Under the leadership of new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, Microsoft's gaming division is exploring significant shifts in its strategy, including a potential move to make major franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and even Minecraft exclusive to Xbox platforms. These considerations are being presented to a select group of Xbox Insiders through a survey, according to a report from Windows Central.
Surveying Player Interest
The survey distributed to Xbox Insiders asks participants to consider scenarios where future installments of franchises such as Fallout and The Elder Scrolls would be released only on Xbox consoles, with PC availability remaining unchanged. Players are questioned about their likelihood of purchasing a new Xbox console or continuing to play these titles on PC if they were no longer accessible on PlayStation or Nintendo systems. One survey question specifically asks: "Imagine it was announced that all future title releases in the Fallout franchise will be console-exclusive to Xbox and no longer available on PlayStation or Nintendo. Existing Fallout titles would remain available where they are today. Nothing changes on PC with this announcement."
Furthermore, the survey reportedly explores the possibility of all Xbox-developed franchises, excluding Call of Duty, becoming console-exclusive to Xbox. This would include Minecraft, a title currently available on a wide array of platforms, including competing consoles like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, as well as mobile and computer operating systems.
Call of Duty Exception
The exclusion of Call of Duty from these potential exclusivity measures is attributed to Microsoft's prior commitments. In 2023, during the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft entered into a 10-year agreement to keep the Call of Duty franchise available on multiple platforms, including those of competitors like Sony and Nintendo. This agreement was a significant factor in securing regulatory approval for the acquisition.
These discussions about exclusivity follow recent strategic reevaluations within Xbox. In April, Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty and CEO Asha Sharma informed employees that the company would be reassessing its stance on exclusivity, timed releases, and artificial intelligence. The recent announcement that Forza Horizon 6 will not launch on PlayStation 5 until 2027 and the formation of an AI-focused special projects group named Xbox Labs further indicate a period of significant change for the division.