Phrancheyez - The problem I see is that the Wii has a better software attach ratio than the PS3, but has sold over twice the systems worldwide. As a developer, why would you support such a system with anything other than the short end of the multi-plat stick? The system (right now) is about as useful to 3rd parties as the Gamecube was last-gen...That's really not a great position to be in.

There are a lot of ways to look at the scenario. Microsoft can't loose their multi-plat support, since they seem to benefit more from it than Sony (more software sales via higher hardware attach ratios), so if Sony is unwilling to do anything to make developers happy, MS may move in and do 'something' - cheap timed exclusivity rights, promises of loans for DLC (ala TL&TD), special publishing rights via Microsoft, ect. Such steps could hurt Sony in a number of ways without securing exclusivity.

Also, I don't get the whole part of Microsoft making a fool of themselves with some of the games they've made exclusive. We can bicker all we want about their choices, but the fact remains that MS got the exclusives, and Sony did not. That's indicative of Microsoft having at least some sort of bargaining power with the developers - something Nintendo nor Sony have really tried to court this gen.

@mrstickball,

Do you realise that there are no third party exclusives anymore this generation? You are talking about devs shifting from PS3 to Wii, while there are no PS3 third-party exclusive games to begin with.

To quote what Mark Rein said in that article "Not everyone predicts a big shift in spending, because PS3 and Xbox 360 share many titles and costs. Game companies who fail to commit enough money to PS3 risk losing business" So multiplatform game will be here to stay.

What you are saying about Microsoft may do stuff like timed exclusivity rights is true, but Sony can also do exclusivity rights, like you see Sony doing it with SEGA for games like Yakuza III, Valkyria Chronicles, and Tecmo's Quantum Theory. So what you're saying is really a moot point.

hello everyone..... i always wonder what will be a good number for the PS3 this gen......seeing as it's doubtful they will catch the 360 now....not with the price difference....

alsong as they still make decent games for the PS3 for the next few years.....i don't see a major problem.....i like it and its a nice piece of kit....

anyway also wanted to ask about sigs as i'm obviously being a bit thick but how do you get anything written in the sig bit or put your own stuff in there...as i can't seem to work it out from the create your own sig page.....thanks for the help....if you give it....

Zones - the problem is that Sony 'can' do it too, but with a lower hardware install base, and lower software attach ratio, it will be harder for Sony to negotiate any sort of exclusivity. That's what gives Microsoft a huge advantage: The X360 sold 38 million extra software units last year over Sony, or 45% higher. Developers know that, and therefore would ask for more to offset potential losses of developing for the PS3 over the X360.

yes ignore that last question i think i've just worked it out......you just write it in there.....

i suppose you have to paste/embed your own pictures in there.....sorry everyone.....not to clever at the moment....

E3 2009 it will happen!!!

I agree with you that it will be harder for Sony to negotiate with third-parties for exclusive contents. But if you look at third-party games on PS3, they sell pretty well, I mean if a crappy port like Fallout 3 could manage to sell 1.3 million units on PS3, then don't you think it would be hard for MS to secure the exclusivity of Bethesda's next title?

Would it be hard for MS to secure Fallout 4 as a totally exclusive game? Yes. But that doesn't mean that Fallout 3 selling an extra 800,000 units on the 360 wouldn't equal some leverage for timed exclusivity, or another sort of deal.

Yes, with the PS3 selling basically the same amount as the 360 weekly worldwide the industry is in desparate need of Microsoft to step in and save the day.

*rolls eyes*

naznatips - You call the 360 outselling the PS3 by 31% for the entire year 'basically the same'? Throw on the fact that the Wii outsold both consoles combined, and it builds a bigger, better case for games to just go to the Wii exclusively. That's bad for both Sony and MS. That's why I'd think that MS needs to do something, if developers begin to shift to the Wii more and more.