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[Verendus]

Would Sony have any interest in Capcom?

Surely, their IP catalog would be tremendously valuable.

If a studio is going to be acquired, then the development relationship needs to be considered, their value, the costs necessary for the acquisition, and how they're going to fit into the overall SCE WWS portfolio of talent. That last part is key. Generally, you should be thinking smaller.

Capcom is not small, and there are better ways to benefit from them already. That kind of acquisition would be painful in several ways considering its scale. It's not realistic. I can see the value in everything they hold, and the long-term ideas some gamers would have which is why this question comes up, but then surely it would be easier to simply invest much less in a smaller studio, and keep an eye on that future potential and creation of our own IPs.

 

[BadWolf]

How much ballpark would Capcom be worth in an acquisition deal?

Iirc it was mentioned in another thread that it would cost around $500 million to become majority shareholder Capcom.

If a studio is going to be acquired, then the development relationship needs to be considered, their value, the costs necessary for the acquisition, and how they're going to fit into the overall SCE WWS portfolio of talent. That last part is key. Generally, you should be thinking smaller.

Capcom is not small, and there are better ways to benefit from them already. That kind of acquisition would be painful in several ways considering its scale.

True, and Sony is already pretty big on collaborations (Bloodborne, Soul Sacrifice, Freedom Wars etc.).

 

[Fezan]

People saying mistwalker are you guys serious. They tried to make ff killer and dq killer and failed both time miserably. I would have said monolith soft but now Nintendo already owns them. They can get tri-ace and hit a decent writer with them

 

[Triggerhappytel]

Capcom is the one I would be looking at, so many great IPs.

Well yes, if we're talking completely hypothetical in Sony's position I'd buy Capcom, but you're looking at well over half a billion USD for a controlling stake, and I don't think Sony has that kind of money in their current state.

We know that Bloodborne is coming to PS4 and it's Souls related (come on, we all know this), so, doesn't this make it possible that Dark Souls 3 could be a PS4 exclusive too? Could that be the shock 3rd person perspective game with amazing lighting that's going to make people rage?

Why would Sony pay for Dark Souls 3 to be exclusive when they've got their very own Bloodborne incoming? Besides, I believe the IP belongs to Bamco, and they're not going to limit their audience by making it exclusive unnecessarily.

 

[orochi91]

If a studio is going to be acquired, then the development relationship needs to be considered, their value, the costs necessary for the acquisition, and how they're going to fit into the overall SCE WWS portfolio of talent. That last part is key. Generally, you should be thinking smaller.

Capcom is not small, and there are better ways to benefit from them already. That kind of acquisition would be painful in several ways considering its scale. It's not realistic. I can see the value in everything they hold, and the long-term ideas some gamers would have which is why this question comes up, but then surely it would be easier to simply invest much less in a smaller studio, and keep an eye on that future potential and creation of our own IPs.

I guess Sony purchasing SE is not a viable option then :/

 

[GribbleGrunger]

I'm going for From Software. I think this is why Bloodborne is being released earlier than expected and Dark Souls 2 didn't have the lighting we were promised. They just left a few devs to finish it for release and moved all their staff over to the Sony exclusive.

 

[B.O.O.M]

If a studio is going to be acquired, then the development relationship needs to be considered, their value, the costs necessary for the acquisition, and how they're going to fit into the overall SCE WWS portfolio of talent. That last part is key. Generally, you should be thinking smaller.

Capcom is not small, and there are better ways to benefit from them already. That kind of acquisition would be painful in several ways considering its scale. It's not realistic. I can see the value in everything they hold, and the long-term ideas some gamers would have which is why this question comes up, but then surely it would be easier to simply invest much less in a smaller studio, and keep an eye on that future potential and creation of our own IPs.

any updates on that JRPG you hinted at a while back? (at least I think it was you)

oh and you making any bets too about the event? It's not fair you don't take any along with the rest of us

 

[JuanLatino]

If a studio is going to be acquired, then the development relationship needs to be considered, their value, the costs necessary for the acquisition, and how they're going to fit into the overall SCE WWS portfolio of talent. That last part is key. Generally, you should be thinking smaller.

Capcom is not small, and there are better ways to benefit from them already. That kind of acquisition would be painful in several ways considering its scale. It's not realistic. I can see the value in everything they hold, and the long-term ideas some gamers would have which is why this question comes up, but then surely it would be easier to simply invest much less in a smaller studio, and keep an eye on that future potential and creation of our own IPs.

Is there any possibility for Sony to buy off the dead franchises from Capcom ??

Onimusha would be a great candidate.

I mean if Capcom isnt planning with those games anymore, why not sell the IPs to other studios?

 

[Acquiescence]

Lol I'm no one also definitely not a "insider", just part of this forum. The rumor is coming from this.
http://eskimopress.com/news/games/item/522-no-man-s-sky-shocker-at-gamescom-no-xbox-release
However they took that down, but in the article it said something like this which is a quote I found trying to find the article.

"There seems to be a rumor right now that No Man's Sky will be console exclusive to PS4 indefinitely just like Transistor. The rumor also states that Sony and Hello Games were in active discussion about Sony acquiring the studio but it seems those plans have stalled for now. Yet, Hello Games seems to be working closely with Media Molecule so there may still be a chance that relations improve and a new deal could be made."

^-----That quote is not from the article but from a forum post that describes what the article is talking about since it was taken down.

Holy shit, I just noticed it said Media Molecule.....

https://twitter.com/NoMansSky/status/518176181854953473

Could Media Molecules new IP been what Sean Murray was talking about? @TheSakeDiary is also followed by Media Molecule.

Thanks man. There's nothing very concrete there, but it makes for a compelling read nonetheless. Certainly sounds like it could be plausible.

 

[jackissocool]

If a studio is going to be acquired, then the development relationship needs to be considered, their value, the costs necessary for the acquisition, and how they're going to fit into the overall SCE WWS portfolio of talent. That last part is key. Generally, you should be thinking smaller.

This is what I've been thinking. Especially considering SCEA just opened PixelOpus, I could see SCEE wanting a similarly sized team. Historically, Sony buys companies who they have made games with already. I think Housemarque is the most likely, or possibly Futurlab. They're small, European, and have a history with Sony as well as recent commercial and critical acclaim. Do you see those as realistic acquisitions? What about Q-Games for Japan?

 

[Triggerhappytel]

I guess Sony purchasing SE is not a viable option then :/

Sony had a sizeable stake in SE and sold it a couple of years ago. I think it was about eight percent.

 

[B.O.O.M]

I guess Sony purchasing SE is not a viable option then :/

Considering their development process..why would you even want that? Would be more useful/efficient to go for a productive mid-tier studio imo

Someone earlier mentioned Tri Ace...That would be a good one too I reckon

 

[Danlord]

I suppose so, but I dont think they are fast enough for current audience. So much need for games. Maybe this is just overblown big time by forums.

I do think they havent been that 'fast', althought you wouldnt want to get rushed games either.

Guerrilla has 2 teams, but gosh darn technically we havent heard of anything from the other one for years. Unless Shadow Fall was made by the oher one & KZ3 team is behind that leaked game.

I guess Naughty Dog got their releases faster now, althought remasters are obviously faster made.

SSM I have no idea, since they were hurt very badly by cancellation. Maybe they have 2 teams, but still at early phases?

...How many even have multi teams? Does Sucker Punch or Evolution have them?

Polyphony Digital has 2 teams now, and (this is purely conjecture by me) but I think Evolution has 2 teams because I think whilst Sony shutdown Sony Liverpool, it didn't make sense for 2 big studios to be in such close proximity (Runcorn -> Liverpool is about 30 minute car journey) so I think Sony shuttered Sony Liverpool and merged some staff into Evolution as a second team, that way it's like I said above about the operating costs, about management and about resource allocation and workload sharing like sharing engines or components of it to help speed up development. I would also like to go as far as suggesting the second team is working on a WipEout for PS4, but still this is all my own conjecture.

 

[Triggerhappytel]

Is there any possibility for Sony to buy off the dead franchises from Capcom ??

Onimusha would be a great candidate.

I mean if Capcom isnt planning with those games anymore, why not sell the IPs to other studios?

If Sony wants to make a samurai-and-demons game, they might as well just make Genji 3 rather than buy Onimusha.

 

[Jimmyfenix]

Sean Murray aka no mans sky is hyping something.

 

[David___]

Why would Sony pay for Dark Souls 3 to be exclusive when they've got their very own Bloodborne incoming? Besides, I believe the IP belongs to Bamco, and they're not going to limit their audience by making it exclusive unnecessarily.

IIRC the IP belongs to From. Namco is just a distributing partner.

 

[Verendus]

I guess Sony purchasing SE is not a viable option then :/

No. And also, far too big.

Is there any possibility for Sony to buy off the dead franchises from Capcom ??

Onimusha would be a great candidate.

I mean if Capcom isnt planning with those games anymore, why not sell the IPs to other studios?

The question you should ask is, is there much point paying to buy an IP that does okay, when it's easier to not pay and produce your own IP which could also very easily do okay, if not much more?

To bring back these kind of IP, it'd be smarter for collaboration efforts, rather than investing the money and purchasing the IP outright. Then you have to make good on those costs, and use that IP, which means putting in resources, and time, which could have also been used elsewhere. This is also neglecting that you have plenty of people at over a dozen studios who are creative minds, and have their own ambitions and ideas for projects. That also has to be taken into account by those managing things.

 

[orochi91]

Considering their development process..why would you even want that? Would be more useful/efficient to go for a productive mid-tier studio imo

Someone earlier mentioned Tri Ace...That would be a good one too I reckon

I suppose I just want someone to save those Squaresoft IPs that will never see the light of day again.

 

[Freeman]

How can Capcom be worth so little? That always sounded crazy for me. Any company that is able to acquire them and put them in good shape will have the market locked for themselves.

 

[TMaakkonen]

Polyphony Digital has 2 teams now, and (this is purely conjecture by me) but I think Evolution has 2 teams because I think whilst Sony shutdown Sony Liverpool, it didn't make sense for 2 big studios to be in such close proximity (Runcorn -> Liverpool is about 30 minute car journey) so I think Sony shuttered Sony Liverpool and merged some staff into Evolution as a second team, that way it's like I said above about the operating costs, about management and about resource allocation and workload sharing like sharing engines or components of it to help speed up development. I would also like to go as far as suggesting the second team is working on a WipEout for PS4, but still this is all my own conjecture.

Why would Polyphony needs 2 teams? They got too slow? They need Vita GT

Spoiler

... I'm sorry

team? They try new IP again? New IP is probably what they would do. Any more hints/news to Polyphonys team increase?

I thought remaining Liverpool developers joined Evolution, not create a new team in there. And btw, former Wipeout developers joining racing studio makes it so ovbious that new Wipeout isnt happening. :v

Spoiler

Sony abandons too many small franchises bleh. You'd think the would be better budged.

 

[Triggerhappytel]

This is what I've been thinking. Especially considering SCEA just opened PixelOpus, I could see SCEE wanting a similarly sized team. Historically, Sony buys companies who they have made games with already. I think Housemarque is the most likely, or possibly Futurlab. They're small, European, and have a history with Sony as well as recent commercial and critical acclaim. Do you see those as realistic acquisitions? What about Q-Games for Japan?

Just as a side note, I think Pixelopus is a team within SCE Foster City. Like in the same way Team Gravity is within Japan Studio. At least, that's the impression I got reading articles about their formation and the development of Entwined.

As for reliable development partners/potential acquisitions Sony has for each territory, I'd say good candidates are:

EU -
Housemarque
Quantic Dream
FuturLab
Supermassive

US -
Giant Sparrow
Ready at Dawn
Zindagi
Thatgamecompany (?? The ship has probably sailed on this one)

Japan -
Level 5
Cant think of any others Sony has a prior relationship with

 

[2thepoint]

If a studio is going to be acquired, then the development relationship needs to be considered, their value, the costs necessary for the acquisition, and how they're going to fit into the overall SCE WWS portfolio of talent. That last part is key. Generally, you should be thinking smaller.

Capcom is not small, and there are better ways to benefit from them already. That kind of acquisition would be painful in several ways considering its scale. It's not realistic. I can see the value in everything they hold, and the long-term ideas some gamers would have which is why this question comes up, but then surely it would be easier to simply invest much less in a smaller studio, and keep an eye on that future potential and creation of our own IPs.

Agree 100%.

You see Ready at Dawn or Quantic Dream becoming part of SCE Worldwide Studios?

Personally, I'd love to see Housemarque being acquired.

Great studio.

 

[B.O.O.M]

I suppose I just want someone to save those Squaresoft IPs that will never see the light of day again.

then ideally I think sony can/should just make a deal to use the IP for an 'x' number of games and do most of the development in house with possible supervision from an SE developer.

 

[Triggerhappytel]

How can Capcom be worth so little? That always sounded crazy for me. Any company that is able to acquire them and put them in good shape will have the market locked for themselves.

That is a small valuation for a company with an amazing history and very impressive portfolio. However, they're no doubt valued so low because of how badly they've been managed over the past decade.

 

[JuanLatino]

No. And also, far too big.


The question you should ask is, is there much point paying to buy an IP that does okay, when it's easier to not pay and produce your own IP which could also very easily do okay, if not much more?

To bring back these kind of IP, it'd be smarter for collaboration efforts, rather than investing the money and purchasing the IP outright. Then you have to make good on those costs, and use that IP, which means putting in resources, and time, which could have also been used elsewhere. This is also neglecting that you have plenty of people at over a dozen studios who are creative minds, and have their own ambitions and ideas for projects. That also has to be taken into account by those managing things.

hmm got it. So something like Dead Rising (X1) or Deep Down (Ps4) would be the ideal situation.
I really hope Sony is making a Dragon Dogma Deal with Capcom...After those Statements from Ono, i dont think we will see another DD without a funding

 

[orochi91]

then ideally I think sony can/should just make a deal to use the IP for an 'x' number of games and do most of the development in house with possible supervision from an SE developer.

FF7 remake should be done that way. It should be a collective WWS effort with SE supervision. ND does the writing :3

Shit would be crazy.

 

[Danlord]

Why would Polyphony needs 2 teams? They got too slow? They need Vita GT

Spoiler

... I'm sorry

team? They try new IP again? New IP is probably what they would do. Any more hints/news to Polyphonys team increase?

I thought remaining Liverpool developers joined Evolution, not create a new team in there. And btw, former Wipeout developers joining racing studio makes it so ovbious that new Wipeout isnt happening. :v

Spoiler

Sony abandons too many small franchises bleh. You'd think the would be better budged.

I think Polyphony Digital's second team is their audio team, as Yamauchi is working on massively improving sound rendering for Gran Turismo especially now with PS4 having a dedicated audio chip to offload workload from CPU and they recently had a hiring spree for Sound Engineers.

As for WipEout, that was just more wishful thinking.
The ex-Liverpool joining Evolution could still be joining a second team. So an artist could be rotated through production of a game and then put on the pre-production team for team 2's project after production has finished, keep the staff member constantly working. It would also speed up pre-production if both studios share similar requirements for their engine, so hypothetically if Evo Team 2 was working on WipEout, they could use Driveclub's core engine as a foundation for working on pre-production.

 

[JABEE]

You know what would be a cool announcement. An SCE/Square backed sequel to Chrono Trigger that reunites the Dream Team.

 

[Wynnebeck]

sigh. Sony isn't buying any studios. This experience is going to have shite for announcements and it's going to be a public showing of current and future games Sony is coming out with for the general public to enjoy. Calm down people.

Spoiler

CHOO CHOO MOTHERFUCKERS! HYPE TRAIN IS GO! ADD ME TO THE TRAIN!

 

[Jimmyfenix]

You know what would be a cool announcement. An SCE/Square backed sequel to Chrono Trigger that reunites the Dream Team.

Masamune.

 

[JABEE]

Masamune.

Holy shit, and wasn't Sakaguchi recently talking about how he was trying to do a Chrono Trigger sequel right after the first one came out but Square's leadership at the time messed it up?

 

[CreeperBlocks]

Masamune.

Lightning.

My.. God

 

[TMaakkonen]

I think Polyphony Digital's second team is their audio team, as Yamauchi is working on massively improving sound rendering for Gran Turismo especially now with PS4 having a dedicated audio chip to offload workload from CPU and they recently had a hiring spree for Sound Engineers.

As for WipEout, that was just more wishful thinking.
The ex-Liverpool joining Evolution could still be joining a second team. So an artist could be rotated through production of a game and then put on the pre-production team for team 2's project after production has finished, keep the staff member constantly working. It would also speed up pre-production if both studios share similar requirements for their engine, so hypothetically if Evo Team 2 was working on WipEout, they could use Driveclub's core engine as a foundation for working on pre-production.

Sound team? I havent played GT at all, but even I have heard about controversial GT sound usage lol. If they still screw it up atleast that would cause less noice than Driveclub mess.

Hmmmm. What will Liverpool do next besides updating Driveclub. New IP, back to old racers Motorstrom or Wipeout? Driveclub 2 would seem reduntant.

 

[JABEE]

Masa & Mune.

Lightning.



My.. God

It's HAPPENING! I just made a guess, and now the puzzle pieces are coming together!

 

[Danlord]

Sound team? I havent played GT at all, but even I have heard about controversial GT sound usage lol. If they still screw it up atleast that would cause less noice than Driveclub mess.

Hmmmm. What will Liverpool do next besides updating Driveclub. New IP, back to old racers Motorstrom or Wipeout? Driveclub 2 would seem reduntant.

Possibly a new Motorstorm, or they might revisit old IP's like The Getaway. Back when the PS3 was announced, I don't know if you know but Sony showed off The Getaway 3 running on a PS3, especially as to show how good the graphics on a PS3 could get but that was long abandoned; it would be good if they brought that back.

 

[CreeperBlocks]

It's HAPPENING! I just made a guess, and now the puzzle pieces are coming together!

IMAGINE THOUGH. I don't think it's happening but holy shit wouldn't that be nice? GAF would be Legit Shook.

 

[B.O.O.M]

FF7 remake should be done that way. It should be a collective WWS effort with SE supervision. ND does the writing :3

Shit would be crazy.

You know I'm conflicted about remaking a game like FF7 personally because while it would insanely cool to see the game being remade for the new hardware...I also worry that they will fuck it up and ruin the whole image I have of the game along with it lol

I would like Sony to revive IPs they already own tho...such a great list of IPs not being used now. Wild Arms, Colony Wars, Dark Cloud, Arc the Lad, Siren, Mark of Kri etc. So much damn potential and the current popularity of the PS4 would make it an ideal platform to breath new life into these

 

[TMaakkonen]

Possibly a new Motorstorm, or they might revisit old IP's like The Getaway. Back when the PS3 was announced, I don't know if you know but Sony showed off The Getaway 3 running on a PS3, especially as to show how good the graphics on a PS3 could get but that was long abandoned; it would be good if they brought that back.

I dont think there is enough demand for Getaway 3. I havent heard much of it atleast. Id say Agent & TLG are better things to make.

Actually yes, I do believe TLG has been in development this whole time. But at this point we shouldnt predict when it comes. It happens when it happens. There has been cases where games have been in development for long. It may change a lot, but it will happen. When it happens. Maybe 2376

 

[GarciaHotspur]

I'm sad to say that now Naughty Dog and Media Molecule are the only Sony's studios i'm waiting for.

Look at the last games of the other studios... that frightens.

Drive Club, GOW Ascencion, Knack, Killzone Shadow Fall...

That's not what Sony had accustomed to us with their first party....

Really i'm a big fan of Sony but i'm a little afraid for the future, fortunately Media Molecule and Naughty Dog are some of the best studios in this industry.

 

[Gurish]

Why are we expecting something big out of this event? I hope the hype is not really based on a Tidux tweet...

 

[TMaakkonen]

Why are we expecting something big out of this event? I hope the hype is not really based on a Tidux tweet...

It is an unsual event announced near Sony's 20th anniversary.

Atleast minor hype should be gotten even if Tidux says some shit.

 

[Danlord]

I dont think there is enough demand for Getaway 3. I havent heard much of it atleast. Id say Agent & TLG are better things to make.

Actually yes, I do believe TLG has been in development this whole time. But at this point we shouldnt predict when it comes. It happens when it happens. There has been cases where games have been in development for long. It may change a lot, but it will happen. When it happens. Maybe 2376

There's no demand, that doesn't mean Sony can't create it. Around the time, The Getaway 3 (and Eight Days, another cancelled early title) had plenty of interest and I'm sure many people now still have fond memories of The Getaway 2, and with Evolution managing to successfully create dense environments even for a specialized racer, implementing the content streaming and the lighting engine for a more urban setting, toning down effects and engine details to fit the needs and I seriously could see it working well, as clunky driving is always jarring (for me) in any third-person action so they'd be ahead in that regard.

 

[Gurish]

It is an unsual event announced near Sony's 20th anniversary.

Atleast minor hype should be gotten even if Tidux says some shit.

Well i just wanna see a gameplay reveal for U4 in order to be happy, What are the chances for that?

 

[TheRealTalker]

If a studio is going to be acquired, then the development relationship needs to be considered, their value, the costs necessary for the acquisition, and how they're going to fit into the overall SCE WWS portfolio of talent. That last part is key. Generally, you should be thinking smaller.

Capcom is not small, and there are better ways to benefit from them already. That kind of acquisition would be painful in several ways considering its scale. It's not realistic. I can see the value in everything they hold, and the long-term ideas some gamers would have which is why this question comes up, but then surely it would be easier to simply invest much less in a smaller studio, and keep an eye on that future potential and creation of our own IPs.

agreed I'd rather them go after a multitude of smaller Japanese studios

 

[TMaakkonen]

Well i just wanna see a gameplay reveal for U4 in order to be happy, What are the chances for that?

If my memory of ND saying they would show something this year is correct, it would make sense to showcase biggest exclusive they have for 2015 at that event.

Fairly good chances I'd say.

 

[JuanLatino]

I'm sad to say that now Naughty Dog and Media Molecule are the only Sony's studios i'm waiting for.

Look at the last games of the other studios... that frightens.

Drive Club, GOW Ascencion, Knack, Killzone Shadow Fall...

That's not what Sony had accustomed to us with their first party....

Really i'm a big fan of Sony but i'm a little afraid for the future, fortunately Media Molecule and Naughty Dog are some of the best studios in this industry.

Gow Ascension: only a prequel, which wasnt even developed by the main GOW Team
Also Cory Barlog (director of GOW 2) rejoined Santa Monica in 2013 & is now the director of their next game (probably Gow 4)

Knack: Sony Japan has several Teams, and you shouldnt use Knack as a representative of Sony Japans Talent. I think, they just wanted to have Familiy title in their launch line up - so they pretty much rushed out this title

Killzone SF: Indeed the weakest Title of the franchise (my opinion), but i think because it was a Launch Title, GG couldnt give this game the same quality of the usual Killzone Games. Maybe they were already on the IP with their thoughts

Driveclub: Didnt play it. So no comment

 

[Gurish]

If my memory of ND saying they would show something this year is correct, it would make sense to showcase biggest exclusive they have for 2015 at that event.

Fairly good chances I'd say.

But they always have their big gameplay reveals at E3 ( We all still remember the legendary U2 and TLoU presentations) why should we think it's gonna be different this time?

 

[Danlord]

Well i just wanna see a gameplay reveal for U4 in order to be happy, What are the chances for that?

If my memory of ND saying they would show something this year is correct, it would make sense to showcase biggest exclusive they have for 2015 at that event.

Fairly good chances I'd say.

Agreed, Naughty Dog have revealed Uncharted 2, The Last of Us and maybe Uncharted 3 but I can't remember at VGA awards/VGx so maybe with Sony's event they would unveil a small snippet and show more at VGA awards, or maybe announce The Nathan Drake Collection, Uncharted 1-3 remastered in 1080p60 and leave the VGx for Uncharted 4 gameplay.

 

[wmlk]

I'll be disappointed if it's Uncharted 4. It's nothing new and everybody and their mother knows it's gonna be amazing.

 

[AmuroChan]

I'm sad to say that now Naughty Dog and Media Molecule are the only Sony's studios i'm waiting for.

Look at the last games of the other studios... that frightens.

Drive Club, GOW Ascencion, Knack, Killzone Shadow Fall...

That's not what Sony had accustomed to us with their first party....

Really i'm a big fan of Sony but i'm a little afraid for the future, fortunately Media Molecule and Naughty Dog are some of the best studios in this industry.

Except Knack isn't Japan Studio's last game. They've released Soul Sacrifice Delta and Freedom Wars after Knack.

I'll be disappointed if it's Uncharted 4. It's nothing new and everybody and their mother knows it's gonna be amazing.

I agree. I rather see new games. I don't need to see more of UC4 to sell me on the game.