PC sales of High On Life were just behind PlayStation, the 'lead platform,' but Xbox trailed behind despite its 7-month console exclusivity deal
PC Gamer
by Issy van der Velde February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
High On Life 2, developed by Squanch Games, marked a significant shift in its launch strategy compared to its predecessor. Despite the first game having a seven-month exclusivity deal with Microsoft for Xbox consoles, the sequel debuted simultaneously across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Squanch Games CEO Mike Fridley revealed that PlayStation emerged as the lead platform due to Sony's hardware being designated as such for the first game. This decision was driven by several factors, including cost efficiency from a single marketing campaign and leveraging Steam's strong sales performance.
The simultaneous release also aimed to avoid the complexities of multiple marketing efforts and capitalize on the broad reach of PC and console platforms. Fridley noted that while PlayStation led in sales, PC closely followed, highlighting the importance of platform diversity for maximizing exposure. The absence of an Xbox exclusivity deal was partly attributed to Microsoft's recent Game Pass subscription price hike, which may have affected user engagement.
Squanch Games benefited from Microsoft's robust support for Game Pass titles, enhancing visibility and accessibility for High On Life 2. This strategy reflects a strategic focus on reaching the widest possible audience, aligning with their goal of building a strong franchise foundation.
This approach underscores the evolving dynamics between console exclusivity and cross-platform releases in modern gaming. By prioritizing platform diversity and cost-effective marketing, Squanch Games demonstrated how developers can balance business strategies with player
Verticals
gamingpc
Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/19/2026