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Sea of Thieves, the popular pirate-themed live-service game developed by Rare, has reportedly achieved a significant milestone on PlayStation 5, selling over 1 million copies since its release on the platform. This success highlights the strong performance of Microsoft’s expanding strategy to bring its titles to multiple platforms, including Sony's ecosystem. The Journey to PlayStation: Sea of Thieves’ Launch on PS5 Initially released for Xbox One and PC in March 2018, Sea of Thieves became an immediate hit with its open-world multiplayer gameplay that lets players live out their pirate fantasies. On April 30, 2024, just a month after the game’s sixth anniversary, Sea of Thieves made its debut on the PlayStation 5, marking Rare's first title to appear on a PlayStation console in its nearly four-decade history. Reported Sales Figures: Over 1 Million Copies Sold on PS5 According to a recent report by Windows Central's Jez Corden, Sea of Thieves has sold more than 1 million copies on the PS5 in less than four months. This figure suggests that Microsoft has generated over $28 million in revenue from the PS5 port, even after accounting for Sony’s standard 30% revenue cut from PlayStation Store sales. Sony itself would have made approximately $12 million from these sales, further emphasizing the financial success of this port. Additional Revenue Streams: Microtransactions and More The reported sales figures likely represent just a portion of the game’s financial performance on PlayStation. Sea of Thieves includes a range of microtransactions that allow players to purchase in-game cosmetics, emotes, and pets. These additional revenue streams could significantly increase the overall earnings for both Microsoft and Sony, making the game's PlayStation launch even more lucrative. Server Issues Indicate Strong Demand The high demand for Sea of Thieves on PlayStation was evident even before its official release. During the PS5 beta, the game experienced server issues that Rare attributed to the overwhelming influx of PlayStation players. This early indicator of popularity has translated into strong sales, solidifying the game's position in the PlayStation market. Comparing to Other Former Xbox Exclusives While Sea of Thieves has clearly found success on the PS5, it's part of a broader trend of former Xbox exclusives becoming multi-platform. Earlier in 2024, other Xbox titles like Obsidian's Pentiment, As Dusk Falls, and Hi-Fi Rush also made their way to PlayStation consoles, contributing to Microsoft’s strategy of expanding its reach beyond its own hardware. Microsoft’s Multi-Platform Strategy: What’s Next? Microsoft’s push into multi-platform publishing appears to be just beginning. At the 2024 Gamescom, the company announced that its upcoming title, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, will also be coming to the PS5 in spring 2025, following a period of Xbox console exclusivity. This move signals a continued commitment to broadening the availability of its games across different platforms. Final Thoughts The success of Sea of Thieves on the PS5 underscores the potential benefits of Microsoft’s multi-platform strategy. By bringing its games to more players across various consoles, Microsoft not only increases its revenue but also strengthens its presence in the gaming industry. As more Xbox exclusives make their way to PlayStation and other platforms, gamers can look forward to enjoying a broader selection of titles, regardless of their preferred console. Also Read:

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multi-platform games

Former Xbox Exclusive “Sea of Thieves” Sells Over 1 Million Copies on PS5