The decision to make Helldivers 2 exclusive to PlayStation 5 has raised questions for Xbox’s Phil Spencer. In light of his recent discussion on a prominent business podcast, Spencer shared his thoughts on the distribution of multiplatform games, highlighting that including Xbox in Helldivers 2’s release might have been more beneficial.
Xbox Leader Concerned Over Helldivers 2 Missing Out on Xbox Players
In an exchange with Stephen Totilo from Game File (subscription required), Spencer explained that Microsoft’s approach to share four of its titles with competing platforms is not meant to trade favors. He expressed his openness to having PlayStation and Nintendo titles on Xbox but recognized that the same level of reciprocity is not expected from other companies. Despite this, he expressed his view that the wildly popular Helldivers 2 warranted a larger audience that included Xbox players.
“Looking at Helldivers 2—a truly exceptional game, I offer my compliments to the developers for its release on PC and PlayStation—I’m uncertain who gains from the industry perspective by it not being accessible on Xbox,” commented Spencer. “Nevertheless, I understand. There is a traditional mindset in console gaming that holds some benefit in releasing games exclusively and avoiding other platforms. We engage in the same practices.”
Sony has introduced Helldivers 2 simultaneously on PS5 and PC, making it inaccessible to Xbox gamers.
FAQs About Helldivers 2 and Platform Exclusivity
What is Helldivers 2?
Helldivers 2 is a sequel to the original Helldivers game, known for its cooperative multiplayer gameplay and strategic top-down shooter mechanics.
Why is Helldivers 2 PS5 exclusive?
The exclusivity of Helldivers 2 to PS5 has not been officially explained by the developers or Sony. However, it is common for platform holders to secure exclusive titles to encourage consumers to buy their hardware.
Will Helldivers 2 ever come to Xbox?
There has been no confirmation as of now whether Helldivers 2 will release on Xbox in the future.
Does Phil Spencer think console exclusivity is beneficial?
While Phil Spencer acknowledges the legacy of console exclusivity, his remarks suggest he sees greater benefit for the industry in making games available across multiple platforms.
Conclusion
The debate around platform exclusivity is a longstanding one, with valid points on both sides. Phil Spencer’s commentary on the situation with Helldivers 2 underscores a potential missed opportunity for broader player engagement across different platforms. Nonetheless, the practice of exclusivity remains a strategic move within the industry. Whether the future will bring a change in this dynamic, particularly with titles like Helldivers 2, remains to be seen.