Which Gaming Platform Had the Most Exclusives in 2012?

Eric Frederiksen:

On a fanciful whim, TechnoBuffalo’s Senior Gaming Editor Joey Davidson asked me, “Would you like to stare at a spreadsheet for 8 hours?”

Well of course I said yes. But no, I wasn’t playing Disgaea. Instead, I was data-mining Wikipedia’s various lists of games by platform to see which platforms had the most exclusive games.

As a caveat, I’ll note that these lists were compiled by humans, and then read by me, also a human, so there may be minor numerical errors, but the overall picture is accurate. There’s also probably more information a better miner of data could’ve pulled out of these spreadsheets, but here are our graphs and the conclusions we’ve reached. Also, due to the nature of PC gaming, there wasn’t one single place to get a complete list of games, so the closest we could find was the list of games released to Steam in 2012. This doesn’t account for a few EA games (none of which were PC-exclusive) or Blizzard’s games, Diablo III and Mists of Pandaria (along with, very likely, a few other big ones I’ve forgotten).

[Hellsvacancy]

Well we know its not the 360

[Godchild1020]

The PS3 didn't do much better either. I still think that list is a little off though. Are they just counting titles that were release in all areas and not counting titles released only in Japan or they count remakes; Ninja Garden Plus?

The PC is clearly the winner in this and the Vita (The one that has no games) came in second with almost 40 exclusive titles for the year.

Not bad at all.

[DoomeDx]

Arent all Vita games exclusive?
(with the exception of Cross-play games, which are atm very few)

[Zuperman]

hands down the PS3 ... OF THIS GEN.

[amaguli]

@DoomeDX

Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward is on Vita and 3DS. You are right about the rest of the games though, at least to my knowledge.

[Godchild1020]

@DoomeDX

No, there are quite a few that are on other platforms. Need for speed, Sonic & Sega All-Stars and I don't know if cross platform games count.

Ben 10 Galactic Racing
Blazblue continuum shift
F1 2011
WRC3
All the Lego games
Madden & Fifa
Metal Gear Solid HD
Mortal Kombat
Plants VS Zombies
Rayman
Retro City Rampage
Sine Mora
Spy hunter
Street Fighter X Tekken
UMVC3

All of those, plus more are on other platforms.

[Norrison]

@Zuperman
PC got more exclusives than ps3 a whole lot more, but ps3 does have a nice and varied collection of exclusives.

[InactiveUser]

FYI on the article's criteria:
"I was data-mining Wikipedia’s various lists of games by platform"

Wikipedia's games listings are incomplete. For example, the PlayStation 3 Wikipedia games list shows only 7 total games released in July, August, September, October, November, and now December.

April, May, and June combined shows another 7 total games released.

There are weeks have ~7 new releases, let alone 6 or 9 months.

[Perjoss]

It was PC, by a very long way.

[ProjectVulcan]

Does anyone know what this actually means?

Its pretty much a cert PS3 and 360 will be replaced by new consoles next year. Neither have had as many retail exclusives or first party published games this year as any of the peak years prior to this.

This happens the year before every new console generation, it becomes apparent that the manufacturers are preparing new games for their new consoles.

The lack of 360 titles makes it the most obvious, Microsoft are almost certainly concentrating on their next machine now....

[Jason143]

pc always wins exclusives but sony takes the cake in terms of awe factor for their titles imo Im glad to own both

[fermcr]

The PS3 had less exclusives then I thought. The PSV and XBLA had more exclusives then I thought. Not surprised with the number of Steam exclusives.

[Gaming_Guru]

If you're talking about Steam where you buy games online, then it's a store not a platform. The video games bought, are played on a platform, but steam isn't a gaming device, lol.

[Kanzes]

well, actually this year Xbox 360 got a lots of great exc games such as:

- Halo 4
- Forza Horizon
- Alan Wake's American Nightmare
- Fable The Journey
- Dust: An Elysian Tail
- Deadlight

but there's some games that aren't really an exclusive such as:

- The Witcher 2
- Minecraft 360 Edition
- Spelunky

[Kamikaze135]

Alan Wake's American Nightmare and Deadlight aren't exclusives either:

http://store.steampowered.c...
http://store.steampowered.c...

[AngelicIceDiamond]

Ok then N4G since you guys are sooo smart how exactly did PS3 out do Xbox this year? Last year was alll PlayStation 2011 Sony owned. Give credit when credit is due Xbox had the better year overall.

So my question still stands, how exactly did PS3 do better than Xbox this time I'm dying to know please someone tell me.

And if nobody response then this site is further labeled and proving this is a Super Sony site.

@Above your right Deadlight and AWAN isn't an exclusive. Its a CONSOLE exclusive the only type of exclusive that really matters.

[Jason143]

Deadlight and alan wake are on pc bud. Alan wake american has been on sale for $3 on steam for awhile think it ends today

[Kratoscar2008]

The PS family (Consoles)has always had the more exclusives, no change here.

Zuperman

On all gens.

[omi25p]

Err Halo 4, Forza horizion, MineCraft. PS3 had Super Smash Brother's Brawl PS3 Edition

[NeXXXuS]

MineCraft is also on PC :P

[miyamoto]

Minecraft is on Android and iOS too :P

[MaxXAttaxX]

Nice job being subtle.

[showtimefolks]

this is the 1st year in a long time where sony didn't have a huge game, but they did have some small excellent games on psn like Journey

xbox360 had a good year with release of halo 4 too along with great titles on xblive

i think this year PC won when it came to exclusives.

[Angrymorgan]

Does kinect/move shovelware count?
If so, I'd say xbox.

[WeAreLegion]

Sports Champions 2 is a fantastic game.

[strigoi814]

ps3 for sure..judge it from PSN indies love the ps3 right now

[Kanzes]

so many PS3 fanboy in here LOL

[dakunclear]

its not about being a fanboy he is right PSN is the place for indies cause of what Sony is offering them so don't say that till you have all your facts straight

[ritsuka666]

Welcome for N4G dude. This place in very common personal atacks.. so , enjoy the show.

[taquito]

pc has OWNED this gen, WAY more exclusives, better prices, better graphics, mods, better online, better patches, better everything, second place would be ps3, but its a distant second

[hennessey86]

Artical for the fanboys to squabble over..................pathetic , you no who had the most exclusives to play.? Gamers who have both a ps3 and a 360.

[ItsTrue]

It's so dumb how these people fight over such pointless things.

[mcstorm]

I agree. This gen has had 2 massive exclusives from Sony and Microsoft. GT and Halo. The rest sold around about the same but people need to wake up and see since the PSX days its always been about 3rd party games. Look at the best selling games on the PSX and PS2 and you will find they are 3rd party games but people classed them as exclusives because they were not on the N64 ect but they were still crated by a 3rd party.

[MaxXAttaxX]

This isN't about 1st party titles. It's about exclusives. And exclusives can be either 1st or 3rd party. There's no rule that says that it must only be 1st party to count as one.

3rd party games today are almost all multiplatform. But in the PS1/2 days a lot of games by 3rd party devs were exclusive.

[mcstorm]

@NathanExplosion Sorry that is what I was trying to say. there was a lot of Exclusive 3rd party games in the PSX and PS2 days as the PSX and PS2 were the best selling consoles of there gen where this gen its been very close between the XBOX and PS3 and because of this there was more money to be made by 3rd party's if they have the game on both consoles and I see the next Xbox, PS3 and WiiU having more 3rd party games across all 3 than this gen.

[arbitor365]

I have all the exclusives laid out in this spreadsheet for the year. decide for yourself

they have their metascores, though obviously metacritic isnt always great to go by. some scores might be off, because alot of times late reviews come in and change the average, but its pretty updated

https://docs.google.com/spr...

[Kamikaze135]

Not a good list. Some of them aren't exlclusive, some of them won't be out till 2013, and some of them haven't even been officially announced yet. Seriously....Syphon Filter 4?

[arbitor365]

ignore the games that havent come out yet. the ones that have scores are the ones to pay attention to

[andibandit]

but games like Zen Pinball and Hustle kings came out long ago??.

and why is Sine Mora not there?.

Your list is full of faults, this is what is spotted at a glance.

@InTheLab, hmm so i guess Zen Pinball, which was also released for IOS should be removed.

[MrManchild]

Including multiplats such as Playstation Allstars, Closure, Okami HD, Motorstorm RC and Sound Shapes yet excluding games like Minecraft, Mark of the Ninja, Alan Wake's American Nightmare and The Witcher 2?

Nice.

[InTheLab]

I cant fully agree with you and I do hate how loose some people are with the term "multiplatform", but it's not really the same in this case.

The games you listed for Xbox are true multiplatform titles that can be played on many platforms, whereas the Sony titles you listed are of the Playstation brand and can be played nowhere else. You don't need a 360 or Windows to play the Witcher 2 because it's also on Mac...same as Mincraft, except it's also on IOS/Android.

So while they're not Playstation 3 exclusives, they are in fact, Playstation exclusives. So just like DCU online, you can't really list the Witcher 2 as Xbox exclusive or exclusive to any brand.

[MrManchild]

@InTheLab:
Using the term "Playstation exclusive" is such a cop out. Playstation Allstars is playable on more than one platform. It's multiplatform.

Besides, he is clearly comparing the 360 to the PS3. He's not comparing the "Xbox/Windows exclusives" to the "Playstation exclusives."

[trouble_bubble]

So crossplay between the PS3 and the Vita is now being held against Sony?! For real? You're saying a game with Playstation in the title -Playstation AllStars- isn't an exclusive? Comparing it to 3rd party games like Mark of the Ninja which you can get on a PC...is just ridiculous.

Okami HD is only available on PS3 btw. The 2012 HD release isn't available for 360, PC or any handhelds. Why shouldn't it count?

[MrManchild]

@trouble_bubble:
Okami is available on both the PS2 and the Wii. A higher resolution doesn't make it a different game.

This isn't about "punishing" anyone. It just seems unfair to count some "console exclusives" and discount others. Either you count them all, or you don't count them at all.

Those games(except Okami and Closure) might be exclusive to the playstation brand, but they're sure as hell not exclusive to the PS3.

[InTheLab]

It's a cop out because it applies to no one but Sony at this point? That's what it sounds like. I know what exclusive means and really, we're both just playing with words and points of view.

I see it as...

You need a Playstation to play these games. What difference does it make which Playstation Platform you choose when it still MUST be a Playstation device running a game from a Sony owned developer.

You see it as..

It's on multiple platforms so they're the same..when that's clearly not the case.

[MrManchild]

@InTheLab:
You don't need a PS3 to be able to play those games.You don't even need a playstation to play Okami(also on the Wii) or Closure(also on the PC).

They're not PS3 exclusives. It's that simple.

[DigitalRaptor]

Bad list is bad.

[Zha1tan]

Master Race checking in.

http://pixelsmashers.com/wo...

[DiRtY]

What a messed up graph that is?!

The games I played on my 360 and are available only on 360 are not exclusives?! That makes zero sense.

The author sperated Xbox 360, XBLA and Kinect as individual platforms. I played all of those on my console.

Why not compare PS3 (including PSN and PS Move) and Xbox 360 (including XBLA and Kinect) etc etc?

Of course the Xbox 360 won this year. This isn't up for debate. Of course N4G will spin this in a certain way, but reality is a different thing.

[DigitalRaptor]

The graph is kinda odd, but the most exclusive games is what is up for debate here. Steam/PC wins with a good handful of some of the best 360 "exclusives" this year.

Of course 360 has more games when more developers are making games for it. Not in-house Microsoft developers though.

[Moncole]

Quntity=/=Quality. A system can have 10 exclusive, it doesn't mean they are good.

[Saryk]

By the same token, doesnt mean their crap either.

Even the Atari's ET had fans...........few.......but they live.

[rainslacker]

No..I think they all had heart attacks when they heard remaining units were dumped into a landfill.:)

[SilentNegotiator]

What DOES "quntity" equal, then?

[doogiebear]

Sound out the first 4 letters (forming a familiar sounding word), and then figure it out.

Hint: a derogatory term for a female anatomy

[SilentNegotiator]

That does equal quality!
High five, bro!
lol

[AngelicIceDiamond]

Exclusives? including

Download
Motion Control
Retail hardcore games

I'd say Xbox had the most this year.

[DiRtY]

15 disagrees for a fact. N4G never fails to make me smile.
Look it up guys, overall the Xbox 360 had the most games this year. That is a fact.

[Norrison]

Wrong! It's not a fact, PC had the most exclusive games this year, it was pretty obvious actually PC always has had the most exclusives each year most of the time.
What made me smile is the FACT that you didn't even read the article. Also most of the Xbox360 exclusives this year were kinect shovelware.

[Cam977]

Gravity Rush, UGA - the Vita for sure.
On the other hand, the ps3, all of it's Indy games were great.

[slaton24]

psn/xbla should not count...disc based should...and also the vita is a sony product....so xbox didnt have near as many as sony...maybe if they stop with the same games year after year....yeah i love my ps3 i also have xbox but dont play with it much...slaton22A7X

[Zichu]

I prefer to look for good games, regardless of platform.

[NeXXXuS]

I'm still trying to get Odin Sphere for the PS2. One of the PS2's greatest RPG gems.

[Zichu]

I think I had heard of that game before, can't remember where though.

Did look it up and I have to say, it looks pretty awesome. Will definitely put this game on my list.

[josephayal]

The Playstation 3

[InTheLab]

Whatever the case, this was the worst year the PS3 has had in years. I knew 2011 was too good to be true. You have to save at least one heavy hitter for the Holidays, and PS allstars just won't do.

[Hicken]

Well, considering how great 2011 was, they can kinda afford to have a weaker 2012. It hasn't been completely dry, but it's true there haven't been any BIG hits this year like last year.

That said, it seems like they're bouncing back big-time come next year(assuming we're not all dead).

[InTheLab]

I disagree. We...or I...hammer the 360 every year when nothing pops up but a few exceptional downloadable games and Sony pretty much did a Microsoft this year, except they did do what I suggested like delaying a AAA game for this year.

Now next year is a different story. 2 new big budget IPs in a single, as well as the staples like GoW and Sly??? Wow. They've already won next year, but this year was abysmal.

I didn't hit disagree, btw.

[krazykombatant]

ahhh the annual dick measuring contest... Where fanboys show off how much money they spent on their console.

[MasterCornholio]

Your just jealous that you cant afford a huge library of incredible games. Your probably one of those people who pirate everything because you cant afford the original software.

Anyways both consoles had some pretty great exclusives this year and i cant wait for more.

[krazykombatant]

hahaha yes jealous that I decide to spend my hard-earn cash in something else rather than a "huge library of incredible games".

Please go an explore the world outside of your mother's basement.

[animegamingnerd]

this was pretty much the year of PC and handheld gaming. console games this year were pretty lacking

[TheLastGuardian]

PS Vita has all the games! Platform of the year! Seriously, you're missing out big time if you don't own one.

[AO1JMM]

Did any of you actually read the article? N4G = Nope!

PC FTW

[kingPoS]

That picture reminds me of nice (and useful) bookends I got from the Little Big Planet 2 collectors edition.

[kevnb]

pc wins this every year. People on here often fail to realize that the consoles cater to a much smaller audience overall. Games you might not like including even Facebook games are still games.

[deletingthis34675334]

PC isn't bigger than console because of Facebook games, but because most gamers outside America are PC gamers. Console may dominate the United States but PC dominates in European Union, Asia and many third world countries in Africa and South America. I have played MMOs with over 250 million players and the grand total PS2 console sales don't even come CLOSE to those numbers, and these are just games. Even that one crappy MMO for miserable battered housewives (aka WoW) at it's peak of less than 20 million players was just a drop in the ocean.

[Xof]

I've honestly enjoyed this years handheld exclusives more than anything else. Paper Mario, Zero Escape, Project Diva F, etc.

Of course, I always have a hard time remember when which games came out, so who knows. I have been very pleased with my PS3 of late. And my PC, of course.

[MartinB105]

I'm wondering if games like Sound Shapes, Motorstorm RC and Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale were counted somehow.

Since these games appear on both PS3 and PSVita, they're technically not exclusive to one system, yet it wouldn't feel fair to not count them, since Sony make both systems, whilst Microsoft only have one system.

[trouble_bubble]

If the game cover says "only on Playstation", it should count. Kinda speaks for itself.

[ATi_Elite]

I like this article cause it brings light to those left in the darkness by having no clue about the Glory that is PC Gaming!

I ONLY play PC Exclusives!

so the next time someone says the PC blah blah blah this or that just pull up this Story cause the PC has GREAT games of ALL genres!

[tndtloveu]

we should compare AAA title, if compare arcade games then iphone is the best of all...

[KingKevo]

The article is not fun to read at all, especially in such an article I do expect some charts and graphics and easy to find numbers and a better structure.

[black911]

Ps3 exclusives in 2013. I can't WAIT!!!!!!!!

[Benjaminkno]

Which console had more exclusives that people cared about, and sold well?

Nintendo made the most money on software and hardware.
I would have to say that Microsoft won the day though, at least everywhere other than Japan. Sony is making great strides in acquiring more developers, so they may win next gen.

[hiredhelp]

PC Wins-- Flawless Victory
Anyways what i like to see is whos had the monst exclusives since the launch of xbox 360 and PS3 Combined.

[gamern4g]

Its PS3 for sure.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

PC gamers surely get off on ALL the activity CONSOLE gamers are getting for sure...

[Peekayboo]

Sine they posted this in the pc section pc wins

[Silly gameAr]

This has been a weird year for me and games. I'm usually pretty excited this time of year, but honestly nothing has really came out on any system that I just had to play.

Next year is a different story though.

[isarai]

Who cares, multiplatform games it what really shined brightest this year

Sleeping Dogs
Max Payne 3
Sniper Elite V2
Darksiders 2
Assassins creed 3
Far Cry 3
DOA 5
Hitman Absolution
Dishonored
Borderlands 2
Spec Ops the Line
Dragons Dogma

All fantastic games

[Shadonic]

true

[Belking]

Easy win for xbox when you throw in xbox live arcade and indie games. Multiplats are where its at though. Always have been and always will be. If you don't believe that then go play Farcry 3, Dishonored and Borderlands 2 and you will see why.

[Braid]

If we're counting arcade/indie games, then I'd say iPhone wins by a mile. I mean like, what, more than a thousand games show up at Appstore every friggin month? You just can't compete with that. If it's a capable gaming device though, is up to debate.

[Soldierone]

Put one word in there "quality" and make it about quality games. Watch Kinects number drop dramatically, PC lose a bunch, and the digital sales slip a little. PS3, 360, and Vita would all be the same.

[Shadonic]

Yea PC has the most next theres the ps3 for consoles and i dont own a ps3 its just blatently clear