The Verge reports that Hi-Fi Rush and Pentiment will be the first two Xbox games to be released on non-Microsoft consoles, marking a shift in strategy as Game Pass subscriptions and console sales slow.
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Microsoft will announce that these games will be expanded to “competitive” consoles, with the assumption that they will be released on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, but specific details have not yet been confirmed.
In addition to these releases, Rare’s Sea of Thieves is planned to be released on platforms other than Xbox later this year, and other original games are also being considered. There have been conflicting reports about the possibility of Bethesda’s Starfield and MachineGames’ Indiana Jones and the Great Circle releasing on PS5, with recent updates suggesting plans have changed.
Xbox’s future direction will be revealed on February 15 in a special edition of the Official Xbox Podcast, featuring views from Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond and Matt Booty on an update on the company’s strategy.
Despite questions about Xbox’s third-party strategy, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reiterated the company’s commitment to console development and emphasized its multiplatform operating approach.
IGN’s Ryan McCaffrey considers Xbox’s changing landscape, noting the potential for significant change when asked about the long-term impact on the brand.
For more analysis on Xbox’s changing custom model, stay tuned to IGN for hacks and updates following the podcast’s launch.
Tango Gameworks’ Hi-Fi Rush and Obsidian Entertainment’s Pentiment have received critical acclaim since their initial release on Xbox Series X and S. The PC version is going straight to Game Pass.
IGN’s review praised Hi-Fi Rush’s unique gameplay and presentation quality, while Pentiment was praised for its immersive world and narrative, receiving a perfect 10/10.