'I Know It's Not What Everybody Else Is Doing' — Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Will Keep on Putting PlayStation and Nintendo Logos in Microsoft Showcases

Microsoft's recent Xbox showcases have notably included platform logos for rival consoles, marking a significant shift in their multiplatform gaming strategy. This change, evident in recent showcases featuring PlayStation 5 alongside Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass in segments for titles like Ninja Gaiden 4, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, contrasts sharply with their June 2024 showcase. That event omitted PS5 logos in announcements like Doom: The Dark Ages (despite later trailers including it) and entirely excluded PS5 from announcements for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Diablo 4's Vessel of Hatred expansion, and Assassin's Creed Shadows.

In contrast, Sony and Nintendo's showcases maintain a focus on their own platforms. Recent State of Play showcases, for example, highlighted Monster Hunter Wilds, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword with only PlayStation logos, despite their availability on other platforms like PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. This reflects Sony's long-standing strategy of emphasizing its own consoles.

Xbox head Phil Spencer, in an interview with XboxEra, explained the shift as a commitment to transparency, stating that the June 2024 omission was due to logistical challenges in acquiring all necessary assets. He emphasized a desire to clearly communicate where games are available, aiming to reach players on all platforms while maintaining a strong focus on the Xbox community and ecosystem. He acknowledged that not all platforms offer equal opportunities but prioritized making games accessible across various screens.

This new approach suggests future Xbox showcases will likely feature PS5 and potentially Nintendo Switch 2 logos. Therefore, Microsoft's June 2025 showcase could see titles like Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Perfect Dark, State of Decay 3, and the latest Call of Duty featuring the PS5 logo alongside Xbox. However, it's unlikely Sony and Nintendo will reciprocate this approach.