Hopes of Spider-Man Coming to Xbox Dashed, Games Likely to Stay PC/PS5 Exclusives

Sony's increasing openness to multiplatform releases raises questions about the future of PlayStation exclusivity.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The lines between console ecosystems are blurring, as Sony Interactive Entertainment embraces a more flexible approach to platform availability. While PlayStation exclusives were once a key selling point for Sony's hardware, a recent trend suggests a potential shift in strategy, sparking debate among gamers about the future of platform exclusivity. Insomniac Games, the studio behind the acclaimed Marvel's Spider-Man series, has been at the center of this discussion, with its initial stance on platform availability for the web-slinger now evolving.

Why it matters

The debate around platform exclusivity is significant, as it impacts the accessibility and availability of highly anticipated games. Sony's decisions on which titles remain exclusive to its PlayStation platform versus those that may come to other consoles like Xbox will shape the gaming landscape and influence consumer choices.

The details

Insomniac Games' initial stance on platform availability for Spider-Man was firm, with the studio declaring in 2017 that the web-slinger would 'never appear on the Xbox or PC.' This promise was partially broken when Sony brought the PlayStation exclusive to Windows. This change in approach has led fans to question the future of other PlayStation titles. Sony Interactive Entertainment is increasingly embracing a multi-platform push, with titles like Helldivers 2 now available on Xbox and Bungie's Marathon slated to arrive on the rival console in March. However, these releases are primarily live-service multiplayer titles, a category Sony distinguishes from its narrative-driven, single-player experiences. SIE CEO Hermen Hulst has emphasized the importance of tentpole single-player titles in showcasing the performance and quality of PlayStation hardware, suggesting that major, single-player exclusives may remain PlayStation-bound for the foreseeable future.

  • In 2017, Insomniac Games declared that Spider-Man would 'never appear on the Xbox or PC.'

The players

Insomniac Games

An American video game developer known for creating the Spyro, Ratchet & Clank, and Marvel's Spider-Man franchises. Insomniac Games was acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2019 and is now part of PlayStation Studios.

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE)

The video game and digital entertainment company that owns the PlayStation brand and is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation.

Hermen Hulst

The CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment and the former managing director of Guerrilla Games.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.