Microsoft could bring first-party titles to rival platforms

Generally speaking, console exclusives are exactly that: exclusive. They're top-tier titles designed to woo consumers to one particular system, but Xbox chief Phil Spencer says that might not always be the case. 

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal (via ResetEra), Spencer didn't rule out one-day bringing Microsoft's own first-party games to other platforms. 

It's a vague statement, one that could potentially mean franchises like Halo, Gears of War, Forza, and yes, even Viva Piñata, could make their way to rival consoles. 

According to Spencer, he's recently been tasked with reaching players on all devices, as opposed to simply using "gaming to make Windows more successful." If that means bringing key franchises to competing consoles, well, never say never. 

It wouldn't be an totally unprecedented move, either. Microsoft has already pushed Minecraft (which it bought for $2.5B back in 2014) on other platforms including iOS, Switch, and PS4, enabling cross-platform play in the process.

Of course, Minecraft was developed by a third-party developer and later bought by Microsoft; it remains to be seen how far the company will let its homegrown franchises stray from the Xbox ecosystem.

Accordingly, Spencer took to Twitter today to clarify that while Microsoft does ship Minecraft on other platforms, it currently has no plans to do so with any other Microsoft-owned franchises.