Microsoft Mocks Sony About Spider-Man’s Xbox Return

Microsoft is once again rattling Sony's cage, as the gaming giant celebrates the return of Spider-Man after many years of PlayStation exclusivity - but it's not how you'd think.

10th Jun 2022 12:44

Images via Insomniac Games | Microsoft

spider-man-xbox-return.jpg

It's been a while, but Microsoft is suiting up in its spandex and shouting "go web, go," as Spider-Man makes his long-awaited return to the Xbox. These days, you might associate the wall-crawling hero with PlayStation and Insomniac's Spider-Man games. That's because it's been eight (yes eight) years since he's stepped foot on the Xbox.

While some of you might know Spider-Man was Stan Lee's favourite creation, did anyone expect Web-Head to be as popular as he is today? If it's not Miles Morales leading Sony's Into the Spider-Verse movies, it's Tom Holland in the MCU, Insomniac's upcoming Spider-Man 2, and even some surprise guests in Marvel's Midnight Suns

Why Is Microsoft Trolling Sony Over Spider-Man?

Posting on Twitter, Microsoft celebrated Spidey's long-awaited return for Marvel's Midnight Suns. At this year's Summer Game Fest, we got a glimpse at Firaxis Games' XCOM-esque title. Although there was already a healthy lineup of heroes that included the likes of Ghost Rider, Wolverine, and Captain Marvel, the latest trailer confirmed Spider-Man AND Venom as newcomers.

Microsoft encouraged Xbox owners to pre-order Midnight Suns, while also gloating that Spidey had secured the landing. Although the game is also coming to PlayStation, there's some more salt in the wound when you release actor Yuri Lowenthal is voicing Spider-Man in Midnight Suns. You might recall that Lowenthal played Peter Parker and his hero alter ego in Marvel's Spider-Man

The jibe at Sony didn't go unnoticed. "Xbox, I know you meant to tweet this to jab at PlayStation, but please pay ps a couple of million to get spiderman on xbox, hell trade them sunset overdrive for it," said one gamer. "Enjoy ur turn based game have fun 🤡 Spider-Man 2 Is on the way," wrote another. A third chuckled, "So you guys rejected an offer from Marvel to work on an exclusive Spider-Man game on Xbox for this?".

 

What's Next For Spider-Man Games?

We recently covered how Microsoft reportedly rejected a pitch to have Marvel games as an exclusive. It turns out a run of lacklustre games and 2014's The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was the straw that broke the camel's back. It was The Amazing Spider-Man 2 that was the last time Peter Parker swung onto Xbox. Still, Microsoft's loss was Sony's gain. 

Remember, Crystal Dynamics' Marvel's Avengers added Spider-Man but he was a PlayStation-exclusive. It doesn't look like Spider-Man will be going anywhere anytime soon, and we've already pitched how Insomniac can build its own Marvel Gaming Universe. The acclaimed developer is working on the mysterious Wolverine game, and alongside Spider-Man 2, the opportunities for where we can go next are frankly limitless. You win this round Microsoft, but it looks like Sony has won the Spider-Man war.

Tom Chapman

About The Author

Tom Chapman

Tom is Trending News Editor at GGRecon, with an NCTJ qualification in Broadcast Journalism and over seven years of experience writing about film, gaming, and television. With bylines at IGN, Digital Spy, Den of Geek, and more, Tom’s love of horror means he's well-versed in all things Resident Evil, with aspirations to be the next Chris Redfield.

2024 GGRecon. All Rights Reserved