'I Know It's Not What Everybody Else Is Doing' — Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Will Keep on Putting PlayStation and Nintendo Logos in Microsoft Showcases

Microsoft's recent Xbox showcases have notably included logos for rival platforms, signaling a significant shift in their multiplatform strategy. This change, evident in recent months, contrasts sharply with their June 2024 showcase, where PlayStation 5 appearances were limited or absent even for titles slated for release on that platform. For instance, Doom: The Dark Ages received a PS5 announcement separately, while Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Diablo 4's Vessel of Hatred, and Assassin's Creed Shadows initially omitted PS5 from their showcase reveals.

In contrast, Sony and Nintendo maintain a more console-centric approach. Their showcases, like the recent State of Play, focus primarily on their own platforms, even for multiplatform titles. Games like Monster Hunter Wilds, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword showcased only PlayStation versions, despite availability on other consoles and PC. This reflects Sony's longstanding strategy of emphasizing its own consoles.

Xbox head Phil Spencer, in an interview with XboxEra, explained this shift as a commitment to transparency and honesty about game availability. He cited logistical challenges in the June 2024 showcase as a reason for the inconsistent platform representation. Spencer emphasized a desire to showcase games across all platforms where they'll be available, including Nintendo Switch and Steam, while acknowledging differences in capabilities between open and closed platforms. He reiterated a focus on making games accessible to the widest possible audience.

Based on this, future Xbox showcases are expected to increasingly feature PS5 and potentially Nintendo Switch 2 logos. The upcoming June 2025 showcase might even include titles like Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Perfect Dark, State of Decay 3, and the latest Call of Duty with PS5 branding alongside Xbox. However, it's unlikely that Sony and Nintendo will reciprocate this approach.