Despite the fact that many gamers will violently oppose this article, there is a very good chance that what they fear most might actually take place. I believe that Modern Warfare 2 might be coming to the Xbox 360 exclusively, and my reasons for stating that are as follow:
First, despite the fact that Microsoft will have a strong line-up in the Fall with Halo: ODST, Splinter Cell: Conviction, Forza Motorsport 3, and possibly Alan Wake, they still need all the help they can get. To be more specific, they need more third party exclusives, and Modern Warfare 2 would be a perfect one.
Second, they have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are willing to do whatever it takes to win this console war, and they know that securing this title would be a massive boost towards that desired outcome.
Third, they clearly have the financial backing that will support them in taking such an action. A permanent exclusive will obviously cost them an arm and a leg; therefore, a timed-exclusive would be a better way to go. In fact, three months would be more than enough to tip the scales in Microsoft’s favor. After all, do you actually believe that anyone would wait for the PS3 version of the sequel to one the best games of all time when the Xbox 360 version would be available in stores?
Fourth, they are known to pay third party publishers in order for their titles to be released on the Xbox 360 exclusively instead of being released as multiplatform titles. Why do you think The Last Remnant, the JRPG developed and published by Square Enix, never saw the light of day on the PS3 despite being previously announced as a multiplatform title?
Fifth, they are currently finalizing a deal with Activision to release Tony Hawk: Ride exclusively on the Xbox 360 in the UK. Thus, it would not be too hard for Microsoft to discuss another deal involving one of Activision’s best selling franchises.
Sixth, according to VG247, in an interview with Major Nelson, when asked about what the team has learned from the first game, Infinity Ward’s Rob Bowling replied: “The thing we learned the most [from Modern Warfare 1] was how much focus goes into multiplayer”. He then went on to say: “I mean, Call of Duty 4 on Xbox Live just exploded. Right now we’re at 13 million unique users on 360 and that’s insane”. As you can see, it is quite obvious that Infinity Ward favors the Xbox 360, and knows its potential as a gold mine for their title; therefore, it would be fair to assume that the studio would not mind having their title become an exclusive for Microsoft’s machine.
Lastly, this game is a system seller. If they wanted to choose a single third party title to secure as an exclusive this would be it, and Microsoft is well aware of this fact; they know exactly what this title can do for them; they know that it has the potential to move consoles like there is no tomorrow. After all, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare has sold over 7.3 million copies on the Xbox 360 and over 4.2 million copies on the PS3. In fact, according to Activision publishing CEO Mike Griffith, he recently stated that the game has sold over 13 million copies worldwide since its release in November of 2007.
Regardless of your reaction to this, one thing is clear, the possibility exists, and we will soon find out the truth regarding this matter. However, if Microsoft does make that announcement, just remember the source of that prediction.
God Bless You All
Master Samo
