In recent years, the gaming industry has been changing its approach. Companies like Sony and Microsoft are now supporting cross-platform releases. This means games that used to be available only on one console can now be played on others. This strategy is helping games reach more players, increase sales, and stay popular for longer.
For example, a PlayStation-published game, Helldivers 2, recently came to Xbox. In just six days, it sold about 926,000 copies on Xbox, compared to 633,000 copies sold on PlayStation during the same period after its original release. At the same time, the Xbox franchise Gears of War: Reloaded made its PlayStation debut and sold around 259,000 copies in just a few days. These numbers show how making games available on multiple platforms can give them a big boost.
This strategy is not completely new. Games like Horizon Zero Dawn and Days Gone, which started as PlayStation exclusives, later came to PC and Xbox. Similarly, Xbox games like Sea of Thieves and Ori and the Blind Forest eventually came to PlayStation or PC. In every case, developers saw more players and higher sales. Making games available to more platforms can renew interest in older titles and attract new audiences.
Also see: List of top cross-platform games
The benefits go beyond sales. Cross-platform releases help create bigger, livelier communities. Multiplayer games like Fortnite thrive because players on Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and even Switch can all play together. Features like cross-platform progression, where your save file or purchases carry over, make gaming more flexible. For companies, it also drives subscriptions like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass. It also keeps players engaged with digital stores and long-term franchises.
Of course, it’s not all easy. Exclusive games still help sell consoles, and some fans aren’t happy when their favorite platform loses exclusivity. When Sony brought Horizon Zero Dawn to PC, some PlayStation fans argued it diluted the brand. Developers also face technical challenges, like optimizing games for everything from a high-end Xbox Series X to older PCs. Still, the benefits of cross-platform gaming seem to outweigh the risks.
Looking ahead, cross-platform gaming is likely to become the norm. Sony and Microsoft are finding a balance: keep games exclusive for a few months to reward loyal fans, then release them on other platforms. This approach gives players flexibility because nobody wants to buy a new console just to play one game. As Helldivers 2 shows, going cross-platform can breathe new life into a title and bring more players together.
The industry is evolving, and it’s clear that player experience matters more than the logo on your console. The question now is: which exclusive will be next to go cross-platform? Judging by recent trends, it might not be long before it happens.
