Re: Asphalt 8 is NOT an Xbox Title: Let's Mobilize to Reverse the Trend. #SaveXboxWP
As I said, I understand why companies might choose to make something exclusive to a certain platform. What I don't understand (even after reading this thread) is why a *user* would want this. At worst, something being available on multiple platforms doesn't disadvantage them, and at best, it is good for them as they get access to a wider range of apps, services, etc on their chosen platforms. But I'm just repeating myself now so maybe it's time to put this thread to bed.
You have to think bigger picture. While it may seem like a very user-friendly approach for a company to put all of their services on every platform, for big corporations like Microsoft, this would undermine other services. If they put Office on iOS and Android tablets, there is less incentive for people to buy Windows tablets. If fewer people buy Windows tablets, Microsoft's competitors continue to dominate the tablet market. Companies with more clout can push out companies with less clout, and soon Microsoft is not doing as hot in one sector (tablets). Even though they're now doing better in another sector (Word market share), the loss of market share in tablets will lead to a loss in power as the Windows OS revenue begins to decrease. As Windows Phone's struggles to gain market share can demonstrate, once you lose market share in a sector (here, smart phones), it's awfully tough to break back in. In the meantime, other companies (here, Google and Apple) are rolling in the dough, pushing their services onto consumers at the expense of Microsoft. This creates ripple effects. Soon people have iPads and iPhones and Windows computers, but they start thinking, "I have an iPhone and an iPad already, it would make more sense to get a Mac too". Now the Windows computer is out of the picture (this is happening). Soon Microsoft is losing market s hare in multiple sectors, at risk of hitting a downward spiral that eventually even hits the products and services that originally enjoyed growth with the 'put your product on every platform' philosophy, such as Office. Pretty soon many of the products and services that you, as a consumer, enjoy are no longer relevant.
I like Microsoft's services, so I want them to stay competitive in all arenas because I like how they innovate. They do things that other companies don't do but that intrigue me (e.g. Microsoft experimenting with Kinect whereas Sony is content with boring spec upgrades). So, it is in my interest for Microsoft to leverage their exclusive services, like Xbox or Office, to promote growth on their own platforms, like Windows Phone, because doing so will encourage research and development in other arenas.
. Hopefully AC: Pirates will be next!
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