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

May 14,25

Microsoft's multiplatform strategy is proving highly successful, as evidenced by their strong performance on the PlayStation 5, alongside Xbox Series X and S, and PC platforms. This was confirmed by Sony's PlayStation blog post detailing the top-selling PlayStation Store games for April 2025.

In the U.S. and Canada, Microsoft's games dominated the PS5's 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 the chart, followed by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Minecraft.

Play*Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, backed by Microsoft for a day-one Game Pass launch and featured in Xbox showcase broadcasts, also ranked highly on both regional charts. Additionally, *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* from Microsoft-owned Activision and *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle* from Microsoft-owned Bethesda made strong appearances.

These results underscore a simple yet powerful truth: high-quality games, regardless of their origin, will rise to the top of sales charts. It's no surprise that these titles have found success on the PS5. Forza Horizon 5, developed by Playground Games, filled a void for an exceptional racing experience on the console, eagerly awaited since its April launch. Meanwhile, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered satisfies the ongoing demand for immersive Bethesda titles across both PC and console platforms. The enduring appeal of Minecraft has been further amplified by the viral success and record-breaking performance of the Minecraft movie.

PlayThis trend signals a new era for Microsoft, which recently announced *Gears of War: Reloaded* for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, set to release in August. The inevitable expansion of *Halo*—once an Xbox exclusive—to other platforms seems increasingly likely.

Last year, Microsoft's gaming chief, Phil Spencer, emphasized that there were no "red lines" in their first-party lineup when considering multiplatform releases, including Halo. Speaking to Bloomberg, Spencer stated that every Xbox game could potentially go multiplatform, highlighting Microsoft's flexible approach to maximizing their gaming portfolio's reach and impact.

Spencer's strategy is driven by the need to increase revenue, especially after Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. In an August statement, Spencer acknowledged the high expectations within Microsoft and the necessity to deliver substantial returns. He emphasized that Microsoft's strategy involves strengthening their games across console, PC, and cloud platforms to ensure continued growth and success.

### Xbox Games Series Tier List

Xbox Games Series Tier List

Former Xbox executive Peter Moore discussed with IGN the potential of bringing Halo to PlayStation, a topic likely long debated at Microsoft. Moore pointed out the significant financial incentive for such a move, suggesting that if Halo could generate a billion dollars as a third-party title compared to $250 million on Xbox platforms alone, it would be a compelling business decision. He emphasized Halo's broader significance beyond just a game, as a key piece of intellectual property that could be leveraged across various initiatives.

However, Microsoft faces potential backlash from dedicated Xbox fans who feel that the brand is being devalued by the lack of exclusives and shifts in marketing strategies. Moore acknowledged that while there might be resistance from hardcore fans, Microsoft must consider the long-term future of its business and the gaming industry. He noted that the influence of these fans is diminishing as new generations of gamers emerge, and catering to these future audiences is crucial for sustained growth over the next decade and beyond.

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