Former Exec Reveals PlayStation’s “GTA 3” Exclusivity Linked to Xbox Launch

Sony’s Strategic Move: Making “Grand Theft Auto”Exclusive to PlayStation

The decision by Sony to secure exclusivity for several “Grand Theft Auto”titles on PlayStation was not a mere coincidence but a strategic response to the impending release of Microsoft’s Xbox, as highlighted by Chris Deering, a former President of PlayStation Europe.

Insights from Chris Deering

In a revealing interview featured on GamesIndustry.Biz, Deering shared that the choice to confine the GTA franchise to Sony consoles was a deliberate measure aimed at countering the Xbox’s market entry. He noted that concerns about Microsoft’s console were palpable within the PlayStation ranks, leading to the idea of exclusivity surfacing somewhat unexpectedly.

“We were worried when we saw Xbox coming. We knew exclusivity was the name of the game in a lot of fields, like Sky TV with sports. Just as Christmas was approaching when Xbox would launch, a few of us went out to our favourite third-party publishers and developers, and we asked them, ‘How would you like a special deal if you keep your next generation game on PlayStation exclusive for a two-year period?’”

The Groundbreaking Deal with Take-Two

One notable agreement forged during this pivotal time was with Take-Two Interactive, covering exclusivity for the next three entries in the Grand Theft Auto series. Interestingly, at the time of the deal, the enormity of GTA 3’s impact was uncertain given its evolution from a top-down perspective to 3D gameplay. This strategic partnership not only benefitted Sony in solidifying its market position but also provided Take-Two with favorable royalty rates, emphasizing a common industry practice where platform deals often drive engagement and sales.

A Lasting Impact on Gaming History

The collaboration between Sony and Take-Two, motivated by the competitive landscape created by the launch of Xbox, undeniably played a crucial role in the commercial success of both Sony’s prior consoles and the Grand Theft Auto brand. This decision proved to be beneficial for both entities, effectively reshaping the gaming industry for years to come.

Looking Ahead: Grand Theft Auto VI and Future Releases

As for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, it appears that exclusivity for PlayStation will not be part of the equation, aligning with the release strategy previously employed for GTA 5. This approach suggests that the franchise will first launch on consoles, followed by a rollout on additional platforms like PC.

In summary, the historical decisions made by Sony to secure exclusivity for GTA titles were deeply influenced by the competitive environment surrounding the Xbox launch, and these moves have left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape.

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