Xbox Has Definitely Given Up on One Thing (And That’s Probably Okay)

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Xbox remains a major force in gaming, built on a long history of fantastic games and beloved franchises. This is further strengthened by Microsoft’s significant financial resources, which allow them to invest in top developers and even absorb losses from cancelled projects.

Even though Xbox remains a major player in the gaming industry, it’s clearly entering a new and different phase. The Xbox we’ve known for twenty years is changing, and fans are likely to have strong, differing opinions about this new direction. While Xbox may have moved away from a key part of what made it successful, it’s not disappearing anytime soon – in fact, it seems quite secure for the future.

Fable Coming To PlayStation Shows Xbox Has Given Up on Console Exclusives

The recent news that Forza Horizon 6 and Fable are coming to PS5 – Forza a few months after its Xbox release and Fable simultaneously – confirms what many in the gaming world have suspected for a while. Xbox is effectively moving away from exclusive games, a strategy that used to be crucial for success and helped companies like Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox itself thrive in a competitive market.

Exclusive games have always been a major source of contention in the ongoing rivalry between gaming consoles, often dividing players based on their preferred brand. These exclusives are vital to gaming’s history and have been crucial for the success of both PlayStation and Nintendo, as each needed to retain its dedicated fanbase. While Xbox’s recent decision to release some of its previously exclusive titles – starting with smaller games and now including franchises like Halo and Gears of War on PlayStation – initially surprised many, it now appears to be a sensible move after considering the long-term benefits.

It’s not surprising to hear Fable is coming to PlayStation, especially with Gears of War and Halo already making the same move. Fable was one of the last big Xbox exclusives still holding out. Even Starfield, after being exclusive to Xbox for a long time, is rumored to be heading to PS5. This doesn’t mean Xbox will never have exclusives again, or that timed exclusives are off the table. But with so many of their formerly exclusive games now appearing on multiple platforms, it feels like Xbox is losing interest in keeping games exclusive to their own consoles.

Xbox Surrendering To PlayStation Makes Sense

In November 2024, gamingindustry.biz reported that 75% of UK sales for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 were on PlayStation 5, compared to just 11% on Xbox. This trend actually started with the previous generation, where the PS4 outsold the Xbox One by more than two to one. The PS5 continues to dominate sales over the Xbox Series consoles. Essentially, PlayStation has been the clear leader for two generations, building a strong user base that Xbox is struggling to match.

It’s understandable that Xbox would adapt to the current gaming landscape. However, the Xbox brand has suffered recently because new games in popular series haven’t been as well-received by critics or players as previous installments. For example, Starfield didn’t reach the same heights as earlier Bethesda games, Redfall didn’t perform as well as Prey, and recent Halo and Gears of War games haven’t captured the magic of their predecessors.

Xbox recognizes it’s unlikely to regain all the players it lost after the Xbox 360, so it needs to find a way to work with PlayStation. This is essential to justify its significant investments in game studios, development, and Game Pass. Ultimately, Xbox is a business that needs to balance creative work with financial success to stay afloat. It will survive, but likely in a very different form than before. Like SEGA, Xbox seems to be accepting a new path, neither progressing nor regressing, but adapting to its circumstances.

Xbox’s Future Is Confusing (But One Thing Is Clear)

It’s understandable why people are unsure about Xbox’s future. Microsoft hasn’t clearly explained its plans. However, recent actions – like its strong messaging about ‘everything being Xbox’ and a shift towards simply publishing games instead of making consoles – suggest Xbox is likely stepping back from competing directly with PlayStation and Nintendo in the console market.

Xbox is intentionally shifting its strategy. They understand that not having enough exclusive games drives players to PC and PlayStation. That’s why the next Xbox seems to be designed as a high-end, PC-like device, a departure from traditional consoles. By focusing on Game Pass and releasing games on multiple platforms, Xbox aims to fund more ambitious projects, reaching as many gamers as possible instead of limiting itself to the Xbox community.

It’s quite possible Xbox’s future will look a lot like SEGA’s recent history. SEGA was once a major console competitor, but now focuses on developing great games for all platforms. While Xbox will likely continue to make consoles, we shouldn’t be shocked to see their exclusive games released on other systems too. Titles like Fable, Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, Grounded, Sea of Thieves, Halo, Gears of War, and Forza are just the beginning. Xbox is moving away from strictly competing in the ‘console wars’ and becoming a broader game developer within a constantly changing industry.

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2026-01-31 23:13