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[Spike]

I think it'll go to both systems, personally.

Hell, maybe even the Rev, seeing that Iwata said that the controller wouldn't alienate developers.

The costs of making a game for the next-gen basically dictates that there will be far fewer system exclusive third party games. But, I do realize that if the PS3 really dominates the industry in the way the PS1/2 has, then things will remain the same as they are today.

 

[rastex]

We'll wait and see if their approach works - infact, half of me wants to see Sony get it because they did something very right, half me want to see X360 get it so i can see the sony fanboys cry

I'm really curious about what they did very right. Spill it, or just heavily hint

 

[AB 101]

PS3 launch - GTA4

MS counters with Halo 3

Oh it will be bloody.

Sure would be nice if MS had SOMETHING else other than Halo to counter with. Its like their six shooter only has one bullet.

You have at least a handful of stuff on the Playstation side.

 

[dark10x]

R* will release the next GTA game on the platform(s) that best maximize profits. We do not know which next-gen platform or platforms that will be.

GTA itself almost decides that, though.

 

[sonycowboy]

I think it'll go to both systems, personally.

Hell, maybe even the Rev, seeing that Iwata said that the controller wouldn't alienate developers.

The costs of making a game for the next-gen basically dictates that there will be far fewer system exclusive third party games. But, I do realize that if the PS3 really dominates the industry in the way the PS1/2 has, then things will remain the same as they are today.

For most franchises, multiplatform is the way to go to maximize profit. However, GTA is not most franchises. It's sold over 10M each iteration for the PS2, and the psychology of exclusives can easily play into that. It's a system seller and people seem to have a bit more hype over "exclusive" titles vs omnipresent multiplatform titles.

Of course, timed exclusives have that same effect as long as it's originally presented as an exclusive and then later announced to be ported over to a given system. You lose some sales on the ported system by it not being available earlier, but overall, it seems to be the best play.

 

[Ghost]

The only way GTA will be exclusive to any console next gen is if someone is paying a lot of money for the privillige..you just have to look at how GTAs have done on Xbox coming out 6 months after PS2 to see that T2 would have to be crazy to turn down that easy cash.

Id say PS3 will be lead platform (bar $$$ intervention) though which might mean that it'll end up being the best version too given the architecture differences.


I really hope R* push the AI as much as the graphics, PS3 should have a great capacity for that kind of processing. It'll be a shame if they take the easy route and just make everything look pretty.

 

[Guy LeDouche]

If it's true they are going balls-out on Blu-Ray, X360 is left out in the cold.

I also predict Oct 2006 for the first PS3 GTA. It will be the GTA3 of the next-gen GTAs, lots of cool new stuff, but only what they could get done in time for a holiday 06 launch. There will be plenty of time to get PS3 GTA sequels out that take more and more advantage of the system's power.

Just like we saw this gen. It's not a brain-buster.

 

[Blackace]

If R* wanted to be real ballzy they could make two "different" versions of GTA for each system.. and make that money..

 

[DCX]

The game will rock no matter what, the visuals was the only thing holding it back...now it's a free for all!

DCX

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

I enjoy the GTA games as much as the next person, but I'm a lot more interested in seeing how they are going to change the gameplay up. GTA3, Vice City, and SA were generally the same game with some minor upgrades each time, and a larger environment to explore. They're all fun, and add something to the game that wasn't there before, but what can Rockstar do to shake it up and really add something new to the game?

 

[jett]

"This is one thing I am almost sure DCharlie is wrong on. Not b/c I have insider info over him, but b/c it would make no sense otherwise."

well, i'd say it's more like this - if the X360 sells like hot cakes and MS offer more cash than sony do for exclusivity, then you could well see a timed exclusive on the X360. It's simply about leveraging their brand and getting the best possible deal. If the X360 bombs and the userbase is small, then it doesn't make much sense to put the game out on that platform.

Similarly, i doubt they see the compulsion to burst their asses on a PS3 launch period game when they can wait a year or two, put out a killer title and sell to a much larger userbase.

This isn't a question of fanboyism, it's just a question of R* doing what's good for the business. And from what i hear, it IS sony who are making all the right moves and it sounds like they are doing a great job of offering alternatives.

Again, i'd be surprised if an announcement is made any time soon.

*scratches his head* Each GTA game has sold upwards of 10 million worldwide, just on PS2. Microsoft would have to hand out moneyhats of nearly 500 million to convince Rockstar to make the series exclusive(there's no way a 360 GTA would even approach 5 mill). It's just not smart business. It doesn't matter if the 360 is a success or not, GTA may be multiplatform but it's mainly a Playstation franchise. The same could be said about Splinter Cell on the XBOX, I guess, sort of.

 

[Spike]

For most franchises, multiplatform is the way to go to maximize profit. However, GTA is not most franchises. It's sold over 10M each iteration for the PS2, and the psychology of exclusives can easily play into that. It's a system seller and people seem to have a bit more hype over "exclusive" titles vs omnipresent multiplatform titles.

Of course, timed exclusives have that same effect as long as it's originally presented as an exclusive and then later announced to be ported over to a given system. You lose some sales on the ported system by it not being available earlier, but overall, it seems to be the best play.

I just don't see them not giving the game to the X360. Since the Xbox 1 did eventually recieve the others...

 

[sonycowboy]

I just don't see them not giving the game to the X360. Since the Xbox 1 did eventually recieve the others...

I didn't say it wouldn't go to a secondary system.

But, there are different factors at play this generation than last as well. Last generation, Sony was so in the lead there was absolutely no doubt of the outcome. So, GTA3 didn't have to be a paid exclusive at the time. Sony certainly paid something to get GTA:VC and GTA:SA to be exclusive, but to be honest it didn't have to be that much when you considered the Xbox userbase (especially at GTA:VC time). In any case, there was no need for Sony to insure that it wouldn't make it to another system.

This next gen, exclusivity for GTA will be worth it's wait in gold as the systems will actually be competative and thus need the "juice" to push them over the top. The second issue is, that the PS3 might be more than a little more powerful than the Xbox360. So, adding a timed exclusive + the best system technically could mean that it coming to a lesser system later on would mean it would have a smaller impact (see Splinter Cell Xbox -> PS2).

In any case, there are a ton of variables to this particular equation and money will obviously be the deciding factor. I guess my point is that it's going to be very hard to try to use this generation as a map for next generation as they will have completely different competative issues.

 

[Mrbob]

Oh Xbox 360 will get next gen GTA after the hype dies down. I'm guessing October 2007 for the PS3 version and June 2008 for the X360 version. Rockstar seems to like launching GTA games in October but I don't see next gen GTA coming out October 2006. But who knows maybe it will? Rockstar is bringing an all new GTA game to the PSP only 6 months after it launched in the NA and 2 months after Europe launch. Here is the thing about launching titles early on in the life of hardware. You may not get the same numbers up front, but the game sells very well for a long time. Plus it helps establish the brand on the new system and helps spike sales of sequels while still getting back catalogue sales of the original game.

To be honest, I don't see a next gen GTA game fitting on a DVD disc. At least not in pure form. Things will have to be downsampled and stripped. Rockstar is going to need Blu Ray to accomplish what they need for next gen GTa.

 

[DCharlie]

"*scratches his head* Each GTA game has sold upwards of 10 million worldwide, just on PS2. Microsoft would have to hand out moneyhats of nearly 500 million to convince Rockstar to make the series exclusive(there's no way a 360 GTA would even approach 5 mill). It's just not smart business. It doesn't matter if the 360 is a success or not, GTA may be multiplatform but it's mainly a Playstation franchise. The same could be said about Splinter Cell on the XBOX, I guess, sort of."

At this point in time the user base of the PS3 and X360 is the same. I know that i expect the PS3 to trounce the X360, but NOTHING is given anymore. I expected the PSP to thrash the DS, and that simply hasn't happened.

There's too many unknowns on both sides, but it's too early to start thinking the PS3 has it all in the bag even though it looks highly likely it will - what if the PS3 is pushed back to 2007? What if it is too highly priced? etc... etc...

personally - i think the PS3 _will_ be pushed back into 2007 (US/EU), if that happens, then by the time the PS3 launches, the X360 might have a decent userbase. In which case, i'd fully expect MS to put out a timed exclusive X360 version, then release an enhanced PS3 version some time later.

"there's no way a 360 GTA would even approach 5 mill"

If GTA was a 360 exclusive and there was to be no PS3 version, i think you'd suddenly find 5 million X360s sold straight away!

But it's not going to be , so that's that

" Each GTA game has sold upwards of 10 million worldwide, just on PS2."

Another thought : then whack the new one on PS2. Port to X360 and PS3 later if you can be bothered. This might well happen - there are still a lot of big games planned for the PS2 stretching into 2006. Is it a strong enough line up to keep people off first gen X360? Throw GTA4 into that equation and it gets a little interesting.

At this moment in time, maybe it is - and this is why i keep thinking PS3 = 2007. Support Ps2 and especially the PSP then concentrate on PS3/PSP.

Infact, maybe it was ALWAYS meant to be 2007 and sony have strung MS up like a kipper?

 

[Izzy]

personally - i think the PS3 _will_ be pushed back into 2007 (US/EU)

Not bloody likely.

, if that happens, then by the time the PS3 launches, the X360 might have a decent userbase.

It WILL have a decent userbase, regardless of the potential PS3 plans.

Another thought : then whack the new one on PS2. Port to X360 and PS3 later if you can be bothered. This might well happen - there are still a lot of big games planned for the PS2 stretching into 2006.

You might be onto something - but I don't think the next PS2 'GTA' = next gen GTA.

Is it a strong enough line up to keep people off first gen X360?

No, nothing really is.

 

[hukasmokincaterpillar]

No, nothing really is.

$99 PStwo would be very bothersome to MS this holiday season. Downright annoying in fact.

 

[Izzy]

$99 PStwo would be very bothersome to MS this holiday season. Downright annoying in fact.

No, it won't. The only problem will be the inital manufacturing difficulties. All IMO, of course.

 

[sonycowboy]

Another thought : then whack the new one on PS2. Port to X360 and PS3 later if you can be bothered. This might well happen - there are still a lot of big games planned for the PS2 stretching into 2006.

You might be onto something - but I don't think the next PS2 'GTA' = next gen GTA.

Hmmmmmm....

 

[DCharlie]

"Not bloody likely."

we'll see.
Some interesting details out there if you go and have a dig Izzy.
Some of your contacts should already know them.

 

[sonycowboy]

No, it won't. The only problem will be the inital manufacturing difficulties. All IMO, of course.

I'm starting to believe (and hear) that Microsoft will have more units day 1 than any system in history.

Facts:
--------------
1) Both the CPU & GPU taped out last year
2) They've been building up components since before E3
3) They feel comfortable enough to launch worldwide simultaneously
3) A huge preorder campaign (ala Halo 2)
4) Specialty stores are already dedicating precious retail sales floor 90 days before launch.

The number one retail is don't try and sell what you don't have. It causes people to not buy what you do have right now and you don't want to ever give away sales. I've got to believe that Microsoft has promised ample and renewable supply throughout the end of the year.

I'm thinking they'll easily ship 2.5-3M units this year.

 

[Mooreberg]

At this point GTA LCS could be ported to PS2 and Xbox next spring if Take 2 wanted a quick buck. I don't know what the expectations are for sales on that, but they can't be expecting it to be in line with the console versions. Looking at sales of third party PSP and DS games, 1.5 million copies would make it a blockbuster in comparison, but still well short of what the console releases sell.

 

[qirex]

Sony has one key advantage that Microsoft doesn't - they own the rights to something like 20% of the world's recorded music and can offer the use of it [free or discounted] to Rockstar for soundtracks. If you look through the Vice City and San Andreas credits you'll see a strong skew towards Sony/Columbia music [most notably Michael Jackson].

 

[sonycowboy]

Sony has one key advantage that Microsoft doesn't - they own the rights to something like 20% of the world's recorded music and can offer the use of it [free or discounted] to Rockstar for soundtracks. If you look through the Vice City and San Andreas credits you'll see a strong skew towards Sony/Columbia music [most notably Michael Jackson].

Somehow I don't see this as having even the tiniest bit of effect.

 

[Spike]

I didn't say it wouldn't go to a secondary system.

Never said you did. Just saying that it will go multi. I don't care about impact and downgrades/upgrades.

But, there are different factors at play this generation than last as well. Last generation, Sony was so in the lead there was absolutely no doubt of the outcome. So, GTA3 didn't have to be a paid exclusive at the time. Sony certainly paid something to get GTA:VC and GTA:SA to be exclusive, but to be honest it didn't have to be that much when you considered the Xbox userbase (especially at GTA:VC time). In any case, there was no need for Sony to insure that it wouldn't make it to another system.

This next gen, exclusivity for GTA will be worth it's wait in gold as the systems will actually be competative and thus need the "juice" to push them over the top. The second issue is, that the PS3 might be more than a little more powerful than the Xbox360. So, adding a timed exclusive + the best system technically could mean that it coming to a lesser system later on would mean it would have a smaller impact (see Splinter Cell Xbox -> PS2).

In any case, there are a ton of variables to this particular equation and money will obviously be the deciding factor. I guess my point is that it's going to be very hard to try to use this generation as a map for next generation as they will have completely different competative issues.

I agree on all counts.

The only thing is, will GTA continue to dominate into the next gen? Will something else come out, "the next big thing" if you will, and dethrone the importance of GTA?

Just playing devils advocate. You just never know sometimes, although GTA is pretty much a sure thing.

 

[sonycowboy]

The only thing is, will GTA continue to dominate into the next gen? Will something else come out, "the next big thing" if you will, and dethrone the importance of GTA?

Just playing devils advocate. You just never know sometimes, although GTA is pretty much a sure thing.

Something will be bigger, most likely. GTA is clearly the favorite to be the top franchise again next gen, but with the thousand of other games that will come out, the odds are against it being at the top twice in a row.

 

[Pimpwerx]

Nothing is given, but EU is very important to the GTA franchise as well. WTF does MS have going on over there? R* putting 360 first effectively halves their market. Again, nothing is given, but nothing makes sense if news is false. PEACE.

 

[Izzy]

I'm starting to believe (and hear) that Microsoft will have more units day 1 than any system in history.

Facts:
--------------
1) Both the CPU & GPU taped out last year
2) They've been building up components since before E3
3) They feel comfortable enough to launch worldwide simultaneously
3) A huge preorder campaign (ala Halo 2)
4) Specialty stores are already dedicating precious retail sales floor 90 days before launch.

The number one retail is don't try and sell what you don't have. It causes people to not buy what you do have right now and you don't want to ever give away sales. I've got to believe that Microsoft has promised ample and renewable supply throughout the end of the year.

I'm thinking they'll easily ship 2.5-3M units this year.

There's no doubt MS will sell everything they manage to manufacture this holiday season. But, the devs have just started receiving the final kits, and, apparently, even some of them lack the final spec CPUs. I'll be very impressed if they manage to manufacture ~3 M consoles by the year's end - US or worldwide.

 

[Izzy]

we'll see.
Some interesting details out there if you go and have a dig Izzy.
Some of your contacts should already know them.

I dunno. Like I said, I'd be very surprised. Not that I would mind, though - as idiotic as it probably sounds, PSP stuff is all I'm looking forward to ATM.

 

[DCharlie]

"I dunno. Like I said, I'd be very surprised. Not that I would mind, though - as idiotic as it probably sounds, PSP stuff is all I'm looking forward to ATM."

oh definitely, there's more than enough good stuff out there, but i'm just a console whore!

I want it all RIGHT NOW!

 

[Izzy]

I dunno, everyone is excited about the MGS4, RR6 and the upcoming X360/PS3 TGS showing. But all I'm really looking for are the new PSP games, and better emu support for the PSP and the PC. Oh, and that new Treasure X360 game and the new shooter from G.Rev. Must be the age...

 

[Spike]

I don't know but I really think the Halo franchise is going to get some to switch over to the Xbox camp. If the 360 does really well out of the gate, then maybe GTA4 will go there first, then enhanced for the PS3 later.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

I don't know but I really think the Halo franchise is going to get some to switch over to the Xbox camp. If the 360 does really well out of the gate, then maybe GTA4 will go there first, then enhanced for the PS3 later.

not a chance in hell of that happening. 360 doing well out the gate would only give Sony more incentive to pour the money on Rockstar's doorstep to keep the game exclusive.

 

[Die Squirrel Die]

I don't know but I really think the Halo franchise is going to get some to switch over to the Xbox camp. If the 360 does really well out of the gate, then maybe GTA4 will go there first, then enhanced for the PS3 later.

Wouldn't the Halo franchise have done that already? It's not like we're dealing with an unknown quantity here, what with the original having being around since the Xbox launch, and the unbelievably hyped sequel. Unless Halo3 really brings a hell of a lot new to the franchise, and not just the standard next-gen thing of nicer graphics, better physics and LOTS OF GUYS ONSCREEN, it's unlikely that it'd cause anymore of a migration than it already has done.

 

[DCharlie]

"not a chance in hell of that happening. 360 doing well out the gate would only give Sony more incentive to pour the money on Rockstar's doorstep to keep the game exclusive."

Where is this money gonna come from though? Sony don't have a magic gold creating fountain.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

Where is this money gonna come from though? Sony don't have a magic gold creating fountain.

im sure they can find the money. Besides, if the game is indeed in PS3 development as we speak, why would they switch systems in mid development just because the 360 is hot out of the gates?

 

[Spike]

not a chance in hell of that happening. 360 doing well out the gate would only give Sony more incentive to pour the money on Rockstar's doorstep to keep the game exclusive.

But, who has more money to spend? And the X360 then would have a significant userbase, that would only expand if it was announced as a 360 exclusive.

I don't know, but I think that alot of people are downplaying the MS factor. They want to win. I think they are in a better position to spend what it takes to get key titles.

I know the PS3 will be the better system of the two, and that it is heading in as the undisputed leader for the past 2 generations, but I wonder about costs. How much will it cost Sony to produce the PS3? How much will they sell it for? I don't think the situation is as cut and dry as some people think it is. Price is going to be a big factor. I know that Sony will make sure that the price is consumer-friendly, but what impact will that have on them?

I really don't care either way, as I'll most likely be buying all three next gen anyways. I just want it to be really close next gen, so that I reap the rewards of an intense competition.

 

[SolidSnakex]

I don't know, but I think that alot of people are downplaying the MS factor. They want to win. I think they are in a better position to spend what it takes to get key titles.

It's not going to be all about money though. The GTA series gained popularity on the PS platform, that's not to say it can't be popular on another. But that'll be a swing factor for Sony in getting the next game in the series. MS would've dominated this current gen if all it came down to was money, but there's alot more to it than just how deep your pockets are.

 

[Spike]

It's not going to be all about money though. The GTA series gained popularity on the PS platform, that's not to say it can't be popular on another. But that'll be a swing factor for Sony in getting the next game in the series. MS would've dominated this current gen if all it came down to was money, but there's alot more to it than just how deep your pockets are.

Agreed. But, both systems are technically starting at zero, so you never know. I mean look at Nintendo. I remember how Sony had no chance in hell, then FFVII was announced.

I'm just playing devil's advocate. You never know.

 

[Pimpwerx]

Again, GTA is very popular in EU. The argument that the 360 can do well or win out in NA still seems farfetched to me, considering MS still got clobbered here. But I thought the consensus was that EU was an open and shut case. What does the 360 bring to the table there, and how does the potential loss of the franchise's second-largest market affect R*'s decision. GTA4 going to the PS3 first seems like a forgone conclusion IMO. The only other option I see is a near-simultaneous release on multiple platforms if it ends up being MMO. PEACE.

 

[SolidSnakex]

Agreed. But, both systems are technically starting at zero, so you never know. I mean look at Nintendo. I remember how Sony had no chance in hell, then FFVII was announced.

That came from screw ups on Nintendo's part. We've yet to see anything like that from Sony. Instead of making mistakes they've moved forward with the PS3 just as MS has with the 360. They're still called arrogant, but they seem to know to not let their success fool them into believing that they can't be topped. That's where Nintendo's fall came from.

 

[jett]

Systems start at zero. Established brands most certainly do not.

 

[jiggle]

So is the PSM article completely speculative, or are we just speculating whether or not it is?

 

[qirex]

Somehow I don't see this as having even the tiniest bit of effect.

Are you kidding? Do you think they really paid the full [astronomical] license fee for 2 Michael Jackson songs on the Vice City soundtrack? Sony letting them use their catalog could save them millions of dollars.

 

[DCharlie]

"Are you kidding? Do you think they really paid the full [astronomical] license fee for 2 Michael Jackson songs on the Vice City soundtrack? Sony letting them use their catalog could save them millions of dollars."

you need the artists permission usually, and the writers still need to be paid mechanical copyright fees.

 

[Mooreberg]

Are you kidding? Do you think they really paid the full [astronomical] license fee for 2 Michael Jackson songs on the Vice City soundtrack? Sony letting them use their catalog could save them millions of dollars.

It does save them a lot of money on getting well known music into the game, but it's a bit much to look at it as a deal breaker. GTA3 had barely any licensed music in it and sold 5.5 million copies (not even counting PC sales). I guess the question would be how much does Take 2 make from those soundtrack box sets that are basically filled with music they don't own the rights to. The most important thing for them to realize where the audience was that made the series so big in the first place. RE4 being exclusive on Gamecube didn't last very long.

 

[Guy LeDouche]

you need the artists permission usually, and the writers still need to be paid mechanical copyright fees.

You need permission of whoever owns the rights, which is Sony Music. Why do you think Paul McCartney is so pissed that Michael Jackson outbid McCartney and now owns 50% of the Beatles catalog?
(coincidently, Sony owns the other half)

vvvv my point exactly. well said. Sony would let some other franchise go before they let GTA go. It's the #1 franchise in the US and EU by a large margin. Secure GTA (making it too big for MS's DVD9 is one good way) and the rest of the chips will fall easily.

 

[Mrbob]

Sooo, let me get this right.

GTA3, huge on PS2.

GTA Vice City, huge on PS2.

GTA San Andreas, huge on PS2.

The PS2 version sales CRUSH the XBox sales.

Rockstar develops a brand new 3D GTA game on PSP. This will probably go down as the best selling PSP game.

Next gen GTA is going to move to the XBox 360 platform? As much as I'd like to see it this will not happen. If you want GTA buy a Playstation platform.

 

[Jonnyram]

Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest were huge on the SNES too.
I don't think there's a big enough rolleyes icon to reply to your post, Mrbob.

 

[dark10x]

Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest were huge on the SNES too.
I don't think there's a big enough rolleyes icon to reply to your post, Mrbob.

Uhh, this situation isn't quite the same...