"Xbox Titles Outshine PS5 Sales: Oblivion, Minecraft, Forza Lead"

Microsoft's multiplatform strategy is clearly paying off, as evidenced by their successful launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC. Sony's PlayStation blog post for April 2025 revealed that Microsoft games dominated the top-selling charts on the PlayStation Store in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. In the U.S. and Canada, the top three non-free-to-play games on PS5 were The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5. Similarly, in Europe, Forza Horizon 5 led the pack, followed by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Minecraft.

Other notable Microsoft titles, such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which launched on Game Pass and featured in Xbox showcases, also ranked highly. Additionally, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 from Microsoft-owned Activision and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle from Microsoft-owned Bethesda made strong appearances on the charts.

The success of these games on PlayStation is no surprise. The PS5 community eagerly awaited a title like Forza Horizon 5, a stellar racer from Playground Games. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered satisfied fans' cravings for Bethesda's signature gameplay across both PC and console, while Minecraft's enduring popularity has been further boosted by the viral success of the Minecraft movie.

Microsoft's new normal includes expanding its reach to other platforms, as demonstrated by the upcoming release of Gears of War: Reloaded for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation in August. It seems likely that even Halo, once a flagship Xbox exclusive, might follow suit. Microsoft's gaming chief, Phil Spencer, confirmed last year that there are no "red lines" in their first-party lineup, including Halo, when considering multiplatform releases.

Spencer has emphasized that the multiplatform strategy is partly driven by the need to generate more revenue for Microsoft's gaming business, especially after the massive $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. He stated, "We run a business," and highlighted the high expectations within Microsoft to deliver substantial returns. The goal is to make their games as strong as possible across all platforms—console, PC, and cloud.

Former Xbox executive Peter Moore discussed the potential of bringing Halo to PlayStation, noting the significant financial incentives. He mentioned that if Halo could generate a billion dollars as a third-party title compared to $250 million on Xbox platforms alone, the decision would warrant serious consideration. Moore acknowledged the iconic status of Halo within the Xbox ecosystem but stressed the importance of leveraging intellectual property for broader business strategies.

Despite potential backlash from hardcore Xbox fans who feel the console's value is diminishing due to fewer exclusives and Microsoft's marketing approach, Moore suggested that Microsoft would prioritize business decisions beneficial for its future and the gaming industry as a whole. He pointed out that the gaming audience is evolving, and catering to new generations is crucial for long-term success.