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Originally Posted by Utnayan This, in my opinion, means a couple things:
First, the negative.
1> Microsoft likely saw where this game was headed and didn't want to take any more risks. 4 years of funding and pulling the plug this late in the game means they did not have any confidence in this title. Microsoft, as a publisher, is very good. And having something like this happen puts a big dent into the credibility of Sigil, and the game as far as I am concerned.
2> I wonder about the likelihood of an Xbox 360 version with this news. Which may have something to do with reason 1 as well.
3> The last time this happened, as Verant Interactive, sooner or later SOE took full control and the abortion called Luclin popped out.
Second, the positive.
1> It will add tremendous value to a sinking all access pass. Matrix Online, Star Wars Galaxies, and Planetside are dead weight. With the addition of Vanguard, the value of the all access pass may hold it's own weight - depending on how the game actually turns out.
2> Maybe between Sigil, SoE, and their lawyers, someone will be able to figure out how to design a dwarf where it's legs are not longer than it's torso.
3> If true, and Sigil retains full development and timelines, it will be nice to see if they can come out with a game that isn't finished on 6 months worth of subscription revenue. And if it isn't, there aren't any excuses this time around.
There is only one almost for sure thing anyone can take from this though this late in the game's development and years of funding. A publisher pulling out this late means they have lost confidence in the ability of the developer, and Microsoft doesn't pull out easily. So something is pretty fucked up at the moment. |
I'll step up on this one Ut. On the business side I can assure you Microsoft had (and still has) confidence in Vanguard. I've spoken to them myself, and that certainly isn't the issue. I've been in this business a long time and I've seen (and I've been a part of) plenty of games that move elsewhere at the last second. I would only point out that Microsoft is about to get locked into a severely protracted battle with my compadres that make the PlayStation 3... and even though they are Microsoft, they have budgets. If the right deal comes along and they can get a return on a smart investment... well everything has a price.. that's the way I'd put it. I happen to respect the MS guys a lot. I play a lot of their games (most notably the Age series) and I know they are committed to making great games.
The same applies to us getting into the deal to co-publish it. I have to say I'm incredibly impressed with Vanguard. The game is awesome, and I think from our perspective it's going to be something we're very proud to be associated with. As to your other points, you have made them before and only time and hard work will prove you'll be happy with the quality of Vanguard and the other stuff we're releasing (can't wait for people to see our PS3 title at E3... I was just playing it and it's damn awesome!).
Smed
