DAREALGUMMY
Member
With help from the gamepad.
-
Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!
Why doesn't Ubisoft port ZombiU to other platforms?
- Thread starter gribbles
- Start date
With help from the gamepad.
krypt0nian
Banned
Already solved in this thread.
You pull up a bag interface that takes up much of the screen. Tension. Same? Nope. Equivalent. Of course as other games like Dark Souls have shown us.
They would either need to create a completely different multiplayer mode or have it be compatible with smartglass/vita. The multiplayer in the game is gamepad dependent. One person does something on the gamepad while the person playing on the TV does something completely different.
It's the definition of port begging, no matter which way you slice it. Anyone who's played the game will tell you that a good part of the tenseness with horror comes from going into the inventory while you have zombies on your tail. Vita remote play/Smartglass option, would be fine but you can't guarantee that everyone'll have that.
Without that feature, I suppose the game will still be alright, but it loses a big part of what made it unique.
Edit: Yeah, ok. Obscuring and blurring the screen is totally the same........ /s
TheRedSnifit
Member
Port Begging: Revenge of the Beg.
Anyways, maybe Nintendo paid for exclusivity. Maybe Ubisoft, like every single other major developer, doesn't think that slow-paced survival horror games sell, and don't want to pour even more resources into what was already a development mess. If it's the former, Nintendo should buy the IP (since Ubisoft obviously doesn't want it anymore) and make it their own thing, since I suspect that they're the only ones who won't try to turn it into an action shooter.
Anyways, maybe Nintendo paid for exclusivity. Maybe Ubisoft, like every single other major developer, doesn't think that slow-paced survival horror games sell, and don't want to pour even more resources into what was already a development mess. If it's the former, Nintendo should buy the IP (since Ubisoft obviously doesn't want it anymore) and make it their own thing, since I suspect that they're the only ones who won't try to turn it into an action shooter.
It's kind of funny because to me, the fact that a lot of you say the Gamepad makes the game. Is the game so bad it has to rely on a gimmick to be considered good?
Because they could work around the gamepad shit by making the bag a physical object in the game world, you open it up, place it on the ground and select objects with (on PC) movement keys, while the mouse is used to look around if you want to. Or something similar.
Oh, that local multi thing. Well if it was a PC release it'd probably have online multi anyway, the director could just use a mouse interface
. Was the multiplayer even that good?
Because they could work around the gamepad shit by making the bag a physical object in the game world, you open it up, place it on the ground and select objects with (on PC) movement keys, while the mouse is used to look around if you want to. Or something similar.
Oh, that local multi thing. Well if it was a PC release it'd probably have online multi anyway, the director could just use a mouse interface
. Was the multiplayer even that good?DAREALGUMMY
Member
But not.
krypt0nian
Banned
In my eyes it has. Feel free to disagree.
I tried multi finally in December...I've had it since launch and never had anyone to play it with.
It's a neat concept, but I don't love the mechanics that much of the gunplay so it's a little wonky. But it's cool...
And yeah, I got about 1/3 of the way on my last Survivor run and had a totally careless death and I was so upset I put it away for a few months...tried it again and was getting up to the point where you protect the base and I just...couldn't bring myself to do it.
Soon.
Usually Right
Banned
How is it not the same?
Also "port begging" is more of an issue when it dominates conversation and distracts from anything else in discussion about a game. It's not like this is ruining the quality ZOMBIE U conversation on neogaf.com
DAREALGUMMY
Member
Considering I bought it day one, I disagree big time.
I, personally, am not saying that the gamepad makes the game but it does add a significant chunk. This statement is ridiculous though. Apply this statement to Tearaway (swap "gamepad" for "Vita features"), or Kirby's Canvas Curse on the DS. Of course there are absolutely incredible games that rely on a particular hardware's mechanics and would not be nearly as good without it.
If you'd played the game, you wouldn't be asking the first question, but I'll try and explain. You have to divide your attention between two screens rather than comfortably being able to see oncoming foes on the same screen. The idea is that there is a risk involved with going into you bag, so you have to manage your time between looking at the screen and the gamepad well or you'll die. There is no such tradeoff by putting them on the same screen. (Also I spent more time in multiplayer than single in that game, and that would be straight up impossible without a 2nd screen.)
Also, it's still port begging. While the reason you listed is the main reason it's banned on Neo GAF, that doesn't stop it being obnoxious when those who enjoyed the game can't exactly talk about it's strengths in any thread without people trying to justify why it should be ported.
krypt0nian
Banned
Rock on! Makes no difference.
Oh, that local multi thing. Well if it was a PC release it'd probably have online multi anyway, the director could just use a mouse interface
Yeah that could work online. I'd love to see that happen. I thought the multiplayer was one of the least talked about parts of the game but one of the most interesting. It was flawed but really fun. A mix of strategy and fps gameplay that I really haven't ever seen before.
Sounds like a legit question.
Even if they were to reuse those assets and make a relatively different game, why don't they? Or would making a completely new game more profitable? Or do they think the game won't sell on other consoles? We know Ubi makes as many ports as possible to maximize profit.
Even if they were to reuse those assets and make a relatively different game, why don't they? Or would making a completely new game more profitable? Or do they think the game won't sell on other consoles? We know Ubi makes as many ports as possible to maximize profit.
Kirby Canvas Curse wouldn't work at all without the touchscreen, it's the core gameplay element. The comparison is absurd. Zombi U puts your inventory on a second screen and makes you unable to move. One of these is possible to recreate without a touch screen.
I don't know anything about Tearaway other than the fact that it looks amazing.
It's kind of funny because to me, the fact that a lot of you say the Gamepad makes the game. Is the game so bad it has to rely on a gimmick to be considered good?
Because they could work around the gamepad shit by making the bag a physical object in the game world, you open it up, place it on the ground and select objects with (on PC) movement keys, while the mouse is used to look around if you want to. Or something similar.
Oh, that local multi thing. Well if it was a PC release it'd probably have online multi anyway, the director could just use a mouse interface
What? The game was designed around using it. Inventory management (and scanning, lockpick minigames, etc.) using the Gamepad is a large part of the gameplay. It's not meant to feel like a menu. I mean you could probably control Wii Sports with a keyboard and mouse if you tried hard enough. But you're losing a lot of the games appeal in the process.
I'm not saying it's impossible. But yes, losing the 'gimmick' removes a lot of what makes the game unique and tense. Removing almost any gameplay/control mechanic a game is built around often results in a worse experience.
TheRedSnifit
Member
Port begging is an issue because it adds nothing worth discussing. People who don't own Console X want to play Console X's exclusives without having to buy it. People who do own Console X want its games to stay exclusive to justify their purchase. This thread tells us nothing that every other port-begging thread doesn't already.
ArkkAngel007
Member
1. The Gamepad is pretty pivotal to the experience. Having the inventory be the only thing on the tv or greying out everything else isn't the same, as you can't see clearly how the zeds are steadily approaching while you're mucking around.
2. The inventory as it is would be janky as fuck through analog/d-pad, as well as the other quick options from radar to the map. People who can prepare their BOB into an efficient state where they can quickly reload and select alt. weapons without taking much effort. That will be lost, with having a quick wheel or whatever being a complete cop-out. It's easy to see here the people who haven't even touched the game, yet somehow seem to know better about the game than those who have.
3. To reiterate what was touched above, there's more than an inventory. There's map with radar functionality, scanning (some involving puzzles), and a few other features I'm probably forgetting, though minigames can go away as they were weakest element and scoping mechanic can just remain on the regular controls that players already choose to do. These won't transfer well over to a conventional controller scheme and will just be frustrating barriers to enjoyment.
4. ZombiU to them was a failed IP. Forget the broken elements of the game, the rushed state (not mutually exclusive), and the fact that the system it released on was a major factor into its weak sales...they took the risk of reviving Killer Freaks from Outer Space into this game, and the risk failed to deliver profits.
All the support hinted at by devs through in-game messages disappeared after the first patch. If it isn't worth following whatever they had in the pipe that wouldn't have been a far more minor venture, then why put in the shit-ton of work it will take to bring an even jankier version to an already flawed game?
Edit: Forgot about the multiplayer. Maybe can be done with Vita, SmartGlass, but now there's latency and fractured player base. It would be DoA.
2. The inventory as it is would be janky as fuck through analog/d-pad, as well as the other quick options from radar to the map. People who can prepare their BOB into an efficient state where they can quickly reload and select alt. weapons without taking much effort. That will be lost, with having a quick wheel or whatever being a complete cop-out. It's easy to see here the people who haven't even touched the game, yet somehow seem to know better about the game than those who have.
3. To reiterate what was touched above, there's more than an inventory. There's map with radar functionality, scanning (some involving puzzles), and a few other features I'm probably forgetting, though minigames can go away as they were weakest element and scoping mechanic can just remain on the regular controls that players already choose to do. These won't transfer well over to a conventional controller scheme and will just be frustrating barriers to enjoyment.
4. ZombiU to them was a failed IP. Forget the broken elements of the game, the rushed state (not mutually exclusive), and the fact that the system it released on was a major factor into its weak sales...they took the risk of reviving Killer Freaks from Outer Space into this game, and the risk failed to deliver profits.
All the support hinted at by devs through in-game messages disappeared after the first patch. If it isn't worth following whatever they had in the pipe that wouldn't have been a far more minor venture, then why put in the shit-ton of work it will take to bring an even jankier version to an already flawed game?
Edit: Forgot about the multiplayer. Maybe can be done with Vita, SmartGlass, but now there's latency and fractured player base. It would be DoA.
krypt0nian
Banned
Actually we were discussing things like the feasibility of no game pad play and whether it would make sense financially. Both of which ate FAR more discussion than ZombiU has had in ages. So it's adding agreat deal to the topic.
It's a seemingly dead IP on a dead platform. Who would this be hurting?
WrenchNinja
Member
I own a Wii U and couldn't care less if this got ported. The people talking up how critical the gamepad is for this game just seem silly.
To be honest I completely forgot about the other uses, save the backpack. I was too quick to call the controls gimmicky.
I guess in a way it's akin to saying Dark Souls would work just as well without player hints and invasions.
ArcaneFreeze
Member
The touchscreen also adds extra "buttons" as you will. Basically every button on the gamepad is used, so having the extra touch options to use other items that don't have room to be mapped isn't possible on the other consoles. How would the scanner work as well? If your using the scanner solely with the TV your looking at a direct line of sight, with the gamepad TV combo you get that view on the gamepad and your entire surroundings on the TV. Its just a whole different execution that they'd be better off making a different game.
Its too much work to make ZombiU's gamepad centric features single screen compatible for it to be worth it imo.
Usually Right
Banned
Multiplayer, sure. I'll trust you. The idea that looking at your controller for the inventory is in some way more stressful or immersive than just bringing up a menu on the tv while the game still plays under it, nah. That's exactly the same scenario and the game isn't any worse off with that system.
Ah so port begging is ok if it's a Wii U game, gotcha.
SkeptiMism
Member
I think it would lose a lot of its tension that way. The 2 screen use is really fantastic in that game.
Of course, that doesn't mean its not possible. It would be possible though the tension wouldn't be the same (and blurring the main view wouldn't affect the same way). But I don't think Ubi just think there's demand.
I'm fairly sure the game didnt sell that horribly anyway. Certainly not enough for Ubi to be happy or make a profit, but not completely horribly.
edit: and to the people comparing the tension to Dark Souls, I'd say the tension is kinda different.
edit2: It was a spectacular game though, so I'd like to see it ported to other platforms for others to enjoy at least in some form, even if I think the experience wouldn't be exactly the same.
Of course, that doesn't mean its not possible. It would be possible though the tension wouldn't be the same (and blurring the main view wouldn't affect the same way). But I don't think Ubi just think there's demand.
I'm fairly sure the game didnt sell that horribly anyway. Certainly not enough for Ubi to be happy or make a profit, but not completely horribly.
edit: and to the people comparing the tension to Dark Souls, I'd say the tension is kinda different.
edit2: It was a spectacular game though, so I'd like to see it ported to other platforms for others to enjoy at least in some form, even if I think the experience wouldn't be exactly the same.
Stumpokapow
listen to the mad man
why throw good money after bad
The GamePad adds tension not only because you have to look at the GamePad screen while the game is active, but moving items and swapping equipment by moving them adds to the immersion. Tapping a button to equip a gun or drop an item doesn't have that tension level. If you panic in ZombiU while trying to quickly swap an item, you will mess up and maybe die. You can't replicate that exactly with button presses.
krypt0nian
Banned
This is way over your head if that's your take on what I typed.
i wonder if all the port beggars in this thread really want to play the game on their chosen consoles, or if they simply want it released on the systems they've sworn their loyalty to simply because they find the idea of a 3rd party exclusive on a nintendo home console to be 'offensive' & an 'abomination'...
I haven't played Zombie U but I have to imagine that just taking your eyes off your character and the TV to look at your inventory does add a certain level of tension that probably isn't present in the Souls games since you still have your eye on you character behind the menu overlay.
ArcaneFreeze
Member
.
This is a game that needs to be experienced to understand, if you haven't played it I don't think you can make that type of judgement.
Interesting. What's your take on people who want Bayonetta ported to Wii U?
It slipped my mind as well. Inventory management just stuck out the most for me.
I mean the Gamepad is meant to feel like a gadget the character has. It's referenced in the gameplay as a device. Characters talk to you through it and when you interact with it, so does the character.
You've got the scanning for example. The Gamepad is meant to look like the characters device. When scanning you've also got the character on screen to give you perspective looking outside the scanner. You use this device to scan for objects and messages to add to the radar.
The radar being tied to the Gamepad is very important. The thing makes a noise when it senses movement. It beeps like the device in Aliens. When you hear the beep the player has to make the decision to either focus on the TV or focus on the Gamepad and try to assess if this is a threat. Placing the radar on the TV completely removes this aspect of horror. You'll know exactly where everything is without diverting your attention. The game relies on you using this radar to get through the game. It's a big tactic to get through an area safely so it's not something that can be removed either.
So how would you port this? Do the references to the device get removed completely? Do they shoe horn everything onto the one screen? You could but you're basically neutering the game. It's identity revolves around the Gamepad. It's in everything from the plot, the gameplay, the controls, the inventory, the dialogue, etc.
krypt0nian
Banned
I found the topic interesting from Ubi's PoV. I have close to zero iterest in playing the sku.
ArkkAngel007
Member
Take it back.
It wasn't a bad game. In fact, it was surprising how decent it was given how unfinished it was. Now if it weren't for the atmosphere and how well most of the important elements were handled, it would have struggled to even be an average game.
But I do agree that it's a waste of money. Why port over an unfinished game that's just going to play worse when there can be a spiritual/actual reboot?
Dombrowski
is responsible for the well-being of this island.
I got it with my Wii U and I liked it (mainly for the atmosphere), but it had a lot of issues. They should just go multiplatform with the sequel, it's too late to port Zombi U. But we all know there's no sequel and there'll never be.
SkullHydra
Member
I don't think it's really fair for people who haven't played ZombiU to say that the gamepad could be easily replaced. The gamepad is crucial to the gameplay! Switching to a translucent menu or something isn't going to be the same at all.
EDIT: Darmik nailed it.
EDIT: Darmik nailed it.
grosvenor_92
Member
Possible reasons
1. Not enough interest
2. All of Ubisofts studios are busy working on other games
1. Not enough interest
2. All of Ubisofts studios are busy working on other games
Moon_frogger
Member
seriously though there is no real answer to this. Yeah they could horribly neuter the gamepad functionality but why? Like someone said wii sports could work with a keyboard and mouse but really who wants that. It'd be better for another dev to just take inspiration and create their own game.
Zombie U did very poorly in Japan.
I think people are under the assumption that ubi isn't going to do anything with the IP or some of its assets, and that the game is actually critically acclaimed but sold terribly, at least from what I read, I thought a lot of people likes it on gaf.
Capcom seems to have made quite a few games out of the first few REs (umbrella chronicles) and ported them to most of the consoles, and they ported Dead Rising later to Wii even if it ended up to be really different due to the difference in hardware specification.