Matt Booty, an executive at Xbox, recently shared insights regarding the shift of previously exclusive titles to other gaming platforms, asserting that these platforms are not viewed as the company’s “greatest competition.” In a surprising turn of events, titles that were once Xbox exclusives, such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves, are now accessible on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. Even iconic franchises like Gears of War, Forza, and Halo have made their way to rival systems. Speaking with The New York Times before the announcement of Halo: Campaign Evolved being available on PS5 next year, Booty emphasized that this transition is an effort to “meet people where they are.”
Shifting Perspectives on Exclusives
According to Booty, exclusive titles are becoming “antiquated,” pointing out that players are likely to flock to popular games such as Call of Duty, Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite. He remarked, “That’s actually what’s really driving community in gaming.”
Wider Competition Beyond Consoles
Booty also stated, “Our biggest competition isn’t another console.” He elaborated that the landscape has expanded to include platforms like TikTok and various forms of entertainment. This sentiment echoes Netflix’s previous claim that Fortnite posed a larger competitive threat than HBO. The reality is that an abundance of entertainment options has made it challenging for individuals to engage with everything available.
Challenges and Industry Pressures
Booty’s remarks come in light of a recent Bloomberg article revealing that Xbox’s gaming division is under significant pressure from Microsoft to achieve higher profit margins. This demand may stem from the approximately $70 billion deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, which could account for the cancellations, studio closures, and rising subscription costs observed recently. It raises an interesting point; perhaps Microsoft’s most formidable competitor is itself.
For a glimpse into what the future holds, check out our guide to new games coming in 2025 and beyond.