console exclusivity Archives

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

PC gaming can’t stop getting Ws, as Microsoft shares it’s being weighed down by console and hardware revenue woes

Gaming revenue increased by 5% (6% when adjusted for currency), while Xbox content and services revenue grew by 8%. However, Xbox hardware revenue declined by 6% (5% CC) and experienced a 30% drop between early 2024 and early 2023. Microsoft has acquired game studios, including Blizzard and Bethesda, but faces challenges such as layoffs and a lack of compelling console exclusives. Current standout titles on Xbox Game Pass do not require an Xbox purchase, reflecting a trend where console exclusivity is becoming less relevant, except for Nintendo.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Metaphor: ReFantazio smashed Atlus’ expectations on PC – another reminder that PC gamers really want more JRPGs and Japanese games

ReFantazio has achieved unexpected success on PC, indicating a growing interest among PC gamers for Japanese titles. Katsura Hashino, the creative director known for the Persona series, noted that the percentage of PC players engaging with Atlus games is increasing annually, with long-term data supporting this trend. Major industry players like Square Enix are also moving away from console exclusivity, as seen with the successful PC port of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Hashino emphasized the importance of allowing players to enjoy games in their preferred environments. Additionally, the lead UI designer of Metaphor: ReFantazio referenced a lesser-known PS2 title from 25 years ago, highlighting the ongoing influence of older games on modern design.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

Major performance issues aside, over half of Monster Hunter Wilds’ sales are from Steam alone

Monster Hunter Wilds has attracted over 400,000 daily players on Steam and was the top-selling game across all platforms in February, with more than half of its sales coming from Steam. It has doubled the launch performance of Monster Hunter Rise, making it the best-selling game of 2025 so far. Capcom's 2024 report states that nearly 50% of their software sales now come from PC, reflecting a strategic shift towards the PC market. Despite some performance issues, the game's overall quality has been praised, and ongoing updates are expected to maintain its momentum.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

As console exclusivity quietly dies, I’m reaping the rewards on PC

The author owns a PC, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch but does not own a PlayStation 5, despite initially intending to acquire one. They have resisted the urge to buy a PS5 due to the decline of console exclusivity, allowing them to wait for PC releases of titles like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Historically, most desired PlayStation titles have eventually become available on other platforms, with the exception of Bloodborne. The gaming industry is shifting away from exclusivity, with titles like Forza Horizon 5 moving to PlayStation and Square Enix releasing games like Octopath Traveler across multiple platforms. The author prefers investing in PC games but acknowledges exceptions like GTA 6, which may be a console exclusive, and Nintendo's unique IPs that can only be accessed through their consoles. The gradual decline of console exclusivity is seen as beneficial for both developers and gamers.

AppWizard

February 7, 2025

GTA 6 announcement confirms game will be unplayable for millions at launch, and possibly beyond

GTA VI is set to be released in late 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with no availability for last-generation consoles. The PC version's release date is still unknown, and historically, PC gamers have faced longer waits for Rockstar titles. GTA V had a 19-month delay for its PC launch after its console release, while Red Dead Redemption 2 had a 13-month gap. The only mainline entry to launch simultaneously on PC and consoles was GTA IV in 2008.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth for Windows PC already sees slashed savings ahead of its release

Gamers are excited about the upcoming PC port of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, set to launch on January 23, 2025. Preorders are available at a discounted price through CDKeys. The game expands the narrative and introduces new quests and characters, featuring Cloud and his companions. Square Enix is shifting to a multiplatform release strategy after previous titles did not meet sales expectations. Final Fantasy 16 has already been made available on Windows PC, and Rebirth will be released on Steam and the Epic Games Store. The Deluxe Edition, which includes an art book, is also available for preorder at a reduced price.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

There’s really only one reason for Rockstar to release Grand Theft Auto 6 later on PC

In 2020, Evan Lahti, the strategic director at PC Gamer, claimed that the PC had won the console wars, a statement that appears increasingly accurate four years later. The PC gaming experience is characterized by customization, modding capabilities, and extensive backwards compatibility, attracting gamers, with many previously console-exclusive titles now available on PC. Microsoft's early concessions in the console generation facilitated this shift, while Nintendo's exclusivity claims have not stopped legal emulation of its games on PC. Sony continues to enforce PSN requirements and lengthy exclusivity windows, leading to a reevaluation of timed exclusivity deals. Delays in PC releases, such as Red Dead Redemption 2 arriving a year after its console launch and the original Red Dead Redemption taking 14 years to reach PC, highlight this trend. Rockstar's track record for PC ports has deteriorated, with no clear justification for the absence of simultaneous PC releases for anticipated titles like GTA 6. Historically, Rockstar was efficient with PC ports, but the current delays indicate a disconnect with the PC audience. As of now, there is uncertainty regarding a PC release for GTA 6, suggesting Rockstar may be relying on secondary revenue from PC launches. In 2023, PC gaming revenue grew by 8%, while console growth stagnated at 0.5%. Although consoles maintain market dominance, much of this is due to the Nintendo Switch and older PS4s. If trends continue, Rockstar's focus on console releases may be misguided. The situation mirrors challenges faced by Square Enix with staggered PC releases. Despite the potential for growth in the PC gaming community, a significant shift in Rockstar's strategy seems unlikely in the near future.