As the platform holder of both the Xbox One and Windows PC, games created by Microsoft-owned studios are typically released on both of these systems. Offering exclusive first-party releases that players can't get anywhere else encourages people to buy Windows PCs and Xbox One consoles.
This has been the company's strategy in years gone by; however, new comments from the head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, seem to suggest that exclusives could come to rival platforms.
Following Spencer's promotion, the Xbox boss now reports to Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Spencer explains that his new role is designed to reach players no matter what device (Microsoft-owned or not) they are playing on. Previously the goal was to use "gaming to make Windows more successful."
The WSJ goes on to explain that "That means, one day, more Microsoft first-party games could appear on other platforms...such as Apple Inc.’s iPhones or perhaps even Sony Corp.’s PlayStation 4." The report also suggests that Microsoft is "more focused on growing game software and services" and that the company measures Xbox Live users over console sales.
On Twitter, Spencer responded to the report saying that although Minecraft is available on many platforms, Microsoft has "no plans to expand this right now." But fans have continued to discuss the possibility of first-party games like Gears of War 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and Quantum Break coming to PS4.
Anything like that is probably quite far off, but it's understandable why fans have responded so positively to the idea. Although the forthcoming Xbox One X hardware is expected to improve numbers, Xbox One sales continue to trail behind that of the PS4. Releasing first-party games on other platforms would give Microsoft a new way to appeal directly to those players, making money from them even if they don't choose to purchase a Windows PC or an Xbox One.
Microsoft would also be able to make a continuous profit from those players. Games like Forza Motorsport 7 offer microtransactions which would make the company money long after the initial purchase and larger DLC packs for its games could offer the same opportunity for profit. Just like Nintendo's mobile games, such as Animal Crossing and Super Mario Run, they also give players a window into the company's world, possibly leading to Windows PC and Xbox One sales further down the line.
Per Spencer's comments, fans shouldn't expect Halo on PS4 or Nintendo Switch anytime soon, but there are a lot of good reasons for it to happen. Many players on Microsoft-held and rival platforms are eager to see it happen.