2025’s Biggest PS5 Game Was an Xbox Exclusive in 2021
▼ Summary
– Microsoft’s campaign to separate Xbox games from the console has been confusing, but releasing exclusives like Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 has proven highly successful.
– Forza Horizon 5 sold over 3 million copies on PS5, outselling major PlayStation exclusives like Astro Bot and Death Stranding 2.
– Platform exclusivity fueled the “console wars,” but Microsoft’s move to release Forza on PlayStation signals the end of this era.
– The shift benefits both Microsoft and Sony financially, as more players access games without needing a specific console.
– Microsoft’s strategy reflects its weaker position in the console market, with PS5 outselling Xbox Series X by a significant margin.
The gaming landscape is shifting dramatically as former Xbox exclusives find massive success on PlayStation consoles, with Forza Horizon 5 leading the charge. Microsoft’s strategy of decoupling its games from the Xbox hardware has sparked debate, but the numbers don’t lie, this bold move is paying off. Reports indicate the racing title has sold over 3 million copies on PS5, outperforming major PlayStation exclusives like Astro Bot and even recent heavy hitters such as Death Stranding 2.
For years, platform exclusivity fueled the so-called “console wars,” pushing gamers to pick sides based on which titles they couldn’t play elsewhere. But that era appears to be ending. When Microsoft announced Forza Horizon 5 would launch on PlayStation, it signaled a fundamental change in how the industry operates. While some longtime Xbox fans felt betrayed, the commercial success speaks for itself, especially after a 25% discount drove even more sales.
This shift benefits everyone. Players no longer need multiple consoles to enjoy top-tier games, while Microsoft and Sony both profit from expanded audiences. For Microsoft, it’s also a pragmatic response to market realities: the PS5 reportedly outsells Xbox Series X|S by a significant margin. By bringing exclusives to PlayStation, Microsoft taps into a much larger install base, even if it means sharing revenue with Sony.
Looking ahead, this could mean day-one PS5 releases for future Xbox titles, including the next Forza Horizon. Microsoft still promotes Game Pass as a value proposition, offering its games “free” to subscribers. Meanwhile, Sony remains tight-lipped about reciprocating, keeping its exclusives off Xbox consoles.
The bigger picture? More players get access to great games, studios see higher sales, and, hopefully, fewer beloved developers face closure due to corporate restructuring. It’s a win-win scenario, proving that breaking down exclusivity barriers might just be the future of gaming.
(Source: Kotaku)
