Microsoft is supposedly in talks with Bluehole about extending the exclusivity of PUBG on Xbox platforms. According to Bloomberg, this information comes from people "familiar with the matter."
The current deal is to have the game for Xbox One first produced by Bluehole and Microsoft, with other platforms coming later. Generally, these agreements last "for about three months," but it's entirely possible PlayStation 4 gamers won't see Battlegrounds until late next year.
This extension would be a substantial gain for Microsoft. Aside from Cuphead and Forza Motorsport 7, Xbox doesn't have any more high-profile exclusives releasing this year. They have the Xbox One X coming in November, however, and this deal may be a saving grace for the premium console, even if the extension doesn't happen.
When asked about the rumor, a Microsoft spokesperson responded:
"Right now, the team is solely focused on bringing the best game possible to Xbox One and PC. We have nothing further to announce at this time."Ever since the deal was announced, Microsoft has been tight-lipped about PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds coming to other platforms. Chang Byung-gyu, the founder of Bluehole, has been the opposite. He's been open about his talks with Sony to bring the game over to PS4 and other platforms.
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds is breaking records left and right. The game now holds the highest concurrent players of all time on Steam. It only makes sense Bluehole wants to extend that reach to consoles. However, cashing in on a few more months with Microsoft while still introducing a PlayStation 4 version later is a viable business option.
But, doing so would also give Fortnite an even more significant head start on the battle royale genre. Epic Games newest venture is the only high-profile battle royale game on consoles. PlayStation 4 holds the more substantial market share. Each day PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds isn't on there, Fortnite Battle Royale gains more players.
What do you think about PUBG being an Xbox Console Exclusive for longer? Does Fortnite Battle Royale have a chance against it? Let us know in the comments below!