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Zones on 14 July 2008
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Words Of Wisdom said:

Nippon Ichi is too much of a niche developer.  Unless Sony decided to force them to make a more "mainstream" style game, Sony wouldn't get a decent return.

Tri-Ace isn't even making a game for the PS3 AFAIK.  It's all on the 360.

Media.Vision only really has Wild ARMs going for it though it could easily create new IPs with its fairly talented devs.  Still, low return rate.

Level 5 has an even shorter list of accomplishments than the above developers and I'm very skeptical of WKC.  There are good odds that game will turn out pretty poor.  As it stands it looks like a fantasy version of Power Rangers (Quick, someone call the White Knight-zord!).

I like what all of these developers are putting out but with the exception of maybe a couple titles, they're not putting out blockbusters.   If Sony buys any of them (except Level 5), they'll have to refocus the developers away from the series I like to some new IPs so really it may be a win for Sony but a loss for us--the gamers.

 

Tri-Ace's games are published by SE, so the reason why their games are developed for 360 reflects Microsoft's deals with SE. If FFXIII can go multiplatform, it wouldn't be difficult to release Star Ocean 4 on the PS3 as well.

I am talking about long-term strategy here. The effects of such acquisition may not be fruitful for at least a couple of years.

Akihiro Hino is one of the top 5 favorite game makers in Japan, probably due to his contribution to DQVIII. But what we have seen from Level-5 so far is that, unlike most RPG developers, they are capable of incorporating new elements into RPG games. The company is expanding as well, which makes it a more attractive choice. It's also crucial for Sony to expand the studio.

Nautilus would've been a great choice. Unfortunately it was dissolved and most of its members are working at Feelplus now.

Of course Sony could created their own RPG internal studio and recruit developers, but having a strong base from acquiring a company like Level-5, which they enjoy a good relationship with, would be ideal.