Starfield Finally Lands on PlayStation 5 as Xbox Expands Cross-Platform Strategy

In a move that once seemed highly unlikely, Bethesda’s space-faring RPG *Starfield* is officially landing on PlayStation 5 later this year. Microsoft, which previously positioned the game as an Xbox console exclusive following its 2021 acquisition of ZeniMax Media, has now confirmed the PS5 port as part of a broader initiative to bring select Xbox titles to non-Xbox platforms.

The announcement was made during a surprise Xbox Developer Direct livestream earlier today, with Xbox head Phil Spencer laying out the company’s new vision for game distribution. “Gaming should be about connecting players, not dividing them,” Spencer said. “We’re excited to share *Starfield*’s galaxy-spanning experience with players on PS5.”

Originally launched in September 2023 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, *Starfield* received praise for its vast open-world exploration and deep RPG systems, despite some criticism around its narrative pacing and technical performance. The PS5 version is expected to include all the post-launch quality-of-life improvements and patches, along with the upcoming “Shattered Space” expansion, which will debut simultaneously across all platforms.

Industry analysts see the move as part of a larger strategic pivot for Microsoft, which is rumored to be eyeing more multi-platform releases in an effort to maximize return on its growing stable of first-party IPs. The decision also signals a potential shift in how console exclusivity is approached in the current generation.

Sony has not yet publicly responded to the announcement, but PS5 users have already taken to social media to celebrate the unexpected release. For many, *Starfield* represents one of the few large-scale RPGs missing from the PlayStation lineup.

While questions remain about whether other Xbox exclusives like *Hi-Fi Rush* or *Sea of Thieves* could make similar jumps, Microsoft’s decision to share *Starfield* could mark the beginning of a more platform-agnostic future for the gaming giant.

*Starfield* is scheduled to launch on PS5 this autumn, with more details expected in the lead-up to this year’s Summer Game Fest.