As we step into a fresh year, Xbox is gearing up to deliver an exciting lineup of new games. Just this week, Microsoft announced that their upcoming Developer_Direct stream will feature DOOM: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and a tantalizingly mysterious fourth game that remains under wraps. On January 23rd, gamers will get a sneak peek at what Microsoft has in store for Xbox users throughout the year. This includes anticipated titles like Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2, and Fable – assuming there are no delays.
Microsoft seems poised for a blockbuster year, potentially releasing more titles than ever before within a single year. Fans can also expect a new Call of Duty installment and surprises from both first- and third-party publishers across Xbox and PC.
Interestingly, Microsoft is also focusing on bringing Xbox games to other platforms. In a recent podcast with a reliable insider, NateTheHate, some intriguing rumors surfaced. According to Nate and corroborated by our sources, Final Fantasy 7 Remake might land on Xbox in 2025, with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth following in 2026. Additionally, both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Halo: The Master Chief Collection are reportedly set for releases on PlayStation 5 and the yet-to-be-announced Nintendo Switch 2.
Phil Spencer, Xbox’s CEO, has indicated there are no strict boundaries when it comes to expanding Xbox’s reach to other platforms. In an analysis I conducted last year, it became apparent that any Xbox title with potential for profitable returns from being multiplatform is likely to make that leap. From what I hear, Hellblade 2, Age of Mythology, and possibly Gears of War 1 Ultimate Edition are next in line for PlayStation 5 releases this year, with a strong possibility of Nintendo Switch 2 being included as well.
Provided these rumors hold true – and as always, take them with caution as plans can shift – Microsoft is set for a banner year financially. They have a plethora of first-party projects in the pipeline, with more surprises expected for the 2025 Xbox Showcase, typically broadcast in June. The majority of these games will initially be timed exclusives for Xbox and Windows, with PlayStation and Nintendo Switch versions either launching simultaneously or following after a short delay.
Yet, a pressing question looms: How will Xbox hardware fare with the diminishing allure of exclusive titles as a selling point? Despite offering unique features like Xbox Game Pass, it hasn’t exactly driven console sales as anticipated. Some argue that the proliferation of free-to-play games and alternative entertainment sources have lessened the need for Xbox’s extensive game library. Microsoft has attempted to sweeten the deal by offering perks like all-access characters in games such as Valorant and League of Legends, but it’s arguable whether this is enough to sway that particular audience.
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It’s valid to question the motivation to buy an Xbox console without exclusive games in the arsenal. However, Xbox Cloud Gaming might just be the game-changer. With recent milestones achieved, it shares a developmental ecosystem with Xbox consoles, which could open up more avenues for developers to engage directly through devices like TVs and low-power laptops. The promising potential of “buy to own” cloud games could sustain Xbox’s relevance, enticing developers even if console sales take a hit.
As Microsoft’s next-generation consoles are in the works, Xbox’s strength as a content powerhouse has never been more apparent. However, the question of its longevity as a platform provider remains a compelling narrative, one that Xbox might find challenging to resolve.
