The Skep-Tech: Will Titanfall remain an Xbox/Microsoft exclusive forever?

James O'Malley Gaming, Skeptech
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Yesterday I reported the news that apparently Titanfall will remain an Xbox and Microsoft exclusive for the lifetime of the game. This means that whilst we’ll get a PC version to accompany the Xbox One and Xbox 360 versions, Playstation gamers will be out of luck, right? I’m not so sure about this – so please allow me to indulge in some speculation.

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So let’s start with what we know. Last October developer Respawn Entertainment’s Vince Zampella clarified the status of the game in a tweet:

So the game was always destined to be an Xbox exclusive for at least a few months, but EA, who publish the game seem to have concluded a separate deal making the game an exclusive for the life of the console.

Sounds pretty concrete, right? There’s perhaps good reason though why we should treat this with a huge grain of salt.

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Remember back in the day when to the shock of almost everyone it was announced by developers Capcom that the game would be exclusive to Nintendo’s sickly Gamecube console? At the time it was seen as a huge boon to a machine that was stuck with a kids-only image, and there was clearly some regret about choosing the little purple box, over the infinitely more popular PS2. Several months later, Capcom reneged and released the game on the other consoles.

Last generation too, the Mass Effect series started life as an Xbox 360 exclusive, but soon found its way on to the PS3 too. So what does “exclusive” really mean?

Here’s my thinking on Titanfall.

Being the first AAA release of this latest console generation, making it exclusive was obviously a huge priority for Microsoft. Since the infamous E3 announcement, they knew they would be on the back-foot and playing catch-up amongst the hardcore early adopters who can make-or-break a console. So perhaps wisely, they’ve thrown money at the problem and signed up Titanfall as an exclusive.

EA must have eagerly signed up to the deal because they have made the calculation that getting a big lump sum from Microsoft in exchange for exclusivity is going to net them more cash than if the game was released on both consoles – why else would you hold back?

Titanfall is going to sell well – but it probably won’t be a huge seller because, lets face it, not many people own an Xbox One yet. And whilst there is a 360 version, chances are that many 360 owners – especially the hardcore gamers who Titanfall is targeting – are holding off buying new games until they can afford to upgrade to the new platform.

Arguably what’s more important to Microsoft at this stage isn’t the game per-se, but what it and its brand represent to the Xbox One as it and the PS4 jockey for position in the on-going phoney war. Microsoft aren’t just interested in telling Xbox One gamers about Titanfall, but want to say to potential customers “Hey, look at us – we’ve got a big shooter with massive robots! This is where the proper hardcore gaming happens… all the PS4 has is Knack, which is for kids anyway”. It’s all about signalling.

In a few years time, when the Xbox One and PS4 have successfully penetrated the market, the economics of this decision might change. Don’t be surprised if the inevitable Titanfall 2 appears on both the Xbox One and PS4 – as EA will judge that there will be plenty of potential customers on these platforms, and the money to be made on both is more lucrative than a one-off wad of cash from Microsoft.

As soon as Titanfall 2 is released too, the value of the first game will drop dramatically – it’ll definitely be no longer the big, new and shiny thing. It’s at this point that EA might decide to buy their way out of the exclusivity contract with Microsoft and port the first game over so PS4 gamers can enjoy the second game, then go back and play the first. And Microsoft, recognising the second game is the attraction now will see there’s less to be gained from Titanfall 1, and may give up its exclusivity in exchange for a smaller bundle of cash from EA.

So will Titanfall never appear on the PS4? I’m sceptical. Of course – the above speculation could turn out to be nonsense (it wouldn’t be the first time), but I think it makes a reasonable case as to why circumstances can change. So don’t be surprised to see Playstation gamers climbing aboard their mechs in a couple of years time.

James O’Malley
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64 comments

  • “Will Titanfall Remain An Xbox/Microsoft Exclusive Forever?”….The better question is, does anyone really care all that much? By the time the Titanfall sequel is ready for release, there will be a plethora of quality titles for both ps4 and xbone that will put that game on the back burner for most. They had an opportunity to establish some mindshare on ps4 simply because there are not a whole lot of new AAA titles for either system at the moment. Gamers move on pretty quickly. Titanfall lost that opportunity, and once it’s lost, it’s gone. Much like how Mass Effect never quite caught on for Sony’s system the way it did on the 360. It never established a fan base on ps3, and when the follow up games did hit the system, ps3 gamers were more interested in other franchises. Titanfall is destined for the same fate.

    • You have not played Titanfall.Its pretty obvious from your comment..The biggest genre of gaming out there are shooters FPS to be more specific And Titanfall is by far they best FPS i have ever played I am a fps fan i play and own every COD and BF games that have come out last gen and now ps4&xb1..The balance,Pace,Controls each individual maps all works flawlessly with what respawn wanted to do the freedom of movement and it is freakin addictive the crazy amount of ways you can get around and kill your opponent..Titanfall is not going any where, My COD dayz are over and i am “Prepare for Titanfall”…BUT I DO FEEL THIS GAME SHOULD BE ON PS4, WIIU, ALL PLATS NO ONE SHOULD BE DENIED A CHANCE OF THIS GAME CAUSE THEY PREFER A CERTAIN CONSOLE..

      • Everything you said may very well be true, but what you said in no way invalidates anything I stated.

  • If EA wants to compete against COD and Destiny they have to go multiplatform or otherwise they dont stand a chance since Destiny has 10 times the potential to be bigger than Titanfall and COD has an established fanbase.

    Also, the PS4 has sold over 6 million clearly beating the Xbone by a long gap worldwide and all that without Titanfall. PS4 doesn’t need Titanfall, on the other hand the xbone is totally dependent on Titanfall.

  • “Will Titanfall Remain An Xbox/Microsoft Exclusive Forever?”….The better question is, does anyone really care all that much?

    • You have not played Titanfall.Its pretty obvious from your comment..The biggest genre of gaming out there are shooters FPS to be more specific And Titanfall is by far they best FPS i have ever played I am a fps fan i play and own every COD and BF games that have come out last gen and now ps4&xb1..The balance,Pace,Controls each individual maps all works flawlessly with what respawn wanted to do the freedom of movement and it is freakin addictive the crazy amount of ways you can get around and kill your opponent..Titanfall is not going any where, My COD dayz are over and i am “Prepare for Titanfall”…BUT I DO FEEL THIS GAME SHOULD BE ON PS4, WIIU, ALL PLATS NO ONE SHOULD BE DENIED A CHANCE OF THIS GAME CAUSE THEY PREFER A CERTAIN CONSOLE..

      • Everything you said may very well be true, but what you said in no way invalidates anything I stated.

  • If Titanfall sells Xbox one consoles as well as the game i would almost guarantee MS will make a offer to Respawn they cant refuse.In any business games, retail any business money talks and MS is not shy on money They (MS) gave $400 million to the NFL for a app on xbx1 a app, that wont make money for there company so i would be pretty positive they would drop $400mill to keep Titanfall ip on XBX1 which will help MS make money and i guarantee you rite know Vince Zampella will not turn that type of money down…$400mill set for life his great,great,great,great grand kids would be set 4life

    • You’re throwing numbers out that have no basis in reality. Good luck with your coma.

        • Oh, I see. Now it’s “worth” over 400 million over 5 years…before you said MS “gave” the NFL 400 million….you’re choking on your own inaccuracies. As a self professed cod player, you should recognize this dog tag, …..Coma confirmed. You’ve certainly earned it. Good luck with that.

          • Your Quote..”You’re throwing numbers out that have no basis in reality”..

            My Quote The facts “They (MS) gave $400 million to the NFL ” FOR A APP ON XB1 A APP “..

            More facts..

            MY quote again…” Microsoft’s Xbox One Deal With The NFL Is Worth $400 Million Over 5 Years..http://www.gameranx.com/updates/id/14…

            Your Quote AGAIN..” Oh, I see. Now it’s “worth” over 400 million over 5 years…before you said MS “gave” the NFL 400 million ”

            Conclusion You are thee most retarded Troll!! who have ever!! walked on this planet Earth..LMAO..You do know the Earth is round..lol..

          • Oh, I see. Now it’s “worth” over 400 million over 5 years…before you
            said MS “gave” the NFL 400 million….you’re choking on your own
            inaccuracies. As a self professed cod player, you should recognize this
            dog tag, …..Coma confirmed. You’ve certainly earned it. Good luck
            with that.

          • You seriously can’t be that dumb? Yes its a question cause I can not come to believe there is someone walking on earth who is really that stupid matter in fact i refuse to believe it.Please prove me wrong..I believe in you buddy..lol..

          • A guy who couldn’t grasp the concept that 3.9 million xbones were shipped to retailers and not sold through to consumers pulling the dumb card? Hahahahaha…it is to laugh. Put on your big boy pants, and return to school son, you’re done here. Coma confirmed.

          • I stand corrected..There is someone that Dumb walking the Earth…LMAO

  • You will not see Titanfall on PS4. Titanfall 2 yes in probably another year. Probably will be a annualized franchise cause EA will want to copy Activision. Good PR campaign though….

  • I actually agree w/ you here, although I’m not the slightest bit interested in Titanfall or any mp only kind of game, the whole situation is a bit suspect. There’s also a clause in this new contract that says that Respawn will only see residuals on this game a year from release, that’s when they start making money off of each game sold as opposed to the lump sum they probably received prior to or during the exclusivity deal, or any dealing w/ EA, maybe that’s a totally normal thing, maybe that’s something that was in place before they ever knew the platforms it would release on, but it seemed like this was a clause implemented when MS got the full exclusive rights. Seems to be that Titanfall possibly falls back under their purview at that point for them to do w/ as they please, which wouldn’t technically make this deal a lie, because MS got the exclusive rights for EA’s Titanfall, not Respawn’s Titanfall. Respawn could then make an actual decent payday by releasing on other plats, whereas otherwise, who would even really need the residuals from a game like this a year after its release when its lost the VAST majority of any sales potential? I think it could go either way, but going off of sheer history w/ MS & these situations, I tend to believe that these games will eventually see their way to other platforms, add to the fact that those rumors went around that it might still make its way to ps4 only to be quickly shut down seems like this deal is more about a moratorium on the facts than any kind of outright truth.

  • This article is ridiculous. TF1 is not coming to PS4 unless EA and Respawn want to find themselves locked in a lawsuit for the next 5 years. TF2 may come to PS4 but it won’t matter even if it does. Right now COD is selling more on Xb1 than PS4 and thats with a 720p resolution. If PS4 can’t pull COD fans now with all its advantages, it damn sure is not going to pull TF fans. When TF2 drops it will sell more on Xb1 just like COD does now. TF2 will not drop until 2016 or 2017 and by that time the TF fan base (which will be on Xb1 since the Xb1 preorders are 3 to 1 over the PC and 360 version) will be tied to Xb1 and Xb live with their XP and achievements.

    MS doesn’t need to have TF2 as an exclusive. They just needed to get the game first. Its just like Mass Effect (which always sold more on 360 despite going multi plat). So you keep holding out for Sony to pull a win out of this Titanfall saga and its not gonna happen brother. Its over. Its been over for a while. The game will live and breath on Xb1 and will exist on PS4 only as a second option. Look at you tube now and all the big COD players are on Xb1. Sony got out played here and if you’re a Sony fan you should just move on and stop bitching about this ONE game. Its getting kinda sad now.

    • Unless you were a part of the deal and have extensive knowledge of the contracts signed, you cannot say w/ any degree of certainty that this title hitting other platforms would result in a lawsuit. I understand going by what MS & EA have plainly said, but remember these are companies w/ intricate workings, and being forthright has never been either companies strong suit. I personally don’t care either way if the game ever leaves MS, I hope its a hit for all parties involved and fun can be had (and also its a bit presumptuous to assume that anyone who has an opinion on this to be a Sony fanboy? This article didn’t seem to be coming from that direction), but unless you were a part of the deal, you can’t always take people’s word in these situations, do you think that David Jaffee was hit w/ lawsuits for lying about the last Twisted Metal’s existence?

      • Titanfall will not see PS4. Titanfall 2 in about a year or so. That’s FACT.

        • If you think TF2 will be out in a year you’re silly. They are moving the game to a new engine which means building the assets and textures from scratch. TF2 needs 2 years minimum for development and you’re probably looking at 3 years because of its success and the high expectations there will be for the sequel. EA is not gonna rush this just so you can stop feeling bad about not getting to play TF1. This is a business.

          • EA only has the publishing rights for the first game, the franchise is owned by Respawn and they will choose who publishes the next title, not EA. I just hope it works out well for all involved and all people interested in playing it, I don’t think Sony’s core crowd is hurting for it that badly even beyond the current games drought, Microsoft has always been the platform to go to for multiplayer, but Sony has typically had a focus towards variety & single player games.

          • If Sony’s fans are not hurting for the game, perhaps they can stop running onto every Titanfall article to complaint about the game. You know how often you’ll catch me on article about Knack complaining about that game…never…because the game holds no interest. Odd that Sony fans can’t do the same for Titanfall.

          • What? Lol you think I’m a troll…… Lol

            I have a X1 and PS4. Guess what I also have Titanfall. I consider myself the most unbiased gamer in the world. So I don’t care when and if it comes out. Just giving my opinion. EA wants to annualize something to compete with COD, Clearly not gonna happen with BATTLEFIELD FRANCHISE. EA are money grabbers just like Activision. They will do whatever it takes. Do I think they should annualize it HELL NO! I want a all new engine too. Could it happen though? YES

            FYI my gamertag for Wii U is UNIFIED
            Gamertag for Xbox live is U N 1 F 1 E D
            Gamertag for PS4 is UNIFIED

            ANYWAY WHAT WERE YOU SAYING ABOUT ME CRYING LOL

        • Are you saying that Titanfall 2 will be a timed exclusive to Microsoft? I really don’t see how anyone can make any solid statements on these matters when history has proven the opposite every single gen. Mass Effect was once an “exclusive franchise” that would never see light of day on other platforms and look how that turned out…you do make a good point that MS will most likely always be the platform w/ the largest Titanfall community as a result of this early exclusivity, but anything beyond that is a sheer shot in the dark. I personally think if the game needed to be exclusive, it hit the best platform for that because MS has always been a multiplayer focused platform, but I highly doubt it stays that way for long because this property will go back to Respawn soon and they’ve already expressly stated their intent on being multi plat. There’s more at play than Microsoft’s coffers, there is also developer integrity coming from a team that were burned very badly by these kinds of practices & publishers.

          • To be honest nobody knows anything. Just have to wait and see…. Personally I really don’t care either way. I own both systems

          • Totally agreed…I haven’t bought into next gen myself yet as I’m waiting to see which one will offer the kind of games I like, Sony had a better offering of singleplayer exclusive last gen for my tastes, but games like Quantum Break show that MS might be trying to change that, can’t wait for e3 to see what all is announced, sounds like itll be a big one for sure

          • I love them both man! Both have great games. I really honestly think its a draw pretty much…. Which controller feels more comfortable to you? That would be the console you should get

          • Well I’m used to the Playstation’s controller but I’ve heard nothing but great things about Xbox’s so I’m a bit on the fence there too, I like the idea of advanced rumble on the One more than the touchpad on the ps4, is the rumble pretty cool yet? I know both controllers will take time to really utilize but that special force feedback just sounds really immersive…like you said they both seem so great it’s just a rough decision! haha

          • Go to Gamestop and hold the X1 controller in your hand then go to the PS4 and hold it. Decide like that. Mess around with demos for a bit. Just make sure you bring some sanitizer with you lol…

        • I think that game is drab same shit different setting its boring im looking at others than that also would never get an xbone

          • That’s your opinion. Thanks for sharing,but I could care less. I own them all. PS4 and X1 are virtually no different to me…. Titanfall is fun MP. Not gonna win Game of the Year or anything lol,but it’s a really addicting fun game. Don’t ever knock anything unless you have a spent a couple hours playing and gathered your own real opinion. Don’t listen to everybody else’s I certainly don’t!

          • i will never play it unless on PS or even look at it.. in which it was going to be like I said i would rather play retrobution and division and others im looking at.

          • I hear ya! I’m playing it right now! I love it man. Your really missing out!!

      • So you think MS spent all that money for lifetime exclusivity and did it based on a contract with a loophole that would allow TF1 to come to PS4. Ok dude. You just wait for that magic loophole to show up ok. Meanwhile, I think there’s a bundle with my name on it…you have fun now….

        • No, I think it’s just presumptuous to assume that everything that we hear from any business should be taken as 100% factual as we believe it. Any loophole that would allow for the title to hit other platforms would be known by all parties involved, it would just benefit Microsoft to push forward saying that the game is a lifetime exclusive when it could just as easily imply that they are only referring to EA’s version of the game & not any future ports. Mass Effect was originally a MS exclusive as well, when 2 went multi plat, they still plainly stated that the first title would NEVER see a multi plat release and we all know how that worked out. I personally don’t mind if it never sees a Sony or Nintendo console because I don’t do multiplayer, only ever enjoyed single player & couch co op so I’m not jealous in the least, I hope that whoever enjoys these games have a good time w/ them, so no need to try to play the fanboy card, if you can’t acknowledge the possibility for a company to continue their typical trends & there’s an automatic belief in anything a company states then I don’t think I’m the one that should be wearing that hat anyway.

        • your getting that? i wouldnt i would wait until on ps im looking at division and others dont fall for it man you dont need x1

          • Naw man, I don’t care Sony’s exclusives and indies. Once MS bought the rights for Gears I was done. I love Gears so Sony had no chance with me. Shame they didn’t have the $$ to make an offer to Epic. I’m sure Epic would have sold to the highest bidder. I was interested in the Order but I after I heard about the black bars on the screen, the frame rate issues, no multiplayer, I was like nah. I thought the Order was gonna be PS4’s Gears but after I hears no multi, I was like pass. PS4 is fine but the games just don’t light me up. I’m going PC and Xb1 this gen.

          • “muh multiplayer” and “I’m going…Xb1 this gen”

            Behold, the cancer killing videogames.

          • Lol. You like what you like and I like what I like. Sony’s shooters are kind of weak in my opinion and a game like Second Son would be a rental for me since I’m gonna play it one time. But to each his own. Thats what great about this country. I’m sure you agree.

          • there is no need i would rather play any third person on playstation.. like i said bro there is no need for x1 wake up..

    • cod is selling more on the xb1 by such a small amount, its not even an issue. both are right around 1 million copies. its pretty obvious that things have changed. ps4 has double the user base as xb1, at this point.

        • not really. it simply shows that there are just as many users playing cod, with a whole shit ton playing other games. its a win anyway you look at it.

  • It may just be me, but man I would be disgusted with Microsoft, if I were a customer, over treating the install base of 48 million gold subscribers on the 360 like a red headed stepchild with support and for titanfall. Seriously. I know and understand they want consumers to upgrade, but it is this thought process that makes me hate Microsoft even more. If it was exclusive to next gen, then great and understandable, but it is not. So where is the hype for the people that even made it possible for Microsoft to release a new console. It took them eight years and a uphill battle to end up where they did and to me, after the rrod crap and lack of exclusives and the last three years of wash rinse and repeat they would beat their chest with both platforms. Nope. Jump in … or you will be left behind. pfft.

  • Hope they buy Respwan (cause IP follows) Or MSand they become they negotiated a better Publishing deal than EA can offer , allowing MS to become the publisher given then an opportunity to close a deal on weather or not to buy Respwan . Thats the plan I hope they do.

  • If EA wants to compete against COD and Destiny they have to go multiplatform or otherwise they dont stand a chance since Destiny has 10 times the potential to be bigger than Titanfall and COD has an established fanbase.

    Also, the PS4 has sold over 6 million clearly beating the Xbone by a long gap worldwide and all that without Titanfall. PS4 doesn’t need Titanfall, on the other hand the xbone is totally dependent on Titanfall.

  • If Titanfall sells Xbox one consoles as well as the game i would almost guarantee MS will make a offer to Respawn they cant refuse.In any business games, retail any business money talks and MS is not shy on money They (MS) gave $400 million to the NFL for a app on xbx1 a app, that wont make money for there company so i would be pretty positive they would drop $400mill to keep Titanfall ip on XBX1 which will help MS make money and i guarantee you rite know Vince Zampella will not turn that type of money down…

  • You will not see Titanfall on PS4. Titanfall 2 yes in probably another year. Probably will be a annualized franchise cause EA will want to copy Activision. Good PR campaign though….

  • I actually agree w/ you here, although I'm not the slightest bit interested in Titanfall or any mp only kind of game, the whole situation is a bit suspect. There's also a clause in this new contract that says that Respawn will only see residuals on this game a year from release, that's when they start making money off of each game sold as opposed to the lump sum they probably received prior to or during the exclusivity deal, or any dealing w/ EA, maybe that's a totally normal thing, maybe that's something that was in place before they ever knew the platforms it would release on, but it seemed like this was a clause implemented when MS got the full exclusive rights. Seems to be that Titanfall possibly falls back under their purview at that point for them to do w/ as they please, which wouldn't technically make this deal a lie, because MS got the exclusive rights for EA's Titanfall, not Respawn's Titanfall. Respawn could then make an actual decent payday by releasing on other plats, whereas otherwise, who would even really need the residuals from a game like this a year after its release when its lost the VAST majority of any sales potential? I think it could go either way, but going off of sheer history w/ MS & these situations, I tend to believe that these games will eventually see their way to other platforms, add to the fact that those rumors went around that it might still make its way to ps4 only to be quickly shut down seems like this deal is more about a moratorium on the facts than any kind of outright truth.

  • This article is ridiculous. TF1 is not coming to PS4 unless EA and Respawn want to find themselves locked in a lawsuit for the next 5 years. TF2 may come to PS4 but it won't matter even if it does. Right now COD is selling more on Xb1 than PS4 and thats with a 720p resolution. If PS4 can't pull COD fans now with all its advantages, it damn sure is not going to pull TF fans. When TF2 drops it will sell more on Xb1 just like COD does now. TF2 will not drop until 2016 or 2017 and by that time the TF fan base (which will be on Xb1 since the Xb1 preorders are 3 to 1 over the PC and 360 version) will be tied to Xb1 and Xb live with their XP and achievements.

    MS doesn't need to have TF2 as an exclusive. They just needed to get the game first. Its just like Mass Effect (which always sold more on 360 despite going multi plat). So you keep holding out for Sony to pull a win out of this Titanfall saga and its not gonna happen brother. Its over. Its been over for a while. The game will live and breath on Xb1 and will exist on PS4 only as a second option. Look at you tube now and all the big COD players are on Xb1. Sony got out played here and if you're a Sony fan you should just move on and stop bitching about this ONE game. Its getting kinda sad now.

    • Unless you were a part of the deal and have extensive knowledge of the contracts signed, you cannot say w/ any degree of certainty that this title hitting other platforms would result in a lawsuit. I understand going by what MS & EA have plainly said, but remember these are companies w/ intricate workings, and being forthright has never been either companies strong suit. I personally don't care either way if the game ever leaves MS, I hope its a hit for all parties involved and fun can be had, but unless you were a part of the deal, you can't always take people's word in these situations, do you think that David Jaffee was hit w/ lawsuits for lying about the last Twisted Metal's existence?

      • Titanfall will not see PS4. Titanfall 2 in about a year or so. That's FACT.

  • It may just be me, but man I would be disgusted with Microsoft, if I were a customer, over treating the install base of 48 million gold subscribers on the 360 like a red headed stepchild with support and for titanfall. Seriously. I know and understand they want consumers to upgrade, but it is this thought process that makes me hate Microsoft even more. If it was exclusive to next gen, then great and understandable, but it is not. So where is the hype for the people that even made it possible for Microsoft to release a new console. It took them eight years and a uphill battle to end up where they did and to me, after the rrod crap and lack of exclusives and the last three years of wash rinse and repeat they would beat their chest with both platforms. Nope. Jump in … or you will be left behind. pfft.

  • Hope they buy Respwan (cause IP follows) Or MSand they become they negotiated a better Publishing deal than EA can offer , allowing MS to become the publisher given then an opportunity to close a deal on weather or not to buy Respwan . Thats the plan I hope they do.

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