Microsoft's Xbox Expands Reach: 4 Titles Hit External Platforms Amid $69B Activision Deal
Microsoft's Xbox plans to release four video-game titles on external platforms. The games have already been available to Xbox players for at least a year. Highly anticipated games like "Starfield" and the upcoming "Indiana Jones" title will remain exclusive to Xbox.
In a move to expand its reach and tap into a wider base of gamers, Microsoft's Xbox is set to release four video-game titles on external platforms. This announcement came from gaming CEO Phil Spencer during a recent podcast. The decision comes on the heels of Microsoft's massive $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
While Spencer did not provide specific details about the titles, he did mention that they have already been available to Xbox players for at least a year. However, he made it clear that the highly anticipated games "Starfield" and the upcoming "Indiana Jones" title will remain exclusive to Xbox.
Spencer also shared his belief that exclusive games tied to a single hardware platform will become less prevalent in the gaming industry over the next five to ten years. This shift aligns with Microsoft's strategy to broaden its presence and compete more effectively with industry leader Sony.
The acquisition of Activision was a significant step for Microsoft to bolster its position in the video game market. Sony, in response, recently revised its sales forecast for the PlayStation 5, highlighting the need for Microsoft to strengthen its foothold in the industry.
As part of the acquisition, Microsoft announced plans to lay off approximately 1,900 employees at Activision Blizzard and Xbox, representing around 8% of the overall Microsoft Gaming division. These changes are aimed at streamlining operations and maximizing efficiency.
Interestingly, Spencer's comments on game exclusivity came just a day after Sony's chief financial officer expressed the company's willingness to bring first-party games to other platforms as a means to improve operating profit.
One of the first games to be released post-acquisition is "Diablo IV" from Activision Blizzard. According to an Xbox blog, the game will be available to subscribers of Xbox's Game Pass starting from March 28.
While the gaming industry has seen significant growth in multi-game subscription services like Sony's PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, research firm NewZoo predicts a slowdown in this sector for the current year.
Microsoft's Xbox plans to release four video-game titles on external platforms.
The games have already been available to Xbox players for at least a year.
Highly anticipated games like "Starfield" and the upcoming "Indiana Jones" title will remain exclusive to Xbox.
Source: REUTERS