NIS America, the publisher of franchises such as Disgaea and Danganronpa, does not appear to be all that happy with Sony at the moment. Speaking with MCV about a range of subjects – including its partnership with Nintendo on SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy – president Takuro Yamashita insinuated that the publisher is not on best terms with PlayStation’s third-party people.
“Sony is not friendly with small publishers like us,” he said pointedly. “They just care about big Japanese companies.” To be honest, this is the first time we’re hearing something like this; since the beginning of the generation, PlayStation has been praised for its developer outreach, so we’re curious if something has changed – or if this is just some personal beef.
Yamashita continued that NIS America’s titles on the Nintendo Switch are outselling those on the PS4 by two-to-one when they release simultaneously, although as far as we’re aware, Touhou Kobuto V: Burst Battle is the only title to fit his criteria. “A lot of PS4 titles are coming up, so the market is very competitive,” he explained. “The Switch market still has lots of room for publishers to make money.”
All of this has resulted in NIS America signing a deal with Nintendo to make the physical version of SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy a Switch exclusive. You’ll still be able to purchase the game on the PS4, but you’ll have to buy it from the PlayStation Store. Proving Yamashita’s previous point, however, the girl-themed brawler is set to release on 7th September – the very same day as Spider-Man.
[source issuu.com, via nintendoeverything.com]
Comments 57
PR tactic maybe? If the PlayStation market is as competitive as he says then NISA can garner goodwill from Nintendo fans by going all-in on Switch. It only matters to NISA in the long run, Sony won't lose much sleep over niche Japanese titles selling an extra 100k on Switch. Gotta target the right audience.
It’s absolutely true that Sony may be a victim of its own success as it relates to these smaller titles trying to make an appearance on the PS4. Of course, even though SNK Heroines is not necessarily shooting for the same player demographic as Spiderman, there is still just so many more titles available on PS4 than on Switch, so smaller games will get lost in the shuffle. However, the statement about Sony not being “friendly with small publishers” sounds like sour grapes to me. They have a long history with NIS America and their titles have done well on PSP and Vita. But they can’t blame Sony if they produce niche games. In the case of Danganronpa, I love those games and wish more people would buy them, however.
Sigh. When I think of games that define 'PlayStation' to me it's Disgaea. NIS have been great to PlayStation with continued support to both Vita & PS4, but that statement is surprising.
Wish them all the best on Switch, but whoever thought releasing SNK Heroines towards the end of the year was smart, should be fired.
It's somewhat concerning to hear this, but honestly there are way too many second or third tier games coming out on the PS Store (and tons of anime-flavored titles), and so I can't blame Sony if it's not bending over backwards for every smaller publisher.
I hope that isn't true, although maybe there's been priority change for sony because most of small titles/indies usually go to ps4. We're in year 5 of ps4, usually it's time to focus on the big titles for casual users since the hardcore already bought the system.
Still, its pretty hard for small company to compete with the like of uncharted and horizon when it's discounted on psn, ps4 users have so many choices. Releasing the game the same day as spiderman won't help though.
Edit: Now that I'm think about it maybe it's because sony didn't make psvita successor? Nis titles usually sells good on sony portables, now that sony didn't make psvita 2/psp 3 it just like sony abandoning Nis/other small japanese companies. There's swich of course, but usually only first party titles that sells great on that console.
They'll come crawling back for the PS5.
Bait.article.
Who cares. Go where your games sell.
Sony is in a high position right now and they are showing their true colors.
There's a saying in my country: "You see the true face of someone by how they treat the ones they don't need".
Sony is taking a bunch of decisions that are disappointing me, it's just like Nintendo in the 64 era.
@ShogunRok It very well could be. I’m not sure it’s particularly good business for them if that’s the case, however — Sony is still a very important partner for them, even if their games are doing better on Switch right now.
Weird one.
I sincerely hope this does not affect the future of Danganronpa being published for Playstation consoles. I love that series!!
@VRDart Like what? PS4’s the best it’s ever been IMO.
Nintendo gave em a better deal. That's what they said.
Yamashita first discussed SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy, and revealed some details about working with Nintendo that hadn’t been known previously. Nintendo actually wanted to work with SNK on an exclusive basis, which eventually resulted in a deal. Only the Switch version will be sold physically in the west, and Nintendo will be a distributor that includes buying many units.
Yamashita stated:
“I’ll give you a scoop! Originally we signed with SNK on SNK Heroines just on the PS4 format. Then last year an opportunity happened at Gamescom, two third parties happened to meet all together outside Nintendo’s meeting room. The first meeting was between NIS America and Nintendo of Europe (NOE) and the next meeting was between SNK and NOE. Of course, these two were separate meetings. Then after their meeting influential people from SNK came to our booth and said: ‘Hey Mr. Yamashita, is it possible to cancel our contact on PS4? Nintendo wants to work on this title on an exclusive basis!’
So these third parties come together and the team at NIS and SNK decided to go with Nintendo for the western market. Physical copy-wise, it’s going to be a Switch exclusive. PS4-wise it’s going to be just digital. That’s the deal. We will not release a packaged version for PS4 format. Then Nintendo will act as a distributor for this game. Then they promised to buy a lot of units. I can’t reveal the number of units they’ve guaranteed, that’s secret talk.
Go where the money is.
I have heard similar stories in the past from small developers. "Sony only really cares about a select few and offers little to no help to the rest. Especially if you are a small studio."
Stories like that have dated back to the PS1, but because that is where the market is/was, they stayed with Sony. I dunno, maybe Sony's ego inflated enough to think the others do not matter to them because they will keep releasing games regardless? If that is true, I believe they will lose that support.
But alas, speculation only goes so far since we will never know the full story of what is really going on between them all. However, if it is true and the 2-1 trend continues, I would not be surprised if NIS moves completely to Nintendo and stops putting games on the PS. Time will tell.
@get2sammyb yes, like I said they're in a good position and that's why they're being dicks.
An example would be their refusal to allow cross plataform play in many games when even Nintendo is allowing.
Weird, first anyone’s said anything about this. No reasoning listed either. I’m not sure if Sony was mean or just didn’t agree to something so they’re sour about it.
Don't know what to say about this, I believe this is the first company that said Sony is not treating their well, or maybe there are another examples?
NIS America recently sounded like douches when they said that woudn't bother with PS4 if Steam was big in Japan, I'm not a fan of these guys since that statement.
@VRDart Do you even know the whole story about the cross-platform thing? Sony was the first to allow cross-platform, that happens since PS3.
Microsoft didn't want years ago because they were doing great with X360, they snubbed Sony. Now guess what, Sony is doing great and MS is desperate this generation. Why Sony would like their users to use a MS service to login in a game? PS4 has a huge fanbase now as well, no need for cross-generation, this is a non issue.
@get2sammyb There are no examples. Sony improved PSN and PS Plus, we have great sales many times, they have a great relationship with third-party developers, including indies. They are releasing many exclusive games, including new ips and ideas that are being a success. Can't forget about PSVR and all the support for the device.
But, but Sony doesn't want cross-platform with Xbox, they are so mean. -.-''
You have Dragon Quest, Tomb Raider and Spiderman landing in September. With Red Dead 2 and COD in October.
Yes, they have no chance in hell on the PS4.
Isn't this the same company that messed up the translation For Ys 8
@VRDart I’d say they’re doing damn good if that’s your only example.
@Areus yes, the same and only company that bring us all those niche titles we wouldn't see otherwise
I'll have to see more examples before I truly believe this is a problem. It may just be a thing with NIS. I'll try to find more after I get some sleep.
Meh, I don't care about NISA anymore except for Disgaea, which they only localize. Since Disagea is basically a Playstation series that get ported to another handheld afterward, Disgaea 6 will either be a PS4 exclusive or a PS4/Switch game, but either way, it will be on Playstation, so it doesn't bother me.
That's especially true after they butchered Ys VIII. XSEED wouldn't have butchered it like that (and they should have been the ones to localize it).
Disgaea is the only thing they can be trusted with anymore.
Who cares... Sony doesn’t completely need NIS anymore cus everything & anything can come or will come to PS4 because of the large install base... Switch’s install base is small & ofc Third Party Titles always sell better on anything BUT Nintendo...
@VRDart Not really XSeed usually Does translations for Falcoms games and Along with many others
Sad to hear this. NISA basically were one of the few publishers that helped to keep vita alive over the past few years. And they did very well on the platform due to the lack of competition . Its obvious that they will perform better in those conditions and why they are currently doing better on switch than PS4. I mean when disgaea switch was released there really wasn't much competition on the platform, whereas the number of games on ps4 is crazy. But nisa should play nice with Sony. Even if only a small proportion of the ps4 user base buys a title, that's still big numbers
It doesn't match my own impression of Sony, although I can't rule out these claims either, since we don't really know what happens in the background.
It's sad to hear though, about 30% of my PS4 game collection originates from NISA. So I certainly hope they don't part ways.
TBH, I've heard of other developers being told by Nintendo that they have to not release their game on the PS Vita if they want it on the Switch.
I do a lot of reviews so I can't disclose the dev who told me that in confidence, but it's a bit shady. It's most likely why certain games that were on Vita in Japan don't appear on Vita over here, yet they are on the Switch - Nintendo making deals which makes their platform the only version you can take on the go with you...
Makes sense I suppose. It'll be far easier for their games to get noticed on Switch where there's nowhere near as many must play titles, so they should push hard on that platform to make some more dollar.
That's bad if those claims are true.
They're going with what works, can't fault them for that. NISA supported psvita when Sony would not, so I imagine it causes a strained relationship when they're knocking all these games outta the park and Sony thanks them by burying psvita further and giving NISA games away through PS+
You go with the platform that treats your titles like gold, not the one giving them away in hopes of gaining more subscribers while leaving you in the dirt.
Wait our games sell less on the PS4 make it exclusive on the Switch..
Oh wait let me see the Switch gets complete editions while i payed the same. 😢
I have a lot of NISA games but this kind of annoys me. Well if we are going this road then keep your games. Preorder stuff that goes wrong a lot of the time misprints happen a lot. Translation going wrong yeah i know its patched but its annoying to see the Switch get the fixed edition while i payed the same. 😐
@TheBraveFencer I was with you until you started blaming PS+ & the ‘free’ games.
You do realise Sony don’t just pick & choose what they give away, right? They pay for X numbers of copies & the developer/publisher has to agree to it.
They also found success on Vita, otherwise they wouldn’t have continued supporting it.
If they’re finding more immediate success on Switch then more power to them (its barren over there compared to PS4), but I hardly think PS+ is the problem here. There are just too many games coming out.
I personally think this is do to both YSVIII & Disgaea 5 not performing as well as they should’ve.
YSVIII is understandable (terrible launch), but Disgaea 5 really should’ve done better- it’s a top, top franchise that people keep sleeping on (or maybe they’re intimidated?).
@Turniplord If Nintendo truly are doing that, that ends my on interest in buying a switch quite frankly. Yes it is business, but trying to kill your competitor so aggressively doesnt sit well with me. It would help explain why we are now starting to see such a sudden sharp decline in new vita titles (nevermind its age, alot of devs were dual releasing titles on ps4 and vita, even last year, but its suddenly stopped, and less and less are making their way from Japan to Europe)
sony got arrogant again...
@Turniplord lol that's ridiculous. vita is completely irrelevant (and has never been relevant in the west)
@Rob_230 Reminds me of when Sony ordered stores to do a one day stealth discount on PS4 for the day the Switch launched.
How nice when they try to kill the competition.
@Fight_Teza_Fight Except I didn't blame PS+ though. I'm saying the titles lose value as they go on the IGC, then no one buys them afterwards and that doesn't create a healthy shopping space for NISA.
This is hard for me to believe considering all the niche Japanese games that are regularly released for the PS4. It’s one of the main reasons I prefer it over the competition (though I do own and enjoy a Switch).
Sounds like a whole lotta butthurt honestly.
like @ShogunRok said, it sounds like a PR tactic to me
They're making more money from Nintendo, thats it at the end of the day
PS4 has enough games coming out, so it's no big deal to lose a small company, or have them make more exclusives for another company...sony has plenty. The only thing is getting your game out for the largest install base to sell more, so I don't see them making their money-maker titles for just one company's system only. The Switch is doing and selling great, and it'll be nice to have exclusives (not just nintendo's) out on it, instead of just the past generation titles for it...all the best for that happening, but I'm sorry to say, as an owner of all three consoles (PS4, XBONE and SWITCH), the PS4 is my most played, with the Xbone coming in second...Switch is great, but it really needs the games that will keep me playing it (possibly add a trophy system to it somehow, like many people wanted and for nintendo to start listening to fans, instead of just doing whatever they want). I loved nintendo from the gamecube era on down (granted the Atari was the first system I played), but since the PS3, my love has gone to Sony (sorry, hated the original Playstation and found myself playing the Cube more than the PS2). In the end, it's both Sony and Nintendo for me, but nintendo is seemingly starting to disappoint me more and more.
Back to the subject...losing a small publishing company isn't a big loss. It never really hurt nintendo too much for losing Rare when they did.
"Yamashita continued that NIS America’s titles on the Nintendo Switch are outselling those on the PS4 by two-to-one when they release simultaneously, although as far as we’re aware, Touhou Kobuto V: Burst Battle is the only title to fit his criteria."
Oh yeah...that game...I feel pity for the Switch gamers....
@SoulsBourne128 I googled it.
Instant regret.
I’m not sure excluding people who want to buy a physical copy is going to help endear yourself to companies. That’s some funky logic fam.
@YummyHappyPills Did they though?
Oh and if you want to prove it to me that they did be very careful which site you chose.
And since we are on this topic Lmao If I was running a company too and my product was big like Playstation I literally would not even bat an eye to you smaller publishers every Company Started small and wasn't looked after like a child start creating awesome products and get noticed If you think that only Danganronpa and Disgaea will be good enough for you well you are wrong (And Disgaea was total cr** imo)
@TheBraveFencer To be fair their stuff is a lot of exclusive stuff from their site. So i think if you go this way dont be surprised if your loyal customer base is going to say keep it no problem. I bought a lot of stuff from their site and they are not cheap (pounds) . But if you want it that way NISA ok it was fun buying your stuff. And if you think im mad i am they make a lot of misprints with their collectors edition stuff and i see the complete editions for the Switch.
@Fight_Teza_Fight YS was a insult and it annoyed me even more when the Switch got the fixed version.
@Flaming_Kaiser Uh...the Vita and PS4 got the revamped localization of Ys VIII as well...
Well I'm glad Disgaea 5 has infinite replay value. I don't need anymore games from Nis ever again.
@Shepherd_Tallon yes but the games you mention are already a couple of years old. that's why I said "again"
the games you mentioned got sony's support when they weren't arrogant
Sony doesn't support small developers? Sorry but their are a lot of interviews that state otherwise, and "if" Sony didn't support smaller developers you would definitely hear about it other than one publisher.
Maybe they could make some smaller editions. With a small hardcover artbook sleeve and steelcase. Because they are quite expensive and just release some in the stores.
@ReanSchwarzer7 Well i payed €90 in the store and i had to patch it.
@themcnoisy Dude they published a lot of Amazing games that never would have come to the West otherwise.
@Flaming_Kaiser Well it's not like they could make changes any other way once production of the cartridges was finished, besides the original localization wasn't bad by any stretch just the new localization is a bit more true to the Japanese version. That said I've seen MUCH WORSE localizations from major publishers such as Square Enix, Capcom, Koei Tecmo, etc.
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