Days Gone: Is It Finally Coming to Xbox?
For years, the gaming community has been buzzing with one question: Will Days Gone, the action-packed, open-world survival game by Bend Studio, finally make its way to Xbox? As one of PlayStation’s iconic exclusives, Days Gone captured the hearts of gamers with its thrilling storyline, stunning visuals, and immersive gameplay. Xbox fans, however, have been left out of the experience since its release. In this article, we delve into the mystery surrounding Days Gone’s potential arrival on Xbox, the possibilities, and what gamers can expect.
What is Days Gone All About?
Released in 2019 as a PlayStation 4 exclusive, Days Gone is set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by “Freakers”—zombie-like creatures that have devastated society. Players take on the role of Deacon St. John, a former biker and drifter, as he navigates the dangers of this new world to find hope and survival. Developed by Bend Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Days Gone has been praised for its realistic open-world mechanics, in-depth story, and innovative “horde” system, where hundreds of Freakers can chase players down, testing their survival skills.
Days Gone’s arrival on PC in May 2021 gave players hope for a broader cross-platform release. But does this mean that an Xbox version might be on the horizon?
Why Days Gone Remains a PlayStation Exclusive
The exclusivity of Days Gone can be attributed to its development and publishing by Sony Interactive Entertainment. PlayStation has a legacy of housing certain exclusive titles like Days Gone, which enhances its brand loyalty and solidifies its position within the gaming industry. Typically, Sony has kept games like these exclusive to PlayStation consoles, but recent trends suggest a shift in this approach.
Several PlayStation exclusives—such as Horizon Zero Dawn and Death Stranding—eventually made their way to other platforms, especially PC. These moves sparked rumors and hopes that Days Gone might follow suit. Xbox fans have also shown tremendous interest, driving speculation about an eventual Xbox release.
Could Days Gone Come to Xbox in the Future?
The question remains: Is Days Gone coming to Xbox? Unfortunately, there has been no official confirmation from Sony or Bend Studio regarding an Xbox release. However, there are some indications that make the possibility of a Days Gone port to Xbox slightly more plausible:
- Success on PC: The PC release of Days Gone demonstrated the game’s appeal beyond PlayStation, selling well and receiving positive reviews from a wider audience. Sony may be more open to cross-platform releases if they see demand on other platforms like Xbox.
- Cross-Platform Trends: The gaming industry has moved toward more cross-platform releases, aiming to reach larger audiences and improve accessibility. Sony has already allowed other PlayStation exclusives on PC, which might hint at future Xbox collaborations.
- Increased Xbox Player Interest: Xbox gamers have expressed significant interest in Days Gone, particularly for its survival elements and unique gameplay mechanics. This strong community demand could prompt Sony to consider an Xbox release, especially if the game could continue to drive sales across new platforms.
What Would an Xbox Release Look Like for Days Gone?
While there is no certainty that Days Gone will arrive on Xbox, it’s still interesting to envision what that release could look like. If it were to happen, here are some potential features and enhancements that could make it even more appealing for Xbox users:
- Graphical Enhancements: With the power of the Xbox Series X, Days Gone could deliver even more stunning visuals and faster load times, enhancing the overall immersive experience.
- Cross-Platform Play: Though the game is primarily a single-player experience, Xbox Game Studios has prioritized cross-platform features in their ecosystem, which could enable some unique community interactions, possibly sharing achievements or leaderboards.
- Xbox Game Pass: If Days Gone were released on Xbox, adding it to the Xbox Game Pass library could make it more accessible, introducing more players to the game and enhancing its reach.
Challenges Facing a Days Gone Xbox Release
While an Xbox release would undoubtedly excite fans, several challenges might prevent Days Gone from reaching the platform:
- Licensing and Contractual Issues: Since Days Gone is developed and published under Sony Interactive Entertainment, contractual restrictions may prevent it from being released on non-Sony consoles like Xbox.
- Internal Priorities: Bend Studio is rumored to be working on other projects, potentially limiting the resources available for an Xbox port.
- Market Strategy: Sony has relied on exclusive titles to retain a competitive edge. Allowing Days Gone on Xbox could dilute its exclusivity, which may be a strategic decision to maintain PlayStation’s appeal.
Rumors and Updates About Days Gone’s Availability
The internet is buzzing with rumors about a potential Days Gone release on Xbox, but it’s important to distinguish fact from speculation. Some unverified sources hint at Sony considering a broader platform strategy to compete with Microsoft, especially given Microsoft’s aggressive acquisitions and cross-platform approach. Here’s what we know so far:
- 2022 Update: No announcements or hints were given in 2022 regarding an Xbox release.
- 2023 Speculation: Industry insiders suggested that Sony might explore a more cross-platform future, especially for older exclusives, but no official announcements have been made regarding Days Gone.
To stay informed about any updates regarding Days Gone, follow official announcements from Bend Studio and Sony Interactive Entertainment.
What Xbox Fans Can Do While Waiting for Days Gone
While waiting for potential news about Days Gone on Xbox, fans can try similar games that capture the same thrilling survival elements. Here are some top recommendations:
- State of Decay 2: An Xbox-exclusive game that allows players to manage a community in a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies.
- Dead Rising 4: A unique take on the zombie genre, this game allows players to explore an open world filled with hordes and endless creative combat options.
- World War Z: Inspired by the popular film, this game features intense co-op gameplay and enormous hordes, similar to Days Gone.
Exploring Alternative Ways to Play Days Gone
For Xbox fans who want to play Days Gone without waiting for an official release, there are a few options:
- PC Version: With Days Gone available on PC, Xbox players with a capable gaming PC can experience it by purchasing through platforms like Steam. This version includes graphical improvements and ultra-wide monitor support, adding to the immersion.
- PlayStation Now Subscription: Sony’s streaming service, PlayStation Now, offers a catalog of PlayStation games available to stream on PC. Though Days Gone isn’t currently on this service, future additions could make it accessible to a broader audience.
While neither option fully replaces an Xbox release, they offer alternatives for dedicated fans eager to experience Days Gone’s thrilling gameplay.
Final Thoughts: Will Days Gone Ever Come to Xbox?
The dream of seeing Days Gone on Xbox remains uncertain, yet there is hope. With the gaming industry becoming more open to cross-platform releases, there’s always a chance that Sony might eventually bring this beloved title to Xbox, especially if community interest remains high.
As fans, all we can do is remain hopeful, support the game in its current formats, and keep an eye on future announcements. Whether or not Days Gone makes its way to Xbox, its legacy as an engaging and immersive survival game will continue to inspire fans worldwide.
Until an official announcement, keep up-to-date with the latest gaming news on platforms like our Gaming Hub to stay informed about Days Gone and other PlayStation exclusives.
This article is in the category Entertainment and created by GameMasterHub Team