Microsoft's multiplatform strategy is clearly paying dividends, as evidenced by its successful launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC. Sony's PlayStation blog post detailing the top-selling PlayStation Store games for April 2025 underscores this success.
In the U.S. and Canada, Microsoft titles dominated the PS5's non-free-to-play download chart, with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5 securing the top three spots. Europe saw a similar trend, with Forza Horizon 5 leading, followed by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Minecraft.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, backed by Microsoft for a day-one Game Pass launch and featured in Xbox showcases, also performed well 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 appeared prominently.
This success highlights the universal appeal of quality games, regardless of their origin. The PS5 community eagerly awaited Forza Horizon 5, and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered satisfied the demand for Bethesda's immersive worlds. Minecraft's enduring popularity has been further boosted by its viral movie.
Microsoft's multiplatform approach is becoming the norm, as evidenced by the upcoming release of Gears of War: Reloaded for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation in August. Even Halo, once an Xbox exclusive, seems poised to follow suit.
Microsoft's gaming chief, Phil Spencer, has stated that no "red lines" exist within their first-party lineup when considering multiplatform releases, including Halo. This strategy is driven by the need to increase revenue following the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Spencer emphasized the importance of delivering strong results to justify Microsoft's support for the gaming division.
Former Xbox executive Peter Moore suggested that Microsoft has likely considered bringing Halo to PlayStation, weighing the potential for significantly higher revenue against the brand's exclusivity. Despite potential backlash from hardcore Xbox fans, Moore believes Microsoft will prioritize what's best for its business and the future of gaming, catering to new generations of gamers who will drive the industry forward in the coming decades.
