Microsoft has recently adopted a new approach in its Xbox showcases, openly displaying logos for rival platforms like PlayStation 5 during announcements. This shift reflects the company's broader strategy to expand its game availability across multiple platforms, a move that has been evident in recent events such as the Xbox Developer Direct, where games like Ninja Gaiden 4, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 were shown with PS5 logos alongside Xbox and PC.
However, this wasn't always the case. During Microsoft's June 2024 showcase, Doom: The Dark Ages was initially announced for Xbox without immediate mention of PlayStation, although later trailers did include the PS5 logo. Similarly, other titles like BioWare’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the Diablo 4 expansion Vessel of Hatred, and Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows were announced for Xbox and PC, excluding PS5.
PS5 logos were not featured during Microsoft's June 2024 showcase. Image credit: Microsoft.
In contrast, Sony and Nintendo maintain a more traditional approach. Sony's State of Play showcase, for instance, did not mention Xbox, even for multiplatform games like Monster Hunter Wilds, which was shown exclusively with a PS5 logo. Sega’s Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword followed suit, focusing solely on PlayStation platforms despite their availability on other systems.
Sony's strategy reinforces its focus on PlayStation consoles, a tactic that has long served its gaming business well. Microsoft, however, is charting a different course, as evidenced by the inclusion of PS5 logos in its January 2025 showcase.
PS5 logos showed up during Microsoft's January 2025 showcase. Image credit: Microsoft.
In an interview with XboxEra, Microsoft's gaming chief, Phil Spencer, addressed this new approach directly. He emphasized the importance of transparency and honesty about where games are available, stating that the decision to include rival logos in Xbox showcases was discussed even for the June 2024 event, but logistical issues prevented full implementation at that time.
Spencer explained, "I think it’s just being honest and transparent about where the games are showing... People should know the storefronts where they can get our games, but I want people to be able to experience our Xbox community in our games and everything we have to offer, on every screen we can." He acknowledged the differences between platforms, particularly in terms of openness and capabilities, but stressed that the focus should be on the games themselves.
As Microsoft continues this strategy, future Xbox showcases, such as the anticipated June 2025 event, are likely to feature PS5 logos for games like Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Perfect Dark, State of Decay 3, and the upcoming Call of Duty title. However, don't expect Sony and Nintendo to adopt a similar approach anytime soon.
