Xbox's Phil Spencer Persists with PlayStation, Nintendo Logos at Microsoft Events

You might have noticed that Microsoft has started flagging its games for rival platforms during Xbox showcases, marking a shift in their multiplatform video game strategy. This trend has been evident in recent months. For instance, the Xbox Developer Direct included PlayStation 5 alongside Xbox Series X and S, PC, and Game Pass at the end of segments for games like Ninja Gaiden 4, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

However, this wasn't the case at Microsoft's June 2024 showcase. Doom: The Dark Ages was announced for PlayStation 5 right after the Xbox event, though subsequent trailers did feature the PS5 logo. Conversely, BioWare’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard was slated for Xbox Series X and S and PC, omitting the PS5 version. The same applied to the Diablo 4 expansion Vessel of Hatred and Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Sony and Nintendo, on the other hand, stick to a different approach. The recent State of Play showcase, for example, did not mention Xbox, even though it included multiplatform games. The Monster Hunter Wilds segment ended with only the release date and PS5 logo, with no mention of PC, Steam, or Xbox. Sega’s Shinobi: Art of Vengeance was shown coming to PS4 and PS5, despite also being available on PC via Steam, Xbox Series X and S, and Nintendo Switch. Similarly, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Onimusha: Way of the Sword followed suit.

Sony continues to emphasize its consoles as the focal point of its gaming business, a strategy that has proven effective over the years. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s change in strategy 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 marked a new era, Spencer emphasized transparency and honesty about where the games are available. He explained that this was discussed for the June showcase the previous year, but logistical issues prevented full implementation at the time.

Spencer stated, "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."

He acknowledged that not all platforms are equal, noting differences in capabilities between closed and open platforms, particularly in terms of cloud services. Spencer emphasized that the focus should be on the games themselves, allowing more people to play them. "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."

Spencer highlighted his belief that games should be at the forefront, driven by his background in game development. He concluded, "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."

With this approach, expect to see more logos for PS5 and potentially Nintendo Switch 2 in future Xbox showcases. For instance, Microsoft's June 2025 showcase might include PS5 logos alongside Xbox for games like Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Perfect Dark, State of Decay 3, and this year’s Call of Duty. However, don't anticipate similar moves from Nintendo and Sony, as they continue to adhere to their established strategies.