Microsoft tops PlayStation 5 publisher charts after dropping exclusivity

Microsoft, previously known for its strategy of exclusive releases for Xbox, has radically changed its approach to game distribution. According to the latest data from analysts at Circana, in the 2nd quarter of 2025, Microsoft became the largest publisher for the PlayStation 5 console. 6 out of the 10 best-selling titles on Sony's platform belong to Xbox Game Studios, with Forza Horizon 5 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered taking the leading positions. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, DOOM: The Dark Ages, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Minecraft also made it into the top ten.

Experts note that this situation demonstrates the radical changes in the console market over the past decade. However, Microsoft's success on PS5 is explained not only by a change in strategy, but also by economic factors. Despite large-scale investments in the acquisition of game studios, sales of the Xbox Series console itself remain relatively modest, forcing the company to look for new ways to monetize its projects. At the same time, Sony is in no hurry to completely abandon exclusives, although it is taking the first steps in this direction - for example, on August 26, Helldivers 2 will become available to players on Xbox.