Microsoft Surveys Xbox Exclusivity for Fallout and Minecraft

Microsoft is reportedly exploring whether major franchises such as Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, DOOM, and Minecraft should become Xbox console exclusives, according to a newly discovered survey.

The questionnaire appeared through the Xbox Insider Program and asked selected users how their gaming habits would change if Microsoft restricted future releases to Xbox consoles.

According to Windows Central, journalist Jez Corden obtained screenshots of the survey and confirmed their authenticity.

Participants were asked whether exclusive releases from franchises including Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Diablo, DOOM, and Minecraft would encourage them to purchase an Xbox console or return to one they already own.

One hypothetical scenario suggested making all future Xbox-developed games console-exclusive, with Call of Duty remaining an exception. PC releases would continue under the proposed arrangement.

The survey also explored a more dramatic possibility involving Minecraft. Under that scenario, existing versions would no longer be sold on PlayStation or Nintendo consoles and would stop receiving new content updates. Previously purchased games and content would remain unaffected.

Microsoft asked respondents whether these changes would encourage them to buy Xbox hardware, switch to PC, or stop playing the affected franchises.

The questions come as Microsoft continues to balance its multiplatform publishing strategy with efforts to strengthen its Xbox console ecosystem.

However, the survey does not confirm that Microsoft intends to adopt any of these measures. Companies frequently test hypothetical strategies before making business decisions.

For now, Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Minecraft, and other Xbox franchises have no newly announced exclusivity restrictions resulting from this survey.