There are rumors that Microsoft wants to expand the exclusivity of the shooter PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG). Then a PlayStation version would be ruled out. The hit shooter would be available only for PC and Xbox One.
According to the financial site Bloomberg, Microsoft is in talks with the company behind PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. Microsoft wants to expand the agreement to bring PUBG exclusively to Xbox. This information has been provided by Bloomberg from “people familiar with the matter.”
Is the PS4 version of PUBG coming in mid-2018 or not at all?
Currently, Microsoft has the hit game PUBG labeled as “Console Launch Exclusive,” which was announced at E3. However, it is not entirely clear what exactly “Console Launch Exclusive” means. Microsoft has declined to comment on this; they only said: At launch, we will be the only console that has the game. What happens later is not our concern.
According to Bloomberg, the current agreement states: A PS4 version for PUBG will be released at least “3 months” after the version for the Xbox – which is planned for the end of 2017. Such a console exclusivity serves to ensure that players choose a specific console.
As a possible time frame for the release of a PS4 version of PUBG, Bloomberg indicates mid-2018 or even later.
Microsoft likely wants the shooter for themselves
But apparently, that is still too early for Microsoft, they want PUBG exclusively for themselves on consoles, wanting PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds exclusively for Xbox. Because that is the consequence of an expansion of the exclusivity deal.
If Microsoft’s talks with PUBG about the extension of the deal are successful, a PS4 version of PUBG could be completely dropped. It has not been officially announced yet.
Recently, Bloomberg reported that PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is in talks with Sony to develop a version of the shooter for PlayStation. There is still no official confirmation that the talks have been successful.
No comment from Microsoft
Microsoft has declined to comment on these rumors. Currently, the PUBG team is focused on delivering the best possible game for PS4 and Xbox One.
It is important to note: These are currently rumors from “normally well-informed circles.” There is no official confirmation from PUBG that they are currently discussing an expanded exclusivity deal with Microsoft.
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