It appears that Microsoft has decided to enter the world of film exclusivity, as the company has launched its first exclusive movie on the Xbox 360. The film is called Pulp, and is a British comedy. There’s even a trailer where people say how much they loved it.
This event could be the start of something much bigger in the future of consoles. You can already stream movies on consoles through the likes of Netflix, Lovefilm or by renting them from LIVE or PSN, but movie exclusivity directly challenges the other streaming services.
Right now it’s a rather small title but it shows that Microsoft are still following the ambition of making the Xbox brand one that people will relate with entertainment.
Maybe next gen Microsoft will be trying to gain exclusivity rights for more movies and perhaps shows. If it’s successful then there is the possibly that Microsoft could invest in their own exclusives, much like Netflix has done with House of Cards.
This may seem like a rather small stunt now but the long term ramifications could be huge.
Source: Engadget.
bunimomike
Netflix streamed House of Cards (and is its publisher too). Interesting to see situations like this and I’m curious as to how it’ll pan-out in the future.
Bilbo_bobbins
meh, Xbox can keep their nasty film exclusives. Jesus any film that has people saying its good is bound for the shit pile.
Porcupine_I
well, i suppose Sony should have some good cards with this too
The Lone Steven
Oh for gods sake MS! Don’t start buying exclusive films as that will be annoying. As i’ve said before, they need to focus on developing their own exclusives as timed exclusives is not enough to sell the 360 and 720. As Sony managed to outsell the 360 via focusing on developing exclusives. MS will be fecked if they keep buying timed stuff for the Durango and Sony keeps pumping out new exclusive games. As some people prefer buying exclusive games instead of timed DLC or timed exclusive games as it could decide which console they will get.
This will be interesting actually as Sony have their own film company, so i can see MS getting a lot of films on their video store but having to remove any Sony films. If they decide to go down that route. :-/
ABlokeCalledDaz
Removing Sonys films would remove about 50% of the catalogue.
ABlokeCalledDaz
Do Microsoft really think they can compete with Sony on movies? That’s got to be an uphill battle.
I don’t think a single jimmy at Sony will be rustled.
whoelse
Exclusives/Timed exclusives as a result of bribes really grind my gears. Things like timed exclusivity of DLC for example does not benefit gamers, and just pisses off those that own the console that is on the wrong side of the deal (usually PS3 gamers). Anyway, that’s my mini-rant.
webby_15-0
surely most film companies would lose money if a film is only on one console rather than both. i cant imagine they’ll be too interested in that. it’s different with games as to put it on both consoles you need to develop 2 versions (meaning more costs), but with films being in one format, there’s no real incentive to keep it exclusive (well, unless a huge initial payout is given).
as for sony taking their films off xbox’s service; highly unlikely. the costs they probably make from sales would completely out weigh the benefit of keeping it ps4/ps4 exclusive.
f4rgo
Seems pretty weak, why bother even advertising it?
fattyuk
Crack on Microsoft.
Good luck to ya!!
yiddo
Priorities Microsoft?