Microsoft’s Xbox is set to launch four video game titles on external platforms, revealed gaming CEO Phil Spencer during a podcast on Thursday. The move is aimed at broadening the company’s reach among gamers following its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
While Spencer didn’t provide specific details about the titles, he mentioned that they have been available to Xbox players for at least a year. However, he clarified that the games being released on other platforms do not include “Starfield” or the upcoming “Indiana Jones” title.
Spencer emphasized a shift in the industry away from games exclusive to a single hardware platform over the next five to ten years. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision was seen as a strategic move to bolster its position in the video game market, enabling it to better compete with industry leader Sony. Sony recently revised down its forecast for PlayStation 5 sales for the fiscal year ending March.
Last month, Microsoft announced plans to lay off 1,900 employees at Activision Blizzard and Xbox, representing about 8% of the overall Microsoft Gaming division.
Spencer’s comments on game exclusivity coincided with remarks from Sony’s chief financial officer, who suggested on a post-earnings call that the company could improve operating profit by bringing first-party games to other platforms.
According to an Xbox blog, “Diablo IV,” the first Activision Blizzard game post-acquisition, will be available to Xbox’s Game Pass subscribers from March 28.
Despite the growth of multi-game subscription services such as Sony’s PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, research firm NewZoo anticipates a slowdown in this segment’s growth this year.
