Microsoft’s Exclusive Games Coming to Rival Consoles: Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, Pentiment, and Grounded
In a surprising move, Microsoft has announced that four of its previously exclusive games will soon be available on rival consoles. This decision marks a major change of direction for the industry and has left gamers buzzing with excitement. The games in question are Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, Pentiment, and Grounded.
Hi-Fi Rush and the popular pirate game Sea of Thieves will be making their way exclusively to Sony’s PS5. This news has PlayStation fans rejoicing as they eagerly await the opportunity to embark on thrilling adventures and explore the vast open seas.
Meanwhile, narrative adventure game Pentiment and co-op game Grounded will not only be available on Sony’s PS5 but also on Nintendo Switch. This means that Nintendo fans will have the chance to immerse themselves in captivating storylines and engage in cooperative gameplay with friends.
The announcement of these games coming to rival consoles follows Microsoft’s previous statement in February, where they hinted at their intention to expand their reach beyond their own platforms. Until now, the gaming community was left in suspense, wondering which titles would be included in this groundbreaking move.
The revelation of two of these games occurred during a Nintendo Direct event, an online showcase for the company. This unexpected announcement left attendees pleasantly surprised and eager to learn more. Microsoft later confirmed the full list of games in a blog post, solidifying the news and fueling anticipation among gamers.
Matt Booty, the head of Xbox Game Studios, expressed his excitement about this development, stating that these multiplayer titles would bring more people together and foster the growth of vibrant gaming communities.
In addition to Microsoft’s announcement, the Nintendo Direct event also unveiled several other upcoming titles for the Nintendo Switch. These included a new Endless Ocean game, Monster Hunter Stories, and a remake of the beloved 2010 Disney hit, Epic Mickey. However, the highlight of the event was the unexpected announcement from the developers of the 2017 hit, Sonic Mania.
Evening Star, a studio formed by many of the individuals who worked on Sonic Mania as independent contractors, revealed their latest creation, Penny’s Big Breakaway. This platform game boasts a distinctively 1990s look and has already captured the attention of gamers worldwide. Christian Whitehead, the director of Evening Star, expressed his belief that the 3D platformer genre is currently experiencing a renaissance, with an abundance of options available on platforms such as Steam and Nintendo Switch.
Sonic Mania was a critical success upon its release in 2017, garnering an average score of 86 on review aggregator Metacritic and earning a nomination at that year’s Game Awards. While fans eagerly anticipated a sequel to Sonic Mania, Sega took a different route and released Sonic Superstars in 2023, designed by Sonic’s original creator. This move marked a shift in the relationship between Sega and Nintendo, as Sonic games began appearing on rival consoles.
Argick, a popular Scottish Twitch streamer with approximately 20,000 followers, expressed his excitement for Penny’s Big Breakaway. He plans to stream the game and believes it will capture the essence of its predecessor while offering a smooth, fluid, and enjoyable experience. Argick also noted that the game’s lighthearted and playful nature adds to its appeal.
For those less interested in Nintendo updates, Wednesday’s gaming news also included a trailer for the highly anticipated expansion to the 2022 Game of the Year award winner, Elden Ring. Titled Shadow of the Erdtree, this expansion is set to release in June on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation in the UK.
The gaming industry is constantly evolving, and Microsoft’s decision to bring their exclusive games to rival consoles is a testament to this ever-changing landscape. As gamers eagerly await the release of Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, Pentiment, and Grounded on their preferred platforms, the boundaries between console exclusivity continue to blur, allowing players to enjoy a wider range of gaming experiences.