Microsoft are on the defensive about the number of exclusives scheduled for release this year as they claim they are focused less on quantity and more on quality.
Console exclusives are perhaps the main reason that consumer opt for one console over its competitor. Franchises such as Halo, Gears of War, Killzone, LittleBigPlanet, Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo are just a few examples of games that can increase a platform’s sales figures.
One can imagine how Xbox 360 users and analysts were slightly surprised when Microsoft’s line up of exclusive titles for their console was rather sparse. However, Phil Spencer, the corporate VP of Xbox, was quick to respond and do his best to ease the loyal 360 console owners.
He began by pointing out the obvious, which in this case sounded more like an excuse when he said, “Creating core IP (Intellectual Property), as many first and third-parties have seen over the years; isn’t an easy thing.”
While that may be true one has to wonder why that has not bothered Microsoft in prior years. One could speculate that the company is focusing their attention towards the next generation of consoles and their very own Xbox 720.
Speculation aside, he went on to share his personal experience working on one of the biggest titles for the 360, “I went through the process of creating Gears (of War) with Epic and I know the sweat, time, and effort that went into it.”
However, he also teased a couple of things by announcing that the company was in the process of making a number of partnership with development studios, “It will continue to be something that we focus on with new partners like CryTek and new people that aren’t announced yet.”
The lack of exclusive titles announced at this point may just be a way to surprise consumers with unannounced titles come the Electronic Entertainment Expo or E3. However, there was very little in his statement that gave many consumers much hope.
He finished by saying, “We do think that it’s fundamental that core gamers look at 360 as the place they want to play games.”
One will have to wait and see if Mr. Spencer means what he says but he is to hoping he does.
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