Helldivers 2 is set to be released on Xbox this month, and conversations are already swirling among fans about what will come next. Most importantly, though, came the interesting twist: Halo ODST content will come into this PlayStation-published game. Basically, the first time in history, an Xbox franchise of such caliber is going to appear in a Sony-funded title. I remember reading this news and thinking, there is just no way that’s happening.
This is not just like any other small crossover. Xbox and PlayStation have always been fierce competitors for decades. However, this time around, with Helldivers 2, it wasn’t any kind of pressure from third parties that made PlayStation put it on Xbox; it was Sony’s very own will. They are definitely thinking outside the confined space of just having exclusive games for one platform.
And that history adds to how interesting this whole thing is. Back in 2009, Halo 3: ODST was one of the reasons people went to Xbox. And Sony tried to fight back with games like Killzone 2 on PlayStation 3. That was the closest they could come to competing against Microsoft’s big shooter. Now fast forward sixteen years, and here are the legendary franchises together in Helldivers 2. Honestly, I can’t remember a time that something like that happened, and it feels kind of surreal.
HellDivers 2 is relatively new to this kind of collaboration. There was some Killzone content in the past. Then throw in Halo, and now practically everything is different. The game becomes a meeting point for the legacies of both consoles. The days of console wars and competition seem really distant now.
And why is that? Making games in this day and age costs hundreds of millions. Meanwhile, console sales are not growing quickly enough to cover that cost. Thus, extending outside their own systems makes financial sense for the companies. By going to new platforms, they can extend their lifespans and have more players. Being in the gaming ecosystem for years, it is evident that this is really about survival and growth, rather than simply a fun crossover.
Sony seems to be engaging in careful planning. They aren’t abandoning exclusivity altogether. I mean, they’re going to hold on to some major single-player hits for the time being. But there’s a good chance some of those bygone releases will eventually trickle down to other circles. It means the staggered releases, wider PC availability, and selected cross-platform partnerships are ones to trot.
To players, the collaboration with Halo ODST is more than just a gimmick. It highlights the change within gaming culture. The traditional rivals are now finding ways to collaborate. Big visions for the future have sprung up. Will we see more PlayStation games with content from Xbox and vice versa? One day, experiences might really roam freely between systems.
Fan reactions were mixed. Some were just loving the crossover idea. For others, particularly the hardcore brand loyalists, there is the concern that their console’s identity seems to be fading. But honestly, people will get used to that over time. And after some time, seeing a Halo helmet in a PlayStation game may not raise eyebrows. They will be just waiting for the next big collaboration.
Clearly, all the old rules went away. The gaming worlds of Sony and Microsoft are no longer isolated realms. Partnerships that once seemed impossible are already happening. Helldivers 2 may just be the first in a series of markers on the road to a world where alliances count as much as competition. I can’t wait to see what happens next. You may also be interested in: Chibi-Robo Nintendo Switch Online Release – GameCube Classic is Back
