By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close

Forums - Microsoft - Insomniac Explains Why Sunset Overdrive Is Exclusive to Xbox One

One of Xbox One's biggest releases this year comes from a studio that has traditionally been tied to Sony platforms. With Sunset Overdrive, however, gamers will only be able to play the Insomniac-developed title on Microsoft-branded hardware.

GameRevolution got a chance to talk to founder and CEO of Insomniac Games, Ted Price, who explained why the studio decided to work specifically with Microsoft this time around.

We have a long history and great relationship with Sony and we will continue to work closely with them moving forward. However when Microsoft announced the Xbox One we felt that what Microsoft was offering in terms of the platform feature set and Xbox Live presence was a great match for Sunset Overdrive.

For example, our multiplayer mode in the game called Chaos Squad supports eight players traversing a giant open world together to take on randomized missions. This is not a simple feature to create. Yet Microsoft’s muscle on the platform and Xbox Live fronts has been invaluable in helping us create a unique multiplayer experience. Furthermore the overall partnership has been seamless, and we’ve been extremely happy with the level of support and commitment we’ve received for Sunset Overdrive.
 

That said, don't take this to mean Insomniac will only be making games for the Xbox platform from here on out. The studio his has a great relationship with Sony and has every intention of remaining independent. "We’re still an independent developer," Price added. "Why do I mention that? First, a lot of people assume that we’re part of some larger organization; that’s never been the case. Second, one of the benefits of operating as an independent studio and creating and owning one’s IP is that you can develop for the platforms that make the most sense for the game."

Sunset Overdrive launches on October 28th, exclusively for Xbox One. 

http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/insomniac-explains-why-sunset-overdrive-is-exclusive-to-xbox-one-27461



    

NNID: FrequentFlyer54

Around the Network

And money.*



Thanks jlmurph!

For example, our multiplayer mode in the game called Chaos Squad supports eight players traversing a giant open world together to take on randomized missions. This is not a simple feature to create. Yet Microsoft’s muscle on the platform and Xbox Live fronts has been invaluable in helping us create a unique multiplayer experience.

Sounds similar to the 8 player coop missions in Resistance 2 on the PS3... sooo...



BreedinBull said:
And money.*


I'd say it was more the fact that Microsoft agreed on Insomniac owning the IP rather than the money thrown at them.



Money is probably a big part of it aswell, not something you mention in an interview though :P



Around the Network

Anybody who actually believes they chose xbox one over anything else because of 'the cloud' and to retain the IP are, well stupid.

As breedinbull says, it's money. Microsoft chose to fund the game and thats why it is exclusive. Money..Money....MONEY!

If they wanted to retain the IP and keep their indie status, they could've done what almost every other indie dev has done and self fund/self publish or find funding elsewhere, but microsoft paid, the end.

Edit: Moderated - Starcraft



Wright said:
BreedinBull said:
And money.*


I'd say it was more the fact that Microsoft agreed on Insomniac owning the IP rather than the money thrown at them.


Both. +  fireburn95



fireburn95 said:
Anybody who actually believes they chose xbox one over anything else because of 'the cloud' and to retain the IP are, well stupid.


Well, thank you very much for calling me stupid. >___>



fireburn95 said:

If they wanted to retain the IP and keep their indie status, they could've done what almost every other indie dev has done and self fund/self publish or find funding elsewhere, but microsoft paid, the end.


Yes, because it's so easy to get funding to bankroll a studio full of developers for at least a couple years.

Of course it's money, but that's how this works in many cases.



BreedinBull said:
And money.*