Why Exclusive Games Still Matter in a Cross-Platform World

Exclusive games are far from being obsolete, according to Shawn Layden, a former leader at Sony Interactive Entertainment. In a recent chat on the Pause for Thought podcast, he emphasized that exclusive titles still play a crucial role in defining a console’s unique identity. This comes at a time when many games are being released on multiple platforms, blurring the lines between consoles and PCs. In recent years, Sony has been releasing some of its biggest PlayStation exclusives on PC, like God of War Ragnarök and Helldivers 2. This strategy has paid off, bringing in more revenue and reaching a wider audience. However, Layden believes that exclusives still hold value beyond just sales. He humorously pointed out that if a character like Mario, who is synonymous with Nintendo, ever appeared on a PlayStation, it would feel like the end of the world. This highlights how important exclusives are in shaping a console’s brand and appeal.The debate about the future of console exclusives is ongoing. Even as consoles and PCs become more similar, players still consider exclusives when choosing a gaming system. Games like The Last of Us and Uncharted are often cited as reasons to pick PlayStation over other options. Nintendo, for example, relies heavily on exclusives to drive hardware sales. Layden acknowledges that cross-platform releases are beneficial, especially for multiplayer games that need a large player base. However, he argues that single-platform titles still have a place. These games can showcase a console’s capabilities and reward players for staying loyal to a specific brand. In the end, the discussion about exclusives versus cross-platform games is still evolving. Consoles are no longer just about specs or price; they’re about the unique experiences they offer. According to Layden, this is something that will continue to influence players’ choices.