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[soundwave05]

Almost a year ago, Squarenix boss was excited about XNA, something to think about

OMG Final Fantasy XIII XBox 360 only.

MS and Square were flirting with each other in the early days of the XBox too, Allard would say he was on the phone chatting it up with Square's president and everyone back then was going crazy thinking Square would support Microsoft.

Something else to think about.

 

[MassiveAttack]

OMG Final Fantasy XIII XBox 360 only.

MS and Square were flirting with each other in the early days of the XBox too, Allard would say he was on the phone chatting it up with Square's president and everyone back then was going crazy thinking Square would support Microsoft.

Something else to think about.

Like I said, PRESS REPEAT.

 

[soundwave05]

Like I said, PRESS REPEAT.

Yeah because Microsoft didn't have a shitload of money in 2001, right?

The whole problem with this theory is this, an IP for a third party is worth more than just money.

A lot of these third parties, even the big ones in Japan only have one or two really big time franchises.

To put one exclusive on a risky platform is a huge gamble, even with a big pay day, because if you end up alienating fanbase for that franchise, you devalue the franchise and then you're fucked for several years down the line.

Franchises like Final Fantasy do not come along very often (well in Square's case once every 20 years), to risk that franchise by putting it on a platform like the XBox 2, which is a continuation of one of the worst selling game machines in Japanese history .... well lets just say I don't see it happening if that's what you're insinuating.

Microsoft probably had a better chance of getting Square support before the XBox launched way back in 2001 because at least then they had the element of surprise. Now every Japanese developer knows realistically its going to be a huge struggle for the XBox since there's already a negative view of the brand in Japan. MS may be able to bankroll pet projects of guys like Sakaguchi and Okamoto who were demoted from their companies, but getting franchises like Final Fantasy is a whole other ball game.

 

[Kon Tiki]

PRESS REPEAT

Where you looking for this thread or this one?

If MS keeps this up, Xbox 2 will be my only console next gen. Who would of thought I'd ever say that? :lol

 

[Agent Icebeezy]

Yeah because Microsoft didn't have a shitload of money in 2001, right?

No, not that. I, and other people, just think they are going to go to the black hole of money this time around. 90% of their other actions in other industries are done the same way. This is just a continuing pattern from them

 

[soundwave05]

No, not that. I, and other people, just think they are going to go to the black hole of money this time around. 90% of their other actions in other industries are done the same way. This is just a continuing pattern from them

Yeah its a pattern only because they've been able to leverage their OS monopoly to bully around competitiors.

OS doesn't mean shit in the video game world. No one buys a console because it has a certain OS.

Microsoft's gotten their asses kicked before in other fields. AOL wiped the floor with MSN.
MSNBC didn't exactly topple CNN. WebTV was a huge flop. It looks like Apple's gotten the jump on them with the digital media market. Playstation 2 kicked the XBox's ass.

 

[KingJ2002]

Square Enix publishing True Fantasy Live Online looks like a good possibility.

but those comments from okamoto seems like a bit more... I mean everyone is saying "OMG .... SQUARE ENIX IS..." but look in front of you and really read his comment and think of the possibilities.

it looks like he's talking about a established franchise coming that the japanese love

and with current rumors... my bet is


Sega is bringing Virtua Fighter 5 to Xbox 360.

It is very possible in my book... and would be the surprise we would like... and the game JP gamers would want to pick up a 360 for.

and i think Online VF would be sweet... a Online Kumite mode would be sweet.

 

[soundwave05]

I will laugh my ass off if Virtua Fighter 5 is a PS3 launch title.

Especailly since the Sammy merger, Sega has really phased back support of the XBox/GC in favor of PS2.

 

[MassiveAttack]

my bet is


Sega is bringing Virtua Fighter 5 to Xbox 360.

It is very possible in my book... and would be the surprise we would like... and the game JP gamers would want to pick up a 360 for.

If that is what Okamoto is referring to, PS3 will have little to worry about.

 

[soundwave05]

I still think Nintendo poses a bigger threat to Sony in Japan than MS does.

With Nintendo you never quite can write them off because they have a tendancy to come up with some out-of-nowhere Pokemon-Mario-Donkey Kong type craze that the Japanese especailly go nuts about. That's something Sony can do nothing about; I remember a few years ago Sony was saying they'd come up with an answer to the Pokemon franchise ... I guess they abandoned that idea.

If Microsoft had any kind of siginificant deal with Square-Enix, they wouldn't be bankrolling Sakaguchi's pet projects. The reason why MS is giving him money is because they can't get Square-Enix and they know it.

 

[JJConrad]

When asked if there was a negative side to working with Microsoft Game Studios, Okamoto commented, "We can't port the games to other hardware even if it seems possible, so that's a disappointment. But even with that downside to income, Xbox has specs that make us want to develop for it." Then, as a final tease, Okamoto said, "I can't reveal the specifics, but one of the games we're making will really go to the extreme."

:lol
Why do I get the feeling that his Xbox2 exclusive games will be an american-teen-pandering, GTA-derivative write-off, while the titles he expects to sell will be on another system?

 

[Blimblim]

Ok, some fresh informations about the MGS Japan games :
- 3 should make it for the japanese launch, one Sakaguchi RPG, the Okamoto game, and another that could be the Mizuguchi one (not sure about this particular one). Another surprise title, 2nd party, could also be ready for launch.
- The Sakaguchi title that should make it for launch (not the "serious one") is using most of the previous work (engine/tools) that had been done by team breakout (Magatama), I also heard an anime studio is also on the project (design or cinematics I don't know). The other one is using the brand new system that is worked on in parallel and already running in early prototype phase, and looks nothing short of stunning. 2007 release though...
- The Okamoto game is an action title with an interesting story setting.
- All these high profile titles should be at E3 in some form.
- No information on the release of these games outside Japan yet. They will be released there first, so be prepared to get an import system if you want to play them as soon as possible.
Of course some of this stuff could change between now and launch.

 

[Blackace]

I still think Nintendo poses a bigger threat to Sony in Japan than MS does.

With Nintendo you never quite can write them off because they have a tendancy to come up with some out-of-nowhere Pokemon-Mario-Donkey Kong type craze that the Japanese especailly go nuts about.

If Microsoft had any kind of siginificant deal with Square-Enix, they wouldn't be bankrolling Sakaguchi's pet projects. The reason why MS is giving him money is because they can't get Square-Enix and they know it.

I don't think Sony has much to worry about from Nintendo in the console market... Nintendo will still make its money, but not be a main force. I mean the GC section is smaller than the Xbox in Japan now... and that's sad considering that 75% of the Xbox games from the states don't even come here

 

[nitewulf]

soundwave, easy there. you're...uh...looking a bit desperate.
i just don't know why! :lol
anyway as far as the topic, seems good. i think MS made some good deals this time around, they certainly have the tenacity. personally i just can't wait for E3 and see what are the actual games.
if this keeps on, i think ps3/xenon will be a devastating combo for gamers. best of both worlds.

 

[soundwave05]

I don't think Sony has much to worry about from Nintendo in the console market... Nintendo will still make its money, but not be a main force. I mean the GC section is smaller than the Xbox in Japan now... and that's sad considering that 75% of the Xbox games from the states don't even come here

Yup, which is what I'm saying. Right now I don't think Sony has much to worry about as long as they make sure their house is in order.

Nintendo is a bigger threat, just because they can come up some crazy new franchise that propels their hardware sales, that's something Nintendo has done in the past, it could happen again.

 

[soundwave05]

soundwave, easy there. you're...uh...looking a bit desperate.
i just don't know why! :lol
anyway as far as the topic, seems good. i think MS made some good deals this time around, they certainly have the tenacity. personally i just can't wait for E3 and see what are the actual games.
if this keeps on, i think ps3/xenon will be a devastating combo for gamers. best of both worlds.

We'll see who's desperate in a year or two.

I have a feeling it won't be Sony (well the game division anyway), but that's just my two cents.

 

[Blackace]

Yup, which is what I'm saying. Right now I don't think Sony has much to worry about as long as they make sure their house is in order.

Nintendo is a bigger threat, just because they can come up some crazy new franchise that propels their hardware sales, that's something Nintendo has done in the past, it could happen again.

I am not saying Nintendo is a dead company... but since the PlayStation has come into the picture when have they come up with something that just made their hardware fly off the shelf? And I think 3rd party is the key as Sony has shown us (and Nintendo from their days of ruling)

 

[nitewulf]

We'll see who's desperate in a year or two.

I have a feeling it won't be Sony (well the game division anyway), but that's just my two cents.

it will never be sony.

blimblim: good to know about one of the rpgs coming out at launch, surprising.

 

[KingJ2002]

I still think Nintendo poses a bigger threat to Sony in Japan than MS does.

With Nintendo you never quite can write them off because they have a tendancy to come up with some out-of-nowhere Pokemon-Mario-Donkey Kong type craze that the Japanese especailly go nuts about. That's something Sony can do nothing about; I remember a few years ago Sony was saying they'd come up with an answer to the Pokemon franchise ... I guess they abandoned that idea.

If Microsoft had any kind of siginificant deal with Square-Enix, they wouldn't be bankrolling Sakaguchi's pet projects. The reason why MS is giving him money is because they can't get Square-Enix and they know it.

More like they can't get Final Fantasy... if you cant get the franchise... get the creator to make one for you.

 

[Odnetnin]

I am not saying Nintendo is a dead company... but since the PlayStation has come into the picture when have they come up with something that just made their hardware fly off the shelf? And I think 3rd party is the key as Sony has shown us (and Nintendo from their days of ruling)

well, I think everyone discounts Nintendo these days. As a hardcore fan, i'll still get their console. With Gamecube... let's just say they ABSOLUTELY fucked up the console design (from a marketing/casual point of view). Everything that came after is just gravy

 

[Blackace]

well, I think everyone discounts Nintendo these days. As a hardcore fan, i'll still get their console. With Gamecube... let's just say they ABSOLUTELY fucked up the console design (from a marketing/casual point of view). Everything that came after is just gravy

I don't discount them, but they are happy with making money (as they should be) and don't want to lose a ton of money to be the top dog... They still charge a high price to make games for their system, and the media that is on it... Just look at their 3rd party games, RE4 and ?? there is not much...1st party still rules, but if 1st party alone made you number 1 Sony wouldn't even be in the race...

 

[Ghost of Bill Gates]

Ok, some fresh informations about the MGS Japan games :
- 3 should make it for the japanese launch, one Sakaguchi RPG, the Okamoto game, and another that could be the Mizuguchi one (not sure about this particular one). Another surprise title, 2nd party, could also be ready for launch.
- The Sakaguchi title that should make it for launch (not the "serious one") is using most of the previous work (engine/tools) that had been done by team breakout (Magatama), I also heard an anime studio is also on the project (design or cinematics I don't know). The other one is using the brand new system that is worked on in parallel and already running in early prototype phase, and looks nothing short of stunning. 2007 release though...
- The Okamoto game is an action title with an interesting story setting.
- All these high profile titles should be at E3 in some form.
- No information on the release of these games outside Japan yet. They will be released there first, so be prepared to get an import system if you want to play them as soon as possible.
Of course some of this stuff could change between now and launch.

 

[Kleegamefan]

I am REALLY getting hyped about Xbox 360 now!!!

Okomoto's words carry a lot of weight and it is *not* like him to uber-hype something and go out on a limb like he has...

I am just looking forward to *his* game, let alone the other Japanese developers games!!!

 

[Odnetnin]

I don't discount them, but they are happy with making money (as they should be) and don't want to lose a ton of money to be the top dog... They still charge a high price to make games for their system, and the media that is on it... Just look at their 3rd party games, RE4 and ?? there is not much...1st party still rules, but if 1st party alone made you number 1 Sony wouldn't even be in the race...

oh, I wasn't saying that you were discounting them. Your points are perfectly valid and they stand; However, the things you stated here... well, who wouldn't want to do these and make a profit. The PS2 generation (as it stands) was a hard one to compete in for Nintendo. MS's aggresive pricing on their console certainly didn't help them one bit.

You were also talking about since Playstation came on the market...

I am not saying Nintendo is a dead company... but since the PlayStation has come into the picture when have they come up with something that just made their hardware fly off the shelf? And I think 3rd party is the key as Sony has shown us (and Nintendo from their days of ruling)

and while we're at that... DS + GBASP while not flying off the shelf, did sort of semi jump off the shelves. The home console market problem is a much deeper/problematic one for them to solve. But Iwata has already said, they're going to fix the design/aesthetic issue. As hated as DS is, the current design for DS now is also very much more appealing that the one Reggie dug out. So that's already one huge area where they fucked up fixed.

 

[KingJ2002]

If that is what Okamoto is referring to, PS3 will have little to worry about.

i really dont think microsoft has an ace up it's sleeve to put a dent in the ps3 hype train.

only company I believe can do it is Nintendo... and thats because they can bring out games that turn into phenomenons.

Halo is far from a phenomenon... it was just hyped to death.

Microsoft would seriously need the next GTA for it to touch the ps3.


VF5 (or whatever the big game is) is just to get the JP gamers on their side. I think that's MS top priority... to get the JP gamers wanting their system so they can actually compete with PS3.

 

[android]

I think Nintendo has lost a lot of support . Square is disappointed, Capcom is disappointed, Konami is disappointed. These companies took risks and where rewarded with less than they expected in sales (I'm not saying the expectations were realistic)

 

[soundwave05]

I think Nintendo has lost a lot of support . Square is disappointed, Capcom is disappointed, Konami is disappointed. These companies took risks and where rewarded with less than they expected in sales (I'm not saying the expectations were realistic)

Capcom would have to be dissapointed I would think.

Square though ... FF:CC sold quite well considering all the limitations on the game and their GBA stuff has cleaned up. I think they have to be overall fairly pleased.

Konami probably yeah, but then again they didn't really make any big exclusives for the GC last gen. MGS: Twin Snakes was something Nintendo even volunteered a dev team for.

 

[Hero]

Wow, it's like I've never heard this type of talk before.

Oh wait, right before Xbox launched!

Anyone getting excited about this is just crazy. There's a difference in being hopeful/interested (me) and then saying Xbox 360 is going to be the best thing ever.

I severely doubt any big name Japanese games will come out on Xbox 360 launch besides DoA4.

Is the X360 even launching this year in Japan? By the time it gets there, PS3 will have already been unveiled.

 

[Odnetnin]

I think Nintendo has lost a lot of support . Square is disappointed, Capcom is disappointed, Konami is disappointed. These companies took risks and where rewarded with less than they expected in sales (I'm not saying the expectations were realistic)

what did SE do? FFCC? :lol they more than made up for it with their GBA moneyware

Capcom = Capcom 5? What the fuck do they have to be disappointed baout

Re4 is selling okay. Could be better but its not really bomba
PNO3. You can't expect this game to be a massive hit
VJ. Great 1st tile. Sequel too soon
Dead Dead Phoenix
Killer 7. MIA.. soon to be multi.

KONAMI?

Kiddy version of Dynasty Warriors and whatelse? I can't think of any support. If you mean Twin Snakes... I'm sure that was more Nintendo money than anyone else

WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU ON.

add: Please see Capcom's other MAJOR BOMBAs on PS2 before saying anything about THIS company + Nintendo

 

[Pedigree Chum]

I think Nintendo has lost a lot of support . Square is disappointed, Capcom is disappointed, Konami is disappointed. These companies took risks and where rewarded with less than they expected in sales (I'm not saying the expectations were realistic)

Gotta feel bad for Capcom. RE series has lost a lot of it's value with PS gamers, it'll be hard for them to salvage the brand next gen. Don't get me wrong, RE4 is awesome, but it's not selling on the Cube...and after the core RE's have been away from PS system for 5 years, is it going to have the same impact if the series continues on PS3? We'll see I guess...

 

[Odnetnin]

Gotta feel bad for Capcom. RE series has lost a lot of it's value with PS gamers, it'll be hard for them to salvage the brand next gen. Don't get me wrong, RE4 is awesome, but it's not selling on the Cube...and after the core RE's have been away from PS system for 5 years, is it going to have the same impact if the series continues on PS3? We'll see I guess...

wait wait. RE4 on PS2 makes Famitsu Top10 most wanted = you need education

 

[Pedigree Chum]

wait wait. RE4 on PS2 makes Famitsu Top10 most wanted = you need education

Does that really make a fucking difference when it comes to sales? I've seen games on there bomb when they come out, I'm pretty sure DMC2 was on there once...came out, and did really badly saleswise. Try again.

 

[soundwave05]

No I think Capcom has to be pissed. While they have a good relationship with Nintendo I would not bank on them being gung-on on Revolution right away.

Resident Evil is doing OK numbers, but it definitely should be doing much better.

That's really an example of taking a risk with a franchise and having it bite you in the ass.

Now Capcom is going to try and sell the franchise back to PS2 owners, but who knows, maybe they don't care about Resident Evil anymore.

That's exactly why Square-Enix don't mess around with the FF or DQ series'. They put them on whatever system looks to have the best shot at getting the largest userbase in Japan.

 

[Odnetnin]

Does that really make a fucking difference when it comes to sales? I've seen games on there bomb when they come out, I'm pretty sure DMC2 was on there once...came out, and did really badly saleswise. Try again.

well, um it hasn't bombed yet. So you try again. You're preempting it bombing. I'm going to say it will not bomb (because Outbreak sold well enough in Japanland) and between Ps2 RE4 + GC RE4, the game will of course break one million and probably 1.5 million easy (worldwide)

edit: which will be good for RE fans because I want my fucking sequel (on any platform)

 

[android]

what did SE do? FFCC? :lol they more than made up for it with their GBA moneyware

Capcom = Capcom 5? What the fuck do they have to be disappointed baout

Re4 is selling okay. Could be better but its not really bomba
PNO3. You can't expect this game to be a massive hit
VJ. Great 1st tile. Sequel too soon
Dead Dead Phoenix
Killer 7. MIA.. soon to be multi.

KONAMI?

Kiddy version of Dynasty Warriors and whatelse? I can't think of any support. If you mean Twin Snakes... I'm sure that was more Nintendo money than anyone else

WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU ON.

add: Please see Capcom's other MAJOR BOMBAs on PS2 before saying anything about THIS company + Nintendo

Someone can't read. I said their expectations were probably too high, but now they probably are turned off of Nintendo support. Square probably won't support the Revolution only handhelds. Capcom are probably highly disappointed (maybe not justified, but that doesn't matter) What was it "For the Gamecube. For the industry" That song sure changed quickly. And Konami risked their biggest franchise and came out with an embarassment imo. So what was it that Japanese devs can look to as a shining moment on the Gamecube?

 

[Spider_Jerusalem]

'What, this development studio!? This game!? These people!?'."

E3 is gonna be a lot of fun

 

[Odnetnin]

Someone can't read. I said their expectations were probably too high, but now they probably are turned off of Nintendo support. Square probably won't support the Revolution only handhelds. Capcom are probably highly disappointed (maybe not justified, but that doesn't matter) What was it "For the Gamecube. For the industry" That song sure changed quickly. And Konami risked their biggest franchise and came out with an embarassment imo. So what was it that Japanese devs can look to as a shining moment on the Gamecube?

what are you on. seriously.

 

[android]

what are you on. seriously.

Wow you got me there. Try disputing it with facts next time.

 

[soundwave05]

With Nintendo they'll probably get some vanity projects from guys like Kojima if the system is different/weird enough, but I doubt companies are really rushing to Nintendo HQ and busting down their doors to give them exclusives.

Ditto for Microsoft.

Both companies dissapointed last generation for Japanese devs.

Tecmo is probably the only Japanese dev happy with the XBox, and Namco is probably the only Japanese company really pleased with the GameCube (then again, there's no GC version of Soul Calibur 3 heh, but Mario Baseball and Mario Kart AGP will probably earn them a nice chunk of change).

 

[Pedigree Chum]

.

 

[Joe]

gaming-age or pessimistic-age??? YOU DECIDE!

 

[nitewulf]

gaming-age or pessimistic-age??? YOU DECIDE!

it's just downplaying that's all. either way downplaying isn't really gonna change facts though so i don't know why ppl bother.

 

[soundwave05]

Well it is a fact that there was a lot of this similar kind of buzz prior to the XBox release and the deals they were signing back then for the XBox.

 

[Chrono]

I'm depressed now because it's APRIL and we're only getting tidbits from magazine interviews. Xenon was supposed to be revealed at CES and PS3 in march.

 

[Odnetnin]

Wow you got me there. Try disputing it with facts next time.

you're talking about disappointment; and there's been no specific press releases and you're trying to quantify an emotional response (disappointment). Its your freaking opinion on the matter but I won't hold you to it. Who's talking facts? No facts in your earlier post.

facts? :lol yes I did get you

 

[Tenacious-V]

geeeeez people.......

I'm gonna buy an X360.
I'm gonna buy a PS3.
I'm gonna buy a Revolution.

Screw any fanboys and their 1 console close mindedness.

 

[rastex]

Well it is a fact that there was a lot of this similar kind of buzz prior to the XBox release and the deals they were signing back then for the XBox.

Could you PLEASE point to this hype that the press and people were apparently espoucing? From what I recall there was a lot of pessemism and guffawing at MS' audacity. I mean there's that famous picture of those japanese guys pointing to the Xbox and laughing from the first TGS it appeared at.

 

[nitewulf]

Well it is a fact that there was a lot of this similar kind of buzz prior to the XBox release and the deals they were signing back then for the XBox.

you missed my point.
bitching about them (MS) and hyping up sony hardware at every step because you happen to dislike them (MS) isn't gonna make them just go away. i wish it did, really. then i wouldn't have to read absurd posts.

 

[soundwave05]

Could you PLEASE point to this hype that the press and people were apparently espoucing? From what I recall there was a lot of pessemism and guffawing at MS' audacity. I mean there's that famous picture of those japanese guys pointing to the Xbox and laughing from the first TGS it appeared at.

Actually it was before that. When MS made the deal with Konami for Metal Gear Solid (of course they didn't say what that would be), and the deals with Capcom/Sega and all the shit that MS execs would say about them being in contact with Squaresoft.

By the time the XBox had launched in Japan though, it was clear that it wasn't going to do anything market-wise, hence the laughing at the Japanese guy buying the first XBox and so on and so forth.

 

[Chrono]

Could you PLEASE point to this hype that the press and people were apparently espoucing?

I remember everybody (ign, egm, etc..) were saying that Final Fantasy will be on xbox and that square and Microsoft execs are 'talking.'