Microsoft is gearing up to break the boundaries of its gaming ecosystem by bringing an acclaimed first-party game to competing platforms later this year.
Speculation has run rampant following the revelation, stemming from a notable industry insider podcast, Nate the Hate.
'Acclaimed' Xbox Game to Go Multiplatform
VGC reports that the Nate the Hate podcast, renowned for breaking industry stories, unveiled Microsoft's bold move without disclosing the specific game earmarked for multiplatform release.
However, it did emphasize that this undisclosed title had been a key contender in the "Game of the Year" conversations during its initial launch.
"It's in the game of the year conversation," teased the podcast. This revelation has ignited a flurry of speculation within the gaming community, with eager fans suggesting Tango Gameworks' Hi-Fi Rush as a potential candidate.
The action-packed title, dropped last year, received an avalanche of critical acclaim, making it a prime contender for Microsoft's multiplatform endeavor.
Expanding Beyond the Xbox Ecosystem
This potential leap marks a significant shift in Microsoft's strategy, showcasing a calculated move to expand the game's reach beyond the confines of the Xbox ecosystem.
VGC notes that Microsoft has already dipped its toes into multiplatform waters, notably with the Ori games' ports for the Nintendo Switch and continued support for Minecraft on various platforms, including PlayStation.
However, the gaming giant has also upheld exclusivity for certain titles, a strategy evident in Bethesda's Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo, and Double Fine's Psychonauts 2. Notably, the exclusivity of titles like Starfield has reinforced Microsoft's commitment to bolstering Xbox's offerings.
Formerly Xbox's first-party studios head, Matt Booty, shed light on Microsoft's nuanced approach to multiplatform releases. Booty emphasized a case-by-case evaluation, weighing whether a broader platform presence benefits the game or if focusing on Xbox's services such as xCloud, Game Pass, and Xbox Live proves more advantageous.
"It's less about 'should it be on Switch or PlayStation?' and more about assessing what best serves the franchise," stated Booty in a previous interview, highlighting Microsoft's strategic decision-making process.
Newest Xbox Game Pass Lineup
Amidst this groundbreaking announcement, Xbox enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the lineup for the Xbox Game Pass in January. Notably, Assassin's Creed Valhalla and the remake of Resident Evil 2 headline the list of upcoming additions, ensuring an engaging start to the year for subscribers (via Readwrite).
However, looming departures from the Game Pass, notably the exit of Grand Theft Auto V, alongside titles like Garden Story, MotoGP 22, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 3 Portable, punctuate the imminent changes within the gaming subscription service.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the official announcement unveiling this mystery game's journey to rival platforms, the move underlines Microsoft's evolving approach towards more inclusive gaming.
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