Xbox's Phil Spencer to Continue Featuring PlayStation, Nintendo Logos at Microsoft Events

Microsoft has recently embraced a new strategy in its gaming division, notably during Xbox showcases where games are now flagged as coming to rival platforms like PlayStation 5. This shift has been evident in recent months as part of Microsoft's broader push towards multiplatform gaming. For instance, during the Xbox Developer Direct, games such as Ninja Gaiden 4, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 were shown with logos for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, PC, and Game Pass.

However, this approach wasn't consistent across all events. During Microsoft's June 2024 showcase, Doom: The Dark Ages was announced for PlayStation 5 immediately after the event, though individual trailers later included the PS5 logo. In contrast, BioWare’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Diablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion, and Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows were only mentioned for Xbox Series X and S and PC, omitting the PS5.

Sony and Nintendo, on the other hand, maintain a different strategy. Sony's recent State of Play showcase excluded any mention of Xbox, focusing solely on PlayStation for multiplatform titles like Monster Hunter Wilds, which concluded with only the PS5 logo and release date. Similarly, Sega’s Shinobi: Art of Vengeance was showcased for PS4 and PS5, despite also being available on PC via Steam, Xbox Series X and S, and Nintendo Switch. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Onimusha: Way of the Sword followed the same pattern.

Sony's approach underscores its commitment to reinforcing the PlayStation console as its primary gaming platform, a strategy that has worked well for decades. Meanwhile, Microsoft's shift in strategy is reflected in its marketing tactics, as seen in the January 2025 showcase where PS5 logos were prominently displayed.

In an interview with XboxEra, Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer addressed the inclusion of PlayStation logos in Xbox showcases. He emphasized the importance of transparency about where games are available, noting that discussions about this approach began the previous year but couldn't be fully implemented in time for the June showcase due to asset readiness issues.

Spencer stated, "I think it’s just being honest and transparent about where the games are showing, and we actually even had this discussion last year for the June showcase, and by the time we kind of made our decision, we couldn’t get all of the assets done and it felt weird to have some of them in and some of them out."

He further elaborated on Microsoft's commitment to making their games accessible on various platforms, including Nintendo Switch and Steam, while still prioritizing the Xbox community and its native platform. Spencer highlighted the differences between open and closed platforms and the unique capabilities of cloud gaming, but stressed that the focus should remain on the games themselves.

"But I just want to be transparent with people — for shipping on Nintendo Switch, we’re gonna put that. For shipping on PlayStation, on Steam... People should know the storefronts where they can get our games, but I want people to be able to experience our Xbox community in our games and everything we have to offer, on every screen we can," Spencer said.

He concluded by affirming Microsoft's unique approach, driven by a belief that games should be at the forefront of the industry. "And I know it’s not what everybody else is doing, but I just believe games should be the thing that’s at the forefront. Maybe it’s because of how I’ve grown up in this industry. I came from building games. But I think the games are the things that I see growing in their strength in what we’re doing and it’s because more people can play. So yeah, I’m just trying to be open and transparent with people."

Looking ahead, expect to see more logos for PS5 and potentially Nintendo Switch 2 in future Xbox showcases. At Microsoft's anticipated June 2025 showcase, titles like Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Perfect Dark, State of Decay 3, and the annual Call of Duty release might feature the PS5 logo alongside Xbox. However, don't anticipate a similar change from Nintendo and Sony, who are likely to continue their current strategies.