Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has clarified the company's strategy regarding console-exclusive games and the future of the Xbox platform.

Even though Microsoft is becoming a multiplatform publisher, there is one acclaimed Xbox exclusive that probably won't get ported to other consoles.

Xbox head Phil Spencer explained this week that forcing developers to optimize their games for the Xbox Series S may actually help the company with its gaming handheld plans.

Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming said in recent interviews that Xbox hardware remains "critical" for the company even though Xbox-exclusive games seem to be going away.

Microsoft's Phil Spencer acknowledges that there's not much difference between the current generations of Xbox and PlayStation, but he's not waiving a white flag.

The era of Xbox that has spanned almost 25 years appears to be over and at this point it does not seem like there's any going back.

In two interviews, Phil Spencer has made it clear that Microsoft is moving away from exclusive development and the corporation's games will increasingly find their way onto competing consoles as well.

Speaking to Destin Legarie, Spencer said Microsoft has a "real advantage" right now thanks to the Series S because some of the most popular new platforms, including Steam Deck and ROG Ally, are more in line with the power and performance specs of the Series S.

Rumors point to more Xbox-exclusive titles making their way over to PlayStation and the Nintendo Switch 2, including Halo and Gears of War.

Forza Horizon 5, Xbox's premier exclusive racing game, will be released on PlayStation 5 in Spring 2025. Developer Playground Games announced the news on Thursday, just one day after Microsoft revealed that Xbox hardware revenue declined by 29% in its latest earnings report.

Xbox boss Phil Spencer has already indicated that Microsoft is going all-in on third-party publishing, so it was no real surprise to see the long-rumoured Forza Horizon 5 announced for PS5 overnight.