PS5 news: Great news for Microsoft Xbox as fans wait on PlayStation 5 release update

If the PS4 and Nintendo Switch are anything to go by, having some top first-party exclusives is a sure way to drive sales.

Both consoles have seen great growth in 2018, some of it down to their exclusive titles. And there is no doubt that Sony will want to try and emulate this success for the PS5 release date.

Sony PlayStation sold over 8 million copies of Marvel’s Spider-Man, while Super Smash Bros Ultimate was confirmed as one of the best selling games of December on Switch.

These titles have helped push console sales, so it will come as welcoming news for Microsoft Xbox that they are quickly expanding the talent at their own studios.

The Xbox One X has had plenty of good games to play in 2018 but has lacked the same level of exclusive titles as its rivals.

But it appears that Microsoft is looking to right their course, first by snapping up some top studios, and then by recruiting for new teams.

Last year saw Microsoft announce they had purchased four studios and were creating a brand new one.

This was named “The Initiative” which appears to have secured some serious talent in 2019.

Chris O’Neill has joined the Microsoft outfit as a senior staff level designer, which is significant when you consider O’Neill last worked on the critically acclaimed PS4 exclusive, God of War.

O’Neill joins other former Naughty Dog, Rockstar Games, Sony Santa Monica Studio and Crystal Dynamics developers at The Initiative.

Speaking previously at E3 about the studio’s aims, Darrell Gallagher said: “The foundation we have in place for The Initiative is unique in many ways.

“We’ve been given the freedom to explore, try new things and operate like an independent studio, with the backing from one of the biggest companies in the world to do something bold and different.

It appears that a number of high-profile studios have been busily recruiting in January, suggesting that new projects are coming together, likely for next-gen games.

Sony is reportedly gearing up for the release of the PlayStation 5 by sending out surveys asking questions about the future of PlayStation.

A new email is rumoured to have been released, helping Sony to gather information on how current PS4 gamers use their consoles for entertainment.

Subjects such as streaming and playing games online are covered, as well as how offline games are used.

The survey allegedly covers how consumers use their consoles and what other devices they own.

One part of the email reportedly reads: “We’d really like to hear your opinions on console gaming.

“This helps us plan for the future of PlayStation® – and improve the experience for you and all of our players.

“It won’t take up much of your time, and we really do appreciate you taking part.”

It’s still unclear when we will learn more about the PS5 and when it will hit shelves in the UK and United States.

NPD Group Analyst Mat Piscatella recently shared a new prediction on when we might hear more about the PlayStation 5, and it’s good news for gamers.

According to the industry expert, PS5 will be announced later this year, along with Microsoft’s next console. This will be followed by both consoles hitting shelves in 2020.

Sony themselves have confirmed that they are set to host their own tech shows this year, although they haven’t revealed in what form they will come.

As there will be no PlayStation presence at E3 in 2019, it would certainly seem appropriate for the tech company to show off their next gaming machine at their own event.

source: express.co.uk