Exclusive games are good for systems like Xbox and PS3, but when the sales figures are far less than those which cover multiple consoles it perhaps makes more sense for whoever controls the licenses to let them go multi-platform. It's simple economics, and with 50 million odd consoles for each platform out there, to ignore such a huge potential market seems like a wasted opportunity.

As an example:


Saints Row sold 2.1 m* - exclusive to Xbox


saints row 2 sold 2.4m* on Xbox but also 1.51 million on pS3.


1.51 m extra sales is not to be scoffed at, and probably well worth the extra development costs, resources, and possible time delay. When games like Battlefield 3 can rack up huge sales over its predecessor, it does make a good case for the potential benefits from not being tied to one system.


Whether you agree or not that it would be silly of Microsoft to release some of its exclusives, we have to remember that Microsoft are in the business of software development, and should have the resources to develop or buy up more studios to create original and exclusive titles. In light of this, here's five franchises that could benefit from being multi format.


Gears of War

Gears of War is Probably the most controversial but, EPIC aren't solely tied to Microsoft whereas the Gears contract is. Whilst possibly a system seller, when compared to the huge potential sales it could have on multiple systems, then there's a lot that could be gained for both Microsoft via licensing the franchise, and Epic for developing it. Those worried about the Xbox's losing one of its key players need not worry as there's still the massive Halo.


Analyst Michael Pachter, said in the past that the Gears of War series could have been even bigger if it had also been released on the PS3 gaining a possible 3-4 million extra sales. He even went so far as to say that perhaps Epic regretted the decision to stick with Microsoft - although since Pachter's remarks, Epic refuted his suggestions. The reality is, as a multi platform release, Gears has the potential to be as strong as Call of Duty given the right push.




Alan Wake


An obvious choice perhaps following less than expected sales in the immediate months of release. That said, Remedy has the foundations and a reasonable fan base now on Xbox, and so a move to the PS3 as well would certainly bolster the expected income and give Alan the exposure he deserves. Whilst Xbox may be lacking in exclusives, in terms of the actual Alan Wake franchise, a multi-format release would possibly be more beneficial.




Splinter Cell


With Conviction remaining exclusive to Xbox/PC and most likely never to see a release on the PS3 (much like Metal Gear Solid 4 on Xbox 360), Ubisoft would do well to bring the series to as many platforms as possible. We do know that a new Splinter Cell is in the works from Ubisoft's Montreal team, but thus far details are sketchy as to what platforms it will appear on. With Conviction's sales good compared to past games of the series. An all new game on multi formats would no doubt provide greater reward for not only consumers, but Ubisoft as well who were perhaps hoping for more sales on Xbox.




Crackdown


Crackdown offers a solid free roaming jumping action game which failed to capture the imagination in its second offering. However, if a third game was to be made then Ruffian Games, or whoever takes up the mantle, would do well to develop for multiple systems. A move of this kind would make the prospect of a third game more viable and again would benefit everyone concerned. Unless Crackdown 3 is amazing as an exclusive, then sales might be disappointing based on the reception of Crackdown 2.




Perfect Dark


Already moving from its Nintendo home when Microsoft bought Rare; why not let the franchise move to another developer, now that Rare have their hands full with Kinect software. Rare has several great franchises it could build on, so giving the reigns to another developer and going multi platform would be an excellent move. Perfect Dark whilst a launch game for Xbox 360, isn't really synonymous with the system despite this - that's reserved for Halo. An all new game for all systems with a fresh direction could be what the series needs.




* VgChartz estimated data

Posted: Dec 18, 2011 4:27 pm

Source: http://www.msxbox-world.com/features/article/921/5-xbox-exclusives-that-should-go-multi-platform.html