Console exclusivity
Encyclopedia
Console exclusivity refers to the status of a video game being released on only one video game console
. Console exclusivity is a topic which is utilized in discussions of the advantages and disadvantages of rival firms in the video game market, and one which is used for marketing
by firms involved. Industry analysts generally agree that there is a correlation between availability of exclusive titles, and hardware sales. Firms such as Microsoft
have also purchased smaller businesses in order to secure software titles for themselves, in order to "capture exclusivity". Exclusivity is also occasionally used in software released across multiple platforms, in order to add a unique element into each different version.
". Many of these exclusive titles are used at marketing events such as E3, in order to help drive sales of hardware
, as a consumer choosing between options may be swayed by the different range of games available on each different console. Analysts have stated that sales figures in the past have indicated that there is a relation between hardware sales, and the release of software specifically for that hardware. They state that there is also data which shows that during holiday periods, when consumer spending
is generally higher, hardware with a list of exclusive releases generally outsell those with a smaller selection. Correlations have also been drawn between the sales of software, and the sales of relevant hardware, as in late 2009 the PlayStation 3
dominated both the hardware and software charts.
, the parent company which owns both GameSpot
and GameFAQs
, stated that "one of the biggest decisions when choosing a video game system has to be the exclusive games". The focus of E3 on exclusive titles at each publishers demonstration also reflects the marketing power of exclusive titles, in addition to exclusive hardware.
Many media reports include exclusive hardware
and software as points of consideration for consumer
s. They also draw attention to the relevance of such exclusive titles for the developer, as there may be a potential for greater sales volume when releasing on multiple platforms. Firms such as Microsoft, Sony
and Nintendo
also use exclusive titles to their advantage in order to create marketing strategies
. Microsoft claimed that the Halo
series, specifically Halo 3
, was a key "payoff" in their strategy when entering the console market with the Xbox
and Xbox 360. It is not uncommon for big firms such as Sony and Microsoft to buy small publishers in order to preserve exclusivity for themselves.
The Wii's dominance has also been credited by the media to a focus on exclusive technology and sales, rather than on pure technology inside the hardware. Microsoft attempted to reduce Nintendo's dominance from their motion control
technology with the release of Kinect. Similarly, the PlayStation 3's lack of "killer exclusive titles" was said by analysts to contribute to its suffering sales in 2007.
of games has had unique characters in each different version of its games on different consoles.
Video game console
A video game console is an interactive entertainment computer or customized computer system that produces a video display signal which can be used with a display device to display a video game...
. Console exclusivity is a topic which is utilized in discussions of the advantages and disadvantages of rival firms in the video game market, and one which is used for marketing
Marketing
Marketing is the process used to determine what products or services may be of interest to customers, and the strategy to use in sales, communications and business development. It generates the strategy that underlies sales techniques, business communication, and business developments...
by firms involved. Industry analysts generally agree that there is a correlation between availability of exclusive titles, and hardware sales. Firms such as Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
have also purchased smaller businesses in order to secure software titles for themselves, in order to "capture exclusivity". Exclusivity is also occasionally used in software released across multiple platforms, in order to add a unique element into each different version.
Usage of console exclusivity in industry
Microsoft often mark the game boxes of their exclusive titles as "Only on Xbox 360Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
". Many of these exclusive titles are used at marketing events such as E3, in order to help drive sales of hardware
Hardware
Hardware is a general term for equipment such as keys, locks, hinges, latches, handles, wire, chains, plumbing supplies, tools, utensils, cutlery and machine parts. Household hardware is typically sold in hardware stores....
, as a consumer choosing between options may be swayed by the different range of games available on each different console. Analysts have stated that sales figures in the past have indicated that there is a relation between hardware sales, and the release of software specifically for that hardware. They state that there is also data which shows that during holiday periods, when consumer spending
Consumer spending
Consumer spending or consumer demand or consumption is also known as personal consumption expenditure. It is the largest part of aggregate demand or effective demand at the macroeconomic level...
is generally higher, hardware with a list of exclusive releases generally outsell those with a smaller selection. Correlations have also been drawn between the sales of software, and the sales of relevant hardware, as in late 2009 the PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
dominated both the hardware and software charts.
Impact of exclusivity on sales
In addition to sales data supporting the relation of hardware sales to software titles, CNETCNET
CNET is a tech media website that publishes news articles, blogs, and podcasts on technology and consumer electronics. Originally founded in 1994 by Halsey Minor and Shelby Bonnie, it was the flagship brand of CNET Networks and became a brand of CBS Interactive through CNET Networks' acquisition...
, the parent company which owns both GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
and GameFAQs
GameFAQs
GameFAQs is a website that hosts FAQs and walkthroughs for video games. It was created in November 1995 by Jeff "CJayC" Veasey and was bought by CNET Networks in May 2003. It is currently owned by CBS Interactive. The site has a database of video game information, cheat codes, reviews, game saves,...
, stated that "one of the biggest decisions when choosing a video game system has to be the exclusive games". The focus of E3 on exclusive titles at each publishers demonstration also reflects the marketing power of exclusive titles, in addition to exclusive hardware.
Many media reports include exclusive hardware
Hardware
Hardware is a general term for equipment such as keys, locks, hinges, latches, handles, wire, chains, plumbing supplies, tools, utensils, cutlery and machine parts. Household hardware is typically sold in hardware stores....
and software as points of consideration for consumer
Consumer
Consumer is a broad label for any individuals or households that use goods generated within the economy. The concept of a consumer occurs in different contexts, so that the usage and significance of the term may vary.-Economics and marketing:...
s. They also draw attention to the relevance of such exclusive titles for the developer, as there may be a potential for greater sales volume when releasing on multiple platforms. Firms such as Microsoft, Sony
Sony
, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
and Nintendo
Nintendo
is a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
also use exclusive titles to their advantage in order to create marketing strategies
Marketing strategy
Marketing strategy is a process that can allow an organization to concentrate its limited resources on the greatest opportunities to increase sales and achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.-Developing a marketing strategy:...
. Microsoft claimed that the Halo
Halo (series)
Halo is a multi-million dollar science fiction video game franchise created by Bungie and now managed by 343 Industries and owned by Microsoft Studios. The series centers on an interstellar war between humanity and a theocratic alliance of aliens known as the Covenant...
series, specifically Halo 3
Halo 3
Halo 3 is a first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie for the Xbox 360 console. The third installment in the Halo franchise, the game concludes the story arc begun in Halo: Combat Evolved and continued in Halo 2...
, was a key "payoff" in their strategy when entering the console market with the Xbox
Xbox
The Xbox is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Microsoft. It was released on November 15, 2001 in North America, February 22, 2002 in Japan, and March 14, 2002 in Australia and Europe and is the predecessor to the Xbox 360. It was Microsoft's first foray into the gaming console...
and Xbox 360. It is not uncommon for big firms such as Sony and Microsoft to buy small publishers in order to preserve exclusivity for themselves.
The Wii's dominance has also been credited by the media to a focus on exclusive technology and sales, rather than on pure technology inside the hardware. Microsoft attempted to reduce Nintendo's dominance from their motion control
Motion control
Motion control is a sub-field of automation, in which the position or velocity of machines are controlled using some type of device such as a hydraulic pump, linear actuator, or an electric motor, generally a servo...
technology with the release of Kinect. Similarly, the PlayStation 3's lack of "killer exclusive titles" was said by analysts to contribute to its suffering sales in 2007.
Other uses
Console exclusives may also be offered in the form of unique features within a game specific to the console they are released on. For example, the Soul Calibur seriesSoul (series)
The is a weapon-based historical fantasy fighting game series by Namco Bandai Games. The series revolves around a sword that, after years of bloodshed and hatred, gained a soul of its own, the Soul Edge, and the sword forged to counter it, Soul Calibur. The series is special in that each character...
of games has had unique characters in each different version of its games on different consoles.
See also
- List of Xbox 360 games
- List of Nintendo Wii games
- List of PlayStation 3 games
- List of video games exclusives (seventh generation)