Xbox Could Successfully Follow Sega’s Footsteps, Says Ex Sony Boss

It is clear as day that Microsoft‘s strategy is to bring its extensive first-party library to as many gamers’ hands as possible. This became doubly apparent when the critically acclaimed Xbox exclusive Forza Horizon 5 was announced for Sony’s PS5 platform.

Ex Sony Boss Shawn Layden says “historical precedence” for Xbox’s new strategy

Former Sony boss Shawn Layden recently weighed in on Xbox’s new multiplatform strategy.

In a recent interview from the podcast Kiwi Talkz (pointed out on ResetEra), Layden applauded his former competition for bringing its games to other platforms. He also remarked on the potential balancing act of their marketing strategy and how there is “historical precedence” for this new direction, citing Sega as an example.

“Multiplatform, particularly in a world where the cost of development is increasing so dramatically, multiplatform means widening your addressable market,” says Layden. “Just getting more people a chance to see it. So, I certainly can understand and appreciate and welcome that ability to have Xbox games appearing on other platforms.”

“What does that do to their brand? I think . . . yeah, it makes the conversation harder to create . . . the FOMO,” Layden continued. “How do you create the FOMO. You know, trying to do that by bringing everyone to your platform, saying ‘if you’re not here, you’re missing out.’ But if it’s available on all platforms, that’s one of your marketing tactics you can’t use. You can’t say it’s only available here if it’s available everywhere. So, it’s a balancing act.”

“We’ve seen it before. I mean, I was in the business when Sega brought their Dreamcast titles to PlayStation 2. And, in time, Sega became a software only company,” says Layden. “And has been a great transformation in that respect, lets be honest. They’re doing great. So, it does have historical precedence.”

Xbox is reportedly bringing two of its major franchises to PlayStation platforms in the form of Halo: The Master Chief Collection and a rumored Gears of War Collection.

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