Xbox says PlayStation and Nintendo aren’t main rivals as exclusives go multiplatform

Xbox’s Matt Booty says Microsoft’s main competition isn’t PlayStation or Nintendo, but platforms like TikTok and films

Xbox executive Matt Booty has said that Microsoft no longer views PlayStation or Nintendo as its main competitors, as the company continues to bring former exclusives to rival platforms.

Speaking to The New York Times, Booty explained that Xbox’s recent decision to make titles such as Halo, Gears of War, and Forza available on other consoles reflects a broader shift in focus.

“Our biggest competition isn't another console,” he said. “We are competing more and more with everything from TikTok to movies.”

The comments come as Xbox expands its reach beyond its own ecosystem. In recent years, games like Sea of Thieves, Grounded, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle have launched on PlayStation and Nintendo systems. The trend is set to continue, with Halo: Combat Evolved confirmed for release on PlayStation 5 in 2026.

Booty added that Microsoft’s strategy is to “meet people where they are,” emphasising that the company sees gaming as part of a much wider entertainment landscape. The shift suggests that Xbox is prioritising player engagement and accessibility over traditional platform exclusivity.

His remarks follow reports from Bloomberg claiming that Microsoft’s gaming division is under pressure to deliver stronger profit margins following its $70 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The deal positioned Microsoft as one of the largest gaming companies in the world, but has also led to internal restructuring and subscription price adjustments.

The move towards multiplatform releases has sparked discussion among players and industry analysts. While some fans view it as a positive step towards greater accessibility, others see it as a sign that Xbox is stepping back from the console exclusivity race traditionally dominated by PlayStation and Nintendo.

Booty’s comments suggest that, for Xbox, the competition now extends far beyond gaming consoles.