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[I AM JOHN!]

Most of these articles give you jackshit in the way of new info on games (which is what I care about, I couldn't care less about personal commentary on the industry) so i'm happy with those two nuggets of info.

Okay, good, I'm glad. I, however, would have much rather this article gone deeper than the tired song-and-dance of "here's some games being made for PS3; PS3 is losing; how does this affect these games?" and couldn't care less about the "new information" they contained because neither of those affect my perception of any of the three games discussed in the article. To each their own.

 

[chunk3rvd]

Not when there are cheaper products that offer the same experience, no.

I hate this argument. I expect my console to last me 4-5 years right? Now I'm not sure of current US prices for these things but I'd be very surprised if an Xbox with a decent hard drive + 4-5 years of XBox Live Gold + Wireless network adapter is any cheaper than a PS3 - maybe even more expensive, right?

 

[Dabanton]

I hate this argument. I expect my console to last me 4-5 years right? Now I'm not sure of current US prices for these things but I'd be very surprised if an Xbox with a decent hard drive + 4-5 years of XBox Live Gold + Wireless network adapter is any cheaper than a PS3 - maybe even more expensive, right?

Yeah but most people buying 360's aren't standing in the queue adding up how much Xbox live is going to cost over 5 years.

 

[JoJo13]

Software hasn't been an issue for the PS3 in quite a while. Really, ever since last Spring/Summer the PS3 has kicked it into high gear.

There really won't necessarily be a single 'game changing' piece of software. New games will sustain or boost growth slightly at current levels, but the real game changer is how they position and market the PS3 going forward; PS3 is coming up on two years @ $400. Plenty of people likely want a PS3, but they feel content with waiting until that price drops down. I'd argue that sales of the PS3 have been pretty decent when you look at the context of the price point. A $100 drop will do wonders for it. Other key aspects that often get overlooked are that of functionality -- PS2 backwards compatibility is a huge selling point for the PS3, and it's a shame that Sony doesn't leverage the strength of the PS2 onto the PS3 anymore. Hopefully they manage to release software emulation for all models sometime in the near future. Another aspect is the PSN -- it's getting there, but development of the XMB continues to move at a snail's pace. They need to get more community features in there (voice chat). It's close, but still not quite there.

If Sony were able to incorporate all three of these aspects (price drop to $299, PS2 backwards compat, and beefing up PSN's XMB infrastructure) that would be more of a game changer at this point. They've already got some great software released and waiting in the wings, it's just time to give people on the fence

I also agree with Pachter when he says they should be looking at expanding the market and going after the Wii audience, especially once they get the price down to respectable levels.

 

[RSTEIN]

I hate this argument. I expect my console to last me 4-5 years right? Now I'm not sure of current US prices for these things but I'd be very surprised if an Xbox with a decent hard drive + 4-5 years of XBox Live Gold + Wireless network adapter is any cheaper than a PS3 - maybe even more expensive, right?

Well, then you can't say the PS3 isn't selling well because it's more expensive. If the PS3 isn't outselling the 360 when it is indeed cheaper then there are deeper issues with the Sony brand and PS3 game library. For some reason people aren't digging Sony this gen, despite being cheaper than the 360.

 

[thaOwner]

reads first page comments

*slowly backs out of thread*

 

[Jive Turkey]

Oh man...Stoney Mason broke bcn-ron.

 

[Marcos_RB01]

The agency, 2010? FUCK! I want it NOW!

 

[SolidSnakex]

The agency, 2010? FUCK! I want it NOW!

Yeah, that news came out earlier this year. DC Universe Online also won't be out until 2010.

 

[Shurs]

Yeah, that news came out earlier this year. DC Universe Online also won't be out until 2010.

Free Realms 2009?

 

[Tobor]

I hate this argument. I expect my console to last me 4-5 years right? Now I'm not sure of current US prices for these things but I'd be very surprised if an Xbox with a decent hard drive + 4-5 years of XBox Live Gold + Wireless network adapter is any cheaper than a PS3 - maybe even more expensive, right?

It doesn't matter what you hate, it's the reality of the situation. The average consumer sees two game consoles, and one of them is half the price of the other on the shelf. A quick glance at the games on the racks shows both consoles having roughly the same titles. Future costs, feature list comparisons, all of that is irrelevant.

You're going to make me break out my consumer comparison chart again:

 

[SolidSnakex]

Free Realms 2009?

It should be late 2009 for the PS3.

 

[charlequin]

Wow, I didn't realize that either Stoney or bcn-ron were... that way.

For people who are interested in MAG, there's a pretty in-depth preview in the new Game Informer, which actually focuses on the game itself in preference to goofy console-war narratives, mentions the Fall 2009 release date, talks about Zipper's decision-making process about the game (like why they didn't include classes), etc. Check it out!

 

[WrathOfOtaibah]

Wow, bcn-ron lost his shit in this thread.

The article isn't really that interesting but the lulz from the meltdown made it worth the read.

 

[burgerdog]

Holy shit :lol :lol bcn-ron, absolutely pathetic.

In before

Oh shut up

 

[WinFonda]

wait for MAG! This is it! This is the big one! This is Red Rocks! This is the Edge!

Another wait for X article then.

Come now, Xbots. This was an innocuous article.

 

[DoomGyver]

"Men, this stuff that some sources sling around about America wanting out of this war, not wanting to fight, is a crock of bullshit. Americans love to fight, traditionally. All real Americans love the sting and clash of battle. You are here today for three reasons. First, because you are here to defend your homes and your loved ones. Second, you are here for your own self respect, because you would not want to be anywhere else. Third, you are here because you are real men and all real men like to fight. When you, here, everyone of you, were kids, you all admired the champion marble player, the fastest runner, the toughest boxer, the big league ball players, and the All-American football players. Americans love a winner. Americans will not tolerate a loser. Americans despise cowards. Americans play to win all of the time. I wouldn't give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed. That's why Americans have never lost nor will ever lose a war; for the very idea of losing is hateful to an American."

 

[LiquidMetal14]

Another wait for X article then.

Yes, you clearly read the article.

It's cool to read origins of some of these developers.

 

[WinFonda]

"Men, this stuff that some sources sling around about America wanting out of this war, not wanting to fight, is a crock of bullshit. Americans love to fight, traditionally. All real Americans love the sting and clash of battle. You are here today for three reasons. First, because you are here to defend your homes and your loved ones. Second, you are here for your own self respect, because you would not want to be anywhere else. Third, you are here because you are real men and all real men like to fight. When you, here, everyone of you, were kids, you all admired the champion marble player, the fastest runner, the toughest boxer, the big league ball players, and the All-American football players. Americans love a winner. Americans will not tolerate a loser. Americans despise cowards. Americans play to win all of the time. I wouldn't give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed. That's why Americans have never lost nor will ever lose a war; for the very idea of losing is hateful to an American."

Patton was a God. We should make a deity out of the man.

 

[Son of Godzilla]

Seriously..a very innocuous article. Just took one person not reading it or misreading it and throwing out a tired troll..I'm still waiting for someone to point out how the article is suggesting any of these games as 'game-changers' or 'wait-for' games.

I'm beginning to think that suggestion of a dedicated 'sony doom' thread, or heck, even a dedicated FORUM mightn't be a bad idea!

Innocuous? It goes on about how some dudes have left Microsoft and are currently hatching a plan that will send M$ to it's doom, all from right under their noses!@! You can dismiss the console war bullshit as just nonsense to attract readers to the main article, but why the fuck should people be forced to read that shit? It's a fucking piece of shit article.

 

[J-Rzez]

Zipper has a pretty big, and loyal fan following. And "if" it does become the next big thing, it can sell consoles, especially in the US whose love for FPS online action knows no bounds. Though it'll be going up against a juggernaut that is MW2 this fall, if it turns out great, and gets very favorable reviews, it can move some units. Especially if after a price drop on the console. Change the console war I doubt, but a price drop will help out more, and Sony as of now has the best known line up this year. So maybe if they're lucky, it all will help move some units at a better pace than now at the very least.

Can't wait to see what Zipper pulls off with this. They're extremely talented, now have a bigger team, and have become 1st party for support. This game could be a wet dream for FPS MP fans. I know I'm rocking a semi right now just from the premise and known details of the game lol.

Just needs some solid beta testing to make sure it turns out great. And the sooner the beta testing, the better *cough cough*.

 

[AranhaHunter]

Zipper has 150 employees, wow, that's more than ND and maybe Insomniac I think, Sucker Punch is rather small with only 60 employees. SOE Seatle with 100 employees, that's pretty good sized.

"The Agency" team is figuring out how to bridge online play between PCs and the PS3.

Good news, and if that's the case, the PS3 version will support KB+M for those that want it.

Matt Wilson, a former Microsoft game developer heading Sony Online Entertainment's 100-person Bellevue studio, said the platform wars are mostly a distraction.

"First and foremost it's the game — our goal is to make a great game,"' he said. "That's all we should be worried about."

I hope so, I hope SOE restructure (get them under SCE, new studios SOE Seatle, SOE Austin, etc) makes them output better games. Most of their portfolio is pretty poor/mediocre, with the exception of Field Commander and Everquest I and II. I'm cautiously optimistic after seeing some videos and impressions for DCUO.

They better choose me to beta test MAG and The Agency, I'm still pissed off that they haven't chosen me to beta test Fat Princess.

 

[Beer Monkey]

Zipper has a pretty big, and loyal fan following. And "if" it does become the next big thing, it can sell consoles

When the fuck are people going to stop saying this about <insert upcoming shooter here>. There is no goddamn game that is going to change the overall sales trend. This is about price and shifting mindshare (people tend to buy what most of their friends have bought and what has the largest shelfspace), not about quality software titles. PS3 has plenty of great exclusive, quality games available for it already, it isn't lacking at all.

 

[JoJo13]

Zipper has a pretty big, and loyal fan following. And "if" it does become the next big thing, it can sell consoles, especially in the US whose love for FPS online action knows no bounds. Though it'll be going up against a juggernaut that is MW2 this fall, if it turns out great, and gets very favorable reviews, it can move some units. Especially if after a price drop on the console. Change the console war I doubt, but a price drop will help out more, and Sony as of now has the best known line up this year. So maybe if they're lucky, it all will help move some units at a better pace than now at the very least.

Can't wait to see what Zipper pulls off with this. They're extremely talented, now have a bigger team, and have become 1st party for support. This game could be a wet dream for FPS MP fans. I know I'm rocking a semi right now just from the premise and known details of the game lol.

Just needs some solid beta testing to make sure it turns out great. And the sooner the beta testing, the better *cough cough*.

I'm really excited for MAG, too.

If Modern Warfare 2 doesn't bring something genuinely new to the table, then I'm not going to even bother picking it up. Activision seems content with bringing out these rehashed games year after year with very minor differences. And while this may be good for their bottom line, as a gamer it's just not something that interests me. I got my CoD fix with CoD4, I don't need essentially the same game with MW2.

I'm sure it'll be a megahit and dwarf MAG's sales, but hey, that's the power of a brand name. I hope MAG manages to make a decent name for itself. If executed right, then it will take what makes CoD so popular (progression system), and extend it tenfold on a much larger scale. That sounds incredibly awesome to me, in theory.

With 150 people working on MAG for 4+ years, you have to believe they have *something* pretty amazing in the works. That sounds like it may be a bigger budget than KZ2 received.

 

[DoomGyver]

Zipper has a pretty big, and loyal fan following. And "if" it does become the next big thing, it can sell consoles, especially in the US whose love for FPS online action knows no bounds. Though it'll be going up against a juggernaut that is MW2 this fall, if it turns out great, and gets very favorable reviews, it can move some units. Especially if after a price drop on the console. Change the console war I doubt, but a price drop will help out more, and Sony as of now has the best known line up this year. So maybe if they're lucky, it all will help move some units at a better pace than now at the very least.

Can't wait to see what Zipper pulls off with this. They're extremely talented, now have a bigger team, and have become 1st party for support. This game could be a wet dream for FPS MP fans. I know I'm rocking a semi right now just from the premise and known details of the game lol.

Just needs some solid beta testing to make sure it turns out great. And the sooner the beta testing, the better *cough cough*.

Zipper's 150 employees include ex-Microsoft talent, but the company was started by Boeing veteran Brian Soderberg, who previously built simulators for the military, and Jim Bosler, whose background includes time at Egghead Software, an early software retailer that had stores across the country.

orgasm

 

[gofreak]

Innocuous? It goes on about how some dudes have left Microsoft and are currently hatching a plan that will send M$ to it's doom, all from right under their noses!@! You can dismiss the console war bullshit as just nonsense to attract readers to the main article, but why the fuck should people be forced to read that shit? It's a fucking piece of shit article.

Wow :lol

There's plenty of reference in there to Sony's sorry market position and to how uncertain it is that games like this alone can change anything. And a closing note from that Zipper guy that they really couldn't give a toss about the 'platform wars'. So yeah, they're really hatching a plan for 'M$ doom'...

Also no one is forcing you to read it. I don't think it was thread worthy either though, indeed I posted it as an addition to the existing MAG thread and thought that was far more appropriate. But how you anyone can find it offensive (?) is beyond me.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Yeah but most people buying 360's aren't standing in the queue adding up how much Xbox live is going to cost over 5 years.

They're also not paying it all at the same time. That's like me saving up my money for a year's worth of Metrocards.

 

[Grecco]

Mag needs a much better name before its even on the "Wait for" list.

 

[shintoki]

Zipper has a pretty big, and loyal fan following. And "if" it does become the next big thing, it can sell consoles, especially in the US whose love for FPS online action knows no bounds. Though it'll be going up against a juggernaut that is MW2 this fall, if it turns out great, and gets very favorable reviews, it can move some units. Especially if after a price drop on the console. Change the console war I doubt, but a price drop will help out more, and Sony as of now has the best known line up this year. So maybe if they're lucky, it all will help move some units at a better pace than now at the very least.

Can't wait to see what Zipper pulls off with this. They're extremely talented, now have a bigger team, and have become 1st party for support. This game could be a wet dream for FPS MP fans. I know I'm rocking a semi right now just from the premise and known details of the game lol.

Just needs some solid beta testing to make sure it turns out great. And the sooner the beta testing, the better *cough cough*.

Really? I hope it isn't extremely buggy, glitchy, and clunky pile of shit. I can not recall one game they have released that hasn't been haunted with bugs. The 2nd thing, As they expanded on Socom. It became worse. Bigger was not better. All the technical problems come in with terrible gameplay balance, complete hit or miss level design, and iffy online structure.

I will note one thing. Due to this generation being the first true online one. They can patch the technical shit out better...much better then last gen. But saying they are talented? Could be a possible FPS MP Fan's wet dream? That they maybe even able to compete with Infinity Ward this season?

 

[spwolf]

Wow :lol

There's plenty of reference in there to Sony's sorry market position and to how uncertain it is that games like this alone can change anything. And a closing note from that Zipper guy that they really couldn't give a toss about the 'platform wars'. So yeah, they're really hatching a plan for 'M$ doom'...

Also no one is forcing you to read it. I don't think it was thread worthy either though, indeed I posted it as an addition to the existing MAG thread and thought that was far more appropriate. But how you anyone can find it offensive (?) is beyond me.

well they find it offensive because they didnt read it and assumed it was fan boy article, when it is not.

 

[J-Rzez]

When the fuck are people going to stop saying this about <insert upcoming shooter here>. There is no goddamn game that is going to change the overall sales trend. This is about price and shifting mindshare (people tend to buy what most of their friends have bought and what has the largest shelfspace), not about quality software titles. PS3 has plenty of great exclusive, quality games available for it already, it isn't lacking at all.

When the fuck are people going to learn to read?

Zipper has a pretty big, and loyal fan following. And "if" it does become the next big thing, it can sell consoles, especially in the US whose love for FPS online action knows no bounds. Though it'll be going up against a juggernaut that is MW2 this fall, if it turns out great, and gets very favorable reviews, it can move some units. Especially if after a price drop on the console. Change the console war I doubt, but a price drop will help out more, and Sony as of now has the best known line up this year. So maybe if they're lucky, it all will help move some units at a better pace than now at the very least.

Did I say "WIN TEH WAR!!!!", no. Tell me that games don't move consoles? Even in the slightest. Especially if something becomes "The next big thing", which in the US it can be a shooter. Like it or not, it can move more units, meaning, maybe help increase their sales. Especially WITH A PRICE DROP. L2read, and quit being so rage-rage-rage.

Really? I hope it isn't extremely buggy, glitchy, and clunky pile of shit. I can not recall one game they have released that hasn't been haunted with bugs. The 2nd thing, As they expanded on Socom. It became worse. Bigger was not better. All the technical problems come in with terrible gameplay balance, complete hit or miss level design, and iffy online structure.

I will note one thing. Due to this generation being the first true online one. They can patch the technical shit out better...much better then last gen. But saying they are talented? Could be a possible FPS MP Fan's wet dream? That they maybe even able to compete with Infinity Ward this season?

What they did on the PS2 was amazing, despite it's technical and online limitations. They're now 1st Party meaning they have much more help if needed, and more resources at their disposal. They're were too ambitious for the hardware limitations, things not as present on the PS3.

CoD4 will be unstoppable sales wise. But I don't think my game's any better due to sales, and that means jack shit. This game very well could be the next big shooter, like it or not.

 

[Karma]

Well, then you can't say the PS3 isn't selling well because it's more expensive. If the PS3 isn't outselling the 360 when it is indeed cheaper then there are deeper issues with the Sony brand and PS3 game library. For some reason people aren't digging Sony this gen, despite being cheaper than the 360.

I know. If the 360 can get its price down to the PS3 level it is going to really take off.

 

[BravoSuperStar]

The hell happened in here? The article really didn't come off as being "fanboy-ish" or inflammatory at all.

MAG definitely sounds interesting and I am excited to see how they implement this 256 player/open world model.

 

[Averon]

Why does almost everything involving Sony incite nerd rage :lol

 

[Mar]

Oh good. The 'wait for xxx game' is still alive.

Sigh.

 

[EazyB]

Well, then you can't say the PS3 isn't selling well because it's more expensive. If the PS3 isn't outselling the 360 when it is indeed cheaper then there are deeper issues with the Sony brand and PS3 game library. For some reason people aren't digging Sony this gen, despite being cheaper than the 360.

:lol

 

[gregor7777]

Wow, bcn-ron lost his shit in this thread.

The article isn't really that interesting but the lulz from the meltdown made it worth the read.

Damn, I wonder if when bcn-ron woke up today if he realized an article this tame could cause him such a meltdown? Your pills, my man, eat them.

From post to post it's like watching a train wreck. :lol

wooooooow

Yeah, the original review is pretty funny too. Not sure if they took it down or not.

 

[-PXG-]

The library is there. The star power is there. The price isn't.

Neither is the marketing. It's almost as if they stopped caring.

 

[gregor7777]

Neither is the marketing. It's almost as if they stopped caring.

I think frankly it's just a matter of money. These huge marketing campaigns run in the tens of millions. They probably just aren't going to spend it. Just guessing of course, but it seems likely.

 

[-PXG-]

I think frankly it's just a matter of money. These huge marketing campaigns run in the tens of millions. They probably just aren't going to spend it. Just guessing of course, but it seems likely.

I suppose.

 

[SolidSnakex]

Oh good. The 'wait for xxx game' is still alive.

Sigh.

It was a lot more of a "Hey, look at all the quality devs we have in Washington" than a "Wait for" article.

 

[Sleeker]

this stuff is really boring now.

 

[Hellion]

this stuff is really boring now.

.

 

[Inanna]

Now you're getting in the spirit! Your anger makes me stronger!!

(neutral) Stoney Mason
shut your whine hole (Xbot!)
(Yesterday, 04:50 PM)

 

[The Librarian]

Initial sticker shock only. PS3 is cheap enough.

wat

 

[Tellaerin]

Yeah but most people buying 360's aren't standing in the queue adding up how much Xbox live is going to cost over 5 years.

And that's a matter of advertising and (lack of) consumer awareness. Naturally, MS isn't going to encourage people to add up the hidden costs of Live or figure out how much they'll probably end up spending on add-ons for their 360 later. Yet when a Sony rep talks about how they want to raise consumers' awareness of what they're getting with the PS3 vs. the X360 in an interview, a swarm of console warriors materializes here to ridicule the idea.

As far as the article goes, it was interesting. I had no idea these guys were all in the Seattle area, or that Brian Soderberg worked on military sims. I always like hearing little factoids like that. Seems the troll response in this thread was really disproportionate to the content of the article, even moreso than usual.

 

[PepsimanVsJoe]

I've been trying ever so hard to push bcn-ron over the edge and Stoney Mason does it without breaking a sweat.

*bows to the master*

 

[Kittonwy]

Am I the only person who's actually excited for the three games mentioned?

 

[KTallguy]

Am I the only person who's actually excited for the three games mentioned?

I'm slightly interested in Infamous... but I already have too many games to play

MAG ... eh I'd rather play MGO or KZ2 mp, when I end up picking up KZ2.

Agency... I don't like MMOs... so no.

To be honest, Infamous looks like the only really Unique game on this list. The other two are shooters.

Edit: Wow.

 

[JoJo13]

I'm slightly interested in Infamous... but I already have too many games to play

MAG ... eh I'd rather play MGO or KZ2 mp, when I end up picking up KZ2.

Agency... I don't like MMOs... so no.

To be honest, Infamous looks like the only really Unique game on this list. The other two are shooters.

Why shrug off MAG? It looks like it could be one of the most unique shooters this gen. I don't know how you could say you'd rather play other games that you haven't even played yet over a game you hardly know anything about.