It has become apparent to many that Microsoft’s new strategy involves releasing their games on competitors’ consoles, though there was no explicit confirmation of this. Recently, Windows Central journalist Jez Corden affirmed these speculations. He suggests that we can soon expect new Xbox exclusives on PlayStation 5 and Switch.
The initiative, aptly named Latitude, which signifies freedom and space, aims to boost profits across all corporate divisions by porting popular Xbox titles to other platforms. Jez Corden reports that Satya Nadella, the corporation’s CEO, along with CFO Amy Hood, are the key figures advocating for this strategy.
Currently, there is consideration for launching titles like Starfield and Halo Infinite on rival consoles. Additionally, there is speculation that Forza Horizon 6 might debut across all pertinent platforms. Corden also reports dissatisfaction among Microsoft’s gaming division employees regarding the sudden shift away from exclusives, fearing it could further impact the already declining sales of Xbox Series X|S consoles.
Moreover, Corden posits that Phil Spencer, credited with rescuing Xbox from discontinuation after a disastrous previous generation, may now be jeopardizing the progress made over the last eleven years.
According to the insider, not everyone is satisfied with the policy of the management. Microsoft is still debating whether it is necessary to deprive Xbox of exclusives. Some employees are concerned that the adverse effects of Latitude will be felt in the long term.
Another trusted insider, NateTheHate, has reported that some of these games may be released as early as the holiday season at the end of 2024. He is currently clarifying the list and the exact release dates.
Microsoft has taken initial steps in this direction by releasing four Xbox exclusives on PS5 | Sea of Thieves, Pentiment, Grounded, and Hi-Fi RUSH.
In a recent article, GamesIndustry.biz editor Chris Dring detailed the reasons behind Xbox’s current cost-cutting measures.
“Microsoft spent an obscenely large amount of money on the future of Xbox, which did not come. The market has changed under her feet, and she has to change direction. And some of its teams have to pay the price.”
Likely, this new strategy stems from similar reasons that led to the closure of several Bethesda studios. As Brad Hildebrand, a former senior communications manager at Microsoft, stated in early May 2024, the company is attempting to recoup the $70 billion spent on acquiring Activision Blizzard.
This shift in strategy raises questions about Microsoft’s future as a platform holder and its commitment to developing exclusive games for its consoles, according to Eurogamer. With numerous studios now under the ownership of large publicly traded corporations, Xbox, along with other gaming industry entities, appears to have strayed from its original mission.
The industry is still waiting to observe the effects of Microsoft’s strategic pivot on the market. It remains to be seen whether this move by Xbox will help it recapture market presence or result in a dilution of the platform’s identity and purpose.
