Microsoft’s Xbox gaming division has certainly seen better days. With an overall slump in console sales compared to the glorious Xbox 360 era, Microsoft seems to have shifted its strategy with regards to console exclusivity entirely – bringing what used to be exclusive titles to rival platforms such as the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
The ever-popular Forza Horizon 5 is just one of the many exclusives slated to launch for the PS5, and it would appear that despite an initially rocky start, the game has managed to amass a sizable player base before heading on to the PS5.
Forza Horizon 5 gains over 44 million players
As per multiple reports online, Forza Horizon 5 has managed to reach a rather impressive milestone – amassing over 44 million registered players. This does not take into account the upcoming PlayStation 5 release of the game, following which the number count is sure to increase by a significant margin.
Forza’s popularity cannot be understated enough, and it remains one of the best racing games on the market currently – especially in a field that has seen giants such as Need for Speed and Gran Turismo falter and shrink down over the years. As such, it makes perfect sense for Forza to be as popular as it is now – it still is a pretty solid game after all.
While the numbers likely are projected for a total number of registered players, it still remains quite an impressive feat, proving that Xbox is still alive and kicking, even if it’s not the same as it used to be.
Another thing to note is that these numbers are likely inflated as a result of the game being available via Xbox Game Pass, which has a very low barrier for entry, offering a great number of games at a very modest asking price.
The numbers also take into consideration PC Game Pass and Steam (PC) figures, which likely contribute to a large number of players. While the PS5 release is still a while away, going by this current trend, Forza should also be an instant hit on the rival platform as well.
Xbox is still going strong
Despite everything pointing to the contrary, Xbox is still going strong. They managed to release quite a few decent games (with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle coming to mind as recent accomplishments), which used to be a rarity for Xbox, at least after the glory days of the Xbox 360.
The company is set to set things on course, with its very recent developer direct being one of the most powerful showcases of the brand in recent memory. Games like Doom: The Dark Ages and Ninja Gaiden 4 seem to have reignited the spark amongst Xbox fans which was quite desperately needed.
After all, Xbox was going through a pretty bad time, with multiple losses, poorly reviewed first-party games and the overall loss to PlayStation. All of this resulted in massive layoffs from first-party studios, along with Xbox completely abandoning the tried and tested exclusivity formula.
While the move is generally good for consumers as a whole, it still remains to be seen how Xbox will fare in a world where they really don’t have the same hold on gaming as they used to. Competition is good, and it is hoped that Xbox’s new strategy pays out.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
