Leaked Microsoft documents explain why Yakuza: Like a Dragon was briefly a timed next-gen exclusive

eurogamer.net:

When Yakuza: Like a Dragon released in 2020, there was an odd situation where the PS5 version released four months after the Xbox Series X/S version, with no explanations given.

Thanks to the huge leak of documents accidentally uploaded by Microsoft to the US FTC, we now know why the PS5 version of Yakuza: Like a Dragon was released later than its Xbox next-gen counterparts.

In a series of emails dated 1st June 2020, Xbox execs Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond, and Damon Baker (who has since left Microsoft and joined publisher Kepler Interactive) discuss how the company essentially ended up with a timed exclusive on next-gen consoles thanks to a number of caveats with certain deals struck between itself, Sega and Sony.

Here's the timeline of releases for Yakuza: Like a Dragon:

So a bit complicated! The relevant email conversation began with Spencer pointing out an IGN tweet from 7th May 2020, which linked to an article on Yakuza: Like a Dragon being a launch title for Xbox Series X/S. «This isn't next-gen exclusive is it?» Spencer asked, to which Baker explained it was not. At this point, the game had been released in Japan on PS4 only.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon has been announced as an Xbox Series X launch title. https://t.co/csbgFQhfYA pic.twitter.com/SkbmrEoxVF

Baker noted the game would be available on PS4 and PS5, but it would be available from day one on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. Baker also pointed out Xbox had «rest of world marketing rights outside of Japan» and could release the game at any point.

However, a couple of emails later, Baker explained the bizarre circumstances which led to the staggered release dates across different platforms and regions. Sony had a year-long exclusivity deal for Yakuza: Like a Dragon