Why Microsoft Decided to Bring Doom: The Dark Ages to PS5

Microsoft has been making waves with its recent lineup of high-profile Xbox exclusives, such as Starfield. However, Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, made an unexpected announcement that Doom: The Dark Ages will be coming to PS5 as well. This decision goes against Xbox’s recent strategy of releasing games exclusively on PC and Xbox following the acquisition of Zenimax Media. Despite this, Spencer believes that Doom is a franchise that should be accessible to all gamers.

During an interview at IGN Live, Phil Spencer explained the rationale behind bringing Doom: The Dark Ages to PS5. He expressed his belief that Doom is a franchise with a rich history across multiple platforms, making it a title that should not be restricted to a single console. Spencer mentioned that Doom has been available on various platforms in the past, highlighting the legacy and popularity of the franchise.

The decision to release Doom: The Dark Ages on PS5 represents a departure from Xbox’s usual exclusivity approach. While games like Starfield and Redfall have been positioned as Xbox exclusives, the choice to make Doom available on multiple consoles shows a shift in strategy. It seems that Xbox is willing to make exceptions for certain franchises with extensive histories and broad appeal.

Legacy and Accessibility

Phil Spencer’s comments about the importance of legacy in deciding on multiplatform releases raise interesting questions about Xbox’s future plans. By emphasizing the significance of a franchise’s history and accessibility to all players, Xbox may be signaling a more inclusive approach to game development and distribution. While exclusivity has been a key selling point for Xbox in the past, the decision to share Doom with PS5 users suggests a willingness to prioritize the overall gaming experience.

Microsoft’s decision to bring Doom: The Dark Ages to PS5 showcases a shift in strategy and a focus on making iconic franchises available to a wider audience. Phil Spencer’s emphasis on legacy and accessibility highlights the evolving landscape of gaming and the changing priorities of major companies like Xbox.As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other developers and publishers approach multiplatform releases and exclusivity deals.