Microsoft will not stop releasing games on PC. Especially as Helix is a console PC hybrid. But console exclusive for some more single-player focused and classic Xbox IPs sure.

Call of Duty is NOT skipping PlayStation or Switch. Microsoft has a 10 year contract with Sony and Nintendo. Maybe we will get marketing for CoD that only advertises it on Xbox and PC.

Or not

I'm pretty sure not at least having the Switch or PS logos on COD advertising would be legally actionable on the part of Sony and Nintendo. 

This isn't the 360 era anymore, they can't simply get people back after so much time on PC and Gamepass like that, they trained the Xbox audience to stop buying games, and they did. Would Gamepass even work being exclusive on Xbox either?

Now they also have bought massive studios like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard that have always made multiplaform games, those games sell way better on PC and PS than XB too, but people expect them to make those XB exclusives? It wouldn't last a quarter, the amount of money already invested to get them and to keep developing games will never remotely come close to pay itself on Xbox alone, that's why PS also became part of the receiving end of their games, they need return on the money spent. Xbox can't bring it.

Much worse, now people have tons of games on PC and PS but they will abandon those platforms to play a few games on Xbox? It's WAY harder to sway people away then it was before digital stores took over gaming.

I honestly don't see how people think this has any chance of working, and I actually think MS knows that very well too, reality will knock on the door soon, if they somehow don't.

If what we've heard so far about helix is true, it will be lucky to do half of 25m. 

Going back to exclusives in 2026 with everything that is happening is a wild decision.

I agree with a lot of your points but they can try retraining their audience again if they actually pump out good exclusives.

I'm talking about brand new IP 1st party exclusive games strictly for Xbox consoles again. Hell, with the money they spent on Activision, Bethesda Mojang etc. they could even go back to the old days of buying 3rd party exclusives too.

Games they already own that are multiplatform (ie. Call of Duty) just leave them as multiplatform, like how Sony is still keeping Helldivers on PC. Just moving forward, all new IP games that Activision, Bethesda etc. make to be strictly Xbox console.

....at least that's how I feel would be their "best" chance of regaining audience to purchase their consoles.

If Asha was given a blank check to do whatever it takes to get XBOX back on track I think there's a real possibility a bunch of upcoming games from XBOX, Bethesda and Activision will be Xbox and PC only. I think that would scare Playstation and not so much Nintendo.

People still console warring in 2026

The crown Jewel of Microsoft in Halo being announced for Playstation shows Microsoft is over it.

Playstation is an Xbox.

Either that or it's bait.

If PS players like Halo enough, maybe you could convince them to get an XB to play the rest of the MS games that are or will be exclusive. Halo (CE) being the crown jewel, would let MS know whether they can resurrect the brands hardware by coaxing PS players to jump ship to XB or add an XB with their existing PS5. Future Halo games don't all necessarily have to end up on PS5. They could give PS gamers a taste and then hope they follow back to XB hardware.

If it didn't work, then they might as well give up on console hardware. Then it's either try specific XB PC hardware or just go third party software publisher.

I bet their PC/hybrid messaging will just be a windows/xbox storefront that has PC versions. I will make a prediction now and say steam will not be on it, allowing valve a 30% cut makes zero sense.