February 24th 2024.
Is PlayStation in danger of losing its most important asset? A reader expressed their concern about the potential decline of exclusive video games and the impact it could have on PlayStation's future. The recent news of job layoffs in the gaming industry and Sony's lack of communication about it has also caught their attention, but they didn't think much of it at first. However, with the possibility of Microsoft going multi-platform and Sony following suit, they can't help but feel worried about the changes happening in the industry.
While it may seem beneficial to not have to buy multiple consoles for exclusive games, the reader believes that the removal of exclusives will have negative consequences. Exclusives are not only a way to showcase a console's capabilities but also a way to entice consumers to buy a new console. Without exclusives, there will be no distinguishing factor between consoles, making them essentially the same. This could potentially lead to a decline in console production as there would be no need for them anymore.
The reader brings up the example of Sony spending $300 million on Spider-Man 2, not just as a game but also as a way to promote and sell the PlayStation 5. They also mention that the license for the game would not have been offered to Sony if it wasn't for the exclusivity deal. This highlights the importance of exclusives in promoting a console and creating a sense of prestige. The same can be said for other successful exclusives like Halo, which may not have the same appeal outside of its original audience.
The time and money invested in exclusives are to make them standout and be considered "killer apps." Even if they don't sell a lot, they still contribute to a console's reputation and desirability. The reader also points out that in a future where all consoles are the same, there will be no difference between them, and they will become nothing more than household appliances. The rumors about Microsoft letting other companies make Xbox hardware could further solidify this future.
The reader expresses concern towards Microsoft's decisions and how they seem to be destroying the gaming industry. They call out Xbox head Phil Spencer for not understanding the impact of his decisions and how they could lead to a future where PlayStation doesn't exist, and the industry is dominated by live service games. They urge readers to be more aware of the changes happening and to not celebrate the end of exclusives if it means sacrificing the competition and variety in the industry.
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