Despite these changes, fans express concerns about the potential decline of the Xbox console's relevance in the gaming landscape.

The next generation of Xbox is anticipated to resemble a PC more closely, with the ability to run third-party game stores, according to industry analysts.

Recent leadership appointments within Xbox suggest a strategy aimed at 'Windowsification' of the platform, facilitating gaming on alternative hardware.

Since early 2024, Microsoft has initiated multi-platform publishing, confirming four games, including Pentiment and Sea of Thieves, for rival platforms.

Microsoft is set to adopt a more platform-agnostic approach with Xbox, allowing first-party titles to be available on competing platforms such as PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.

Speculation suggests that Xbox will move away from exclusives, with most titles being timed exclusives or available across multiple platforms.

Despite significant acquisitions like ZeniMax Media and Activision Blizzard King, the Xbox Series X|S has struggled to compete with the PlayStation 5 in terms of exclusive titles.

The upcoming Indiana Jones game is set to be available on PS5 in spring 2025, further illustrating Microsoft's shift in its approach to exclusivity.

As a result, Xbox exclusives are likely to become exceptions rather than the standard practice for Microsoft.

Market research firm DFC Intelligence predicts that only one major non-Nintendo console will survive the anticipated growth in the gaming industry by 2025, posing challenges for Microsoft's console strategy.

A significant Xbox event is expected in January 2025, which may provide further insights into the company's multi-platform game strategies.

Industry insider Jez Corden noted that decisions regarding game exclusivity will be made on a case-by-case basis, rather than following a blanket policy.