Xbox exclusives rank high on PlayStation Store pre-orders, as Microsoft's cross-platform strategy pays off

As Xbox Series X sales have stalled, Microsoft is focusing on cross-platform game publishing. With more former Xbox exclusives arriving on the PS5, Sony gamers are embracing the transition. Pure Xbox noticed at least three Microsoft titles in the top 12 for U.S. PlayStation Store pre-orders. It's a similar story in European and Japanese marketplaces.

Admittedly, timing is a factor in the prominent positioning of Xbox games on the PlayStation Store. Several major Xbox exclusives are set to arrive on the PS5 within the next month. On the U.S. store, two versions of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are in the first and second spots. Forza Horizon 5 is significant because it's not a product of Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda. MachineGames' action-adventure title releases on April 17th, while the Playground Games racer gets the checkered flag on April 29th.

Microsoft's Bethesda takeover is also paying dividends with Doom: The Dark Ages. The next entry in the famous shooter franchise has snuck into 12th place. Unlike other Bethesda projects, the new Doom title will release simultaneously on Xbox and PlayStation.

Gamers are still reserving PlayStation exclusives at a furious rate. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Days Gone Remastered are battling Microsoft titles in the pre-order charts. Still, console exclusivity has lost some meaning, at least until Nintendo unveils first-party Switch 2 games.

Sony has embraced cross-platform gaming, but not on Microsoft consoles. Meanwhile, its rival may hope to capitalize on PlayStation PC ports. Rumors have revealed a Microsoft-sponsored Asus handheld that runs the Windows OS. Steam should work on Project Kennan, but some insiders believe Sony may attempt to block PlayStation titles on any Xbox console.

Of course, until a new console debuts, the hardware situation is bleak for Xbox. The company will have to rely on digital subscriptions and publishing for most of its gaming revenue.