Sony and Microsoft have practically confirmed that their next-generation consoles will be with premium components when they become available. What is left for gamers to determine is how the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X will differ in terms of game title compatibility. Will, there be exclusive or cross-platform releases?
It seems the best answer available for now is both. At the launch date, the PS5 will have titles that can only be played on the platform. On Microsoft's part, there will be releases that will be playable only on the Xbox, but this will come to a later date.
The exact timing will be in 2021, according to WCCFTech, adding that Microsoft's business model for the Xbox would be investment-friendly. That means contents to come out on the Xbox platform would be of long-term benefits to end-users.
"We want to make sure that if someone invests in Xbox between now and [Series X] that they feel that they made a good investment and that we're committed to them with content," the report quoted Matt Booty, chief of Xbox Game Studios, as saying.
It's clear that Microsoft sees the Xbox as an extension of the PC, where gamers enjoy a wide array of options on game titles. As a result, they need to make the hard choice of picking between PC and Xbox as both will deliver nearly the same package.
On the other hand, Sony has made clear that the exclusive path will be closely associated with the PS5, and this was confirmed by Kotaku's Jason Schreier, known to have advanced access on launch details surrounding the PS4 sequel.
"I've heard some of the PS5 launch titles ... But those will be on PS5 only," Schreier was reported as saying.
The decision to tie the PS5 with exclusive titles makes business sense for Sony. Push Square said the Japanese company is working closely with game developers who still want to take advantage of the large install base that the PS4 enjoys.
These content creators, it appeared, struck a deal with Sony, in which game titles will be made only for the PlayStation machines. The titles will be playable on the PS4, which will allow owners to purchase them.
The game makers will expand the scope of other revenue possibilities, and in turn, Sony will deny sales from the Xbox thanks to the exclusive titles that are also cross-gen between the PS5 and the PS4.
Now while Xbox users have the advantage of enjoying optimal gaming experience with the seamless transitioning between the Xbox console and PC, the same report said Sony's business model will emerge as the more focused.
That's because games for the PS5 and the PS4 will be designed chiefly to work optimally on the premium components of the consoles. Microsoft said that games for the Xbox and PC will take into note of legacy hardware, which in the end could hinder the showcasing of the Series X's modern architecture.
