In a surprising turn of events, April 2025 saw the release of Forza Horizon 5 on the PlayStation 5, a game that was previously exclusive to Xbox and PC. This release has not only marked a significant shift in the gaming landscape but has also led to Forza Horizon 5 becoming the most downloaded game on the PS5 for the month. According to PlayStation, the racing game topped the charts, followed closely by other popular titles like Mortal Kombat 11 and Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition.
Forza Horizon 5's debut on the PS5 was a major highlight, showcasing Microsoft's ongoing strategy to broaden its audience by making its games available on multiple platforms. This move has proven fruitful, with the game quickly climbing to the top of the download charts. "Forza Horizon 5 is a testament to the quality of our games, and we are thrilled to see it reach new audiences," said a Microsoft spokesperson.
The PlayStation Store's data revealed that the top three most downloaded games in April were Forza Horizon 5, Mortal Kombat 11, and Devil May Cry 5. Other notable mentions included Minecraft, NBA 2K25, and Grand Theft Auto V, all of which have maintained their popularity among gamers.
In addition to Forza Horizon 5, another significant announcement from Microsoft was the reveal of Gears of War: Reloaded, a remaster of the classic 2006 game. This modern version is set to launch on August 26, 2025, across multiple platforms including Xbox Series X|S, PC, and for the first time, PlayStation 5. Developed by The Coalition in collaboration with Sumo Interactive and Disbelief, Gears of War: Reloaded promises significant graphical improvements and will include all content from the Ultimate Edition, alongside access to previously released DLCs.
Gears of War: Reloaded will feature a host of upgrades, including 4K resolution and support for up to 120 FPS in multiplayer mode. The campaign will run at 60 FPS and will allow for two-player co-op gameplay. Additionally, the game will support full crossplay, enabling players on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC to play together seamlessly.
Microsoft's commitment to enhancing the Gears of War franchise is evident in the extensive updates planned for Reloaded. The remaster will not only boast improved graphics but also enhanced audio features, including spatial audio via Dolby Atmos and HDR support. The removal of loading screens in the campaign is set to improve the overall gaming experience significantly.
As part of its ongoing strategy to make its games accessible to a broader audience, Microsoft has also indicated that Gears of War: Reloaded will be available for $39.99, with players who previously purchased the Ultimate Edition of the original game receiving the remaster for free if they bought it digitally before May 5, 2025. This initiative is part of Microsoft's effort to reward loyal fans of the franchise.
Despite these positive developments in game releases and revenue, Microsoft has faced a decline in hardware sales, which decreased by 6% compared to the previous year. This downturn is attributed to the company's decision to make its games available on other platforms, which, while beneficial for game accessibility, has impacted sales of Xbox consoles. Nonetheless, Microsoft remains optimistic, as the gross gaming revenue has risen by 5%, and services revenue has grown by 8%, driven by subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass and live service content.
According to data published by PlayStation, Microsoft's strategy of expanding its game releases beyond Xbox has resulted in significant sales figures. In the U.S., Canada, and Europe, the three best-selling games in April were The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Forza Horizon 5, and Minecraft. This trend underscores the effectiveness of Microsoft's approach, with CEO Satya Nadella noting that the most pre-sold games in the first quarter of 2025 were published by Microsoft on both PlayStation and Xbox platforms.
In Spain, Game stores have begun accepting reservations for physical copies of Gears of War: Reloaded for both PS5 and PC, although no physical version for Xbox Series has been announced yet. This indicates a growing interest in the remaster, as players look forward to experiencing the classic title in a modern format.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the collaboration between major players like Microsoft and Sony signifies a shift towards a more inclusive gaming environment, where titles can reach a wider audience and players can enjoy cross-platform gaming experiences. With the upcoming releases of Forza Horizon 5 and Gears of War: Reloaded, it is clear that the future of gaming is bright and full of exciting possibilities.
