There’s an interesting trend taking shape in the gaming world right now. Xbox-owned games are currently leading the charge in PlayStation Store pre-orders. This shift is a testament to Microsoft’s evolving strategy, moving away from holding titles exclusively to their consoles, and it’s starting to pay dividends. Although PlayStation exclusives still capture the interest of gamers on PS4 and PS5, Microsoft’s presence is solidifying as one of Sony’s rivals is now cashing in on its digital sales.
Recent data shows that PlayStation users have quickly become critical players for Xbox’s ecosystem. Last December 2024, 64% of consumer spending on Microsoft titles came from PlayStation users, ironically making Microsoft a leading game publisher globally for that period. This momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing down; as of early April, Xbox games are notably among the top sellers in the PlayStation Store pre-orders.
Among these, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, published by Bethesda, reigns supreme as the most pre-ordered title on the PlayStation Store. It’s not just the standard version that’s doing well—its Premium Edition also ranks high, drawing interest thanks to its impressive performance on Xbox and PC previously. Within two months of release, it had over four million players, building significant anticipation for its PS5 launch. Furthermore, at least six more Xbox-owned games feature prominently in the PlayStation Store’s top 24 pre-orders, with several holding top-five spots.
If we delve deeper into the list, Forza Horizon 5 claims three spots due to its multiple editions. Doom: The Dark Ages secures two more, and the eagerly awaited Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 makes its mark too. Despite this Xbox dominance, Sony’s own big names are holding their ground. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, in its Deluxe Edition, ranks just behind Indiana Jones in third place. This is hardly surprising, given the hype surrounding Death Stranding 2, touted as one of 2025’s most awaited titles, right alongside many Xbox staples.
Sony isn’t without its own wins though. Just days post-announcement, Days Gone Remastered climbed into the top 10 on PlayStation’s pre-order list and continues to thrive there. But even so, Xbox games continue to steal the limelight, especially in the UK where Forza and Indiana Jones outperform both Death Stranding and Days Gone. Meanwhile, in Japan, the enthusiasm for Xbox titles is tempered, although Indiana Jones and Forza maintain a presence.
It will certainly be worth keeping an eye on these dynamics as they unfold, but for now, Xbox’s presence on the PlayStation Store is stronger than ever.
