Earlier there were a few Xbox exclusives that were rated poorly (Redfall anyone) or just failed to meet higher expectations. I don’t think there is necessarily anything nefarious going on, I just think Xbox games rated below expectations are not surprising anymore. Combine that with gamers generally losing interest in the brand after more than a decade of poor or self-serving decisions and I think it is more of a case that no one really cares to talk Xbox games anymore. I loved the OG Xbox and the 360, but unfortunately Series X has turned into a paper weight. I rarely remember it is there.
Sony is still a very hot brand, and people are passionate about their hobbies so I would expect more fierce debate for a Sony game that doesn’t live up to expectations. Inverse to Xbox, more times than not Sony exclusives are well received so it is a bit more surprising when a Sony game underperforms.
In summation, l think lethargy has set in with the Xbox brand and gamers don’t care enough to even really have a discussion about games that are poorly received. I want Flight Simulator 2024 to be good, but I am not surprised in the slightest if it doesn’t meet expectations because Xbox has proven for over a decade that they do not know how to effectively manage their gaming division.