In the ever-evolving landscape of the video game industry, rumors and speculations are as common as the changing tides. One of the latest rumors to create waves is the potential release of Rare’s “Sea of Thieves” on platforms outside its current Xbox and PC exclusivity. This speculation, fueled by comments from reliable industry insiders, hints at a significant shift in Microsoft’s strategy regarding its first-party games.
The speculation about “Sea of Thieves” branching out to other platforms was brought into the spotlight by a snippet from Jeff Grubb’s podcast. Grubb, known for his accurate insights into the gaming industry, discussed the recent buzz around Microsoft possibly bringing more Xbox games to competitor platforms. Among these, “Sea of Thieves” was mentioned as a potential candidate for such expansion.
Since its release in 2018, “Sea of Thieves” has enjoyed a strong following and consistent updates from its developers. One notable update allowed players to engage in private sessions, catering to both solo and group playstyles. However, as of now, the game remains available exclusively on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S platforms. The rumor, if true, suggests that “Sea of Thieves” could soon be setting sail for consoles like the Nintendo Switch and the PlayStation 5.
“We should expect more of this”
Jeff Grubb says he’s heard Sea of Thieves may also be coming to PS5 and Switch pic.twitter.com/oLtyRGqYii
— THE RED DRAGON (@TWTHEREDDRAGON) January 8, 2024
The prospect of “Sea of Thieves” expanding to rival platforms carries significant implications, particularly for Ubisoft as they gear up for the release of their pirate-themed game “Skull and Bones.” Such a move by Microsoft could intensify competition in the genre and challenge the notion of platform-exclusive titles. Additionally, it raises questions about the future of other Microsoft first-party games and whether they too might see releases on competing consoles.
For now, these remain speculations, with no official confirmation from Microsoft. The gaming community and industry observers are left to ponder what Microsoft’s strategy will be for the year – whether they will continue to focus on exclusive titles for their platforms or embrace a more open approach, allowing their games to reach broader audiences on rival consoles.
For those unfamiliar with the game, “Sea of Thieves” offers a unique action-adventure experience where players embody pirates, embarking on voyages across the open sea. The game emphasizes cooperative play, with players forming crews to man their ships and hunt for treasure. However, the journey is fraught with dangers, including the possibility of encountering hostile pirate crews.
