The Xbox backlash continues as another console ‘exclusive’ is reportedly being explored for PlayStation 5

Sea of Thieves heads to fresh waters?

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The rumor mill won’t stop for this latest round of reports that Microsoft is gearing up to abandon Xbox exclusivity for its premium titles. Over the weekend, rumors began to percolate suggestingHi-Fi Rush, last year’s break out action hit, will move from being an Xbox exclusiveto a multi-platform console title, potentially hitting Nintendo Switch or PS5. It follows earlier comments from Xbox CFO Tim Stuart who publicly said Xbox will be bringing more of its games to competing platforms in the coming years, marking a departure from previous strategies.

Microsoft is a prolific “third-party” publisher already technically, with Call of Duty and Minecraft being notable properties the firm owns. Games like Fallout 76 and Elder Scrolls Online continue to be updated in a third-party capacity too, across competing platforms like PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Microsoft also is contractually obligated to keep Call of Duty multi-platform, per regulatory deals following its acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. Xbox fans had hoped, however, that games like Starfield, Hellblade 2, Avowed, and otherupcoming Xbox gamesmight help the platform grow, faced with stiff competition from Sony’s PS5 and Nintendo’s Switch. It seems that Microsoft may be gearing up to throw in the towel before giving their acquisitions a real chance to turn the tide.

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In reports from bothGiantbomb’s Jeff GrubbandGame Files' Stephen Totilo(which you should defo subscribe to), it has been claimed that Microsoft’s pirate adventure service titleSea of Thievescould be exploring new waters.

While it’s unconfirmed if the plans went ahead, I also received tips in mid December that Sea of Thieves was slated for multiplatform treatment. My attempts to verify the rumors with multiple people didn’t pan out, which is usually my benchmark for making these kinds of reports. “Exploring” a port doesn’t necessarily mean they will, or are doing it, though, and the can of worms it might potentially open could dissuade Microsoft from seeing it through.

Why Sea of Thieves, but not Halo Infinite? etc. ad nauseum.

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The business rationale for moving Sea of Thieves to PlayStation most likely makes total and complete sense from a numbers perspective. The game might’ve served everyone it can possibly serve on Xbox and PC, and moving it to another platform might be a good way to help it find new users and generate new revenue. It does open a can of worms, though, much like the Hi-Fi Rush rumors.

People might say Sea of Thieves being ported makes sense, since it’s towards the end of its life cycle potentially — but then why not Halo Infinite? The iconic Xbox franchise moving to PlayStation would be a huge coup and become emblematic of Xbox’s thorough defeat. But only with core Xbox fans, whom Microsoft doesn’t seem to think are enough to carry the future of the platform. If you’re porting Sea of Thieves, what is the excuse Microsoft will give for Halo, Forza, or Gears of War, and any other Xbox gamenotbeing ported? Are they timed exclusive? For how long?

Microsoft has always said that exclusivity for its games will be on a case-by-case basis.CFO Tim Stuart said that Xbox will be bringing more of its games to other platformstoo. CEO Satya Nadella said that the only reason they do exclusives at all is because PlayStation does. Microsoft still hasn’t announced platforms forMarvel’s Blade, leading many to think it isn’t Xbox exclusive too.

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It’s not as if they’ve been shy about the plans to be less restrictive over competing console platforms. But the confusion over “which games?“and “when are the ports?“will be a constant source of contention for Xbox in this strange new world, where the Xbox and Windows just aren’t enough.

Jez Corden is the Executive Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow onTwitter (X)andThreads, and listen to hisXB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!