A veteran analyst in the gaming world predicts that significant changes may be on the horizon for Microsoft in 2025.
This year could see the company ramping up its efforts to bring Xbox games to rival platforms, possibly including the PlayStation 5.
While Microsoft has dipped its toes into releasing some titles on competitors’ systems, Serkan Toto from Kantan Games foresees an even deeper commitment in the coming year.
Market Dynamics Driving Change
In an interview with GI.biz, Toto pointed to a mix of reasons driving this strategy.
Notably, the hefty $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard is a vital factor, as is Sony’s commanding position in the market with its PlayStation brand.
Toto believes that to compete effectively, Microsoft might have to make significant titles available on PlayStation sooner than anticipated.
Potential releases could include fan favorites like *Gears of War: E-Day* and *Perfect Dark*.
Expanding Platform Accessibility
Earlier in 2024, Microsoft made headlines when it announced that several of its first-party games would be accessible on other platforms.
Titles like *Sea of Thieves*, *Grounded*, *Hi-Fi Rush*, and *Pentiment* were particularly surprising revelations.
Microsoft has previously carved out a space for itself in the publishing arena on PlayStation and Switch, thanks largely to the success of *Minecraft*.
Following the Activision Blizzard acquisition, the *Call of Duty* series has also become part of Microsoft’s offerings, continuing to see releases on PlayStation systems.
Future Game Releases and Strategy
Looking to the future, one exciting Xbox title, *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle*, is expected to launch on PlayStation 5 in Spring 2025.
Additionally, rumors swirl around a possible remaster of *Halo: Combat Evolved*, which might also make its way to the PlayStation platform.
In May, news surfaced that Microsoft’s top executives, CEO Satya Nadella and CFO Amy Hood, had been given the task of boosting profit margins across all divisions, including Xbox.
As part of this initiative, they may be considering a broader release of first-party games on the PlayStation to increase revenue.
Internally, Microsoft is reportedly working on a strategy known as “Latitude,” which aims to enhance the rollout of additional Xbox titles on competing systems.
Overall, as the industry evolves, Microsoft’s approach to platform competition is likely to play a critical role in shaping its future.
Source: GameSpot