Paying for exclusivity - why it’s here to stay

GamesRadar - According to recent reports, the first game from Respawn Entertainment, called TitanFall, will be an Xbox One exclusive. Other rumours suggest that Mirror's Edge 2 and Fallout 4 could also be single format games--or at the least Xbox and PC only. Not just for a week, a month, or a year... but permanently. It’s a clear sign that Microsoft is going all-in to dominate PS4 in the next-generation. Why? Because true third-party exclusives like these cost big, big money.

[aquamala]

of course third party exclusives cost lots of money, why else would a third party developer make a game exclusive?

there are few third party exclusives this entire gen (outside of Japanese niche games, I guess that makes sense since the target market is Japan where 360 sell poorly).

[dedicatedtogamers]

There are three kinds of "paid-for exclusivity". Two are stupid. One is great.

The first kind is when a publisher/company funds a game. This would be like - for example SCE Japan Studios funding and co-developing Soul Sacrifice. It's made by Marvelous/Comcept, but it exists because Japan Studios supported it. This sort of "paid-for exclusivity" is wonderful, because it enriches and expands the market.

The second kind is when a game is already in development and a company pays to keep it exclusive to the console, or when a company funds a game from another platform. This isn't a bad thing, because it usually gives the developer freedom to focus on just one platform. In some cases (if we cheat with the definition of "exclusive" a bit), it can bring games to a new audience. Minecraft, as an example, is exclusive to the Xbox 360 (outside of PC). This sort of exclusivity isn't bad, but it isn't the best, either.

The third - and worst - kind is timed exclusivity. This adds absolutely nothing to the industry. The game is not improved in any way. It doesn't create anything new. It is simply a case of paying the schoolyard bully to hold the ball over his head while taunting "nya nya can't play with this until I'm done". Timed-exclusive DLC is even worse.

Sadly, I think we're going to see a lot of the third, a bit of the second, and hardly any instance of the first example during the 8th generation...

[NewMonday]

this is from the GI story
"Plan to use Microsoft's Cloud for dedicated servers and physics and AI calculations" we will see how that works finally, something real or another SimCity BS.

and this also means the game is "always online" even for local multiplayer(don't know if it will have it).

[loulou]

yawn. gears was paid for by microsoft, so i can suppose that we can include that in the "enriched" the market category.

what about gta in the ps2 era? sony kept that to themselves, and it added absolutely nothing to the industry. although it added plenty of ps2s sold to sonys credit, and lots of royalty checks to put in their bank. and was certainly a case of school yard bully syndrome no??

[rainslacker]

@loulou

Using GTA during the PS2 era may not be the best example, because I don't know if Sony paid for that. The PS2 was highly successful, and the competition just didn't have an install base to warrant a release on those systems to make it worth the time to port. There were gauranteed sales on the PS2, but not the Xbox or the GameCube. Likely if the other console makers wanted it on their system, they would have had to pay for the porting.

[user5575708]

i thought MS would have learned after blowing 50million on the GTAIV exclusive content only to have it backfire in overall sales of the content and eventually go to ps3 anyway.

[MikeMyers]

Can someone explain to me why full exclusive is better than timed exclusive for the consumer? Full exclusives means you will have to own the appropriate hardware while timed exclusive means eventually a larger consumer base has easier access to it.

Sounds to me those who oppose it just don't like it when it happens on a console they don't support.

[One4U]

THIS IS STUPID !THEY COULD HAVE SPENT THAT SAME MONEY TO START UP THEIR OWN DEV TEAMS AND CREATE NEW IPs INSTEAD

[ShinMaster]

They'll end up on PS4 anyway. Just like other third-party exclusives. Even the ones that were published by Microsoft themselves, like Mass Effect and Ninja Gaiden 2 ended up on PS3.

[awi5951]

No gears of war was a huge new exclusive for xbox. So if they can get more like that its a great deal.

[UNGR]

Sell poorly? More like they haven't been sold in Japan for 4 years.

[fermcr]

The Witness became a timed exclusive to PS4, everybody praises Sony, even gaming journalists.

Microsoft does the same thing, everybody bashes them including gaming journalists.

I don't like the X1 and what it became, but in all honesty, gaming journalism is going down the drain. Biased much !!!

[Unicron]

I think part of it is the apparent shift in support/ideology surrounding indie titles though, not just exclusivity.

[HammadTheBeast]

They didn't pay for a timed exclusive...

Especially not nearly as much as M$ does, and Sony still has their own exclusives.

[NYC_Gamer]

I don't like the idea of 3rd party software being exclusive to any platform but money talks

[AngelicIceDiamond]

"money talks"

And even then its not guaranteed exclusive.

[loulou]

and what do you lot think would happen if sony or microsoft announced that the next gta or cod was going to be exclusive on their console for one year??????

it would be a massacre! dont pretend it wouldn't be otherwise.

and you can bet that the advertising will proclaim just who the team are behind this game as well.

remember gta III on the ps2?

[GiggMan]

Yeah money talks but personally I wouldn't waste my money if I was in charge.

If these rumors are true I'm kind of questioning the strength of Microsofts launch line up if they have to resort to these tactics. Time will tell.

[ShaunCameron]

And sometimes it make the platform-owner look good. Timed or not.

Nintendo:
Castlevania
Mega Man
Street Fighter
Dragon Warrior/Dragon Quest
Monster Hunter

Sony:
Resident Evil
Grand Theft Auto
Final Fantasy
Devil May Cry
Tekken
Metal Gear Solid

Microsoft:
Elder Scrolls
Bioshock
Mass Effect
Saints Row
Ninja Gaiden

[Blackdeath_663]

money doesn't buy quality

[golding89]

believe me it does most of the times

[Godmars290]

When it actually does its not for long.

More than often, in the case of Tales of Vesperia, it put egg on MS's face. Was likely why they lost Japan as a market.

[Brazz]

I remember tales! lol! they called Xbox version "the Beta version"!

[Saints94]

Eh, you can have Mirror's edge and Titan's Fall but Fallout 4......

[pr0t0typeknuckles]

I swear if mirrors edge is console exclusive to anybody im gonna flip,it was multiplat before and it should stay for the sequel,and Microsoft I personally feel should stop being lazy and invest in their own studios for exclusives like nintendo and Sony.

[UNGR]

Well if it's only fair that the other consoles get mirrors edge then it's only fair the PS3 copies of ME2, and 3 stop working. Money talks dude, sometimes you just have to live things, even if it sucks.

[Hicken]

How is that "only fair?" That doesn't even make sense.

[rainslacker]

What if MS actually paid to produce Mirror's Edge though, ala Boyonetta/Nintendo? EA may have had no plans to do it on their own so MS gave them the money to do it. A deal could be in place to maintain EA as the publisher. There's no denying the fact that many gamers want a sequel to this game, so it could be a strong marketing move on their part.

Not saying this is the case, but lets face it, EA hasn't really given this franchise any love after it's initial release.

If it's because MS just paid for exclusivity while the title was in development, then yeah, I would agree with you 100%

[pr0t0typeknuckles]

if its in the same boat that bayonetta 2 was in then id understand,but EA isnt broke they have money,im pretty sure they didnt need micrsofts help to fund it,besides to me this is microsoft biggest problem when it comes to games they dont have alot of good exclusives and instead of investing in new ips they buy multiplats and make them either timed or permanent exclusives.

[DOMination-]

Plus if ME2 uses kinect in an advanced way it might not be possible on ps4 as I've read the pseye is not as advanced as kinect 2 (I have yet to see evidence mind)

Also Sony are rumoured to be funding Nomuras FF project.

[Minato-Namikaze]

To be fair Sony is already the 3rd largest shareholder in SE and VS was never coming to the xbox anyway.

[ziggurcat]

and then you get scumbag MS paying off devs/publishers to only show their games on xbone on the floor at E3 this year...

[testerg35]

I thought both Sony and MS do that. Like COD4 in MS and BlackOps in Sony? I could be wrong, but I thought both have done it before.

[SignifiedSix91]

No, its just fine for sony to do it. But microsoft is the devil when it comes to them.

[Fishermenofwar]

Whoever thinks Fallout 4 will be an Exclusive is really drinking the kool-aid....

Seriously gamers you're better than this....

[aliengmr]

/facepalm at that disagree.

Worst case is they do timed exclusive DLC like with Skyrim.

[DOMination-]

I think its unlikely but most of these recent rumours have been true and Bethesda have been vrry vocal lately about hate for the preowned market. That could be linked. Its not impossible plus playstation gamers said they wouldnt buy another Bethesda game anyway.

[aliengmr]

All I'm saying is that Fallout 4 being exclusive to ONLY the Xbox 1 is not going to happen. Bethesda may not like the used game market, but they aren't chummy with MS like they were. There will be a PC version and Bethesda uses Steamworks now. They used GFWL before, but stopped because it sucks.

[jonboi24]

Though I really wonder if buying the rights to an exclusive game to a single console vs a multi-platform game is actually beneficial. Can the studio and publishers make more money that way? Do they take least of a hit if it doesn't sell well? What are the consequence if it doesn't do well? What are the added pressures of being exclusive?

I know with this gen being more PC based that porting things over is less expensive than before and I could only see releasing it on multiple platforms being a good thing. I could understand region exclusives like certain Japanese developed game not being released on 360 in Japan because your just wasting money. Still I give props to MS for throwing money for exclusives, it may seem evil but at least they are willing to spend money to get games and an edge on its competition.

[ShaunCameron]

If it becomes a hit, possibly.

<Though I really wonder if buying the rights to an exclusive game to a single console vs a multi-platform game is actually beneficial.>

I say they won't make as much money that way, but they certainly won't lose as much either since the costs are limited to one console. Most of the studios that closed down this generation made mostly multiplatform games.

<Can the studio and publishers make more money that way?>

[FrigidDARKNESS]

Its the publishers that make the choice s and exclusitivity. Ubisoft gives there exclusive content to the ps4 and a new race game. Square Enix may announce two exclusive titles at e3 for ps4 .
Respawn Entertainment has sided with Microsoft because of cloud computing technology.

[OrangePowerz]

I think respawn "sided" with MS because EA is the publisher and respawn won't have much choice if they want money to make the game.

EA needs money and they get it from MS.

EA also has great experience with cloud powered games like SimCity thats only possible because of the power of cloud.

[DOMination-]

That racer from ubi is not exclusive. It was even demoed to the press on an xbox! It just had a misleading headline.

[awi5951]

Alot of ubisoft games will be xbox only i bet. If you played any of their online games you have to sign up for 3 passwords just to play your games online.

[PerryCaravello]

This is why I want microsoft out of the industry.

They are so BAD at producing first party games, so mediocre at software that they pay for exclusivity in order to compete.

Enough already. At least Sony and Nintendo have successful first party studios, they get a pass. Microsoft however is like this empty vacuum that just drains the life from the industry lol.

[loulou]

how many of sonys first party studios were bought out by sony??

it is not like sony started advertising in certain cities around the world to create studios from the ground up

they used profits from the ps1 and ps2 eras to buy a portfolio of studios. i aint knocking it, just merely pointing out you fanboy rant for what it is.

also, microsoft buying exclusivity costs a fraction of the price of having 100 staff employed by them working on games.

good or bad pfft. you have to look aqt things from both points of view... and not through fanboy goggles

[OrangePowerz]

Sony at least bought the studios and invests into them for a long time. MS just pays money like the rumoured 40 million for the timed exclusive GTA4 DLC. With that money you can fund at least one great AAA game.

[PerryCaravello]

Sony bought studios, ok. That's how it works. Sony buys the studio, works hands on with the devs to develop great first party titles and create successful long term franchises.

PS3 had more first party IP's released this generation, NEW first party IPs, that have gone to be successful game franchises.

Microsft didn't do that. They focus on halo/gears. Other than that it's an empty vacuum.

It's just a factual critique based on microsoft's inability to read the industry. They BOUGHT rare and turned it into shit lol. They DO NOT understand or CARE about the industry.

You can't possibly claim that microsoft really belongs in this business.... Please. There is no passion at microsoft for games, look who they brought on for the Xbox One. They don't care....

[rainslacker]

Most of MS 1st party AAA games are very good, and MS is really good as a software developer. They changed gears to produce mostly casual stuff later in the 360's lifetime, but credit should be given where it's due if you want them to continue to produce those quality AAA games.

I say this as a Sony fan. There's a time to hate, and a time to love.

[testerg35]

I thought Sony said during that PS3 gen that they would no longer pay for 3rd party exclusives, which means they use to during PS1 and PS2 gen. So MS can't do the same?

[XabiDaChosenOne]

Looks like we just got a couple of glimpses of where that 1 billion in games went, stay classy MS.
Microsoft is buying it's way to devs affection will Sony is earning it the ole fashion way.

[Unicron]

Calling it now, year long deals at most.

[GusBricker]

Good for MS.

They're bringing new and exclusive games to their console.

[dgonza40]

It's a bit shady when it's a sequel to a previously multi-platform game, but at least it's something

[mrmancs]

Kingdom hearts and a new final fantasy solely for ps4 , just seen the pics... I love exclusives....

[josephayal]

Maybe ME2 but Fallout 4 x1 Exclusive? lol I doubt Bethesda would do this

[OrangePowerz]

I dont care about the Respawn game thats running on the source engine and is just another shooter so that can stay on Xbox and PC.

Fallout and Mirrors Edge on the other hand would be an outrage. I could see EA pulling that for Mirrors Edge 2 because they need money (and maybe Sony is less willing to do fees for used games?), but not sure Bethesda would be that stupid to piss off their fanbase and loose sales.

I'm getting tired of companies (including Sony to some extend but not as bad) throwing money at 3rd Parties for that kind of stuff and timed exclusive DLC instead of spending all that money on developing games. As someone mentioned above there is a big difference between Sony funding exclusive games like Demon Souls and MS just throwing money around.

[Nodoze]

Just another example of the Microsoft taint. They ALWAYS play under handed and shady. They cannot play fair as all they care about is the almighty dollar. Don't get me wrong, Sony and ninty are in it for the green as well, but they sure are not as slimy as MS.

Going to be interesting to see what happens here. What if nobody buys the xBone??? Then you have some devs that just plain look stupid for cutting deals like this. It is WAY too early to be doing these deals!

[solidworm]

Lol Respawn must be ecstatic they've gone exclusive to MS what with all the awesome news coming out of Redmond lol....what a fkin fail thats gonna be then.

[HmongAmerican]

It probably got something to do with the always on or no use game ects... They don't want you to pirate their game so they chose MS.

[superterabyte]

All I can say about mirrors edge being an xbox one exclusive is that I am dissapointed. However Microsoft has another thing coming if it thinks that this strategy is sustainable. Buying third party sequels will only benefit short term whilst the franchises have credibility.Eventually people will tire.

Invest in Ideas that's why Sony has been successful and also why the 360 was successful at its launch. The best way to ensure that people buy your product is by giving it an identifiable USP. PlayStation has always been about well built technology and exclusive titles which differentiate from the competition and with each console transition came a transition in software exclusives. Xbox 360 set itself out as a next gen gaming console before the arrival of the PS3 and so had a USP there although as support dried up so did the selling point. The original Wii was hugely successful because it had an identifiable USP (motion gaming) whereas the Wii u has yet to produce a truly identifiable USP possibly because The main idea is that of a second screen which both Sony's and Microsoft's next gen consoles also have.

To conclude the Xbox one will not succeed if it does not create an identifiable USP to either its entertainment section of the one or the gaming section and 3rd party sequel exclusivity will not provide a long term USP.

USP = Unique selling point

[chamber]

I'd rather Microsoft build a really strong first party development and leave third parties for multuplatforms

[strigoi814]

Only Microsoft do that anyways...