Xbox President: Our Real Rival Is TikTok, Not PlayStation
▼ Summary
– Xbox executive Matt Booty stated the company’s main competition is no longer other consoles but “everything else” including TikTok and movies.
– Xbox is shifting away from console exclusivity by bringing Halo to PS5 in 2026 to reach more players where they are.
– This strategy contrasts with Nintendo and Sony, who continue to guard their first-party exclusives more closely.
– Booty acknowledged recent layoffs of over 9000 employees as difficult but necessary for business management in a dynamic marketplace.
– Several game projects were cancelled due to the layoffs, including Everwild and Perfect Dark, while Halo: Campaign Evolved was announced for multiple platforms including PlayStation.
The gaming world is witnessing a fundamental shift in how major players define their battlefield. Xbox President Matt Booty has declared that the company’s primary competition is no longer traditional rivals like PlayStation, but rather the vast landscape of digital entertainment, including platforms like TikTok and movies. This strategic pivot underscores a broader industry movement toward reaching players across all devices, moving beyond the confines of console exclusivity.
This new philosophy was highlighted during discussions about the landmark decision to bring the iconic Halo franchise to the PlayStation 5 in 2026. Booty explained the rationale is centered on a desire to “meet people where they are,” signaling a departure from the walled-garden approach that has long characterized the console wars. He emphasized that the battle for a player’s time and attention now extends far beyond the living room television, encompassing everything from short-form video apps to cinematic experiences.
This stance creates a clear divergence from competitors Nintendo and Sony. Both companies continue to aggressively protect their first-party exclusive titles, treating them as crucial system sellers. Sony has only recently begun a cautious experiment with porting its console games to the PC platform, typically long after their initial debut.
The interview also touched upon the difficult period of layoffs that impacted the company, with over 9,000 employees let go. Microsoft previously stated these cuts were a necessary step to align the business for success in a changing market. Booty acknowledged the human toll, simply stating, “Layoffs are difficult. They are a part of managing our business.” While the exact number of gaming roles affected is unclear, the repercussions were significant. Several anticipated projects, including Rare’s Everwild and The Initiative’s Perfect Dark reboot, were cancelled. Reports also indicate that approximately 200 staff from Candy Crush developer King were laid off and were reportedly replaced by the very AI tools they had helped develop. The core team behind Forza Motorsport at Turn 10 Studios is also said to be dissolved. The ripple effects extended to independent studios, with Romero Games losing funding for its next project, though the studio itself remains open.
The confirmation of Halo’s arrival on a PlayStation console became official yesterday. During a demo at the Halo World Championship, Microsoft unveiled Halo: Campaign Evolved. Described as a faithful yet modernized remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign, the title is scheduled for release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S next year. This move shatters a decades-long tradition, marking the very first time a Master Chief adventure will be playable on a Sony system.
(Source: EuroGamer)
