"Xbox Games Outsell PS5 Titles: Oblivion, Minecraft, Forza Lead"

Microsoft's multiplatform strategy is evidently successful, as evidenced by the strong performance of its games on PlayStation 5, in addition to Xbox Series X and S and PC. This insight comes directly from Sony's PlayStation blog, which disclosed the top-selling PlayStation Store games for April 2025.

In the U.S. and Canada, Microsoft titles dominated the top three spots on the PS5's non-free-to-play download chart, featuring The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5. A similar trend was observed in Europe, where Forza Horizon 5 led the chart, followed by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Minecraft.

Additionally, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which Microsoft supported with a day-one Game Pass launch and featured in Xbox showcase broadcasts, ranked highly on both charts. Other notable entries from Microsoft-owned studios included Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 by Activision and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle by Bethesda.

This success underscores the universal appeal of quality games, regardless of their origin. The anticipation for Forza Horizon 5 on PS5, the continued allure of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, and the enduring popularity of Minecraft, amplified by the viral success of the Minecraft movie, highlight the demand for these titles across different platforms.

Microsoft's approach to multiplatform releases is becoming the norm, as seen with the recent announcement of Gears of War: Reloaded, slated for release on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation in August. The possibility of Halo, a former Xbox exclusive, following suit seems increasingly likely.

Phil Spencer, Microsoft's gaming chief, has stated that no game in their first-party lineup is off-limits for multiplatform release, including Halo. In an interview with Bloomberg, Spencer emphasized a business-driven approach, noting the high expectations within Microsoft to deliver profitable outcomes, especially after the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Spencer reiterated the importance of maximizing the strength of Microsoft's games across console, PC, and cloud platforms to enhance their business strategy.

Former Xbox executive Peter Moore suggested to IGN that the potential financial benefits of releasing Halo on PlayStation could be significant, prompting serious consideration from Microsoft. Moore acknowledged the iconic status of Halo within the Xbox ecosystem but emphasized the need to leverage such intellectual property for broader business goals.

Despite potential backlash from dedicated Xbox fans, Moore indicated that Microsoft's focus on long-term business viability and catering to newer generations would likely outweigh short-term fan discontent. As the gaming industry evolves, Microsoft's strategy reflects an adaptation to meet the demands of a diverse and growing audience.