Former PlayStation Boss Says Console Exclusives Are Here to Stay

[etfs]

Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden believes console exclusives aren’t disappearing anytime soon. Speaking recently, Layden argued that exclusive games remain critical to a platform’s identity and brand strength.

“There is huge value in having strong exclusives,” Layden said, explaining that iconic characters like Mario or Nathan Drake help define what a console stands for. According to him, these games make a platform “sing” by showcasing the experiences players associate with a specific ecosystem.

While more PlayStation titles are reaching PC, Layden noted that exclusives still help consoles stand out in a crowded market, especially through storytelling, presentation, and platform-specific features that can’t always be replicated elsewhere.