Ben-DutkaIt's tough out there. If you don't make great games that sell, you won't last long.
And unfortunately, originality is nowhere near as appealing to the masses as tried-and-true formats in easily recognizable, accessible packages. This is why sequels tend to reign supreme and why new IPs typically have little chance of competing, unless they get fantastic reviews and a ton of marketing. Platinum Games is a studio that loves new IPs; they love making new things all the time. But is their publisher (Sega) annoyed that they don't stick to one particular game and build a highly commercial franchise? After all, even though Bayonetta sold relatively well, Vanquish scored just as high and didn't even break 1 million copies.
But Sega West CEO Mike Hayes told Eurogamer that Platinum is a "great studio" and they continue to produce quality work. Said Hayes:
"The nice thing about working with PlatinumGames is that you can dip into their pool of creativity and see what they come up with next. And that's like gaming used to be. To have the freedom to have a partner like that is good. We tend not to put the suits and restrictions on them and 'you now must do this'. It's like, 'What have you got next then guys?' And if we think there's a commercial opportunity then we want to partner with them."
Currently, Platinum is cranking on another new IP, Anarchy Reigns . You can bet it won't compete with the highly anticipated sequels and established franchises, but these developers obviously care more about producing something fresh. We have to admit; it's nice to see a studio so uncommonly dedicated to the new IP.
Original IP's are great, but isn't this another way of saying their creations don't warrant a second installment?
Good point, but who knows maybe they'll start making sequels in the future and they may even put of a commercial effort on them
Not with those review scores, no. Bayonetta and Vanquish absolutely deserve follow-ups.
Hey Ben what does IP stand for, for people who don't know like myself? I can only think it stands for "Internet Protocal."
I guess the way I look at it, is if they had an Assassin's Creed, Red Dead Redemption, Infamous, or Uncharted on their hands, I can't see them having the same company motto of "we only do original IP's". Meaning, if the quality and/or popularity of Bayonetta or Vanquish screamed to have a sequel made just as Infamous screamed to have a sequel made, well I just think their tune would be different.
Not that my opinion or game tastes match everyone’s, but after playing the demo's of both Bayonetta and Vanquish, they didn't warrant a purchase from me, let alone a sequel.
IP – Intellectual Property
Decidedly not. As good as any project may be, and as deserving as it may be of a follow-up (which will usually improve on it in many ways), when someone decides to turn their expertise to something different, they are to be applauded. These are the people that prefer to take risks than see them painted in the same miserable corner. Look at it like Visceral: Does Dante's Inferno deserve a sequel? Many would say yes. Will we get one? No, because they're working on Ripper and Dead Space 3. DS is their baby, but they space the releases with new IPs (or it could be argued adaptions).
Peace.
I don't think so, I think it's more a case of always wanting to innovate and seeing new IP as being the route to that goal.
It's a risky path though, because a sequel to a well received game is a ticket to easy money, but a new IP every time is a risk every time. I guess that it keeps them sharp.
Lawless, I kind of see it as fan service. If Sucker Punch chose to go with a new IP instead of giving us Infamous 2, I would be upset. Although I would admittedly be intrigued by a new Sucker Punch IP, I want Infamous 2 more.
With that said, I don't think there is a huge market for Bayonetta 2 or Vanquish 2, thus they are going to try and strike gold with another new IP. But hey, I'm personally glad for that. I'd rather see a new IP from them, instead of follow ups to two games I don't have a ton of interest in.
I can understand that. But if Sucker Punch had announced that they'd have developed Sly 4 before inFamous 2, I'd be alright. Similarly, if they decide to branch out and develop a new IP before coming back for a third inFamous, I'll be exceedingly happy. I just love the work that they've done thus far and would like to see them create new experiences.
Although I do agree with what you say about Platinum. None of their games have captured my attention, and I like seeing them continue to try. If they did manage to make a game that I fell in love with, I still wouldn't be clamouring for them to make a sequel. We know that they make new games, so that's what I want them to do.
Peace.
Isn't Bayonetta 2 being worked on? That would mean they aren't "entirely" focused on new IP's. I hope they just get better with each new IP. The freshman effort of Bayonetta was nice, but not great, the Sophmore effort of Vanquish imo was a step up from Bayonetta, albeit they are different formats, but still action and fast paced oriented. This will be their Junior effort, and I will get/rent it to see if they have a winner in another new IP.
I loved Vanquish,such a great game to pick up and play.
Bayonetta 2 with Ps3 as lead = win!
Vanquish was an AMAZING game! Too bad no one really gave it a shot. I think the demo didn't do it justice at all.
The attention to detail and the action cut-scenes are awesome. I definitely recommend this game!
It can certainly be had on the cheap these days. I wasn't impressed with the demo, considering it was $60.00 at that time. But I can't recall anyone who bought the game thinking it wasn't worth their time or money.
I loved the demo, it's on my list of catch up games this summer.
I love studio's that are always trying to do something new, but if they do something awesome, it'd be nice if they could work on sequels and new IP's. I know, I ask for a lot.
I think platinum seems like a great studio, doing some original stuff and what not, just hoping their next IP is actually in a genre that would fit my preferences.
I really do like the creativity on display from this studio, and I'm glad that they're not focussed on churning out sequels for their best work. It really does offer something unique in that aspect, and although none of their games have been standout must-haves for me, I would still like to reward them sometime for doing what everyone else seems to be too afraid to do.
Peace.
With that attitude, Platinum is exactly the kind of developer you need to have in-house to generate new games for your platform that differentiate it from the rest.
Make some decent games and you guys will be fine.
i thought bayonetta was very poorly handled on the ps3. every time i hear it's name i think of all the crap ps3 ports we have received over the years. that nasty port came deep in the ps3's life cycle too. it's hard for me to throw any praise at that game.
vanquish on the other hand was handled much, much better. that game was a blast but too short. bring on v2.
as far pg goes, i do worry about them becuase their games do not sell that well. how long can they continue to release new ip's that do not sell?
Excelsior1,
Just an FYI, It was Sega Sammy that screwed the pooch on that PS3 port, not Platinum Games.
And Platinum learned their lesson handing off ports, so that's exactly why Platinum's doing Bayo2 themselves & using the PS3 for the lead this time around.
BTW, I've heard that the patches fixed Bayo-1's problems on the PS3, but at the moment I'm unable to confirm it.
Last edited by BikerSaint on 5/19/2011 6:27:48 PM
I can see the advantage of never having to restrict yourself to style of a series of games, but damn I sure could go for a Vanquish 2.
Good to know such studio exist.
And after some time away I'm finally back.
they have to release a IP that warrants sequels first……..
Only sequel I want from them is Vanquish 2. Other than that, though, I applaud their determination to make new things all the time.