Microsoft's recent Xbox showcases have notably included logos for rival platforms, marking a significant shift in their multiplatform gaming strategy. This change, evident in recent months, showcases games on PlayStation 5 alongside Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass. For instance, the Ninja Gaiden 4, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 segments of the Xbox Developer Direct all featured the PS5 logo.
This contrasts sharply with Microsoft's June 2024 showcase, where announcements like Doom: The Dark Ages initially omitted the PS5, later adding it in individual trailers. Similarly, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Diablo 4's Vessel of Hatred expansion, and Assassin's Creed Shadows were initially announced without PS5 inclusion.
In contrast, Sony and Nintendo's recent showcases, such as the State of Play, maintained a focus solely on their own platforms, even for multiplatform titles. Games like Monster Hunter Wilds, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword showcased only PlayStation and Nintendo platforms despite availability on other consoles and PC. Sony's approach underscores their longstanding strategy of emphasizing their own consoles.
In an interview with XboxEra, Phil Spencer explained this shift, stating that the goal is transparency regarding game availability. He cited logistical challenges in the June 2024 showcase as a reason for the initial omission of some platform logos. Spencer emphasized a commitment to showcasing games on all available platforms, acknowledging that certain limitations exist on closed platforms compared to open ones. His focus remains on ensuring broader accessibility to Xbox games.
Therefore, expect future Xbox showcases to increasingly feature PS5 and potentially Nintendo Switch 2 logos. Microsoft's June 2025 showcase could see titles like Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Perfect Dark, State of Decay 3, and the latest Call of Duty featuring the PS5 logo alongside Xbox. However, it's unlikely that Sony and Nintendo will reciprocate this approach.
