It’s no secret that game developers frequently make exclusive content deals with certain platforms or stores. This often means that a particular piece of content will only be available on one platform or through one retailer. Why do game developers do this?
There are a few reasons. First, it can be a way to generate buzz for a particular game or piece of content. If someone knows that they can only get a certain item by buying the game on one particular platform, they’re more likely to go out and purchase it. It’s also a way for developers to show their support for a particular platform or store.
Another reason is that exclusives can help ensure that people actually play the content that was created. If a developer releases a piece of DLC on multiple platforms at the same time, there’s a risk that some people will just wait for it to come out on their preferred platform. However, if the DLC is exclusive to one platform, people are more likely to play it right away.
Finally, exclusives can sometimes be used as a way to get people to buy a certain version of a game. For example, a developer might release a game on multiple platforms but include an exclusive bonus item for people who purchase the game on their particular platform. This can help convince people to buy the game on that platform instead of another one.
Publishers Are The Ones That Control Game Exclusivity
It’s important to note that, in many cases, it’s not the game developers themselves who control whether or not their content is exclusive to one platform or store. That decision is often made by the publishers. Publishers are the ones who have the final say in these matters.
So, if you’re wondering why a particular piece of content is only available on one platform or through one retailer, it’s likely because the publisher wanted it to be that way. They may have had any number of reasons for doing so, including those listed above. Its about profit, and they want to make as much money as possible. so they will try to release it on as many different platforms as possible to get the most people to buy it.
Types of Publishers
The types of publishers can range from the big triple-A publishers like EA, Ubisoft, and Activision, to smaller independent publishers. The size of the publisher can often dictate how much control they have over game exclusivity.
The big triple-A publishers tend to be more powerful and have more sway in these matters. They’re the ones who are most likely to make exclusive content deals with certain platforms or stores. They may do this to generate buzz for their games, show support for a particular platform, or get people to buy a certain version of the game.
The smaller independent publishers, on the other hand, often don’t have as much control over game exclusivity. They may not be able to make exclusive content deals with platforms or stores, or they may only be able to do so on a limited basis. This is because they don’t have the same kind of power or influence as the big triple-A publishers.
Even though the smaller independent publishers may not have as much control over game exclusivity, there are still some ways that they can make their content exclusive. For example, they may release a game on one platform first and then release it on other platforms later. Or they may only release a game on one platform if it’s a particularly good fit for that platform.
Here’s a list of the different types of publishers:
1st party publisher
A 1st party publisher is a game development company that owns and self-publishes its own IP. First-party publishers are often hardware manufacturers, such as Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft, which release first-party games only for their own consoles.
2nd party publisher
A 2nd party publisher is a game development company that does not own its IP, but exclusively publishes games for another company. For example, Naughty Dog is a second-party developer for Sony, making games only for PlayStation consoles.
3rd party publisher
A 3rd party publisher is a game development company that neither owns its IP nor exclusively releases games for another company. Third-party publishers typically release their games across multiple platforms. Bethesda Softworks and Ubisoft are examples of third-party publishers.
What Exclusivity Means For The Player
As a player, it’s important to be aware of the types of exclusives that exist and how they might affect your gaming experience.
There are three main types of exclusives: content, platform, and store.
Content Exclusives
Content exclusives are pieces of content that can only be obtained by purchasing the game on a particular platform or through a particular retailer. For example, the “Master Sword” in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can only be obtained by purchasing the game on a Nintendo console.
Platform Exclusives
Platform exclusives are games that can only be played on a specific type of console or through a specific type of service. For example, Horizon Zero Dawn is a PlayStation 4 exclusive and cannot be played on Xbox One or PC.
Store Exclusives
Store exclusives are games that can only be purchased through a specific digital store, such as the Microsoft Store or Steam. For example, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds can only be purchased through Steam and cannot be purchased through the Microsoft Store.
Exclusivity can sometimes be a good thing, as it can give players access to content or experiences that they wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. However, it can also be frustrating for players who feel like they’re being forced to purchase a game on a particular platform or through a particular store.
Why Does Sony Make Exclusive Games?
There are a few reasons why Sony may choose to make exclusive games.
1. To generate buzz for the PlayStation brand
Making exclusive games is one of the ways that Sony generates buzz for the PlayStation brand. By releasing games that can only be played on PlayStation consoles, Sony gets people talking about the PlayStation and creates excitement around its products.
2. To show support for the PlayStation ecosystem
Another reason why Sony may choose to make exclusive games is to show support for the PlayStation ecosystem. By releasing games exclusively for PlayStation consoles, Sony shows that it’s committed to making the PlayStation experience better for its fans.
3. To get people to buy a certain version of the game
Finally, Sony may choose to make exclusive games in order to get people to buy a certain version of the game. For example, if Sony knows that a lot of people are interested in playing a particular game on their PlayStation 4, they may release an exclusive version of the game for the PlayStation 4 in order to get people to purchase that console.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, it’s up to the player to decide whether or not they want to support exclusives. If you’re someone who only wants to buy games that are available on multiple platforms, then you should make sure to do your research before purchasing any game. On the other hand, if you’re willing to buy a game on one platform in order to experience everything it has to offer, then you should go ahead and do so.