Stalker 2 was confirmed last year to be a console launch exclusive, but that period doesn't seem to be overly long, as a recently unveiled confidential Microsoft slide has revealed it's only for a three month period.
As part of Apple vs. Epic Games' court case, Microsoft's vice president of gaming, media & entertainment, Lori Wright, was called to testify earlier today. As part of the evidence, a slide of Xbox's upcoming titles was shown (thanks to Tom Warren from The Verge for sharing), which gives a few small details on some upcoming games including Stalker 2.
It's shown that the game was expected to launch Q4 2021 as of last August, and will be exclusive to Xbox Series X|S for three months. Additionally, The Gunk is also seen with a release window of Q3 2021, with exclusivity held indefinitely.
https://twitter.com/Nibellion/status/1389981872772505603?s=20
While the game probably won't reach last-gen consoles due to the game's developers claiming it would be impossible to run, this could mean it'll arrive on PlayStation 5 after the three-month window. Whether the plans have changed remains to be seen, but if things still stand, then by early 2022, the game could be hitting other platforms.
How do you feel about a three month exclusivity window for Stalker 2? Let us know in the comments below.
[source twitter.com]
Comments 8
Only 3 months?? How come Microsoft exclusivity windows are so short but PlayStation ones are so long.
@Chaudy
Probably because it's on Game Pass day one, which is a lot more significant than a 12 month exclusive.
@SegataSanshiro
Exactly. It's also better for the developer/publisher.
22m+ Game Pass subscribers can try a game they may not have given a chance at retail, potentially boosting the popularity of the series.
Where as the Sony 12 month exclusive type deal would have just given them a large sum of money and left the game to fend for itself at retail, limited to one console audience.
Okay look my question with all this dirty laundry being thrown around on all sides just what does this have to do with the Epic/Apple case. What significances did the cross play thing have to do with Apple. At least it involved Epic but this? Still, I’m just completely confused here.
@SegataSanshiro
Yep. That's the issue games like FF7 Remake will have if it ever comes to Xbox.
It will sell poorly now because the hype has been and gone and people will be worried Part 2 will be 12 months timed.
The publisher sort of shoots itself in the foot with these 12 month or longer exclusive deals.
Timed Exclusivity deals are no different than the whole release a film/tv show on one service then release it on demand elsewhere. Just business and they are all at it.
@ThanosReXXX
Read it and weep, kid
Honestly if it's going to be like this then they should announce it multiplatform in the first place and delay the release date by 3 months. I'm all in for this being on gamepass day one but what is the point of gatekeeping this game from PS by 3 months?
@blinx01 FFVIIR Part 2 being another timed-exclusive? I will be VERY SURPRISED if it's not.
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