Why are there console exclusive games?

[SplattererRoss]

Why are there console exclusive games? I don't really understand why Halo can't be on the PS3 and MGS4 can't be on Xbox 360. Is it because exclusive won't work with the other system or just console companies trying to get people to buy their systems for exclusive games? I don't understand it and if somebody could explain it it would help a lot.
This isn't a discussion over which console is better so don't start flaming and get my thread locked.

 

[Archer147]

because developers like to mess with your head. you buy the xbox, then find you can't play infamous- mindfuck.

although, you're not missing anything terribly special. the combat system leaves smoething to be desired.

 

[Amnestic]

Because game publishers are contractually obliged with MS, Sony or Nintendo to only release on that specific console? That'd be my guess.

 

[pipboy2010]

just console companies trying to get people to buy their systems for exclusive games

This, pretty much. MGS is the signature PS3 game (along with a few others, like Gran Turismo), and Halo is the Xbox signature game. They won't let go as long as they can keep milking the franchises to keep people buying their consoles.

 

[nYuknYuknYuk]

Becuase Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo pay them to keep it console exclusive so people will buy their respective consoles.

 

[NeedAUserName]

Sony and Microsoft don't want to share. ... And most of Nintendos exclusives wouldn't work without the whichever gimmicky console/handheld its on.

 

[haruvister]

£/$/E

It's the same reason the gaming corps like us to bicker about which is better out of the 360 and the PS3. It's brand tribalism, and it fuels their sales.

 

[ojm62]

It's also easier for smaller devs, and even larger devs do focus on just one platform so they can really push it to the limits in terms of graphics and how well it runs. First party developers make exclusive games because the are owned by either Sony or Microsoft etc.

 

[DoctorObviously]

Now, I stopped with console gaming a good while ago and somethimes I wished there could be more games on the PC.

 

[Knight Templar]

Sometimes dev's are paid by companies like Microsoft and Sony so that their console has more of an edge. Sometimes they would just rather work on a single platform, but I doubt this is the reason more than the former.

 

[megapenguinx]

just console companies trying to get people to buy their systems for exclusive games?

It's this. One of the first things people look at when buying a console (besides price tag) are the games you can play on it. It's really that simple.

 

[z3rostr1fe]

Console exclusivity "should" produce games that are more stable, fun and great. Because they concentrate on only one platform, they can easily do fixing, tweaking, baking, thrashing and whatever they wanted to do with the game. Downside is that: you have to get the console for that game just to play it. But they didn't really care about you not having the console for their game. They cared for the people who have the console for that game. *senses redundancy*

 

[Zac_Dai]

To be honest I thought it was obvious.

A good console exclusive like Halo literally sells a console all by itself.

 

[Amethyst Wind]

Technological, licensing, developer restrictions, it's all politics.

 

[AWC Viper]

it because the consoles are jealous of the almighty PC. (no offence to console gamers)

 

[dennyaaa]

Fanboyism needs some fuel once in a while.. and It makes the individual console more interesting to own...

 

[Jezzascmezza]

Because if there were no exclusives, there'd just be one console. Probably.
Actually, I'd like that, to shut up all the fan boys, and not feel pissed off when an awesome game comes out for the console that you don't own.

 

[xavierxenon]

If there were no exclusives then there would be no need to have 3 different consoles currently on the market.

Another good reason is that not all consoles can handle the games from others.

 

[oppp7]

money. green, juicy money

EDIT: con soles r useless (except mayb handhelds) bc comps r better in just about every area. seriously, of the main groups of vgs, fps, rts, sims, artillary, n mmos, all play better on comps imo, leaving fighting games n platformers for consoles (n thats only bc i havent played ny on a comp).

just do like i do: dont buy consoles nymore.