"Xbox Games Outshine PS5 Sales: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5 Lead"

Microsoft’s multiplatform approach is proving successful, as evidenced by the recent PlayStation Store sales figures for April 2025. According to Sony's official blog, Microsoft titles dominated the top spots on the PS5 non-free-to-play download chart in both the U.S. and Canada. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5 claimed the top three positions. A similar trend emerged in Europe, where Forza Horizon 5 led the rankings, followed by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Minecraft.

Even Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, supported by Microsoft through a day-one Game Pass release and inclusion in Xbox showcases, performed impressively on both continents. Additionally, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 from Activision and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle from Bethesda, both owned by Microsoft, featured prominently in the charts.

This success underscores the universal appeal of quality games, regardless of their origin. Titles like Forza Horizon 5 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered resonate strongly with audiences due to their exceptional design and gameplay. Meanwhile, Minecraft continues to thrive, bolstered by its viral movie adaptation.

Microsoft’s strategy extends beyond traditional boundaries, as seen in the upcoming Gears of War: Reloaded release for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. This move aligns with Phil Spencer’s vision, who stated there are no exclusivity restrictions within Microsoft’s first-party lineup. This includes iconic franchises like Halo, which could soon follow suit.

Spencer emphasized Microsoft’s commitment to expanding its gaming presence across multiple platforms to maximize revenue streams, particularly after the significant investment in Activision Blizzard. He highlighted the importance of balancing business goals with delivering value to players, ensuring the continued growth of Xbox on consoles, PCs, and clouds.

Former Xbox executive Peter Moore noted that discussions around porting Halo to PlayStation have likely occurred, weighing potential financial gains against brand loyalty concerns. While some Xbox enthusiasts may resist such moves, Moore argued that catering to evolving consumer demographics is crucial for long-term success.

This strategic shift reflects Microsoft’s broader vision for gaming, balancing commercial interests with player satisfaction while addressing the needs of future generations entering the gaming landscape.