exclusivity
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Just how exclusive is Splinter Cell: Conviction?
If there's one definitive way to push publishers, developers and public relations personnel off balance, it's broaching the subject of console exclusivity. Begin the line of inquiry and you're sure to get darting eyes, an elongated "Wellllll ..." and an answer that crumples in on itself as soon as it's spoken. Perhaps it's appropriate that the topic of Splinter Cell: Conviction's exclusivity is steeped in a cloak-and-dagger mystery.When asked if the ambitious Xbox 360 and PC stealth title was exclusive in the really real sense, producer Alex Parizeau simply stated, "It's exclusive," and admitted that it was a business arrangement with Microsoft. Prodding about timed exclusivity (a la BioShock and Fallout 3 DLC) didn't yield anything less enigmatic, so we turned to lead game designer Steve Masters. "As far as I know," he said, "this is completely exclusive." Aha! Complete exclusive confirmed!"But that may change in the future."Oh. We suspect the game may make its way to PS3 eventually, but for now ... Wellllll ...
Sprint affirms Palm Pre exclusivity "through 2009"
Ready for your daily dose of obvious? Good. After Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam proudly proclaimed that America's largest mobile operator would be painting the Palm Pre red "in about six months," Sprint has come forward to make sure we know that said statement is probably right on the money. According to Sprint spokesman James Fisher: "We have the Pre through 2009." Short, sweet and chock full of pent-up rage. 'Course, six months after the Pre's launch on Sprint lands us in December, giving VZW just enough time to cripple the phone's hottest features and push it out before Valentine's Day. Sounds pretty reasonable, no?
Verizon offers to cut exclusivity periods so rural carriers can get phones quicker
Call it goodwill, call it a PR stunt, but either way, the intended recipients of the gesture aren't biting -- yet. Verizon has gone on record saying that it has offered to reduce its exclusivity periods on phones it sources from Samsung and LG to just six months for rural carriers wishing to pick up the same devices; thing is, we've seen phones straight-up discontinued in less than six months, and understandably, the rurals are unimpressed with the offer. Specifically, Verizon is making the offer to members of the 25-carrier Associated Carrier Group, all of which use CDMA and represent a grand total of roughly 2.6 million subs. With juggernauts like Thumb Cellular (slogan: "Talk of the Thumb!") in the ACG, Verizon's overture does virtually nothing to hurt its competitive advantage -- and ACG's concern is that they'll need time after the exclusivity period expires to tweak devices for their networks' needs, meaning you're actually looking at more than six months from Verizon launch to... say, Thumb Cellular launch. Interestingly, the ACG was formed primarily to achieve some of the handset manufacturing economies of scale that the big guys enjoy, so they've got some sway to produce models of their own and don't necessarily need Verizon's help to get timely devices to market -- but it'd be nice. And no, Verizon, six months isn't timely in this industry. [Via Phone Scoop]
Media Molecule's Evans doesn't regret LBP's Sony exclusivity
Media Molecule, creators of the AIAA-pwning LittleBigPlanet, haven't really caught a lot of flack from critics since their highly texturized platformer hit store shelves -- though many have questioned why the game wasn't released on multiple platforms, bolstering the ranks of the LBP community and fattening the wallets of the game's creators. In a recent interview with Gamasutra, Media Molecule co-founder Alex Evans explained he doesn't regret making LBP a Sony-exclusive title. According to Evans, Sony put a lot of their eggs in the LBP basket, effectively putting the tiny developer "up on a pedestal," providing them with the "nurturing" they needed to succeed. As far as expanding the user base, Evans says he's holding out hope for a PS3 price drop. Aren't we all, pal.
EA's NASCAR exclusivity in question, sim series 'on hold'
Throw up your caution flags if you've got 'em, folks. Word from the NASCAR News Wire is that EA's annual racing sim is "on hold," according to SportsBusiness Journal reporter Michael Smith. Backing up this claim, EA product marketing manager Randy Chase referred to the NASCAR sim series as "the old game" while describing the "lighthearted" appeal of the new Kart version of the franchise, which was released for Wii earlier this month. Additionally, Blake Davidson, managing director of NASCAR's licensed products, has suggested that the company is currently considering the "best model" to tap into its gaming demographic, which may include licensing its rights to multiple publishers (EA has held exclusivity since 1997 -- correction: 2003; those rights expire this year). "Do we continue with an exclusive model or go nonexclusive? Do we need annual releases? This is a very important category for us," said Davidson of NASCAR games, which rank in the top five revenue-generating licenses for the business.Update: "NASCAR Kart Racing on the Wii is the only NASCAR-licensed video game that will ship this year from EA Sports. Due to the family-friendly atmosphere of NASCAR, we felt that a title developed exclusively for the Wii platform was the best scenario for the NASCAR racing video game franchise and fans of racing alike," a representative from EA Tiburon, the NASCAR franchise developer, confirmed with Joystiq. Read how EA Tiburon answered a few ancillary questions about exclusivity after the break.[Via FirstCuts -- thanks Chris! Image credit: tequilamike]
Orange's iPhone exclusive ruled illegal in France
After 13 months into a five-year exclusivity deal in France, the French competition agency has ruled the Apple and Orange (the mobile subsidiary of France Telecom) cartel illegal. Something that could have a knock-on effect throughout Europe. The agency criticized the Orange/Apple pact for having "grave and immediate" effect on the overall French mobile marketplace and thus, the French consumer, by introducing "a new flavor of rigidity in a sector that already lacks competition." The injunction, while temporary, is enough to allow other French carriers to distribute the iPhone 3G in time for the holidays. Shrug.[Thanks, Tieum and Nick]
Capcom: 'all major titles' will be multiplatform going forward
And it's gonna take a lot of 0s on the end of that check to convince Capcom otherwise. The company has reaffirmed its multiplatform development strategy to shareholders in its annual report released today. "As a measure to counter the soaring costs of software development for the next-generation consoles, which has been a cause for concern, we have shifted our focus to the multiplatform strategy," the report states. "Furthermore, in order to make this shift possible, we have implemented the company-wide use of our own base technology for software development tool, 'MT Framework.'" If that message isn't clear enough for you, Capcom restates its commitment to spreading its seeds far and wide in the "Outlook for the Future" section of the report: "all major titles launched during the next fiscal year or thereafter will be developed as multiplatform games." Sounds like Wii owners can take this one of two ways: 1) Capcom is done giving Wii "major title" support; or 2) Bionic Commando, Street Fighter IV and Resident Evil 5 confirmed for Wii! (Don't hold your breath for the latter.)[Via Shacknews]
Sony doubtful about future exclusivity with publishers
PlayStation Europe boss David Reeves is on the verge of extending the long arm of Sony onto the mat and tapping out -- exclusivity is just getting too darned expensive. "I think we have to accept that exclusivity is not a thing of the past, but it is probably with publishers," Reeves told GamesIndustry.biz in a recent interview. Of course, Reeves is only referring to the millions upon millions of cash money papers console manufactures might be expected to fork over to a publisher for exclusivity these days. There is still hope in striking deals with developers that haven't been scooped under a corporate umbrella. (See Quantic Dream, for example.) "[Developers] need a little bit of funding, external development," Reeves explained, "In exchange, it's exclusive -- that works."
E308: Sony 'disappointed' by FFXIII for 360
Sony Computer Entertainment America boss Jack Tretton discussed Sony's take on the recent announcement that Final Fantasy XIII will release simultaneously on the Xbox 360 with the PS3 with a round-table of journalists, including our own team at Joystiq. "Am I disappointed by it? Yes," Tretton told the group, adding: "Am I surprised by it? No." He was quick to stress that the game remains a PS3 exclusive in Japan, but that "seeing as there isn't that big of a [PS3] installed base in [there], I don't know how big of a coup that is for us."Speaking on the subject of paying off publishers for exclusivity, Tretton told Joystiq "[Sony] invested so much money in the [PS3] hardware" that it simply "can't write checks for exclusive software."While popular theory is that Microsoft paid Square Enix off for its recent handfull of upcoming releases, word around the industry campfire points at a decision made by Square Enix months ago to focus on multiplatform development that saw Final Fantasy XIII land on the Xbox 360. With a high install base and solid attach rate for the Xbox 360 in North America and Europe many developers are forgoing exclusivity in order to lessen the blow of "next-gen" game development. Capcom has been a prime example of this point with Devil May Cry 4; which saw better sales on the Xbox 360.Regardless of the situation, Square Enix is happy to bring the experience to as many people as possible and as gamers we all should be too.%Gallery-28020%
T-Mobile to retain iPhone exclusivity in Germany
At the Reuters Technology, Media and Telecoms Summit in Paris today, T-Mobile CEO Hamid Akhavan said he expected to continue being the exclusive iPhone provider in Germany, citing the company's strong relationship with Apple. He also noted that "if and when" there is a 3G iPhone, T-Mobile anticipates selling it exclusively in Germany as well. Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile's parent company) will sell the iPhone in Austria, but Orange will carry the iPhone in Germany's southern neighbor as well. [Via Reuters]
BioWare: Mass Effect 2 likely a timed Xbox 360 exclusive, PC version confirmed [updated]
When EA snapped up BioWare, common wisdom was that the game's main attractions would be ported to any system that would have them. But it seems that (for now, at least) that doesn't hold true for space opera Mass Effect. As BioWare senior manager Matt Atwood told CVG, "I believe we'll be Xbox 360 exclusive for at least a short period of time. We're still working out the details on that, but we've had a great relationship with Microsoft and done very well." There's plenty of wiggle room here, of course, because there's no telling how long a "short period" is. But it's not like we blame them. Heck, if we had a game company, we'd promise Microsoft a "short period" of exclusivity on everything. That way, when we inevitably had to delay the PS3 version to make it work, we'd make some free coin on the deal. Everybody wins! ... Well, we'd win.Update: Atwood continued to elaborate with Videogamer.com, confirming a PC version, saying "We haven't announced plans for timing on Mass Effect 2, period, so at this point we're not really ready to talk about it, but because we've got a really great PC fan base we think it's really important to deliver the PC experience as quickly as possible."
Capcom VP of marketing talks PS3, exclusivity
Capcom received a lot of flak from the Sony fan community when it opted to cancel the PS3 version of Monster Hunter 3 and move it to Wii. It was seen as a continuation of anti-Sony efforts, which started with the publisher's devotion to the Xbox 360 with titles like Dead Rising and Lost Planet. Sony fans were further angered to see former PS3 exclusives, like Devil May Cry 4, become multiplatform titles. Some argued that Capcom's strong PS2 fanbase were being abandoned and ignored.Of course, Capcom has no reason to pledge "allegiance" to Sony, as some overzealous fans may proclaim. With PS3 sales finally turning around, the publisher is ready to integrate PS3 strongly into its plans. Capcom VP or marketing, Nique Fajors, spoke to Next-Gen: "If the PS3 happened to have LittleBigPlanet, Gran Turismo 5 and Killzone 2 available within the launch window, we'd be having a very different conversation, because Sony would've had some traction a lot sooner. Our view is that Sony is building very strong momentum globally-last month, PS3 actually outsold the Wii in Japan. We're seeing good traction across the board. As Sony delivers their must-have first-party titles, we'll deliver what we consider must-have titles over the course of the next 12 months. We think it's going to be a very vibrant platform.""As a company are very much committed to the PS3 as a global platform that we know can be successful in Japan, Europe and the United States," Fajors added. So long as PS3 continues to receive quality games from Capcom, PS3 fans have very little to worry about. However, will the PS3 ever receive an exclusive from the Japanese publishing giant? "Fundamentally, do I think [platform exclusivity] is dead? No, I don't believe it's dead. It goes back to economics, consumer interest and unique playability."[Image credit: Ripten]
Yakuza 3 revealed for PlayStation 3
Though the report in the latest issue of Famitsu (which brought us this Eternal Sonata exclusivity nugget as well) doesn't specifically mention the Xbox 360, and even though IGN claims that Yakuza 3 will be a PS3 exclusive, we're not quite ready to call it an exclusive just yet. Regardless of its status on that other console or its availability in a place that isn't Japan, Famitsu reveals that Yakuza 3 is indeed coming to the PlayStation 3 in Japan in the spring of 2008. And while they were at it, they thought you might be interested in knowing that it no longer takes place in the modern day, but rather in 1605 Edo period Japan. Don't live in Japan or own a PlayStation 3 but really want to play Yakuza 3? Don't know what to tell ya bub, we just work here. [Via PS3 Fanboy]
MGS4 on Xbox 360 'a few months' after PS3, says OXM Rumor Mole
A reliable tipster has whispered in X3F's ear that the Rumor Mole section in the latest issue of OXM claims a "bankable source" confirmed that Metal Gear Solid 4 would be coming to the Xbox 360 "a few months" after the PS3 version. Of course, there have been dozens of rumors insisting this will be the case, but the "Official Xbox Magazine" carries some weight. Last week, Konami executive Kazumi Kitaue said, "Since Metal Gear Solid was born for the PlayStation, we would like to keep it a PlayStation game. But we might have to take some steps," igniting renewed speculation that the title would, in fact, be coming to Microsoft's console. Obviously, an announcement wasn't made at E3 last week ... perhaps TGS07?
Sony's Jack Tretton: 'We don't buy exclusivity'
Perhaps now would be a good time to start? In an interview published within the latest issue of PSM, Sony Computer Entertainment America president, Jack Tretton, responds to the magazine's observation that there are fewer exclusive titles bound for (and to) the PlayStation 3 than there possibly could be. Mr. Tretton explains that Sony's approach to the acquisition of exclusives is different than those of competitors, perhaps in the sense that it's far more noble and devoid of unspeakable acts of bribery. Or perhaps in the sense that there isn't much of an approach at all."Yeah, 'fewer exclusives' is a term, and I don't know what makes an exclusive," says Tretton. "We have a very different approach to exclusives than some of our competitors. We don't buy exclusivity. We don't fund development. We don't, for the lack of a better term, bribe somebody to only do a game on our platform." That's correct, generating reasons for consumers to purchase and enjoy your console over others became a dubious, underhanded maneuver when you weren't looking. Since the publisher (of third-party titles such as Heavenly Sword and Lair) isn't willing to stoop that low, it would much rather "earn" exclusives. "We earn it by saying 'you can build a better game on our platform. If you focus your development on our platform, you will ultimately be more successful. We can try to partner up with you from a technological standpoint. We can try to partner up with you from a marketing standpoint. But just economically and technologically, this is the system that makes the most sense for you.'"With money apparently not changing hands for that exclusive status, how do you suppose the system's comparatively small install base makes "the most sense" economically? No answer is obtained from Tretton, who then rightly notes that as a first-party, Sony has a very strong ability to provide plenty of exclusive titles. However, he warns that relying too much on first-party endeavors as Nintendo does might not make for a "healthy environment" and that conversely, Microsoft is "too dependent on the third-party community."Grab a copy of this month's PSM to read the full interview.[Via GamesRadar Forums]
Sony's Phil Harrison: Don't judge console by launch titles
Though pointing out the success of PlayStation 3 launch titles such as Resistance and Motorstorm, Sony executive Phil Harrison told Game Informer magazine (via GI.biz) that "it's always dangerous to judge any system by its launch lineup," while adding, "you only have to go back to the games that launched PlayStation 1 and Playstation 2."Excellent observation! Indeed, if we remember when 1UP compared launch lineup review scores, there is a curious (albeit not stringent) trend: the two consoles on the list with the worst-reviewed launch lineups belong to consoles (Wii and PlayStation One) who have shown great success, whereas the opposite has also proven true (GameCube and Dreamcast had well-received launch titles).Given the trend, then, we say Sony should embrace the notion of a lackluster PS3 launch. They've got a good statistical probability of pulling out this generation (especially if calls for a price drop don't go unheeded).
More Rabbid stuff
First came the pictures, now come the words. Rayman: Raving Rabbids 2 has released more information in three days than Nintendo has, ever, on some of their games announced years ago. They could learn a thing or two.First up are some hands-on impressions of the title, courtesy of IGN. The game almost essentially ditches the concept of playing as Rayman (he's in disguise as a rabbid) so that the game can focus on the carrot-loving crazies. More minigames have had competitive modes added (very few had this option in the original), and the game will allow you to customize your rabbid with a whole slew of ridiculous accessories. Awesome.We also thought it would be worth mentioning that this time, Raving Rabbids 2 is completely exclusive to Nintendo platforms, the Wii and the DS. The whole insane minigame thing loses 68.3% of its appeal without the Wiimote anyway, so this makes perfect sense.BAHHHHHHHH!
Mercenaries 2 on Xbox 360: a tale of the tape
Either the developers of Mercenaries 2 play a lot of Xbox 360 in their downtime, or Pandemic is bringing its sandbox sequel to Microsoft's console. The chances are strong, even by admission, but Mercs 2 remains exclusively tied to PlayStation 3 -- for now. So guys, care to explain all the 360 equipment cluttering the office in your latest video blog? Perhaps it's time for the official announcement...[Via GamersReports]
Konami: "MGS4 is exclusive to PlayStation 3." Us: "!"
Well, what did you think they were going to say? Just days after the Metal Gear Solid 4 is coming to Xbox 360 rumorang swooshed back for yet another appearance in the console exclusivity spotlight, series publisher Konami reached its giant metaphorical arm out a similarly metaphorical window and snatched it from the air. Then they stomped it dead. Again.Konami told CVG that "MGS4 is exclusive to PlayStation 3." Of course, this is similar (but not identical) to their statement to Joystiq last time we danced to this number, that "Metal Gear 4 is a PS3 title." Of course, we've seen other highly anticipated third-party titles go through a similar exclusivity Bermuda triangle, their exact whereabouts unknown for some time. We can't imagine what sort of high-powered, backroom negotiations would result in a third-party game as popular as MGS4 being relegated to a single new-gen platform, not to mention one that may be in short supply until as late as 2008 (according to some).!
Pro Evo Soccer exclusivity proves enigmatic
Furious footie fans were quick to cry foul when Microsoft announced at the Leipzig Games Convention that Pro Evolution Soccer 6 was to be a 12-month, next-gen exclusive for the Xbox 360. The initial wave of anger has since been replaced with confusion, as several remarks from Konami seem to indicate that Microsoft was already celebrating a goal which they hadn't quite scored yet. Has Microsoft been caught in a lie or is this merely a case of misinterpretation and marketing hyperbole? The story thus far: After the initial announcement, Konami shoots down claims that Pro Evolution Soccer 6 is exclusive to the Xbox 360, pointing out that the game is a planned "multi-platform release" in order to satisfy "as many people as possible." Konami was right to take issue, as Microsoft never claimed to have total exclusivity. The deal only encompasses next-generation platforms. That means the PS2 version, sure to be the most widely played one, remains unaffected. Next, 1UP has a chat with series producer Shingo Takatsuka and triumphantly reveals that "Winning Eleven is not exclusive to Xbox 360." Well done, especially considering that Microsoft was speaking about Pro Evolution Soccer and not Winning Eleven. Same game, different regions. Microsoft is certainly to blame for not clarifying further, but nabbing Pro Evolution Soccer affects European territories, the only place where the series goes by that name. Takatsuka goes on to say that Konami "never said exclusive for one year on the next-gen platforms. We said this year. We were agreed that it was this year." The agreement largely occurs by default, as the man admits that the PS3 entry in the series has no chance of being completed before 2007. Next Spring is the earliest date it could see release and even then, it would be the Japanese Winning Eleven first, followed by the European edition. Can Konami put together the European release before 12 months have elapsed? Absolutely, especially if they want to prove Microsoft wrong. It would seem that Microsoft could be accused of being overly vague but not of being untruthful. Both Microsoft and Konami are correct and the confusion thus far is only due to different naming conventions and choice marketing words. Still, it'll be interesting to see which really lasts the longest -- Microsoft's 12 months or Konami's development time on a PS3 Pro Evolution Soccer 6. The race is on. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in.] Read -- Microsoft's original announcement. Read -- Konami denies 360 exclusivity. Read -- Series producer chimes in on the situation.
