Despite nearly a quarter-century in the video game console hardware business, Microsoft’sXboxecosystem has seemingly forsaken the traditional focus on developing solely first-party exclusive software in place of providing players with more places to play its in-house titles. From ambitious ports to Nintendo’s hybrid Nintendo Switch to direct re-releases on its competitor, the PlayStation 5, some of Microsoft’s most widely acclaimed video games are becoming available on non-Xbox hardware.
From formerXboxsystem-selling properties and indie-esque experimental titles to experimental expansions of its most profitable franchises, Xbox Game Studios software is now finding itself on some explicitly non-Microsoft systems.
Considering the industry-defining success of 2011’s sandbox titleMinecraft, and Microsoft’s 2014 acquisition of its developer Mojang Studios, the continued expansion of the retro-inspired open world property into other niche genres has arguably been expected for some time. As such, the pivot of theMinecraftfranchise into a face for entry-level titles has continued, with theMinecraftworld now being home to not only the original title but also real-time strategy, point-and-click adventure, and isometric role-playing experiences.
With the 2020 release ofMinecraft Dungeons- developed by Mojang Studios and Double Eleven Limited, while being published through Xbox Game Studios - the seemingly addictive loot-based gameplay of titles such asDiabloandPath of Exilehas been concentrated into arguably the bestgame to introduce younger players to the world of ARPGs.WithMinecraft Dungeonsreleasing simultaneously on not only Xbox One but the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation platforms,Minecraftremains one of Microsoft’s most clear-cut cross-platform properties, and the inclusion of spin-off titles in this third-party push is further evidence of that.
Considering the effectively limitless potential for exploration and chaos that the survival genre places at the forefront of its appeal, there is arguablyno better title to start withthanGroundedto come to terms with the often overwhelming base-building and survival elements of the survival genre.
Although Obsidian Entertainment initially made its name in the industry with expansive role-playing experiences, the California-based studio’s continued creativity has spawned multiple unique experiences since its 2018 acquisition by Microsoft. Although 2025’sAvowedshowed a seeming return to form for the developers,Grounded’s early access launch in 2020 - spawning a full retail release two years later and eventual porting to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation hardware in 2024 - showed the imagination and creativity the studio is capable of.
Despite the critical and commercial acclaim of the Ensemble Studios-developed originalAge of Mythology, the ninth console generation remaster of one of the most nostalgic andbeloved RTS games of all timenot only brought the uniquely bombastic real-time strategy title to modern hardware but to a whole host of new platforms.
WithAge of Mythology: Retold’s September 2024 launch on PC and Xbox Series consoles bringing World’s Edge and Forgotten Empires' collaborative RTS remaster to players, its lauded inaugural release gave way to a prompt PlayStation 5 port half a year later. Considering thatAge of Empires - ofwhichAge of Mythologyis a spin-off subseries - has remained primarily developed and published by Microsoft, the 2025 re-release ofAge of Mythology: Retoldis not only momentous due to the title’s quality but also its significance for the video game industry.
Although 2005’sPsychonautsremains a solid cult classic 3D platformer, yet a commercially unsuccessful one, the clear drive from developers Double Fine Studios to explore the uniquely mind-bending narrative of the original has been seemingly clear from the outset. While Double Fine’s 2019 acquisition by Microsoft did much to bolster the San Francisco-based studio’s ambitions for the title, the now Xbox Game Studio developer simultaneously held a lot of desire to release the game across multiple platforms.
With its August 2021 debut landing on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series hardware,Psychonauts 2’s narrative and gameplay creativity are unbridled by typical AAA restrictions. As a result,Psychonauts 2more thanlived up to its predecessor, and Double Fine’s platforming sequel arguably remains more akin to an indie release than one funded by one of the world’s most profitable companies.
Proclaimed as one of thebest examples of virtual rally racingin the medium,Forza Horizon 5’s arcade-inspired cross-country racing experience remains not only a hallmark of the Xbox ecosystem but a system-selling racing installment. With a critically and commercially successful launch in 2021 on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series consoles,Forzaremains the Xbox platform’s flagship racing experience.
However, nearly half a decade later, Microsoft’s Mexico-inspired installment in theForzaseries is due to find its way to PlayStation 5. Especially considering theForzaseries' position as not only a genre-defining franchise of racing titles but a quintessential Microsoft property that was originally posited as a competitor to Sony’s ownGran Turismoproperty, the seeming success and excitement around its release are arguably unique.
While Xbox Game Studios' output has varied wildly since its formal formation, the 16th-century-based, medieval-inspired 2D role-playing world ofPentimentarguably remains one of Microsoft’s most innovative and unique pieces of software of the ninth console generation. Althoughdeveloper Obsidianhas become one of the video game industry’s foremost AAA RPG studios, its apparent creative flexibility afforded by Microsoft’s deep pockets has resulted in projects such asPentimentgetting off the ground.
Pentiment’s wholly unique gameplay and aesthetic drive have defined it as not only an intriguing Game Pass title but, with its 2024 re-release on Nintendo and PlayStation hardware being positioned as part of Microsoft’s ‘Latitude’ strategy,Pentimenthas remained a flagship title for the Xbox brand’s extension onto non-Microsoft hardware.
While it may not have retained much of UK-based studio Rare’s 3D platforming or tightly-wound first-person shooter legacy,Sea of Thieves' reputation as one of thegreatest open-world pirate gamesof all time and continued consistent content support is arguably emblematic of Microsoft’s success in creating enticing first-party experiences. Holding the title as Microsoft’s inaugural first-party same-day Game Pass launch,Sea of Thieves' nearly decade at the forefront of the Xbox ecosystem’s penultimate live-service title has arguably additionally positioned it as a titular title for Microsoft’s cross-platform ambitions.
Originally released in 2018 on PC and Xbox One, before making the jump to Microsoft’s ninth-generation systems and PlayStation 5 in 2024, Rare’s swashbuckling social title has not only garnered itself a reputation as an Xbox staple but a poster child for Microsoft’s seeming success on Sony hardware.
With MachineGames' prowess in creating World War 2-era first-person shooter experiences, seen through its continued success in progressing the classicWolfensteinfranchise, the interpretation ofIndiana Jones' Nazi-punching capers is seemingly a no-brainer.
Bolstered by a pivot to stealth-focused melee gameplay, along with the expected run of globe-trotting tomb raiding and puzzle solving,Indiana Jones and the Great Circlefound great commercial and critical success off the back of a quality understanding of the source material and its day-and-date inclusion on Microsoft’s Netflix-style game library service. As a result,Indiana Jones and the Great Circle(despite its multiplatform ambitions) remains one ofXbox Game Pass’s greatest day one releases, and its upcoming PlayStation 5 release seemingly seeks to replicate this success on Sony’s more widely adopted ninth console-generation hardware.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle arrives on PlayStation 5 on April 17.
