Microsoft's multiplatform approach is clearly yielding results, as evidenced by the success of its titles on PlayStation 5, alongside Xbox Series X and S, and PC. This was confirmed by Sony through a PlayStation blog post highlighting the top-selling games on the PlayStation Store for April 2025.

In the U.S. and Canada, Microsoft's games dominated the PS5 non free-to-play download chart, with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5 securing the top three spots. A similar trend was observed in Europe, where Forza Horizon 5 led, followed by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Minecraft.

Notably, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, supported by Microsoft for a day-one Game Pass launch and featured in Xbox showcases, also ranked high on both charts. Additionally, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 from Microsoft-owned Activision and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle from Microsoft-owned Bethesda also featured prominently.

This success underscores the universal appeal of quality games, regardless of their origin. It's no surprise to see these titles perform well on PlayStation, especially with the anticipation surrounding Forza Horizon 5's launch on the PS5, fulfilling the demand for a high-quality racing game. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered continues to satisfy fans across platforms, while Minecraft's enduring popularity has been further boosted by the viral success of its movie.

Microsoft's new strategy seems set to continue, with the announcement of Gears of War: Reloaded coming to PC, Xbox, and PlayStation in August. The trend suggests that even Halo, a long-time Xbox exclusive, may eventually make its way to other platforms.

Phil Spencer, Microsoft's gaming chief, has confirmed that there are no "red lines" in their first-party lineup regarding multiplatform releases, including Halo. In a discussion with Bloomberg, Spencer emphasized that every Xbox game is considered for multiplatform distribution to maximize reach and revenue, especially after the significant $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Spencer highlighted the business perspective, noting the pressure to deliver results and the importance of expanding across console, PC, and cloud platforms to grow Microsoft's gaming business.

Former Xbox executive Peter Moore has suggested that the potential of bringing Halo to PlayStation has been a topic of discussion at Microsoft. He pointed out the financial incentives of broadening the game's reach, despite the risk of backlash from dedicated Xbox fans who feel the brand's value is being diluted.

Moore emphasized that while the reaction from hardcore fans is a consideration, it may not be enough to prevent Microsoft from making strategic business decisions that cater to future generations and the evolving gaming landscape.