Inconsistent messaging from manufacturer Microsoft has prompted fresh speculation about whether it’ll continue to release its games on PlayStation.
With new information on Xbox Helix expected at GDC this week, comments from CEO Asha Sharma have prompted a fresh wave of speculation about whether the Redmond firm may return to exclusivity.
“Exclusives are absolutely not happening,” said notorious NeoGAF user SneakersSO, who’s known for having insight into Xbox’s plans.
The snoop has been talking quite openly about Microsoft’s new machine, and in a subsequent series of posts described it as a “set-top box version” of the PC-based ROG Ally X handheld that’s “not meant for a mass market target audience”.
Recent speculation suggested it could cost as much as $1,200, while the PS6 is expected to come in at a significantly lower cost.
Xbox has sparked fresh speculation about the feasibility of exclusives due to comments from its new CEO. Writing on X (or Twitter) she said “hear you” in response to one fan encouraging the company to return to exclusivity.
The firm’s plans have been put under increased scrutiny lately due to rumours regarding Sony’s own PC strategy. It seems PlayStation intends to return to true exclusivity for its first-party single player games, making Microsoft’s own strategy more stark in contrast.
But the companies have different business objectives and find themselves in wildly different scenarios.
The PS5 is on track to sell over 100 million units, while the Xbox Series X|S has completely faltered. Moreover, Game Pass has practically erased full-price software sales within Microsoft’s own ecosystem.
This year will see tentpole titles like Halo: Campaign Evolved and Fable release on PS5, while Starfield is also heavily rumoured to arrive in a few weeks. It’s going to be hard for Microsoft to put the genie back in the bottle at this point.
