Microsoft's multiplatform strategy is proving highly successful, as evidenced by its strong performance on the PlayStation 5, in addition to Xbox Series X and S and PC. Sony's PlayStation blog post for April 2025 highlights the top-selling games on the PlayStation Store, showcasing the dominance of Microsoft titles in both the U.S./Canada and Europe.

In the U.S. and Canada, Microsoft games secured the top three spots on the PS5's non-free-to-play download chart: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5. Similarly, in Europe, Forza Horizon 5 led the charts, 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 showcase broadcasts, 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 appeared prominently in the charts.

These results affirm that quality games, regardless of their origin, dominate sales charts. It's no surprise to see Microsoft's titles performing well on PlayStation, given the anticipation for Forza Horizon 5, the appeal of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered across platforms, and the enduring popularity of Minecraft, further boosted by the success of the Minecraft movie.

Microsoft's approach to multiplatform releases is becoming the new norm, as evidenced by the upcoming Gears of War: Reloaded, set to launch on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation in August. This trend suggests that even iconic Xbox exclusives like Halo could soon make the jump to other platforms.

Last year, Microsoft's gaming chief, Phil Spencer, stated there were no "red lines" in its first-party lineup when it comes to multiplatform releases, including Halo. In an interview with Bloomberg, Spencer emphasized that every Xbox game is considered for multiplatform distribution. He highlighted the financial motivations behind this strategy, especially following Microsoft's massive $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Spencer explained that Microsoft's gaming division must deliver strong financial results, given the substantial support it receives from the company. He sees multiplatform releases as a way to strengthen their games and expand their platform across consoles, PCs, and cloud services.

Former Xbox executive Peter Moore told IGN that the potential of bringing Halo to PlayStation has likely been discussed at Microsoft. He pointed out the significant revenue potential, suggesting that if Halo could generate a billion dollars on other platforms compared to $250 million on Xbox alone, it would be a compelling business decision.

Moore acknowledged the potential backlash from hardcore Xbox fans, who feel that the brand's value is being diluted by the lack of exclusives and Microsoft's marketing strategies. However, he believes that Microsoft will prioritize business decisions that ensure the future of its gaming division, even if it means risking fan discontent.

As Moore noted, the gaming industry must cater to newer generations that will drive the business in the coming decades. Microsoft's multiplatform strategy reflects this forward-thinking approach, balancing the needs of its business with the evolving landscape of the gaming market.