Xbox President Argues That Game Exclusives Are Outdated as Players Evolve Beyond Them

Insights from Xbox President Sarah Bond on Game Exclusivity

In a recent in-depth interview with Mashable, Sarah Bond, the president of Xbox, discussed various topics surrounding the gaming industry during the promotional tour for the ROG Xbox Ally X. While her remarks regarding the upcoming next-generation console being “very premium and high-end”gained attention, it’s her perspective on game exclusives that stands out. Bond has described the traditional model of exclusivity as outdated.

Shifting Perspectives on Game Access

Bond emphasized the evolution in gamers’ expectations, stating, “We’re really seeing people evolve way past that.”Major games like Call of Duty, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Roblox are characterized by their availability across multiple platforms, fostering community and shared experiences among players.“Locking it to one store or one device is antiquated for most people, ”she argued, underscoring the desire for cross-platform play. This shift aligns with Microsoft’s commitment to leverage cloud technology and versatile gaming options, catering to a broader audience.

Microsoft’s Evolving Approach to Exclusives

Bond’s comments reflect Microsoft’s significant pivot away from exclusivity, a strategy the company pursued for approximately fifteen years. Historically, Xbox sought exclusives to enhance its console library, collaborating with Japanese developers for iconic titles such as Ninja Gaiden, Lost Odyssey, and Blue Dragon. However, as the Xbox One struggled with exclusive game releases, Microsoft’s stance began to shift around 2016, starting with the launch of Quantum Break on Windows PC.

Cross-Platform Releases: A New Chapter

A pivotal moment in this strategy occurred in February 2024, when Microsoft announced plans to release several first-party titles, including Obsidian’s Grounded and Rare’s Sea of Thieves, on rival consoles such as the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. This marked a significant transition towards a more inclusive gaming landscape.

Since then, numerous titles have been made available across platforms, including Gears of War: Reloaded, Forza Horizon 5, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. Notably, upcoming launches such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2 are set for simultaneous release on PS5, Xbox, and PC.

The State of Competition

Microsoft’s strategy seems driven by a desire to expand their reach across as many devices as possible. In 2023, Phil Spencer, Head of Gaming, candidly admitted that the company had faced challenges in the “console wars.”Bond also touched on the role of live service games, which thrive on accessibility across platforms, yet acknowledged that competitors like Sony and Nintendo place a strong emphasis on exclusive titles that can enhance hardware sales.

Balancing Perspectives in the Gaming Community

The debate over exclusivity poses a dilemma for many gamers. On one side, there’s the hope for universal access to games at launch, benefiting the entire gaming community. Conversely, the competitive strategies of companies like Sony and Nintendo highlight the complexities involved, with Sony gradually transitioning towards multiplatform releases while Nintendo remains committed to its exclusive offerings.