A reader has reacted to reports that Microsoft is polling fans about making major franchises like The Elder Scrolls Xbox console exclusives, arguing the strategy is doomed to fail.
The reader, who identifies as Iceman, says they owned an Xbox One but never bought an Xbox Series X/S and are glad they didn't. They criticise the Xbox team for "constantly flip-flopping decisions" and for laying off thousands of people.
Iceman is particularly concerned about the idea of asking ultra-hardcore fans for advice on exclusivity, suggesting they would not give the most logical answers. They believe fans want a return to the Xbox 360 era but won't accept that is unlikely to happen.
Gears of War's failure
The reader points to Gears of War: E-Day as an example of why exclusivity doesn't work. It reportedly sold poorly on Steam and on Xbox due to the small console install base. They also note the rumoured budget of $300 million or more.
They argue that Microsoft has trained players to use Game Pass rather than buy games, making it even harder for exclusives to succeed. Even if the franchise isn't past its prime, they say it's not physically possible for it to sell enough to be a hit.
Minecraft and the Elder Scrolls
Iceman is stunned that Microsoft would consider making Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, Diablo, and Minecraft exclusives. They note that Xbox is the least popular platform for Minecraft, making the question absurd.
They also highlight that Skyrim will be nearly 20 years old by the time its sequel arrives, yet Microsoft might release it only on Xbox and PC. This contradicts earlier statements about not burning money and doesn't work as a strategy.
The reader concludes by wishing Microsoft would sell its console business to allow proper competition for Sony, and to protect major franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout from being "sacrificed."
