The purchasing of timed, or even permanent exclusives on individual titles, is too much of a stop-gap measure to give the platform the kind of momentum it needs. Timed exclusives are next to useless, because they're only effective as a system seller in the period that they are 'Exclusive,' (and even then, not as effective if we know it's timed,) and don't help build an exclusives library that makes consoles so tempting as late-lifespan purchases. People who buy a console four years, or more, down the line are going to weigh not just 'What's coming out this year,' but also what's already out that they can't get anywhere else.
The problem is that the temptation to do just that, to create exclusive arrangements without tossing in the extra millions of dollars required to say 'No PC Ports,' or 'No Cross-Gen Ports,' stems from the more hesitant and restrained Microsoft. They COULD spend an even more mind-bogglingly vast sum of money making sure all their exclusives never lead the Xbox One platform, be it to PC or Xbox 360, at which point the fact that they're third-party titles wouldn't matter nearly as much. Titanfall might have actually moved a significant number of units if it was only EVER on Xbox One. But they're kept from really flaunting their bank account because... well... they want it to keep GROWING, not shrinking. xP
Microsoft once said that it's a marathon, not a race. Well, the way things are going, they're sapping their ability to perform in a marathon as well, because a portion of their exclusives lineup look to be a bit of a revolving door. In comes a new exclusives, out goes an old exclusive. What they need, above all else, is to build their brand, and demonstrate that there are brand new IPs and experiences you can't get ANYWHERE else but Xbox One, for the duration of the console lifespan. Not simply 'You can't get it anywhere but Xbox One for about a year or so, but then if you own a PC, have we got news for you! =D "
Right now, Quantum Break and Sunset Overdrive are looking to be the litmus test on whether they're prepared to lock things down, as there are, currently, no signs of PC-related plans. But if they do end up going to PC, then, what, is Halo, Forza, Fable and Gears (possible Crackdown) the extent of notable, full-Xbox One exclusives we're going to get?
Even worse is if, say, Microsoft expends resources to build up an exclusive such as Titanfall, letting fly money for marketing, bundles, basically shining a big spotlight on the IP to get it popular... what happens when the time comes to work on Titanfall 2? Either Microsoft has to, once more, spend money to secure exclusivity (and, ironically, because the IP is now tested and proven to draw eyeballs, AND because Sony has a sizable platform advantage, the cost this time around will be substantially higher) or watch the title that they spent sizable resources helping build as a brand go full multiplatform and help make the competition money as well.
Zanten, Doer Of The Things
Unless He Forgets In Which Case Zanten, Forgetter Of The Things
Or He Procrascinates, In Which Case Zanten, Doer Of The Things Later
Or It Involves Moving Furniture, in Which Case Zanten, F*** You.
