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BioWare Co-Founder: It Isn’t Fair To “Poke Fun” At Sony

Analysts and journalists alike basically dismissed Activision CEO Bobby Kotick's threat, where he said the publisher might have to stop supporting the PlayStation 3 if Sony didn't provide consumers with a price cut.

And now, as if we really needed any further confirmation of the emptiness of Kotick's words, BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk has simply called the threat "silly," and emphasized the importance of the PlayStation brand. In speaking to CVG , Zeschuk acknowledges what PSXE spoke about when we first heard Kotick's statement; that there are "millions" of PlayStation users out there. Said the BioWare co-founder:

"I don't think it's really fair to poke fun at Sony. Certainly the Wii's been a massive success and Sony's probably not going as fast as they thought it would be but I think that they're starting to make the right moves and the software's coming along. I think it's silly to be saying you're not going to support Sony. The brand itself is still huge and there are millions of [users] out there."

Sony boss Howard Stringer said Kotick "likes to make a lot of noise" and all he's really trying to do is put pressure on Sony. This shouldn't come as any surprise, primarily because Activision wants the PS3 to be more accessible this holiday season when the publisher comes forward with its huge releases ( Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 , Guitar Hero 5 , etc.). There's little doubt that Activision wants to reap the benefits of their blockbuster lineup and to do that, they need the hardware to be as appealing as humanly possible. The simplest explanation is very often the right one, yes?

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LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
14 years ago

Wonderful for him to offer words of encouragement, how about he actually support the system. At least Activision has put several games on the PS3.

Jawknee
Jawknee
14 years ago

true.

SHADOW
SHADOW
14 years ago

uh… Dragon Age.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

Um, I coulda sworn that Bioware is actively developing for PS3. Pretty sure anyway…ya know?

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
14 years ago

Uh hasn't come out yet, PS3 has been out for how long? Exactly.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
14 years ago

One game Highlander?

SHADOW
SHADOW
14 years ago

Well since Bioware has only released 3 games since the PS3 came out (1 for DS, 1 for Iphone, and 1 for 360) what more can you really ask for?

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

@LV
In reference to Bioware and Greg Zeschuk, you said "how about he actually support the system".

Since they are actively developing at least one game for the PS3, I would have to say that he is indeed supporting the system.

Good grief, what is your problem?


Last edited by TheHighlander on 7/14/2009 12:15:43 AM

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
14 years ago

I was simply pointing out while Activision has supported the PS3 from day one Bioware has decided to wait 3 years. So his positive words are moot to me in contrast to Activision's proven support.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

Whatever.

Jordahn
Jordahn
14 years ago

LV does have a point. It's like trying to help a friend numerous times to find a job, but your friend does nothing to help himself. Then someone out of the blue comes along and tells you that you have to be understanding why your friend has yet to get a job but has done nothing to help that friend. Because of your efforts to help your friend, you'd thing you'd have the right to criticize. In SONY's case, they are doing a great job for a $400 console. Now, I disagree with Kotick's unsubstantiated comment, and I'm glad to hear Bioware's support. But whether you agree with Kotick or not Activision has been behind the PS3 more than Bioware so Bioware's comment might not carry as far as Activision's.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

@Jordan…

I don't know about you, but when someone has started supporting something, it's not really polite, or fair to start criticizing them for not supporting it. I mean how do you demand that someone show support (as if they are not) when they are showing support by their very actions and statements?

If you want shades of gray, how about a company that's made millions in profits selling software on a video game console that still costs more to make than it's sold for demanding that the console maker take further losses in order to drive the software companies profit line higher still? Seems like it would be that company that's not really showing it's support…hmmm?

Either way, LV made a statement that was contradicted by fact and then stubbornly tried to justify that contradiction. Is that your intent as well?

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
14 years ago

Highlander my point was pretty clear. You took my words out of context, I than clarified them and you still refuse to see the point. Stop being a meanie pants.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

Not gonna argue more here, if you want, take it to the forum.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
14 years ago

Not a fan of the forums, sorry.

King James
King James
14 years ago

Vertigo,

you talking reckless again…I'm not surprised.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
14 years ago

It's my shtick, come on I'm a red viper driving down the road at 140 with a large Slurpee from Shell.

Karosso
Karosso
14 years ago

I have to say LV remarks about BioWare are not far off the mark and I don't see why people got so carried away to the point of getting nasty.
They are looking more like that army that joins the fight only after they make sure you might actually win, so they can reap the benefits. Its not like they were there all the time defending the PS3 and supporting it from the beginning. BioWare is a great Developer no question and I'm sure I will by their game on my PS3 but,they are a little late to the fight. Well as my late Grandma used to say, better late then never.

Fane1024
Fane1024
14 years ago

Bioware had a long-standing relationship (contractual ?) with MS, so it's no surprise they took a while to support the PS3, but they are now. In other words, you're both right.

Alienange
Alienange
14 years ago

This round goes to theHighlander. Releasing a lot of games begrudgingly < releasing a few games happily.

Also, most devs are not as large as Activision so good for them if they feel the need to make their voice heard.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
14 years ago

Didn't realize you were refereeing this conversation.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

Kotex wasn't really poking fun, he just suffers from foot in mouth disease.

SHADOW
SHADOW
14 years ago

Ya poking fun and trying to force a policy shift in a completely different corporation are not the same thing.

xnonsuchx
xnonsuchx
14 years ago

Kotex should be stuffed somewhere 😉

JofaMang
JofaMang
14 years ago

*giggles*
Kotex
*giggles more*

It is my wife's brand, I know whats going on here!

Ricochet
Ricochet
14 years ago

I just don't get why Activision is pushing PS3 to get a price cut. With over 20+ million install base, do they really believe their games are so classy that there is not enough PS3 owners to purchase them?

I'm glad Bioware decides to step out and defend the PS3 because they're seems to have a lot of anti-PS3 propaganda out there.

By the way, didn't COD4 and Guitar Hero sell fine on the PS3 with a smaller install base before?

Fane1024
Fane1024
14 years ago

On one hand, Activision have sold over 12 million copies of COD and GH games on PS3, so they should be happy and shut up.

On the other hand, they have sold over 22 million copies of COD and GH games on 360, so they see PS3 as less valuable and thus want to increase that market.

They should just recognize that certain games fit one audience better than the other.

Capcom, for instance, has sold more units of key multiplats on PS3.

Until Activision is willing to sell their cash cow, COD4, as a greatest hit, any demand for a PS3 price drop is laughable.


Last edited by Fane1024 on 7/14/2009 8:01:07 PM

Scarecrow
Scarecrow
14 years ago

Haven't ever bought an Activision game <3

Nor a Bioware one
Hell, didn't even know that company existed 'till recently lol

Ricochet
Ricochet
14 years ago

I think it's due to the fact that Bioware only makes exclusives for the 360.

SHADOW
SHADOW
14 years ago

Ricochet, you are clueless. Bioware has released 2 console games ever. So get your head out of your ass.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
14 years ago

Actually you're VERY wrong Shadow. They've released well over 6 console games.

Ricochet
Ricochet
14 years ago

@Shadow:

What exactly did you eat for lunch, I'm pretty sure it wasn't food. What the hell did I do to warrant such an insult? For a moderator, you're pretty unstable.


Last edited by Ricochet on 7/14/2009 12:04:34 AM

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
14 years ago

Not just an insult but a blind one based on nothing but false information that ended up making him look stupid.

SHADOW
SHADOW
14 years ago

Ok there are actually 4. One for dreamcast 2 for Xbox and 1 for 360. my bad. Either way that argument is completely broken.

Only released Bioware games on consoles:
MDK2 – predated the Xbox brand (I had no idea this game was on Dreamcast)
KoTOR
Jade Empire – published by MS (forgot about this game's existence entirely)
Mass Effect – published by MS


Last edited by SHADOW on 7/14/2009 12:08:14 AM

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
14 years ago

You've got be kidding me. You totally insult the guy even though you're actually the one that's wrong. You decide to follow up and instead of apologizing you inform us the argument is "broken" You have no class and you're still wrong, congratulations.

SHADOW
SHADOW
14 years ago

Where am I wrong? Go ahead tell me. I originally said 2, which after doing a quick research found out it was actually 4. Neither of the two I had forgotten help his argument. They have released 1 360 game which was published by Microsoft.

Where are the more than 6 you were talking about.?


Last edited by SHADOW on 7/14/2009 12:15:32 AM

SHADOW
SHADOW
14 years ago

And yes, ricochet, I jumped down your throat. becuase you made a completely erroneous statement about one of the few great western RPG developers in the world.

Byakko2009
Byakko2009
14 years ago

Bioware made MDK? Never knew. Maybe it's the fact that those games were so bland. Solid, but bland. I remember when I had that paperweight known as the Dreamcast, it was the only decent game there was to play. Funny, I love fighting games but software-wise the Dreamcast was atrocious to me. But I'm with Scarecrow still didn't know who the heck was Bioware until recently. *Yawn* Either way, I'd rather hear the big players like Konami, Namco, etc. to speak about the subject. They won't however. Why? Because their PR doesn't require to engage in these pointless out-cries. They know how to make solid software that sells.

Ricochet
Ricochet
14 years ago

@Shadow:

"And yes, ricochet, I jumped down your throat. becuase you made a completely erroneous statement about one of the few great western RPG developers in the world."

Technically I'm right, I am responding directly to Scarecrow's statement to why he hasn't heard of Bioware before. I stated that it was simply because "it has made games exclusively for the 360" (which is correct). I was referring to this present timeline . Nowhere in my statement did I say Bioware "never" made games previously nor did I even try to downplay "one of the few great western RPG developers in the world."

From the way you responded I can see that you assumed I DIRECTLY attacked the said company like a no-brainer and your so-called moderating instincts was thrown off-course as if you desperately needed a fanboy fix. I'd let this go if this was an "everyday" forum/comment section, but as I consider this a prestige PSX fansite, I now question their choices to who keeps tabs on their site.

@LimitedVertigo:

Thanks for coming into my defense.

xnonsuchx
xnonsuchx
14 years ago

Activision made some of the best Atari 2600 games…yes, I'm old enough to remember the original PITFALL being COOL! 😉

kevinater321
kevinater321
14 years ago

@ ricochet, i recall you saying that they ONLY make exclusive 360 games, here let me quote you. "I think it's due to the fact that Bioware only makes exclusives for the 360." anyway who cares how many they made.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
14 years ago

@kevinater321

He was referring to the current generation, I think that was pretty clear.

King James
King James
14 years ago

Wow!! Scarecrow, I'm disappointed in you.

@Shadow
Thanks for defending Bioware unlike the oblivious.


Last edited by King James on 7/14/2009 12:09:19 PM

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
14 years ago

You've to be kidding me, he's a moderator and he personally attacked a poster on inaccurate information. This is a sad day.

King James
King James
14 years ago

Shadow does his job and that all I expect from a moderator. If that moderator happens to have a strong opinion, thats cool with me as long as the job gets done.

All 3 of your guys (Shadow, Vertigo, and Ricochet) were wrong. Shadow and Vertigo was wrong about the quantitative data, and Ricochet just (deliberately or unintentional) misspoke. Bioware has initially made ONE (count it, ONE) game exclusive for the 360 and that was Mass Effect. Mass Effect went PC after EA got em. At least Shadow did the research, clarified.

Bioware is a PC developer that had their 1st legitimate success in the console market last gen with KOTOR and Jade Empire. They made 2 xbox games and one 360 game. They always make great games and if a moderator (or anyone for that matter) wants to tell off someone that speaks falsely about that Bioware, I have NO problem with that. NONE.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
14 years ago

Shadow used the word "ass", you forgot to mention that.

King James
King James
14 years ago

haha, yea but I did say strong opinion.


Last edited by King James on 7/14/2009 2:50:08 PM

Scarecrow
Scarecrow
14 years ago

Well what?

You guys expect me to actually known Bioware?
You've got to be kidding me!

In fact, those who expect me to even CARE 'bout Bioware are morons.

And Activision has NEVER EVER in my life as a gamer attracted me with any of their games.

They're not the kinda games I like. Mostly western games.

kevinater321
kevinater321
14 years ago

i like you limited vertigo, you are fun to argue agains compaired to stupid fanboys, you actually know what your talking about and when you don't it is very convincing and seems like you do. I will enjoy disagreeing with you in the near future 🙂

King James
King James
14 years ago

@Scarecrow

Well Scarecrow, I've read almost all your comments and you portray yourself as an intelligent, well-seasoned, and well-informed gamer. So yea, I assumed you knew of one of the best western developers. I guess Bioware just slipped threw the cracks, huh?

If u got a spare $10, you should consider buying KOTOR for PC. Great RPG, greater game.

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