Sony Pledges Support For New IP
Fresh, new games coming to the PS3 in 2010.Published 05/11/2009 at 13:22 by Gastos84
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Seeing as Tuffcub’s recent post about ‘Gaming Apathy’ is causing quite a bit of debate, this seems to be perfect timing. Sony have stated that new IPs not only need to be supported, but without them, the industry will suffer. In 2009 particularly, sequels and prequels have been a heavy feature of the games market with titles such as Halo: ODST, Uncharted 2, Assassin’s Creed 2, Modern Warfare 2, R&C: ACiT, Killzone 2…the list is endless. But Sony, among others, have pledged their support for new and exciting IP.
Michael Denny, Senior Vice President of Sony Worldwide Studios Europe, has spoken out about those that say it isn’t viable to support, produce and market new IP by saying:
…we must support new IP creation to survive as an industry.
His comments come a week after Square Ennix and Codemasters also pledged support to fresh games.
Heavy Rain is due next year and it’s fair to say that it’s being seen by many as completely different and new. It’s success could have a massive impact on not only the number of new IPs that get support, but it could also force other developers to re-evaluate what exactly it is that gamers are looking for. Mr. Denny spoke about his enthusiasm for Heavy Rain and also revealed that Sony have a list of exclusive and, more importantly, fresh IPs that will be coming to us in the new year.
We believe we have a promising line up of exclusive new IPs for the year ahead and one that is particularly special to me and reflects a growth of emotional connection and story-telling, is Heavy Rain
It would appear that more and more people are realising how stale the games industry is becoming and hopefully, more and more people will follow this lead by investing in new IPs also. But I can’t help but think: ‘With so much pressure now being heaped onto Heavy Rain, is it wise to put all your eggs in one basket?’
Comments
Please note that all comments are the opinion of the individual author and not TheSixthAxis.
RadioactiveMouse | 05/11/2009 13:26
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551 TSA Points | Member since: Aug 2009
I am glad to see that this may soon mean the turning point of developers pushing out new and innovative games instead of generic FPS titles.
Sony have developed their ties with certain studios well, and are now reaping the rewards in the form of exclusive new IP’s.
Michael | 05/11/2009 13:28
Team TSA: Development
2216 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Well, Heavy Rain is seen as more than just new IP in the sense that it’s a new style of game. At least, that’s how I see it. Whether it will live up to that I am excited to find out.
I don’t think it’s an “all eggs, one basket” scenario though. Maybe just that a lot of emphasis is being given to one game, perhaps at the expense of others.
Gastos84 | 05/11/2009 13:31
Team TSA: Writer
3888 TSA Points | Member since: Apr 2009
I agree with the Heavy Rain thing, but it seems that people are waiting to see whether or not it will be a success before they take a leap into fresh gaming experiences, which is a shame for us, but obviously financially sensible.
Aitrus | 05/11/2009 15:04
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1488 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2008
But isn’t the waiting for Heavy Rain to hit or fail only in regards to the new style of play? And not new IPs in general. They aren’t necesarily the same thing even though new IP is most exciting when it also involves a new style of play.
jimmy-google | 05/11/2009 15:19
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1727 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
If it sells everyone one will copy and 2 years down the line there will be a string of games that all look the same. Its the problem when you get business men making key decisions rather than people that know the industry. It turns companies bland.
It happened at Disney with their animated films. Their business people stopped the films being too sad, too funny, too scary etc…. because the films had to hit thier target groups based on their “research”. Now Pixar are in charge they simply ask “do we like that idea”. Too many compies want to play it safe.
I really hope Heavy Rain does well and it encourages other developers to try new things. I love games that feel fresh. Echochrome is still one of the best games over the last 5 years in my opinion and I really need to buy flower at some point.
DJ Judas | 05/11/2009 13:29
Epic
515 TSA Points | Member since: Aug 2008
I’m all for new IP and absolutely love fresh ideas, gameply and stories.
I think though as the industry stands, it’s not fresh IP that makes the most money. It’s IP that becomes a franchise and milks sequels by the dozen that has the most success.
rht992 | 05/11/2009 14:00
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2860 TSA Points | Member since: Apr 2009
always good to see new games emerging hopefully they’ll make some really good new games. just no new First person shooters please. sony already has enough. I’d like to see some sort of RPG or any other genres that sony haven’t really looked at
Severn2j | 05/11/2009 14:10
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1553 TSA Points | Member since: Aug 2008
Good news! Heavy rain is one game I’ve got an eye on, and its good to hear so many companies looking at new IP’s rather than the tired old cash in game.. EA did a great job earlier this year with Dead Space / Mirrors Edge, but they seem to have lost momentum, so its great to hear others have (potentially) seen the light
bunimomike | 05/11/2009 14:43
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4791 TSA Points | Member since: Jul 2009
I hope they take note of indie developers and create a demo scene (Amiga days, etc). Look at Team 17 still going. Get a stunning community creating unique IP and potentially exclusive for years to come. Surely, that’s win-win (and I hate business terms).
jimmy-google | 05/11/2009 14:45
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1727 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
I think thatt some developers/publishers are realising that a franchise will make money but the first in a series tends not too have such great sales and needs critical acclaim instead to kick start an IP (there are a few exceptions). Uncharted is a great example of the original being a slow burner and I’m sure the sequel to Dead Space with shift far more copies than the original.
It’s the same in other industries. Bands kind of become franchises in music as do actors. People find something they like and the interest builds as does their fan base so when a follow up comes out people buy it almost regardless of quality.
I wish buyers would buy games based on the developer more but that seems to be more niche. I know a lot of people bought Uncharted 1 based on the fact it was Naughty Dog (just like people going to see a film because Will Smith is in it). Unfortunately most people that buy games don’t know have a clue about developers.
bunimomike | 05/11/2009 14:52
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4791 TSA Points | Member since: Jul 2009
Am I missing something but shouldn’t people buy games based on them being good… not the developers. After all, we don’t want to reward a crap game. Apologies if I’m way off base.
Kevling | 05/11/2009 15:05
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2032 TSA Points | Member since: Dec 2008
If a developer makes good games, you’re probably more likely to buy their next game. It’s like buying music from an artist you like…
jimmy-google | 05/11/2009 15:06
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1727 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
Yes but the majority buy a game with no clue as to how good it is, its the same with film and music. You get a small sample at best (a demo, a trailer, or a single or 2). What happens is people are drawn to what they know. It’s their money that the’ve earned and they don’t want to waste it.
Personally I rent games and then decide whether to buy it. I don’t want to see crap games get rewarded with sales but it happens all the time and that is partly down to customers following franchises.
bunimomike | 05/11/2009 15:34
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4791 TSA Points | Member since: Jul 2009
Ah right. You’re aiming for the scores of people that don’t read up about things, I’m guessing. Fair point. When it comes down to it, I’m not faithful to any studio/developer at all. However, if they release good game after good game I’ll pay more attention to what they produce although that still doesn’t influence my purchase… just what I know about. Eep. That sounds confusing.
skibadee | 05/11/2009 16:42
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3917 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2009
i just hope heavy rain is as good as we all hope
BadBoyBoogie | 05/11/2009 19:22
Let There Be Rock
2689 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
Same here!! It has the potential to be something really special.
lewis815 | 05/11/2009 16:54
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730 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
Here’s an innovative idea. Sony take 5-10 indie developers (or mainstream, doesn’t really matter), and get them to create a demo, one level, fresh, new, try before you buy, see what this game is about.
Then, put them all on the playstation store in a seperate area, allow gamers to download each game for FREE. After downloading and playing the games level, allow the gamer to rate the game out of 10 or something and maybe allow feedback to be left.
Finally, award the high scoring developers with an investment grant to create the game in full!
That way, people will already be interested, anticipation around the game will possibly be higher if its a good demo, and the game will be moulded on peoples opinions and feedback.
Shame that will never happen, I think its a good idea.
a inferior race | 07/11/2009 02:02
I'm special
2008 TSA Points | Member since: Jul 2009
The only downside of that would be the period of time between demo and release.