Xbox director of content Matt Booty stated that Microsoft's first-party releases will be console exclusives on an individual basis. Booty's statement came after confirmation that the two major Xbox releases, which will arrive later in 2026 and 2027, will not be ported to other consoles such as the PS5.
During the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7, Microsoft pulled back the curtain on games coming to Xbox Series X/S and Windows PCs throughout 2026 and beyond. Along with providing more details on upcoming releases such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Fablethird-party games were also revealed in the showcase, as is the much-anticipated one Personality 6 and Castlevania: Belmont's Curse. Each title featured in the Xbox Games Showcase also clarified which platforms it will be released for, including PS5 and Switch 2.
Major new Xbox Game Pass game confirmed for August 27th
The 2026 Xbox Games Showcase revealed the release date for the big sequel to the award-winning franchise, which will be coming to Game Pass on August 27.
Xbox exclusivity will be made clear from the start
Although Gears of War: E-Day will be an Xbox exclusive when it arrives on October 6th, which doesn't necessarily apply to some of Microsoft's upcoming releases. Speaking to GamerTag Radio, Matt Booty said that Xbox exclusivity for its first-party titles will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Booty confirmed that this strategy would work for both Gears of War: E-Day and Mechanical revolution. However, Booty said that Xbox's exclusivity strategy will not affect multiplayer games and live services, as these will continue to be released and supported across platforms. Ergo games such as Sea of Thieves, The Elder Scrolls Onlineand Fallout 76 will continue to receive updates on all platforms.
Once the game's release date is decided, Booty said Microsoft will continue to list all the platforms the Xbox game will be available on. Booty said that at the core of Microsoft's exclusivity strategy, the company wants to reward longtime fans who have been with Xbox for years while also giving consumers a reason to pick up an Xbox console to begin with. Echoing the words of Xbox CEO Ash Sharma, Booty said the company needs to “make the right decision, not a quick decision” when it comes to selecting Xbox games that will receive console exclusivity.
Given that Xbox has been receptive to fan feedback regarding exclusives, it remains to be seen how sales will be Gears of War: E-Day and Mechanical revolution will be affected by Microsoft's choices. In addition, Booty stated that all Xbox titles previously confirmed as cross-platform will still be honored. Ergo games such as Fable and Halo: Campaign Evolved it will still be released on PS5 along with Xbox and Windows PC. Given that Halo: Campaign Evolved won't have multiplayer support, it's unclear if future Halo titles will be released on PS5, with or without multiplayer.
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But how does Xbox turn back to console exclusivity after releasing titles like this Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on the PS5, PlayStation fans may be forced to purchase an Xbox to continue playing some Microsoft IPs. With Xbox also developing the next-gen Project Helix console, time will tell what exclusive games will be offered as a way to draw new players into Microsoft's gaming ecosystem.
