What's Next for Xbox Games on PS5, PS4? Talking Point 1

Following yesterday's launch of Sea of Thieves on PS5, Microsoft has now delivered on its initial multi-platform promise to bring some of its exclusive Xbox experiences to new consoles. Having made the surprise announcement in February, the firm has brought Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded, and the aforementioned seafaring adventure to PS5, PS4 boxes as well as Nintendo Switch. During the presentation that revealed Microsoft's multi-platform plans, Phil Spencer and his team refused to discuss any efforts beyond those four titles. Is that it, then? Will Microsoft now return to releasing first-party titles exclusively for Xbox Series X|S and PC? Those questions can't be answered definitively yet, but probably not.

Having launched the quartet of titles to a positive critical reception — though how well each game has sold on the new platforms is still a mystery — the attention turns back to Microsoft as we await what's next. Realistically, the firm won't be sporting PS5, PS4 and Nintendo Switch logos in its trailers at next month's Xbox Games Showcase, but the June time period previously reserved for E3 may still bear fruit for those wanting to play Microsoft titles but don't own an Xbox Series X|S. Prior to the annual event, Microsoft has for the past few years shared a business update that covers various points it won't be touching on during the livestream.

What's Next for Xbox Games on PS5, PS4? Talking Point 2

Sort of like a text version of the recorded discussion that first confirmed Microsoft's initial multi-platform plans, this is the most likely destination for any further announcements concerning more Xbox exclusives making their way to PS5 and PS4. With the Xbox Games Showcase dated for 9th June 2024, the article is generally published in the days leading up to the event. If you're eager to learn what — if anything — comes next, then that's what you need to look out for.

Before that article arrives, though, all the signs appear to be pointing to this just being the start of Microsoft games on PS5, PS4 rather than Sea of Thieves being the end. After multiple Microsoft games made up the list of best-selling titles on the PS Store, CEO Satya Nadella said the company is "committed to meeting players where they are by bringing great games to more people on more devices". At the moment, those players seem to be on PS5 and PS4 just as much as they're on Xbox Series X|S.

What's Next for Xbox Games on PS5, PS4? Talking Point 3

It was also reported that Microsoft is using Sea of Thieves as a "key test" for more Xbox ports in the future. Depending on how well it sells, the multi-platform initiative may green-light more games on PS5 and PS4. In the weeks leading up to its PS5 launch, the three versions Rare has been offering for Sea of Thieves have all been some of the best-selling pre-orders on the PS Store, comfortably competing with Stellar Blade and Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree. On that basis, the future seems bright. Nothing's official yet, but the chances of Microsoft all of a sudden wiping its hands clean of any further multi-platform releases seems slim. More seem to be on the way; we might just have to wait a month and change for the announcement.

Have you bought any of the Xbox games Microsoft ported to PS5, PS4? (874 votes)

  1. Yes, I've bought all four3%
  2. Yes, I purchased three of them2%
  3. Yes, I grabbed two8%
  4. Yes, I bought just one12%
  5. Not yet, but I plan on buying at least one of them34%
  6. No, I have no interest in any of them42%

Do you think Microsoft will bring more Xbox games to PS5, PS4 or is that it? What exclusive titles do you want next? Put your hopes and thoughts in the comments below.