So you’ve stumbled upon thebitbag.com today to see what’s new and you find yourself wondering, what is the GTAIV Effect?
In my honest opinion, I feel that that GTA3 was the reason why the Playstation 2 pretty much dominated last generation. Also you can’t deny that the PS2 arrived during the DVD revolution which also helped it alot. Sony secured GTA3 for an entire year exclusively on the Playstation 2. They also had timed exclusivity for all of the GTA3 sequels. Rockstar created an incredible franchise and GTA3 was the reason many people bought the PS2 and later Xbox consoles.
GTAIV had just as much of an impact as GTA3. This time however, it was a multiplatform release for both the PS3 and 360. So far the game has sold 4.23m on the PS3 and 5.74m on X360. It was a huge success on both platforms. Do you think if it was PS3 or 360 exclusive it still would have sold nearly 10m copies?
Other 3rd party developers and publishers have taken notice of the success that one game can have on multiple platforms. Even Capcom has seen it with DMC4, just not as much. With the success of GTAIV, it’s almost guaranteed that a AAA title like…hmmmm…Final Fantasy XIII would sell well on both platforms. So far the combined installed base of the PS3 and X360 is 34 million. That’s 20 million for X360 and 14 million for PS3. So why WOULDN’T more 3rd parties start going multiplatform?
I’ve stated many times in different articles why 3rd party games should always be multiplatform. It’s the 1st party games that define a system, not the 3rd party. It’s true that many GREAT franchises started out as exclusives on the PS2, but you have to remember that PS2 completely dominated last generation. The Gamecube was smothered in Nintendo 1st party games and the Xbox was a year too late to threaten the PS2. Many gamers, particularly Playstation gamers, think that games like Final Fantasy, GTA and Devil May Cry are Playstation franchises that should stay on the Playstation. Might I remind you folks that are nodding your head in agreement that the Final Fantasy franchise started on the NES and the GTA franchise started on the PC.
Things change with time. You’d have to be blind not to see that this generation is the most healthiest we’ve had since the Sega Genesis/SNES days. As gamers, we win! We have a choice and aren’t left out in the cold. We get the best 3rd party games and the best 1st party exclusives of each system. So if we are bathing ourselves in great games, what’s wrong with a company like Squarenix getting a big payoff with their largest franchise? I think I mentioned on the Warzone that the hold up with FFXIII was the fact that they were making a 360 version. So before I end this article, think to yourself…where’s Tekken 6? Yes, Tekken 6, that game that is already finished on the PS3 hardware will be multiplatform. Don’t forget that Namco is seeing huge numbers from the multiplatform fighting opus called Soul Calibur IV. Why not maximize profits with Tekken 6? Mark my words on this one folks.
So what’s the GTAIV Effect? It’s the ability to see that there is success in both next generation platforms. Game development is an art form, but there’s also a business side to it too. It’s the business part of the industry that has companies like Capcom, Namco and Squarenix putting their best IP’s on both systems. This isn’t wrong, it’s right. It’s business and the only ones that lose are the ones who don’t own a next gen console.
Peace!
I agree with every thing you say. But Torrence I have a question for you. Where do you rank GTA IV with all the other GTA games? For me personally it GTA SD, GTA III, GTA IV, and then GTA Vice City. GTA IV was a big let down for me, and it regret spending 65 dollars on it. That game was way over hype, and I let my experience with the previous GTA games cloud my judgment.
Second do you think Mass Effect 2 will be an Xbox 360 exclusive? Base on EA lastest finical data, the made more money on the ps3 than the xbox 360. I personally think it will stay on the xbox 360. But if it do come to the ps3, then I will buy it for the ps3. If not, then I will get it for my xbox 360.
I personally feel that Tekken 6 will be exclusive on the PS3 in Japan. Outside of Japan, I don’t know. It might be the same as Final Fantasy XIII.
I feel like Sony have the best First Party games, and the best First Party studios. I may be wrong, but I think sony have 22 first party studio, and then you have the Heavy Rain guys working exclusive on the ps3 this generation. Nintendo have great first Party characters, but not so much as IP’s. I personally don’t like Zelda, and only like the 2D mario games (except Mario 64, great fucking game). Now it seems all Nintendo does is put Mario on every games, and people eat it up. MS don’t have a lot of great first party exclusive, but have great third party exclusive such as Gears of War, and Mass Effect.
I really can’t answer your GTA question. I own all of them, even the first one for PC. All I ever did with GTA3 is run from the cops. I found myself doing the same thing with GTAIV HOWEVER, I’m more inclined to finish the GTAIV story.
I don’t think Mass Effect 2 will be multiplatform. I think it SHOULD be but MS might own that IP. EA might only have distribution rights.
Sony does have a bigger 1st party camp then MS. MS really needs to work on that. Think of how many Gears Of War quality games they could have if the nourished the 1st party concept. Alan Wake is a step in the right direction.
@Torrence Davis
I don’t think MS owns the Mass Effect IP. If that was the case, then I don’t think EA should have the right to publish the game. it the same thing with Heavenly Sword. Since Ninja Theory went multi-platform, the IP stayed with Sony. That isn’t the case with Mass Effect. If I remember correctly, I think the developers stated that they would like the keep Mass Effect on a single console after EA got publishing rights or whatever.
Second, when are you guys releaseing a new Warzone podcast? It been weeks since you guys last one
Tonight we are recording Warzone #8 or 9 or whatever LOL. It should be posted in the AM. Good stuff for tonight so be sure to check it out.
Sweet. Oh and are you guys giving away any of those swags you got from E3?
I agree with the article all the way. This generation resembles the SNES/Genesis days so much its not even funny. I remember at that time you just had to own both, because they both had incredibly great games. Its the same way with Microsoft and Sony. There’s one thing I gotta say though, Microsoft NEEDS to get more first party studios. Gears, Halo, Mass Effect, and others are great. But it would be nice to see them put the money they fork over on exclusive DLC, towards new IP or studios for first party support. Its great to see u back Tor, can’t wait for the next warzone!