'I Know It's Not What Everybody Else Is Doing' — Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Will Keep on Putting PlayStation and Nintendo Logos in Microsoft Showcases

Microsoft's recent Xbox showcases have notably included logos for rival platforms, marking a significant shift in their multiplatform strategy. This change, evident in recent months, showcases games coming to PlayStation 5 alongside Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass. For instance, the Ninja Gaiden 4, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 segments of the recent Xbox Developer Direct all displayed the PS5 logo.

This contrasts sharply with Microsoft's June 2024 showcase, where the PS5 was omitted from initial announcements, even for titles like Doom: The Dark Ages, which later received individual trailers featuring the PS5 logo. Similarly, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Diablo 4's Vessel of Hatred expansion, and Assassin's Creed Shadows were initially showcased only for Xbox Series X|S and PC.

In contrast, Sony and Nintendo's showcases, such as the recent State of Play, continue to focus solely on their own platforms. Multiplatform titles like Monster Hunter Wilds, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword were presented without mention of Xbox, PC, or Switch availability (where applicable). This highlights Sony's steadfast commitment to its console ecosystem.

In an interview with XboxEra, Phil Spencer explained this change, stating that the goal is transparency regarding game availability. He cited logistical challenges in the June 2024 showcase as a reason for the initial omission of PS5 logos. Spencer emphasized a desire for players to experience Xbox communities and offerings across all platforms, acknowledging the differences between open and closed platforms. He reiterated the focus on games themselves, believing this approach allows for broader reach and benefits game growth.

Therefore, expect future Xbox showcases to increasingly feature PS5 and, eventually, Nintendo Switch 2 logos. This suggests that titles like Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Perfect Dark, State of Decay 3, and the upcoming Call of Duty could be showcased with PS5 branding alongside Xbox in future events like the June 2025 showcase. However, it's unlikely that Sony and Nintendo will reciprocate this approach.