Xbox’s Changing Strategy: Why Microsoft Might Publish More Games on PlayStation Than Sony in 2025
The gaming industry is experiencing a seismic shift, and at the centre of it is a surprising development – Microsoft, traditionally a rival to Sony, could end up publishing more games on PlayStation in 2025 than Sony itself. This unexpected reality has left gamers questioning the future of Xbox as a console platform and the overall direction of the gaming industry.
A New Era for PlayStation and Xbox
Sony’s recent State of Play event highlighted an increasing trend: more PlayStation games are now launching on multiple platforms, including PC and, in some cases, Xbox. PlayStation has been slowly expanding its reach beyond its consoles, with blockbuster franchises like God of War and Spider-Man making their way to PC. The success of Helldivers 2 on PC further reinforces the idea that Sony is warming up to a future where its first-party games launch simultaneously on both PlayStation and PC.
Microsoft, however, has moved even faster in this direction. As Xbox console sales continue to decline, Microsoft has leaned into a multiplatform approach, making some of its biggest first-party games available on PlayStation. Games like Forza Horizon 5, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Age of Empires are expected to launch on PlayStation, and rumours suggest that Hellblade 2 could arrive as soon as April.
Xbox’s Console Struggles and the Rise of PC
Xbox’s decision to expand beyond its own ecosystem is largely driven by declining console sales. Microsoft was the first to aggressively push its games onto PC, but now, faced with a shrinking Xbox user base, the company is also bringing first-party games to PlayStation in search of revenue.
Gaming industry insiders believe that Microsoft no longer sees Xbox hardware as the key to its success. Instead, the company is focused on software sales and subscriptions, making its games available to as many players as possible. While this strategy could boost revenue in the short term, it raises concerns among Xbox fans about the long-term viability of the console itself. If Xbox games are available on PlayStation and PC, what incentive is there to buy an Xbox?
How PlayStation Fans Are Reacting
While Xbox fans are worried about the future of their platform, PlayStation fans have their own concerns. A recent poll by IGN’s Destin Legarie measured reactions to State of Play, with many players expressing disappointment over Sony’s lack of a clear long-term roadmap for first-party games. While PlayStation has confirmed titles like Ghost of Yōtei and Death Stranding 2, updates from heavy hitters like Naughty Dog, Insomniac, and Sony Santa Monica have been scarce.
Adding to the frustration is the realization that almost all major PlayStation exclusives will eventually arrive on PC. The days of true exclusivity are fading, and with PC emerging as the one platform that gets everything – from PlayStation and Xbox titles to PC-only games – some gamers are questioning whether consoles are still necessary.
Will Consoles Survive the PC Takeover?
With Xbox games heading to PlayStation and PlayStation games making their way to PC, some industry experts predict that PC could become the ultimate gaming platform. Steam already offers access to exclusive games from all major publishers, and with innovations like SteamOS, a dedicated gaming console from Valve could become a reality in the near future.
That said, not everyone can afford a high-end gaming PC, and many players prefer the simplicity of console gaming. Xbox’s VP of next-gen strategy, Jason Ronald, has acknowledged the need to improve PC gaming experiences on devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, but for now, gaming on a TV with a controller remains a challenge for PC users.
The Road Ahead for PlayStation and Xbox
Despite the rise of PC gaming, both PlayStation and Xbox are still committed to hardware. Sony recently reported a 16% increase in PlayStation hardware sales and a 7% growth in console users, with the PS5 Pro expected to sustain this momentum. The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6, which will debut on consoles before coming to PC, could further boost demand for PlayStation and Xbox hardware.
On the Xbox side, Microsoft has quietly approved its next-generation console plans, although details remain scarce. Whether this new hardware will reinvigorate Xbox as a console brand or serve as a stepping stone to a fully digital, multiplatform future remains to be seen.
For now, one thing is clear – 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable years in gaming history.
