An official Xbox podcast has inadvertently revealed that Gears of War: E-Day was originally planned for PlayStation 5, contradicting Microsoft's current stance on exclusivity. The podcast, uploaded to YouTube after the Xbox showcase, included a slide from the game's trailer displaying the October 6 release date alongside logos for Steam and PlayStation 5. The video has since been made private, but the evidence suggests the game was initially intended for a multiplatform launch.
Xbox's Exclusivity Pivot
Microsoft had recently shifted its strategy to multiplatform releases for major franchises like Forza Horizon and Halo, but the latest showcase signaled a return to console exclusives, starting with Gears of War: E-Day. Despite this, many believed the game would come to PlayStation 5, especially after the original Gears of War received a PS5 remaster last year. A prior PEGI rating board listing for E-Day on PS5, later removed, further fueled speculation.
Accidental Confirmation
The leaked podcast slide, which included the PS5 logo, was quickly taken down. When The Verge's Tom Warren pointed out the discrepancy, Xbox vice president Aaron Greenberg denied any last-minute change, stating, "We just limited the knowledge of this news to a very small internal group. Intention was to share this news first with our players." However, the inclusion of the PS5 logo in official materials raises questions about the timing of the exclusivity decision.
Conflicting Messages
Xbox's chief content officer Matt Booty emphasized that major first-party games like Gears of War and Clockwork Revolution would be exclusives, while live-service titles like Call of Duty remain multiplatform. However, Gears of War: E-Day includes both co-op and competitive multiplayer, contradicting that logic. Additionally, newly announced games like Senua and Spyro: A Realm Beyond are scheduled for multiplatform release, creating further inconsistency.
In an interview, Xbox's chief strategy officer Matthew Ball acknowledged the confusion, promising clearer communication in the future. He also claimed that demand for Xbox consoles exceeds supply due to memory shortages, though critics note that Xbox consoles remain readily available from major retailers.
