Get ready, PlayStation, Nintendo, and PC gamers, because an acclaimed Xbox game is set to ditch its platform exclusivity and make its way to your consoles and desktops this year.
This news comes via Nate the Host, who dropped the multiplatform bombshell on his podcast. “In the calendar year of 2024, Microsoft will bring one of their more acclaimed first-party games to a competitor’s system,” the show claimed.
Nate the Host has a proven track record of accurate leaks and inside information, adding further weight to the claim.
This news, if true, represents a major change of strategy for Microsoft, as Microsoft has traditionally kept its biggest titles locked within the Xbox ecosystem. However, it has been open to porting its first-party games to competing platforms on a per-franchise basis.
Speaking in 2019, Matt Booty, then the boss of first-party Xbox studios, told Game Informer, “I think that the question is less binary about, ‘should it be on Switch, should it be on PlayStation?’ and more, ‘does it make sense for the franchise?’”
Booty continued: “In other words, is it a kind of game where it would benefit from the network effect of being on a bunch of different platforms, or is it a game where we can best support it by putting resources and making sure that our platforms, things like xCloud and Game Pass and Xbox Live, are really leaning in to support the game?”
While the specific title remains under wraps, speculation is running wild, with many pointing towards the critically-lauded Hi-Fi Rush as a prime candidate.
The exceptional critical reception and Game of the Year buzz surrounding this mystery game may have prompted a change of strategy. By bringing the game to a wider audience, Microsoft could significantly expand its reach and potentially attract a new wave of players to the Xbox brand.
While Hi-Fi Rush is a strong contender, it’s important to remember that nothing has been officially confirmed by Microsoft. Other possibilities have been floated, including titles like Starfield and Pentiment.
Regardless of which game it ultimately turns out to be, one thing is certain: this multiplatform release marks a significant shift for Microsoft and could have major implications for the future of Xbox.
The potential benefits of this move are numerous.
For players, it means the chance to experience a critically acclaimed game that was previously unavailable on their platform of choice.
For Microsoft, it opens up a vast new market and potentially boosts revenue and engagement. Additionally, it could blur the lines between console exclusivity, potentially leading to a more open and competitive gaming landscape.
Of course, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. Some Xbox fans may feel betrayed by the decision to release a major exclusive on other platforms. Additionally, there’s a risk that the game’s quality could suffer if it’s ported to less powerful hardware.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to release an acclaimed Xbox game multiplatform is a complex one with both potential benefits and drawbacks. However, one thing is clear: this move represents a significant shift for Microsoft.
It’s now a waiting game to see which Xbox gem will be making its grand entrance onto other platforms. But one thing’s for sure: PlayStation, Nintendo and PC gamers are in for a treat.
