The gaming community is abuzz with speculation and rumors around Microsoft's exclusive titles branching out to other platforms. Chief among these whispers is "Sea of Thieves," the popular online multiplayer pirate adventure developed by Rare. According to several sources, there is a possibility that the game might find new harbors on Nintendo's Switch and even Sony's PlayStation.
The foundations for these rumors were laid by Jeff Grubb, host of Giant Bomb and Game Mess Mornings. Grubb hinted that "Sea of Thieves" could be the title primed to cross the platform seas. This move is seen as part of Microsoft's larger strategy to rethink its approach to game distribution. While the rumor has garnered enthusiasm from fans seeking to enjoy the game on a new console, skepticism has also surfaced, particularly with regards to the Switch. The Nintendo platform, known for its less powerful hardware compared to Xbox and PCs, might face challenges running a game as technically demanding as "Sea of Thieves."
Nevertheless, such a transition may not be for the current iteration of the Nintendo Switch but rather for its successor, possibly hinting at the capabilities of Nintendo's next console. This could open the door for a successful cross-platform transfer, allowing an even wider audience to partake in the sailing and plundering adventures that "Sea of Thieves" offers.
The conversation doesn't stop at Nintendo. Stephen Totilo, a former Kotaku editor and Axios reporter, has also reported hearing similar discussions, particularly concerning a PlayStation version of "Sea of Thieves." Totilo's sources suggested that Microsoft is looking into porting its successful multiplayer game to PlayStation. However, when prompted for a comment, Xbox representatives chose to keep their lips sealed. Totilo also clarified that even though his sources were specific about PlayStation, he couldn’t confirm if the plan to bring "Sea of Thieves" to the Sony platform was still on the table.
Since its launch on Xbox One and Windows in 2018, "Sea of Thieves" has seen a considerable turnaround in public perception. Initially met with mixed reactions from critics, subsequent updates have transformed the game into a celebrated title in Microsoft's gaming portfolio. The commitment of Rare, a studio with a rich history of creating hits for classic Nintendo platforms, has played an essential role in the game's turnaround. In 2020, "Sea of Thieves" received an enhanced version for the Xbox Series X|S and it's currently available on Xbox Game Pass, further broadening its accessibility.
Discussions about "Sea of Thieves" come alongside rumors of other "critically acclaimed" Xbox titles potentially making their way to competitors' systems. The gaming community is rife with speculation, with guesses ranging from the latest Game of the Year contenders to gems from developers like Obsidian.
Here is a glimpse of what "Sea of Thieves" looks like through a gameplay video:
