Microsoft is reportedly reconsidering its strategy of keeping major titles console exclusive to Xbox, with regrets surrounding Ninja Theory’s Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. Meanwhile, according to new insights shared by game journalist Jez Corden, Fable, another highly anticipated title, may eventually arrive on PlayStation 5.
Corden, co-host of The Xbox Two podcast, responded on Twitter/X to a discussion questioning the purpose of keeping Hellblade 2, Avowed, and South of Midnight exclusive to Xbox. In his response, Corden revealed that Microsoft views Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2’s exclusivity as a mistake. He added that he does not believe the company will repeat that same approach with Fable.
I heard they consider hellblade exclusivity a mistake
— Jez (@JezCorden) December 15, 2024
According to Corden, Fable operates on a massive budget, making its success critical. He explained that while the game may not be released on PS5 immediately, it will likely make its way to the platform over time as part of Microsoft’s broader plan to bring first-party Xbox titles to PlayStation. “It might not be day one, but it’ll come to PS5 eventually,” Corden stated, reflecting the company’s shift toward a multiplatform strategy.
That game was monstrously expensive. It might not be day one, but it’ll come with the current plan in place imo.
— Jez (@JezCorden) December 15, 2024
Corden further clarified that Microsoft’s lack of transparency regarding these plans stems from a desire not to pressure studios unprepared for simultaneous multiplatform development. However, he firmly believes the era of Xbox permanent exclusives is ending, signaling a significant shift in the gaming industry.
This insight aligns with Microsoft’s recent actions, as the first four Xbox first-party games set to appear on PlayStation are Sea of Thieves, Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded, and Pentiment. Additionally, well-known industry insider eXtas1stv claimed on Twitter/X that four Xbox exclusives would soon go multiplatform. Corden confirmed one of these titles is Bethesda’s Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
While Microsoft appears increasingly open to bringing its games to other platforms, not all titles will immediately transition. Regarding Forza Horizon 5, Corden mentioned that while Playground Games’ acclaimed racing title might eventually arrive on PS5, a port is unlikely to happen shortly.
Fable, however, remains a focal point in these discussions. During a recent episode of The Xbox Two podcast, Corden shared that he had seen alpha gameplay footage of the highly anticipated action role-playing game. He praised its visual and gameplay quality, stating the footage looked “fantastic” and even compared its elements to CD Projekt Red’s work.
The evolving strategy reflects Microsoft’s growing emphasis on maximizing the reach of its first-party games rather than restricting them to Xbox consoles alone. This shift comes amid rising development costs and the importance of recouping investments through broader platform accessibility.
While Microsoft may regret Hellblade 2’s exclusivity, the company’s future titles, including Fable, could benefit from this new multiplatform approach, providing a wider audience for its blockbuster games.