Xbox’s Approach To Exclusives Like Avowed Is The Worst Of Both Worlds

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Microsoft has clarified that they do not presently have any arrangements for releasing Avowed on the PlayStation 5, contradicting speculations that have been circulating. These rumors appear to be based more on conjecture rather than solid evidence, as there seems to be no compelling reason why Xbox would not make Avowed available on the PS5.

The Road Not Taken…

For about a year now, the company has been navigating a perplexing balance between different gaming platforms. If you’re a PS5 user, you might find enjoyment in playing certain Xbox titles such as Hi-Fi Rush, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Forza Horizon 5. However, other popular Xbox games like Halo Infinite and Starfield are being kept exclusive to their platform, with no apparent logic determining which games belong where in these categories.

One issue with the current Xbox era is that there’s a lack of clear strategy. Unlike Nintendo, which doesn’t release its iconic series like Zelda for PlayStation 5, instead focusing on keeping its games exclusive to Nintendo consoles (except for occasional mobile titles), Xbox seems to be spreading its games across various platforms. This can lead to confusion about where to find specific Xbox games, as they aren’t always exclusively available on the Xbox console.

Mobile games are not just adaptations of pre-existing ones; they’re uniquely crafted versions specifically tailored for mobile gamers.

…For A Reason

The financial logic behind this method is straightforward: Nintendo operates in both the game development and hardware manufacturing sectors, and these two aspects complement each other. To sell consoles, it’s essential for them to produce quality games that can be played on those consoles. Conversely, to sell games, they need a platform where those games can be enjoyed. Neglecting either aspect results in situations like the Wii U, a console with great games, but few owners. However, when these same games were moved to the Switch, a popular and well-liked console, sales skyrocketed.

It’s logical that a publisher such as Capcom, without its own console, distributes its games across various platforms. Since they’re not focused on selling consoles themselves, their aim is to make the games accessible in as many places as possible to maximize potential sales and reach a wider audience.

Sony, known for keeping its exclusive games off rival consoles, has prolonged the release of hit titles like God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Forbidden West on last-generation hardware due to a high number of PlayStation 4 systems in circulation, which translates into more potential sales. Similarly, it’s logical for these games to also appear on PC platforms as that’s where the market lies. The question arises: why doesn’t Microsoft adopt a similar strategy?

As a passionate gaming enthusiast, I’ve noticed an interesting pattern with one of my favorite game developers. So far, they haven’t brought Halo or Starfield to the PS5, which makes sense given their strategy to leverage exclusives like these to boost Xbox sales. On the flip side, titles like Indiana Jones and Forza Horizon 5 are being released on the PS5, which seems logical as it helps them expand their reach and maximize game sales across platforms. However, these strategies seem contradictory in some ways, as they’re essentially selling to both sides of the console war simultaneously.

To maximize Xbox’s hardware sales, the most effective approach is to ensure that the Xbox console becomes the primary platform for gaming. On the other hand, if Xbox aims to sell a high volume of games, it should make them available on multiple systems. Trying to do both simultaneously can lead to confusion and reduced sales.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that game companies have secret strategies they employ, some of which they openly share, while others require a keen eye to decipher. For instance, Sony made headlines by announcing they were developing 12 live-service games a few years back. However, there are tactics that remain hidden, like Nintendo’s consistent approach towards not discounting their first-party games. Now, Nintendo has never explicitly said, “We don’t put our games on sale,” but it’s something I’ve observed over time.

Currently, Xbox is publicly advocating for making its games accessible to a wide audience, but secretly determining that certain major titles should not be included in this initiative. This leaves people puzzled and unsure about the necessity of owning an Xbox, which is undesirable when attempting to market and sell them.

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2025-03-14 23:06