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

Microsoft’s multiplatform strategy is proving highly successful as it extends its reach across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC. This was confirmed by Sony itself through a PlayStation blog post highlighting the top-selling games on the PlayStation Store for April 2025.

In the U.S. and Canada, the top three spots on the PS5’s non-free-to-play download chart were occupied by Microsoft titles: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5. In Europe, the ranking was similar, with Forza Horizon 5 leading, followed by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, then Minecraft.

Even indie titles supported by Microsoft, such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which launched simultaneously on Game Pass and during Xbox showcases, managed to secure prominent positions on both regional charts.

Additionally, games from Microsoft-owned studios like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle also made appearances on the charts, reinforcing the strength of Microsoft’s expansive game library.

This success underscores the universal appeal of quality games, regardless of their origin. Titles like Forza Horizon 5 were eagerly awaited on PS5 due to their innovative gameplay, while classics like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered continue to resonate across platforms. Meanwhile, Minecraft remains a timeless favorite, boosted by its recent film adaptation.

This trend is becoming the norm for Microsoft, exemplified by the upcoming release of Gears of War: Reloaded for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation in August. It’s likely that Halo, once an Xbox exclusive, will follow suit.

Last year, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer stated there are no exclusivity restrictions within the company’s first-party lineup, including Halo. In an interview with Bloomberg, Spencer emphasized the focus on growing the platform’s reach across consoles, PCs, and clouds to maximize profitability, especially following the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Xbox’s multiplatform approach aims to bolster revenue while appealing to a broader audience. As former Xbox executive Peter Moore noted, discussions around porting Halo to PlayStation have likely occurred, balancing the franchise’s legacy with business priorities.

While this strategy may draw criticism from loyal Xbox fans concerned about exclusives and brand identity, Moore believes Microsoft must prioritize the broader market. Addressing concerns about backlash, he argued that catering to younger generations ensures long-term growth for both Microsoft and the gaming industry.