Best-selling PS3 exclusive ranks 51st in overall 2007 sales

Regardless of hardware numbers, it's ultimately software that means the most to any publisher's bottom line. Unfortunately, in 2007, PS3 exclusives didn't fare too well. The top selling PS3 exclusive, Motorstorm, managed to become a million-seller worldwide, but ranks 51st in overall 2007 sales (according to Next-Gen).

There are a number of reasons for the sluggish software sales on PS3. Most obviously, the low system install base will keep PS3 sales from ever reaching the highs that many Wii and Xbox 360 titles can produce. However, we've said it time and time again: 2008 is looking to be a banner year for Sony's black box, and we think things are going to look up. If PS3 can push some strong bestsellers this year (we think they will), publishers and developers are very likely to strongly reconsider how much effort goes into PS3 development. If not, then there's a serious problem.

Check out key PS3-exclusive bestsellers, after the cut.

• Ninja Gaiden Sigma - 470k sold (99th place)
• Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction - 600k sold (81st place)
• Heavenly Sword - 630k sold (78th place)
• Uncharted - 730k sold (64th place)

At least Uncharted, a PS3 Fanboy reader favorite, did respectably. However, it does come with a bit of sadness that none of these titles managed to sell a million copies worldwide. (Update: These numbers reflect US and UK combined sales only. However, that doesn't dispel the PS3's need for better software sales in these territories.) Hopefully, the ever-growing PS3 install base will give these titles the sales that they need/deserve.

[Via Joystiq]