Xbox clarifies its position on day-one PS5 releases, with some limitations.

During last week’s Developer Direct showcase, it was announced that Playground Games’ Fable will launch on PlayStation 5 simultaneously with its release on Windows PC and Xbox Series X this fall. However, the sequel to Playground Games’ Forza Horizon 6 will not follow suit. This racing game will hit PC and Xbox on May 19, but the PS5 version is set to arrive later in 2026.

This situation mirrors last year’s events; Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed, which launched in February, is still waiting for its PS5 version, while The Outer Worlds 2 enjoyed a simultaneous release across platforms in October. Back in 2025, Microsoft’s approach to multiplatform releases was still evolving, and it made sense that their studios were adjusting. This year, however, that rationale seems less applicable.

So, what exactly is Microsoft’s strategy for multiplatform releases? Why are some games delayed on PS5 while others are not? Is timed exclusivity for Xbox consoles still a factor?

In a recent interview, Xbox executive Craig Duncan addressed these questions, albeit partially. As the head of Xbox Game Studios, which encompasses Playground, Obsidian, Halo Studios, Rare, and others (excluding Bethesda and Activision Blizzard), Duncan emphasized that decisions regarding platform releases would be made on a case-by-case basis. He also mentioned that Xbox aims to be “more consistent” with its PS5 release strategy, indicating that the delay for Forza Horizon 6 was more about development challenges than strategic planning. It appears that day-one PS5 releases are becoming the norm, with some exceptions.

“There are always development realities regarding when these projects begin — the size of the team and our initial plans,” Duncan explained. “When strategies shift, it can affect how we proceed with a game. This feedback is valid; we recognize that our release patterns can be inconsistent. Some titles appear on one platform, while others are available on multiple. We’re committed to improving this.”

Duncan reiterated that reaching the largest audience possible is a top priority. “That’s always our goal. It’s usually not more complicated than that.”

However, he also emphasized that delivering the best possible version of a game for each platform takes precedence over simultaneous releases. “We want our games to shine on whatever platform they’re on,” he stated. “If we can only release a game on a platform without it performing well, then we wouldn’t proceed. […] Resources are not limitless.”

In essence, it seems the PS5 version of Forza Horizon 6 simply won’t be ready for the May 19 launch, and the Forza team, unlike the Fable team, lacked the necessary resources or planning time to ensure a simultaneous release. Naturally, these resource allocations are influenced by various business factors, including the fact that Forza Horizon 5 was only released on PS5 nine months ago and has been performing well.

According to Duncan, the primary focus for Microsoft is to reach as many players as possible, and any delays on any platform are made solely for the benefit of the game. In other words, exclusivity for Xbox consoles is becoming a relic of the past.