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Enotria: The Last Song, a Soulslike game inspired by Italian folklore, is set to release on 17th September for PS5 and PC. However, Xbox players will have to wait – perhaps indefinitely – due to platform submission issues and what the developer claims is a lack of support from Microsoft.
Jacky Greco, CEO of Jyamma Games, the studio behind Enotria, said: “We’ve Xbox Series X/S version ready, but we can’t proceed with submission and release. I spent a lot of money porting and they decided to ignore us.”
Speaking to Insider Gaming, Greco elaborated that a bug had prevented Jyamma Games from opening its store page on Xbox and submitting the game. Initially, Microsoft was responsive but subsequently ceased communication.
Enotria’s challenges represent a broader trend where various games either delay or forgo their Xbox releases under confusing and frustrating circumstances.
Baldur’s Gate 3, celebrated as a Game of the Year award recipient, was absent from the Xbox Series X/S for several months after launching on the PS5. This was purportedly due to optimization issues with the Xbox Series S. Despite the game’s success on the portable Steam Deck, this omission cast the Xbox platform in an unfavorable light.
In recent months, Capcom announced that it would be bringing ports of classic games to the PS4, PS5, PC, and Switch, but again excluded any Xbox platforms. This decision once more raised questions about the attractiveness of Microsoft’s console. However, in a positive turn, Capcom has recently stated that after “technical discussions” with Microsoft, they will be including Xbox in these upcoming releases.
We’re excited to share that following in-depth technical discussions with Microsoft, the MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics and Capcom Fighting Collection 2 are slated to launch on Xbox One! 🎉
Both versions for Xbox are expected in 2025, so keep an eye out for further details! pic.twitter.com/Omdfe6IgYH
Black Myth: Wukong’s debut on the PS5 and its non-appearance on Xbox consoles has sparked various rumors. These range from technical limitations to potential secret exclusive deals with Sony.
Xbox enthusiasts also face disappointment with the upcoming release of Funcom’s Dune: Awakening, a crafting and survival game expected early next year.
“We have several optimizations to work through before launching on Xbox,” stated Scott Junior, the Chief Product Officer at Funcom, in a conversation with VG247. “Indeed, the Xbox Series S presents a significant challenge.”
Conversely, Jyamma Games clearly states the reasons for the postponement of Enotria.
“You can ask Xbox why they haven’t responded for two months,” Greco mentioned on Discord. “Clearly, they are indifferent towards Enotria and your concerns.”
This scenario has further intensified the growing unrest among both developers and gamers, raising concerns over Microsoft’s commitment and communication strategies.
With Xbox missing out on key game releases or facing notable delays, the queries regarding its sustainability are mounting.
Pretty damning public statement from a developer here. Alongside issues such as:
-Dune Awakening developers mention that supporting the Series S will be “a challenge”
-Indy’s brief exclusivity period
-The Baldur’s Gate 3 Series S issue leading to a three-month delay on Xbox
It’s no wonder Xbox enthusiasts are left feeling frustrated.
With Xbox promoting its “no console required” cloud gaming initiative and releasing many of its exclusive games on competing platforms – all while Sony and Nintendo do not seem to reciprocate – it’s making players question the value of investing in Xbox.
The diminishing interest from players is leading to less interest from game developers, which could soon lead the platform into a downward spiral. Previously, Microsoft was praised for the support it offered developers through its ID@Xbox program, but now there’s a prevailing sense they “don’t care” about this aspect.
See also: Roblox developers targeted by year-long malware campaign
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