Killzone 2 To Change Expectations for PS3 Developers

DLB-Network.com Writes: Killzone 2 is only about a month away from launch here in the U.S. and has already made an enormous amount of buzz around the internet. People cannot wait to get their hands on the game that is supposed to finally show the true power of the PS3. With this new found power that Guerrila Games has managed to grasp from the system, I ask developers: Is it time to change your expectations of the PS3?

[MURKERR]

about what they can do in terns of the ps3 architecture

[TOO PAWNED]

Yeah, if all of them had 20 million dollar and 4 years of development time.
Just cuz Crysis looks amazing on PC, you are not going to see every PC game looking like that.
This comes from avid PS3 fan

[Mr_Bun]

I agree that the resources aren't there for many developers, but it definitely will push them to raise the bar on their own quality.

[WANNA GET HIGH]

Its not only killzone 2, the ps3 has so many other games that has graphics that no other console can do.Uncharted,mgs4,gt5p..e.t.c. are just few games that has taped the ps3 power a little.Just wait till the final version of uncharted2 and god of warr 3 is shown.

In god of war 3 case its like killzone 2 all over again, they showed cgi trailer for killzone 2 and it got close to the trailer when people said it could not;some people even say its better. They think that god of war 3 CGI target trailer cannot be done but how killzone 2 proved them wrong i have a felling god of war 3 will prove them wrong as well.

"The power of the cell" Is close to computer starndars that is why killzone 2 came so close to look like crysis, i still think crysis is better looking but killzone 2 art and weather is the best i have seen in a FPS ever.No dis respect to MS but when the ps3 starts bring out more games that look like CGI and the 360 exlusive dose not match it and the ps3 now has a price cut i think u will have to do more that pay for exlusive dlc and multiplat games because that is the time that quality will shine more than quantity.

[himdeel]

I haven't heard anything about the number of preorders yet.

[jkhan]

@1.1
Well Uncharted 1 didn't had a 20 million dollar budget nor was it in development for four years? It still is one of the best looking games on consoles.
Although I do agree that budget and resources are a key factor in game development but you can't just deny that they made a really stunning looking game that is putting 3rd party games to shame. I think this generation we will see a much bigger void between first party and 3rd party games for PS3. Reason being 360 install base is huge plus 360's attachment rate is more than PS3. So ofcourse 360 will be the preference for devs atleast a couple of more years not because of ease to code but because of installbase and attachment rate. COD5 can be considered as an example. IMO it was merely an expansion pack over COD4 but it sold like 7 million, which is a huge number & again most of there sales were on 360.
It will be interesting if developers try to match with what Sony is doing with there first party lineup including Killzone 2, Uncharted 2, GOW3 and Heavy Rain. It all boils down to sale, if killzone 2 can sell around 5-6 million then ofcourse 3rd party devs will think about it otherwise nopes.

[Gue1]

@TOO PAWNED don't forget that all these money and years developing the game weren't simply making the the game but developing their engine and leaning a new architecture. Remember that Killzone 2 is their first game this gen and the architecture of the PS3 isn't exactly easy but entirely new because of the Cell and how the Spe works and the direct connection with the GPU and 256MB of ram that runs at 3.2GHZ.

The PS3 has 512MB of ram but only 256MB is for games and this is one of the principal problems devs has when developing a game for the PS3 and the principal excuse of why the new Splinter Cell is exclusive for the X360. Ubisoft said that it was impossible on PS3, now lets see with what they will come when they play Killzone 2.

For their first try a game to look like this? That's impressive.

In an interview they stated that the next Killzone would come sooner because of this...

[marinelife9]

After bringing out Killzone and later on GT5 I think Sony can feel pretty confident that whatever "secret" exclusives the 360 has coming out they won't be graphically near what Sony has to offer.

Microsoft better get ready for another price cut.

[Sarcasm]

The advantage with GG unlocking more power out of the PS3, is that it's all under Sony. Who's not to say they won't share it with other Sony developers to help understand the PS3 even further?

So Killzone 2 is not only an important super uber hyped killer exclusive game for PS3 owners, but it's an important game for the technology of PS3 development.

[Ramtough]

Because this also mean that there is a new engine available for other developers to potentially use for PS3 games. Isn't this a good thing?

[Ju]

[...] "resources aren't there for many developers" [...] like, who ? EA ? Ubisoft ? No, they don't...but Naughtydog can, Insomniac can ? With exclusive titles, which basically reduces the market to 1/2 ?

[StayHigh]

There is a lot high quality awesome looking games that is on the Playstation 3. Such as Metal Gear Solid 4, Uncharted Drakes Fortune, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Gran Turismo Prolouge, Ratchet and Clank Tools of Destruction,and resistance 2..There will be plenty of more games in 2009 White Knight Story, Heavy Rain, Infamous, God of War 3, Uncharted 2, War Devil and of course Killzone 2..I see Sony first party games to truly show the power of the PS3..I hope more devloplers will see what the PS3 can do and put their game exclusive to the PS3.

[RussDeBuss]

thats what i was gonna say. even if the game itself isn't the best, although most things i have read say its looking good, no one seems to be disputing the quality of the engine.
If its an easy engine to develop with, and it is open for others to use, either 1st/end party devs or selling/leasing it to 3rd party devs, it opens things up for more quality ps3 games.

lets hope so, time will tell.

one ofthe reasons the 360 had lots of good games was ue3 engine, worked good for 360, not so good for ps3. but it looks a bit tired on 360 now anyway.

lets hope this ebngine can be to the ps3 what ue3 was to the 360, only better looking, and better physics,.

[Sarcasm]

What I love about gaming consoles in general, is that Killzone 2 isn't going to hold a candle to what we'll see 3-4 years from now on the SAME HARDWARE.

Killzone 3 anyone? *shoots self in the head cause of visual orgasm*

[Sarcasm]

"one ofthe reasons the 360 had lots of good games was ue3 engine, worked good for 360, not so good for ps3. but it looks a bit tired on 360 now anyway."

Agreed. The 360's powerhouse engine is the Unreal Engine. Not that it's a bad thing. But the UE has it's limitations. Even Gears of War 2 suffers from the horrible texture load in when the game starts. And I don't get why they cant get it to run 4xAA or some other AA technique to hide those jaggies.

But if Sony somehow will manage to License the KZ2 engine for other developers (exclusive or not) then we'll all be visually mind f'ked with those games. Let's just hope it's not wh'red out as much.

:)

[Ju]

All these 3rd parties should have enough experience now to move their render pipleline closer to the CELL (away from the GPU). That's the only way you can achieve results like KZ2. This shows in KZ2, soon UC2 and GoW3. Problem is, and I can understand that, with a pure PC based development process (which includes the 360 because it shares its philosophy), the CPU is widely left out of the render pipleline and its stronghold starts at the shader level. This will never fully utilize the PS3's architecture, and thus we get this "bad" ports. Now, I hope these guys will find some "motivation" that they can do it,too. And it can be done transparently. We'll see. I am looking forward for the first 3rd party breaking the ice.

[Consoldtobots]

actually Wii maniac both the cell and rsx have access to both pools of memory. It's up to the developer to know which memory to use for what.

on that note Ju I am very interested to see who will be the first developer after GG to use the KZ2 engine. They can recoup their investment in the engine just on the licensing alone. I mean who wouldn't want their game to look as good as KZ2. It seems like a powerful enough engine to handle any of the game parameters out there now.

[RussDeBuss]

i dont think wh*ing it out is problem, as long as the games don't all have the same look.

360 games on ue3 generally have the same look to them, which after a while starts to get repetetive.

but who knows, kz2 engine could be a knigthmare to use, could be very rigid in the type of game it makes, could make all games look the same or they may not even let anyone else use it.

lets hope not though.

you would think part of the reason for sony pumping so much money into the game would be to get more than just one game from it. fingers crossed.

[eagle21]

Developers have clearly seen the massive potential of Blu-ray and the CELL from games like Killzone 2, MGS4, Uncharted and now God of War. I have no doubt PS3 will get several third party exclusives in the future years. This is why Heavy Rain is PS3 only, the developer got the picture early and it looks phenomenal!

Sony is teaching "how to be killzoned" at GDC 09'.

[Zeevious]

and Sony spent that time & money with Guerilla Games to make a fantastic game, but also incorporate this tech into the Edge tools suite. Expect a significant update and loads of technical details on how this will benefit EVERY developer at GDC.

(Pssst...Sony...Free Home development tools wouldn't hurt either.)

[N4360G]

Killzone 2 will inspire PS3 developers to reach higher,which is a good thing.I can't wait to play Killzone 2 next month!!

[CaseyRyback_CPO]

Pushing development just that much further and breaking the bar for everyone else. Unfortunately, Crysis wasn't optimized well. And I hear working with that engine is like working on the Millennium falcon, you have to beat it and break it to get it working smooth.

This engine GG made is second to none, it dispels all the crap about the Cell, and it runs in 720p@30fps. GG\NaughtyDog\Insomniac have all worked to make the best gaming engines known to man currently, and it shows. The PS3 might not have games that run like Crysis, but outside of Crysis, i think its safe to say Uncharted/MGS4/GT5p etc give some PC games a run for their $. I can't think of a current PC game that looks as good as Uncharted, I was hoping stalker2 was going to be on the level of Crysis, but it didn't really hit it.

The divide has been made. PS3 exclusives are what Sony said they were going to be. The question is this, How long will people keep pretending the Unreal Engine/Multiplatform Engines still look new? When they really stopped making visual leaps in 2007.

[JeffGUNZ]

I am just curious, why when I click on the XBOX tab, is this article listed there? This is not a 360 related article, I think N4G purposely does this so people can start console wars/fights. I mean come on. N4G, what's the point of this in the 360? Why don't we put some foriegn politics in the PC section too.

[pixelsword]

...we also need to remember that games already created can be built upon.

That alone cuts down on development time.

[jlemdon]

while Im excited for the ps3, I remember when Heavenly sword came out and this was suppose to be your answer for Ninja gaiden.

and look how that turned out.:)

but don't mind me I got those games so I'm playing devil's advocate.:P

[fishd]

Killzone 2's infamous CGI trailer was shown around mid 2005
Killzone liberation released on Oct 2006
Killzone 2 review build was sent to press about Dec 2008

So in 3.5 years GG made KZ:L AND KZ 2 which is great,the problem is Sony showed the game soon that's why ppl think it was in development for an extraordinary time,and about the budget,all we know is that it is more than 21 mil,that's all

[Chris_GTR1]

yea devs are going to look at the amazing graphics in killzone and say.."DAMN it took them 4 years to make something thatll only sell 2 mil???! fuk that! id rather make a 360 game and sell more.

[skimming]

Really, all this talk about how the PS3 architecture is allowing for games like this to be made... This type of talk is inane.

PS3 has painted itself into a corner with its unique architecture that deviates significantly from other all other architectures out there--PC, XBox, and Wii.

All future version of PSs now will have to deal with the same limitations of "cell" if it wants to provide for any type of backwards compatibility.

As for the cell architecture facilitating a game like this to be made, please... The PS3 example games mentioned above are graphically superior, yes. Is it because of the architecture? No.

The answer is NO, simply because even without using cell, PC has far surpassed and Xbox has very nearly matched the graphic prowess of PS3.

Granted, this game is graphically superior in single player mode; it had to make its own set of tradeoffs such as no split screen. For me, in a shooter game, if no split screen co-op campaign, then rent, no buy.

To those who think that XBox can't "do" this game: ask yourselves why this game can't do split-screen coop, is it because of the limitations of the "cell" architecture? The obvious answer is no, its because of tradeoffs that are made during game design, marketing and development.

[PPnoPP]

No because theirs a multi-platform game that will look and play better. And that game is called Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

[Graphics Whore]

The tree stump argues no....

Tree stump hits you for critical damage....

What is your next move Tree Stump Trainer?

__________

[Trollimite]

i really dont have that happening

[SSCOOLCHEA]

Funny how this idiot is always in the ps3 news. Halo is great now go play it moron .

[Magic_The_Celt]

So let me see

i get:

Killzone 2
Call of Duty: Modern Combat 2

you get:
Call of Duty: Modern Combat 2

so i win?

you lose?

yeh, thats right

i get 2 apples

you get 1

BWAHAHAHAHAHA

[Mr_Zkaar]

Wow, have you played it? Seen any videos? NO. so STFU

[Egzekutor]

4 years not 5 you fa.gg.ot.
At least PS3 owners have something to look forward to..
What do you have to look out for this year ???
Oh... nothing..
Take your cheap console, and get the fuk out pu.ssy.

Massive Action Game
God of War 3
Grand Turismo 5
Killzone 2
Heavy Rain
InFamous
Yakuza 3

and many more unannounced titles .. it makes me sick when i look at this sh1t console called failbox 360.. already maxed out hahahahahahaha.

[Why dis]

Why is this sh*t in the 360 section? LOL PS3 fanboys wan't us to care about this game.

[Trollimite]

madden 2010 with killzone graphics. if this game sells it would be the end of bad ports

[Sheddi]

Im imagining FIFA or PES with this engine :P

[Trollimite]

proff that developers were being lazy

[Parapraxis]

I don't think that it's proof of that in any way. The game has a massive budget and took 4 years to make. Most devs don't have this amount of time or money.

[DaKid]

I don't know man, the crew they have working on KZ2 was much bigger then some devs have. Also look at how long its been in development. I think what this proves is what developers can do given the time, where as many are on time constraints.

its looking to be a great game.

[WANNA GET HIGH]

I would not say lazy,i think that they did not just know what to do with the celll bcuz they have never worked on it before.But know games like killzone2,mgs4..e.t.c. has shown what it can do all devs have to do is spend some time with the cell and im sure they will come true.I would love to have a GTA 5 that the guns look like killzone2,the cars like GT5,the wearher like mgs4 and the people like uncharted.That would be a dream GTA5 and just imagine the movement of the people if it used uncharted engine for that part.It sounds complicated but im sure u get the picture.

[Sarcasm]

Developers weren't lazy. Nobody seems to understand how hard it is to develop a game. Even for the 360, people keep saying how much easier it is. But take one look at the programming involved with video games and you'll quit instantly.

KZ2 is the way it is because GG has the budget, time, and passion. Most of the time, developers just aren't given enough time or budget even though passion could be there.

[Consoldtobots]

actually this is a bit of a misconception, you have people that push code and you have people that solve problems. The latter ones are the ones that are truly valuable (you can teach a 12 yr old to code). The ones that look at the code and UNDERSTAND what it is doing at the hardware level. Surprisingly alot of programmers were taught just enough to make them proficient at writing code and some basic problem solving. To understand and utilize processing power much less a new architecture like the cell is something that takes true intelligence and talent. PS3 will definitely weed out the weak links in the industry.

[Ju]

I wouldn't say lazy. But it certainly requires some skill to step back and see the technology instead of a "programming API" and not just ask the question "what can this API do" but rather ask what the system can do. Not a lot of people (or companies) are willing to re-invent the wheel. They go the cheapest route, cost-benefit wise. Until some competition comes along and blows them away - which effectively will have an impact on their own bottom line (lets discuss this again when sales numbers are available). It sure is a budget question, but besides this, its also a marketing instrument. You would want your company to stand out, and technology is something which can describe the technology "capital" a company can hold, which can result in some cash down the road, too. Until now, they got away with what they knew and sold quite well. Technology however costs money, needs investment into skills, which sometimes money alone can't buy. Talent is cash agnostic. But it requires time, time and patience to come up with something extraordinary. Hope, all the EAs out there (and all their share holders) will ever recognize this (I am not sure, though, if this will ever happen). But only quality can bring this economy back on its feet, not a quick dime.

[Parapraxis]

One thing this is promising is that people developing on PS3 very often exchange tools, engines, and even get people from other teams to help with the tech. Hopefully GG will share their experiences and knowledge with other teams like Insomniac and others do.

[Trollimite]

EA made 50 million dolars off of maden alone they could come up with somthing like this if they wanted to. its just esyer to make and sell crap games

[Fishy Fingers]

They already do. Sony have internal forums used for tech sharing. They've been doing it for a few years now.

[Parapraxis]

I agree with you on that point, but the truth (even if it hurts) is that the PS3 is not AS easy to develop for as its competition, that coupled with deadlines has caused several games to be sub-par on PS3 when compared to the competition.
It can't be thought of in such simple terms of "KZ2 proves devs are lazy" there are many factors out of the developers control. Yes there are some devs who will simply churn out a game and really do little to improve on it, Madden is a good example, however there are many teams who want to make the games look and play just as good on PS3, but they aren't given the time or technical help to do so.

EDIT: Fishy Fingers, I thought it was more on a developers owness, glad to hear that Sony does this. Thanks ;)
This type of sharing is great. And it's also nice to see some devs going beyond just sharing info on forums, like I said. Kojima visiting Insomniac and IW, Insomniac helping GG, it's how we as gamers will get the bast games, and that's all any gamer should need.

[Consoldtobots]

if the PS3 was easy to develop for you would not be seeing anything the likes of killzone this generation. Anyone who has actually read up on the research Ken Kutaragi did in planning for the PS3 will understand that it is not Sony who mandated a complex platform. This is the answer to everyone who wanted to play the CGI cutscenes and trailers they were seeing in their PS2 and Xboxes. People asked and the man delivered. The PS3 came into existence to deliver next generation graphics to the masses (without having to spend $25,000 on a super computer) and has been ripped to shreds by silly fanboys. The PS3 is the saviour of an industry that was starting to become stale doing things the traditional way.

[RememberThe357]

I remember when the PS3 first came out. People were calling Ken Kutaragi arrogant and he was being criticized all over for "over engineering" the PS3.

Well, today is a new day I hope that he is content in watch his latest masterpiece work it's magic. The PS3 is a workhorse and we will see more from the system in the future.

[WANNA GET HIGH]

U see, ur missing the point;forget about what it will sell or what reviews will give it.Just play the game ur self and enjoy it.I was in the beta,so i can tell u that the online is better than cod4/5.

[ronando]

Don't forget to bring a towel!

[himdeel]

While my comment was misplaced at the very least, and I admit it's a bit off topic. I wouldn't even be embarrassed if you reported me being off topic should you choose to do so. Nevertheless I was curious about the preorders for this game.

Especially considering that I was sure I remember an article about Afro Samurai going gold and was thinking surely Killzone 2 has already gone gold by now. Either way I for one will be included in that preorders number for Killzone 2 whenever it is reported.

[rawd]

Can we please stop with all the positive PS3 news... I can hear the Bot cries from where im at

[Surfman]

yeah it beens a while since we seen alot of positive articles about the PS3. But there still alot of morons and biased websites that try to find flaw and stupid things to talk against the PS3.

[DA_SHREDDER]

It took 4 years to make this game, but Uncharted just turned 1 a month ago and guess what? Uncharted 2 is gonna be released this year. Not even a 2 year dev cycle. So all of your 20 million dollar budget and 4 year life cycle comment is garbage. Uncharted 2 is using almost 100 percent of the spu's,, I think its all about how good you are at programming with certain console. Not everyone can be the best. Not everyone can be like Naughty Dog.

@Sarcasm. Then I guess we will be getting the new Killzone in the next 2 years or so then huh? Imagine what else the ps3 will beable to deliver with all of their exclusive in house engines.

[Sarcasm]

Uncharted 2 is based off the Uncharted 1 engine that's already been made. So the argument isn't the same. Unless you want to compare how long it's going to take to release Killzone 3. And does anybody really know how long Uncharted 1 was developed? I'm guessing 3 years.

[RememberThe357]

They'll tweak the engine a bit and put out an other game that will kick ass.

GG seems to have a very good relationship with the PS3 and I think we will see much more out of them in the future.

But for now, we wait. Feb. 27th is quickly approaching, make damn sure your ready.

[pwnsause]

Guerilla Games is owned by Sony LOL

[Mutley416]

Just like Halo,Insomniac & COD have changed the standards for FPS`s
Hope the NoObs @ Tom Clancy series, pay attention & take some notes-

[CyberCam]

the Rainbow Six devs need to do something to raise the standard of their game development.

[OOG]

Not all developers have as much time and money to put into a game....as GG did with this game....

but it does show them what they can do with games and maybe will show them some coding tricks for the system.....and at least give a benchmark for other developers to work against.

[wibble]

It's just another fps game. calm down already!.

I've not seen anything so far that makes Killzone look any better than COD4. If anything Killzone looks rather dull in comparison to COD4.

[Trollimite]

this game is being compared to crysis for a reason

[PotNoodle]

And i still don't see what CoD4 did, that was new?

[Parapraxis]

wibble, ignorance is bliss.
Your comment is absolutley pointless.
If you aren't interested in the game, go read another story.

This article is about GG pushing the limits of the PS3 and asking if this will change other developers goals when making games for PS3. I think it has more to do with exclusive titles, not multiplat ones.

Your comment comparing KZ2 to Cod4 is completely off topic and off target.

[Sarcasm]

Killzone 2
http://www.ugo.com/images/g...

COD4
http://www.callofduty4.biz/...

Grow a pair of eyes.

[Rythrine]

If you would've said Crysis, then I would let that pass but COD4? Are you serious? Sure it was beautiful game....back in 2007 but its 2009 now. The graphics bar was set higher by KZ2. If you can't see that maybe its time to take off those goggles.

[Ju]

@Sarcasm, you know I hear this "oh its just like COD" crap that I'd almost would put some weight to the statement. But then people like you show up and let the images talk. Pawned! Thx.

[nycredude]

You must be blind or a complete fanb*y idiot. I played coD:MW twice and love the crap out of it and I just finished COD:WAW (Not better BTW) and I must say that Killzone 2 makes both of them look last gen with low res textures and bad physics with crap ai.

[CyberCam]

I believe you're in need of an eye exam my friend!

@DeathroW22
As for what COD4 did differently than other FPS games... it was the graphics at the time! Infinity Ward did raise the standard when it came to level of detail in their graphics, without compromising gameplay (dropping frame-rates) mind you.

I still remember when I first seen the in game trailer for COD4... my lower lip dropped to the floor instantly. At that time there was nothing else that could compare on consoles.

[floppyfeet]

People seem to ignore the fact that Sony pumped around 40-60 million dollars into killzone 2 (which is hugely unrealistic for game development companies). The game is going to set the standard way too high for developers to pass , And knowing how desperately retarded the ps3's fanbase is they wont buy games unless they match or surpass killzone2. So essentially this game will be greeted by the ps3 fans as the "standard" ps3 next gen title.

and they will ignore all multiplat titles and pretty much any unique exclusives that come their way too ( valkaria chronicles anyone? )

Sony is killing off any chance of relations with 3rd parties by doing this by essentially saying to them

"Hey guys , we told you ps3 had potential ! All you need is 50 million dollars and 3-4 years of development and you can make awesome games like this on ps3!"

[rucky]

anybody want to take this guy? It seems too easy.

EDIT @below: Fine

First of all it's 40 million which is not a lot considering you're building a game that includes an engine that can be used for future games, not just first party games mind you. So potentially they will make money from developers that use their engine.

You talk about how "MASSIVE" the development budget for this game.

40mil = New IP
50mil = DLC

Hmmmmmm.... ;)

[floppyfeet]

Prove to me how developers will magically be inspired to make better games when they already know how epic the development costs for killzone 2 were.

BTW i think its funny that people believe the same guerilla games that did the first killzone is doing the second one. Sony inserted like 30 people who are from the cell R&D department to teach guerilla how to code on the thing

it was a massive joint project. you wont see a game like killzone 2 again for a long time

[Graphics Whore]

Just take his bubbles. It's hard to argue with people who think their sh*t doesn't stink.

[MegaMohsi]

God of War 3 and GT5 will seriously disagree with that statement. Heavy Rain as well, they all will be graphically stunning. Also GG can share what they learned in the 4 years of development with the gaming community so it would make all future projects shorter and less costly.

[Johnny Rotten]

If I'm not mistaken Sony's plans were to create an engine so they can sell it to other devs in the future?

[floppyfeet]

Its so sad the state the ps3 community is in right now
They have to spam the internet with positive news to make it seem that the console they are supporting isnt the biggest financial failure sony has seen since betamax

[Graphics Whore]

Because crying over the internet will make you some how right. Lol floppyfeet.

"Hey guys , we told you Xbox 360 had potential ! All you need is 60 million dollars and 3-4 years of development and you can make awesome games like this on Xbox 360!"

[rucky]

I guess you have nothing to say then. Next time when you start an argument make sure you know exactly what you're talking bout first.

[dukadork2]

you sound like a whiny 3rd party dev that's sh!tting his pants and looking for excuses for his crappy 360 port: lol

NO-MORE-EXCUSES

this is what the PS3 can do: if you can't handle it, get the f@ck out of the way!

[NaiNaiNai]

wow the droids are desprate for good news of any kind. just look this is in the 360 section. LMFAO.

but but 1.1 billion. *pinky to cheek*
-nai-

[Raoh]

if true killzone 2 only made it a reality. from what i could tell. hardly discussed but briefly mentioned, Heavy Rain has journalists talking and developers anticipating what the outcome will be and what they can take from it for themselves.

killzone 2 seems to be making this more of a reality.

for the anti ps3 groups. MGS4, KZ2, Uncharted, VKC, R2 etc shows that great gaming can be had on the ps3 and if developed correctly new ideas can be made on the ps3 instead of cheap ports and clones.

the ps3 is leading in innovation and creativity.

now to not offend the ps3 haters. yes the competition is winning when it comes to marketing, simplicity and dlc.

[AnttiApina]

For visuals...Yes...Also the sound...And artistic desing on the whole.

[I_LOVE_MYSELF]

Theres already games out with better artistic design... On a technical level the graphics are unmatched but theres better games visually and artistically...

[MegaMohsi]

GG can use what they learned in the last 4 years of development and share it with the community making future projects not be as time consuming or costly.

[joevfx]

..the problem is, it took 3 years, 150 people, and millions of dollars to get KZ2 to play the way it does.

it might be hard for some companies to put that kind of effort in that isnt beign financially helped by Sony.

[MegaMohsi]

Like I stated above you, developers could share information especially GG sinc they probably learned a lot in 3 years, which would make future projects much easier.

[Parapraxis]

With the sharing of tech and knowledge though, it will become more and more streamlined of a process.
People won't need as much time or funding because the tools are readily dispensable and the research has already been done.
In my opinion GG is about to open pandoras box. If they share what they have learned over the development of KZ2 with fellow developers, it should vastly improve thier games.

Edit: haha, yeah, what MegaMohsi said.

[Rythrine]

For the last time, those 3-4 years were not only for the game development but also for the engine GG used. Next installment will be sooner because they have the engine ready.

[joevfx]

yeah i know it was development time to make the new engine, but not every DEV is gonna use the KZ2 engine for there game. then everything on the PS3 will end up being like everything on the 360 and PC with the unreal 3 engine. all those games look the same. They need to make thier own innovative engines using GG techniques and knowledge of the PS3 tech

but yes i agree, with GG sharing there research other devs will be able to make some kick a$$ games.

GG and Naughty Dog are doing a talk at GDC this year about KZ2 and Uncharted 2 tech. between the 2 of those companies they will kick start a revolution in great games for the PS3.

[Ju]

They are not the only ones. Wait for Santa Monica to have their GoW presentation.

[Says you]

You're CrapBox 360 and remember the article about that guy saying how many CrapBox 360 are out there that count as sells and not from the same people that had theres broke down on them more then once? so in reality the CrapBox 360 wouldn't have 28 million sells it would be much lower then that

look who's talking floppyfeet considering you guys are the retards that bought a piece of sh1t! and buy any game that is crappy like burger king games you guys don't have any standards and buying Halo 3 is just another proof you guys would buy anything h3ll if I put dog sh1t inside the XBox 360 cover you guys would buy it!.

[NaiNaiNai]

ahh did i make you angry.

look H3 is a POS game, it only sold cause of all the 10 year olds. but guess what, 10 years olds still count for sales. and unless you have actual proof that all those 360s are second sold systems, or blah blah, then you sonyfans are just pulling numbers out your @ss again. and even if they where sold as second systems, people bought a 2nd 360 before they bought a ps3, seems like you lose either way. sorry to shut you down so easily, but you know. that one bubble and all.
-nai-

[Graphics Whore]

I wouldn't be heckling another user for having one bubble when you yourself are well on your way.

[THC CELL]

i would expect exclusive games using ps3 soon and killzone engine

[PPnoPP]

Yeah thats if you don't mind waiting every 5yrs for a game.

[Graphics Whore]

The engine is done, how would the next game take 5 years to build.

[Magic_The_Celt]

or if its on the 360, 10 years for a flop?

[cryymoar]

but anything that uses Unreal Engine 3 is a "masterpiece! FAP FAP FAP!"

Bring on the PS3 exclusives using the Killzone 2 Engine (does it have an official name?). =]

[Tryst]

I think their engine is called EDGE

Not to be confused with the crappy 360 biased magazine that has dropped 50% in sales.

[drdistracto707]

they finished building the engine pp, so the development time (and cost) is greatly reduced, meaning quick, quality games

[sinncross]

It changes expectations of all developers on a graphical and technical front, if it does truly deliver.

[khellendros1]

GG has the potential of making a lot of money by licensing out their engine to other developers. That would help cut development costs and time for other companies.

[natwitgudvib]

What alot of people dont realize is the third party devs are not really using the SPE's for their games. They use them but not to the extent that the first party devs are. Once the tech that the first party studio starts to get around u will see a great improvement in third party games. I've heard that after the game ships GG are going to be at GDC or something like that talking about the tech.

[OGharryjoysticks]

You're no Killzone 2 so you have no excuse and should be ashamed.

[Raoh]

just for arguments sake.

1. Having all those people on your development team. huge budget. 3 years in the making. is not a terrible thing. we have been bombarded with so many rushed, crappy, under developed games for so long and with so many titles that this should be a new practice. slow down and take your time with the game.

also with so many developer studios shutting down. adding a few more people to still standing studios could help speed the process as well as allow more work to be done.

when you look at metal gear solid 4, heavy rain, killzone 2. i have no problem waiting for these games. they just shouldnt be announced so early.

which leads to #2.

2. sony for the love of god. stop making target videos. or at least stop making target videos to the public. even motorstorm 2 devs where scratching their heads as to what it was sony was asking of them. there are these things called closed door meetings you have with your internal staffs and partners to avoid headaches, delays etc.

[Shmapanese]

you dont go to college/university for 4 years for game development,programming or design to just in the end "learn" all over again-
youve allready developed a passion for making video games wen you start your training-so imo you should be willing to go farther and willing to learn new tech as it goes along,not settle for less or wuts easier to learn.

if its your passion to make video games then its not hard regardless the level or complications it (ps3) could create -
and GG is a perfect example of it-they showed their hard earned work and p[assion thru killzone 2 and am not afraid to go furthur for another game down the line (killzone 3?).

patience is a virtue that can be takin into consideration wen making a game based on passion ratyher then timing,funding umongst other things..... if you dont have the funding yet then give it time and maybe you will have a GREAT publisher that will help you out to create your game-

imo if you have a pssion to make the video game spactaculur in many ways and want to achieve as close to perection as you can ,then nothing should stop you from accomplishing that goal...

look at these amazing games -- resistance 1 & 2,Ratchet and Clank FTOD-uncharted 1 & 2 killzone 2 MGS4 ect ect.. it took them a great amount of time AND funding to creat something THEY wanted to achieve..

[Guitarded]

Focusing on how to get games to run on a Bluray player. Looks like money well spent.

[ultimolu]

I'm really glad that developers are starting to see the PS3's potential because I know for a fact the PS3 can do some major jaw-dropping visuals.

I look forward to playing Gran Turismo 5 and all the other awesome games coming out.

[devilhunterx]

Not every developer needs 4 years and 20 million. The research has ALREADY been done. GG will sharing their research with other developers.

Ever heard of something called a MANUAL??

[bviperz]

Real men don't read manuals! Just saying, lol!

[MasFlowKiller]

you guys do know before they stared working on the game they needed to work on the engine, this is the first tittle with that engine.

if you were to compare it to let say Unreal engine we have

Gear 1(360)
Gear 1(PC)
UT3(PC,PS3)
UT3(360)
Gear 2(360)

GG engine

Killzone 2

[Magic_The_Celt]

Yep

just like MGS4 did, now Killzone 2 shall do the same

another benchmark PS3 title

[sak500]

So you guys can wait 4 years for one AAA game like this. Good for you.

[Oner]

Care to explain how I have had my PS3 since launch 2 years ago = waiting for a PS3 game for 4 years?

This is actually almost sad how embarrasing people make THEMSELVES look without any help...all because of bias and misinformation.

[Bathyj]

Halo took about 4 years to make, or are you to young to remember.

Same as Metal Gear Solid. Was that not worth the wait?

Besides, you waited 2 years for a crap game.

[thereapersson]

You guys are replying to Sak like you're surprised he would make an ignorant comment like that. You know he just trolls most of the time, talking out of his ass whenever possible.

Just ignore him and be done with it.

[DJ]

As much as possible, including those making multiplatform titles. The Guerrila Games presentation at GDC is probably going to be the jumpstart that 3rd party devs have been aching for, and show them the best way to use PS3's power.

[jaybdemented]

"Yeah thats if you don't mind waiting every 5yrs for a game."

they pp. how long have you been waiting for Alan wake

[drdistracto707]

how long did they wait for too human as well, and that game sucked @ss

[ApocalypseShadow]

1)that ps3's memory is more than enough to produce awsome graphics.for those that have seen it up close,YOU HAVE BEEN KILLZONED.

2)that haters were liers in saying "having split memory is inferior than unified memory."YOU HAVE BEEN KILLZONED.

3)that the cell processor can do technically outstanding games and still only use about 60% of the processors.YOU HAVE BEEN KILLZONED.

not only will the engine be used for future ps3 games,the tech will be shared with other developers at sony.which raises the bar and tells third parties that 1st and 2nd party games will outdo your games unless you step it up.no pitiful multiplatform engine will touch what sony will do inhouse.

it's great.the haters spoke too soon.and are now called on it.just like every other sony truth:1080p,hdmi,hdd,wifi,etc. YOU HAVE BEEN KILLZONED.see,haters said the other system would always be one step ahead in the graphics.and that no amount of money or time that ps3 inhouse devs would have would outdo the competitions games.it would be impossible to make a game better looking with inferior hardware.YOU HAVE BEEN KILLZONED.ps3 is more powerful.period point blank.

so what is it now to fall back on haters?gameplay?for those that played it(and that's a lot of gamers),they say the gameplay is awsome.sales?looks to me that this games will easily sell 2 million or more copies without trying.YOU HAVE BEEN KILLZONED.

also,the haters are lucky GG didn't just concentrate all their effort into making just a single player campaign with all that manpower.i'd bet without having to make multiplayer,the game would have looked even more BIGGER,BETTER and MORE BAD @ss.with the game's level of detail even more astonishing and matching the trailer 1 to 1 in animation.KILLZONED!

apocalypse...................

[Bathyj]

A little off topic, but you brought up RAM and I wondered if someone could tell me if this is correct. I will laymans terms because I am just a layman with decent general knowledge.

PS3 has 256meg of normal RAM for the CPU and 256m of awesome RAM for GPU, or maybe thats the other way around. Xbox likes to brag because it has 512m normal RAM that can be split either way in any ration. They see this as a weakness for the PS3's graphics.

But, PS3's RAM splits too, and this is what I want to clarify. The only difference is PS3's GPU can borrow CPU RAM but not the other way, which is fine. I would think thats where it is most needed. The Cell doesn't seem to be lacking anything. In fact every SPU has its own memory on top of the RAM. Plus the DDR (is that what its called), awesome RAM is better anyway.

Anyway, regardless of the technical info, the games proove PS3 is capable. I would like to know more, but I trust my eyes in the end.

Anyone who actually knows care to comment on this. Haters just guessing, need not apply.

[MasFlowKiller]

Did Everyone forget about Uncharted Drake Fortunes?

[SixAmpFuze]

Listen everyone knows that the ps3 is super powerful but 90% of devs wont be able to harness it because of time and money.The only devs that have pushed any of the consoles were their 1st parties.Nintendo is pushing the wii and sonys in house and MS in house are doing the same.

Also all you fools posting here talking graphics.Im so sick of graphics.The only hype killzone 2 has is its graphics and that sucks to me because the game is so much more than just graphics but thats all anyone wants to talk about .This generation graphics are not whats selling games ,Graphics are meant to sell systems and thats what it seems killzone 2 is for people its like a tech demo. I dont like that way of thinking

[nycredude]

You could think your way and others can think their way. It's call freedom of choice and having your own opinion. Don't force yours on others. If it was only about gameplay and graphics don't matter then tell me this. Remember the boxing game for atari which pretty much was two stick figures with a round ball in the middle? When you punch, the ball would go back? Why are we still playing that game? That shiat had addictive gameplay but no one is still playing it, because things evolve, and graphics DO matter, at Killzone 2 has it in spades! However it looks like it will deliver in the gameplay department also.

[ApocalypseShadow]

BUT GRAPHICS HELPS.

but this isn't the days of commodore 64 and playing games that tell you to go N-S-E OR W and you "imagine the dragon" in front of the gold.

now i can "SEE" the dragon as i take its gold.

we're just saying games will only get better.more creative ideas,more innovative ways to play,more things brought to reality because the system is cabable of letting the devs realize their visions.

tetris has basic graphics but is still fun.sudoku has only numbers,still fun.but there's nothing wrong in liking GRAPHICS.

apocalypse................

[Bathyj]

Dude, are you talking about the Hobbit? I loved that game.

[snake-OO]

the 256mb gpu ram is fully shareable with 256 cpu ram, u might wanna get ur facts together 1st b4 posting something like that.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

What is the main game that has EVERYONE talking about the PS3? Killzone 2. What are the 2 main breath taking games for PS3, in terms of visuals? Killzone 2 and Heavy Rain!.

The release of KZ2 could be GOOD or BAD for Sony to release, because of what this article talks about. Come Feb. 27th, the stress is on the devs.... the ball's in their court. Are they willing to get in the game?

I bet you that Sony is even sitting there kinda going "f**k". Sony SHOULD make sure all devs are more aware of how to get their games on par or above KZ2. Cause wether it's fair/realistic or not, those expectations are going to exist. It's also because in all honesty, KZ2 IS single handedly the definitive most positive reception I've seen of PS3 this gen!

[Mutley416]

Wibble wrote.."It's just another fps game. calm down already!.

I've not seen anything so far that makes Killzone look any better than COD4. If anything Killzone looks rather dull in comparison to COD4"

Let`s remember that COD4 is PIMP-
And Single player was pretty amazing looking-
No small feat to make a game as pretty as COD4-

I think KZ2 will be up to the COD4 standard...
and as well as COD4 did...that`s saying alot- |

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

I don't see how come TONS of people are infected with this COD fever, I really didn't find it to be anything great... and I know a few people that agree with me. But to each their own!

[PuttyGod]

Dude they had 4 years and 19.5 million dollars to make this game. And the sad thing is, many people will be disappointed if it's anything like the beta, which it is. The hype is ridiculous and it is completely unjustified outside of the graphics department. The first game was horrid and this one plays very similarly + a leaning 'cover system.'

[us_army]

i dont know where u are thinking people were dissappointed withe the beta. this isnt socom, the beta blew peoples minds and they could not wait to get the final build and see single player, it blew me away when i first got the private beta way back

[Stationfan]

Just a random taught that i have, If your a 3rd party developer that is passionate about making a game that is the best in that genre that your aiming for,

And knowing that some of the best nextgeneration console engine (killzone 2), is available to 1st part and 2nd party Sony Studios.

Do you think this will sway 3rd party develpers into becoming 1st and 2nd party Sony studios.

That is my question,

[Bathyj]

It might depend just how passionate they are.

Its still a risk to make an exclusive game, probably even more for PS3, but games makers are artist (well some are) and it depends whether they're willing to risk short term sales for the sake of achieving their artist vision. Hideo wasn't scared and that turned out alright. Others might not be so lucky, but at least they have that chance. I dont think LBP or Heavy Rain would have been attempted on any other console. At least not in the state they're in now.

[xtreampro_REVENGE]

pp don't even remember what Alan wake is because his been Alan WAITING for too long, HEY!! fat face, just face the facts your CRASH'n'BURN-BOX is finished!, KZ2 is just adding more fuel to the already burning C'n'BB,

and thats a FACT!!, all the 360 dose is ''crash'' and ''burn'', it burns buildings, apartments, homes, worlds tallest skyscrapers, humans, animals, forest, it's even causing G L O B L - W A R M I N G!!!! lol, more like a GLOBAL WARNING to the freaking human race LMAO!!

[NaiNaiNai]

im sorry but wow.
-nai-

[us_army]

so much enthusiasm, to much actually

[Bathyj]

Obviously the resources thrown at this game were an advantage, but just like haven't BluRay doesn't automatically make a game better, pouring money into it doesn't either. Its merely a plus. A very, very big plus.

But please dont tell me you HAVE to have a $20M or whatever budget and an army of programmers to get results on PS3. To people who say that, I've got 2 words for ya. Media Molecule. Just a handful of talent, a bucketload of passion (theres no substitute for loving your job) and a great idea. And still the best graphics on console as far as I'm concerned, at least regarding textures and till Killzone hits.

[Tristanh82]

this is my last week on N4g, im over this PS3,360 bashing for f%$k sakes, instead of moaning write some F#$king real news, its getting way to old.you F#%K nut menopause fanboys who have nothing better to do cause they cant get layed sit in here jerking off over there same old comments over and over while watching oprah in the background, while there sitting in there parents house dreaming of some day going down on them selves. F#$K marry F#$K jesus and F#$K you N4g for your now becoming sh#%t site.

[NaiNaiNai]

nice second account "nob" lmfao. good we wont miss you, this place isn't for the faint at heart or weak in mind.
-nai-

[madpuppy]

and in my opinion, they are. they should be very excited about what GG has done. anything that advances the medium should be lauded. For example,I really don't see developers (whether they are multi-platform of exclusive developers)getting upset about the quality of a game or the ability to squeeze more juice out of the hardware that they even expected. now, the talking heads from the publishers or otherwise are more interested in selling units. so, they may not like when a game that looks this good comes out because they may feel it will effect their bottom line. For example, I read an article about when they first showed LBP at E3. Reggie Fils-Aime was not too happy and thought that it should have been on the Wii instead. " http://www.nintendowiifanbo...

That is not a perfect example,
Reggie Fils-Aime liked the game and it bothered him that it was not his.

If you think about it though, A good portion of developers are game players, I'm sure that regardless what console they develop for they probably have all three consoles and play the games they like on those consoles. you would never see that in a MS or Sony biased article or
video. but, I cannot see the guys at Bungie only playing Halo and not wanting to play Killzone 2 or Resistance or Uncharted. Or Insomniac only Playing Resistance 2 and not wanting to play Halo3 or Gears 2 or even braid. After all, a great game is a great game and a real gamer is not a fanboy....blah.

[Tristanh82]

hahahahahahaha Faint at heart or weak in mind. who do u think u are nailene just cause u play shootem up games doesnt make u a F&*king marine u toss bag, you prob yell semper fi out on your head set during COD to make you belive that your wee wee is bigger then a small infants. night night nailene

[karlostomy]

?

[silverchode]

so you will read it

[Obama]

So the bots can have something to read? It's not like the 360 has much games coming in 09 you know?

[yanikins111]

With everyone commenting that the dev time for kz2 was 5 years or whatever, im just wondering what the man hours are. I mean im pretty sure they dont have the full team working on the whole game for the full 3 years. How much time was spent pre-production writing the story line, doing concept work, artwork, all that jazz. i think it would be interesting to see a comparison of man hours for uncharted, killzone 2, mgs4, gears of war, halo3, fable 2 and to see a break down of what time is dedicated to what... if not to shut up the ignorant fanboys saying that devs are lazy...

Playing Big Day Out in 2 days..... is sh!tting self....

[Stationfan]

Okay lets say that the Game Took "5" years to make, do you honestly think theyre going to take that much for the next one.

Heck now GC, have already laid down the foundation for future games of theyres. They can pump them every year ala Microsoft expansions and call it a new game for that year.

UMM we have an exiting new lineup of exclusive games this year (2010), we have Killzone 2 Recon,

But seriously, The hardest part of the ps3 development was getting around the unique architecture of the ps3 and making it get the amazing results that killzone 2 achieved, But guess what Guerilla already got the hard part down and is sharing its techniques with Sony 1st and 2nd party developers.

So that mean its going to drastically benefit 1st and 2nd party developers theyre going to be pumping out amazing looking games faster and eventually better looking that Killzone 2, All because Guerilla paved the way

[CrippleH]

The expectations of the PS3 developers are already higher then the 360 ones.

If the expectation rises, more "Journalist" is going to rag on PS3 exclusive graphics being not to par comparing it to Killzone 2.

While 1up says Halo 3 has subtle beauty lmao.

[Jdoki]

Video game development is a competitive business. In my experience coders love to outdo each other for efficient and innovative solutions to coding problems.

I'm sure it's the same for texture artists and so on for every role in development.

So in that respect, then Yes, KZ2 will raise epxectations. Developers will be raising the expectations of what their teams can achieve.

But there's also another factor of KZ2 development that can raise expectations...

Support from Sony.

No doubt Sony provided a lot of support to GG in terms of problem solving, tools and advice to help trick out the PS3's architecture. And no doubt GG found new solutions and ways of doing things that would have been fed back to Sonydevs.

There's no reason Sony would want to hold this info close to their chests - so 2nd and 3rd party devs should expect to reap the benefits from KZ2's development.

And just as Insomniac already help out other PS3 devs, I would imagine that the tools Sony/GG have put together, and the experience they have gained form this project will filter through the PS3 development community.

The net result, is that we should see a steady improvement in the quality of games on PS3, and the speed at which they are developed.

[dredgewalker]

@floppyfeet
I guess Sony was much wiser having spent 60 million dollars on game development than MS spending 50 million dollars for a timed exclusive. That development has produced an engine that would make better looking games on the PS3 possible so it was money well spent.

[Narutone66]

But didn't MS spend $50 million for DLC? Who knows how much they spend for FF13 to be release on their console. Why is MS mostly promoting multi-plat games? They should have built up their first-party developers like Sony. Ensemble was a great company, too bad MS don't have the foresight to plan for the future.

[dredgewalker]

Well the money spent on Killzone 2 is worth it cause they have a better engine to crank out more games as opposed to MS SPENDING 50 MILLION DOLLARS FOR A TIMED EXCLUSIVE!!! you guys know what im talking about right?

[Primetimebt]

Seriously for the people who say it took 4 years $20 million to make does quality at the same price per game mean nothing? Graphics will sell and you can go back and look at all the graphical games sell good and make help raise the bar on the next games. Even if a game only manages to sell 1 m they still profit over $40 m maybe Sony/MS get $20M, and game develophers get $10M, etc. how ever it breaks down the profit is there and it's at the expense us gamers. $60 a game is $10 increase over last generation and not only is it harder on gamers wallets but there is hundreds of games that I look back and they do not justify the $60 price tag especially when all they do is sub par HD and code it to upscale to HD. I truly glad a game develope invested millions of dollar in a game for once not only do we win by getting are money worth but they win by selling more copies during there lifetime.

[Cynical-Gamerzus]

Why ??Beacuse this IS NEXT GEN Gaming ,Not PC Hand me DOwns!
This is the beginning to Multicore Engines!THat mark next gen and for years to come..
Little Deick Shsht Kids may enjoy the Wii and 360 cause they have no PC or money but get used to a future where games are Multicore Beast...
Like Killzone 2 !!

[dredgewalker]

An exclusive is what defines a console, without one a console is just another gaming machine with no soul nor personality. Halo defined the Xbox, while Metal Gear defined the PS. An exclusive game like Killzone 2 promotes the PS3's graphical capability and shows Sony's seriousness in this gaming industry. An exclusive is what makes the system unique rather than the multiplats than you can have anywhere.