Xbox Survey Reportedly Floats Ending Minecraft Sales on PlayStation and Nintendo
A leaked Xbox Insider survey reportedly asks players how they would react if Minecraft stopped being sold on PlayStation and Nintendo; Microsoft has announced nothing.
9Minecraft Team
A survey sent to some Xbox Insiders reportedly asks players how they would feel if Minecraft were no longer sold on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. This is a hypothetical question in a questionnaire, not a decision, and neither Microsoft nor Mojang has announced a change.
The story began with Windows Central and its writer Jez Corden, who obtained screenshots of the survey and verified them. God Is a Geek says the screenshots came from one participant. KeenGamer says it separately confirmed that the Insider survey exists. A confidentiality statement is attached to the survey, so very little else is public.
What the survey actually asks
Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, DOOM, Diablo, Minecraft and Hideo Kojima's PHYSINT all appear in the questionnaire, according to God Is a Geek. For each scenario, respondents pick a reaction. They can play on an Xbox they already own, buy a new console, move to PC, or skip the game. Windows Report reads this as Microsoft testing whether exclusives would sell Xbox hardware.
The most sweeping question imagines every future game from an Xbox-developed franchise becoming console-exclusive to Xbox, with Call of Duty as the only exception. Dexerto adds that the survey also looks at timed exclusivity for single games, not just permanent lockouts.
What the Minecraft scenario imagines
- Existing Minecraft games would no longer be sold on PlayStation or Nintendo.
- Those versions would get no new content updates.
- Future releases would be Xbox-exclusive, per the wider question.
What the wording says stays the same
- Anything you already own is not affected.
- Nothing changes on PC.
- No reason is given for treating Minecraft differently.
Confirmed and unconfirmed
Nothing about a policy change has been confirmed by Microsoft or Mojang. All that is established is that the survey is real.
| Claim | Status | Who says so |
|---|---|---|
| The survey exists and went to some Insiders | Verified by reporters | Windows Central, KeenGamer |
| Minecraft is named in the exclusivity questions | Verified by reporters | Windows Central, God Is a Geek, Beebom |
| Minecraft sales would end on PlayStation and Nintendo | Hypothetical only | Survey wording |
| Xbox plans to make Minecraft exclusive | Unconfirmed | No official statement |
| Mobile and other edition effects | Not known | Sources are silent |
Where the sources differ
The send date is reported three ways. God Is a Geek says the survey reached participants on 13 October, KeenGamer says it confirmed the survey on the 14th, and Beebom says it was sent on the 15th. The 13th is better supported because KeenGamer had already confirmed the survey by the 14th. Beebom may be giving a later date for a wave of invitations or may simply be mistaken.
Sources also differ on why Call of Duty is left out. God Is a Geek says the survey gives no reason. KeenGamer links it to a 2023 deal that keeps the series on PlayStation for ten years. That explanation is plausible, but it is KeenGamer's own inference, not something the survey states.
How the story developed
Xbox puts several games on PS5, including Forza Horizon 5, Gears of War: Reloaded and Halo: Campaign Evolved.
Under CEO Asha Sharma, Gears of War: E-Day launches on Xbox and PC only. Transcripts from a town hall, reported by God Is a Geek, show Sharma saying the company must back its strongest franchises.
The survey reportedly reaches a subset of Xbox Insiders, according to God Is a Geek.
Windows Central publishes its report and KeenGamer confirms the survey exists.
Beebom gives this as the send date, which conflicts with the other sources.
Microsoft has made no public statement on the survey.
What players and creators are saying
We have no creator videos or comment threads from this story to draw on, so we will not guess at the mood. The outlets themselves are cautious. Beebom says full exclusivity for The Elder Scrolls 6 or the next Fallout would upset players on other consoles. Windows Report treats the survey mainly as a way to find out whether exclusives sell consoles. We will add community reaction once it is available.
Reader questions
Is this real?
The survey is real, according to Windows Central and KeenGamer. The Minecraft scenario is a hypothetical question, not an announced plan.
When could it happen?
No one knows. The sources give no date, and Microsoft has said nothing.
Which edition would be affected?
The survey only mentions PlayStation, Nintendo and PC. It does not say what would happen to Java Edition, Bedrock on mobile, or other versions.
Can I try or join it?
There is nothing to try, because this is a questionnaire and not a build. It reached only some Insiders.
Does my existing copy stay?
In the scenario as worded, yes. Purchases you already own would not be affected.
What to watch next
No date has been given for any announcement. The clearest signal would be a statement from Xbox or Mojang about Minecraft's future on PlayStation and Nintendo, and so far there is none. Watch for how Sharma answers questions about Elder Scrolls 6 and for any follow-up from Windows Central.
Beebom notes that Forza Horizon 6 and Fable are still slated for PS5 next year. If they launch as planned, that would suggest Xbox is not moving to full exclusivity quickly. Insider Gaming says Xbox is aiming for profitability in fiscal year 2027, so the strategy is still being decided. We will update this piece when an official word arrives.
If Minecraft became Xbox and PC only, what would you do?
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