Unlike Asia, game consoles like PlayStation and Xbox are commonly used in Europe and America. However, Xbox's lower market share is leading to a shift away from its exclusive game strategy.
High development costs and low market share are prompting the expansion of Xbox exclusive games to PC and other consoles. Popular titles like Starfield and Halo Infinite are increasingly likely to be released on multiple platforms.
Xbox's abandonment of exclusive games showcases a change in the gaming market. It is expected that more games will be released across various platforms in the future.
Xbox Console
Except for Japan, Asian countries generally play games on personal computers or mobile phones. However, in Europe and America, it's more common to use gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch.
Console companies have been creating many exclusive games to attract users. It's similar to how Netflix or Disney+ creates original series. The game 'Halo,' recently produced as a Paramount+ original series, is an Xbox exclusive game from Microsoft. Therefore, you could only play this game if you bought an Xbox console.
Halo Infinite (Xbox Exclusive Game)
Recently, there have been rumors that Xbox is considering abandoning exclusive games and making them playable on all devices and platforms. It seems that the cost of game development is increasing, but Xbox console market share hasn't risen accordingly. In 2023, there were reports that Xbox's market share was lagging behind PlayStation and Nintendo.
In fact, exclusive games are becoming increasingly less common. In 2022, the PlayStation exclusive game 'The Last of Us Part II' had a development budget exceeding $200 million, which is higher than many Hollywood blockbuster movies. To recoup this development cost, they need to sell the game to as many people as possible.
Horizon Zero Dawn Promo (PlayStation Exclusive)
Many console-exclusive games are starting to release PC versions. 'Horizon Zero Dawn,' which was a PlayStation exclusive in 2017, released a PC version in 2020. Destiny Guardians, previously only playable on PlayStation and Xbox, launched a PC version in 2018. Xbox has also been releasing games like Halo Infinite on PC alongside the console versions. (Of course, Halo is not yet available on PlayStation.)
Currently, Starfield and Halo Infinite are considered the most likely candidates to be released on other platforms. Both are Xbox's hit titles. An Indiana Jones game developed by an Xbox subsidiary has also recently been confirmed for release on PlayStation. Based on various circumstances, it seems that Xbox is increasingly likely to abandon exclusive game releases.