Haze Interview: Exclusivity Not Free Radical's Decision

Ripten interviews Rob Yescombe on Haze's exclusivity:

"It's hard to put exclusivity disputes to rest. What's worrying is that there are disputes - anger and seriousness over the possibility of losing a game to the "competition." There's been buzz around Metal Gear Solid 4, Bioshock, and most certainly HAZE.

Free Radical's script writer, Rob Yescombe, attempts to put the bickering to rest in this interview we held at Sony's Playstation 3 Rooms."

[Blademask]

Cares. I'll try it once its out. But stop with the hype van.

[Asurastrike]

This game can hardly be compared to losing big games like MGS4, or Bioshock.

Most PS3 owners will skip this game because it comes out right after GTAIV, and right before MGS4.

[okcomputer]

Yea tell me about it.. to even mention it in the same sentence as those aaa franchises seems wrong. From the vids i've seen Haze looks like a gimmicky halo clone. I hope I'm wrong and it really does live up to the hype, but i seriously doubt it after what i've seen so far.

[Clinton514]

Two different games, two different genres.

I can't see GTA IV directly eating into sales of this game.

[Palodios]

It may not be the best looking game, but Free Radical has a really good reputation in my books, and their games have relied on incredible gameplay. Also remember that Ubisoft delayed the game, not FRD, because they already had a nice bit of profit for last fiscal year.

Whether you like it or not, it will be the FIRST ps3 shooter with bots in multiplayer, which is what excites me the most about it.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

when is it coming to the 360 again? Can't wait for it!

Enough with the console exlcusives, every game should be on every platform.

(Don't hate me for saying this just taking the advice from the PS3 folks in the Bioshock 2 article)

[Spydr07]

I'm confused about the number of disagrees here. I'm sure you would all hate playing Halo, Bioshock, Gears, SMG, SSBM, Mario Kart, Zelda, etc on the PS3. Yup, sure would suck.

[mikeslemonade]

Umm because multiplatform hurts the potential of games. Look at Assasin's Creed and DMC4. Both of those games ran out of time because they were developing for all 3 (PC included). Also just look at the scores of exclusive games and multiplatform games. In 2007 the only AAA game that was developed for PC, 360, and PS3 is COD4.

No I do not want to play Mario or Halo on my PS3. I want there to be games that defines the system and take advantage of the system. Believing everything should be multiplatform is one step closer to a monopoly that is a one console future.

[Spydr07]

How is that? The only problem with doing it right now is the learning curve to develope on the PS3. Since the 360 and windows are so close in their architecture, that's not a huge strain on developers for porting. This is easily seen by the number of "360 exclusives" that are also available on the PC. So, it's basically the PS3's architecture that hurts multi-plat releases?

Also, do you have a link that says those games were either rushed to be released or that they ran out of time and had to release them as they were? Or is that simply your opinion?

[mikeslemonade]

Because Assasins Creed is broken. It was clear they focused on the engine, the maps, and the climbing and tacked on some GTA gimmicks. In DMC4 half of the game is backtracking and they just tacked on Dante for the last half of the game. Let me ask you this do you want to play DMC4, Assasins Creed, Enchanted Arms, or Ninja Gaiden 2, Uncharted, and Lost Odyssey? See my point the exclusive games are better.

[Spydr07]

Odd how you compare it to GTA, a hugely successful game despite copying the exact same formula over and over again with little to no innovation whatsoever. But how does that make Assassin's Creed broken? Again, where are links stating this? I liked Assassin's Creed just fine. I played the game for what it was and didn't expect anything else out of it. I guess every game that gets an 81 average is broken? http://www.metacritic.com/s...

Same thing goes for DMC4. I don't ever remember hearing how the game was being rushed and the devs were being pressured to get the game out. Unless you show me links stating this, I have no reason to take what you say as anything other than your opinion. How do you know that the devs didn't actually intend the game to be that way? You don't. And if it was so bad, then why did it score as well or better than all of the DMCs after the original? (since you brought up review scores) http://www.metacritic.com/s...

So, no links, no cookies. Sorry, but based off of your logic, I think that every Madden game is rushed and that's why there is no real innovation in the games. It's the same formula over and over again. Same goes for GTA games and those weren't multiplat. GTA had to have been rushed since they obviously only focused on a new story, threw some different car models, a few bikes, and called it a done deal. You know how many games keep or steal elements from past games? I see no problem with AC taking some elements from GTA. Lord knows Rockstar took aspects from other games when they made GTA.

What's more likely true is that you have no real idea what you're talking about. I could just as accurately say the reason Dante's part in DMC4 had a lot of backtracking in it was because it was written that way. That it was just how the storyline unfolded. See, I'm just blowing smoke out of my wazoo. But it's no different than what you're doing by telling me what devs were thinking and doing when they made these games.

Going multiplat isn't the problem; it's the PS3's architecture. Most companies just don't admit it. Rockstar did though, now didn't they? Games developed solely on the PS3 have gotten substantial delays (Haze anyone?).

And yes, I'd like to play all of those games on one console. It would save me loads of money. Every last gen game can be played on the PC as it is.

[THC CELL]

U just asked when this game is coming to x box 360
well mate u are in luck

it will/maybe come to xbox 360 but please please don't cry cause its dumbed down from the ps3 version

[consolewar]

?

[ThaGeNeCySt]

oh how I wish games were still $50.... (excluding Wii games)

[Jim Crowslaw]

lol i remember my 1st game ever was NBA Jam for SNES....and my mom paid 75 dollars lol

[alcaponedya]

w/ inflation

[poopsack]

Wow! R u kiddin me? Glad I was still watchin teletubbies for that time. Yup nothin like being 15 and watchin teletubies.

[ThaGeNeCySt]

i paid around that much for Killer Instinct and Donkey Kong Country games on the SNES so I guess I can't complain but jeez...

[Bathyj]

AU$135 for Street Fighter 2, Hyper Edition I think. About 1993. Man you could do alot for 135 bucks back then.

[heyheyhey]

@GiantEnemyCrab in the gamer zone

did you not read the article "Buy A PS3, this game is definitley PS3 exclusive"- he said that like 5 times

and the second part of your comment contradicts everything you believe in

[GiantEnemyCrab]

I am just bringing up the hypocrisy!

@1 - Dumbed down, now that is a laugh. Enjoy all your inferior ports and even funny when something like VF5 from the PS3 port runs better on the 360.
@2 - Yes, I did read it but he also said that it is ultimately up to the publishers. So when it flops on the POS3 (you know it will) they will come back to the software cash cow(360)and release it.

The game looks like a flop in the making.

[Snukadaman]

While I agree with you on this statement, since we have seen how terribly most ps3 "exclusives" sell horribly, when ut3 is released too the xbox 360 then it will show if the game was either terrible or ps3 owners are not buying games.

[Scott_Steinberg]

So, your saying games don't flop on the 360? Will the game even fit on a dvd?

[heyheyhey]

@Snukadaman

why did you put qutations around the world exclusives when referring to PS3 games

because only we are allowed to do that when talking about 360 "exclusives"- cause they're all on PC

every exclusive bar UT3 on the PS3 is actually exclusive and can ONLY be played on the PS3, so upon analysis...... you fail......again

[Snukadaman]

When its exclusive too the xbox and pc...the exclusive means console exclusive...being that ut3 is coming to xbox 360..thats a timed exclusive...but then again you dont even know how too spell quotation (even with a spell check) so why bother explaining or even debating anything with you...your as dumb as a box of rocks.

[chaosatom333]

It's Microsoft's decision. Throw money and make it multiplatform and also secure dlc, if the game doesn't become exclusive.

Also, throw money to get dlc from exclusive games and sell it for more than it's actually worth. At the end, make profit.

[trolling bast3rd]

this game is a day 1 purchase 4 my xbox 360 it looks fantastic.

[Stagerman]

actually if you read the article it said, it is a ps3 exclusive. its people like you that made this article get written. its not on 360, deal with it.

[devilhunterx]

boom headshot?

[reckoner]

HA! Wow, you just made me laugh. Read the article and you'll see it is a PS3 exclusive. Of course it won't look as fantastic as it is on the PS3, right?

[proArchy]

is about the smartest thing Ubisoft could do. putting a developing house on an exclusive game with this amount of budget will put to rest all the troubles that have popped up with ps3 development. it gives them a chance to do in depth experimentation with the SPUs and Cell.

[replikka]

i seen gameplay footage of this game. im not impressed one bit. its gonna fall in line with Turok, just passable

[kornbeaner]

For this game to grab my attention it's gonna need to be solid. Because this month my game is GTA4 in June MGS4 if this comes out in may it better do something great to pry either game from my hands. Not to mention MP in both games, Haze has its work cut-out for it in my eyes.

[thehitman]

How any1 can compare this game with Halo3 there nothing like each other. This game doesnt look mind blowing but it still deserves me picking it up. It has good features fun looking gameplay and I will enjoy this with the many others. Not every game you buy or play has to be AAA. I enjoyed the shyt out of Army of Two which barely average 8 and I had a blast with my cousin in co-op. My only complaint with army of two was it was short.

[Spydr07]

Agreed. People who base a game's worth solely on its critical review scores really need to get a life. I absolutely loved Persona 3, and it didn't get incredibly high reviews.

[gameraxis]

that a good game is a great game if it has awesome graphics, to me it helps immerse into the story giving it a bit of "solid" stature. resistance 1 great game imo. but although graphics were good, any worse than that and i start noticing bad graphics instead of getting sucked in. I think graphics on some level are important to all gamers whether they think it or not, i just hope the graphics aren't WORSE than resistance 1.. Anybody picking up what I'm putting down???

[Varsarus]

"Enjoy all your inferior ports and even funny when something like VF5 from the PS3 port runs better on the 360."

Then I can say the same with Oblivion being a port from 360 but played better on ps3 rofl.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

Funny, but what you don't know was the 360 version was patched not longer after the POS3 version to match it. The only thing it does better is with the loading between sections of the map.

But do you think the reviewers went back to mention that? No because the POS3 needed every bit of help it could get last year and it still sold better on the 360.

[Varsarus]

But if you take in COD4, both versions are basicly identical, but still what about the Bully game a port from ps2 to 360, which I believe the 360 version suffers from choppy frame rates and sound?

http://www.consolemonster.c...

But still, I think it's better off with a game with NO lead platform...solve the problems

[heyheyhey]

you speak wise words varsarus, bubbles

but alas- not every studio can manage making a game with no lead platforms

[Snukadaman]

any upgrades that come on the ps3 A YEAR after the original game, are usually a patch..as with oblivion...bubbles for you.

[PROGnosis]

cant wait, my first FPS for the first half of 08, hopefully the online will keep me hooked

[Bathyj]

I'm glad you guys have such low expectations for this game, because it has Sleeper Hit written all over it.

It comes from the pedigree of the best FPS's makers on console and the best multiplayer to boot. You guys are going in expecting nothing and are going to be pleasantly surprised.

Its better than the way you'se usually go, expecting to world, something that wil blow your mind and shatter all you pre-conceptions only to be disappointed because there was a bit of screen tearing or some of the shadows didn't have high enough AA.

[SL1M DADDY]

I played Goldeneye to death and if this game has any apeal that was in Goldeneye then this game will be great. The concept is definitely fresh and looks to be great IMHO.

[Rourker]

seems like a game that was needed in 2007 and once 08 was around the corner it fell off everyones radar (at least most people radar). but it has been in development for a while now, and I bet it runs 720p and 60fps flawlessly, and as long as it has a really good multiplayer and a good story with a campaign over 10 hours, I think it will be well received by those who pick it up. I however probably wont.

[ElementX]

Im' sure it's a timed exclusive. The publishers will see that PS3 fans are too busy driving around in circles (GT prologue) to pay attention to this game.

[jkhan]

Who cares, just release the damn game, so we can play it before mgs4.

[Mandangoof]

Unlike MGS4 being Kojima's decision (though him and konami and Sony agree PS3 exclusive forever) and exactly like Bioware's situation - MASS EFFECT IS COMING TO PS3. It doesn't matter what Bioware devs say, they don't choose SH!T now that they're owned by EA.

Bioshock 2 is 100% coming to PS3, but so is Bioshock 1 this September.

[Strife Lives]

And are these guys that desperate for attention? Lmao hahahaha.they mustve blown the budget and have no cash for advertising cuz they want to be centre of attention,but GAMERS ! 360,PS3 GAMERES ,IM HERE TO SAY there are WAY better games on the way.Free Radical are standing in a room with a crowd of people looking for attention.its like their a scared little boy,in the middle of the room saying 'im not here Im not here' ,but they want to be heard lmao ,but I dont think anyone cares. And I think we'll all be too busy playing GTA4 to notice Haze.then 360 will look foward to Gears in November. And PS3 will look foward to Resistance 2. And Haze... Will just be a haze lmao

[fermcr]

It's funny that Sony fanboys always complain about Microsoft paying off to get some games and exclusives. Now i ask you, why does Sony get exclusives?...BECAUSE THEY ALSO PAYOFF THE COMPANIES FOR THE EXCLUSIVES. Sony has been doing it for ages. Everybody knows that a multiplatform game will make more mony then a singleplatform game... there is a reason they are making it singleplatform ($$$$$$).

Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, etc... pay for exclusives. So don't think that Sony are saint's. No body are saint's in this business... but everybody has realized that except Sony fanboys. Always putting Sony on a pedestral.

[Grannyvukka]

Yes OKComputer, I agree. Haze looks like a cheap rip off of Halo, just as Halo looks like a cheap rip off of doom. Comon with this crap. The only ones comparing Haze to Halo are rabid Sony fanboys, and disgruntled MS fanboys. I'm sure Free Radical has enough merit to stand on their own. The only similarity it has with Halo is they are both set in areas with outdoorsy bush, island, lush jungle type areas.........But I guess you expect all other fps's to be set in coridoors in an outer space enviroment, or in world war 2 dark gloomy london outdoor type areas..... And developer that sets a fps game in an Island setting now is copying Halo....That goes for Crysis, Far Cry 1 & 2, etc,etc.

In other news Splinter Cell is a poor mans rip off of MGS mixed with Syphon Filter. PGR is a poverty version of GT.

[lelik]

i love you heyhey