Platform Exclusivity
Ongoing coverage on Platform Exclusivity.
Latest coverage
Epic Games chief Tim Sweeney claims 'Valve has held gaming back for years'
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has stated that Valve's Steam platform has hindered the gaming industry for years by enforcing its Steamworks framework. He argues that Valve's 30% revenue cut is excessive and that developers should have more freedom to distribute their games across different platforms and storefronts.
Big Walk Developer Explains Why the Game Isn't on Xbox
House House, the developer of Big Walk, has explained its decision to boycott Xbox, stating the game will not be available on Microsoft's console. This boycott is a deliberate choice by the studio.
Dev who worked on GTA 6 argues Nintendo Switch 2 version wouldn’t make sense
A developer who worked on Grand Theft Auto 6 believes a Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game would not make sense due to the risk of a subpar experience and the likely audience overlap. He suggests players interested in Grand Theft Auto 6 would acquire a PlayStation 5 or PC if necessary, questioning the necessity of a port that might not perform optimally.
As Sony reportedly pulls back from PC ports, former PlayStation boss suggests "platform business is winning the argument" right now, and that "always" wants "something exclusive"
Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida suggests Sony is reverting to prioritizing console exclusivity for its major single-player titles, shifting away from PC ports. This apparent change in strategy, despite successful PC sales of some games, indicates a renewed focus on the platform business over broader IP reach.
Starcraft Shooter “Won’t Be Exclusive” to Xbox, Says Blizzard
Blizzard Entertainment has stated that the upcoming StarCraft game will not be exclusive to Xbox, though specific details regarding PC, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch versions remain unconfirmed. The company is keeping development details close to its chest, but the potential for a new campaign and multiplayer modes suggests a strategy to reach a wider audience.
The StarCraft shooter won’t just be on Xbox, but Blizzard is being kind of weird about what that means
Blizzard Entertainment has been unclear regarding the platform availability of its upcoming StarCraft shooter. While a UK social media account suggested it would be an Xbox exclusive, a spokesperson stated it "won't be exclusive" and would require corrections if labeled as such, implying it will likely release on PC and potentially other platforms.
Final Fantasy VII series director: “It kind of feels like fate” to return to Nintendo hardware
Final Fantasy VII remake series director Naoki Hamaguchi stated that it feels like fate to bring the remade trilogy to the Nintendo Switch, marking a return to Nintendo hardware after the original Final Fantasy VII moved to PlayStation. This move leverages the disc-based system of the PlayStation.
PlayStation’s Future Has Never Looked Bleaker
The article argues that PlayStation's future appears bleak due to recent issues, including the separation from Hideo Kojima and perceived poor performance of the Wolverine game. These events contribute to a difficult generation for the platform.
Call of Duty introduces a gun skin that you can only see on an Xbox console
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is introducing a gun skin, the 'Inner Circuit' blueprint, that appears differently on Xbox consoles compared to PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. While the weapon performs identically across platforms, the Xbox version features exclusive visual elements tied to the original Xbox's design and branding, a move the article criticizes as confusing platform-specific marketing.
FromSoftware explains why The Duskbloods is Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive
FromSoftware director Hidetaka Miyazaki explained that The Duskbloods will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 due to a positive and forward-thinking collaboration with Nintendo. He highlighted Nintendo's strengths in player onboarding and tutorial design as key factors in the decision, contrasting it with FromSoftware's typical approach. The game is also set to receive gameplay leaks and will launch after Elden Ring on the platform.
Xbox announces backwards compatibility for PC and handheld devices
Xbox is expanding its backwards compatibility initiative to PC and handheld devices, starting with four classic titles: BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy. These games will be available for purchase and via Game Pass, with existing digital licenses transferring to PC. This move is part of a broader effort to preserve Xbox games and bring them to PC, alongside enhancements for graphics and future Achievement support.
Halo’s PlayStation Debut Could Also Be Its Farewell
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant strategic shift, moving away from broad multi-platform releases like Halo: Campaign Evolved towards a renewed focus on console exclusivity. This change, spearheaded by CEO Asha Sharma, involves scaling back the Xbox division and potentially canceling unannounced titles, though games already expected on other platforms will proceed. The article analyzes the implications of this shift for future Halo titles and the broader gaming landscape, considering factors like sales, player acquisition, and potential exclusive benefits for Xbox players.
Former PlayStation head tells Xbox to either be a good publisher or make a good platform with exclusives: "Nintendo…
Former PlayStation head Shawn Layden advises Xbox to commit to either being a competitive platform with exclusive content or a major multi-platform publisher. He argues that trying to be both is a flawed strategy, citing Nintendo and PlayStation's reliance on exclusives. Layden also points to Microsoft's frequent layoffs and the confusing decision to acquire major franchises only to release them on rival platforms.
It's not just Sony, even Rockstar says GTA 6 "plays best on PS5," with Xbox omitted entirely from one new…
Rockstar Games has joined Sony in promoting Grand Theft Auto 6 as playing best on PlayStation 5, omitting any mention of Xbox Series X in recent advertising. While likely part of a marketing agreement, this has led to fan discussion about platform marketing strategies and potential exclusivity deals.
Sony Confirms Exclusivity On Single-Player Experiences for PlayStation, Live-Service Titles To Get PC Releases
Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino has outlined the company's strategy for platform exclusivity, indicating that single-player titles developed in-house will remain exclusive to PlayStation. However, live-service games with online components may receive PC releases to broaden their audience. This approach contrasts with Xbox's strategy, suggesting a renewed focus on console exclusivity in the industry.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Charting Strongly in Pre-Orders on the PlayStation Store
Halo: Campaign Evolved is experiencing strong pre-order numbers on the PlayStation Store, with its Standard Edition topping charts in the UK and showing significant interest in other regions. The game's upcoming launch on July 28th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC highlights the potential of cross-platform releases and raises questions about the platform strategy for other franchises like Gears of War.
Switch 2 Absent From Persona 4 And 6 Trailers, And Fans Are Concerned
Fans are concerned as trailers for Persona 4 Revival and the newly revealed Persona 6 do not list Nintendo Switch or the upcoming Switch 2 as target platforms. Despite the games' popularity in Japan and the existing presence of legacy Persona titles on the Switch, neither Atlus nor Sega have confirmed their release for Nintendo's consoles. It is speculated that announcements may come during an upcoming Nintendo Direct or that the games could be released on the Switch 2 at a later date.
Billbil-kun says EA Sports College Football 27 is skipping Switch 2
EA Sports College Football 27 will not be released on the Nintendo Switch 2, according to insider Billbil-kun. The game is confirmed for PC and is expected to be compatible with the Steam Deck. The reason for the exclusion of the Nintendo Switch 2 is currently unclear.
God of War Laufey's release reportedly isn't "years away," but don't expect a PC launch
A reliable journalist suggests that the upcoming game God of War Laufey is not years away from release, despite not having an official window. It has also been reported that the game will not be launching on PC, following a trend of PlayStation ending PC support for major single-player titles.
Xbox CEO Says Showing PS5, Switch Logos During Xbox Showcase Is Bad, Actually
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that displaying competitor logos like PlayStation and Nintendo during Xbox showcases was a mistake and will be adjusted for future events. This comes after Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty reaffirmed the practice for the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase. The decision to show competitor logos was initially praised as a transparency effort but has since drawn criticism from some fans.
