Xbox's Phil Spencer to Continue Featuring PlayStation, Nintendo Logos at Microsoft Events

Microsoft has recently begun to highlight that its games will be available on rival platforms during Xbox showcases, reflecting the company's shift towards a multiplatform video game strategy. This change has been evident in the last few months. For instance, during the recent Xbox Developer Direct, PlayStation 5 was listed alongside Xbox Series X and S, PC, and Game Pass at the conclusion of segments for Ninja Gaiden 4, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

However, this wasn't the case as recently as Microsoft's June 2024 showcase. Doom: The Dark Ages was announced for PlayStation 5 immediately after the Xbox event, with subsequent trailers featuring the PS5 logo. In contrast, BioWare's Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the Diablo 4 expansion Vessel of Hatred, and Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows were announced for Xbox Series X and S and PC, excluding the PS5.

Sony and Nintendo, on the other hand, continue with a different strategy. Their recent State of Play showcase did not mention Xbox at all, even for multiplatform games. For example, the Monster Hunter Wilds segment concluded with only the PS5 logo and release date, omitting mentions of PC, Steam, or Xbox. Similarly, Sega's Shinobi: Art of Vengeance was shown for PS4 and PS5, despite also being available on PC via Steam, Xbox Series X and S, and Nintendo Switch. The same applied to Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Onimusha: Way of the Sword.

Sony's approach remains consistent with its long-standing focus on reinforcing its consoles as the primary platform for its gaming business. Microsoft's change in strategy, however, has brought about a corresponding shift in its marketing approach.

In an interview with XboxEra, Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer addressed the inclusion of the PlayStation logo in Xbox showcases:

When asked if this was a sign of a new era and how he would frame it to the community, Spencer responded:

"I think it’s just being honest and transparent about where the games are showing, and we actually even had this discussion last year for the June showcase, and by the time we kind of made our decision, we couldn’t get all of the assets done and it felt weird to have some of them in and some of them out."

"But I just want to be transparent with people — for shipping on Nintendo Switch, we’re gonna put that. For shipping on PlayStation, on Steam... 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."

"And obviously not every screen is equal. Yeah, like there’s certain things we can’t do on the other closed platforms that we can do on open platforms, cloud — it’s different. But games should be the thing that we’re focused on. And the strategy that we have allows us to do big games, while also supporting our native platform from hardware to the platform and services that we have and that’s going to be our approach."

"And I know it’s not what everybody else is doing, but I just believe games should be the thing that’s at the forefront. Maybe it’s because of how I’ve grown up in this industry. I came from building games. But I think the games are the things that I see growing in their strength in what we’re doing and it’s because more people can play. So yeah, I’m just trying to be open and transparent with people."

Given this approach, expect to see more PS5 and, in the future, Nintendo Switch 2 logos in Xbox showcases. At Microsoft's anticipated June 2025 showcase, games like Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Perfect Dark, State of Decay 3, and the annual Call of Duty might be displayed with a PS5 logo alongside Xbox. However, don't anticipate Sony and Nintendo to adopt a similar strategy.