Microsoft is refusing to publish Xbox Live Arcade titles that are launched on a competing platform first, according to some digging by Eurogamer. The platform holder also prefers publishers to release on-disc titles with the same content across multiple platforms. In an interview, Xbox Europe boss Chris Lewis defended these tactics, saying it’s what players want from the company.
"We're a little biased, so obviously we're going to look to protect our own space as best we can and get exclusivity," said Lewis. "Whilst I can't be specific about the terms and conditions, you can be very confident we seek to maximise our own advantage to ensure the playing field is even, and certainly plays to our advantage wherever possible."
"As you can also imagine, our partners have to be mindful of the relationship they have with all platform holders, and they need to be equitable. But there are contractual situations where we get agreement with different people to do different things, and through what we have available on Xbox Live, we are able to offer things other people can't offer, that allows that exclusivity and unique elements to it that might not otherwise be available elsewhere."
Sony’s policy is far more relaxed than Microsoft’s Content Submission and Release Policy, which was obtained by Eurogamer. Games like Limbo and Castlevania: Harmony of Despair have appeared on Xbox Live Arcade first, later finding homes on PlayStation Network.
"Titles for Xbox 360 must ship at least simultaneously with other video game platform, and must have at least feature and content parity on-disc with the other video game platform versions in all regions where the title is available. If these conditions are not met, Microsoft reserves the right to not allow the content to be released on Xbox 360,” the policy reads.
Some publishers apparently have an issue with the policy, which they say prevents them from being creative with each platform.
"Microsoft is suggesting that anything but parity will result in them not carrying a title. They may think this is competitive, but it's not. They are killing any creative exposure of titles to make up for their own platform's shortcomings,” said an anonymous representative of one publisher.
Microsoft continues to believe the policy is the best way to protect the content that comes to Xbox Live Arcade.
“Honestly, and this is going to sound a bit contrived, we just want what our consumers want from us. We want to be where they want us to be. We want the quality bar of what they experience from us to continue to go up. I think it has to happen. Everybody's got to do that. If we want to continue to command healthy average selling prices, which we all do, that which we offer our consumers has got to keep getting better,” countered Lewis
"Despite the fact it can be irksome to have such strong competition all the time, it actually does keep us on our toes. It's great for everyone, and it makes for a very healthy race to higher and higher levels of quality of game experiences."
