Speculation is rife that the once Xbox-exclusive title Sea of Thieves could be preparing to set sail for the PlayStation 5. Initially launched in 2018 for PC and Xbox One, the game later extended its reach to the Xbox Series X. Developed by Rare, Sea of Thieves initially faced a mixed reception but has since gained immense popularity.
Despite its lukewarm reception initially, Rare diligently rolled out a series of updates to enhance the game. These updates not only addressed player feedback but also introduced substantial new features, contributing to the game's enduring appeal. Additionally, its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass further bolstered its success, prompting Microsoft to consider broadening its availability beyond the Xbox ecosystem.
Recent rumors have sparked discussions about Xbox potentially bringing a highly-regarded game to other platforms, with speculation pointing to Tango Gameworks' Hi-Fi Rush. However, industry insider Jeff Grubb hinted at the possibility of Sea of Thieves expanding to other platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation consoles. Another industry figure, Stephen Totilo, supported this notion, suggesting a potential PlayStation release as early as 2024. However, Totilo emphasized his inability to verify Microsoft's intentions regarding Sea of Thieves' availability on PlayStation.
While Phil Spencer has refuted claims of Microsoft releasing Xbox Game Pass on rival platforms, the company has previously made some exclusives available on other systems. Although this doesn't guarantee a continuation of this practice or the arrival of Sea of Thieves on PS5 as rumored, it could align with Microsoft's strategy of expanding the game's reach beyond its current confines.
As a live service game, Sea of Thieves relies on a substantial player base to support its microtransactions and sustain its operations. While its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass has significantly broadened its audience, a potential release on a competing platform could further enhance its impact. Alternatively, transitioning Sea of Thieves to a free-to-play model could also invigorate its presence, although the realization of these possibilities remains uncertain.
However, it's important to note that Sea of Thieves may not entirely align with the initial rumor's criteria, as it did not receive widespread critical acclaim upon its debut. This raises the possibility of Xbox planning to extend the availability of multiple games on other platforms, such as the previously speculated Hi-Fi Rush. With murmurs of an upcoming Xbox Developer Direct presentation, more clarity on these developments may emerge in the near future.