Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has expressed his frustration with the fact that Arrowhead Game Studios and Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Helldivers 2 is not available on Xbox. In a recent interview with Game File, Spencer stated that he’s “not exactly sure who it helps in the industry by not being on Xbox,” even though he understands that “there’s a legacy in console gaming that we’re going to benefit by shipping games and not putting them on other places.”
This raises the question of whether Helldivers 2 should come to Xbox Series X/S. Although no plans have been announced at this time, Spencer’s comments imply that Sony should consider this move in line with Microsoft’s current strategy. Considering the game’s success on PC, it may benefit PlayStation to eventually release more of its games on other platforms.
Helldivers 2 launched as a console exclusive on PS5 on February 8. It is currently in second place on the PlayStation Store’s “Top 10 games in your country” section on PS5, alongside popular titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. The game has seen a significant level of success on PC as well.
According to data from SteamDB, Helldivers 2 has reached an all-time high of 255,189 concurrent players on Steam, with around 200,000 concurrent players currently. The game’s availability on PC has contributed to its multiplayer success, with crossplay support and a multiplatform release improving matchmaking and player engagement.
Sony President Hiroki Totoki has indicated a strong interest in embracing multiplatform releases, as reported by Video Games Chronicle. This indicates a shift in strategy for Sony, recognizing the potential benefits of releasing games on multiple platforms.
More multiplayer first-party PlayStation titles are being released for PC from launch, indicating a shift in strategy for Sony. The potential benefits of multiplatform releases are becoming increasingly apparent for both Sony and Microsoft.
Helldivers 2 has achieved remarkable success without being available on Xbox. While console exclusivity has its benefits, especially for early adopters of a specific platform, there is potential for reaching a wider audience and maintaining live service support by expanding to other platforms later on.
Helldivers 2 is a prime example of a successful multiplayer game that could benefit from multiplatform support. As the gaming industry evolves, the focus should ultimately be on the quality and health of the games, rather than exclusivity to particular platforms.
Helldivers 2 is available now for PC and PS5.
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