Following Microsoft’s recent confirmation of cross-platform game releases, the names of the four undisclosed titles have now been revealed. These games are Hi-Fi Rush, Pertiment, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded – confirming previous rumors and extending beyond the Xbox platform.
All four titles are set to expand onto PlayStation hardware, and Pertiment and Grounded will also be available on the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, Grounded will support cross-play functionality across Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC.
Monopsonistic Tendencies
Microsoft’s decision to release its exclusives on other platforms marks a significant shift for the company, especially after its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October. Being under scrutiny from regulatory bodies, Microsoft made promises to make high-profile games available on multiple platforms to counter concerns of a potential monopoly after the acquisition.
Now, with Microsoft opening up its catalogue, it demonstrates a willingness to cooperate with other companies. Releasing Xbox games on PlayStation and Switch can be seen as an effort to dispel fears of monopolistic practices.
Strategic Exclusivity
Despite the move towards multiplatform releases, Xbox’s biggest exclusives like Halo and the upcoming Starfield will remain exclusive to the Xbox platform. Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, has assured Xbox fans that their hardware purchases are still valuable, reaffirming that not all future games will be released on other platforms.
However, the challenge for Microsoft lies in balancing the need to cooperate with other companies and reassure its fanbase, particularly following the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
Promising Expansion
All four games set for multiplatform releases are over a year old, indicating that Xbox fans have been able to enjoy exclusivity for a significant time. Nonetheless, the impact on regulatory concerns remains to be seen, especially as these titles are not considered “big names.”
Microsoft’s openness was demonstrated by withholding the announcement of these games going multiplatform until Nintendo Direct, indicating its willingness to embrace platform competitors. Moreover, the expansion to other platforms presents an opportunity to boost sales for these older games.
Going Beyond Consoles
Notably, Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty emphasized the company’s commitment to reaching players on various devices and platforms, confirming its strategy to expand to more players through game releases.
Furthermore, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard offers potential opportunities in mobile gaming, specifically through King’s popular games such as Candy Crush. As Microsoft seeks to tap into the mobile gaming market, it will need to carefully handle exclusivity, balancing the interests of various stakeholders.
Microsoft’s recent moves underline its ambition to appeal to a wider audience while retaining its position as a key player in the console gaming space. However, as Microsoft navigates these multifaceted strategies, the outcome will only be revealed with time.
