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[Schrade]

My first time doing this. Didn't see a thread so decided to make one. This one was recorded before the holidays I guess.

We're still recovering from the holiday break, but that doesn't mean we're skipping a week. Recorded before the break, Constantine Hantzopoulos (Sega of America) joins David Ellis and Matt Leone in-studio to talk about his career and transition from developer to publisher back to developer.

Listen Now (33.5 MB) - Length: 1:13:02

 

[Darkpen]

oh, so no valkyria talk, I assume :<

mebbe some yakuza?

 

[Snipes424]

Great interview David Ellis.

Constantine reminds me of a little more tame David Jaffe in that he probably shouldn't of said a couple things he said but he tells it like it is. Which is a rare quality these days.

I found the Natal and NPD talk interesting. I had no idea that NPD was about 30% off their calculations.

oh, so no valkyria talk, I assume :<

mebbe some yakuza?

Yup, a little bit

 

[GhaleonQ]

*checks to see if contradictory opinion was posted* No!

This isn't a complaint, really, and I appreciate a recording this week. This is essentially what I don't want from guests, though: vocal tics, narrow view of the industry, tactfully hedging one's assertions, lack of interesting stories or experiences, little insight and humor.

I know they'll pop up now and again, but I thought Hantzopoulos was nondescript (critically, since his views formed the entire show). Too many of these in a row would be boring, but I can't complain about a misfire during vacations.

Also, I'm not sure he'd accept, but I submit Jordan Morris of Fuel TV/Jordan, Jesse, Go/other stuff for an industry person. Technically, he's "press," but he does so for a nontraditional outlet, he knows a lot, he'ss hilarious, et cetera.

 

[Terrordactyl]

Hey David, if you are reading this, I just wanted to say that I think your doing a really good job of your podcast so far. I was pretty skeptical at first but you've put together a pretty good show. The episode with John was great, its good to hear from him still, I was surprised that it took me at least an hour to notice that it was just the two of you. Just thought I'd say thanks.

 

[TTG]

Considering I don't listen to 1up podcasts regularly anymore, I have a question about tonight's show before I download. Does anyone start yelling(ahem question) this Sega person about some of the amazing titles we saw last gen that are nowhere to be found today? The description is kinda vague on what he actually does for Sega, but still... where did my Smilebit go??

 

[Puck]

Not up on itunes yet.

 

[TTG]

*checks to see if contradictory opinion was posted* No!

I liked it. It's not often we get a developer talking candidly on a variety of topics, at least not from the media outlets GAF links to on a daily basis. Also, within 5 minutes it's obvious he's been making games for a looong time, the experience is appreciated.

Anyway, most of the stuff you mention is probably just excitement from being on a podcast. I'm sure if he had a way to reach a wide audience every week, he would be much more focused and he wouldn't be dominating the conversation so much. I hope they invite him back soon, great insight.

 

[voltron]

Will listen for the vocal tics.

 

[ShinoguTakeruKoeru]

Not up on itunes yet.

Funny, I downloaded it last night. Off iTunes. Is it different if I stick the RSS feed onto iTunes as opposed to going to the listing in the iTunes Store?

 

[Deleted member 30609]

really enjoying what Constantine has to say, really good ep so far

 

[diss]

Another great ep! Two in a row! This was very interesting and fun to listen to.

EDIT: I think I disagree entirely with GhaleonQ regarding this podcast. His voice was fine? Sounds a bit like Ken Levine. And he's also ex-Looking Glass so thus made of pure win. I don't normally dig industry interviews but I found this a good listen

 

[GhaleonQ]

Another great ep! Two in a row! This was very interesting and fun to listen to.

EDIT: I think I disagree entirely with GhaleonQ regarding this podcast. His voice was fine? Sounds a bit like Ken Levine. And he's also ex-Looking Glass so thus made of pure win. I don't normally dig industry interviews but I found this a good listen

I think it's, like, because I'm a Wisconsinite? So, you know, I'm, you know, not used to it? Like, the dated slang, you know, wore on me going into, you know, hour 2, not to mention, like, industry jargon? I appreciated his lengthy contributions, though.

I liked it. It's not often we get a developer talking candidly on a variety of topics, at least not from the media outlets GAF links to on a daily basis. Also, within 5 minutes it's obvious he's been making games for a looong time, the experience is appreciated.

Anyway, most of the stuff you mention is probably just excitement from being on a podcast. I'm sure if he had a way to reach a wide audience every week, he would be much more focused and he wouldn't be dominating the conversation so much. I hope they invite him back soon, great insight.

Yeah, I'm didn't really mind this time. I just think we've heard "pre-production is really important," "there's no safe harbor for Wii 'hardcore' games," and "small studios can make neat things, too" (I have no idea why they divorced Valve's influence from those projects as much as they did, but their point stands) before, so I wouldn't like to hear it from a 2KBoston person, an EA Canada person, and an Atlus person for the next 3 weeks, too.

 

[templeusox]

Awesome show. Seriously. Very interesting and honest guest with a lot of outspoken things to say.

 

[DieH@rd]

Great show.

 

[TTG]

Yeah, I'm didn't really mind this time. I just think we've heard "pre-production is really important," "there's no safe harbor for Wii 'hardcore' games," and "small studios can make neat things, too" (I have no idea why they divorced Valve's influence from those projects as much as they did, but their point stands) before, so I wouldn't like to hear it from a 2KBoston person, an EA Canada person, and an Atlus person for the next 3 weeks, too.

I think that's more on David Ellis. Control your guests!

 

[DjangoReinhardt]

Will listen for the vocal tics.

Right?

 

[EXGN]

Wait, so English VO confirmed for Yakuza 3?

 

[Tobor]

I find your lack of Parish disturbing.

/force chokes David Ellis

 

[Anyanka]

thank god that Streets of Rage never happened. That FPS melee combat is barely passable in a Condemned style of game.

 

[JWong]

Oh my god... voicing Yakuza?

Or are they talking about the first one.

 

[Visualante]

Born on the PlayStation huh

 

[EXGN]

Oh my god... voicing Yakuza?

Or are they talking about the first one.

I've listened to that part 3-4 times now and they pretty conclusively are talking about Yakuza 3. When answering how much they're spending on Yakuza 3's localization he first:

"The bulk of the cost is actually the VO, getting the actors in, SAG rates. A lot of lines so obviously the more expensive it gets, you wanna land the right actors, voice the right parts."

And at 10 minutes, he says:

"Whenever Sega brings a game over here and makes the investment, the heavy investment, into localization, we're talking over 500, 600, 700K to localize this game(Yakuza 3). Lot of voices, lot of different peeps, lot of different characters."

And then Ellis asks him about voice cast for Yakuza 3 and he says doesn't know who is going to voice it.

 

[JWong]

I've listened to that part 3-4 times now and they pretty conclusively are talking about Yakuza 3. When answering how much they're spending on Yakuza 3's localization he first:

"The bulk of the cost is actually the VO, getting the actors in, SAG rates. A lot of lines so obviously the more expensive it gets, you wanna land the right actors, voice the right parts."

And at 10 minutes, he says:

"Whenever Sega brings a game over here and makes the investment, the heavy investment, into localization, we're talking over 500, 600, 700K to localize this game(Yakuza 3). Lot of voices, lot of different peeps, lot of different characters."

And then Ellis asks him about voice cast for Yakuza 3 and he says doesn't know who is going to voice it.

WOOT!

Wonder if Mark Hamill is back.

 

[vocab]

I've listened to that part 3-4 times now and they pretty conclusively are talking about Yakuza 3. When answering how much they're spending on Yakuza 3's localization he first:

"The bulk of the cost is actually the VO, getting the actors in, SAG rates. A lot of lines so obviously the more expensive it gets, you wanna land the right actors, voice the right parts."

And at 10 minutes, he says:

"Whenever Sega brings a game over here and makes the investment, the heavy investment, into localization, we're talking over 500, 600, 700K to localize this game(Yakuza 3). Lot of voices, lot of different peeps, lot of different characters."

And then Ellis asks him about voice cast for Yakuza 3 and he says doesn't know who is going to voice it.

I thought it was going to be subbed only like Yakuza 2? It seems like the only way it was going to come over here if it was dome the way Yakuza 2 was. Dub costs are huge, and since the series doesn't sell well, it would be a no brainer to not include an english track.

 

[Owzers]

I was thinking this was going to be a borefest but it was quite enjoyable to listen to. Anytime you have an interview with a developer it can skew far too heavily in " yeah guys i know X is great let me tell you about all the ways we made it that way for the next hour while you nod along." but there was a nice balance this time.

 

[EXGN]

I thought it was going to be subbed only like Yakuza 2? It seems like the only way it was going to come over here if it was dome the way Yakuza 2 was. Dub costs are huge, and since the series doesn't sell well, it would be a no brainer to not include an english track.

I think we all did. I have to admit, though, I was a bit surprised to see Sony allowing them to do english subs only, since they've always thrown a big fit about making English VA a necessity.

Either Constantine is wrong, or Sega changed their minds.

 

[vocab]

I think we all did. I have to admit, though, I was a bit surprised to see Sony allowing them to do english subs only, since they've always thrown a big fit about making English VA a necessity.

Sony shouldn't be able to dictate that. They are not the ones spending the cash or the investment on the game.

 

[JWong]

Ironman 2 gonna be good! 8D

 

[SecretBonusPoint]

What is this I am reading about a Yakuza 3 dub? Is this just someone clueless talking about something he isn't involved in or..? Shit better be dual-audio track if theyre going to do another crappy dub again.

 

[firehawk12]

Wow, I guess I'm an asshole because news of a dub almost makes me not want to by the game now.

 

[EXGN]

What is this I am reading about a Yakuza 3 dub? Is this just someone clueless talking about something he isn't involved in or..? Shit better be dual-audio track if theyre going to do another crappy dub again.

Studio director of Sega of America, so I wouldn't say he's clueless.

 

[Blablurn]

it seems like constantine loves to talk. but he talks about quite a lot of interesting stuff. i'm really enjoying the episode so far. bringing some industry guys to 4G1U was a pretty good idea.

 

[SecretBonusPoint]

Studio director of Sega of America, so I wouldn't say he's clueless.

Not knowing who has been selected as voice actors in the game at all kinda suggests he is a bit or was being coy.

It seems like a massive waste of money to dub this game and not just sub it. Releasing it in March as well...god, they just want to waste money and fail. So...Sega! As I said, japanese voice track included (its a fucking blu-ray disc, don't fuck around) or despite really looking forward to it, may be a case of no sale. Perhaps Mr Ellis and co would like to ask him this swiftly?

 

[duk]

concentrating on content is the best, graphics are great already and will get better next gen

 

[wolfmat]

That was a really good podcast!

 

[Kintaro]

Wow, I guess I'm an asshole because news of a dub almost makes me not want to by the game now.

I'm kind of the same way. =/ I was not a fan of the Yakuza dub. I would hope it would be dual audio. If not, there's too many other games to play in March then to chance another dodgy dub from Sega.

 

[Sanjay]

This Constantine guy said some really good things for a guy who works in the industry, most would just pussy out.

 

[Deleted member 30609]

once again: great episode. Constantine talking so candidly about his position was fantastic.

(it needs to be reiterated)

 

[voltron]

Right?

GhaleonQ mentioned something that seemed funny.

 

[JWong]

What is this I am reading about a Yakuza 3 dub? Is this just someone clueless talking about something he isn't involved in or..? Shit better be dual-audio track if theyre going to do another crappy dub again.

Yakuza 1 had excellent dub.

 

[Kevtones]

David, I'd love for you to try Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. I think the 1UP review is pretty far off and it seems like a game that deserves as much attention as it can get.

 

[vocab]

Yakuza 1 had excellent dub.

Aside from the excessive cursing, it's not bad.

 

[JWong]

Aside from the excessive cursing, it's not bad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=778VDaSLeX4

Laugh, you stupid mother******!

Get ready, to get ****ed up!

 

[border]

"Are we going to do more mature Wii games...? Probably not."

He says Conduit and Mad World have done okay, but I think if you read the lines he implies that any old junk would have sold about as well as those and they're better off not putting in so much effort.

 

[Truespeed]

They had the chance to bust his balls about Brokenetta and didn't. Damn, what a premeditated missed opportunity.

 

[ShockingAlberto]

They had the chance to bust his balls about Brokenetta and didn't. Damn, what a premeditated missed opportunity.

hahaha

 

[OnimaruXLR]

Dubbing RGG3 into English is like dubbing No More Heroes into Japanese. There are certain things about performances that are going to be lost in favor of making them more palatable to the kind of audience that won't buy the freaking game in the first place.

Maybe I'll just get the Japanese greatest hits version when it comes out instead...

 

[vocab]

Maybe I'll just get the Japanese greatest hits version when it comes out instead...

Considering VC, and a lot of Sega games actually have dual audio, why the hell would you buy the import. It's not like they are SE.

 

[entremet]

I really appreciated Constantine's candor. He was very diplomatic as well, especially about the struggles to sell mature content on the Wii. Sega took a gamble and it didn't pan out as they wanted, but it was refreshing hearing his take on the situation.

He's a good interview and hopefully he could come back for later interviews.