In a strategic shift, Microsoft has started exploring the idea of porting popular Xbox games, such as Grounded, Sea of Thieves, Hi-Fi Rush, and Pentiment, to other gaming platforms. Although there was speculation about whether games like Starfield and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle would also make the cross-platform leap, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer suggested keeping an open mind about the future availability of these titles on different consoles, even if their cross-platform release seems uncertain at the moment.

During a discussion on the GI Microcast, GamesIndustry.biz's founder, Christopher Dring, brought to light concerns over dwindling Xbox Series X/S sales in Europe and the reluctance of third-party developers to launch their games on Xbox. According to Dring, the move to introduce Xbox games on platforms like PS5 could hint at Microsoft facing challenges as a hardware manufacturer despite the optimism surrounding its cross-platform strategy. Dring emphasized that success hinges on whether developers and publishers see value in supporting the Xbox ecosystem in the face of its evolving strategy.

Despite the uncertainties, the future of Xbox game availability on platforms like PS5 and Nintendo Switch seems promising, with Grounded slated for release on PS5, PS4, and Nintendo Switch on April 16th and Sea of Thieves arriving on PS5 by April 30th. Additionally, Hi-Fi Rush and Pentiment have already found their way to PS5, with Pentiment also available on the Nintendo Switch, signaling an ongoing shift towards greater accessibility across gaming consoles.