Four Formerly Exclusive Microsoft Games Heading to Rival Consoles

Four Former Microsoft-Exclusive Games Coming to Rival Consoles

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Four games that were once exclusive to Microsoft will soon be available on rival consoles. Hi-Fi Rush and pirate game Sea of Thieves will be coming to Sony’s PS5 only, while narrative adventure game Pentiment and co-op game Grounded will be available on PS5 as well as Nintendo Switch.

Until now, the identities of these games were unknown, but they were revealed during a recent Nintendo Direct online event and later confirmed by Microsoft in a blog post.

“These multiplayer titles will bring more people together and continue to grow their communities of players,” said Matt Booty, Head of Xbox Game Studios.

It’s no surprise that fans are excited. Neil Watton, editor of TheXboxHub, revealed that the names of the games weren’t completely unexpected, as rumors about their release had been circulating for several weeks.

One of the most notable features of these games is their complete cross-play functionality, allowing players across platforms to connect and play together. This will undoubtedly lead to a substantial increase in the player base for Grounded and Sea of Thieves upon their launch in April.

Expanding the Nintendo Switch Game Library

As part of the Nintendo event, several other titles for the Nintendo Switch were also unveiled. These include a new Endless Ocean game, Monster Hunter Stories, and a remake of the 2010 Disney hit Epic Mickey.

However, one of the most surprising announcements came from the developers of Sonic Mania. The team unexpectedly revealed their latest game, Penny’s Big Breakaway. This platform game, created by Evening Star, boasts a distinctive 1990s aesthetic.

Christian Whitehead, the game’s director, stated, “I think the 3D platformer genre at the moment is actually in a bit of a renaissance. There’s a lot to choose from, even just on Steam and Nintendo Switch.”

Evening Star comprises many of the individuals who previously worked on Sonic Mania, creating a highly acclaimed platformer in 2017. Although a sequel to Sonic Mania was highly anticipated by fans, Sega released Sonic Superstars in 2023, designed by Sonic’s original creator.

Sonic, once considered a rival to Mario, has become a platform-agnostic character, appearing on Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft consoles.

One of the emerging Twitch streamers, Argick, who has a following of about 20,000, spoke highly of Penny’s Big Breakaway and planned to stream it as part of his evening gaming session.

“Sonic Mania was a phenomenal critical success, loved by fans and critics alike. Judging from the footage of Penny’s Big Breakaway, it seems the game offers a smooth, fluid, and exhilarating experience. It’s easy to pick up and play, while also possessing a charming and lighthearted vibe,” expressed Argick.

Aside from the Nintendo event, a highly anticipated trailer for the expansion to the 2022 Game of the Year, Elden Ring, was released. Titled “Shadow of the Erdtree,” the expansion is set to release in the UK in June and will be available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Conclusion

With the announcement of these Microsoft-exclusive games making their way to rival consoles, gamers can look forward to a more diverse and inclusive gaming experience. The inclusion of Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, Pentiment, and Grounded not only demonstrates the changing dynamics of the gaming industry but also signifies the ever-growing desire for gamers to connect and play together, regardless of the platform they choose.