So...the Playstation 3 isn't in production yet.

[Strollymonster]

So sayeth Kazai. (http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/psp/sony-prez-well-win-next-gen-ps-ps3s-not-in-production-195351.php)

I'm actually pretty surprised by this. I would have hoped that Sony had learned from the PS2 launch that getting your production up and running ASAP is the best way to go, especially considering how complicated and expensive the thing is.

One this is for certain...this can't bode well for having a decent launch supply.

[mammy2shoesfan]

I really don't believe that Sony would shot themselves in the foot like that. I refuse to believe. From every thing that I'm hearing about the PS3 sounds like it will single handedly put Sony out of business.

[K-S-O]

And they're expecting to ship millions of these systems by early next year?

[Chad Bonin]

Wow. They'll most likely be severly underhand at the time of launch, assuming it's still November 17th.

In comparison, the Wii, which is to launch in a comparable time frame, has been in production for a while now.

For record's sake, does anyone know how far ahead of launch the 360 was produced? I'm curious what a real lead time is on producing a console...

(They're, like, doing the inverse of Apple. Apple will announce something and release it the next week.)

Also, no PSP price drop planned. While it would be stupid to announce a price drop, it does discredit the arguments that a PSP Price Drop will be coming soon.

[Dogbert]

For record's sake, does anyone know how far ahead of launch the 360 was produced? I'm curious what a real lead time is on producing a console...360 entered production 69 days before its November 22nd launch.

Wii entered production on or before June 21, which is 102 days before its earliest speculated launch (October 1st) and 151 days before its latest speculated launch (November 19th).

If PS3 enters production this Monday (August 21st), that would give them 88 days before launch.

Keep in mind, though, that the time is only one element. The speed at which it is being produced is also a factor. PS3 has the latest technology, which will slow it down, but Sony wants the launch to be successful, so they may throw more cash at the situation and get more production sites up and running.

Partial source: http://money.cnn.com/2006/07/05/commentary/column_gaming/index.htm


Edit: Here's the original article: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6156046.html

KH: We haven't started manufacturing yet. Some of our ops guys were actually just in China, and also in Japan just reviewing the [production] lines and everything else. But they are, again, preparing as we speak to get the manufacturing going. We've not announced and we haven't set really a specific date to say, "As of this day we're going to start manufacturing."

[silverwings]

Also keep in mind that with new technology, you're more likely to have defective systems - especially when it's a piece of hardware as complicated as the PS3.

I wonder if this has anything to do with the cell chips being produced at only a 5-10% success rate...:confused:

[Artimus Gigan]

Also keep in mind that with new technology, you're more likely to have defective systems - especially when it's a piece of hardware as complicated as the PS3.

I wonder if this has anything to do with the cell chips being produced at only a 5-10% success rate...:confused:
It can't be any worse than the Xbox 360's failure rate

which was much higher than any of the recent consoles

Apparently I found this out when mine was sputtering out after playing Oblivion for hours on end....I've been hesitating on getting a new 360 because I'm note sure iof my account name and stuff will be saved on the HD or within the individual system itself. Because I don't have a Live account.

Meh new machines bring new problems and you don't know what the problems are until they release them. I've had alot of various game machines throughout the years(console and PC) so I'm a bit more tollerent to errors which have arisen in quite a few of my machines. They create failsafe devices with the chips, just incase one part blows out another can takeover. The chipsets and parts also change overtime from wave to wave of console units. A few of my machines have fallen due to my tampering in the past, so I don't dare modify or open them anymore.

[Demonic Raven]

As we get ever closer to the PS3 launch, it still looks like a train wreck waiting to happen. What's they're strategy at this point? Pray for a miracle?

[Artimus Gigan]

As we get ever closer to the PS3 launch, it still looks like a train wreck waiting to happen. What's they're strategy at this point? Pray for a miracle?
Meh the PS2 lineup of upcoming games still is far stronger than the Launch line-up for either new system. However Rouge Galaxy was pushed back to 07 recently IIRC, and they're planning on God of War 2 to come shortly down the line as well.

For awhile I think it's going to be like how the GBA and DS switched off to each other

[Noukon]

They're only planning to ship 2 million units by year's end. They have plenty of time.

[William C. Maune]

360 entered production 69 days before its November 22nd launch.

Wii entered production on or before June 21, which is 102 days before its earliest speculated launch (October 1st) and 151 days before its latest speculated launch (November 19th).

If PS3 enters production this Monday (August 21st), that would give them 88 days before launch.

So, in other words, it looks like unless Sony can get the PS3 into production within the next two weeks (and preferably sooner), they are pretty much guaranteed to have the same supply problems the 360 had (unless they some how have a lot more and much bigger production facilities than Microsoft). Additionally, Sony has to deal with the fact that they have major launches in both Japan and the U.S. While the 360 sort of also launched in Japan, the U.S. was the bigger focal point.

I'm just hoping for a PS2 pricedrop (say, $99) so I can pick up that and a Wii this fall.

[Chad Bonin]

I'm just hoping for a PS2 pricedrop (say, $99) so I can pick up that and a Wii this fall.
No Wii60 for you?

[William C. Maune]

No Wii60 for you?

Perhaps eventually. For now though, WiiPS2 will likely cost up to $300+ less and there are a lot more cheap games out for the PS2 (especially since I haven't played anything on the PS2) than the 360. Sarah has a PS and we thought about just skipping the PS2 since the PS3 would be backwards compatible, but especially with the announced price of the PS3, we aren't planning to get one any time soon. For a little more than the cost of a PS3, I'd rather just get a new Mac.

[.Automatisch]

Perhaps eventually. For now though, WiiPS2 will likely cost up to $300+ less and there are a lot more cheap games out for the PS2 (especially since I haven't played anything on the PS2) than the 360. Sarah has a PS and we thought about just skipping the PS2 since the PS3 would be backwards compatible, but especially with the announced price of the PS3, we aren't planning to get one any time soon. For a little more than the cost of a PS3, I'd rather just get a new Mac.

I just sold my 360, so I'll be sticking with PS2/Wii for a while... PS2 has enough good stuff to last me until I want a PS3 indefinitely, as does the Wii...

BTW, what Mac are you looking to get?

[Duke]

I'm reminded of the recent X-Play segment "X-Play Saves Video Games."

"X-Play Saves the PS3.

Step 1) Get more exclusives! Whatever Square/Enix wants, give it to them. That way, you can distract gamers from the $600 price tag.

Step 2) JUST SHUT THE HELL UP!!!"

[Artimus Gigan]

I'm reminded of the recent X-Play segment "X-Play Saves Video Games."

"X-Play Saves the PS3.

Step 1) Get more exclusives! Whatever Square/Enix wants, give it to them. That way, you can distract gamers from the $600 price tag.

Step 2) JUST SHUT THE HELL UP!!!"

Step 1 already is well into the process, or so I've heard

Three exclusive Final Fantasy games.....and there shall be more

you know there will, like a Kingdom hearts 3

[Duke]

Step 1 already is well into the process, or so I've heard

Three exclusive Final Fantasy games.....and there shall be more

you know there will, like a Kingdom hearts 3
I only put Step 1 in there because it sets up Step 2 (which is the main point of my post). Never mind that the segment was created about 2 weeks after E3...

[Artimus Gigan]

I only put Step 1 in there because it sets up Step 2 (which is the main point of my post). Never mind that the segment was created about 2 weeks after E3...
I think Operation STFU will begin after TGS

Honestly there's only so much the internet can take before it implodes

Also apparenty Dirge of Cerebrus is selling like hot cakes much to my surprise. If a game this bad creates a fanatic craze to this extent, I'd want to see what happens when an actual new FF7 RPG comes out

[Freedom Fighter]

Honestly, you can only shoot yourself in the foot for so long until it's completely gone. Me thinks Sony has done enough shooting to completely irradicate both feet. But why? Why would they? Can a company really be that big on itself to go that far?

Maybe this is me going crazy... but does anyone think this is a ploy by Sony to make the competition think they have a chance, and then they blow them out of the water come November?

Anyway, as of this point I'm seriously thinking about making like an ostrich and burying my head in sand for the rest of 2006. At least by that point, both the Wii and the PS3 will have been out for at least a month, and at least people can sanely start picking this gen's winner. 'Cause honestly, I really, REALLY, do not want to care about it at this point. This is just madness, I tell you... MADNESS!

[Kaoru]

Not only will Sony take a few more months, but I bet when the final version is decided it will cost over $1000. With that, not only will they have a problem selling the damn thing, but will also have trouble finding suckers who will make games for it. What's the deal with putting futuristic graphics in front of reason, that's not a sacrifice for good business, but stupidity.
(They're, like, doing the inverse of Apple. Apple will announce something and release it the next week.) Yes, but it will break the week after that.

[TheMecca]

Also apparenty Dirge of Cerebrus is selling like hot cakes much to my surprise. If a game this bad creates a fanatic craze to this extent, I'd want to see what happens when an actual new FF7 RPG comes out
Did you really think a game based on FF7 wouldn't sell?

[Dogbert]

I'm just hoping for a PS2 pricedrop (say, $99) so I can pick up that and a Wii this fall.I doubt there will be any official pricedrops for PS2 anytime soon. A few reasons:

1) Why should they? The idea of dropping the price is to get more buyers. Much like Microsoft did with the Xbox/360, I expect Sony to shift focus entirely to the new console. A pricedrop probably won't help them much.

2) They need that extra money. Their video games division will already be taking a huge loss this fall. Some parents will buy the PS2 for their kids for Christmas either way, so Sony could use the extra $50 to help decrease their loss.

3) Supply. Will they keep producing the PS2? Probably, but I'm sure its production will take a hit once PS3 production starts. If I'm wrong about a pricedrop not helping sales, then they might not have enough to keep stores stocked IF it sells more than a $150 price does.

4) Most importantly, to justify the PS3 price. They want customers to feel like they're getting a bargain at $600. The ability to play PS2 games is currently a $150 value to people without a PS2 (e.g., William C. Maune and myself). The price drop would only make the PS3 seem more expensive by comparison. Sony, and to a lesser extent Microsoft, want the market prices to go up, not down.

The only reason I can think of for a pricedrop is if they plan to continue supporting the PS2 for another year or two like Nintendo did with GBA or like they did with PSX. However, PS2 had a year headstart on GCN and Xbox, so as long as it could take on the Dreamcast, Sony could afford a slow transition.

[.Automatisch]

Did you really think a game based on FF7 wouldn't sell?

I thought it wasn't going to sell, too. The game had pretty bad press overall, and from what I read on most boards people were going to wait for a price cut before buying it...

[EinBebop]

The only reason I can think of for a pricedrop is if they plan to continue supporting the PS2 for another year or two like Nintendo did with GBA or like they did with PSX. However, PS2 had a year headstart on GCN and Xbox, so as long as it could take on the Dreamcast, Sony could afford a slow transition.I plan to buy a Wii and a used PS2... for $100 I can get one of the used bulky ones and a game. If I can only afford one (and that's probably the case), I have to go with a Wii. But if a new PS2 were to drop down to $99 (more than $100 less than the Wii), then I might have to go that route.

Don't know how typical I am.

[.Automatisch]

I plan to buy a Wii and a used PS2... for $100 I can get one of the used bulky ones and a game. If I can only afford one (and that's probably the case), I have to go with a Wii. But if a new PS2 were to drop down to $99 (more than $100 less than the Wii), then I might have to go that route.

Don't know how typical I am.

Meh, I think that's the best way to go for MOST people... I think that people get too hung up on getting all the newest consoles at launch [I have before...], and they end up getting bored of them because of the lack of titles at launch [save for a very select few systems that have had a great launch lineup, along with a steady stream of releases thereafter]. As for a PS2 cut, I wouldn't be sure of one this year, but if not, definitely next year.

[Dark Fact]

I wonder if Sony even knows what they're doing with their console anymore? :shrug:

It better not be as bad as 360's launch with all the defects and such. I think the last thing people would want would be for the motor to burn out entirely and making the PS3 nothing more than a $1000 paperweight.

Of course, it could get worse should the system have faulty wiring which could set your house on fire.

[spidl]

It better not be as bad as 360's launch with all the defects and such. .

What percentage of the 360 launch systems had defects?

[Mog]

What percentage of the 360 launch systems had defects? I believe the official statement said something like 3% of the consoles, but the real number was much higher. In fact, there were cases where people went through multiple 360's before getting one that worked.

[spidl]

I believe the official statement said something like 3% of the consoles, but the real number was much higher. In fact, there were cases where people went through multiple 360's before getting one that worked.

So how do you know there is a "real" number if no one has any other figures?

PS3 will run into supply problems and I don't think Sony cares that much about it. It is better to have your system sell out in the stores than have a $600.00 gamestation get outsold by its competitors.

[Wounded_Dragon]

PS3 will run into supply problems and I don't think Sony cares that much about it. It is better to have your system sell out in the stores than have a $600.00 gamestation get outsold by its competitors.

Indeed. My personal theory is they know they won't sell as many as the other consoles due to the price point so this is their excuse for having a limited supply.

[Artimus Gigan]

Indeed. My personal theory is they know they won't sell as many as the other consoles due to the price point so this is their excuse for having a limited supply.
But 50% is going to be the 500 dollar model IIRC

[Dark Fact]

PS3 will run into supply problems and I don't think Sony cares that much about it. It is better to have your system sell out in the stores than have a $600.00 gamestation get outsold by its competitors.
But players are fed up with getting their systems only to have them being marred with defects. Either put out a system that works or don't put it out at all.

[Dogbert]

So how do you know there is a "real" number if no one has any other figures?I'm not 100% sure about this, but I think it's because Microsoft admits that around 3% of units were sent and there had to be more people that a) returned the unit to the store once they were back in stock or b) didn't find out about the defect (was a present for Christmas, was a minor defect, etc.) until after Microsoft's 3% claim. We'll never know the true number though.

As far as the PS3 goes, there are two ways Sony can go. They can either test each unit thoroughly looking for defects (which WILL reduce the number available on launch day, but will result in happier customers) or they can only look for major defects and let the customers worry about it. Either way, it's newer technology, so the defect rate will be higher. The question is, will Sony let that affect the number of units available or the number of units returned?


Edit: Thought I'd throw this news (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6156083.html) in the mix. Apparently, Sony is cutting the price, but it's only in Europe and the price is still higher than the current U.S. price. Will SCEA follow suit? I doubt it, but it could happen.

[Tak Mazé]

I too am waiting for a PS2 price drop so that I may get one. I usually wouldn't buy a console near the end of it's life, but the games tempt me so. I'll probably also get a Wii and 360 combo, but NOTHING will pass my hands until I have sampled all 3 consoles.

[SAMaine]

Well, PS2 still has Final Fantasy XII... but I believe Wii will win the console war, at least for the first year. Zelda: Twilight Princess and Metroid Prime 3 are set for launch, and PS3 and Xbox 360 lack any big name games coming out.

Also how do you pronouce your last name, William C. Maune? Is it pronounced "Main" like "Rain," "Mahn" like "on," or "Moan" like "own"?

[The Guitar Slayer]

Sony is also the entity behind the faulty batteries in Dells that are being recalled. Not a good PR time for them. Between that, the lack of production (and history of problems with production), the pricetag, and (in my opinion) the obnxious attitude, Sony is going to lose big time with the PS3. They made this mistake already with the PSP -- trying to get everything in the media package but sort of forgetting about the gaming end of it. Even if they do give us horsepower, there needs to be content moreso than glitter.

As for FFXIII onward, they're going to have to be careful not to get too "out there" -- graphics are pretty, but FF fans are very picky and cranky about what you do to their series. Case in point: the much-complained-about FFX-2 (which is a damn fun game and isn't all about saving the world) and Dirge of Cerberus (which isn't meant to be a playable version of AC but is an interesting spin in modernized noir storytelling). As it stands, SquarEnix has a lot to make up for for some people because of FFXI and its failings.

[Artimus Gigan]

Sony is also the entity behind the faulty batteries in Dells that are being recalled. Not a good PR time for them. Between that, the lack of production (and history of problems with production), the pricetag, and (in my opinion) the obnxious attitude, Sony is going to lose big time with the PS3. They made this mistake already with the PSP -- trying to get everything in the media package but sort of forgetting about the gaming end of it. Even if they do give us horsepower, there needs to be content moreso than glitter.

As for FFXIII onward, they're going to have to be careful not to get too "out there" -- graphics are pretty, but FF fans are very picky and cranky about what you do to their series. Case in point: the much complained about FFX-2 (which is a damn fun game and isn't all about saving the world) and Dirge of Cerberus (which isn't meant to be a playable version of AC and is also a fun game). As it stands, SquarEnix has a lot to make up for for some people because of FFXI and its failings.
Final Fantasy 12 is all old school hardcore RPG action

allthough going on opinions and people who played it, they don't even remember oldschool having this much hardcore RPG action

The Sword of Loto also makes an appearance in the game

And Kingdom hearts 2 pretty much made up for any follies

The 13 battle system is still in the rough stages, nothing is all that final. Being we havn't seen more of Yunalesca Strife or even hints of her companions, it's way way up in the air.

[William C. Maune]

Also how do you pronouce your last name, William C. Maune? Is it pronounced "Main" like "Rain," "Mahn" like "on," or "Moan" like "own"?

None of those actually (don't worry, no one gets it right). The easiest way I've found to explain it is "Maune rhymes with brownie"

[SAMaine]

None of those actually (don't worry, no one gets it right). The easiest way I've found to explain it is "Maune rhymes with brownie"

Mownie? No wonder no one pronounces it right, lone e's after a consounent are usually silent.

[Sonics020]

It seems most people think sony are idiots. Hmm last time i checked sony ruled the console wars. I think they know what their doing. As for the price tag. Look at all quality items. They cost alot. Usaully the better the item the more it costs. Ipods 400 dollars for a 60 gig video ipod, it can cost thousands for a plasma tv, and a good computer will cost you over 2000. As for the person who said sony will go out of business, their enough hardcore fans and fanboys that will buy it , The popularity of the system in japan is far greater then over here, and the games it that it produce are top of the line so i doubt sony will go out of business. As for the person who said it will be a thousand dollars they announced it will be 600 dollars i dont think that sony will go back on its word.
Sony will do excellent in the upcoming console wars regardless of what anyone has to say.

[Strollymonster]

It seems most people think sony are idiots. Hmm last time i checked sony ruled the console wars. I think they know what their doing.

By that logic, Nintendo would have had another SNES when they released the N64. We saw how that turned out. If history has shown us anything, it's that past success doesn't guarantee future success.


As for the price tag. Look at all quality items. They cost alot. Usaully the better the item the more it costs. Ipods 400 dollars for a 60 gig video ipod, it can cost thousands for a plasma tv, and a good computer will cost you over 2000.

Wow, that's flawed logic. The 3DO did SOO well. There are a lot of more expensive MP3 players than the iPod, many with more features and better "value". Yet the simplicity and ergonomic design, along with great marketing, have made it the undisputed MP3 champ. Simply put, things with lower prices tend to sell better.


As for the person who said sony will go out of business, their enough hardcore fans and fanboys that will buy it , The popularity of the system in japan is far greater then over here, and the games it that it produce are top of the line so i doubt sony will go out of business. As for the person who said it will be a thousand dollars they announced it will be 600 dollars i dont think that sony will go back on its word.

Sony's future in the business is somewhat in question because of a combination of factors, not only the possibility of a PS3 flop. They've had a number of damaging lawsuits and recalls lately, and they've invested large amounts of their money in the PS3 and Blu-Ray. If Blu-Ray fails, Sony's got serious problems. It's already shown that they're not the best people to trust when it comes to formats (UMD, anyone?), so it's too early to say anything about the viability.

The price of the PS3 for the hardcore gamer (which is going to be the target audience) will probably end up topping $900...$600 for the console, $180-200 for 3 games (assuming that the minimum price is $60, although we've heard disturbing rumors of prices beyond that), and $50-75 for accessories (extra controller, etc)...and of course, over $50 in tax for most people. Even the barebones people that get the $500 pack and a single game will be out at least $600 when all's done.


Sony will do excellent in the upcoming console war regardless of what anybody says.

Blind faith, much?

[Sonics020]

By that logic, Nintendo would have had another SNES when they released the N64. We saw how that turned out. If history has shown us anything, it's that past success doesn't guarantee future success.

Yea but N64 did good and thats the point i was making



Wow, that's flawed logic. The 3DO did SOO well. There are a lot of more expensive MP3 players than the iPod, many with more features and better "value". Yet the simplicity and ergonomic design, along with great marketing, have made it the undisputed MP3 champ. Simply put, things with lower prices tend to sell better.

yea but the more expensive things make more money


Sony's future in the business is somewhat in question because of a combination of factors, not only the possibility of a PS3 flop. They've had a number of damaging lawsuits and recalls lately, and they've invested large amounts of their money in the PS3 and Blu-Ray. If Blu-Ray fails, Sony's got serious problems. It's already shown that they're not the best people to trust when it comes to formats (UMD, anyone?), so it's too early to say anything about the viability.

The price of the PS3 for the hardcore gamer (which is going to be the target audience) will probably end up topping $900...$600 for the console, $180-200 for 3 games (assuming that the minimum price is $60, although we've heard disturbing rumors of prices beyond that), and $50-75 for accessories (extra controller, etc)...and of course, over $50 in tax for most people. Even the barebones people that get the $500 pack and a single game will be out at least $600 when all's done.

i was getting at the actual system cost itself obviously it will be more money with games and stuff

Blind faith, much?
No

[Vermunium]

No
After your reply to that, I'm thinking yes.

[Strollymonster]

Yea but N64 did good and that's the point i was making

Wait...waa? Didn't you just use the fact that Sony ruled the console wars to justify your position? Seriously, where were you in the late 90's? The N64 was a colossal failure compared to the SNES...the N64 was Nintendo's major mistake that lead to them losing the primary share of the console audience.

As I see it now, the PS3 is shaping up to be Sony's N64...except they're not going to have the good 1st Party games.


yea but the more expensive things make more money

That would make sense...if you completely fail to take into account the concept of profitability. The price you sell something at needs to be more than it costs you to produce it. Everytime a new console launches, the company making it often has to sell it at a loss of at least $100 to start with. In the case of the PS3, we've heard that it costs nearly $1000 to produce one. Sony had to set the price that high because any lower and there's no way they could hope to salvage profitability.

In short, that's a gross overgeneralization that's also plain wrong.

And honestly, how many people are going to buy just a PS3 and nothing else? No one, except people that are planning to resell them on eBay.

[Artimus Gigan]

Wait...waa? Didn't you just use the fact that Sony ruled the console wars to justify your position? Seriously, where were you in the late 90's? The N64 was a colossal failure compared to the SNES...the N64 was Nintendo's major mistake that lead to them losing the primary share of the console audience.

As I see it now, the PS3 is shaping up to be Sony's N64...except they're not going to have the good 1st Party games.


Except the PS3 isn't suffering for support, which was what the N64 was doing

Exclusives like Virtua Fighter 5, Ridge Racer 7, Tekken 6, metal gear Solid 4m Final Fantasy 13, andall the other playstation staples have been confirmed to have exclusive titles on the system

I also wouldn't count out first party games, considering that games like Ico and Shadow of the Colossus were first party games. Also SOE is having a big hand in alot of upcoming titles. Untold Legends for the PS3 could easily wind up being a very good RPG, they're combining systems similar Management and battle systems akin to Diablo and Elder Scrolls for the console version. ofcourse it's a launch game so it could just as easily wind up to be fodder.

[cavner]

Except the PS3 isn't suffering for support, which was what the N64 was doing

Exclusives like Virtua Fighter 5, Ridge Racer 7, Tekken 6, metal gear Solid 4m Final Fantasy 13, andall the other playstation staples have been confirmed to have exclusive titles on the system

I also wouldn't count out first party games, considering that games like Ico and Shadow of the Colossus were first party games. Also SOE is having a big hand in alot of upcoming titles. Untold Legends for the PS3 could easily wind up being a very good RPG, they're combining systems similar Management and battle systems akin to Diablo and Elder Scrolls for the console version. ofcourse it's a launch game so it could just as easily wind up to be fodder.

God of War is a first party game and it turned out all right :). Anyways, it doesn't look good when about three months away you are not in producing consoles. Though it hard to tell what exactly is going on with production. Am I worried about lines. Maybe however basic economics tell you the when the price is higher, the demand is lower so it is possible you will see less lines. At least that's what i'm hoping for. hehe:anime:

[Sigma]

Well, PS2 still has Final Fantasy XII... but I believe Wii will win the console war, at least for the first year. Zelda: Twilight Princess and Metroid Prime 3 are set for launch, and PS3 and Xbox 360 lack any big name games coming out.

Also how do you pronouce your last name, William C. Maune? Is it pronounced "Main" like "Rain," "Mahn" like "on," or "Moan" like "own"?
What about Gears of War, Forza Motorsports 2, WWE Smackdow! vs. RAW 2007, Splinter Cell: Double Agent, and Saint's Row?

I'll agree the PS3 so far has nothing spectacular for launch, a couple of good looking games (Heavenly Sword and Resistance), but they don't look like they are $600 good.

[Zyzzybalubah]

What about Gears of War, Forza Motorsports 2, WWE Smackdow! vs. RAW 2007, Splinter Cell: Double Agent, and Saint's Row?

Let's not forget Resident Evil 5 (also going to PS3.)

[Artimus Gigan]

What about Gears of War, Forza Motorsports 2, WWE Smackdow! vs. RAW 2007, Splinter Cell: Double Agent, and Saint's Row?

I'll agree the PS3 so far has nothing spectacular for launch, a couple of good looking games (Heavenly Sword and Resistance), but they don't look like they are $600 good.
but the 360 had no games worthy of justifying it's 300-400 dollar pricetag either when t launched

it's big games like GRAW and Oblivion were delayed until months later

launch games rarely do the system justice, I mean even looking at the PS2 and it's games. I think Tekken Tag may be the only launch game still worth playing. The others like Timesplitters, Unreal Torniment, and such fell by the wayside.

[TheMecca]

Not like Timesplitters was insanely popular and got two critically-acclaimed sequels or anything.

[Vermunium]

Not like Timesplitters was insanely popular and got two critically-acclaimed sequels or anything.
I loved and hated Time Splitters.
I don't want to schpeel about it though.

[.Automatisch]

but the 360 had no games worthy of justifying it's 300-400 dollar pricetag either when t launched

it's big games like GRAW and Oblivion were delayed until months later

launch games rarely do the system justice, I mean even looking at the PS2 and it's games. I think Tekken Tag may be the only launch game still worth playing. The others like Timesplitters, Unreal Torniment, and such fell by the wayside.

Dreamcast = best launch. PS2 had such a mediocre launch... GCN was solid, but no Mario or Zelda, just Smash and a few other things.

[Swordfish_II]

Let's not forget Resident Evil 5 (also going to PS3.)It's also going to 360. Which at this point I'd much rather get.

[Conan-san]

Sony will do excellent in the upcoming console wars regardless of what anyone has to say.Then let the second video game crash happen, and there be no survivors.

[Artimus Gigan]

Then let the second video game crash happen, and there be no survivors.
Not gonna happen

the game market is far far stronger

[EscaflownePilot]

Don't be so quick to say that. I think the market from the developer's side is far more vulnerable than most people believe.

Should Sony succeed on the consumer side with the model they're using for the PS3, we could quite possibly see another crash brought on by a lack of developers willing and able to put forth enough content to support a console because of the sheer cost involved in developing on the scale that the PS3 demands.

[Artimus Gigan]

Don't be so quick to say that. I think the market from the developer's side is far more vulnerable than most people believe.

Should Sony succeed on the consumer side with the model they're using for the PS3, we could quite possibly see another crash brought on by a lack of developers willing and able to put forth enough content to support a console because of the sheer cost involved in developing on the scale that the PS3 demands.
They said the same thing about the PS2

Yet we got bargain games and games that didn't use graphic intensively and yet they turned out good

Like Disgaea 1 and 2, Shadow Hearts 1,2, and 3, Suikoden III and Tactics, Guilty gear X,X2,Isuka, Phantom Brave, Makai Kingdom, Prucelle Tactics, Katamari and We Love Katamari.

Honestly it's really going to be no different, especialy considering the surge in older game re-issues

not everything HAS to look like MGS4 or Final Fantasy 13 for it to be on the PS3

[Zyzzybalubah]

It's also going to 360. Which at this point I'd much rather get.
That's what I was saying. I added that title to the list of as killer 360 titles but mentioned it was going to PS3 as well. I agree with you though, I'd rather pay $400 (which I won't) than $600 to play that title.


They said the same thing about the PS2

Yet we got bargain games and games that didn't use graphic intensively and yet they turned out good

Like Disgaea 1 and 2, Shadow Hearts 1,2, and 3, Suikoden III and Tactics, Guilty gear X,X2,Isuka, Phantom Brave, Makai Kingdom, Prucelle Tactics, Katamari and We Love Katamari.

Honestly it's really going to be no different, especialy considering the surge in older game re-issues

not everything HAS to look like MGS4 or Final Fantasy 13 for it to be on the PS3
That is a good point, but let's face it, those budget titles you mentioned didn't sell the PS2 like titles such as GTA 3, Final Fantasy X, MGS2, and other fun yet graphically delightful titles. For those budget titles to be successful (I'm curious if they're going to be that "budget" if they're using blu-ray discs) on PS3, people are going to have to own the PS3 first.

For example, Rock Star's Table Tennis is a fun title for the 360, it's one of the better priced titles ($40 instead of $60, oh my!), but when people buy an Xbox 360, is that one of the titles they desire to own a 360 for?

I could be wrong at developers trying out innovative titles with less graphic power on PS3, but it would probably be a safer bet that they would try them on Wii or 360 before PS3 (well, not so much 360 in Japan...)

[EscaflownePilot]

My understanding of the PS3, however, is that everything in general is much more difficult to program for on the PS3 due to the complexity of the hardware. If this is true (and I see more evidence of it being true this time when compared to when it was said about the PS2) then even graphically-unintensive budget games (which, as Steve Janes pointed out, don't generally sell as well as bigger titles and certainly don't sell systems as well) could very well be too expensive for developers to produce on a regular enough of a basis to help support the console.

But, I don't think either of us can argue this too far without making many completely unfounded assumptions about just how difficult developing for the PS3 is. I hear things constantly about how all but the biggest developers are frustrated with the PS3, and while that could very well be total hype and hogwash, if, hypothetically, it's as hard as the hype would lead one to believe, yet the PS3's model succeeds on the consumer side, it could hypothetically devastate the industry.

[Artimus Gigan]

That's what I was saying. I added that title to the list of as killer 360 titles but mentioned it was going to PS3 as well. I agree with you though, I'd rather pay $400 (which I won't) than $600 to play that title.


That is a good point, but let's face it, those budget titles you mentioned didn't sell the PS2 like titles such as GTA 3, Final Fantasy X, MGS2, and other fun yet graphically delightful titles. For those budget titles to be successful (I'm curious if they're going to be that "budget" if they're using blu-ray discs) on PS3, people are going to have to own the PS3 first.

For example, Rock Star's Table Tennis is a fun title for the 360, it's one of the better priced titles ($40 instead of $60, oh my!), but when people buy an Xbox 360, is that one of the titles they desire to own a 360 for?

I could be wrong at developers trying out innovative titles with less graphic power on PS3, but it would probably be a safer bet that they would try them on Wii or 360 before PS3 (well, not so much 360 in Japan...)
allthings considered the development costs are more or elss situational variables

it's going to vary from game to game and from company to company

small developers like Aruze and Tri-Ace piggyback on larger companies hence they have a bit moe resources

for the absolute cheapest way has always been the PC, weather the majoirty of the bargain games on there are worth playing is another matter. But development costs can be pushed this way and that, and do go down in price as the technology gets better. Honestly we're already seeing that the Wii and the PS3 won't have games that fully use the hardware to the full extent until well into their first year of release. And as it stands now thee really havn't been any development shiftments, so everything seems to be the same. It's really far far to early to tell who's going where. Just because something may be the cheaper doesn't nessiceraly mean it's going to be the best platform for the game. Square fo example has a bunch of smaller groups under it, meaning the next Valkyrie Profile, Star Ocean, and other such games from the smaller groups are going to appear on their more established base. So essentialy their small games for the majority are going to follow thir big games.

The sales for the games really won't figure in while people are playing them. You can argue numbers left and righ but the original games obviously sold well enough to make sequels. The sales numbers really do not dictate the quality of the game.