| whatever said: People are actually mad at Sony for NOT paying off 3rd parties? Its better for gamers if they use their money to actually create something instead of taking the M$ route. I wish M$ would do the same. Having the consoles compete on their merits (power, install base, etc.) is much better for us consumers than money being thrown around to make things exclusive. |
Frankly this sort of logic perturbs me. Microsofts strategy in the long term will engender higher quality and creativity in game design, because it is a more democratic approach. Microsoft unlike Sony and Nintendo is not abusing its position. Nintendo offers such compelling first party fair that it often cripples third party software sales, and Sony acquires more studios every year. Microsoft is more of a benefactor for third party developers.
This kind of philosophy will make for better competition, and greater creativity within the field of gaming. Thanks to Microsofts bankrolling third party games those hard working companies get a fair shake in the market place. Hell this even allows for dark horse developers to spring up. Which cannot really happen in the current climate where game development costs can reach upwards of fifty million dollars.
Imagine your a small third party developer, and you have a really great idea for a game. Your not a multi billion dollar conglomerate however so you do not have the kind of money to get it off the ground. In the console manufacture should be self centered universe this game has no chance of inception. However if the manufacturer purchases exclusive titles if your idea is good enough you have a chance to bring it into reality. Without manufacturer support third parties are limited in the scope of their vision, and have little hope of greater commercial success.
I would argue that Sony needs to embrace Microsofts philosophy. Sony needs to sell off a large number of their studios or spin them off, and use the capitol netted from doing so to sponsor third party projects. Which will probably be far more effective in the short term, and will generate a more amicable environment for third party developers. Otherwise as this generation unfolds third party developers are going to get even more entwined with Microsoft.
After all that would be in their best interest. Microsoft is helping them to defer costs and risk. Microsoft has no real conflict of interest in regards to software. Finally with all the favors Microsoft is doing for third party developers it is going to become more difficult for them to forget what Microsoft did for them when it came to that game or that other game. Sony needs to start mending fences with third party developers. The best way to do that is by not trying to compete against them, and by giving them financial incentives.
