Microsoft’s gaming division is working to enhance the consistency of its game releases across platforms, particularly for the PlayStation 5 (PS5). During a recent interview with GamesRadar, Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, outlined the company’s commitment to improving its strategy regarding game ports on launch day.
Playground Games is on track to release a PS5 version of its highly anticipated title, Fable, simultaneously with its launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC. In contrast, the upcoming installment of the popular racing franchise, Forza Horizon 6, will not be available on the PS5 at launch. Duncan attributed this discrepancy to development timelines and evolving strategic priorities within the company.
In the interview, Duncan acknowledged the inconsistency in Xbox’s approach to PS5 ports. “Sometimes we are inconsistent. You see some games in one place, some games in multiple places,” he said. He assured gamers that the company is actively working on addressing these issues and aims to provide a more uniform experience across platforms in the future.
The decision to delay the PS5 version of Forza Horizon 6 stems from the studio’s assessment of its readiness to deliver the port on the same day as its other platforms. Duncan explained that when strategic plans are adjusted, it impacts how development teams manage their projects. “When a strategy changes, maybe you’ve got a plan that exists with a game and maybe you can adopt that, maybe you can’t,” he noted.
While the specifics of the new strategy remain under wraps, Duncan’s comments signal a shift towards greater alignment in launch schedules across different gaming platforms. This approach could potentially enhance player satisfaction and expand the reach of Xbox titles to a broader audience.
Alongside Fable, Xbox also plans to launch Kiln, a new game developed by Double Fine, on the PS5 on its release day. This move indicates a growing commitment from Xbox to embrace a multi-platform strategy, allowing players on different consoles to access its games more consistently.
The gaming community is keenly watching how these changes will unfold, especially with the competitive landscape of gaming platforms. As developers adapt to fluctuating market dynamics, Xbox’s proactive stance may set a new standard for cross-platform game releases in the industry.
