Microsoft might be seeking to extend its console exclusivity period for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds

By James O'Connor

Microsoft must know that they have a huge exclusive on their hands – and reportedly, they’re trying to hold onto it for as long as they can.

According to Bloomberg, Microsoft is in talks to extend the period of console exclusivity for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, which is due to release for Xbox One later this year, alongside the Xbox One X.

This would make sense – with Crackdown delayed, PUBG stands alongside Forza 7 as the Xbox One’s most significant exclusive during the holiday period.

The Bloomberg article cites anonymous sources who are “familiar with the matter”, who believe that Microsoft is bargaining to have the game as a console exclusive until at least the middle of 2018, if not beyond that.

Although Microsoft avoided making a direct comment one way or the other to Bloomberg when contacted, it would make sense – PUBG is huge, and we heard just yesterday that Sony is already in talks to bring the game to PS4. In an interview with us, Mike Ybarra, vice president of Xbox, said that he believed the game could be very successful on Xbox.

The exclusivity deal for PUBG on Xbox is very confusing at present, so hopefully we’ll get some clarity on this whole situation soon, but long story short – it looks like Microsoft is trying to secure a deal that keeps the game off PlayStation for as long as they can.

PUBG releases on Xbox One before the end of the year, although a firm date has not been set.