The Grim Future of PS3 Exclusives

It comes to no surprise, but I guess I never wanted to admit it. Nevertheless the reality of dying exclusives for the PS3 is becoming more and more evident. While exclusive first-party games on the PS3 like "Uncharted" and "Rachet & Clank" will turn over profits, exclusive third-party efforts are becoming a rare breed indeed. An article by Reuters, dubs the highly anticipated "Metal Gear Solid 4" the "last of the great exclusives."

Cost hindrance is the main cause of publishers reluctance to give a high-profile game exclusively to one platform, unless the platform holder provides the publisher with profitable incentives. Be that as it may, Konami doesn't feel like it's being limited by releasing MGS4 exclusively on PS3. "We're telling our fans that if you want to play Metal Gear Solid 4, you have to buy a PS3," said Payton. "The PlayStation brand has always been good to us, and we're pretty bullish on the PS3."

Several former PlayStation exclusives, including "Grand Theft Auto," "Virtua Fighter" and "Devil May Cry," are now appearing on rival consoles, making the benefits of purchasing a PS3 questionable to some hard-core game buyers. For its part, Sony doesn't feel bad about its lack of third-party exclusives. "We understand publishers are needing to recoup their investment," said Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing for Sony. "From our perspective, as long as the games aren't going exclusive to other platforms, PS3 gamers are not actually losing anything." Read this carefully: "As long as the games aren't going exclusive to other platforms, PS3 gamers are not actually losing anything."

Excuse me while I stare off in silence..."MGS4...the last of the great exclusives."