Insomniac Games, the PlayStation studio best known for key Sony franchises Ratchet & Clank and Resistance is working on a new 360/PS3 title that will be released by EA Partners.
Under the terms of the deal, Insomniac will own the IP for the game, which EA Partners will handle sales and marketing for.
Details on the title itself are being closely guarded, with EAP and Insomniac last night telling MCV that they will unveil it “when we’re ready”.
EA Partners boss David De Martini told MCV that Insomniac “has a reputation for making great games” and toasted the studio’s 12 years of sound business as proof that the deal was a good bet.
De Martini promised that the game would be of the quality expected from the firm that created Spyro the Dragon as well as other big franchises – and that it’s all part of EA’s push towards raising the quality of all the games it publishes.
He told MCV: “We are aligning ourselves with quality whether that comes from internally developed or externally developed teams.
“It is our goal to bring the highest quality talent to all platforms. By chasing and being obsessed with quality experiences we can delight customers – and bring them back so that when they see it is an EA game, made by either an internal or external team, they know it is great quality.”
Insomniac said that the new game has been built from the ground up for multiple platforms as it looks to reach new audiences.
Microsoft Corp. is expected to shake up the management of its division focused on videogames, mobile phones and other devices, in the wake of increasingly bruising competition from Apple Inc. and Google Inc. in the market for consumer devices, according to people familiar with the matter.
The Redmond, Wash., software company could announce major organizational changes at its Entertainment & Devices Division as early as this week, those people said. The division includes Microsoft's Xbox videogame business and Windows Phone, an operating system for mobile phones. The unit accounted for $1.67 billion in sales during the first three months of the year, or about 11% of Microsoft's $14.5 billion in revenue during the period.
One executive in the division, J Allard, the chief experience officer and chief technology officer of the group, is expected to leave that role following Microsoft's recent decision to shut down a tablet PC development project known internally as Courier, that Mr. Allard was overseeing, people familiar with the matter said.
Hmmm, big news. Then again, was the tablet technically in the entertainment division? That makes the timing of the tablet cancellation and Allard leaving interesting.
You know what would be the best way to shake up the division? Actually have some first-party game developers again besides Lionhead and Rare.
Cous, you missed the most interesting part of the Insomniac interview.
In addition to expanding its reach to Xbox 360 owners, Insomniac is changing up their development process. Insomniac is famous for efficiency and has stuck to annual releases for a number of years. With PlayStation 3, Insomniac had been swappingRatchet & Clank and Resistance every other year. Perhaps in response to widespread Resistance 2 critiques, that's changing going forward.
"You may be wondering why we’re announcing this game now, and how it relates to our existing projects," said Price in a blog post to fans at Insomniac's web site. "We’ve been developing games on an annual pace during the last 16 years. One thing that has become apparent to us though is that in order to live up to our own high standards of quality, we want to give ourselves more development time to iterate and polish our games. All future Insomniac titles will benefit from longer development cycles, which will directly benefit you, our fans."
Price also reiterated its commitment to Sony fans and the PlayStation platform, confirming the studio would make more PlayStation 3-only games down the line. A hint towards the rumored Resistance 3?
Insomniac Games, the PlayStation studio best known for key Sony franchises Ratchet & Clank and Resistance is working on a new 360/PS3 title that will be released by EA Partners.
Under the terms of the deal, Insomniac will own the IP for the game, which EA Partners will handle sales and marketing for.
Details on the title itself are being closely guarded, with EAP and Insomniac last night telling MCV that they will unveil it “when we’re ready”.
EA Partners boss David De Martini told MCV that Insomniac “has a reputation for making great games” and toasted the studio’s 12 years of sound business as proof that the deal was a good bet.
De Martini promised that the game would be of the quality expected from the firm that created Spyro the Dragon as well as other big franchises – and that it’s all part of EA’s push towards raising the quality of all the games it publishes.
He told MCV: “We are aligning ourselves with quality whether that comes from internally developed or externally developed teams.
“It is our goal to bring the highest quality talent to all platforms. By chasing and being obsessed with quality experiences we can delight customers – and bring them back so that when they see it is an EA game, made by either an internal or external team, they know it is great quality.”
Insomniac said that the new game has been built from the ground up for multiple platforms as it looks to reach new audiences.
Not a bad deal at all.
It's basically the Bungie deal, or even more specifically, a deal like Respawn.
Perhaps this is a harbinger of the end of exclusivity. People gotta get paid, yo. No time for fanboyism.
Cous, you missed the most interesting part of the Insomniac interview.
In addition to expanding its reach to Xbox 360 owners, Insomniac is changing up their development process. Insomniac is famous for efficiency and has stuck to annual releases for a number of years. With PlayStation 3, Insomniac had been swappingRatchet & Clank and Resistance every other year. Perhaps in response to widespread Resistance 2 critiques, that's changing going forward.
"You may be wondering why we’re announcing this game now, and how it relates to our existing projects," said Price in a blog post to fans at Insomniac's web site. "We’ve been developing games on an annual pace during the last 16 years. One thing that has become apparent to us though is that in order to live up to our own high standards of quality, we want to give ourselves more development time to iterate and polish our games. All future Insomniac titles will benefit from longer development cycles, which will directly benefit you, our fans."
Price also reiterated its commitment to Sony fans and the PlayStation platform, confirming the studio would make more PlayStation 3-only games down the line. A hint towards the rumored Resistance 3?
Awww, I always liked their efficiency compared to certain other developers. OK, pretty much every other developer.
Hey guys, Ted Price here,
I wanted to speak directly to you, our fans, about some big news for Insomniac. Over the last 16 years, you’ve supported Insomniac by buying over 35 million copies of our games. You’ve explored with us the worlds of Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet & Clank, and Resistance on PSOne, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3. And you've interacted with us directly through our online communities. In other words, we've gotten to know each other pretty well.
Lately, many of you have been asking, “what’s next?” Today, we’re excited to announce that we have created a brand new universe and franchise for you to experience in the coming years. As we develop it, one of our goals is to provide an awesome experience for as many players as possible. With that in mind, we’re working with EA Partners to bring this title to both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
You may be wondering why we’re announcing this game now, and how it relates to our existing projects. We’ve been developing games on an annual pace during the last 16 years. One thing that has become apparent to us though is that in order to live up to our own high standards of quality, we want to give ourselves more development time to iterate and polish our games. All future Insomniac titles will benefit from longer development cycles, which will directly benefit you, our fans.
We know many of you are extremely loyal to the PlayStation family, and especially to Resistance and Ratchet & Clank. We are too. Our relationship with Sony Computer Entertainment is still very strong, and continues as we develop additional projects exclusively for PlayStation 3 - projects that will take full advantage of our additional development time.
This is an exciting time for everyone at Insomniac – we look forward to continuing to create the high-quality experiences you’ve come to expect from us. From all of us here, thanks again for all your support. It truly means a lot to us.
Couscous on
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Brainiac 8Don't call me Shirley...Registered Userregular
edited May 2010
Something tells me that Sony franchises from Insomniac will take a backseat to the new projects.
As much as I appreciated Insomniac's efficiency, there's just enough bugs in the last couple of Ratchet and Clank games to indicate they could have used at least another couple of months to smooth things out.
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Mostlyjoe13Evil, Evil, Jump for joy!Registered Userregular
edited May 2010
Wooo. Looks like someone has set us up the bomb at Xbox HQ. Quite the managment shake-up going on.
Insomniac Games, the PlayStation studio best known for key Sony franchises Ratchet & Clank and Resistance is working on a new 360/PS3 title that will be released by EA Partners.
Under the terms of the deal, Insomniac will own the IP for the game, which EA Partners will handle sales and marketing for.
Details on the title itself are being closely guarded, with EAP and Insomniac last night telling MCV that they will unveil it “when we’re ready”.
EA Partners boss David De Martini told MCV that Insomniac “has a reputation for making great games” and toasted the studio’s 12 years of sound business as proof that the deal was a good bet.
De Martini promised that the game would be of the quality expected from the firm that created Spyro the Dragon as well as other big franchises – and that it’s all part of EA’s push towards raising the quality of all the games it publishes.
He told MCV: “We are aligning ourselves with quality whether that comes from internally developed or externally developed teams.
“It is our goal to bring the highest quality talent to all platforms. By chasing and being obsessed with quality experiences we can delight customers – and bring them back so that when they see it is an EA game, made by either an internal or external team, they know it is great quality.”
Insomniac said that the new game has been built from the ground up for multiple platforms as it looks to reach new audiences.
Not a bad deal at all.
It's basically the Bungie deal, or even more specifically, a deal like Respawn.
Perhaps this is a harbinger of the end of exclusivity. People gotta get paid, yo. No time for fanboyism.
Games such as Final Fantasy XIII were harbingers. This is just another in a line of talented developers who have come to the understanding that they need to be multiplatform to continue to grow. The fact that this generation is going to last multiple years longer than the last few helps.
The Green Day: Rock Band demo officially hit Xbox Live and other online marketplaces today and gives players a taste of what they can expect when the title hits shelves June 8th. The thing that has held the most interest in the demo, however, appears to be on the exit screen.
As the player exits the demo, they are greeted with a teaser for Rock Band 3. The screen is dark with the instrument icons and the number 3 stylized like the logo of Rock Band 3, but there is something peculiar within the simpllicty of that screen; there is a keyboard icon present.
What does this mean for Rock Band 3? It's obviosu that Harmonix is teasing that we'll be seeing a new peripheral, but how will they implement it with the current limitations of 4 players? What does this mean for song choices? Could we finally see the likes of Billy Joel and The Doors and possibly see previously released songs by bands like Boston updated to play with keyboard? It's all speculation at this point, but we'll surely see new information as E3 rolls out in coming weeks.
The race to the bottom is getting very competitive.
The Green Day: Rock Band demo officially hit Xbox Live and other online marketplaces today and gives players a taste of what they can expect when the title hits shelves June 8th. The thing that has held the most interest in the demo, however, appears to be on the exit screen.
As the player exits the demo, they are greeted with a teaser for Rock Band 3. The screen is dark with the instrument icons and the number 3 stylized like the logo of Rock Band 3, but there is something peculiar within the simpllicty of that screen; there is a keyboard icon present.
What does this mean for Rock Band 3? It's obviosu that Harmonix is teasing that we'll be seeing a new peripheral, but how will they implement it with the current limitations of 4 players? What does this mean for song choices? Could we finally see the likes of Billy Joel and The Doors and possibly see previously released songs by bands like Boston updated to play with keyboard? It's all speculation at this point, but we'll surely see new information as E3 rolls out in coming weeks.
The race to the bottom is getting very competitive.
As much as I think harmonies and keyboards are interesting, I don't think it'll do all that much to get the general public interested in the music genre again.
Contrary to earlier reports, Allard says that he's not leaving due to the cancellation of the Courier, but instead says that after nineteen years with the company, he simply wants to devote more time to his personal interests, "particularly adventure sports." Allard also insists that he won't be moving on to Apple, Google or any other Microsoft rivals -- in fact, he's staying on as an advisor to Steve Ballmer. Robbie Bach's departure is equally curious -- despite being just 48, his move is being described as a "retirement," and he says that the decision was his own and that he wasn't encouraged to leave. He'll also apparently remain with Microsoft through the fall to aid in the transition.
Engadget's saying this move effectively dissolves the entertainment/other device division.
What does this mean for Rock Band 3? It's obviosu that Harmonix is teasing that we'll be seeing a new peripheral, but how will they implement it with the current limitations of 4 players? What does this mean for song choices? Could we finally see the likes of Billy Joel and The Doors and possibly see previously released songs by bands like Boston updated to play with keyboard? It's all speculation at this point, but we'll surely see new information as E3 rolls out in coming weeks.
The race to the bottom is getting very competitive.
The speculation is going to act as the cement shoes.
Engadget's saying this move effectively dissolves the entertainment/other device division.
Things could get very, very interesting.
How so? It's not the end of the 360, but does it spell the doom of the follow up to it?
It's not doooooooooom, but the change in leadership could lead to different philosophies about the 360's marketing/development/strategy. Ballmer could decide that it's time to build up Microsoft's first parties again, or he could decide that it's time to introduce a successor at $600. Remember, when Krazy Ken got fired from Sony their strategy toward the PS3 became noticeably less arrogant.
Does anyone know enough about what Ballmer's done in the past to be able to predict how he'll think on this?
The next big gaming franchise from the creators of a decade and a half's worth of some of the Playstation's most beloved titles is coming to the Xbox 360.
Insomniac Games, the studio behind Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet & Clank and Resistance, unveiled a deal this morning with Electronic Arts that will put their still unannounced, undated next franchise on the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. Under the agreement Insomniac will retain ownership of the intellectual property.
"There have been a lot of great reasons to make games for the Playstation," said Ted Price, founder and CEO of Insomniac Games. "We have a wonderful relationship with Sony and will continue to work with them on Playstation titles."
While Insomniac Games' growth as a developer has been steady, it hasn't seen any big spikes, Price told Kotaku. Making a game for multiple systems means that the developer and its games will be able to reach a broader audience.
"We never wanted to limit ourselves," Price said. "People are inspired here by having the opportunity to try new things. (Playstation 3 shooter) Resistance was a chance to branch out and we will continue to look for those opportunities."
The latest chance is bringing Insomniac Games' upcoming, all-new franchise set in a new universe to the PS3 and Xbox 360. The title is currently in production at the company's Burbank studio, but Price remained tight-lipped about what it was.
"We've never approached any of the games we make as one-offs," Price said. "Our goal is to create a franchise."
Price declined to specify the sort of game it would be, adding that the developer won't be talking about it at this year's E3 next month.
He did say that Insomniac currently has "multiple teams working on multiple projects."
We've heard that Insomniac Games has agreed to produce at least one more Ratchet & Clank title and perhaps two more Resistance games. Price declined to confirm those details, but did verify that his company is still working on both franchises.
"We are going to continue to support Ratchet and Resistance," he said. "I think (PS3 owners) will be happy with what we have coming."
0diggsdigg
Videogames will 'lead the way' in popularising stereoscopic 3D technology, says SCEE president Andrew House.
"3D is a very exciting technology that has the potential to redefine how people consume their entertainment," said House in a recent interview.
"More specifically, games are a perfect fit with 3D and I truly believe that it will be games that will lead the way in consumer understanding of how 3D enhances the entertainment experience.
He added: "Games can be adapted into 3D relatively easily and with this technology we can add depth and make games more immersive than ever. As well as the games that will be available in June, WipEout HD, Super Stardust HD, Pain and a demo of MotorStorm Pacific Rift, we have some very exciting games on the horizon."
This mirrors earlier statements from Microsoft Game Studio creative director Habib Zargarpour, who also said 3D's wider success will be "up to the game content... much more so than film and broadcast".
House later said that "the potential for 3D gaming is huge and we are only scratching the surface," although also admitting that, "as with all technology", the high cost of the first 3D TVs on the market is a "barrier to entry".
"If you want to spend the money on a new 3D TV, then we will provide you with 3D content to play. That is not to say that out priorities have changed. Our priority is still very much our key traditional Blu-ray Disc titles, and that does not mean that we can't offer some 3D fun as well," said House.
So they will provide the 3d content to all of five people?
My wife and I saw our first commercial for a 3-D TV last night; she started laughing uncontrollably when they showed the family wearing goggles. I still have no idea how people this is going to catch on.
My wife and I saw our first commercial for a 3-D TV last night; she started laughing uncontrollably when they showed the family wearing goggles. I still have no idea how people this is going to catch on.
I'd buy a Quatron Pro before I'd buy a 3D TV. Even though, spectrum doesn't work the way they're selling it. TVs are RGB for a reason. Adding yellow. Pfft. Now that extra pixel resolution. Hmmm. Really I'd rather by a LED TV first.
So to the degree that HD (as opposed to just flat) TVs were sold, it seems that the biggest demands were probably for movies and sports. Is there any real application of 3D for sports? Seems it wouldn't work for most camera angles.
lowlylowlycook on
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Mostlyjoe13Evil, Evil, Jump for joy!Registered Userregular
So to the degree that HD (as opposed to just flat) TVs were sold, it seems that the biggest demands were probably for movies and sports. Is there any real application of 3D for sports? Seems it wouldn't work for most camera angles.
3D has it's place. I see it catching on with Computers first though, especially properly tuned 3D cards churning out the images. Hell I remember a friend showing off a 3D Card he bought years ago that came with glasses. But casual users? No way in hell yet. This isn't like the Bluray storage density issue. That's just a functionality upgrade. 3D is only gonna catch on is you don't need visual aids to see it.
My wife and I saw our first commercial for a 3-D TV last night; she started laughing uncontrollably when they showed the family wearing goggles. I still have no idea how people this is going to catch on.
According to the populous on these forums Blu-ray was to crash and burn by now. Now I dont see the interest in 3-D TV either.. But hell, who knows.
My wife and I saw our first commercial for a 3-D TV last night; she started laughing uncontrollably when they showed the family wearing goggles. I still have no idea how people this is going to catch on.
According to the populous on these forums Blu-ray was to crash and burn by now. Now I dont see the interest in 3-D TV either.. But hell, who knows.
Has Blu-ray overtaken DVDs yet anyway? I haven't paid attention to the Blu-ray sales uptake and the DVD sales fall.
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Hmmm, big news. Then again, was the tablet technically in the entertainment division? That makes the timing of the tablet cancellation and Allard leaving interesting.
You know what would be the best way to shake up the division? Actually have some first-party game developers again besides Lionhead and Rare.
It's basically the Bungie deal, or even more specifically, a deal like Respawn.
Perhaps this is a harbinger of the end of exclusivity. People gotta get paid, yo. No time for fanboyism.
3DS Friend Code: 2165-6448-8348 www.Twitch.TV/cooljammer00
Battle.Net: JohnDarc#1203 Origin/UPlay: CoolJammer00
Awww, I always liked their efficiency compared to certain other developers. OK, pretty much every other developer.
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Games such as Final Fantasy XIII were harbingers. This is just another in a line of talented developers who have come to the understanding that they need to be multiplatform to continue to grow. The fact that this generation is going to last multiple years longer than the last few helps.
This menu is taking a long time!
Bingo. The rest of you wingeing poms are being a bit sensitive.
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Awesome.
As much as I think harmonies and keyboards are interesting, I don't think it'll do all that much to get the general public interested in the music genre again.
To give Steve Ballmer more control.
Fuck.
Something wicked this way comes.
Engadget's saying this move effectively dissolves the entertainment/other device division.
Things could get very, very interesting.
The speculation is going to act as the cement shoes.
How so? It's not the end of the 360, but does it spell the doom of the follow up to it?
Isn't the Xbox division seperate?
EDIT: Guess not. Hmm..
It's not doooooooooom, but the change in leadership could lead to different philosophies about the 360's marketing/development/strategy. Ballmer could decide that it's time to build up Microsoft's first parties again, or he could decide that it's time to introduce a successor at $600. Remember, when Krazy Ken got fired from Sony their strategy toward the PS3 became noticeably less arrogant.
Does anyone know enough about what Ballmer's done in the past to be able to predict how he'll think on this?
Well from wikipedia he's a very tempermental personality, and seems anti-open source. Maybe a hard push for more exculsive titles?
Also, apparently the Microsoft Courier is dead. Too bad, since it looked like a great device.
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COME ON!!!
edit: although it's good that Allard's not right out of the picture. He can still put his head round the door to shout good ideas at people.
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I'd buy a Quatron Pro before I'd buy a 3D TV. Even though, spectrum doesn't work the way they're selling it. TVs are RGB for a reason. Adding yellow. Pfft. Now that extra pixel resolution. Hmmm. Really I'd rather by a LED TV first.
(Please do not gift. My game bank is already full.)
3D has it's place. I see it catching on with Computers first though, especially properly tuned 3D cards churning out the images. Hell I remember a friend showing off a 3D Card he bought years ago that came with glasses. But casual users? No way in hell yet. This isn't like the Bluray storage density issue. That's just a functionality upgrade. 3D is only gonna catch on is you don't need visual aids to see it.
According to the populous on these forums Blu-ray was to crash and burn by now. Now I dont see the interest in 3-D TV either.. But hell, who knows.
Has Blu-ray overtaken DVDs yet anyway? I haven't paid attention to the Blu-ray sales uptake and the DVD sales fall.