[Razlo]

I have all the consoles, so exclusives really do matter to me. I start to feel sad about a given system, if there's nothing that specifically forces me to play that console.

I'd like to see more exclusives on Xbox 360. Seems like there hasn't been as many the last 2 years or so.

[KageMaru]

Outside of Nintendo's IPs, 1st party exclusives really don't matter anymore and anyone that says otherwise is probably too heavily invested into their system of choice. You'll have a few bumps earlier in a generation with a major title like GT or a Halo, but in the grand scheme of things, the vast majority of gamers don't know nor care what is exclusive and what isn't. Even with that said, Halo or GT wouldn't be any lesser of a game if both were also multi-platform, and again only those who are too invested into their console would be bothered by such a move.

IMO I see games, and a quality game is a quality game regardless if it's an exclusive for any system or a multi-platform title on every system.

[sublimit]

In the age of third party multiplatform games,1st party exclusives now matter more than ever.

[sillymonkey321]

Exclusives matter, but Sony's aren't good enough to get them into 1st place alone. I don't know how any rational discussion about this can start with " excluding Nintendo."

I think the smaller exclusives help, but you need big ones. Infamous and Alan Wake aren't exclusive titles that are going to propel you to the top, but they'll help support the overall gaming library.

[mooooose]

To me, not really. Other than Nintendo.

Nintendo literally sells their systems based on their first party output.

The other two consoles are so similar I can't even tell them apart.

[Bgamer90]

To the general public, not as much as they use to.

What has taken its place is "What system do the majority of my friends have so I can play 3rd party games with them online?"

[szaromir]

Do 1st party exclusives not matter anymore?

No, they don't (if you exclude Nintendo). The elephant in the room seems to be the fact that there's nothing that separates 1st party form 3rd party games, so Sony's or Microsoft's games are just another 10-15 games a year among 200 that come out on that platform - they don't make much of a difference.

Nintendo games are a bit more distinctive, but not all of them.

[sixteen-bit]

They're one of the few things that differentiate consoles from one another.

[.la1n]

No, they don't (if you exclude Nintendo). The elephant in the room seems to be the fact that there's nothing that separates 1st party form 3rd party games, so Sony's or Microsoft's games are just another 10-15 games a year among 200 that come out on that platform - they don't make much of a difference. Nintendo games are a bit more distinctive, but not all of them.

[sublimit]

Exclusives give to consoles their "image" and "identity" (which can differ greatly through each gamer's eyes).And without an identity you can't really sell a product.

[danwarb]

I think so. I bought a 360 because of Microsoft's big exclusive/s.

Halo.

[CadetMahoney]

In the age of third party multiplatform games,1st party exclusives now matter more than ever.

If Sony's best offering aren't making a dent then I don't see any drastic sales improvements anytime soon. The last game they saw push any significant hardware sales was MGS4 back in 2007.

I can't think of any first party Sony games that I would buy a system over. Or MS.

Neither can I. I am sure they matter more at the beginning of a gen than later down the line though.

[OldJadedGamer]

I think so. I bought a 360 because of Microsoft's big exclusive/s. Halo.

I bought my 360 because my friends in real life were buying one and wanted me to play online with them. I don't care what I play, I care who I'm playing with. We can all find some game to play regardless of if it is first or third party.

[dragonelite]

I think now services matter more.

[yellowjacket25]

Yes they matter. Even late in the console generation. There are still people who will pick up a console because of exclusives that already came out and exclusives that are coming soon. Sony would be in significantly worse shape without their lineup of exclusives.

[Reuenthal]

They matter less than the past in non Nintendo consoles but even in those they do matter.

[tzare]

yes. Not very much at this point of the generation, but they do matter in the 2-3 first years.

i bought a 360 for gears and a ps3 for motorstorm.Or 3ds just for MKart. Then other exclusives came.

[Koren]

Outside of Nintendo's IPs, 1st party exclusives really don't matter anymore and anyone that says otherwise is probably too heavily invested into their system of choice.

That can be translated in "among the three console makers, only Nintendo is a true and powerful software developper". That being said, some people buy a console for Gran Turismo, for Minna no Golf, for Gears of Wars or anything Microsoft-developped. And for them, I guess that still matter.

And I'm still not convinced that most of the game outside 1st party games are multi (PS360). In fact, it's rather the opposite, I've dozen of games that are 3rd party AND exclusive. That's especially common in Japan and with JRPG or smaller-budgeted games.

[salpa]

I'm fairly certain that just Gears of War and Halo on the 360 have outsold every first party PS3 exclusive combined.

So I'd say yeah, mass-marketed, high-selling first party tells help a lot.

[Boerseun]

I'm going Nintendo + PC next gen. You get Nintendo quality on Nintendo platforms plus the best of the rest on PC. (Note, Nintendo quality extends to third-party devs inspired to match the quality of Nintendo's output.)

[Izick]

I'm going Nintendo + PC next gen. You get Nintendo quality on Nintendo platforms plus the best of the rest on PC. (Note, Nintendo quality extends to third-party devs inspired to match the quality of Nintendo's output.)

I could definitely go that way as long as the Wii U is comparable to the PS4/NextBox in terms of graphical fidelity. There are still likely a bunch of multiplat games that won't make it to PC, or will release much later on for PC some reason, so I'm hoping that the Wii U can still hold down multiplats.

As for PC gaming; I've never been a PC gamer before, but I'm really interested in trying it out, and if I don't buy the other consoles, then I'm fairly certain I'm going this route as well.

Who the hell knows though? I mean we all make these predictions as to what we're planning to do, or buy for consoles we know little to nothing about, and it's likely that in 10 years from now, if we looked back on this, we'd laugh at how different our current situation was compared to these guesses or predictions.

[systemfehler]

I don't know why I bought a PS3 it was a mixture between the console, games, the brand, free online play, etc. The 1st party exclusives only played a minor role since most games I really wanted are multi-plattform anyway. Depending on PS4/720 hardware announced exclusives might win me over to switch from Sony to MS.

[BengaBenga]

1st party maybe not, but exclusives definitely do.

I decided in favor of the 360 because of Lost Odyssey and Mass Effect and I don't have nearly enough game time available to justify two nearly identical consoles.

[RooMHM]

They do but only Nintendo makes good 1st party games so...

[Haunted]

Not for this generation since they have a library already.

But for the next generation? Absolutely. Microsoft and Sony will have to work that much harder to entice me jumping on board - and that's done with the exclusive games I can't get on the PC.

[ThisWreckage]

They do matter. I can't believe what some of you are saying. Obviously, if the PS4 launches with Uncharted 4 and Gran Turismo that would be a huge boon for them. And if the next Microsoft console launches with a Halo game that would help them tremendously. If all consoles launched with shared third party games then what is the point of picking up either? You'd be better off just waiting and seeing.

[KageMaru]

That can be translated in "among the three console makers, only Nintendo is a true and powerful software developper". That being said, some people buy a console for Gran Turismo, for Minna no Golf, for Gears of Wars or anything Microsoft-developped. And for them, I guess that still matter. And I'm still not convinced that most of the game outside 1st party games are multi (PS360). In fact, it's rather the opposite, I've dozen of games that are 3rd party AND exclusive. That's especially common in Japan and with JRPG or smaller-budgeted games.

Looking back, I was looking at the thread wrong. In terms of sales, exclusives do matter to a point early on in the generation. However as the generation moves on, they matter less and less as those who would have purchased a system for exclusive game A or B would likely own the system by now.

Not quite sure I understand your second paragraph, sorry =/

They do matter. I can't believe what some of you are saying. Obviously, if the PS4 launches with Uncharted 4 and Gran Turismo that would be a huge boon for them. And if the next Microsoft console launches with a Halo game that would help them tremendously. If all consoles launched with shared third party games then what is the point of picking up either? You'd be better off just waiting and seeing.

Major franchises are a waste in a launch line up when it's almost guaranteed your system will sell out without it as long as the price and marketing is right. It's better to save said exclusives for at least a year after launch to help further push system sales when the "new and cool" factor wears off.

Not that I'm saying they shouldn't try to secure or develop some exclusives, I just don't see a need to blow your load so early. Even if all the consoles launched with similar lineups, why would that really matter if those 3rd party titles are quality titles? What difference does it matter if you have Uncharted 4 at launch or if there is another, equally awesome, shooter on the PS4 (and 720) at launch? Does the fact that it's an exclusive really mean that much to you if there are other quality titles available? MS and Sony could also use the other features/services as reasons to sell their system, not to mention system power and price.

If the PS4 launched at $400 and was more powerful than the 720, that would be an easy pick for me, with or without any major exclusive franchise at launch. All I need is quality software, I'm not so concerned where it comes from or if it's also on another console.

[Bgamer90]

They do matter. I can't believe what some of you are saying. Obviously, if the PS4 launches with Uncharted 4 and Gran Turismo that would be a huge boon for them. And if the next Microsoft console launches with a Halo game that would help them tremendously. If all consoles launched with shared third party games then what is the point of picking up either? You'd be better off just waiting and seeing.

For Playstation and Xbox they matter but not as much as they use to to the general public (people outside of video game forums).

Like I said before, there are many that care more about what system their friends are on in comparison to first party exclusives. And Uncharted? The series isn't even that popular.

[Izick]

They do but only Nintendo makes good 1st party games so...

[OldJadedGamer]

They do matter. I can't believe what some of you are saying. Obviously, if the PS4 launches with Uncharted 4 and Gran Turismo that would be a huge boon for them. And if the next Microsoft console launches with a Halo game that would help them tremendously. If all consoles launched with shared third party games then what is the point of picking up either? You'd be better off just waiting and seeing.

The system your friends are playing online with.

[Jmanunknown]

I'm fairly certain that just Gears of War and Halo on the 360 have outsold every first party PS3 exclusive combined. So I'd say yeah, mass-marketed, high-selling first party tells help a lot.

i'm fairly certain your wrong about gears and halo outselling every first party ps3 exclusive combined. Thats a pretty crazy assumption to make considering how many first party games sony has on the ps3 and how well some of them have sold.


First party games really do make or break a system now considering third party developers can not afford to just support one system with development costs so high.

[ThisWreckage]

For Playstation and Xbox they matter but not as much as they use to to the general public (people outside of video game forums). Like I said before, there are many that care more about what system their friends are on in comparison to first party exclusives. And Uncharted? The series isn't even that popular.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=454408

The Uncharted series is one of the most successful new IPs this generation. Probably second to Gears of War.

[Speedymanic]

Exclusives give to consoles their "image" and "identity" (which can differ greatly through each gamer's eyes).And without an identity you can't really sell a product.

I can't help but think this only matters to hardcore gamers or those who have a specific allegiance.

The average consumer is going to look at what's available on both and not really care if one game (let's say Gears) isn't available on the console they want. They probably weren't going to play it anyway, so it's a non issue, to them at least. It only becomes one if you follow gaming closely and decide which console to buy based on what exclusive games will be available.

[Pranay_]

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=454408 The Uncharted series is one of the most successful new IPs this generation. Probably second to Gears of War.

its 17 million now

[ThisWreckage]

its 17 million now

Wow, I didn't hear that. So yeah, it's an enormous franchise.

[sublimit]

I can't help but think this only matters to hardcore gamers or those who have a specific allegiance. The average consumer is going to look at what's available on both and not really care if one game (let's say Gears) isn't available on the console they want. They probably weren't going to play it anyway, so it's a non issue, to them at least. It only becomes one if you follow gaming closely and decide which console to buy based on what exclusive games will be available.

It depends what you mean by "average cunsumer".Do you mean someone that has no idea who Mario is or has never heard of Gran Turismo or Halo?
I think that even then this group of consumers before deciding what to buy they will do some sort of research first.They may ask their friends or internet people they know for advice (who are more experienced gamers than they) and then the importance of console identity will appear again even if it's through a friend's suggestion.

[Bgamer90]

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=454408 The Uncharted series is one of the most successful new IPs this generation. Probably second to Gears of War.

Oh no, I didn't mean that as "it has done poorly"... it's just that it really isn't a household name. The average joe would be more familiar with Halo than Uncharted.

[pax217]

I look forward to, and give much more attention to nearly every first party title released on the 360 and PS3 than I do others.

This can be a problem, though, as it took me longer-than-needed to play games like Enslaved. I also miss out on a lot of indie stuff that I'd enjoy for a weekend or two.

[phosphor112]

I almost exclusively play exclusives (lol).

Seriously... from PC games to the many games on PSN.

[KAL2006]

It depends what exclusives they are. The game has to be a system seller.

Wii
Wii Sports game the Wii a great start.
Mario Galaxy gave it another push
Mario Kart Wii made the Wii even popular
NSMB got all the Mario fans in
Wii Fit got casuals to buy Wii
Just Dance got more casuals to buy a Wii

PS3
MGS4 got some early PS3 owners
Uncharted 2 was a success
Gran Turismo 5 was a huge system seller
Uncharted 3 was a system seller for the hardcore

Could give more examples, but it seems Wii has the most system sellers, and it's system sellers a more appealing to a wider audience. Sony have the most exclusives but unfortunately they are not huge sellers that sell systems. Both 360 and PS3 have multiplatform games like COD to sell systems, however 360 benefits more with it's multiplatform games for some reason.

[catashtrophe]

I'm fairly certain that just Gears of War and Halo on the 360 have outsold every first party PS3 exclusive combined. So I'd say yeah, mass-marketed, high-selling first party tells help a lot.

I'm fairly certain you don't know what your talking about.

Uncharted trilogy is at 17+ million so close to if not equal to the gears trilogy sales

GT5 and GT5 prologue were over 12+ million combined in last years polyphony sales report. LBP 1, MGS4 and GOW 3 were at 4+ million each last time I saw on Eurogamer or some other sites.

Just coz Sony don't boast about there's sales or draw in heavy front loaded sales in the NPD doesn't mean they are not doing well worldwide in the long term.

[Fraull]

I love the exclusives found on the PS3. They sure did come later than they should have, but now there are a ton of exclusives that to me, make it a better platform than Xbox. Nintendo also has their awesome IPs that always draw me in.

[Penguin]

I'm fairly certain you don't know what your talking about. Uncharted trilogy is at 17+ million so close to if not equal to the gears trilogy sales GT5 and GT5 prologue were over 12+ million combined in last years polyphony sales report. LBP 1, MGS4 and GOW 3 were at 4+ million each last time I saw on Eurogamer or some other sites. Just coz Sony don't boast about there's sales or draw in heavy front loaded sales in the NPD doesn't mean they are not doing well worldwide in the long term.

Quadrology. I believe the 17 million counts Golden Abyss as well.

[OldJadedGamer]

Quadrology. I believe the 17 million counts Golden Abyss as well.

Greatest hits and bundles as well.

[GrandHarrier]

Persona is/was the last series that makes me care about Sony / Playstation. If Catherine is any indication and future versions are multiplatform, I'm golden.

But yeah, I own almost every 360 exclusive (XBLA included).

My PS3 collection at this point is, uh, Demon Souls (Don't need now that I have 360 Dark Souls), Disgaea and Valkyria Chronicles.

Long and short: Yes, 1st parties matter. But only a little.

[namDa65]

multi plat for pc, (except for cod, i get that on consoles cause it is a console game)

exclusives for consoles,

console exclusives depending on which console version is better.

[NZNova]

Uncharted 3 was a system seller for the hardcore

Does this actually make any sense? How many "hardcore" people were out there, who knew Uncharted well enough to know that Uncharted 3 was something they wanted to get a piece of, who didn't already own a PS3?

[Raptomex]

They do for me. I bought a PS3 for exclusives, and I'll likely buy a WiiU for exclusives. My 360 is my multiplat machine for the most part.

This pretty much nails it for me.

[Zeitgeister]

At the start of this gen, I felt that MS was already right on the money when they moved to a "licence it, but don't buy it" (or least not the studio) model. But then they kinda 'lost' Mass Effect and I have to say I no longer think it's that smart a model. In terms of money? Sure. But are more concerns than the amount of money spend when it comes to lasting appeal.

That said, the Sony situation is quite clear evidence that it actually was a smart move. Not that Sony studios can't or don't produce high quality titles, it's just that the amount money going in is not coming out in the same way (software or hardware sales). (It might by now though, but on the whole that's too little, too late)

If anything, fans of their first party software (and potentially even hardware) should probably prepare for Sony either culling the herd or prepping for bankruptcy at some point. maybe I'm seeing this wrong, but that's the impression "HD gaming" has on me.

Nintendo is something like a reserve mirror when it comes to first party though. But then that might just be market leader privilege.

[Figboy79]

Ultimately, developers matter more to me than platforms. I go where the developers go.

Thing is, some my favorite developers of the past few generations happen to be owned by Sony.

Naughty Dog
Sucker Punch
Media Molecule
Santa Monica Studios
Team Ico
Polyphony Digital
SCE Bend

The others are either second party, and make exclusive titles that interest me for the PS3:

thatgamecompany
Q Games
Quantic Dream
Ready at Dawn
Lightbox Interactive
Insomniac Games
Level 5

These are the developers that I'll follow no matter what platform they are developing on, depending on if their next project interests me or not.

I'm not as big into third parties as I used to be, but I enjoy some multi-plat series like the Batman games, the Lego games, Deus Ex, Elder Scrolls, Fallout, etc, and will pick up those games when they release new entries.

Most consumers aren't familiar with who makes the games, only the games themselves.

The fact that Bungie is no longer developing Halo will make no difference to the millions of Halo fans out there when Halo 4 drops.

I think Sony does a good job of highlighting their developers, and having a broad spectrum of titles that appeal to a broad spectrum of gamers.

Exclusives will always matter to me, because I feel exclusive titles tend to push the consoles better than multi-platforms, with very few exceptions from 3rd parties. Having to split development between two or more platforms will always have an effect on the end product. Being able to work on just one platform for the duration of development will always have an effect on the end product. I think games like God of War 3 and Uncharted speak to the benefits of single console development.

And I totally bought a 360 for Bioshock, Mass Effect when they were exclusive, and Alan Wake, and Shadow Complex, and Fable (before the 2nd and 3rd entries broke my heart...). It's not always the "BOOM" mega-titles that sell consoles.

Everybody is different, and wants different things from games. Thankfully, we have so much choice that it's almost overwhelming. This generation has been amazing to me as far as the breadth of options we have to choose from.