Console Exclusives
Ongoing coverage on Console Exclusives.
Latest coverage
Sony wants you to know GTA 6 "will play best on PS5", and here's why
Sony Interactive Entertainment has published a blog post detailing how Grand Theft Auto 6 will leverage PlayStation 5's DualSense controller features, claiming it will "play best" on the console. The article discusses haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and the integrated speaker, alongside the PS5's SSD for fast loading times. It also touches on the competitive console market, mentioning Microsoft's struggles and the lack of a Nintendo Switch 2 announcement.
We are watching the end of Xbox in real-time and it’s heartbreaking - Reader’s Feature
A reader expresses concern over the current state of Xbox, suggesting Microsoft's management and strategy, including the costly Game Pass model and lack of console exclusives, have led to significant studio closures and layoffs. The author fears this marks the beginning of the end for the Xbox brand as a major console player, drawing parallels to Sega's transition to a third-party publisher.
PlayStation CEO responds to reports Sony is abandoning PC, seemingly confirms big single-player games will be PS5…
PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino has indicated that Sony will prioritize PlayStation 5 exclusivity for its in-house developed single-player games, while live-service titles will continue to be released on both PS5 and PC. This strategy shift suggests a move away from the multiplatform releases previously seen with titles like Horizon and The Last of Us, aligning with reports that PlayStation is re-evaluating its PC release strategy for major first-party games.
Xbox’s Biggest Problems May Still Be Ahead
Xbox is facing significant internal challenges despite a recent showcase of upcoming games like Gears of War: E-Day. CEO Asha Sharma admitted to substantial financial losses and poor investment returns over the past five years, citing issues with funding franchises and inadequate infrastructure. Reports suggest impending layoffs and potential restructuring, including spinning off Xbox as a subsidiary or forming joint ventures, as Microsoft seeks to make its gaming division a sustainable business.
Following Gears of War: E-Day's declaration of Xbox exclusivity, Halo: Campaign Evolved is already climbing PlayStation pre-order charts
Halo: Campaign Evolved is seeing strong pre-order sales on the PlayStation Store, topping charts in several regions despite being an Xbox exclusive IP. This success, alongside other Xbox titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Sea of Thieves appearing on PlayStation, raises questions about Microsoft's console exclusive strategy. The remake is built on Unreal Engine 5 and has reportedly revitalized the original game's content.
Xbox Wants Faster Fallout, Elder Scrolls Games to Bolster Business
Microsoft is reportedly looking to accelerate the development of new titles in its Fallout and The Elder Scrolls franchises to improve the sustainability of its Xbox business. CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the need for Xbox to become profitable, while new boss Asha Sharma is tasked with streamlining game development. The company is considering various restructuring options for the Xbox unit, and future game releases may depend on the business's health, potentially impacting their availability on other platforms like PlayStation.
Microsoft Considering Spinning Off Xbox, Speeding Up Elder Scrolls And Fallout Game Releases – Report
Microsoft is reportedly exploring options for the Xbox brand, including spinning it off into a separate company or operating it as a subsidiary. The company is also considering increasing investment to speed up development for major franchises like Halo, The Elder Scrolls, and Fallout. While some games like Halo: Campaign Evolved may see PlayStation 5 releases, Microsoft aims to renew focus on console exclusives.
Halo Trailer Was Supposed To Be At State Of Play, Then Microsoft Pulled It – Report
A Halo trailer intended for the PlayStation State of Play event was reportedly pulled by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, potentially straining relations between Microsoft and Sony. The trailer was likely for Halo: Campaign Evolved, which is slated for a July release on PlayStation 5, marking the franchise's debut on a PlayStation platform. This decision comes amidst broader changes at Xbox, including expected layoffs and potential studio closures, as Sharma aims to "reset the business."
Xbox Will 'Try to Do More' Console Exclusives if the Health of Its Business Improves
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company will increase console exclusives if its business health improves, citing Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution as initial examples. Sharma acknowledged that Xbox's current business is not healthy, but emphasized the goal of making games available everywhere while also maintaining platform exclusivity. She also noted the high cost of components and hinted at radically different business models emerging later this year.
Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski believes Xbox is "steering the 'ship' back in the right direction", as E-Day skips PS5
Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski believes Xbox's decision to make Gears of War: E-Day an Xbox console exclusive, rather than releasing it on PlayStation 5, is a positive move for the brand. He suggests that previous multi-platform strategies may have alienated the core Xbox fanbase. The upcoming title will feature Versus and Horde modes and is set to launch on PC and Xbox Series X/S on October 6th.
Xbox console exclusives are returning on a 'case-by-case' basis
Microsoft is re-prioritizing Xbox console exclusives, starting with Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution, to encourage hardware purchases. This marks a shift from the previous multiplatform strategy, with exclusivity decisions now being made on a case-by-case basis under new Xbox president Asha Sharma. Large multiplayer and live service titles will continue to be multiplatform.
Gears Of War: E-Day PS5 promo refutes Microsoft's claims about Xbox exclusivity
An official Xbox podcast trailer for Gears Of War: E-Day briefly showed PlayStation 5 and Steam logos, contradicting Microsoft's claims of it being an Xbox exclusive. Despite Xbox's vice president of games marketing Aaron Greenberg denying a last-minute pivot, the inclusion of the PS5 logo suggests it was initially planned for the platform. This incident adds to confusion surrounding Microsoft's evolving exclusivity strategy for its first-party titles.
The most upsetting thing about Xbox’s SGF showcase was Marcus Fenix’ jacket
Xbox's recent Summer Games Fest showcase highlighted a shift back towards console exclusivity with titles like Gears of War E-Day and Clockwork Revolution. This strategic change, spearheaded by new CEO Asha Sharma, aims to re-establish Xbox as a distinct console platform amidst an identity crisis and declining Game Pass subscriber growth. While some previously multiplatform titles will remain available on PlayStation 5, the move signifies a renewed focus on selling Xbox hardware.
PS5 logo spotted on a Gears of War E-Day trailer before being quickly hidden
A trailer for the upcoming Xbox and PC exclusive Gears of War: E-Day briefly displayed a PlayStation 5 logo before being quickly removed. Microsoft has reiterated that the game will not be a timed exclusive and is committed to Xbox console exclusivity.
Official Gears of War: E-Day video gets taken down for including a PS5 logo, adding more fuel to the last-minute change theory
A PlayStation 5 logo was mistakenly included in promotional material for Gears of War: E-Day, fueling speculation about a last-minute platform exclusivity change. Xbox marketing VP Aaron Greenberg clarified that the decision was made internally about a month prior and was not a last-minute change, with knowledge limited to a small group.
Evening Consolidation
Xbox has stated that its recently announced console exclusives are not isolated incidents and that fans should anticipate more in the future. The company also celebrated its 25th anniversary with special edition consoles.
Xbox-chef: multiplattforms-släpp avgörs "från fall till fall"
Xbox is adopting a case-by-case approach to multiplatform releases, with major multiplayer and live service titles continuing to be available on PC and other consoles. However, games like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will be exclusive to Xbox Series and PC, a shift from previous policies. The platform strategy for future titles like The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 remains undecided.
Gears of War: E-Day's PS5 port is reportedly mostly complete as Xbox only recently decided to U-turn on its console…
A report suggests that a PlayStation 5 port of Gears of War: E-Day is nearly complete, despite Xbox recently deciding to keep the game as an Xbox exclusive. This change in strategy reportedly occurred after Phil Spencer's retirement, with current leadership re-evaluating which single-player games will be ported to other platforms on a case-by-case basis.
Microsoft's next big release Halo: Campaign Evolved just got a slick story trailer, with footage captured on PS5 Pro
Microsoft has released a new story trailer for its upcoming game Halo: Campaign Evolved, with all footage captured on a PlayStation 5 Pro. The trailer showcases cinematics, gameplay, and pre-order bonuses, including early access and cosmetic items. The article also notes that future single-player Microsoft games like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will likely be Xbox exclusive due to new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's strategy.
Gears of War E-Day pre-orders are live, but PS5 players will have to sit this one out
Gears of War E-Day is set to launch on October 6, 2026, for Xbox Series X/S and PC, with pre-orders now available. Despite initial ratings, the game will be an Xbox console exclusive and will not be released on PlayStation 5. Various editions are offered, including a Collector's Edition featuring a Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago diorama, and the game will be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at launch.
