Jez Corden Claims Xbox Exclusives Are No Longer Coming

Exciting Developments for Xbox Fans: The Outer Worlds 2 Launch

The recent unveiling of The Outer Worlds 2 during The Game Awards 2024 came as a pleasant surprise for Xbox fans. The game is set to be released simultaneously on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X. However, this announcement has sparked heated discussions surrounding Microsoft’s multiplatform strategy.

Conflicting Messages on Exclusivity

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has stated that there are no absolute barriers when it comes to porting games to other consoles. In contrast, the President of Content and Studios, Matt Booty, indicated that decisions regarding exclusivity would be made on a case-by-case basis. This internal conflict is evident even in Obsidian’s upcoming titles, with Avowed currently announced solely for PC and Xbox Series S|X.

Industry Insights from Jez Corden

Analyst Jez Corden from Windows Central has shared his perspective on Microsoft’s exclusivity strategy, suggesting a shift away from traditional Xbox exclusives. He tweeted that true exclusivity for Xbox is becoming a relic of the past.

“Xbox won’t have exclusives going forward. Everything is timed exclusive at most. If some games are exclusive it’s gonna be incidental at best…”

Future of High-Profile Titles

Corden has called into question the exclusivity status of Fable, developed by Playground Games and slated for release next year. He indicated that while it may not launch on other consoles immediately, there is a high likelihood it will eventually be available elsewhere.

“That game was monstrously expensive. It might not be day one, but it’ll come with the current plan in place, in my opinion.”

The Trajectory of Xbox Hardware

When considering the fate of Xbox hardware, Corden expressed skepticism regarding its potential shutdown. He speculated that while Xbox will not cease operations, continued decline in sales could lead to reconsideration of their strategy. Without sustainable growth, shareholders may become uneasy, particularly in light of the scrutiny surrounding the $70 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

“I don’t think they’ll stop providing hardware as long as the users and revenue are there. But growth is the issue.”

What Lies Ahead for Xbox Exclusives?

To date, from the five exclusives announced for next year, only The Outer Worlds 2 and DOOM: The Dark Ages are confirmed for PlayStation 5 as well. There remains a strong possibility that other titles like Fable, South of Midnight, and Avowed will also find their way to competing platforms.

Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on Microsoft’s approach to gaming and their shift toward multipurpose development? We invite you to participate in our poll and share your opinions in the comments below.

Source & Images