Over the weekend, rumours have spread thatMicrosoftis open to making some of itsXboxexclusives available on rival platforms. Now, more sources are backing up these claims, suggesting a huge change in direction from Microsoft, which typically keeps its games on Xbox and PC.
The game being brought up the most isHi-Fi Rush, although most sources haven’t gone as far as naming a particular exclusive. Most recently,Windows Central’s sources say that Microsoft is “exploring” the idea of re-releasing some of its older games on other platforms. There’s no word on specific games that this could encompass, but there’s certainly no shortage of exclusives to choose from.
Going back to the beginning, the rumour started with insider NateTheHate, speaking onhis podcast. Here, he said that Microsoft will port a game that was met with “high critical acclaim” to another platform. It’s widely assumed that Nate is referring to Hi-Fi Rush, particularly as he adds that the title was in the “Game of the Year conversation” when it came out.
Now, while Windows Central’s sources aren’t confirming that this is the case, they are backing up the idea that Xbox wants to port some games to competitors. It is important to note, however, that this refers to games that have already been released, and is not a change expected to come to upcoming releases. With this in mind, we shouldn’t expect upcoming games from the likes ofBethesdato make their way ontoPlayStation, especially since its most recent game,Starfield, isn’t even being brought up in the conversation of possible ports.
This would be a more extreme version of what we see fromSony, which allows its PlayStation exclusives to port to PC sometime after the initial launch. Of course, neither Sony norNintendogo as far as dropping these on rival platforms too. The only exception here is when a game has a limited-time exclusivity deal like Sony had withDeathloop.
With this all being said, given Microsoft’s recent successful acquisition ofActivision Blizzard, we should probably expect even more titles to go Xbox exclusive than ever before. As part of getting the deal over the line, Microsoft only had to share access toCall of Duty,promising it to Sony,Nintendo, and somecloud gaming platforms.Sony was even offered access to all Activision Blizzard games for four yearsbut opted to just have Call of Duty for ten years instead, leaving other IPs free to go Xbox exclusive.
