Sources internal to Xbox suggest that Starfield could land on PlayStation 5, marking an unprecedented change of strategy on the part of Microsoft.
In recent weeks, rumors have circulated that some Xbox exclusives could release on competing platforms such as the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves are the two main subjects of these rumors.
Although the arrival of these exclusives on third-party platforms would be a blow to die-hard Xbox fans, the general feeling was that major exclusives should remain only on Xbox as with Bethesda’s major space RPG, Starfield, which was the biggest launch in the developer’s history.
And if at the time these rumors were circulating the idea that Starfield could lose its exclusivity seemed absurd, that seems to have changed as an exclusive report from XboxEra alleges that Xbox insiders have confirmed that Starfield will launch on PlayStation 5.
Starfield release details on PS5
The XboxEra report specifies that internal sources, choosing to remain anonymous, provided the editorial team with a list of Xbox exclusives intended to launch on other platforms. Topping that list is Starfield, which will apparently launch on PlayStation 5 following the release of its first major DLC.
EXCLUSIVE | Microsoft plans Starfield release for PlayStation 5.A change in strategy is upon us.Read all about it here:https://t.co/kfG5UTpGnk#Xbox #Starfield #Bethesda #PlayStation5
— XboxEra (@xboxera) February 4, 2024
“According to our sources, we understand that Microsoft is currently planning a launch for Starfield on PlayStation 5 following the release of the already announced ‘ Shattered Space ‘ expansion for Xbox and PC,” revealed XboxEra’s Jon Clarke. “We have also been informed that Microsoft has invested further in PlayStation 5 development kits to support ongoing development efforts – further adding fuel to the fire.”
The release of multiple Xbox exclusives on competing platforms represents a radical change in Microsoft’s strategy. According to the XboxEra report, a “fierce internal debate” took place over whether this move was appropriate.
Despite this debate, it appears that the arguments for recovering potentially lost revenue by expanding the availability of exclusives have prevailed. It remains to be seen whether the possible erosion of exclusivity barriers will be reciprocal on Sony’s side.
Starfield’s Shattered Space expansion is scheduled for launch in 2024, although the exact release window is not yet known. This means we could see Starfield on PlayStation 5 before the end of the year.
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