For many weeks now, rumours have persisted regarding Microsoft’s intentions to release a number of 1st party games – namely Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves – on rival platforms. According to our sources, who have asked to remain anonymous because they were not authorised to talk about company plans, that list of games also includes Bethesda Game Studio’s Starfield.
Starfield released back in August of 2023 to fairly positive reception (despite the narrative that now exists online), and was the biggest Bethesda game launch of all time, surpassing 6 million players within a week of release.
Now it looks as though Microsoft are planning on bringing Betheda’s newest RPG universe to an entirely new platform – PlayStation 5.
According to sources, we understand that currently Microsoft are planning a launch for Starfield on PlayStation 5 post the release of the already announced “Shattered Space” expansion for Xbox and PC, which is on target to arrive at some point later this year. We’ve also been informed that Microsoft have made additional investment into PlayStation 5 dev kits to support ongoing development efforts – adding further fuel to the fire.
As the already existing rumours have suggested, the idea of bringing 1st party titles to competing console platforms marks a massive change in strategy for Microsoft and from what I understand, it’s not been without fierce internal debate on this new direction. Releasing Starfield on PlayStation 5 contradicts the original statement around exclusivity made by President of Xbox Sarah Bond, during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Studios summer showcase of 2021.
“It is awesome to share with you for the very first time one of the most anticipated games in the world, from Todd Howard and the team at Bethesda Game Studios – a ground breaking game, and yes – it’s exclusive.”
Sarah Bond, President of Xbox @ Microsoft (Xbox and Bethesda Game Studios 2021 Showcase)
According to our sources, Microsoft senior leadership have reportedly debated the various pros and cons of releasing more of their exclusive software elsewhere, and internally, not everyone is necessarily happy with the decision, but recouping the potential money “left on the table” by releasing elsewhere has arguably won out.
According to sources, Hi-Fi Rush’s release on rival platforms is tentatively planned for Q1 this year, and we’ve been advised to expect Microsoft to make a more public announcement on this new strategy this month.
How do you feel about Starfield coming to PlayStation 5 after all? Let us know in the comments below.
We’ve reached out to Microsoft/Bethesda for comment.
I don’t think we’ll have much patience with more vague rumor talk again. If something actually happens then fine, but more vague teasing from insiders? Not interested
It’s coming from Nate but yeah, I’m just tired with all this 3rd party discourse, I don’t really believe it, but who knows I guess.
ya its getting old but again when you put your games on other platforms this is the talk that is gonna happen
Yeah, let’s just wait and see. I believe there is actually people within Xbox pushing for this, mainly the “finance” folks, but Phil calls the shots so I guess we will wait “if” it does happen.
Is this rumor comming from natethehate? if so how reliable is he?
I think at this point we should accept Xbox is open to the idea of putting their first-party games on other systems on a case by case basis.
How many first-party Xbox games on other systems is “acceptable” for you as an Xbox fan? That´s up to you. In the moment I am writing this I am personally not worried about this.
The thing that I don’t get though is that if Xbox didn’t go 3rd party in the difficult (from a resources/budget perspective) Xbox One generation why would they do that now that finally the results of their various acquisitions will come to fruition with a very very strong 1st party line-up coming up plus having fuckin’ CoD potentially a day one Game Pass release? if anything right now MS is in their best position ever to make a big splash in the gaming industry and gain marketshare.
Going 3rd party now simply doesn’t make any sense.
none are acceptable to me. I feel like making the quake remasters multiplat was a miss. I look at 2 games on ps ico and shadow of the collosus. These games will never come to xbox but most people arnt buying them so you can make the argument that they should. However it still makes the ps library and platform more appealing. Thats what xbox misses out on when they do stuff like this. I think the fallout 3 rumored remaster and oblivian remaster should not be multiplat for this reason but i think they will be
There’s only one recently acclaimed Xbox game I can think of, and I refuse to believe they’d do something that boneheaded.
Honestly, if it’s a game published by XGP like Ori, or even Contraband that’s fine, but first party games made by a studio owned by MS, unless it’s multiplayer already and has a established player base, putting a single player game on competing platforms will just lead to more questions about Xbox’s commitment to its longtime fanbase.