Sunset Overdrive exclusive to Xbox One because Microsoft allowed Insomniac to own the rights to its creation

Sunset Overdrive became an Xbox One exclusive because Microsoft allowed Insomniac to retain the rights to the game.

Prior to Sunset Overdrive and Fuse, which was a multi-platform game, Insomniac worked exclusively with Sony, where it created hugely popular franchises like Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet & Clank, and Resistance. Though Insomniac was instrumental to their success, it does not own the rights to them.

When Microsoft told Insomniac it could retain the rights to Sunset Overdrive, the companies were on their way to signing a deal.

"We pitched it a few different places, and it was really important to [Insomniac CEO] Ted [Price] that we own the IP, so some of the conversations broke down over that," Sunset Overdrive co-creator Marcus Smith told IGN in an interview. "With Microsoft, they just came in very energetic and excited to work with Insomniac, period."

Last week Insomniac finally released the first gameplay trailer and details for Sunset Overdrive. For more on the game, be sure to read GameSpot's recently published preview and previous coverage.

Emanuel Maiberg is a freelance writer. You can follow him on Twitter @emanuelmaiberg and Google+.
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