This Success Story for Xbox Games Is Exactly Why The Console Is In Trouble

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The video game industry is known for its unpredictability. Success can come from anywhere, but companies can also fail quickly – something that’s been true since the earliest days of gaming. Even major companies like Nintendo have faced challenges. The ones that last are those that can adapt to change and recover from setbacks.

Sega is a good example of how things can change in the gaming world. They were once a major competitor for console dominance, but a series of unsuccessful consoles led them to become primarily a game publisher – a decision that’s proven successful over time. Some believe Xbox could face a similar future. Once a strong rival to PlayStation and Nintendo, Xbox has struggled recently. While Microsoft, Xbox’s parent company, has seen success with some recent games, those games suggest the brand faces significant challenges and might eventually follow the path of Sega’s Dreamcast.

Xbox Games Are Selling Well… On PlayStation

The racing game Forza Horizon 5 has been incredibly successful on PlayStation 5, which is positive for Microsoft Game Studios but raises questions about Xbox’s long-term strategy. Originally released in 2021 for Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, it became available on Sony’s console in April 2025 and has already earned over $300 million there. This success demonstrates that Microsoft can broaden the reach of its popular games by releasing them on competing platforms. This trend is continuing, with plans to bring other major franchises like Halo and Gears of War to PlayStation in the near future.

It appears Microsoft is building its gaming strategy around releasing titles on Xbox and PC first, then bringing them to PlayStation – and Forza Horizon 6 will follow this pattern, much like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. This is a positive development for Microsoft Game Studios, especially after a challenging year. Microsoft has been focused on increasing profits from its Xbox division, sometimes through moves gamers didn’t love, like raising Game Pass prices or cancelling projects. So, it’s good to see Forza Horizon 5 demonstrate that a great game is still the key to success in the industry.

Microsoft Gaming Will Survive, Even If The Xbox Ends

Even though Microsoft’s games are doing well on PlayStation, it’s concerning that Microsoft seems more focused on simply releasing games, rather than competing with Sony and Nintendo in the console market. When Microsoft bought companies like Activision and Bethesda – and their popular games like Call of Duty and Fallout – some cross-platform play was expected. Initially, this didn’t seem like a major issue for the Xbox. However, the PlayStation 5 has quickly become the leading console for serious gamers, and Nintendo has established itself as a strong, appealing alternative.

Xbox has struggled recently, with sales declining and fewer exclusive games to attract players. Attempts to broaden Xbox beyond gaming – aiming to make it a central home entertainment hub – have faced tough competition. Devices like the Steam Deck, advancements in mobile gaming, and the growing capabilities of Smart TVs have all challenged Xbox’s position. Now, Xbox depends on both exclusive games and popular multi-platform titles to stay competitive with PlayStation.

Microsoft now appears focused on releasing games on various platforms to maximize profits. While this benefits Microsoft as a game company, it could seriously harm their Xbox console business, especially with new competitors like the Steam Machine emerging. The Xbox is already behind in sales, leading many to believe the traditional “console wars” are over. This suggests the Xbox might be struggling more than fans realize, and if Microsoft continues prioritizing game publishing over console development, the next Xbox could potentially be their last.

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2026-01-15 22:12