Microsoft has notably shifted its approach in recent Xbox showcases, now including logos of rival platforms like the PlayStation 5 during announcements. This change reflects the company's broader strategy to bring its games to multiple platforms, a move that has been increasingly evident in the last few months. For instance, during the Xbox Developer Direct, games such as Ninja Gaiden 4, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 were showcased with logos for Xbox Series X and S, PC, Game Pass, and PlayStation 5.
However, this wasn't always the case. At Microsoft's June 2024 showcase, Doom: The Dark Ages was initially announced for Xbox without mentioning PlayStation 5, though later trailers did include the PS5 logo. Similarly, BioWare’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the Diablo 4 expansion Vessel of Hatred, and Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows were announced for Xbox Series X and S and PC, omitting the PS5.
PS5 logos were not featured during Microsoft's June 2024 showcase. Image credit: Microsoft.
In contrast, Sony and Nintendo maintain a different strategy. Sony's recent State of Play showcase, for example, focused solely on PlayStation without mentioning Xbox, even for multiplatform games like Monster Hunter Wilds, which only displayed the PS5 logo. Similarly, Sega’s Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword were shown for PS4 and PS5, despite also being available on PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Sony's approach underscores its long-standing focus on reinforcing the PlayStation brand, whereas Microsoft's strategy has evolved, as evidenced by its marketing changes.
PS5 logos showed up during Microsoft's January 2025 showcase. Image credit: Microsoft.
In an interview with XboxEra, Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer addressed the inclusion of the PlayStation logo in Xbox showcases. He emphasized transparency and honesty about where games are available, stating that the decision to include rival platform logos was discussed even during the planning for the June 2024 showcase. However, due to timing, not all assets were ready, leading to inconsistencies.
Spencer's full response highlighted his belief in focusing on the games themselves and ensuring they are accessible on as many platforms as possible. He acknowledged that not all platforms are equal, particularly regarding open versus closed systems and cloud capabilities. Yet, his priority remains on making games available to as many players as possible, which aligns with Microsoft's current strategy.
I think it’s just being honest and transparent about where the games are showing, and we actually even had this discussion last year for the June showcase, and by the time we kind of made our decision, we couldn’t get all of the assets done and it felt weird to have some of them in and some of them out.
But I just want to be transparent with people — for shipping on Nintendo Switch, we’re gonna put that. For shipping on PlayStation, on Steam... People should know the storefronts where they can get our games, but I want people to be able to experience our Xbox community in our games and everything we have to offer, on every screen we can.
And obviously not every screen is equal. Yeah, like there’s certain things we can’t do on the other closed platforms that we can do on open platforms, cloud — it’s different. But games should be the thing that we’re focused on. And the strategy that we have allows us to do big games, while also supporting our native platform from hardware to the platform and services that we have and that’s going to be our approach.
And I know it’s not what everybody else is doing, but I just believe games should be the thing that’s at the forefront. Maybe it’s because of how I’ve grown up in this industry. I came from building games. But I think the games are the things that I see growing in their strength in what we’re doing and it’s because more people can play. So yeah, I’m just trying to be open and transparent with people.
Given this approach, expect to see more PlayStation 5 and potentially Nintendo Switch 2 logos in future Xbox showcases, including the anticipated June 2025 event, where games like Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Perfect Dark, State of Decay 3, and this year's Call of Duty might be announced with PS5 logos alongside Xbox. However, don't anticipate a similar shift from Nintendo and Sony, as they continue to prioritize their respective platforms.
