PS5 and Xbox Series: all exclusive Sony and Microsoft studios for the new generation

Written by: Chris Watson

September 22, 2020

Updated on September 22, 2020

Lead Game DeveloperChris Watson

Chris Watson is a gaming expert and writer. He has loved video games since childhood and has been writing about them for over 15 years. Chris has worked for major gaming magazines where he reviewed new games and wrote strategy guides. He started his own gaming website to share insider tips and in-depth commentary about his favorite games. When he's not gaming or writing, Chris enjoys travel and hiking. His passion is helping other gamers master new games.

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Expertises: Game Development, Unity and Unreal Engine, C# and C++ Programming, Interactive Storytelling, Esports and Streaming

We review all the development teams of both companies with a view to the start of the new generation of consoles. Titles that shape an ecosystem.

We are about to start a generation of consoles where exclusive games are going to make a difference; perhaps even more so than decades ago, when the balance tipped in favor of the licenses we liked best. This time the word ecosystem will be a fervent part of the next seven years, since both Xbox Game Studios and PlayStation Studios have an arsenal of studios that only work for them. Let’s take a look at how things are.

Bethesda has turned the tables

The current situation in the sector forces us to place ourselves in the purchase of ZeniMax Media by Microsoft, an unprecedented move that brings the already extensive 15 Xbox Game Studios to a total of 23. Phil Spencer, back in 2017, knew that to guaranteeing millions of players on its platform was not necessary millions of speeches, but a few facts. Ninja Theory, Obsidian Entertainment, Double Fine Productions and a few more names happened to carry the X on their business card; all this to cement a cycle in which Xbox Game Studios is now much better off.

Xbox Game Studios

Because what was initially a clearly disadvantageous situation has become a predominance, at least quantitatively, of teams working only for them and with the guarantee that all – with no apparent exception – will go on sale from day one on Xbox Game Pass. To speak of ZeniMax Media is to speak of a human capital of 2,300 workers spread over Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog and Roundhouse Studios. Another way of referring to intellectual properties such as DOOM, Wolfenstein, Starfield, Wiake, Prey, Dishonored, The Elder Scrolls, Fallout. The list is scary.

PlayStation Studios is not short and its deployment is far from discreet. Not surprisingly, the purchase of Insomniac Games and Sony’s statements acknowledging that they are open to more purchases in the future have encouraged their community to step up and close deals such as Konami, Capcom and other situations that may seem impossible. Movements like ZeniMax and Microsoft show that money can do anything possible.

PlayStation Studios

The next generation of consoles will be decided by services and, once again, video games. Whoever wants to play the next God of War already knows where they have to go, while whoever wants Halo knows the platform to choose. Now, what will Microsoft do now? Will the Elder Scrolls VI publish exclusively on Xbox? Will it be a temporary exclusive? They will evaluate each case individually. This is the board for now.

PlayStation Studios and Xbox Game Studios Studios