What has Sony lost really?

[Dodece]

I agree with the author in regards to the lost exclusives being unrealistic assumptions created by the loyal consumers. They are most assuredly not the fault of Sony. Unfortunately these expectations sold their console, and are part and parcel of their public image. So it is actually a large loss for Sony. You cannot reap the rewards of a public persona, and then cry fowl when that persona brings heat upon you. When you do not regulate public perceptions you invite situations such as this. While Sony may technically be clean what matters is their persona has become tarnished. Whether Sony deserves this loss is irrelevant for consumers it is now a brand stigma.

I disagree with the assessment that Sony first and second party development can make up the short fall. The problem with this logic is that it in no way matches Nintendo. Nor can it counteract the Microsoft strategy. Which is one of purchasing exclusives. While it may be less profitable at first blush the reality is that it is cheaper to buy an exclusive then to develop an exclusive. Microsoft can make up the difference through their licensing and live service fees. Microsoft has the safer strategy. Not only does it bring more exclusives to their console, but the console architecture ensures PC porting to their console. Sony cannot internally develop itself out of this situation. They must begin to earnestly secure third party exclusives.

I also disagree with the authors bullish opinion of what the console has retained. The reality is that Sony has lost a great deal. I would also say on perhaps every single front. Their public perception has been shaken. They have strengthened their competition. They have found a bad economic model. They have managed to work themselves into a weak library. They let these persist and it will be a long expensive uphill battle for the brand in this generation and the next.