"Xbox Games Outshine PS5: Oblivion, Minecraft, Forza Top Sales"

Microsoft's multiplatform strategy is clearly paying dividends, as evidenced by the success of its games on the PlayStation 5, alongside Xbox Series X and S, and PC platforms. Sony's PlayStation blog post for April 2025 highlighted the top-selling games on the PlayStation Store, showcasing Microsoft's strong performance in both the U.S./Canada and Europe.

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 positions. Similarly, in Europe, Forza Horizon 5 led the chart, followed by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Minecraft.

[ttpp]Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, supported by Microsoft through a day-one Game Pass launch and Xbox showcase appearances, 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 made significant impacts on the sales charts.

This success underscores a simple truth: high-quality games from Microsoft are resonating with PlayStation users. The anticipation for Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 was palpable, meeting the demand for a top-tier racing game. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered satisfied the craving for Bethesda's storytelling across multiple platforms, while Minecraft continued its reign, bolstered by the viral success of its movie.

[ttpp]Microsoft's new normal includes expanding its reach with titles like Gears of War: Reloaded, set to release on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation in August. The possibility of Halo, once an Xbox exclusive, making the leap to other platforms seems increasingly likely.

Microsoft's gaming chief, Phil Spencer, has emphasized that there are no "red lines" in their first-party lineup, suggesting that even Halo could go multiplatform. In a conversation with Bloomberg, Spencer highlighted the business rationale behind this strategy, aiming to maximize revenue and meet the high expectations set by Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

"We run a business," Spencer stated in August, underscoring the need to deliver strong results across console, PC, and cloud platforms. This approach is not only about growth but also about leveraging Microsoft's intellectual properties to their fullest potential.

Former Xbox executive Peter Moore echoed this sentiment, noting that discussions about bringing Halo to PlayStation have likely been ongoing. Moore emphasized the potential financial benefits, suggesting that the decision to go multiplatform could significantly boost earnings.

However, this strategy risks alienating hardcore Xbox fans, who feel that the brand's value and exclusive titles are being diluted. Moore acknowledged this potential backlash but stressed that Microsoft must focus on the future of gaming and cater to new generations of players.

"The question would be, ultimately, is that reaction enough not to make a fundamental business decision for the future of not only Microsoft’s business, but gaming in itself?" Moore posed, highlighting the need to balance fan sentiment with long-term business goals.