Xbox has announced plans to enhance the consistency of its game launches across platforms, particularly for the PlayStation 5 (PS5). In a recent statement, Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, highlighted the company’s commitment to deliver more simultaneous releases for its titles. This initiative comes after the company faced criticism for its inconsistent approach to PS5 ports.
One notable example is the upcoming title Fable, which will be available on launch day for PS5, along with the Xbox Series X|S and PC. Conversely, Forza Horizon 6 will not receive a PS5 version on the same day, primarily due to the complexities of development timelines and shifting company strategies. Duncan explained that adapting to changing priorities is crucial in game development, stating, “When a strategy changes, maybe you’ve got a plan that exists with a game and maybe you can adopt that, maybe you can’t.”
Commitment to Improvement
Duncan’s remarks were part of a broader discussion with GamesRadar, where he acknowledged the inconsistencies that players have noticed. “Sometimes we are inconsistent. You see some games in one place, some games in multiple places,” he said. This admission reflects Microsoft’s awareness of the challenges it faces in providing a uniform gaming experience across different platforms.
The decision to delay the PS5 version of Forza Horizon 6 was made when the studio realized it could not deliver the port on the same day as the Xbox Series X|S and PC versions. In contrast, the teams behind Fable and the new game Kiln from Double Fine have successfully aligned their development timelines to ensure a simultaneous launch.
As Xbox continues to navigate the competitive gaming landscape, the focus on delivering more consistent cross-platform releases could enhance its appeal among gamers who own multiple consoles. By prioritizing this strategy, the company aims to strengthen its position in a market where players expect access to new titles regardless of their chosen platform.
In conclusion, Xbox’s commitment to improving its launch strategy for PS5 ports signifies a proactive approach to addressing past inconsistencies. As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the release of Fable and Kiln, the industry will be watching closely to see how these changes impact future game launches.
