In a shift from the trend of platform-exclusive games by PlayStation and Nintendo, Xbox seems to be moving away from that strategy in 2026. Notably, Fable is set to launch on PlayStation 5 on its release day, and Master Chief will venture onto Sony’s platform with Halo Campaign Evolved.

Microsoft laid the groundwork for this shift a couple of years ago when Obsidian’s Pentiment became available on PlayStation in early 2024. Subsequently, titles like Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded followed suit, finding their way to both PS4 and PS5, challenging the notion that Xbox games were exclusive to Xbox hardware.

While these titles initially had exclusivity periods on Xbox before reaching other platforms, recent releases such as The Outer Wilds 2, Fable, and Halo Campaign Evolved indicate that Xbox is moving towards simultaneous launches for PlayStation and Xbox.

Despite this strategy, the 2026 release calendar shows that it is not fully realized yet. For instance, Forza Horizon 6 will debut on May 19 for PC and Xbox, while PlayStation users will have to wait until later in the year.

Craig Duncan, the head of Xbox Games Studios, expressed a desire for more consistency in bringing games to PlayStation, aiming to reach a broader player base. Xbox’s approach is to break down platform barriers and make games accessible to as many players as possible, with launch availability on other platforms influenced by project scope and initial development plans.

The current landscape reflects a shift in Xbox’s strategy, possibly influenced by the company’s recent branding emphasizing inclusivity under the slogan ‘anything is an Xbox.’ The upcoming lineup for 2026, including Gears of War E-Day, Halo Campaign Evolved, Forza Horizon 6, and Fable, caters to diverse audiences, showcasing a strong offering from the publisher.

While PlayStation players will have access to Xbox games, the availability may not always align with the launch day, highlighting the evolving dynamics in the gaming industry.