Shawn Layden posits that exclusive titles are the definitive factor in shaping a gaming brand’s identity.
Shawn Layden, the former chairman of Sony Interactive Entertainment, recently shared his perspective on the strategic importance of platform exclusives. During an episode of the Pause for Thought podcast, he argued that while not every game is destined to be locked to a single console, abandoning exclusivity entirely would be a misstep for the industry.
“There is immense brand equity in possessing powerful exclusives. If Mario were to suddenly appear on PlayStation, it would be an apocalyptic event, wouldn’t it? The same principle applies to Nathan Drake and the Uncharted series.”
Layden believes that flagship franchises serve as the face of a brand, pushing the boundaries of their respective platforms and acting as a vital catalyst for competition. In his view, moving away from exclusive content would deal a significant blow to the traditional gaming ecosystem.
However, Layden does concede that multiplayer live-service titles, such as Helldivers 2, require a significantly broader audience to thrive, necessitating a more platform-agnostic approach.
Source: iXBT.games