Microsoft Games Are Doing Super Well On PlayStation Store, Publisher Tops Preorder Charts

Microsoft's strategy of releasing first-party Xbox games on PlayStation looks to be working, as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced during its Q3 FY25 earnings call that the company was recently the top publisher on the PlayStation Store when it came to preorders.

The period Nadella referred to was January through March 2025, when he said Microsoft ended the quarter as the top publisher by preorders and preinstalls on both Xbox and PlayStation.

Other stats Nadella highlighted included news that PC Game Pass revenue was up 45% year-over-year, and that while Xbox hardware revenue declined 6% over the previous year, it saw gaming revenue increase 5% and Xbox content and services revenue increase by 8%. Those numbers were thanks to growth in Xbox Game Pass, Call of Duty, and Minecraft, Nadella said.

As for what Xbox games available on PlayStation led to so many preorders, Microsoft had several big titles set to release shortly after the time period Nadella cited. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle released April 17 and became the best-selling PS5 game for that week (even if it wasn't in the top 15 most-played games). Forza Horizon 5 released for PS5 shortly after on April 29 (or on April 25 for those who bought the premium edition). Last but not least, Doom: The Dark Ages, set for release on May 15, is likely also driving preorders for Microsoft on Sony's platform.

While Nadella didn't mention it during the investor call, Microsoft the following day announced sweeping price increases for Xbox consoles, accessories, and games. All Xbox Series consoles, including the Series X, saw price jumps of up to $100, while controller prices increased between $5 and $10. Microsoft additionally announced select first-party games will cost $80 starting this holiday season, but did not name specific titles.

According to Microsoft, the price hikes were made with "careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development."

Microsoft didn't cite recently enacted US tariffs as the specific reason for the price increases, but it wouldn't be the first video game publisher affected. Nintendo delayed Switch 2 preorders in order to assess the impact tariffs might have, announcing several weeks later it would increase the price of Switch 2 accessories (but not the console itself, at least at launch) due to "market conditions."