The Rise of Multi-Platform Launches
It looks like the end of the console-exclusive era is marching ever forward, with more game studios embracing simultaneous launch strategies. Recently, Square Enix and Ubisoft highlighted this trend by adopting multi-platform launches for their titles, Fantasian Neo Dimension and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, respectively. This marks a significant shift in the gaming landscape, making titles more accessible to a wider audience.
Outer Worlds 2: A Game Changer
The latest game to join this trend is Outer Worlds 2, set to launch on all platforms, including Xbox Series S|X, Windows, PlayStation 5, and Game Pass, simultaneously in late 2025. What’s surprising here is that Microsoft acquired Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind the Outer Worlds. Many assumed future titles might be Xbox or Windows-exclusive. However, Outer Worlds 2 is poised to break that mold with its simultaneous multi-platform launch.
The Future of Game Releases
Interestingly, while the original Outer Worlds was released post-acquisition, its launch contract predates Microsoft’s ownership, allowing it to share the same release strategy. This development shines a light on a potential future where no games developed by Microsoft or its subsidiaries remain permanent console exclusives. Jez Cordon, the executive editor at Windows Central, recently sparked speculation with a post suggesting that games are likely to launch across all platforms over time, reinforcing the trend we’re witnessing.
