Matt Booty, the president of Xbox Game Studios, recently shared an interesting insight: Xbox isn’t just competing with other game studios and consoles anymore. Instead, he believes the real competition lies in “everything else”—like social media and movies.
In an interview with The New York Times, Booty addressed the shocking news that Halo, Xbox’s iconic franchise led by Master Chief, would be available on the PS5 in 2026. This change is part of Xbox’s strategy to reach more gamers by moving away from console exclusives.
Booty explained, “Our biggest competition isn’t another console. We are competing with everything from TikTok to movies.” This approach contrasts sharply with Nintendo and Sony, which still focus heavily on exclusive titles.
The gaming landscape is shifting. Data shows that gaming faces tough competition from various forms of entertainment. A recent survey found that 60% of gamers spend as much time on mobile games and streaming platforms as they do on traditional gaming consoles. This trend highlights the need for companies to adapt.
Booty also addressed the significant layoffs at Microsoft, which involved over 9,000 employees. He acknowledged, “Layoffs are difficult. They are a part of managing our business.” While specific numbers in gaming roles weren’t confirmed, the impact has been felt across several projects, including the cancellation of titles like Rare’s Everwild.
The announcement of a Halo game for the PS5 is historic. At the Halo World Championship, Microsoft showcased Halo: Campaign Evolved, a modern remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, set to release next year on PC, PS5, and Xbox. This marks a major milestone, as it’s the first time a Halo game will be available on a PlayStation console.
This shift invites deeper discussion about the future of gaming. As Booty pointed out, reaching players where they are is crucial. The gaming world is evolving, and so must the industry. Exciting times are ahead as Xbox continues to navigate these changes.
With gaming adapting to new forms of entertainment and technology, staying engaged with players will be vital. As Booty said, meeting people where they are could open up new opportunities for the future of Xbox and beyond.
 





















