Xbox quietly bringing beloved franchise to PlayStation 5

If I had to crown this year’s most unexpected gaming development, I’d perhaps award the accolade to Microsoft who made the surprise switch to multi-platform releases.

Yes, this isn’t a comprehensive switch but the company is ramping up its multi-platform efforts.

Earlier this year, former Xbox console exclusives Pentiment, Grounded, Sea of Thieves, and Hi-Fi Rush were ported to PlayStation and/or Nintendo Switch.

The decision proved to be a success, and so Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the next title in line.

Set to launch on Xbox Series X/S and PC on 9 December, the highly anticipated title will land on PlayStation 5 in early 2025.

That’s far from the end of this saga.

Eagle-eyed players of one beloved Microsoft franchise have spotted an interesting detail that may have just given away the company’s next major port.

PlayStation fans will seemingly soon be able to enjoy the real-time strategy classic, Age of Empires.

Take a look at Indiana Jones and the Great Circle in action below ahead of the game’s launch next month.

Way back in 2001, Age of Empires II did actually launch on the PlayStation 2, but the franchise hasn’t surfaced on a Sony console since.

That could soon change though as Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition looks set to make a grand homecoming.

As spotted by Reddit user draconis90, a PlayStation logo has started appearing next to the name’s of certain users.

“Age of Empires II joins PS?” draconis90 asked. “Confirmed? Or graphics bug?”

I have to say, it’s quite compelling evidence.

Anyone who’s dove into a major multi-platform release will know that it’s quite commonplace for a user’s moniker to reflect the platform they’re playing on.

As such, it does indeed indicate that Age of Empires II might be testing out the functionality.

I find it much harder to believe that this is a bug, as a PlayStation logo surely wouldn’t just surface for no apparent reason.

It’s certainly a teaser that’s been met with a warm reception.

“Interesting! I am an Xbox player and heavily support crossplay between consoles, and I'm going to be very happy if this is the case,” wrote RheimsNZ.

Let’s hope we get that confirmation soon. As always, stay dubious in the meantime.