Bomba:no GTAIV exclusive episodes for PS3, LA Noire goes multi.

[VideoGame mania]

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=25852
Oh snap!

[GTAce]

Am i stupid?

Even something like this doesnt count anymore these days? (http://forums.e-mpire.com/showpost.php?p=1561220&postcount=18)
Oh jesus....

[VideoGame mania]

Am i stupid?

Even something like this doesnt count anymore these days? (http://forums.e-mpire.com/showpost.php?p=1561220&postcount=18)
Oh jesus....

It's a 2004 article
Either MS is giving serious money hats or devs looking at ps3 sales and dont care for the platform exclusivity.

[GTAce]

Yeah but i mean cmon "completly funded by Sony".... i mean what could Sony do more?

[masteratt]

These kind of things are getting annoying now.

Both from companies and journalists.

[Diresu]

Well, this COULD still mean there is extra content already shipping on the disc. They have never denied that possiblity.

[Viper]

Highly doubtful considering it just said content itself is exclusive not the method of delivery.

[GTAce]

No they say the "episodic content planned for Grand Theft Auto IV will be exclusively released for the Xbox 360.".

That doesnt mean that there couldnt be another exclusive stuff for the PS3 version.
Cars, radio stations, weapons, clothes etc.

[Diresu]

Highly doubtful considering it just said content itself is exclusive not the method of delivery.

Episodic content. You wouldn't have episodic content on a disc to begin with. It implies downloadable episodes. They can still ship the ps3 version with extras on the disc already. It might not be the same content but that was never the point.

[Viper]

I just fricking said the content itself is exclusive not the method of delivery. Didn't you even read it?

GTAce, you are correct, there easily could be other content of some form that could be exclusive to PS3.

[Diresu]

I just fricking said the content itself is exclusive not the method of delivery. Didn't you even read it?

GTAce, you are correct, there easily could be other content of some form that could be exclusive to PS3.

It might not be the same content but that was never the point.

Take your own advice. Since I DID, but you obviously didn't.

[OmniStalgic]

PS3 probably will get shafted simply because MS paid them too...I expect both version to be the same. No Sixaxis support, no loading differences between the two and it basically being an X360 game that was successfully ported to PS3...

Like I said, Sony should have paid up or made up with another game. Maybe the Getaway will simply OWN GTA, but that's doubtful. One of the benefits of having a larger install base.

I really don't care either way what's exclusive and what's not. But there's a big difference in games made for PS3 and games ported to PS3. I would think Rockstar would at least make GTA a PS3 game first:cry2:

[masteratt]

Well they did say they got two teams working seperately on each console to get the best out of them.

Maybe the PS3 team might say "Hey, we can make this baby load a lot faster than you guys over at X360 team" at that point Rockstar might say "do it" or "no, keep the versions same so our fans don't complain".

[OmniStalgic]

Well they did say they got two teams working seperately on each console to get the best out of them.

Maybe the PS3 team might say "Hey, we can make this baby load a lot faster than you guys over at X360 team" at that point Rockstar might say "do it" or "no, keep the versions same so our fans don't complain".I'd go with the latter...

lol..It's really not that serious since GTA has gotten stale to me since VC and it wasn't a must-buy this year. It just sucks that the most powerful platform isn't getting taken advantage of by more people...

[VideoGame mania]

Well, this COULD still mean there is extra content already shipping on the disc. They have never denied that possiblity.

* Game Informer playtested the Xbox 360 version. It is to be identical to the PS3 version except for episodic content.
Taken from Game Informer, basically main game is identical on both systems, episodic content x360 only. MS paid R* so they get it for themselves, nothing on Sony's part. No mentioning of additional items, content, episodes, NADA.

[masteratt]

Yeah but the thing is, no-one played the PS3 version.

So it's retarded to say "hey i played the X360 version and yeah PS3 will be the same!"
Umm, how the hell do you know?

And R* never commented on the difference of the performance on the consoles so if anyone uses R* as a back-up is bullshitting.

[Diresu]

Taken from Game Informer, basically main game is identical on both systems, episodic content x360 only. MS paid R* so they get it for themselves, nothing on Sony's part. No mentioning of additional items, content, episodes, NADA.

Can't say I would be surprised, but somehow I have a hard time believing its a final decision. Just a hunch.

[BruceWayneIII]

There might be some surprises regarding this at E3.

[masteratt]

There might be some surprises regarding this at E3.
I have the same feeling :stirpot:

[Billet Proof]

This is pretty big, there's going to be a lot of unhappy people with PS3's if this is the case.

Anyone else think this is a big mistake?

[lips]

pst, those games looked last gen.

[venomv]

pst, those games looked last gen.

Pst, no one cares.

[rob the slob]

PS3 probably will get shafted simply because MS paid them too...I expect both version to be the same. No Sixaxis support, no loading differences between the two and it basically being an X360 game that was successfully ported to PS3...

Like I said, Sony should have paid up or made up with another game. Maybe the Getaway will simply OWN GTA, but that's doubtful. One of the benefits of having a larger install base.

I really don't care either way what's exclusive and what's not. But there's a big difference in games made for PS3 and games ported to PS3. I would think Rockstar would at least make GTA a PS3 game first:cry2:

Does sixaxis support really matter in a game like this? Motion is worthless for anyuthing other than flying planes. Its gimmicky and tacked on. Just check out Ninja Gaiden Sigma's sixaxis support (shake the controller for magic spells.):nono:

[Shadow Voa]

Hahaha, yeah the NGS demo made me laugh when I used the controller to shake away. So I shook the remote hoping for something awesome or maybe something completely different... oh I got different. I had friends over at the time too and called em over to show off that awesome feature.


Much laughs were had.

[OmniStalgic]

Does sixaxis support really matter in a game like this? Motion is worthless for anyuthing other than flying planes. Its gimmicky and tacked on. Just check out Ninja Gaiden Sigma's sixaxis support (shake the controller for magic spells.):nono:I actually thought it was kinda fun:shrug:

Anyway, driving vehicles, bikes, and camera are a few things that could work really well in GTA, and I think would definitely make it more fun. But, we probably won't find out with GTa4 now will we?

[Domination]

Does sixaxis support really matter in a game like this? Motion is worthless for anyuthing other than flying planes. Its gimmicky and tacked on. Just check out Ninja Gaiden Sigma's sixaxis support (shake the controller for magic spells.):nono:

I disagree. Many ports have suffered poor motion sensing intergration like those that you mentioned above, or just a poor substitute altogether, due to rushed launches or a lack of vision when it comes to using it. It is reasons like this is why you can't see beyond steering a car or a plane (I like the plane implementation) with it, and for that reason is why you will never understand its advantage.

[yoshaw]

Microsoft: We pay 1 milione for exclusif content?
R* : *Silence*
Microsoft: 2 milione?
R* : *whatver*
Microsoft: 5 milione and Deportation of Jack Thompson!?
R* : Deal! We ghiv j00 extra content, no more. Bugger off now!

[Smokey]

who cares anyway

[Luis]

Er, misleading thread title:

"no GTAIV exclusive episodes for PS3"

When was it confirmed that PS3 would never, ever get exclusive episodes?

Regarding Team Bondi, they have a contract to release three exclusive games on Sony systems. I guess that doesn't include LA Noire.

Well, at least we won't have to pay to play GTA IV online and we won't have to pay for the extra content on top of the price of the game, which will be over 60 € to begin with.

[rob the slob]

I disagree. Many ports have suffered poor motion sensing intergration like those that you mentioned above, or just a poor substitute altogether, due to rushed launches or a lack of vision when it comes to using it. It is reasons like this is why you can't see beyond steering a car or a plane (I like the plane implementation) with it, and for that reason is why you will never understand its advantage.
Well thats the way I feel because nobody has done anything special with motion control on PS3 aside from Warhawk. Maybe Kojima will show us the way? :worthy:

[Z]

This is pretty big, there's going to be a lot of unhappy people with PS3's if this is the case.

Anyone else think this is a big mistake?

depends on the contend and the type os exclusivity (if its timed or 'really' exclusive). remember that the 'exclusive' Oblivion was a big selling point for X2. and 'exclusive' PSP GTA games did come after all on PS2. more examples include Double Agent, GRAW, etc.

we just don't know much to judge. all we have to go is the marketing premise they are telling us.

[GTAce]

PSP GTA games did come after all on PS2.

Yeah R* said Vice City Stories is not planned for PS2 like LCS.... just 2 or 3 weeks later it was official announcent for PS2 lol.

[Luis]

Take 2 and Rockstar love money. They will do something on GTA IV for PS3, no doubt about it.

[Fazares]

i do not care at all....

[cliffbo]

their veneer is slipping.

[Nameless]

Great strategic move for Microsoft IMO...
Just a bit more pressure on the shoulders of the 1st/2nd party PS3 developers; The fate of the PS3 could rest in their hands...

[cliffbo]

there has never been any doubt Nameless

[gozirah]

The very nature of extra downloadable content is:
a) Genuine new content that expands the scope of the game, but requires further financial investment.
b) Unique content that takes advantage of a console's hardware or network infrastructure.
c) Stuff that they should've put on the original disc but ran out of time.
d) Stuff that they did have time to make but are making you download it to generate buzz.

[PSXBatou]

c) Stuff that they should've put on the original disc but ran out of time.


One wonders if this data will be on our BD based GTA games and not on the X360 ones due to DVD9's lack of space. So rather than issue a 3-4 disc game they decided to charge for it.

I doubt they will do anything to piss off the Playstation users.

[OmniStalgic]

One wonders if this data will be on our BD based GTA games and not on the X360 ones due to DVD9's lack of space. So rather than issue a 3-4 disc game they decided to charge for it.

I doubt they will do anything to piss off the Playstation users.I think they already have...both versions have been stated to be identical meaning there is no more game on PS3's Blu-ray disc than the DVD9...Unless those comments weren't officially from Rockstar.

[Viper]

One wonders if this data will be on our BD based GTA games and not on the X360 ones due to DVD9's lack of space. So rather than issue a 3-4 disc game they decided to charge for it.

I doubt they will do anything to piss off the Playstation users.

They said the content itself is exclusive, not the medium for distribution. This means it won't be on the PS3 disc.

[VideoGame mania]

Let's not forget GTA games moved at least 20 million ps2s last gen.
And you know what Sony said in one of the interviews ? GTA on ps3 is not important to us.
Shows how dumb the company really is.
Now take a look at this http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/GTAIVdcforPS3Owners
Pathetic isn't ? That's not PS3 owners job to beg for extra episodes and exclusive games.

Great strategic move for Microsoft IMO...
Just a bit more pressure on the shoulders of the 1st/2nd party PS3 developers; The fate of the PS3 could rest in their hands...
Agree MS has been smart from the start, but no matter what Sony is creating behind close doors it wont sell as many consoles as GTA4 exclusive to PS3. Read any forum MGS4, GTA4, Halo 3 are the biggest guns this year. I'm not sure if MGS4 wiil make it this year. What Sony has this year is Uncharted, I have been reading a lot of people's reactions, thus I've come to this conclusion.

[OmniStalgic]

Let's not forget GTA games moved at least 20 million ps2s last gen.
And you know what Sony said in one of the interviews ? GTA on ps3 is not important to us.
Shows how dumb the company really is.

Agree MS was smart from the start, but no matter what Sony is creating behind close doors it wont sell as many consoles as GTA4 exclusive to PS3.QFT!! I dunno what the hell Phil was thinking with this one. OK, so you did a lot of paying off 3rd parties in the past, now you can take it easy and work with first party more closely. That's find and dandy, in fact that's great! New IP's, bringing back classics like Warhawk and maybe Parappa the Rapper, I love it! But Ignore GTA4 timed exclusive:huh: Why??! When your last to the next-gen market with the steepest price tag and lowest installed user base?:rant: Why Ignore a GUARANTEED boost in hardware and software sells by getting this game exclusive for a measly 2-3 months?

OK...now here's the other side of the story.

Sony doesn't need to pay out 3rd party guys anymore, they've established a good brand name in Playstation by doing that strategy for 2 generations. Most 3rd party guys are on the Sony boat by default, only a few are holding there cards close because of Ps3's steep price and slower adoption rates compared to the competition. However, showing what PS3 can do firsthand will win over even the more stubborn and skeptic 3rd party developers and publishers, and show what's possible on PS3. PSEye, Little Big Planet, and Home are only a taste of establishing PS3 as the most powerful and robust console on the market. Sony will ultimately make there own exclusive "GTA" level game with varied, in-house software that's not capable on any other platform.

So which one is the truth? Is Sony as dumb as everyone thinks? Or smarter than anyone thinks?

[VideoGame mania]

Omni, why waste your time and money on your own GTA clone if you could have simply paid R* to do a better job for yourself. There is one more thing, GTA has reputation, even grandma knows what GTA is, Gateway has no recognition, quality and power to sell consoles whatsoever. It's a good thing that Sony is trying to make their own games, but ignoring Assassin, GTA, DMC4 deals isn't smart no matter how people and Sony spin it.

[OmniStalgic]

Omni, why waste your time and money on your own GTA clone if you could have simply paid R* to do a better job for yourself. There is one more thing, GTA has reputation, even grandma knows what GTA is, Gateway has no recognition, quality and power to sell consoles whatsoever. That's good that Sony is trying to make their own games, but ignoring Assassin, GTA, DMC4 deals isn't smart no matter how people spin it.I doubt Sony can do both at the same time though...Can't finance new IP's AND pay for exclusive not made by employee's under your circle of influence:huh:

But point taken, obviously you think the latter of my post up top is the wrong decision for Sony, let's see what some other users spit out;)

[Luis]

Gateway has no recognition, quality and power to sell consoles whatsoever.Wow, that's so wrong. It's no GTA, but you can spare the harsh words. I don't know about Black Monday and PSP's title (which was crappy), but the original one sold more than 3 million units. It's at least a more important series than Driver.

Is it me or are we right now in one of those familiar periods where no PS3 news only gives room to bad PS3 news and overblown criticism? Because I really feel the situation is like this lately. E3 can't arrive soon enough.

[VideoGame mania]

Is it me or are we right now in one of those familiar periods where no PS3 news only gives room to bad PS3 news and overblown criticism? Because I really feel the situation is like this lately. E3 can't arrive soon enough.
I think you have been reading GAF too much they've already spun it as Sony is doomed.
I can't wait for E3 either. Sony deserved all criticism it only makes them better as a company.
E3 05 was a great show, E3 06 horrible. maybe this year they will redeem again.

[Domination]

Omni, why waste your time and money on your own GTA clone if you could have simply paid R* to do a better job for yourself. There is one more thing, GTA has reputation, even grandma knows what GTA is, Gateway has no recognition, quality and power to sell consoles whatsoever. It's a good thing that Sony is trying to make their own games, but ignoring Assassin, GTA, DMC4 deals isn't smart no matter how people and Sony spin it.

As much as a third party port would help, what's the difference if it turns up on the oppositions platform later on or maybe with a sequel? There are trade-offs in just about every decision you make, but sometimes you have to bite the bit to benefit your own cause. In the case of Sony, they're still benefiting from the titles you listed above, but they just aren't taking advantage of the console. So remind me again why the 20 million will still be affected if they, too, are reaping some of that goodwill?

Moreover, by investing in your own titles gives you a greater chance of having more AAAs than if you were to try and rely on third party to do this for you. For instance, the exclusive content Sony secured for Spider-Man 3 ended up useless since the gameplay plunged altogether. So it was a waste of money despite how appetizing it appeared when they announced it.

[VideoGame mania]

As much as a third party port would help, what's the difference if it turns up on the oppositions platform later on or maybe with a sequel? There are trade-offs in just about every decision you make, but sometimes you have to bite the bit to benefit your own cause. In the case of Sony, they're still benefiting from the titles you listed above, but they just aren't taking advantage of the console. So remind me again why the 20 million will still be affected if they, too, are reaping some of that goodwill?

Moreover, by investing in your own titles gives you a greater chance of having more AAAs than if you were to try and rely on third party to do this for you. For instance, the exclusive content Sony secured for Spider-Man 3 ended up useless since the gameplay plunged altogether. So it was a waste of money despite how appetizing it appeared when they announced it.

Sony didn't pay $30 million for Spiderman like MS for GTAIV. And GTAs are AAA titles, Spiderman not.

[Domination]

Sony didn't pay $30 million for Spiderman like MS for GTAIV. And GTAs are AAA titles, Spiderman not.

And it's a good thing, too. But the fact that they paid for it, and allowed it to be free to the user at no extra cost was a total waste.

Microsoft has paid to have extra content, but YOU have to pay for it, still. The actual game was obviously too expensive for them the secure on their platform. So again, how is this nonbeneficial to Sony if users of the PlayStation are experiencing the free aspect of the game as well, and on time as the 360?

So gain, by them investing in their own content, they don't have to worry about costs on things so small, or a sequel possibly allowing a similar to equal deal turning up on another platform. If they get a AAA this time, the AAA will be theirs permanently and everything that goes with it. And since they have an enormous amount of projects on the way, either of them could easily be a AAA if not the majority.

[AC!D]

You guys see this as bad news for Sony but i see what Rockstar are doing as bad news for Rockstar cause if and this is a really big if the Getaway blows us (Media & gamers) away because its using a more powerful console, can add more content ( NPC's who you can interact with, indoor interactivity, more transportation methods, more dialogue with NPC's like Oblivion) because of Blu-ray, Stream better looking/bigger levels with the standard hard drive, have superior 7.1 audio ( music is essential for these games ) and most importantly team Sony gets good script writers for story/characters like Rockstar have then maybe Rockstar will be their own worst enemy because the have better competition this gen with the likes of Crackdown and Hopefully the getaway.

This could be possible that the getaway could get 1 up on GTA because i think they probably have the same budget for each respective game and the getaway has a longer development time period. Another reason also why GTA could be a flop is we know that Take 2 are having financial troubles and maybe this October launch is a couple of months 2 soon for what GTA devs would have liked to polish up their game. Rockstar has already come out making excuses about lack of hard drive and blue ray on MS console making me wonder are Rockstar making excuses for a rushed out game where their development resources are split between 2 consoles this soon???

Dont get me wrong guys i wan't GTA4 to be gr8 but as of late the little comments from the devs, the financial troubles Take Two are having and the in my opinion short development time frame for a tripple AAA game are making me worried about this game. It seams to me from hands on reports that this game is a more polished version of liberty city with a little more interactivity and more sexy cars. The don't report on anything next gen like what Uncharted and Assasins creed are doing.

In conclusion if team Sony do gr8,theGetaway with their big budget, longer development time and better console they could blow away the competition in the sandbox genre but i will always be a little apprehensive about this dev team cause they have never blown me away as of yet.

[Sephiroth_VII]

Please don't write stuff in L33T.

Other than that, good post.

[OmniStalgic]

I haven't seen anything from The Getaway in a while and it's past games weren't technically flawed like say Killzone was-it just wasn't that good...

It takes a lot more than graphics to get better reviews than GTa4, but the teaser did look very promising...

Just to clear up, I certainly wasn't saying the Getaway is the REASON Sony didn't get gTa4 exclusive or even a solution to that void. I was simply saying all of the exclusive content combined plus having GTa4 on both platforms is better than just having Gta4 exclusive for half a year...I think it will pay off at least.

In fact, I think LBP is gonna sell more copies than Halo next-year in 2008...(with a PS3 price-cut of course)

There-I said it!!=-o

[Rockmond]

Great strategic move for Microsoft IMO...
Just a bit more pressure on the shoulders of the 1st/2nd party PS3 developers; The fate of the PS3 could rest in their hands...

It already does...

This is gonna be the most intriguing fall/winter I think I've ever seen or ever will see.

Sony better pull a rabbit out their asses come E3.

[OmniStalgic]

It already does...

This is gonna be the most intriguing fall/winter I think I've ever seen or ever will see.

Sony better pull a rabbit out their asses come E3.lol...there's hope, they did that at GDC;)

[Rockmond]

lol...there's hope, they did that at GDC;)

Sony been doing good in terms of Gamers Day and GDC. (Uncharted=Teh Pwnage)

I'm saying they need to hit HARD at E32K7 (Which I'm sure they will).

[frosty]

Look kids, anyone who has been following this game at all should know that R* already said 360 gets new episodes, PS3 gets new levels which are added onto the mainland as new "islands". We've known this for well over a year now, so you are making a mountain out of a molehill VGM.




Microsoft could barely contain its glee at being able to confirm exclusive downloadable content for next year's Xbox 360 version of Grand Theft Auto IV - but PS3 fans need not fear, as it seems the Sony release is also firmly in line to receive its very own dazzling additions.

According to a source close to Rockstar North, the team is working on exclusive supplemental content for both systems, which will be made available for download via Microsoft and Sony's respective online services after the game's release next year.

In case you missed it, Microsoft revealed at X06 that Xbox 360 owners will get "exclusive access to two downloadable, epic episodes of GTA IV via Xbox Live, each with hours of entirely new gameplay and available only on Xbox 360 just months after the release of the title".
Advertisement

We're told to expect much the same deal on PS3, except unique to the platform. Interestingly, the downloadable content, our source maintains, will take the form of brand new areas which will link into the main GTAIV game world.

"Think of the world as a large island - the new downloadable areas will be like smaller islands linking into it," the source explained. (Which is a structural analogy, rather than a suggestion that the game is set on an island, we hasten to add.)

How many additional areas or episodes Rockstar is planning is anyone's guess at this juncture, but it seems the game is at least being structured to accommodate a number of expansive new content releases in the weeks and months after release, while also satisfying platform holder - and console owner - demand for exclusive material.

Though with 'exclusive' being a somewhat elastic term these days, especially where Grand Theft Auto is concerned, we wouldn't be remotely surprised if you end up playing 'exclusive' 360 episodes on your PS3, and vice versa. One thing's for sure - there's nothing more certain to piss off the fanboys than a level playing field.

No formal response from Rockstar at the time of writing. But, as ever, don't expect official word until they're good and ready.

Grand Theft Auto IV is scheduled to release on Xbox 360 and PS3 in the US on 16th October 2007, with Europe getting hold of it just three days later.


This came to be after E306, so you're over a year late with this.

[VideoGame mania]

Look kids, anyone who has been following this game at all should know that R* already said 360 gets new episodes, PS3 gets new levels which are added onto the mainland as new "islands". We've known this for well over a year now, so you are making a mountain out of a molehill VGM.



This came to be after E306, so you're over a year late with this.
:huh: I have been following GTAIV interviews and never heard what you just said. GI confirmed the game will be identical on both systems. What is your source ?

[Luis]

That's a Eurogamer article, but I guess it was never confirmed (nor denied).


:huh: I have been following GTAIV interviews and never heard what you just said. GI confirmed the game will be identical on both systems.We're talking about downloadable content.

[frosty]

This info came out immediately after MS started blowing it's trumpet about the episodic content last E3. It must have slipped under your radar or something.

[VideoGame mania]

This info came out immediately after MS started blowing it's trumpet about the episodic content last E3. It must have slipped under your radar or something.
Ok let's assume for now it's true/leaked
LA Noire was confirmed as PS3 exclusive a few days ago now it's not, times change.
Why now should I/we believe what was said about GTAIV PS3 version after E3 ?
I'm gonna wait till E3 for R* to clean the mess around here. Now it's pure speculations after you entered the topic. I don't mind extra content but with all misinformation flying back and forth it's irritating for GTA fans.

[Diresu]

Ok let's assume for now it's true/leaked
LA Noire was confirmed as PS3 exclusive a few days ago now it's not, times change.
Why now should I/we believe what was said after E3 ?

LA Noire was never confirmed by R*. It was just listed only for ps3 but they themselves never said it was. Infact, i remember hearing LA noire was going to both right after the first trailer came out.

[Fredag]

I'm not sure I want extra levels. GTA tends to be hard to complete for me, never seen the ending in 3, VC or SA. Still it's fun to play around, but I can't be bothered with massive collection of oysters for example. Gets very boring for me.
I'm very exited about getting GTA4 on PS3, and I will try harder to get to the end this time, but I will probably not pay for any extra content by 2008!

I'd rather spend money on The Getaway by then, and I hope Sony does to. It makes sense that Sony's internal studios gets what they need first, so their exclusives will be "the best games possible for you to enjoy" -Tretton

[BruceWayneIII]

LA Noire was never confirmed by R*. It was just listed only for ps3 but they themselves never said it was. Infact, i remember hearing LA noire was going to both right after the first trailer came out.

Exactly - that's why I don't understand the whole exclusivity debate - apart from being the usual recurring topic in the world of games.

[Diresu]

Exactly - that's why I don't understand the whole exclusivity debate - apart from being the usual recurring topic in the world of games.

Yea just about. Seems like its a new game on a daily basis having its exclusivity debated. This is one of the reasons I almost want sony to go 100% first / second party. No debate.

[Z]

funny thing is, they never announced it as exclusive to begin with. even the trailer didn't have a system logo-iirc.

in any case, this is not even on my radar till I see more of it. that and I hat games based in the 60's and further back. I won't touch them with a 7ft. pole.

[SToRM666]

It's a 2004 article
Either MS is giving serious money hats or devs looking at ps3 sales and dont care for the platform exclusivity.

Well, it seems you're right with your first assumption:


Microsoft paid $50 million for GTA IV Downloadable Content (http://www.n4g.com/industrynews/News-45968.aspx)

"The first 25 million is for the first episodic content package that ’s supposed to go out and that is in March of ’08. That’s why it moved into current because it’s in the next 12 months. The second 25 will be for the second episodic, the episode, and that will be later in fiscal ’08."

[VideoGame mania]

Well, it seems you're right with your first assumption:

I'm not surprised, I'm sure that's enough to hold R* from making anything exclusive for PS3.
MS aint joking this gen, I have a hunch they tried same trick with FFXIII and MGS4.
In one interview with Peter Moore, he said we tried to "communicate" with some japanese devs, but their loyalty to their people was stronger.

funny thing is, they never announced it as exclusive to begin with. even the trailer didn't have a system logo-iirc.
I know but I was hoping PS3 users would get a piece of cake too.
I'm not disappointed, I'll buy PS3 version anyway, I have no time or desire to complete all side missions %100 and pay on top of $60.

[Segitz]

Holy shite... $5000k ... they could have done 2 GTAs for that money themselves (remember, KZ PS3 will cost Sony "measly" $2000k)... Ok, then it wont be GTA4 or whatever, but thats serious money there.

[Viper]

Just read that report. The content will definitely be exclusive now. $50 million....ouch.

[False_Messiah]

omg, microsoft is playing serious. E3 will be interesting.

[Domination]

I'm not surprised, I'm sure that's enough to hold R* from making anything exclusive for PS3.


I know but I was hoping PS3 users would get a piece of cake too.

But look at what they were only able to accomplish by shelling out so much money for it. The game is still being developed on another platform with identical launch dates. With a third of that, let alone half, you could build your own AAA title and have everything permanently exclusive to you. It's a gamble, but atleast you know what you're getting.

Now when the next GTA rolls around, they will likely have to be just as aggressive if they want to keep that exclusive content. They are basically gambling with dated titles for the price of new, exclusive ones.

[Luis]

That's so much money for a expansion that I doubt it will be profitable.

[Viper]

That's so much money for a expansion that I doubt it will be profitable.

Directly, hell no. Indirectly, hell yes. Think of the Live accounts they'll get and the domino effect of having GTAIV with exclusive content does for your future install base and developer pool. The investment is being used more as a catalyst for the future than as a direct impact for revenue from the game itself.

[VideoGame mania]

That's so much money for a expansion that I doubt it will be profitable.

Well, what if one episode as long as Shivering Isles ?
$30 per eps. They will get $7 to themselves and promote LIVE this way, online is money.
MS will kill 3 birds with one stone, more LIVE accounts, console sales, content sales.

[Luis]

Well, that makes more sense... as long as they don't do that with all of the episodic content. How much could they possibly afford to spend on downloadable episodic content relying only on indirect revenue?


Well, what if one episode as long as Shivering Isles ?
$30 per eps. They will get $7 to themselves and promote LIVE this way, online is money.At $30 each episode, they'll need around 840K purchases only to break even (assuming all $30 went back to them, and they don't), and at least a million to start being profitable. How many purchases did SI produce? And if they only got $7 for it, they'd need 4 million purchases to make a profit, and that definately won't happen.

[ddaryl]

omg, microsoft is playing serious. E3 will be interesting.



now will gamers alllow them to win by letting them buy their allegiance ?

[Sephiroth_VII]

the first episodic content package that ’s supposed to go out and that is in March of ’08

Most GTA players I know won't be playing GTA come that time, and they'll definitely be finished in late '08. Only hardcore gamers will take advantage of this, I think.

[False_Messiah]

now will gamers alllow them to win by letting them buy their allegiance ?

dunno. But E3 will clarify a lot of things about exclusivities.

[Domination]

Well, what if one episode as long as Shivering Isles ?
$30 per eps. They will get $7 to themselves and promote LIVE this way, online is money.
MS will kill 3 birds with one stone, more LIVE accounts, console sales, content sales.

It's a similar strategy with Sony. To give you an example, when you look at Live Arcade, you see a plethora of retro games that you could easily experience elsewhere. Now although these titles can draw attention to those familiar with them, how long will it hold their attention before they realize that it's just the same ol' tried experience they've had before is the question. In GTA's case, it's a different day with the same concept.

But by approaching online with something entirely new to the user, you open up different doors. It might not catch their eye as instantly as a retro title would, but when it does, it will become just as popular while retaining that users interest. From there is where it'll become a hot topic to those wondering about all the talk around it.

[Z]

Most GTA players I know won't be playing GTA come that time, and they'll definitely be finished in late '08. Only hardcore gamers will take advantage of this, I think.
doesn't really matter when you get the game since the content won't go anywhere.


Just read that report. The content will definitely be exclusive now. $50 million....ouch.
okay, there has to be something off with the number. it just cannot be that high even for the bat-crazy MS guys! all of Sony's high profile AAA projects are less than that, AFAIK. Killzone, HS and others are around $30 mil. I don't think even Halo 3 will cost that much to make. paying that much simply for added 'anything' to an existing, multiplatform game (no less) is beyond reason.

I will take the news that MS did purchase rights to exclusive content. them securing such a move tells me that:
- the content will be worth something. so it isn't just a trivial thing.
- it will stay exclusive for good.

I reiterate, the amount is out of the question. think about exclusives like Shadowrun, Blue Dragon, Mass Effect, etc. and think of the combined revenue, marketing and attraction they will generate vs some exclusive levels/expansion, etc. for a multiplatform game. you can probably get two or three titles like those for $50 mil. it just doesn't add up.

[Viper]

REad the actual report, Z. It took me a while to get to the part but it basically points out that as a form of deferred revenue for Rockstar or Take 2 that MS will be paying $25 million for the first episode and another $25 for the second one.


EDIT: That's one expensive ass tattoo on Peter Moore's arm.

[OmniStalgic]

Goddamn MS is buying the freakin' industry...

Monopoly on OS...
Next is Monopoly on Gaming industry:huh:

I'm NOT GONna LET IT HaPPEN DaMMIT!!!!!:rant:

I abandon you M$!!!:nono:

lol..seriously, is this what we really wanted Sony to do just to make GTa4 exclusive? I'd much rather see the new IP's. However, Sony needs a few snatch ups to dominate the industry. Right now I only see a few potential mass media titles LBP, Singstar, Killzone, MGS4, FF13, Versus, and GT5...

MORE SONY!! MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[VideoGame mania]

Goddamn MS is buying the freakin' industry...

Monopoly on OS...
Next is Monopoly on Gaming industry:huh:

I'm NOT GONna LET IT HaPPEN DaMMIT!!!!!:rant:

I abandon you M$!!!:nono:

lol..seriously, is this what we really wanted Sony to do just to make GTa4 exclusive? I'd much rather see the new IP's. However, Sony needs a few snatch ups to dominate the industry. Right now I only see a few potential mass media titles LBP, Singstar, Killzone, MGS4, FF13, Versus, and GT5...

MORE SONY!! MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL at smilies, MS would have bought any game from Sony if some Japanese devs weren't loyal to Sony.
I think they didnt care how much they spent on GTAIV as long as they outsell PS3. But now they probably regret it, they've outselling ps3 anyways.

[Fredag]

Why don't MS spend that money on fixing the hardware instead of a multiplat?

Now I really hope that The Getaway steels the thunder away from GTA4. "You can't buy friends" my mom told me a long time ago. I can't support MS at all after this. IF The Getaway looks better by E3 2007, I might skip GTA4...

[Z]

even though that will be payed non-directly, the sum is still mind boggling. seriously, how much could GTA4 even cost? with T2's financial status, I bet they could have just bought the whole IP and got on with it.
this almost reminds me of the stupidity of the Rare move- I said almost.


I abandon you M$!!!:nono:



can I have your Vista copy?

[OmniStalgic]

^LINUX FTW!!! I've already abandoned that part of MS:laugh: MAUAHAHHAHAAHAHAHAH

[Rockmond]

Sony better pull a rabbit out their asses come E3.

Agrees.

[woundingchaney]

Agrees.

Did you just quote yourself and then agree with your original statement???

Im not sure, but something about this just doesnt seem to sit well with proper posting procedure in internet land. :)

[OmniStalgic]

:laugh: I thought it was quite hilarious..

[woundingchaney]

so did I :)

but Im not overly sure about the delivery

[Rockmond]

Did you just quote yourself and then agree with your original statement???

Im not sure, but something about this just doesnt seem to sit well with proper posting procedure in internet land. :)

Yup.

[Z]

to add to my last post, look at what SOny is doing in terms of new IP and services.


Agrees.
are you retarded? oh, and I guess it is obvious you have no idea what Sony is doing. better keep away from their presentations this E3 if you want to keep your image of them.

[Rockmond]

to add to my last post, look at what SOny is doing in terms of new IP and services.


are you retarded? oh, and I guess it is obvious you have no idea what Sony is doing. better keep away from their presentations this E3 if you want to keep your image of them.

Relax man...We all know PS3 situation is gonna improve and Sony's gonna do great at E3...No need for namecalling.

[Luis]

At this point, I think it's clear enough nothing but bad feelings can come out of this thread.

[Z]

Relax man...We all know PS3 situation is gonna improve and Sony's gonna do great at E3...No need for namecalling.

I am not talking about that at all. I thought I showed that by saying "oh, and..".
what I was referring to is you quoting yourself and agreeing with it....you do realize this is not the MadHouse. or is it your sense of humar that I missed?

as for Sony, we know from the official poll that 100% of all participants think it is "So Awesome" (http://forums.e-mpire.com/showthread.php?t=74384&page=3).

[Viper]

LMOA. The quoting incident is hilarious. At least he agreed with himself. Imagine had he called himself a troll or idiot or something.

[Diresu]

Jeez thats some big moolah just to get the episodes. If thats the price R* wanted for it...then I am glad Sony didn't go for it. Can fund 2 new IP's with a decent budget for that kind of cash.

[Viper]

Agreed. $50 million is overkill for just 2 episodes.

I question what is even considered an 'episode'. Is it simply a new mission, new area? I mean how deep can this really be in terms of extending gameplay?

[Diresu]

Agreed. $50 million is overkill for just 2 episodes.

I question what is even considered an 'episode'. Is it simply a new mission, new area? I mean how deep can this really be in terms of extending gameplay?

I would think it would be a new mission chain. Thats what I am thinkin at least. Even if its a new area with missions...thats still 50 mil. Hardly seems worth it.

[Viper]

Something else to consider. How much developer resources will this consume? Say will it postpone the next GTA by a year because they've been working on X360 content? Or other titles the team could be working on instead.

[Diresu]

Something else to consider. How much developer resources will this consume? Say will it postpone the next GTA by a year because they've been working on X360 content? Or other titles the team could be working on instead.

Hm, I wouldn't think so because no matter how you look at it, a new gta game is going to bring in a lot more then 50 mil, so I don't think Rockstar would take the chance. I wouldn't be surprised if this content is already made when GTA launches and is just going to be released at set intervals. Either that or a very small team is dedicated to making that content. Its not going to be an expension or anything so I doubt they would devote a lot of resources to this.

[OmniStalgic]

Didn't a new GTa come out like every year? I hope the same doesn't happen because of this?
We really need to find out the extent of these episodes.

[LiquidEagle]

I think they already have...both versions have been stated to be identical meaning there is no more game on PS3's Blu-ray disc than the DVD9...Unless those comments weren't officially from Rockstar.

Regarding GTA IV, I'm not so worried anymore. The game sounds amazing, and I think the June 28th trailer will really show the potential this game has. Rockstar North has always made for Sony systems first with GTA and they know how to use the hardware, so I'm pretty optimistic they still will for GTA IV.

[Z]

Its not going to be an expension or anything so I doubt they would devote a lot of resources to this.
if I'm paying the sum of $50 mil. I'll damn better make sure I get something worth my money. I expect the added content to be exactly like an expansion. maybe even a whole part of the city.

Rockstar North has always made for Sony systems first with GTA and they know how to use the hardware, so I'm pretty optimistic they still will for GTA IV.
"this time, things will be different".
there is a reason why overall X2 is the main platform target and I expect that to continue for a long while.

[Diresu]

if I'm paying the sum of $50 mil. I'll damn better make sure I get something worth my money. I expect the added content to be exactly like an expansion. maybe even a whole part of the city.


Microsoft is well known to throw bags of money at anything so that doesn't mean a thing. Knowing them, they would pay 50 mil for Xbox exclusive paintjobs on cars.

[Z]

*suddenly feels the urge to apply for a job at MS*

[Viper]

Microsoft is well known to throw bags of money at anything so that doesn't mean a thing. Knowing them, they would pay 50 mil for Xbox exclusive paintjobs on cars.

True to a degree but we've never known how much, if any, they've actually payed out for anything. If this is how they've been operating for the past 6 years no frikkin wonder the Xbox project is $5 billion in the red.

[Diresu]

True to a degree but we've never known how much, if any, they've actually payed out for anything. If this is how they've been operating for the past 6 years no frikkin wonder the Xbox project is $5 billion in the red.

I am fairly sure it is. They came into the business with a typical microsoft mindset. Buy everything out. That backfired and Sony did not go out as easy as they hoped, neither did Nintendo. And again this gen I think they are making the same mistake by focusing solely on 3rd party. 3rd parties in the days of ps2 and ps1 are way different then this gen. Everything is going toward third parties only doing multiplatform titles. When this happens fully, MS will be at a bad spot with nothing to fall back on. While Nintendo and Sony might not have as much dev resources as all 3rd parties do...they have enough to be self sufficient. The fact that ms has to pay such outragous sums of money for additional content is proof in itself.

[Segitz]

You need to know, that none beside guys like us know, that MS moneyhatted R* into exclusive DLC.

I mean, just ask people who would buy a "next-gen" console for GTA4, what console they would choose. Do they even know there is a 360 version coming w/o delay? Do they know that the episodic content is 360 only?

I do not think so. And I can already see MS faceplating with this move. I mean $50mil is nothing to laugh at. This content either must be freaking expensive (Shivering Islands anyone) or they bank on something different. MS definately did the math, they are a big company after all with many people who know this stuff by heart. Maybe, they "bought" the content, meaning R* will do it, but it's MS' content, meaning they get 100% of all profit coming from the DLC. But even at $30 per dl, they would need to sell 2mil units (at $25 profit, which would be a very high number considering they have to pay bandwidth and all that). And this is only to break even... Profit is another factor with shareholder companys. Will they be able to pull this off? I think, they can, but the risk involved is huge.


So, does the exclusive dlc really hurt Sony, which is (I think) MS' greatest goal? I dont think so, since Sony also gets GTA4 themselves.

MS would need a hell of an ad campain to make the customers know, THEY are the ones with the exclusive DLC (which again adds major costs to the calculation, hence more sales needed to break even), while Sony gets only the short end of the stick.

We all know, the GTA franchise is one (if not the) major game franchises of the last generation (on Sony consoles at least and mostly in the US as seen in Z's (iirc) game sales thread). But even those ~7mil sales do not make or break a console war at all, its the Wii approach to broaden your customers base (aka Buzz, Singstar, Eyetoy etc.), in which MS is yet to make its move. GTA4 is a hardcore gamers game, not one that shifts millions of units per iteration (I dont think VC and SA shifted many more consoles after GTA3 hit, even if the sales were better).

[LiquidEagle]

$50 Million??? That's so GOD DAMN much money. From that figure alone it's obvious that MS is putting a ton of money at 3rd parties just to make them exclusive (which has various meanings), when you'll see Sony (especially in the past couple years) and Nintendo putting that towards much healthier and productive studios and IPs internally. Like somebody else said (it's on a different page and I don't feel like going back to look at it :-p), that could easily fund two new IPs. I mean, reports list WoW (which is big big budget) as costing $85 million, and look how big of a project that was. $50 million could make so much other stuff rather than (as Viper said) what, some extra missions or booster packs? Once I've got GTA IV and I've got Liberty City to roam in and go nuts in, I don't need extra episodes -- they just better give the PS3 version a solid ending that isn't begging for this content it'll supposedly never get. That would be fucked up IMO.

[Viper]

MUST READ

OK, it's been clarified what this really is. It's similar to a book advance whereby a publisher pays an advance to an author to write a book. MS is confident the revenue generated online from the extra content will exceed $50 million that it has advanced the funds to Take 2. If revenue does not exceed the $50 million mark, Take 2 must pay back the difference.

This isn't just an outright pay for exclusive content deal.



More details here:
http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6023&Itemid=2

[Luis]

They'd have to pay them back? Wow. At least they wouldn't ask for additional money in case the revenue doesn't exceed, but...

Let's say an episode costs $25M. They manage to obtain $12M in revenue (does it matter whether or not MS will only get about 1/4th of what they'd charge for the downloadable content?), so they have to give them $13M back. But let's say the development and marketing costed $5M. Would Take 2 effectively lose $6M or what?

EDIT: I just read the article. They expect to earn $70M on downloadable content alone? Uh oh.

[Viper]

If they can gain $70 million, $50 million is a worthy investment. Suddenly this stupid move doesn't sound so stupid anymore.

[Diresu]

If they can gain $70 million, $50 million is a worthy investment. Suddenly this stupid move doesn't sound so stupid anymore.

Man now that makes me wonder how much they gonna charge per episode.

[Epix]

Man now that makes me wonder how much they gonna charge per episode.I'm guessing $25 per episode.

[woundingchaney]

I'm guessing $25 per episode.

Im estimating about 30 usd.

[Diresu]

I'm guessing $25 per episode.

Wow if thats the case, I would rather not have the extra content.

[Viper]

Since both episodes will mostly be bought by the same people, let's break it down this way.

We'll say 4 million units sold. So we have a base of 4 million. To get $75 million if all 4 million were to buy both episodes, they'd have to cost about $10.00 each. If we assume only half of the people will buy both, then it's just under $20.00 each.

So $15.00 a piece would probably be a good middle ground with a 75% install base to content download ratio.

[woundingchaney]

Since both episodes will mostly be bought by the same people, let's break it down this way.

We'll say 4 million units sold. So we have a base of 4 million. To get $75 million if all 4 million were to buy both episodes, they'd have to cost about $10.00 each. If we assume only half of the people will buy both, then it's just under $20.00 each.

So $15.00 a piece would probably be a good middle ground with a 75% install base to content download ratio.

Too low given the market for high profile content such as this.

The tag of GTA on the content itself will/should garner at a minimum of 20 usd per download and most likely be higher than that given the brand name and other comparable episodic content download available. The 70/30 split would also suggest a higher rate per download as well.
(not to mention that MS has a tendency to charge healthy on content such as this)

With the time frame associated upon release of the content in regards to the release of the game one would expect a well rounded addition to the title.

[Diresu]

Since both episodes will mostly be bought by the same people, let's break it down this way.

We'll say 4 million units sold. So we have a base of 4 million. To get $75 million if all 4 million were to buy both episodes, they'd have to cost about $10.00 each. If we assume only half of the people will buy both, then it's just under $20.00 each.

So $15.00 a piece would probably be a good middle ground with a 75% install base to content download ratio.

15 wouldn't be to bad, depending on what you get.

[BahnNZ]

It's quite bad enough paying $60 for a game sir, $100, $120 or more is just too much...

I paid $5 for my copy of San Andreas, don't you love ebay...

[frosty]

I still see nothing that says PS3 will get no DLC at all, only no episodic content.

[Viper]

I still see nothing that says PS3 will get no DLC at all, only no episodic content.

DLC in terms of what? Given that MS is paying a $50 million advance for content, how do suspect Sony will get DLC for free? I don't care what relationship Take 2 and Sony have, you don't accept a $50 million advance from company B and give company A something similar for free. That's opening the doors to lots of legal problems.

If you are thinking in lines of new cars, clothes, guns, or something else simple, then sure that's possible but actual game content....I don't see that happening at all now.

[woundingchaney]

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?op...023&Ite mid=2


UPDATE 2 - Microsoft paid a reported $50 million advance to secure exclusive Grand Theft Auto IV downloadable content for Xbox 360. Next-Gen spoke with Microsoft and analyst Michael Pachter about the deal.

Stock analysis site Seeking Alpha reports (via NeoGaf) that that Microsoft will be forking over a a $50 million advance to GTA IV publisher Take-Two in order to secure exclusive GTA IV downloadable content.

Speaking to Evan Wilson of Pacific Crest Securities, newly-appointed Take-Two CFO Laine Goldstein said in a recent earnings call that the first batch of downloadable content should be available in March 2008 followed by another episodic download later in the year.

“The first $25 million is for the first episodic content package that’s supposed to go out and that is in March of ’08. That’s why it moved into current because it’s in the next 12 months. The second $25 million will be for the second episode, and that will be later in fiscal ’08,” Goldstein said.

Goldstein was addressing Wilson's question regarding the "deferred revenue chunk" (i.e. the money Microsoft paid Take-Two in advance) as it relates to GTA IV's downloadable content.

Next-Gen contacted Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter, who further explained the deal. "What Microsoft did was pay a $50 million advance," he said, much in the same way a big-name author receives a payment in advance of his or her next book.

In other words, he said, the $50 million is not a fee that Microsoft paid Take-Two solely to secure the rights for the content. Rather, Microsoft is confident that Take-Two's portion of the revenue generated by GTA IV content downloads will surpass the $50 million advance paid.

"Microsoft basically said that it's happy to pay [Take-Two] in advance $50 million in revenue that [Take-Two] is going to receive from GTA IV downloads," he said.

Microsoft takes about a 30 percent cut from Xbox Live Marketplace content sales, according to Pachter.

Taking that 70/30 split (publisher/Microsoft) and the $50 million advance into account, Microsoft is apparently confident that GTA IV download revenues over Xbox Live will be at least $70 million.

If revenues don't meet that figure, Take-Two will have to return some of the advance, according to Pachter. But he said that there's no reason to believe Take-Two would actually miss that revenue target.

He also stated, "By giving this advance, Microsoft did extract from Take-Two the promise to make [GTA IV content] exclusive. But there will not be any downloadable content for PS3, at least for some time. My guess is at least for a year."

Next-Gen also contacted Microsoft for comment regarding the exclusivity deal, but the firm opted not to confirm the terms of the deal. "The quality, depth and breadth of our Xbox 360 portfolio is a testament to the great relationships we’ve established over the years with our third-party partners," read a prepared statement from Microsoft. "Just as we recognize how important their video game titles are to driving an unrivaled gaming experience on the Xbox 360, they recognize the immense value of having their titles on our platform. Xbox 360 is easy to develop on, we have the largest online social network on television with Live and we’re in more homes than any other next generation console in the world.

"At the end of the day, our third-party publishers own their IPs and ultimately decide where they’re going to take their franchises, and we’re thrilled that they’ve made the choice to build for the Xbox 360. Microsoft does not comment on business arrangements with our partners."

Calls to Take-Two were not immediately returned as of press time.

Clarification of the deal.

[Diresu]

DLC in terms of what? Given that MS is paying a $50 million advance for content, how do suspect Sony will get DLC for free? I don't care what relationship Take 2 and Sony have, you don't accept a $50 million advance from company B and give company A something similar for free. That's opening the doors to lots of legal problems.

If you are thinking in lines of new cars, clothes, guns, or something else simple, then sure that's possible but actual game content....I don't see that happening at all now.

This is what I think will happen actually. What I think they SHOULD do for ps3 is have a way to do user generated content.

[Luis]

I think it's time to move this thread from the PS3 section to general gaming.

[Viper]

This is what I think will happen actually. What I think they SHOULD do for ps3 is have a way to do user generated content.

That's been something Sony has touted a lot of about as being a part of the PS3 so that's very possible too. User created items, that could be sold to other users for points or something would be cool.

[Diresu]

That's been something Sony has touted a lot of about as being a part of the PS3 so that's very possible too. User created items, that could be sold to other users for points or something would be cool.

Yea and to be honest I see a lot more posibilities that way as well. Sell them through home or what not. Also, this exclusivity deal doesn't cover that area either so I see this as a very real possibility.

[Viper]

Home Shops. User created stores with their own content for download for a fee. Good content creators could eventually get funded by the publishers or simply get paid via ads in their shops.

[Segitz]

DLC in terms of what? Given that MS is paying a $50 million advance for content, how do suspect Sony will get DLC for free? I don't care what relationship Take 2 and Sony have, you don't accept a $50 million advance from company B and give company A something similar for free. That's opening the doors to lots of legal problems.

If you are thinking in lines of new cars, clothes, guns, or something else simple, then sure that's possible but actual game content....I don't see that happening at all now.

I think you misunderstood him, at least I think so...

Mainly, MS paid for the exclusivity of the content, no the content itself (which would else have been bound to both consoles, if at all). So if R* makes content, why shouldnt they embrace the possibility and release stuff for the PS3, where they themselves can earn money by it (w/o the middle man aka MS on the 360, sort of)

They dont "give" it to the PS3 for free, that would be a free PSN dl. They would still charge money for it.


But, as we dont know, what the exclusivity of this contract encompasses, we cant tell, if R* is allowed to release stuff on PSN. Maybe the MS contracts forbids this. But if not, why shouldnt they release stuff, as they are already doing stuff for the 360. The cant release the same content, yet if the 360 content has a new "map", then they should be able to do their own episode for the PSN (again, if MS' contract allows for this)

EDIT:

Just read the n4g stuff...


Next-Gen also contacted Microsoft for comment regarding the exclusivity deal, but the firm opted not to confirm the terms of the deal. "The quality, depth and breadth of our Xbox 360 portfolio is a testament to the great relationships we’ve established over the years with our third-party partners," read a prepared statement from Microsoft. "Just as we recognize how important their video game titles are to driving an unrivaled gaming experience on the Xbox 360, they recognize the immense value of having their titles on our platform. Xbox 360 is easy to develop on, we have the largest online social network on television with Live and we’re in more homes than any other next generation console in the world.


W T F ???

Moneyhatting now equals "quality, depth and breadth of their "portfolio"?? Man, this is BAD. "They recognize the value of having titles on the 360"??? WHAT?

MS: Hey, I give you $50mil for dlc...
R*: OK
MS: Our portfolio made you do it...

Man... If this is what MS is doing all the time with exclusives, I am GLAD they are gone (at least the exclusivity). This is BAD practice imho!

[woundingchaney]

Article state no down loadable content via PSN regardless (which Im sure is something that MS would have covered in the initial contract agreement), given the large monetary amount being forwarded does seem likely. Time limitation of the content may be a very likely as along the lines of a limited exclusivity following the last episodic release (thus allowing T2 to increase returns on the content on a net basis).

User created content may be likely as it could be a definite gray area on the matter.



And seeing as how we have completely moved from a PS3 based discussion we are going to general gaming.




W T F ???

Moneyhatting now equals "quality, depth and breadth of their "portfolio"?? Man, this is BAD. "They recognize the value of having titles on the 360"??? WHAT?

MS: Hey, I give you $50mil for dlc...
R*: OK
MS: Our portfolio made you do it...

Man... If this is what MS is doing all the time with exclusives, I am GLAD they are gone (at least the exclusivity). This is BAD practice imho!

Regardless how one may or may not feel about MS on the matter this is one of the best business moves found in the industry as of late. It is essentially a win/win scenario for MS, "money hatting" is commonplace within the industry (paying for exclusivity happens very frequently) and there is no "made" anyone do this associated with the deal. Sony shouldnt have passed up the opportunity if indeed they were given the chance.

[Viper]

Segitz, did you read my post on the previous page? They aren't flat out paying $50 million for content. It's an advance of deferred revenue. It's a common business deal that simply guarantees revenue based on a predicted revenue later on. Think of it like a loan of sorts but not exactly. Basically put they aren't paying that money just to have the content. if they did this with all their exclusives, it's actually a very shrewd and profitable business move.

[curryking1]

Who cares what the PR says, really, there's no point in attacking the PR. I don't care what they are saying, them saying the portfolio is big.

The fact of the matter is Microsoft, through whatever means, got it. That's the only thing that matters, the result.

[Stelio]

Has it ever occurred to anyone that the 360 is getting exclusive episodic content because it can't fit them all on one disc?

It doesn't even mention that it won't already be on a ps3 bluray disc. As a matter of fact, all that would mean is more money for R*. It's not a big deal fellas. Even if it was...stop crying.

Let the games come cause I haven't played my ps3 in months!

[woundingchaney]

Has it ever occurred to anyone that the 360 is getting exclusive episodic content because it can't fit them all on one disc?

It doesn't even mention that it won't already be on a ps3 bluray disc. As a matter of fact, all that would mean is more money for R*. It's not a big deal fellas. Even if it was...stop crying.

Let the games come cause I haven't played my ps3 in months!

Well outside of the content being exclusive and numerous statements from R* regarding both games to have the same content upon initial release this theory is likely invalid.

[Viper]

Stelio, you might want to actually go back and read the posts before posting as everything you said has been covered at least once.

[Z]

Taking that 70/30 split (publisher/Microsoft) and the $50 million advance into account, Microsoft is apparently confident that GTA IV download revenues over Xbox Live will be at least $70 million.

interesting. I always wanted to know how much MS actually made from the price of a LIVE purchase.

He also stated, "By giving this advance, Microsoft did extract from Take-Two the promise to make [GTA IV content] exclusive. But there will not be any downloadable content for PS3, at least for some time. My guess is at least for a year."

[curryking1]

I don't get this.

Why would you pay 50 million for DLC content being exclusive?

Seriously, why, I don't understand it. Who the hell is going to care about this? You probably won like a good many thousand customers only for this, the people on the internet.

How is average Joe man going to know about the difference, seriously? If I wasn't on the internet the only thing I would know is that GTA IV is eventually coming out, none of this 'exclusive DLC' bullcrap. I wouldn't even know what DLC is or even be worried about using this internet for my games to download more garbage. I'm even on the internet and I wouldn't even download it if it wasn't free.

I think MS would've made a finer buck not doing this and just charging for their own DLC content on their system, and hey... Honestly I think they just paid 50 million dollars for about a few thousand customers. I don't really get that.

Maybe that 50 million can go towards a new IP instead of some 'exclusive episodes' of a franchise that has already achieved it's maximum sales potential because everyone buys it regardless?

I think I'm just really confused with everyone's strategy but Nintendo's. Why on earth is this war being fought on the internet? Why? Really, why? Sony, the market doesn't only exist on the internet, come on, get your act together! Playstation blog?! I know it's good for us forum goers, but I want to see some frontline action! The internet is not the freaking frontline! Holidays you better be smoking up the streets otherwise I'm gonna be pissed! Let MS keep 'annexing' the internet kids, follow the Wii and show the real market where the gaming really is. I saw a Wii ad like 4 times in one Sunday. Do that idiots!

[Viper]

Curry, you need to go back and read starting at my post that says READ THIS in bold letters. It clarifies the whole issue.

[curryking1]

Uh, what? Didn't you agree with me that 50 million is overkill for two episodes of material? Did you read my post?

I'm quite aware paying 50 million dollars for 60 million in revenue makes profit. Part of what I said was that 60 million in revenue alone is more profit though. And I'm quite understanding the terms of the deal. If the revenue is below 50 million, MS makes nothing off the exclusive DLC. If they make above 50 million, MS makes the revenue minus 50 million, I get it. Read my post.

I honestly always get the impression that you think I'm an idiot when you reply to my posts, it's really frustrating.

[Viper]

You missed the part where Take 2 pays the money back if they don't get $50 million in revenue. I'm not trying to give the impression i feel that you're an idiot just simply that you missed a very important part of the deferred revenue payment.

Say MS only makes $30 million from the episodes, Take 2 must pay back the remainder from the $50 million...$20 million.

MS loses nothing and gains a lot of good press, revenue and support by doing this.

[curryking1]

Yes, I saw the part where they pay the difference. Meaning MS is not making money off the DLC until it passes the 50 million mark in sales.

If MS only sells 30 million DLC, MS gets paid back the 20 million, but they still made nothing because they paid 50 million in the first place.

Trust me, I get it.

I'm only disputing the idea that 'gaming press' even matters. If I asked someone what DLC was that I knew played at least some games like GTA and whatnot, they'd look at me like I'm retarded or something, I know it lol.

I'm still under the impression that press and internet fame = nothing for videogames. A shelf wall of games and Wii kind of publicity on TV = something to me.

That's why I think it was a waste of 50 million dollars, or less than 50 million dollars.