I'm not sure if you can be a second party and also a third party.  I think second party implies some level of ownership and oversight from a first party over the overall company, and I don't believe Sony actually has any stake in Insomniac.

As for the licensing rights, they typically don't work that way.  With a company like Marvel, I would be willing to bet anything that Sony isn't allowed to block Spider-man games coming out on other systems, unless they're actually funding the game.

Definitely yes! Sony is a good publisher since they let teams be creative and all, plus I think their budgets are generous most of the time. On top of that, Insomniac is an amazing developer, which created multiple fun games with excellent gameplays. Not to mention they always nail the "feel" of their games... you always feel immersed and just want to continue playing. So yeah, they fit very well for Spiderman.

A second party is a third party contracted to make IP's for a first party. Insomniac has been a second solely to Sony since the early 2000's. Also, no. Sony makes shares profits with Marvel on the movies because they have licensing rights to the character for a certain amount of years. They could make an exclusive to the PS4 without it going to anyone else.  I dont know where the idea that they couldnt is coming from.

Sucker Punch would be my "safe"pick for the dev. But then I'd be scrutinizing it for inFamous similarities. I just think it's a tough IP for anybody to make. It's hard to argue against Sony as a publisher. Who talks shit about Sony as a publisher? Especially with regards to how they will potentially handle the Spider-Man IP? Sony probably is the perfect publisher for this game, and Insomniac has a great track record. As far as combos go, I'd say this Pub/Dev, with this IP, is very lovely.

You've got it! Not only that, but being that they have been working with Sony for long they have access to resources and talent from Naughty Dog and Sony Santamonica. Insider knowledge that could make a great game into a superb game

Oh Yes, if the game was purely first party this would be the license to let Sucker Punch prove their worth by leaps and bounds. They have hit many milestones with InFamous and only need one more game to have a true hit. You said it very well. This is a lovely pair. They've been together for so many years now and this is the perfect project to show everyone else, what Sony fans have already known about their action/adventure games for years. Sony needs to throw the dollars and polish time at this game. Sony has been making non marvel Sony films for years now.

Why not? I know that Activision and EA have turned people off from licensed Superhero games over the years, but there have been at least a couple of gems. Marvel Ultimate alliance 1 & 2 were good. Theres no reason not to believe if someone can write a good script and still give you your space to explore.

I think he's referring to Crystal Dynamics.

Crystal Dynamics isnt a publisher, and truth be told if it wasnt for Naughty Dog, they wouldnt be back in the game, but yes...id say in their current state they could be a player.

He's talking about the Square Enix Marvel games.