Microsoft's recent Xbox showcases have notably included logos for rival platforms, signaling a significant shift in their multiplatform strategy. This contrasts with previous showcases, like the June 2024 event, where PlayStation 5 appearances were minimal or absent, even for titles slated for release on the console. For instance, Doom: The Dark Ages was initially announced for PlayStation 5 separately, while Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Assassin's Creed Shadows omitted PS5 from their initial announcements.
In contrast, Sony and Nintendo maintain a more console-centric approach in their showcases. The recent State of Play event, for example, featured multiplatform titles like Monster Hunter Wilds, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword, yet only showcased their PlayStation versions. This highlights Sony's continued focus on reinforcing its consoles as the primary platform for its games.
Xbox head Phil Spencer, in an interview with XboxEra, explained this change as a commitment to transparency and honesty about game availability. He cited logistical challenges in the June 2024 showcase as a reason for the inconsistent platform representation. Spencer emphasized a desire to showcase games across all available platforms, acknowledging that certain limitations exist on closed platforms compared to open ones, but prioritizing game accessibility above all.
He stated, "I just want to be transparent with people — for shipping on Nintendo Switch, we’re gonna put that. For shipping on PlayStation, on Steam... People should know the storefronts where they can get our games."
This shift suggests future Xbox showcases will likely feature PS5 and potentially Nintendo Switch 2 logos alongside Xbox, potentially including titles like Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Perfect Dark, State of Decay 3, and the upcoming Call of Duty at the June 2025 showcase. However, it's unlikely Sony and Nintendo will reciprocate this approach.
