Microsoft's multiplatform strategy is proving highly effective, as evidenced by the strong performance of its games on PlayStation 5, in addition to Xbox Series X and S and PC. Sony's PlayStation blog post, detailing the top-selling PlayStation Store games for April 2025, confirms this trend.
In the U.S. and Canada, Microsoft games dominated the top three spots on the PS5's non-free-to-play download chart, with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5 taking the lead. Europe mirrored this success, with Forza Horizon 5 leading, followed by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Minecraft.
Notably, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, backed by Microsoft for a day-one Game Pass launch and featured in Xbox showcases, also ranked highly on both charts. Additionally, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 from Microsoft-owned Activision and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle from Microsoft-owned Bethesda also made significant appearances.
This widespread success underscores a simple truth: quality games from Microsoft are resonating with players across all platforms. The anticipation for Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 was palpable, fulfilling the platform's need for a standout racing title. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered catered to fans craving Bethesda's signature experience, while Minecraft continues to thrive, bolstered by the viral success of its movie.
Microsoft's commitment to multiplatform releases is becoming the norm, as evidenced by the recent announcement of Gears of War: Reloaded for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, set for August. There's also growing speculation about Halo, traditionally an Xbox exclusive, potentially making the leap to other platforms.
Phil Spencer, Microsoft's gaming chief, has emphasized that there are no "red lines" preventing any Xbox game from going multiplatform, including Halo. Speaking to Bloomberg, Spencer highlighted the business rationale behind this strategy, driven by the need to generate revenue following the massive $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
"We run a business," Spencer stated in August, emphasizing the high expectations Microsoft has for its gaming division. The goal is to maximize the strength and reach of Microsoft's games across console, PC, and cloud platforms.
Former Xbox executive Peter Moore has suggested that discussions about bringing Halo to PlayStation have likely been ongoing at Microsoft. He pointed out the potential financial benefits, noting that while Halo is a significant part of Xbox's identity, the broader business considerations might outweigh maintaining exclusivity.
However, Microsoft's multiplatform approach risks alienating its core Xbox fanbase, who are already expressing concerns over the perceived devaluation of the Xbox brand and the lack of exclusive titles. Despite this potential backlash, Moore believes Microsoft will prioritize what's best for its business and the future of gaming, recognizing the need to appeal to newer generations of gamers.
In summary, Microsoft's strategy of embracing multiplatform releases is yielding impressive results on PlayStation, reflecting a broader shift in the gaming industry towards maximizing reach and revenue across all available platforms.
