Square Enix's silence about the PC version of Nier Automata

ViviOggi said:
The modern console industry revolves entirely around exclusivity contracts so why are there always so many rustled jimmies at the suggestion of a moneyhat? None of the platform holders is above it and re: the argument that it's a niche game - then it's also niche money.
Click to expand...

That's what I wanted to type but I'm a bit too irritated at being called a fanboy or a crazy man of all things. I just think it's the most reasonable result considering that PC has been totally stricken from Square's marketing. People think I'm attacking Sony or something. Maybe I'm not giving Square Enix enough credit for mishandling their titles... lol

Amusingly the same day that PC was de-confirmed day and date along with PS4 for Nier Automata, is extremely close to the same day where Sony purchased three months of exclusivity for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3's re-release.
 
Ubernube said:
Let's be real, Nier is niche, but no where near as niche as compile heart's stuff. I'm pretty certain it's going to sell quite a bit more than compile heart's neptunia game will. Still gonna be pretty damn niche though.

Honestly, if the game reviews well I could see it selling alright.
Click to expand...

For sure, I was just pointing out that some kind of Nier "deal" is a waste of time and money, and it would be absurd for any corporation to pay some sort of actual money for a "marketing deal" to a game that won't sell that many copes.

The game is gold and all Sony did as far as marketing goes is a couple of tweets and some courtesy videos on their Youtube channel, does that look like someone at Sony gives a shit about this game? They didn't even care about their own in-house developed Gravity Rush 2.
 
ViviOggi said:
The modern console industry revolves entirely around exclusivity contracts so why are there always so many rustled jimmies at the suggestion of a moneyhat? None of the platform holders is above it and re: the argument that it's a niche game - then it's also niche money.
Click to expand...

It's not that someone like Sony wouldn't money hat something like this. It just doesn't make a whole lot of sense here, even taking into account the niche status of the product.

Maybe if Nioh just didn't release and Horizon wasn't coming out right before March you could make an argument that Nier was being positioned as a somewhat important title by Sony. But that's not remotely the case with how Sony's been treating it (aka not at all).

With a title like Nioh, it's fairly easy to see why Sony made a move on it. Souls like game focused at the hardcore in a year without a Souls title coming out. Position it right before your big mainstream game comes out. Nier? Niche game coming out after one of Sony's biggest new IPs that they haven't focused on at in any meaningful manner? I don't see it.
 
Nyoro SF said:
That's what I wanted to type but I'm a bit too irritated at being called a fanboy or a crazy man of all things. I just think it's the most reasonable result considering that PC has been totally stricken from Square's marketing. People think I'm attacking Sony or something. Maybe I'm not giving Square Enix enough credit for mishandling their titles... lol

Amusingly the same day that PC was de-confirmed day and date along with PS4 for Nier Automata, is extremely close to the same day where Sony purchased three months of exclusivity for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3's re-release.
Click to expand...

They also announced the Parappa the Rapper remaster and The Last of Us 2 extremely close to it! It's a conspiracy!
 
I just don't see the logic in Sony actively going after and propping up NieR as an exclusive.

The commercial prospects for such a niche game is probably incredibly low and it definitely won't be pushing PS4 sales since the PC version was already announced; that crowd is already aware of the PC versions existence and will simply wait.

Furthermore, how is it that no journalist or reporter is bothering to call out Sony for falsely claiming NieR as an exclusive (not Console Exclusive, but an actual exclusive).

This shit is weird.
 
Foolish to gamble your account over the actions of a company as mercurial as Square-Enix. If I were you I'd be hoping and praying to all deities ever that this is just a case of them focusing on talking about console (because of some marketing deal or otherwise) and quietly shoving the pc version out the door soon after launch.
 
Ganado said:
What a stupid thing to say. It's so sad that you want to see papa Sony making "big bank" on the PS4 ver while the PC will flop due to "$5 Steam sales". Pathetic.
Click to expand...
I'd rather see this game succeed on my console of choice because I couldn't care less about PC gaming. With the obvious silence regarding the PC version, SE is clearly wanting as much sales for the PS4 as possible and I'm ok with that.
 
Pranay_ said:
Since I do not wish to derail the thread on profit margins made over retail vs digital
Click to expand...
You say that like you have contrary evidence. Please share.

Pranay_ said:
320k is still low number when a physical release of one particular region on one console is doing 280 k and there digital versions are not even consiidered
Click to expand...
First lets drop the "one console" bit. Xbox is not even a blip in Japan and the Wii U doesn't have it. 99% of the sales were always going to be on PS4.

Second, Capcom is making half the money on those 280k retail sales compared to Steam, meaning Steam is twice as more valuable to Capcoms bottom line. Maybe they should delay the Japanese release next time lol.
 
I'm in no rush to play the game so I'll wait for the PC release. This also doesn't make much sense, Nier isn't a huge franchise like GTA V or FF15 so I can't see that many double dippers for such a niche game.
 
TankRizzo said:
I'd rather see this game succeed on my console of choice because I couldn't care less about PC gaming. With the obvious silence regarding the PC version, SE is clearly wanting as much sales for the PS4 as possible and I'm ok with that.
Click to expand...

But we PC gamers are not some peasants or something...
Ppl are buying and supporting good games on PC too. Who told you that we are buying games for 5$ and less only??

It's ok that you are happy about the game being released first on your favorite console but what's the satisfaction in being first and feeling "exclusive" i don't get it? If game was announced as multi platform and being day 1 on PC too if i was PS4 gamer i would be happy about more ppl being able to play the game.
 
Saucycarpdog said:
You say that like you have contrary evidence. Please share.

First lets drop the "one console" bit. Xbox is not even a blip in Japan and the Wii U doesn't have it. 99% of the sales were always going to be on PS4.

Second, Capcom is making half the money on those 280k retail sales compared to Steam, meaning Steam is twice as more valuable to Capcoms bottom line. Maybe they should delay the Japanese release next time lol.
Click to expand...

Wouldn't be surprised if PS4 + XB1 sales WW for 2 million+. Even with the lower revenue (though consoles now have serious digital percentages), those PC sales are bad.
 
NeoRaider said:
But we PC gamers are not some peasants or something...
Ppl are buying and supporting good games on PC too. Who told you that we are buying games for 5$ and less only??

It's ok that you are happy about the game being released first on your favorite console but what's the satisfaction in being first and feeling "exclusive" i don't get it? If game was announced as multi platform and being day 1 on PC too if i was PS4 gamer i would be happy about more ppl being able to play the game.
Click to expand...

He didn't say he's satisfied and/or happy with the game being a PS4 timed-exclusive.
 
TheTux said:
He didn't say he's satisfied and/or happy with the game being a PS4 timed-exclusive.
Click to expand...

He said: "I am perfectly fine with game being delayed on PC." and then "I couldn't care less about the PC version."

I mean if it doesn't affect you at all why would you say things like that? What's the point?
 
TankRizzo said:
I'd rather see this game succeed on my console of choice because I couldn't care less about PC gaming. With the obvious silence regarding the PC version, SE is clearly wanting as much sales for the PS4 as possible and I'm ok with that.
Click to expand...

So why are you posting in a thread about PC?
 
DalikSkywing said:
?
Click to expand...

Those statements don't contradict each other. Not caring if the game comes out on PC isn't the same as being 'happy' it's only on PS4.

NeoRaider said:
He said: "I am perfectly fine with game being delayed on PC." and then "I couldn't care less about the PC version."

I mean if it doesn't affect you at all why would you say things like that? What's the point?
Click to expand...

He didn't say he was "happy" it was "PS4 exclusive" though as you said he did.
 
I think it's fair to consider that someone at Sony considers Nier an arrow in their quiver even if it's not a big one. Managing the perception of so called console exclusives has become a thing, like it or not. I'm not surprised if square gave the order to go mum about the pc version to focus on the ps4 release.
 
Crayon said:
I think it's fair to consider that someone at Sony considers Nier an arrow in their quiver even if it's not a big one. Managing the perception of so called console exclusives has become a thing, like it or not. I'm not surprised if square gave the order to go mum about the pc version to focus on the ps4 release.
Click to expand...

So why haven't they done similar with other games on Nier's level that are PS console exclusive? I mean, Berserk is out in a couple of weeks for example... PC version is clearly mentioned anywhere you look for info on it... and I daresay Nier and it aren't likely to be too far apart in terms of commercial success.

DalikSkywing said:
in which universe "I'm perfectly fine with a delayed PC release." doesn't mean he's happy with a delayed PC release?
Click to expand...

I'm fine with waiting in a queue to be served my coffee at Starbucks in the morning, but do you think that means I'm actually happy to be there?
 
LordOcidax said:
Now that Denuvo is not capable of protect a game even 5 days, maybe delay the game for PC is a smart business decision.
Click to expand...

No, it isn't. Sales on PC would absolutley be worht releasing there day and date. The onyl loser in that scenario would be Sony. And this is what it's all about really.
 
I don't get the idea that Nier is to small to toss money at. Half the time most of the games MS or Sony throw money at ARE small games. Things like MS with Tomb Raider are more the exception than the rule these days.
 
I'd like to think Platinum PC team is busy with porting Vanquish for Sega, but seeing they can't even talk about state of this game on PC means someone paid them to shut their mouth.

We'll see how long it takes for this one, if its more than 6 months I expect lower price point or DLC included.
 
Andrew House has been quoted as perceiving PC as a competitor for hardcore gamers, so it's not a great leap to say that Sony might throw a little hush money SE's way.
 
Corpekata said:
I don't get the idea that Nier is to small to toss money at. Half the time most of the games MS or Sony throw money at ARE small games. Things like MS with Tomb Raider are more the exception than the rule these days.
Click to expand...

Yep. Most non-first party exclusives these days seem to be indie offerings, especially when it comes to western devs.
 
KimonoNoNo said:
Andrew House has been quoted as perceiving PC as a competitor for hardcore gamers, so it's not a great leap to say that Sony might throw a little hush money SE's way.
Click to expand...

Didn't Sony say the main reaosn for the Pro was not wanting to lose the same crowd to PC gaming?

Mind you, the Pro is a half assed step up so I'm not sure that the crowd that would have switched bakc ot PC gaming won't.
 
Lol, what PC did that to you?

I think you guys sad because you are not going to see booty in 4K sharpness. I will try to share all glories when time has come, no need to be sad. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
 
MechanicalWall said:
I'm shocked that a character action game with JRPG elements was even confirmed for PC before it launches on consoles. Y'all should be grateful that you're even getting the thing.
Click to expand...

Lol

I think its more the fact that they should be grateful that there are actually fans for the franchise in the first place,
 
I wonder if marketing and exclusivity deals for consoles will now require a waiting period for pc release due to MS 'play anywhere' push, basically turning every pc into an Xbox at some point.

Would be a little cloudy for sure.
 
i highly doubt they want to talk about a superior game on pc when the main audience are on Sony platform.

its just going to be a stealth release.
 
Corpekata said:
I don't get the idea that Nier is to small to toss money at. Half the time most of the games MS or Sony throw money at ARE small games. Things like MS with Tomb Raider are more the exception than the rule these days.
Click to expand...

Smaller game, smaller hat full of money I would imagine
 
BennyBlanco said:
Smaller game, smaller hat full of money I would imagine
Click to expand...

Well, it might just be something as simple as "You get to show your game at our press conference" or something along those lines.

Like take a look at Ni No Kuni 2 and Ace Combat announcing their secondary platforms nearly a year after their debuts. Ace Combat in particular, they refused to talk about other platforms when it was super obvious it was not going to be exclusive.
 
People should want a game to be successful, never-mind clambering for exclusives, good lord.

Having the game release on multiple platforms leads to a larger potential audience and potentially leading to a more successful game as it's exposed to more customers.

Just look at their Q&A from another thread: NieR: Automata Live Facebook Q&A (Thread)

Is there a possibility of a NieR Remaster or Re-Release? "There is a very high possibility if NieR Automata sells like hotcakes, yes."
Click to expand...

But some people only seem to care about 'muh exclusives!'
 
GhostTrick said:
It's really baffling how a publisher can announce a version for a game and then go completly silent about it. And it doesn't seems to be related to developpement troubles considering the game is developped with that platform in mind first according to the game producer and developpement is going smoothly according to Platinum Games' employee.

Can't Square-Enix adress this once and for all ? Cause I got 60 bucks to use on pre-order
and also to appease the wrath of a certain mod, who seeks to appease him/herself with a sacrifice if the game is delayed :")

More serious question, when's the next event in West Square Enix may potentially talk about the game before release ?
Click to expand...

Is it not coming out on PS4? What's the problem?

I didn't know this was going to be my first post. I've been creating fake posts that don't go through for two years and one day it just happens to work.
 
The obvious reality is that the only compelling business reason to launch day-and-date across multiple platforms is to maximize marketing spend.

Nearly all the marketing for Nier: Automata has been aimed specifically at the Japanese market, where obviously PS4 is the primary platform, as Sony's ecosystem is where Yoko's previous works have been targeted and where its proven fanbase is centered.

The plain fact is the best way for SE to sell the game on PC is off the back of an enthusiastic reception on PS4 - because they surely aren't going to spend a fortune on marketing a sequel to a game that sold modestly at best outside of Japan.

If the game gets great reviews and/or word of mouth from fans, its going to help sales on PC a few months down the line.
 
Clear said:
The obvious reality is that the only compelling business reason to launch day-and-date across multiple platforms is to maximize marketing spend.

Nearly all the marketing for Nier: Automata has been aimed specifically at the Japanese market, where obviously PS4 is the primary platform, as Sony's ecosystem is where Yoko's previous works have been targeted and where its proven fanbase is centered.

The plain fact is the best way for SE to sell the game on PC is off the back of an enthusiastic reception on PS4 - because they surely aren't going to spend a fortune on marketing a sequel to a game that sold modestly at best outside of Japan.

If the game gets great reviews and/or word of mouth from fans, its going to help sales on PC a few months down the line.
Click to expand...

Or, they risk people spending the $60 on something else, then waiting for a Steam sale.
 
Like Final Fantasy XV, I'm sure it'll come maybe a couple months to a year down the line. Which really is no fun - I keep buying these games on console even though I'd much rather play them on PC :/ Realistically, they get chumps like me to double dip like an idiot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

A few thoughts on Nier Automata (lttp)
2 3
111
5K
Soodanim replied
The Last of Us Part II - PC Version | Review Thread
Community Platform 
16
864
Mibu no ookami replied
Naoki Hamaguchi interview with Epic Games about the PC version of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
2 3
131
7K
ArtHands replied
Shuhei Yoshida says NieR: Automata was the game that revived the Japanese games industry after it struggled chasing overseas trends in the PS3 era
Opinion  2
90
4K
Durin replied
Yoko Taro wanted the two protagonists of Nier: Automata to have a sex scene
Spoilers Game Dev 
48
4K
kubricks replied
Top Bottom