbox Isn't Losing The Console Wars, It's Evolving
While rumors around the end of Xbox exclusives indicate a troubled future for the console, they're likely part of an intentional shift in strategy.
Hi-Fi Rush Is Expected To Bring Rhythm Action To PS5
Hi-Fi Rush
- Released
- January 25, 2023
- ESRB
- Rated T: Fantasy Violence, Language
- Developer(s)
- Tango Gameworks
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
Hi-Fi Rush might be the game that's been most associated with Xbox going multi-platform at this point, with some of the earliest rumors surrounding the loss of exclusivity focusing on the title. It isn't one of the games that's most heavily associated with the Microsoft brand, but it garnered significant acclaim after its shadow drop in January 2023. Although the game was developed by horror veterans Tango Gameworks, it struck out in a completely different direction, focusing on a vibrant, stylized world where action gameplay synchronizes with the steadily thumping rhythm of its soundtrack.
This one makes sense as a PS5 venture, as it's arguably primed for a bigger audience than it was able to initially attract as a console exclusive. Hi-Fi Rush doesn't have the kind of branding power actually necessary to sell systems, but it definitely meets the level of quality necessary to be a multi-platform hit. The cel-shaded graphics should also be possible to wrangle on Switch hardware, fitting in with suspicions that Nintendo might be announcing some of the multi-platform games in a Direct ahead of the Official Xbox Podcast.
The Masterful Mystery Pentiment Should Come To PS5
- Released
- November 15, 2022
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
Obsidian Entertainment is arguably one of the strongest Microsoft subsidiary studios, with a track record that includes titles like Star Wars Knight of the Old Republic 2, Fallout: New Vegas, and Pillars of Eternity. The company's strongest post-acquisition title might be Pentiment, a murder mystery in a medieval Alpine setting. Pentiment stands out immediately thanks to its distinct illustrated style, but it's the story that tends to really sink its teeth in, showcasing the exceptional writing talent that has always characterized Obsidian games.
As reported by multi-platform possibilities for Marvel's Blade and other future titles under the Bethesda umbrella.
Screen Rant's 2022 Game Of The Year
Screen Rant's 2022 Game of the Year is Pentiment, a game from storied developer Obsidian Entertainment that embraced art like never before.
Sea Of Thieves Would Add Pirate Adventure To PS5
- Released
- March 20, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Rare
- Publisher(s)
- Microsoft Game Studios
Alongside Hi-Fi Rush and Pentiment, the other title mentioned by the rumors is Sea of Thieves, which was developed by Rare and published by Microsoft Studios. Originally released in 2018 on PC and Xbox One, Sea of Thieves is a piratical adventure that's received plenty of updates and additions over the years. The newest version of the game is the Sea of Thieves 2023 Edition, which is available for PC and Xbox Series X/S through Steam and the Microsoft Store.
Sea of Thieves has a strong branding association with Xbox Game , as it's been heavily used in promotion of Microsoft's gaming subscription service over the years. Making it a multi-platform release could align with Microsoft's previously established desire to expand Xbox Game to be a multi-platform service, although Sony and Nintendo might not be as keen on the idea. Expanding the player base of Sea of Thieves in general could help make its continued updates more profitable, with an in-game store that focuses on cosmetic microtransactions complementing the additions of free playable content.
Starfield, Indiana Jones, & Halo Aren't Coming To PS5
Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, and Sea of Thieves all seem like locks for multi-platform releases at this point, but there are also some less thoroughly confirmed games that may be in the pipeline. Starfield was one possibility heavily rumored, but it's confirmed that it won't be the case, according to the latest Official Xbox Podcast episode. Additionally, Halo and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle won't be arriving outside Xbox and PC either. However, Xbox's Phil Spencer didn't rule it out completely. For now, it's just these four (as yet unannounced) games.
"An Instant Classic": Starfield Review
Starfield has plenty of captivating tales and dynamic mechanics that make it an epic science fiction adventure - and an instant classic.
Another piece of Xbox news without much reliable confirmation was the rumor of a dual console release strategy for the next generation, although this one does track with 2023 Microsoft leaks. However, this was seemingly confirmed during the podcast as well - with a handheld console mentioned during an interview with The Verge.
The idea of former Xbox exclusives coming to PlayStation should no doubt be exciting for PS5 owners, as it's hard to argue that Microsoft hasn't recently published some strong games. Xbox owners can look to the Official Xbox Podcast for answers regarding the general future of the platform, but it doesn't seem like there's any reason to panic about a complete departure from the console market. Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, and Sea of Thieves are all games that could thrive as multi-platform titles on both Xbox and PS5, and their success might pave the way for more ports to come.
Source: The Verge, Xbox/YouTube
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