Flight Simulator Boss Says He’s The Catalyst For Xbox’s Third-Party Push; Rejected By Microsoft Originally

Originally, the conversation from Microsoft only entertained a few of its niché and decently popular releases to be featured on competing consoles. However, things since then have shifted drastically as now the trinity of Xbox IPs are to be available on PlayStation 5: Forza Horizon; Gears of War; Halo. And, there is not the end of this new campaign it appears.

This week, another Xbox franchise arrives to PlayStation 5 – Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Even with ‘Microsoft’ in the name, it is still a baffling reality to set in realizing what is happening. Additionally, there was also the welcoming of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl in November. Touted to being a showpiece for Xbox when originally released for the platform is now playable on PlayStation as well.

But, according to Microsoft Flight Simulator head Jorg Neumann, he is the reasoning for this push for Xbox’s extensive library on other platforms. In an interview with XDA Developers, Neumann says he brought the idea up back in 2023, but was faced with pushback by Microsoft. One hurdle was the original install size for the game he wanted to work out before the pitch.

“It was my idea, actually. With Flight Simulator 2020, we came out on PC first in August 2020. One year later, we shipped it on Xbox, and we found millions and millions of new fans on Xbox that had never seen the flight sim because they’re just not PC gamers. A lot of them thought it was great, and a lot of them stayed,” Neumann told the outlet.

“I proposed, probably two and a half years ago, to go to PlayStation. It was probably a little bit before its time because I was told no. Then, somebody from Sony who grew up with flight simulation thought it would be a great addition to the Sony portfolio. […] I think that really kicked off a whole avalanche of Xbox titles coming to PlayStation.”

Are you surprised by Neumann’s recent reveal?

Source: XDA Developers