With Microsoft's Xbox Series X and Sony's PlayStation 5 (PS5) taking wildly different approaches to revenue generation, it's no surprise that the messaging of the two companies has now diverged almost completely.

But with Sony pursuit of a "walled garden" strategy (the previous industry standard), what used to be commonplace is starting to look quite a bit less consumer friendly.

Because when you're selling access, your average Spider-Man, no matter how friendly, has to be very particular about what neighborhood he frequents (and what controller he plays with)...in Virtual Legality.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/bQxhEWnIzK0

#PS5 #Spider-Man #DualSense

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Discussed in this episode:

"Avengers’ Spider-Man will be exclusive to PlayStation, according to a pulled retail listing"

VGC - August 2, 2020 - Andy Robinson

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/avengers-spider-man-will-be-exclusive-to-playstation-according-to-a-pulled-retail-listing/

"Launch is Just The Beginning for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes"

PlayStation Blog - June 10, 2019

https://blog.playstation.com/2019/06/10/marvels-avengers-revealed-at-square-enix-live-e3-2019/

"Online retailer says Spider-Man will be exclusively playable in the PS4 version of Marvel's Avengers"

Reddit Thread - August 1, 2020

https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/i1kov7/online_retailer_says_spiderman_will_be/

Joint Development Agreement (Sample)

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1143301/000119312511294675/d219137dex1022.htm

"A PlayStation Exclusive Spider-Man In ‘Avengers’ Would Just Make Everyone Mad"

Forbes - August 3, 2020 - Paul Tassi

https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2020/08/03/a-playstation-exclusive-spider-man-in-avengers-would-just-make-everyone-mad/#5dd78e6d7c39

"Microsoft confirms Halo Infinite multiplayer will be free-to-play and up to 120fps"

The Verge - July 31, 2020 (updated) - Tom Warren

https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/31/21349236/halo-infinite-multiplayer-free-to-play-120fps-rumors

"343 shoots down the rumor that Halo Infinite will launch without multiplayer"

PC Gamer - Wes Fenlon

https://www.pcgamer.com/343-shoots-down-the-rumor-that-halo-infinite-will-launch-without-multiplayer/

"PlayStation 5: Answering your questions on compatible PS4 peripherals & accessories"

PlayStation Blog Post - August 3, 2020

https://blog.playstation.com/2020/08/03/playstation-5-answering-your-questions-on-compatible-ps4-peripherals-accessories/

"Xbox Series X: Making Gaming’s Best Controller Even Better"

Xbox News Wire - March 16, 2020

https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/03/16/xbox-series-x-controller/

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"Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).

CHECK OUT THE REST OF VIRTUAL LEGALITY HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy9YAU61GoW-00K0TJOGnPCo

DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.

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Twitter: @hoeglaw

Web: hoeglaw.com

Blog: hoeglaw.wordpress.com