The official Twitter accounts for Xbox and PlayStation are currently featuring advertisements for games originally developed by their greatest competitor. This highlights two notable cross-platform releases. Since Microsoft introduced the original Xbox, few rivals in the gaming industry have sparred as fiercely as Xbox and PlayStation. The competition between Microsoft and Sony has often involved undercutting each other and they have swapped blows through various console generations. However, the dynamics between the two companies might be changing now.

While exclusive titles often keep beloved franchises tied to a specific platform, the barriers between Xbox and PlayStation have been gradually breaking down over time. Recently, several Xbox franchises have started appearing on PlayStation consoles, with Forza Horizon 5 making its way to the PS5 as a significant new title. Moreover, both consoles have unveiled prominent games from each other’s libraries; Helldivers 2 has launched on Xbox Series X/S while Gears of War: Reloaded has debuted on PS5. Interestingly, both Xbox and PlayStation are now collaborating to advertise each other’s games.

Fans have recently noticed that both consoles are promoting each other’s releases on Twitter, with Xbox displaying key art for Helldivers 2 on its banner, and Gears of War: Reloaded featured prominently on PlayStation’s Twitter banner. Both games were initially first-party titles; Sony initially published Helldivers 2 while Xbox published Gears of War. Xbox has even pinned Helldivers 2’s announcement to its profile.

As the two companies find common ground amid increasing collaborations, the unexpected alliance of Xbox and Sony emerges against a backdrop of their intensified competition. Nintendo and Xbox exclusives have begun to make their way to PlayStation platforms over recent years, including highly anticipated third-party franchises such as Persona. Earlier rumors suggested that one of Xbox’s flagship franchises might potentially transition to Sony platforms, hinting at a future Halo title for the PlayStation 5.

The ongoing trend of previously exclusive titles being released on competitors’ platforms has proven beneficial for both Xbox and PlayStation. Helldivers 2 experienced a significant surge in player counts post its long-awaited PS5 debut, with concurrent players more than doubling after the Xbox version’s launch. Similarly, the introduction of Forza Horizon 5 on the PS5 quickly turned it into the console’s best-selling game of 2025. This positive outcome may encourage both companies to bring more of their beloved franchises to the rival’s platforms.