In the weekly podcast Kotaku Splitscreen, journalist Jason Schreier discussed the two upcoming next-gen consoles and noted the differences between how Sony and Microsoft will approach launch title exclusives.
During the discussion, the topic of cross-generational titles came up, meaning games that will be available to play on both current and next gen consoles. Schreier claimed to have already heard the names of some of the PS5’s launch titles and, although he opted not to reveal what those titles might be, he seemed confident that first-party PS5 launch games will be PS5 exclusive and not backward compatible. Most third-party games will probably be cross-gen though, Schreier stated, citing the rumored Viking-themed Assassin’s Creed: Ragnarok as an example.
This news about PS5 exclusive launch titles is in direct contrast to what is planned for Microsoft's upcoming console, since the company has stated that there will be no exclusive titles on Xbox Series X until late 2021. For the next two years at least, all games will release for Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC as the company continues to promote its Play Anywhere philosophy.
In addition, the Xbox Series X will feature full backward compatibility and be able to play original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One games, bringing the total number of titles available at launch to thousands. Matty Booty, head of Xbox Games Studios, has said that Microsoft wants to make sure that anybody investing in an Xbox One now, so close to the imminent launch of the Xbox Series X, will not regret their purchase. This is also a good way to ensure that people continue to buy the current gen console right up to the very end.
Due to the lack of any major reveals about the PS5, gamers are still in the dark as to whether Sony’s new console will also provide backward compatibility. However, in order to remain competitive with Microsoft in the coming generation, it seems that offering this capability would be in the company’s best interest, and rumors are certainly hinting that the PS5 will have backward compatibility.
Gamers will just have to remain patient and continue to wait for the long-anticipated full reveal of the PS5’s specs and hopefully its launch titles as well.
Source: Kotaku Splitscreen