Hellblade II Breaks Xbox Exclusivity: Coming to PS5 with Enhanced Features
In a surprising turn of events, Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga, previously an Xbox exclusive, is making its way to PlayStation 5 this summer. This announcement marks a significant shift in Microsoft's gaming strategy, signaling a move towards multiplatform releases.
Tom Warren, a senior editor covering Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years, reports that Ninja Theory, the studio behind Hellblade II, is bringing the visually stunning game to Sony's console. Set in a dark, ninth-century Iceland, the game initially debuted on Xbox Series S/X and PC last year. The move to PS5 comes just over a year later, joining a wave of Xbox titles appearing on rival platforms.
Hellblade II is not the only Xbox game heading to PS5. Microsoft is also bringing Forza Horizon 5, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, Age of Mythology: Retold, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Doom: The Dark Ages, Gears of War (remastered), and Oblivion (remastered) to PlayStation consoles. This suggests a broader strategy of expanding the reach of Xbox games.
The original Hellblade was initially a timed console exclusive for PS4 in 2017 before arriving on Xbox One the following year. The release of Hellblade II on PS5 aligns with Microsoft's “Project Latitude,” aimed at evolving the Xbox platform to bring more games to other consoles. Warren previously reported that titles like Gears of War, Halo: Combat Evolved, and Microsoft Flight Simulator were also being considered for PS5 releases.
Ninja Theory has acknowledged its long history with PlayStation, starting with Heavenly Sword in 2007. In a blog post, the studio noted that Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice also originally launched on PlayStation 4 in 2017. To celebrate the game's first anniversary, they are now bringing the sequel to PS5, accompanied by new features that will also be available on Xbox Series X/S and PC as a free update.
While the specifics of the new features are still under wraps, Ninja Theory promises an optimized experience for both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro. Dom Matthews, studio head, confirmed that the PS5 version, titled Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 Enhanced, is already available for wishlisting on the console.
The multiplatform release of Hellblade II is a strategic move by Microsoft. It raises questions about the future of Xbox exclusivity and whether other major titles like Starfield and Fable will eventually follow suit. Could this signal a new era where gaming experiences are no longer confined to specific consoles?
What do you think about Hellblade II coming to PS5? Will this prompt you to finally experience Senua's dark and captivating journey? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
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