At the time of writing, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is only available on PC and PlayStation 4. For Xbox players, however, there’s currently been no conclusive decision regarding the title’s release on the Microsoft console. Although the Mediatonic development can make the transition, it’s thought that the creators are solely focusing on the game’s existing platforms, as per Inverse.
While, of course, this doesn’t mean that the level-formatted platformer won’t eventually make its way over to the Xbox One or Xbox Series X, it raises questions concerning the platform’s ability to cater to gamer demands. So, let’s take a look at why acquiring Fall Guys as soon as possible could be pivotal to Xbox’s success over the next few years.
Xbox Users are Expectant, and a Crossover is in the Pipeline
Although it’s unlikely that loyal Xbox gamers will switch away from the Microsoft consoles come the release of the next-generation consoles later in the year, the platform’s inability to promote games like Fall Guys won’t prove fruitful to user retention. According to a quote by Mediatonic, which can be found at GameSpot, the developers “would love” to bring the game to other platforms in the future.
However, at present, there are little signs that the development will arrive on the Xbox any time soon. Interestingly, Mediatonic is continuing to work on player immersion to better user experiences across both PCs and PlayStations. The Express report that there are plans for season two to include crossplay features.
Fundamentally, this is indicative of the fact that the title’s developers are staying true to their word in predominantly focusing on their existing platforms. Moreover, from a business standpoint, not possessing the newly-released title in its library will see the platform miss out on potential record-breaking sales. On the PlayStation 4, Fall Guys has become the most downloaded PS Plus game of all time following its full release back in August 2020, showcasing its marketability.
Avoiding Falling Behind
Given that Fall Guys have undoubtedly become one of 2020s most popular titles, Xbox risk falling behind their competitors in not being able to offer the battle royale platformer. It’s believed that the primary reason behind the game’s absence from the Microsoft console relates to Falls Guys’ deal with PS Plus. In many ways, the decision sees the game follow in the footsteps on Psyonix’s Rocket League, which also began as a PlayStation Plus exclusive.
However, Xbox gamers can take comfort in the fact that the vehicular soccer game made its way onto the platform in February 2016, seven months after it’s PlayStation release. Since then, the platform has been integral to Rocket League’s success. In March 2020, across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms, Pysonix’s creation registered record-high numbers of concurrent players, with over 550,000 loading the title, as per Dexerto. Fascinatingly, this was a 1500 per cent increase from Rocket League’s usual total.
Assuming that Fall Guys takes a similar path, then there’s an expectation that the title will move to Xbox once it’s established itself. If the same seven-month wait occurs here, then the platformer may not arrive on Microsoft consoles until 2021. That said, waiting may not necessarily be a bad thing. Time will enable Mediatonic to iron out any existing issues with their levels and servers, for example.
Future Risk of Losing Audiences to Mobile Platforms
Perhaps one of the most significant areas of concern regarding Fall Guys’ future revolves around its plans to expand onto smartphones. Although the title is yet to enjoy a mobile crossover, indications point to the fact that plans are in place to secure its position on the smartphone market. According to Republic World, Bilibili, a Chinese video-sharing platform, has recently acquired the rights to the battle royale’s mobile ports.
As a result of this development, Fall Guys will eventually hit the mobile market, with China being the first destination for its release. Unlike with PCs and PlayStations, smartphones are more commonly available, with 79 per cent of UK adults owning a phone back in 2019, as per Finder. With such accessibility continuing to grow, Xbox risk potentially losing sections of their audience to the mobile market should the Microsoft development release Fall Guys after smartphones.
Crucially, this wouldn’t be the first time that phone markets had stolen a genre-specific march on consoles. For example, the digital casino industry is a prime example of how essential convenience has become to modern-day gamers. LeoVegas, one of the bonus-offering operators listed at Casino Hacks, have sought to expand their audience base through targeting the mobile market. The platform, which claims to be the world’s top mobile casino, can offer prospective smartphone users some of the industry’s most sought-after games, including Book of Dead and Starburst. With the convenience of smartphone gaming, console providers will need to think of inventive ways to keep gamers returning to the console experience.
Potentially Missing Out on a Trend-Altering Game
Of course, there is nothing to say that not having Fall Guys will have a significant effect on Xbox’s number of users. However, the platform would be wise to push for the title despite its PS Plus deal. Ultimately, few can argue that the title isn’t reaching unprecedented levels of popularity. As such, acquiring it as soon as possible will benefit Fall Guys’ global reach, as well as Xbox users.
