Shrug, it worked for watch dogs on the ps4 and I imagine it will work for destiny on the ps4 too. Free information is there but there are plenty who don't pay attention and only see the advertising. I think Microsoft will keep doing it untill it doesn't work.

The main problem is that the cheque book isnt currently helping them close the gap. Same goes for Gen 7; they never caught the Wii and could only "hold off" the PS3.

They need to splash that cash on things that will REALLY matter if they want it to be worth the investment. Tomb Raider, while brilliant, isnt a game changer.

While the PS4 grows in userbase and software numbers too, publishers will be wanting more to cover any money possibly made on the platform. The chequebook needs to benefit the Xbox one sooner rather than later otherwise it will be a large waste of resources.

That is because of E-sports and MLG, if TR gets a better Multieplayer than the last one it could be pretty popular..

It seemed to mostly work in EU where PS has brand domination (something Xbox no longer has anywhere). Remember, VGC overtracked WD PS4 boost in US.

Without brand domination (and right now it seems there isn't any in US), i don't see it working very well.

The thing is that these type of games are not for multyplayer, they are meant to be played singleplayer. That is why it sells better on PS andaverage on xbox and the diference should be more notiable now that the installbase is doubled and probably tripled by then.

Not especially, Gears of war did well in the singleplayer and multiplayer part, tomb raider could do better with a decent multiplayer but so far the MP sucked...

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.

Wait, since when is wikipedia is a reliable source? Can't I just go and edit that myself?

Also, this: "very beneficial to Sony both in terms of revenue dollars and also in further cementing the PlayStation's growing reputation as the go-to system for must-have exclusive titles" is not a fact but an opinion. We don't know what kind of role TR played in Psone's success. For all we know it could have done just as well without it (unlikely but still). Also, how well known and successful was Tomb Raider before signing that deal? How well was the psone doing compared to Sega Saturn and N64 at that moment? You can't just ignore these things because they don't fit your argument.

Do you know that all console makers start with these timed exclusives thingy and later grows / buys their own first party studios. After two / three geenration all console manufacturers have their formidable first party line up. But this is quite opposite in the case of microsoft.

My appologies for opening another thread on this article, this one just seems to have slipped through the cracks when I was looking.

Anyway, I linked it because I think the article is excellent and nicely focuses on Microsoft's strategy for the past decade and a half. Just goes to show that money cannot buy success most of the time (otherwise Yankees would win World Series every year, and Real Madrid the same in the Champions League).
Hopefully, XOne will manage to increase the sales, because if they start getting desperate, we might lose some quality franchises forever.