Survey shows console exclusives remain #1 motivation to own one

Console exclusives remain the primary motivation for gaming on consoles, according to Circana's Q1 Future of Video Games consumer survey. However, this motivation has declined by 8 points year-on-year, prompting Sony and Xbox to reconsider their release strategies as the current console generation matures.

What motivates console gaming in 2025?

According to Circana's Q1 survey, exclusive games continue to drive console purchases and engagement, though the appeal has weakened compared to previous years. The survey identified four primary motivations for console gaming: exclusive games (down 8 points), friends and family playing on the same platform (38%), ease of playing with friends (37%), and preference for casual gaming settings (36%).

The decline in exclusive game motivation reflects broader industry changes, including more multiplatform releases and the growing influence of subscription services like Game Pass. Christopher Dring from The Game Business noted that both Sony and Microsoft are reviewing their strategies six years into the current console generation.

Sony's PC strategy under review

Sony has reportedly begun scaling back its PC release strategy for single-player PlayStation exclusives, following disappointing sales performance on Steam. According to Dring's analysis, 'PS5 games on Steam, outside of live-service shooters, simply aren't selling in high numbers.'

The company's PC strategy shift reflects concerns about weakening PlayStation hardware appeal. With the rise of PC-based handhelds and upcoming devices like the next Xbox console, Sony faces questions about whether PC releases undermine its hardware ecosystem.

'Releasing single-player PS5 games on PC appears relatively low-risk right now,' Dring explained. 'But with the rise of PC-based handhelds and consoles, the availability of PlayStation games on these devices might weaken the appeal of Sony's hardware.'

Xbox's multiplatform experiment

Xbox faces different challenges due to declining console sales, leading to its strategy of releasing first-party games on PlayStation 5. The company's internal memo stated it 'will build a global platform that connects players and creators everywhere,' though this approach comes with trade-offs.

'Xbox says its North Star is daily active players, and releasing games on PlayStation will help it grow that number,' Dring noted. 'But it will come at the expense of its platform and services.' The strategy addresses Game Pass's impact on profit margins while accessing PlayStation's premium-paying audience.

Microsoft's approach reflects a broader industry shift towards platform-agnostic gaming, though the long-term effects on Xbox hardware sales remain uncertain.

What this means for UAE gamers

These strategic shifts directly impact the UAE gaming market through game availability, pricing, and platform choices. If Sony continues limiting PC releases, UAE gamers may need to choose between PlayStation hardware for exclusives or waiting for potential future releases.

Xbox's multiplatform strategy could benefit UAE consumers through wider game availability, though it may reduce the value proposition of owning multiple consoles. The emphasis on subscription services versus traditional sales also influences how UAE gamers access and purchase titles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the top reason for playing on console?

Exclusive games remain the top reason for console gaming according to Circana's Q1 survey, though motivation has dropped by 8 points year-on-year compared to previous surveys.

How has the motivation for console exclusives changed?

While exclusive games still rank as the primary console motivation, the appeal has declined by 8 points year-on-year, suggesting changing consumer priorities and industry strategies.

Why are Sony and Xbox re-evaluating their game release strategies?

Sony is scaling back PC releases due to poor single-player game sales on Steam, while Xbox is reconsidering its multiplatform approach after mixed results from releasing first-party games on PlayStation 5.

What other factors motivate console gaming?

Beyond exclusives, the survey found 38% are motivated by friends and family playing on the same console, 37% prefer ease of playing with friends, and 36% favour casual gaming settings.

How does this affect UAE gamers?

These strategy shifts impact game availability and platform choices for UAE consumers, potentially requiring decisions between PlayStation hardware for exclusives or waiting for broader releases.

Written by

Share

Copied