Exclusives
Ongoing coverage on Exclusives.
Latest coverage
Wolverine review roundup: Frankly, we're starting to feel a little better about the whole 'PlayStation 5…
Reviews for Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine indicate that while the game has strong character work and moments of satisfying combat, it ultimately falls short of expectations for a major PlayStation 5 exclusive. Critics noted repetitive gameplay and a lack of depth, with some calling it a disappointment for the platform.
Sunset Overdrive Was the Highlight of the Otherwise-Rough Xbox One Era and Remains Criminally Underrated
Sunset Overdrive is highlighted as the standout exclusive of the Xbox One era, with the author arguing it remains criminally underrated. The game's success is credited with paving the way for Insomniac's later Marvel's Spider-Man titles, though it never received a PlayStation 4 port despite its critical acclaim.
Xbox Open-World Game’s PlayStation 5 Release Date Quietly Delayed
The PlayStation 5 version of the Xbox open-world game Forza Horizon 6 has been delayed beyond 2026, according to reports from The Verge and IGN. While an official announcement from Xbox is pending, recent strategic shifts suggest a renewed focus on Xbox console exclusives. The game's PlayStation Store wishlist page remains active, indicating a future release is still planned.
Xbox Says More Exclusives Are Coming But Tells Players Not to 'Overly Fixate on Single-Player' Games
Xbox executives have stated that more exclusive titles are in development beyond Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution. They also advised players not to focus too heavily on single-player games, suggesting a broader approach to their upcoming releases.
Valve aren't putting any exclusives on the Steam Machine because they see "the whole PC catalog as our 'launch exclusive'"
Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat stated that the Steam Machine will not feature any exclusive games, as the company views the entire PC catalog as its 'launch exclusive.' This approach aims to keep the platform open and encourage innovation from hardware manufacturers. Valve also noted that PC hardware supply chain issues are causing delays, with retail availability lagging behind bulk supply by three to six months.
'We're interested in having the whole PC catalog as our 'launch exclusive'': Valve talks exclusives and the advantages of an open platform
Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat stated that the company is more interested in having the entire PC catalog as a 'launch exclusive' rather than restricting games to specific hardware. Valve aims to grow the PC platform by maintaining an open spirit, allowing other manufacturers to innovate with devices like the Steam Machine and handhelds such as the Lenovo Legion Go.
Consoles continue their trend of just becoming worst PCs
The article argues that modern consoles like PlayStation and Xbox are becoming inferior versions of PCs, losing their unique advantages. Factors like the shift to digital-only, rising prices, and the diminishing value of exclusives are making PCs a more compelling and flexible gaming platform.
Asha Sharma faces tough decisions with limited room for manoeuvre | Opinion
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma faces significant challenges in turning around the division's financial performance and strategic direction. Despite positive initial messaging and decisions like cutting Game Pass prices, the company must navigate difficult choices regarding its next-generation console, Project Helix, and the future of exclusive titles. With declining revenues and pressure to improve profitability, Sharma's execution of these tough decisions will be critical for Xbox's future.
A New Xbox Memo Points to a Tough Reset and a Possible 2027 Launch for Helix
A leaked internal memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlines a significant "Xbox Reset" initiative, addressing a severe hardware component crisis and declining revenue. The memo suggests Project Helix could launch in Holiday 2027, with potential layoffs also indicated. The reset may have also strained relationships with PlayStation due to last-minute exclusivity decisions for titles like Gears of War: E-Day.
Xbox Pulled Halo From State Of Play, It’s Claimed
Xbox is reportedly reconsidering its strategy by reinstating exclusives like Gears of War. This shift may also involve pulling a Halo trailer from a PlayStation event, potentially straining relations between the two companies and sparking speculation.
Xbox Finally Has Big Exclusives Again, But Gamers Are Still Confused
Xbox is facing confusion regarding its exclusive game strategy, with recent announcements like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution being console exclusives while other titles remain multiplatform. This shift back towards exclusives, despite years of opening up its games, has led to criticism about inconsistent communication and strategy from Microsoft executives like Asha Sharma and Matthew Ball. The article questions the long-term viability and clarity of this approach, especially concerning future titles and the impact on player trust.
Xbox will reveal platforms only when games get release dates
Xbox will now announce platform availability for games only when their release dates are confirmed, according to Xbox Chief Content Officer Matt Booty. This shift aims to provide more flexibility, with multiplayer and live-service titles continuing to be multiplatform, while some single-player games may become Xbox console exclusives. Previous platform commitments will be honored, and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Xbox explains new exclusives policy: players "can expect a reliable pipeline" of exclusive titles in service of "turning around the business"
Xbox Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball detailed the company's new exclusive titles policy, emphasizing a commitment to a reliable pipeline of games for the Xbox platform. This strategy aims to validate player investments and drive business growth, with exceptions made for certain live service titles like Call of Duty and previously announced commitments, such as Senua's Saga: Hellblade II on PlayStation 5.
Is Xbox Fixable?
Xbox's new chief strategy officer, Matthew Ball, discussed the company's approach to exclusives and hardware, including Project Helix. He emphasized a commitment to a reliable pipeline of Xbox-exclusive titles and reassured that Microsoft is not moving away from console manufacturing despite component cost concerns. Ball also addressed a significant subscriber loss for Xbox Game Pass following a price increase.
Live-service games from Xbox "are going to continue to be multi-platform," CCO Matt Booty says, but single-player games like Gears of War: E-Day are "going to be case-by-case"
Xbox's Chief Content Officer Matt Booty stated that live-service games will continue to be multi-platform, while single-player titles like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will be decided on a case-by-case basis. This strategy aims to give players reasons to engage with the Xbox ecosystem while also rewarding long-time fans. Fable is mentioned as an example of a game that will be available on PlayStation.
Halo: Campaign Evolved arrives in July, and it's still coming to PS5 despite Xbox shake-ups
Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to launch on July 23, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This release marks the first Halo title developed for a PlayStation platform, despite Xbox's recent announcement that Gears of War: E-Day will be an Xbox console exclusive. The game will include three new bonus missions set before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved.
Games Inbox: Will Summer Game Fest 2026 be worth staying up for?
Readers discuss their anticipation for Summer Game Fest, with hopes for announcements like Resident Evil Code: Veronica and Alien: Isolation 2. There's also commentary on Marvel's Wolverine, God of War Laufey, and the ongoing debate about game sales, digital vs. physical releases, and the importance of exclusives.
XBOX Wants to “Remain a Great Publisher” When it Comes to Exclusives, Says CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company is reevaluating its approach to exclusives to balance reaching large audiences with the need for exclusive content to grow its platforms. She indicated that decisions on exclusivity will be made on a game-by-game basis. Sharma also highlighted recent successes in reviving the Xbox brand, including Game Pass growth and improved player community engagement.
The most requested game on Xbox Players Voice is a new Banjo-Kazooie game
Microsoft's Xbox Players Voice platform has revealed that the most requested game is a new Banjo-Kazooie title, surpassing requests for new Halo or Gears of War games. Players are also advocating for Xbox to return to its roots of releasing exclusive titles. The last Banjo-Kazooie game, Nuts & Bolts, was released on the Xbox 360.
Exklusiva spel är det Xbox-spelarna mest vill ha
Xbox players have voiced their top desires through the new Xbox Player Voice feedback initiative, with exclusive games topping the list. Other popular requests include backward compatibility, lower subscription costs, and support for physical games on future Xbox consoles. Asha Sharma is leading these efforts to gather player input.