The alleged initial wave of the Xbox multi-platform lineup is speculated to feature Hi-Fi Rush and Pentiment, according to a trusted source. The official confirmation of these titles extending beyond the Xbox ecosystem is anticipated at Microsoft's upcoming 'business update' event scheduled for February 15.
Over the first weekend of February, speculations about certain Xbox games going multi-platform surfaced online, sparking a wave of debate among Microsoft console owners. A vocal segment of this group expressed concerns that such a move could devalue owning an Xbox console. The growing list of games rumored to go multi-platform from various sources even raised questions about the future of Xbox hardware, prompting Microsoft to reassure its employees that it won't follow in Sega's footsteps.
Microsoft has announced that the anticipated event, aimed at addressing the ongoing speculation, will be a special episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, scheduled for Thursday, February 15, at 3pm ET. Shortly after this announcement, Tom Warren from The Verge reported that Hi-Fi Rush and Pentiment will be the first two Xbox games to appear on non-Microsoft consoles, citing insider information. The source also revealed that Sea of Thieves has been approved for a multi-platform release, slated for later in 2024 after the aforementioned titles reach both the PS5 and Nintendo Switch.
Alleged Xbox Multi-Platform Games List
- Hi-Fi Rush (Wave 1)
- Pentiment (Wave 1)
- Sea of Thieves (Wave 2)
Xbox Multi-Platform Expansion Excludes Last-Gen PS4
It remains uncertain whether Sea of Thieves is also intended for the Switch, or if its extended release plans are limited to the PS5. Regarding Sony's previous-generation console, Microsoft's multi-platform expansion seems likely to bypass it, either partially or entirely. While all three aforementioned titles could theoretically run on the PS4, even Microsoft's last-gen console missed out on Hi-Fi Rush. Therefore, a scenario where the PS4 is excluded would likely upset Xbox fans.
More Xbox Games Could Follow Suit
The recently leaked lineup aligns with Warren's previous assertions about Microsoft's gaming platform strategy shift. Despite some prominent insiders retracting their claims about Xbox going multi-platform, Warren has upheld that Hi-Fi Rush and other titles from Microsoft's first-party studios would reach rival consoles amid the February turmoil. The latest report from the insider reiterated that more Xbox console exclusives are currently being considered for a multi-platform release.
Reports suggest that Microsoft's widely discussed venture into multi-platform game publishing aims to enhance its margins in the sector. However, not everyone is convinced that Xbox games going multi-platform would significantly impact the industry as a whole.