Summary
Former Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) Worldwide Studios chairman Shawn Layden shared his optimism about Microsoft’s ongoing multiplatform strategy to bringXboxgames to other systems, stating that it could work out as it did for Sega years prior. The former PlayStation boss also cautioned thatXboxalso runs the risk of driving consumers away from its platform instead.
Layden’s time with Sony started in 1987 as a communications assistant in Tokyo. In 2014, Layden succeeded Jack Tretton as the chairman of SIE Worldwide Studios. During his tenure, Layden represented Sony at E3 and oversaw the initial development of the PS5. Following his 2019 retirement from Sony, Layden joined Tencent Games in 2022 as a strategic advisor. SIE Worldwide Studios was subsequently rebranded to PlayStation Studios in 2020 and is currently led by former Guerrilla Games director Hermen Hulst. Following a corporate restructuring at Sony, Hulst will report to theincoming sole CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, Hideaki Nishino, when the latter assumes his duties on April 1.
While discussing topics such asthe PS6’s speculative features, Layden gave his thoughts about how Xbox is handling things differently than before. In an interview with Kiwi Talkz on YouTube, Layden stated that the multiplatform strategy Xbox is taking with some of its games could benefit the company if done right. “Multiplatform is a strategy, particularly in a world where the cost of development is increasing dramatically. Multiplatform means widening your addressable market, as the marketing guys say,” said Layden.
However, the former SIE studio leader stated that it is a “balancing act” that Microsoft has to manage with its multiplatform approach, since that could make it harder to sell consumers on its platform over just having a game on their preferred platform of choice. So far,Indiana Jones and the Great Circle,Doom: The Dark Ages, andForza Horizon 5have all been confirmed to launch on the PS5 in 2025.
Layden also compared Microsoft’s multiplatform strategy to one used by Sega after its final console,the Sega Dreamcast, failed to gain traction in the 2000s. This led to Sega exiting the console market and shifting its focus toward being a third-party AAA game studio. Following the decision, Sega developed and published titles on the PS2, includingSonic Heroesand the first twoYakuzagames. Layden said that Sega’s transformation has been beneficial.
Multiplatform is a strategy, particularly in a world where the cost of development is increasing dramatically.
In addition to publishing games, Microsoft’sXbox Game Pass has continued to set revenue records, owing to the success of titles likeCall of Duty: Black Ops 6. Only time will tell how Microsoft’s multiplatform strategy will pay off in the long term.
Xbox Series X
Microsoft’s ninth-generation console, the Xbox Series X is a powerful machine that can support 4K resolution and 60 fps, depending on the game. Released alongside the Xbox Series S, the Series X has a Custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, a Custom RDNA 2 GPU, and 16 GB of RAM.
