third-party games

Microsoft's multiplatform gaming strategy is showing strong results, with its titles dominating sales charts on the PlayStation Store in April 2025. In the U.S. and Canada, Microsoft games such as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5 occupied the top three positions in the non-free-to-play download chart for PS5. Europe also saw success with Forza Horizon 5 leading, followed by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Minecraft. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, launched on Game Pass, also appeared on both charts, alongside other Microsoft-owned titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, emphasized that this strategy is a calculated business move to enhance revenue, especially following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Discussions about transitioning Halo to other platforms have been ongoing, reflecting on the financial implications of exclusivity. While there may be pushback from Xbox fans regarding the dilution of brand identity, the focus remains on aligning with long-term business goals and evolving with the gaming audience.