With the arrival of a new year, Xbox is gearing up for a fresh wave of exciting games.
This past week, Microsoft announced that its upcoming Developer_Direct stream will lift the lid on titles like DOOM: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and a mystery game that has yet to be revealed. Mark your calendars for January 23rd, as this is when we’ll see what Microsoft has lined up for Xbox enthusiasts in the coming year. The lineup is quite promising, featuring big names such as Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2, and Fable—assuming everything stays on schedule.
It looks like Microsoft is set for a landmark year, with plans to launch more titles in 2023 than they have any other year. Anticipate a new Call of Duty later on, along with surprises from both first-party and third-party publishers across Xbox and PC.
Microsoft isn’t just keeping its games to itself. According to well-known insider NateTheHate, as shared on his podcast, some Xbox games may make their way to PlayStation 5 and even the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 later this year. If you’re a fan, brace yourself for the possibility of Final Fantasy 7 Remake making an Xbox debut in 2025, with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth following in 2026. More Xbox favorites like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Halo: The Master Chief Collection could also cross over to other platforms, including PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2. This info aligns with what I’ve gathered from reliable sources.
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has previously stated there are no barriers in sharing Xbox games with other platforms. Late last year, I analyzed this and highlighted that any Xbox game with potential for solid returns on a different platform will likely make the leap. With this in mind, expect to see Hellblade 2, Age of Mythology, and potentially Gears of War 1 Ultimate Edition headed to PS5, and quite likely to the Nintendo Switch 2 too.
Microsoft’s strategy of diversifying its reach may well result in unprecedented earnings this year. With heaps of first-party content on the horizon and more unknown titles expected to be announced at the Xbox Showcase in June, Microsoft seems unstoppable. While most games will initially be exclusive to Xbox and Windows, versions for PlayStation and Nintendo are set to follow, ensuring a broad audience reach.
However, we may soon question how Xbox consoles will fare without exclusive titles to justify their purchase. Features like Xbox Game Pass haven’t yet been the game-changers Microsoft hoped for, possibly because the landscape is crowded with free-to-play options and other non-gaming distractions. While Microsoft offers additional perks for games like Valorant and League of Legends, it might need to extend its reach to keep players engaged.
The argument that Xbox lacks compelling exclusive reasons is not without merit, but Xbox Cloud Gaming could be a game-changer. As per recent reports, this service is gaining traction, benefiting from its compatibility with Xbox consoles. With its expansion, there’s potential for developers to deliver directly to devices such as smart TVs and less-powerful laptops. This “buy to own” model may ensure that Xbox remains an appealing platform despite potentially sluggish console sales.
As Microsoft’s next-gen consoles are already underway, the strength of Xbox as a content powerhouse stands tall. Yet, its prospects as a traditional platform owner continue to raise questions. Whether Xbox can navigate this evolving landscape remains to be seen.
