Microsoft have struggled this generation when it comes to console exclusives. In comparison, Sony and the PlayStation 4 have thrived. So you’d think the Xbox creators would have learned from their mistakes and would aim to take a different approach when it comes to the Xbox Series X. Well, you’d be mistaken.
At least for the first twelve months or so.
That’s because a recent article suggests that all games released over its inaugural year will also be available on the Xbox One. The console that they’ve struggled to sell recently and that will be of the “last gen” era when all this comes about.
So, I guess technically, the games will be Xbox exclusives – we’re just not specifying which one.
It’s a strange move from the firm, who can’t be accused of lying down. They’ve tried a lot in recent years to claw back the deficit in sales. But why would you want to divide your efforts between a potential frontrunner and a proven backbencher? Surely it’s better to just start anew?
Not according to Matt Booty’s comments to MCV – the head of Xbox Game Studios said:
“As our content comes out over the next year, two years, all of our games, sort of like PC, will play up and down that family of devices.
“We want to make sure that if someone invests in Xbox between now and [Series X] that they feel that they made a good investment and that we’re committed to them with content.”
Which, I’ll admit, it’s admirable on a consumer level but must be a tough decision – business wise. After all, you want to encourage gamers to buy your new console in order to up sales, and one way of doing that is by incentivising them with software they can only play by upgrading. Still, I guess it’s nice to see a juggernaut put us gamers first for a change. Maybe they do value us after all…
Obviously, all this is also assuming that Sony have different plans and will release a string of PS5 exclusives from day one. Something I’d like to think that they will do, especially considering the strength of development talent under their wing. But you never know – maybe the market is so fickle today that straddling two generations of hardware is the only way to turn a profit – even if it does sound uncomfortable.
Who’d be a console maker, eh?
Now, I’ll admit this is the first generation I’ve gone through where I haven’t owned Microsoft’s offering. And I am hoping there’s more of a lure come December. But do your prefer it when there’s one clear winner so you don’t have to stretch your pennies? Or is close competition better for us in the long-term?
