“Xbox Exclusives Are History," Says Jez Corden – What’s Next for Microsoft Gaming?

Xbox’s exclusivity strategy is under the spotlight again, following the announcement that Obsidian's highly anticipated The Outer Worlds 2 will launch simultaneously on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X. The reveal trailer, showcased during The Game Awards 2024, has reignited debates around Microsoft’s evolving multiplatform approach.

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has previously emphasized that there are “no red lines” when it comes to bringing Xbox titles to other platforms. However, Xbox President of Content and Studios, Matt Booty, recently stated that exclusivity decisions would still be made “case by case.” This mixed messaging seems to reflect an ongoing strategic shift, one that’s now being interpreted as a near-total abandonment of true Xbox exclusives.

Jez Corden’s Bold Claim: Exclusives Are Over

Windows Central’s Jez Corden stirred up the conversation further on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“Xbox won’t have exclusives going forward. Everything is timed exclusive at most. If some games are exclusive, it’s gonna be incidental at best.”

Corden’s remarks suggest Microsoft’s exclusivity model is largely driven by business pragmatism, with exceptions being rare and likely temporary. Addressing questions about Playground Games’ upcoming reboot of Fable, Corden added:

“That game was monstrously expensive. It might not be day one [on PlayStation], but it’ll come with the current plan in place, in my opinion.”

What’s the Future of Xbox Hardware?

This shift raises questions about the future of Xbox hardware. Corden believes that while Microsoft isn’t likely to exit the console business anytime soon, stagnation or further declines in market share could force tough decisions:

“I don’t think they’ll stop providing hardware as long as the users and revenue are there. But growth is the issue. Without finding growth elsewhere, the shareholders won’t accept it... and it may well shrink.”

Xbox’s focus appears to be moving toward an ecosystem-centric strategy, prioritizing services like Game Pass, cloud gaming, and multiplatform accessibility over traditional hardware dominance. Meanwhile, exclusivity—or the lack thereof—could be seen as a necessary compromise to expand the Xbox brand beyond console walls.

Of the five Xbox exclusives slated for 2025, only The Outer Worlds 2 and id Software’s DOOM: The Dark Ages are confirmed for PlayStation 5. Still, the likelihood of titles like Fable, South of Midnight, and Avowed eventually arriving on Sony’s platform seems increasingly high.

Whether this strategy will cement Xbox’s relevance in a hyper-competitive industry or dilute its unique identity remains up for debate.

Do you think Microsoft is right to break away from exclusivity? Should Xbox hardware remain a core focus, or is this multiplatform approach the future of gaming? Let us know in the comments below!