The console exclusivity landscape has shifted dramatically since the 2018 release of Marvel’s Spider-Man, with more first-party titles appearing on competing platforms, and PC. Despite this trend, Insomniac Games appears hesitant to bring its popular web-slinging franchise to Xbox consoles, dashing the hopes of many gamers. The developer’s recent response to a fan inquiry suggests an Xbox version of Spider-Man remains “not likely,” even as Sony expands its reach to PC.
The conversation began when a fan asked Insomniac Games on X (formerly Twitter) about the possibility of Marvel’s Spider-Man making its way to Xbox. The studio’s succinct reply – “Not likely” – quickly circulated among gaming communities. This response arrives amidst a broader industry conversation about platform exclusivity and the potential for greater cross-platform play. However, it’s worth remembering that Insomniac previously stated the game would never appear on PC, a prediction that proved inaccurate when Marvel’s Spider-Man launched on PC in 2022, according to IGN.
The differing approaches to cross-platform releases between Microsoft and Sony are becoming increasingly apparent. Microsoft has embraced a more open strategy, bringing titles like Sea of Thieves and Indiana Jones to other platforms. More recently, Microsoft brought Gears of War to PlayStation and announced a Halo port for Sony consoles, signaling a willingness to share its intellectual property more broadly. Sony, however, remains more cautious, seemingly prioritizing the potential impact on its own hardware sales.
This conservative approach is likely driven by the financial success of the Spider-Man franchise. According to ixbt.games, the first installment in 2018 generated $3.8 billion for Sony, and subsequent releases have each sold over 10 million copies. Even the PC port of Spider-Man 2 earned $8 million in just two days, demonstrating the franchise’s continued profitability.
Insomniac’s next major release, Marvel’s Wolverine, is currently slated for exclusive launch on PlayStation 5 and the upcoming PS5 Pro later this year. The studio has not indicated any plans to deviate from this exclusivity, and it’s anticipated that PlayStation will aim to keep the title exclusive to its platforms, at least initially. Whether a PC port will follow at a later date remains to be seen.
The dynamic between Sony and Microsoft highlights a key tension in the gaming industry: balancing the desire for wider reach and increased revenue with the necessitate to protect platform exclusivity and hardware sales. Whereas Microsoft appears willing to experiment with broader availability, Sony continues to prioritize its own ecosystem, particularly for its most valuable franchises.
Currently, Marvel’s Spider-Man is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Gamers anticipating Marvel’s Wolverine can expect its release on PS5 in fall 2026. The question of whether Spider-Man will ever swing onto Xbox remains open, but Insomniac’s recent statement suggests fans shouldn’t hold their breath.
What comes next for Insomniac and the Spider-Man franchise remains to be seen. The success of Wolverine and the potential for future Spider-Man installments will likely influence Sony’s long-term strategy regarding platform exclusivity. For now, Xbox fans will have to continue enjoying the web-slinger’s adventures on other platforms.
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