Yet again console-exclusive content sparks controversy

With the announcement that Marvel's Avengers Spider-Man character would only be playable on PlayStation 4, many gaming fans immediately took to social media in anger. Console exclusives aren't anything new, but the parceling out of content between platforms is a practice many take issue with.

The difference between making a game exclusively for a specific console, unlike the uneven distribution of content, is a feeling that almost reminds one of being cheated. With a full exclusive, players know that they are getting the whole experience for their money's worth, and go in with the assumption that they are getting everything as advertised.

But by only excluding some content, those who might not have the favored platform will feel like they are either being told they value less or coerced into purchasing a system they otherwise may not have. Add on top that all versions will still cost the same amount, and you have a recipe for immediate PR backlash.

A 2019 poll asking if 'Console Exclusive Extra Content' was bothersome with 70% responding in the affirmative – although half of those were under the condition that only 'mission content' not be excluded, cosmetics are fair game.

There are many reasons why a company would do this, but the main one is money. Video games are a product that is designed to be sold, and like any other product, those who make it want to see generous profits. So if a console company offered enough of an incentive, some developers might be tempted to play by a different set of rules.

Spider-Man is a huge icon, even more prominent now in the wake the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Sony does share custody of the rights with Marvel – maybe it's just a case of kids not wanting to share their toys. The fallout is yet to be seen, but come fall, we'll know for sure if this was as prudent a move as previously hoped.

For Crystal Dynamics, it may well have been precisely what they needed after the poor reception after E3 2019. Most were concerned at the less-than-stellar appearance were overall disappointed with what little Crystal Dynamics had to offer. In the coming months, Crystal Dynamics would then announce in January that the release would be delayed to September 4th instead of May 15th.

No one really knows for sure why they chose to make Spider-Man exclusive to the PlayStation 4 or when it happened. It could just as easily have been the plan all along, and the timing of the announcement could be mere coincidence.

At any rate, discontent is sure to be expected – Infinity Ward pulled this same exact stunt when it was announced that the 'Special Ops Survival Mode' for Modern Warfare would be a timed-exclusive for PS4 until October 2020.

The science behind the marketing and psychology behind these decisions is well beyond me. Still, based on community reactions, it seems as though this strategy serves more to rile audiences than drive sales. As they say, "Any publicity is good publicity."