Sony has had the upper hand in the console war for years, but now the tide seems to be turning. Microsoft is now the biggest publisher in the console world, as was demonstrated once again in December - not least thanks to the numerous acquisitions and the strategy behind them, but also due to Sony's questionable decisions, which now point to a sad standstill. While Microsoft continues to go on a shopping spree and expand its IPs to other platforms, Sony is struggling with the bursting of its Live Service dream.
Forza and Halo on the PS5 - Microsoft fills the gap
What seemed unthinkable a few years ago is now official: "Forza Horizon 5" for PS5 and perhaps also "Halo" as a second helping. What a quake! At first it was just a rumor, then the clues grew and now it's a reality. Forza Horizon 5 and possibly Halo The Masterchief Collection open a door that has long been closed to PlayStation gamers.
Admittedly, they are not brand new titles, but they are still among the best games in their genres. Microsoft is using the opportunity to present itself as an open and cross-platform publisher - a role that would perhaps have been attributed to Sony in the past. The irony could hardly be greater.
Sony and the gloomy year 2025
So while Microsoft is expanding and making clever use of its portfolio, things are looking rather bleak for Sony at the moment. The grand plan to expand with live service games has failed miserably. "The Last of Us" multiplayer? Stamped out. "Concord"? An epic fail! Fairgame$? Not yet released and still viewed with skepticism by many. The only great hope for 2025 - more likely 2026 - is "Marvel's Wolverine" - and maybe a few more remakes, because they always work.
But real, new single-player thrillers with in-depth stories? They could remain in short supply for years to come. Sony has focused its studios heavily on live service, and now there is a lack of supply for what once defined the PlayStation: great, story-driven games.
The new reality in the console war
Microsoft is no longer just a hardware manufacturer with an "okay" console. It is the largest publisher in the world - and now acts like one. Sony, on the other hand, seems disoriented, as if it has lost its way in its own success of recent years.
As soon as Microsoft releases "Forza: Horizon 5" and possibly "Halo" for the PS5, it would be a huge statement. It would not only be a win for PlayStation gamers, but also a sign that Sony is slowly falling behind. The Japanese have thrown themselves into the live service mire with flags flying - only to be left bruised and empty-handed. Perhaps the upcoming State of Play what if it doesn't also disappear into the endless expanses.
While Microsoft generously distributes its games to PlayStation fans, Sony is desperately looking for an answer. Perhaps another remake? The fact is: the great single-player epics for which PlayStation was once celebrated could remain rare for years to come. Maybe Sony should just give up and apply to Microsoft - they still make games after all (joke). But hey, at least there's Forza on the PS5 soon. It's working!
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