Microsoft's multiplatform approach is evidently successful, as evidenced by its strong performance on the PlayStation 5, alongside its presence on Xbox Series X and S and PC. Sony's PlayStation blog post for April 2025 highlights the top-selling games on the PlayStation Store, showcasing the dominance of Microsoft titles.

In the U.S. and Canada, the top three non-free-to-play download spots on PS5 were occupied by Microsoft games: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5. A similar trend was observed in Europe, with Forza Horizon 5 leading, followed by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Minecraft.

This data underscores that high-quality games, regardless of their origin, can achieve top sales figures. The success of these titles on PlayStation is no surprise, given the anticipation for Forza Horizon 5, the appeal of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered across platforms, and the continued popularity of Minecraft, boosted by its viral movie.

Last year, Microsoft's gaming chief Phil Spencer emphasized that there are no "red lines" in their first-party lineup when considering multiplatform releases, including Halo. In an interview with Bloomberg, Spencer stated that all Xbox games are potential candidates for multiplatform distribution. He noted that this strategy is partly driven by the need to increase revenue following Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Spencer highlighted the business aspect of their decisions, saying, "We run a business," and stressed the high expectations Microsoft has for its gaming division. He views the multiplatform approach as a way to strengthen their games and grow their platform across consoles, PCs, and cloud services.

Xbox Games Series Tier List

Former Xbox executive Peter Moore discussed the potential of bringing Halo to PlayStation with IGN, suggesting that such a move could significantly increase revenue. He acknowledged the iconic status of Halo within the Xbox brand but emphasized the business considerations that must be weighed.

Moore noted that while a move like this might upset hardcore Xbox fans, Microsoft must focus on the future of its gaming business and the evolving gaming market. He pointed out that the core fanbase is shrinking and aging, and Microsoft needs to cater to new generations to drive future growth.

In summary, Microsoft's multiplatform strategy is not only paying off but also shaping the future of gaming, balancing business growth with the needs of a changing market.