Microsoft Clarifies Stance on Not Publishing PSN or PC Exclusive Games on XBLA

Microsoft's content publishing stance is quite harsh, as it doesn't allow developers to get their games onto services like the Xbox Live Arcade if they already released it on other platforms like the PlayStation 3 or PC, but the company has now defended itself, saying that this is what gamers want.

Microsoft is pretty restrictive when it comes to releasing games on its Xbox 360, as its content publishing rules won't permit developers that launch their creations onto other platforms first to deploy them on the console.

As such, PSN or PC downloadable exclusives, like Joe Danger, for example, aren't allowed onto the Xbox Live Arcade, while Sony or PC digital distribution services, like Steam, always allow former Xbox 360 exclusives, like Limbo or Bastion, to appear for their platform.

Microsoft's stance is a good one, at least in the eyes of its European boss, Chris Lewis, who shared some insight on why the company is so strict with its Xbox 360.

"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 to Eurogamer. "Whilst I can't be specific about the terms and conditions, you can be very confident we seek to maximize 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."

While it may sound like Microsoft is locking up its own platform for its own profit, Lewis is quite certain that Xbox 360 owners also want this.

“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,” Lewis said.

What say you, Xbox 360 owners? Are you pleased that Microsoft is so protective of its console or do you want PS3 or PC exclusive to arrive on your own platform?