@Rmg0731 Microsoft's biggest problem isn't buying studios...it's managing them.
I believe they have had 2-3 allegations in the past year from their studios. I doubt that'll get any better once Activision/Blizzard becomes first party. They should stop acquiring and work on fixing what they have.
@Americansamurai1 I would love the Order 1886 sequel. So much potential in that IP. even without Ready at Dawn, I feel it could really work under a new developer
I can see Sony buying Deviation Games. Similar to Haven, founded 2021 by former AAA devs. Sony signed them for an exclusive game. Likely a live action, based on their past experience being with Call of Duty and Bioshock. They recently expanded to a second team in Canada. To me, it makes too much sense after Haven acquisition.
It feels like they hate all microtransactions of any kind and feel GT7 is the hill to die on to demand change. I've said it before. I don't expect another GT for a decade, and I bought the game with that in mind. I'm in no rush. And don't believe I'll be spending the price to speed it up.
@RBMango technically since they don't have a game yet, they might have been cheaper now, than after the game goes live and it does well commercially? That's my logic for Sony's decision.
@MattBoothDev you can't 0/10 review a game simply because you dislike mtx and online service set up.
Graphics, game play mechanics, story mode, car modification, track feel, controller haptics. ALL OF THAT IS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT FOR A REVIEW.
At worst, even with the online component and the microtransactions in the game, giving the game less than a 7 is not an honest review. It is one made out of disdain for personal beliefs that you push on to the game, studio and the publisher. And to me, this devalues the review and reviewer.
These protest reviews only come off as whiny to me.
The game itself in a vacuum is a masterpiece. The server downtime was unfortunate, and the need for "always online" definitely hurt the game's overall score. And microtransactions don't help either. But the overall modification of the credit layout was just meant to stop people from farming one map over and over again. I get it, makes the game grind feel like an eternity, but I'm not gonna see another numbered Gran Turismo game in probably a decade, I have time.
Anything between 5-7/10 is reasonable. Anything below and people forget what a 4 out of 10 game really feels like. I remember and I still cringe at the thought.
I've been dodging NBA 2k microtransactions for years. GT7 Looks super mild in comparison. I appreciate that it's not so in your face and the game allows us to earn at a decent rate.
@KnightRider1982 I recently bought the backwards compatible PS3, it can play ps1 and PS2 games. When I get the ps5, I can pack up my other consoles and store them, as I can handle the entire console library physically through the two of them...
I was curious about how Sony refers to Bungie as a publisher despite the acquisition. My thoughts are that Sony knows that anything they would generally buy need to be exclusive. They might use Bungie to acquire studios for their live action potential and keep them multi platform under the Bungie brand. I.e. Deviation.
Deviation is newly formed from former Call of duty devs, so they have a pre-existing relationship with Sony. Upon opening their new studio, without even announcing an IP, Sony signed them to a publishing deal. They've recently expanded with a new studio in Canada. How do they have the money? They have been acquired, the paper work won't be finalized until their game is released.
That's my running theory. Let me know what y'all think.
Sony obviously over paid, but who actually gets an acquisition at cost? There is a level of Goodwill that goes into purchases to help incentivize shareholders to part with their shares. Although they weren't publically trading, the same rule applies for Bungie. Bungie was worth about 2-2.5 billion pre-acquisition. Using the Activision acquisition as a comparison, Microsoft paid 40% (approx over the valuation of the time) in the buyout. If that were the case, 2-2.5 billion x40% markup = 2.8 - 3.5 billion dollars.
This lines up with roughly the purchase price Sony paid for Bungie.
The main takeaway of this acquisition for Sony is three part from what I read surrounding this deal: 1) consistent revenue stream : Bungie makes 200-250 million in profits year over year. If nothing else changes, Sony will have made their money back in about 15 years. 2) Bungie are a leader in the FPS and live gaming markets. SIE first party studios gain quite a bit of intrinsic value from the knowledge they bring to the community. Especially if the rumoured second studio of Guerrilla is believed to be making a Multiplayer game (possibly Killzone), they'd gain immense value, improving on the Lore and feel of the gun/shooting mechanics. 3) Bungie apparently was working on some next generation technology, Sony was reportedly impressed by whatever it is, that Bungie was working on. My two cents say that this has something to do with VR technology, and Sony wants to really nail the PSVR2 this coming year. Whatever this tech is, Sony is looking to future proof themselves moving forward.
All this to say, the value is more than meets the eye. I am glad they are remaining a multi-platform studio, but I can see why Sony was so interested in them, especially with these uncertain times, full of huge acquisitions. Better to lock down some talent under your studio's umbrella whenever possible.
It's kinda sad we as game consumers have gone from being shocked at seeing a studio acquisition to being mad when we don't see favorable studios and franchises being bought. Sign of the times I suppose. I'll get used to it over time.
I think Bungie was inevitable after China prevented Sony from acquiring Leyou. It sounded like Sony really wanted Warframe to capitalize on the f2p space. Now they get their chance, with Destiny.
@OmegaStriver actually it's the opposite. Sony isn't moving new games into PC, they are moving their best hits after several years to PC. Traditional PC gamers are the target audience to expand PlayStation. I saw several reviews on Steam, where people tried GOW for the first time, loved it, and wanted a PS5 solely to play the sequel... Sounds like good marketing to me.
Comments 2,509
Re: Kojima Productions Not Being Bought by Sony, Says Hideo Kojima
If Sony bought Capcom would it when need Silent Hill anymore?
Resident evil is a bigger IP
Re: Tactics Ogre: Reborn Trademarked by Square Enix
Id love it on PlayStation. We will have to see how it goes.
Re: Max Payne 1 and 2 Remakes Coming to PS5
The first two were fantastic and I'm happy to hear this!
Re: PSVR2 Games, Haven Studio All Using Unreal Engine 5
What's the point of putting
Xbox and inxile/Obsidian/Rare/initiative
PlayStation/PSVR2/ Haven.
They are in the same family of gaming.
Re: PlayStation Boss Promises More Acquisitions Are Planned
@Rmg0731 Microsoft's biggest problem isn't buying studios...it's managing them.
I believe they have had 2-3 allegations in the past year from their studios. I doubt that'll get any better once Activision/Blizzard becomes first party.
They should stop acquiring and work on fixing what they have.
Re: Rumour Mill Points to 'Really Big' Sony Acquisition, But It's Just Speculation
@KidBoruto I doubt Kojima wants to be tied to a publisher again after all the hassle he dealt with at Konami...
Re: Rumour Mill Points to 'Really Big' Sony Acquisition, But It's Just Speculation
Buying Take-two and keeping it multi plat would make sense for Sony's live action games goal.
GTA online makes like a billion a year in revenue.
Re: Rumour Mill Points to 'Really Big' Sony Acquisition, But It's Just Speculation
@Ken_Kaniff goes full circle.
Nintendo screws Sony, causing them to make PlayStation.
Sony buying Nintendo.
It's hilarious but extremely unlikely.
Re: Rumour Mill Points to 'Really Big' Sony Acquisition, But It's Just Speculation
SEGA Is more worthwhile than Konami
Re: PlayStation Studios' Firesprite Hiring for a AAA Horror Game
@Americansamurai1 I would love the Order 1886 sequel. So much potential in that IP. even without Ready at Dawn, I feel it could really work under a new developer
Re: Persona 5 Leaves PS Plus Collection in May for Unknown Reasons
Maybe Microsoft is buying Sega ? 😭😂😭
Re: Sony Recruits Japanese Retailers for PS5 Scalping Prevention Scheme
I'm happy to see this and hope it's applied worldwide.
I am sure there are a few scalpers out there who will remove the product and scam people with rip offs on top of overpricing the product.
If this will deter scalpers I'm all for it.
Re: PS Vita the Only Console Snubbed in Sony's New PS Plus Premium Subscription
They should remake and expand Killzone Mercenary, it was such an amazing experience.
Re: Poll: Will You Subscribe to Sony's New PS Plus Tiers?
I'll be sticking to essential for the foreseeable future.
Re: Temper Your Enthusiasm for Huge Week of PlayStation News
Sounds like Sony told him to reel back his comment, since they need more time to announce some stuff haha
Re: This Week Could Be Big for PlayStation, Say Swirling Rumours
@Martin_C I can never permanently put my Vita away, and I can't explain why. It was the best console ever imho.
Re: Sony Files New Trademark for the One and Only Knack
Thank you Greg Miller. This was indeed mind-blowing news!
Re: This Week Could Be Big for PlayStation, Say Swirling Rumours
I can see Sony buying Deviation Games.
Similar to Haven, founded 2021 by former AAA devs.
Sony signed them for an exclusive game. Likely a live action, based on their past experience being with Call of Duty and Bioshock.
They recently expanded to a second team in Canada.
To me, it makes too much sense after Haven acquisition.
Re: Poll: Did You Buy Ghostwire: Tokyo?
I'll buy it when I get my PS5
Re: Gran Turismo 7 Currency Rewards to Be Increased Following Player Backlash
Other than the day long maintenance I never saw an issue to begin with. So this is fine by me.
Re: Dev Behind Popular Bloodborne PSX Demake Announces Bloodborne Kart
Time for Sony to acquire this developer 😂😂
Re: NFL Inks Deal for First-Person PSVR Football Game
@lolwhatno Technically US came from Britain. So does that count?
Re: PlayStation Studios: All Sony First-Party Developers and What They're Working On
@Rob_230 Bungie isn't a part of SIE Studios. It's wholly its own thing.
Re: Gran Turismo 7 Fans Fight Controversial Currency Nerfs with PS5, PS4 Farming Exploits
I think this is overblown by those protesting.
It feels like they hate all microtransactions of any kind and feel GT7 is the hill to die on to demand change. I've said it before. I don't expect another GT for a decade, and I bought the game with that in mind. I'm in no rush. And don't believe I'll be spending the price to speed it up.
Re: New Witcher Game Announced, Developed on Unreal Engine 5
Exciting news. When all else fails, go back to your bread and butter.
I'm surprised Microsoft hasn't tried to acquire them. They have a close relationship and the whole cyberpunk fiasco has weakened the company.
I am happy they remain independent however and hope they use this opportunity to re-establish themselves in the industry.
Re: Sony Acquires Haven Studios, the New Developer Led By Jade Raymond
@RBMango technically since they don't have a game yet, they might have been cheaper now, than after the game goes live and it does well commercially? That's my logic for Sony's decision.
Re: Sony Acquires Haven Studios, the New Developer Led By Jade Raymond
As a Canadian, I am happy to see more Canadian studios.
Sony must have really liked what they saw to buy them without seeing how the game does commercially.
They gave Lucid and Ready at Dawn both a test which they failed.
Housemarque and Bluepoint killed it and were then acquired.
I am curious what Haven is working on.
Re: Gran Turismo 7 PS5, PS4 User Score the Lowest in PlayStation Exclusive History
@MattBoothDev you can't 0/10 review a game simply because you dislike mtx and online service set up.
Graphics, game play mechanics, story mode, car modification, track feel, controller haptics.
ALL OF THAT IS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT FOR A REVIEW.
At worst, even with the online component and the microtransactions in the game, giving the game less than a 7 is not an honest review. It is one made out of disdain for personal beliefs that you push on to the game, studio and the publisher. And to me, this devalues the review and reviewer.
Re: Gran Turismo 7 PS5, PS4 User Score the Lowest in PlayStation Exclusive History
These protest reviews only come off as whiny to me.
The game itself in a vacuum is a masterpiece.
The server downtime was unfortunate, and the need for "always online" definitely hurt the game's overall score. And microtransactions don't help either. But the overall modification of the credit layout was just meant to stop people from farming one map over and over again.
I get it, makes the game grind feel like an eternity, but I'm not gonna see another numbered Gran Turismo game in probably a decade, I have time.
Anything between 5-7/10 is reasonable. Anything below and people forget what a 4 out of 10 game really feels like. I remember and I still cringe at the thought.
Re: Poll: Did You Buy Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin?
I'll definetly get it later, my back log is pretty high
Re: GTA 5 PS5 Price Is Looking Surprisingly Generous
@Jacko11 not paying a scalper off of principle alone. I'll skip the generation if I must.
Re: Gran Turismo 7's New Approach to Microtransactions Isn't Going Down Well
I've been dodging NBA 2k microtransactions for years. GT7 Looks super mild in comparison. I appreciate that it's not so in your face and the game allows us to earn at a decent rate.
Re: Gran Turismo 7 (PS5) - The Real Driving Simulator Makes Its Grand Return
I'm tempted to buy the wheel for this. I really shouldn't... 😅
Re: Ghostwire: Tokyo Prelude Is a Free Visual Novel Primer for the Main Game on PS5, PS4
It's a shame we will never see the sequel to this game. I like the visuals and way the gameplay looks.
Re: Sony Pulling the Plug on PS3 After-Sales Support in Japan
@KnightRider1982 I recently bought the backwards compatible PS3, it can play ps1 and PS2 games. When I get the ps5, I can pack up my other consoles and store them, as I can handle the entire console library physically through the two of them...
Re: Crunchyroll Absorbing All Funimation Content for Ultimate Anime Library
@mrtennis1990 Full Metal Alchemist brotherhood is a good place to start
Re: Soul Hackers 2 Brings Shin Megami Tensei to PS5, PS4 in August
Looks like Microsoft outpaid Sony to keep this multiplat 😂😂
Day one for me. It's on my sister's birthday, she will wonder where I am, but it's for the best.
Re: Tom Holland's Uncharted Movie Is a Hit as Global Tickets Estimated at $132 Million
Do I get a platinum for uncharted if I go watch this?
Re: Horizon Forbidden West Is Getting Review Bombed on PS5, PS4 for No Reason
People really need a life, this is just sad
Re: Atlus Is Teasing Something To Do With Shin Megami Tensei Soul Hackers
I won't get my hopes up, everything non-persona goes to Nintendo
Re: Uncharted Movie Opens with $21.5 Million in Takings Before US Release
It cost them 120 million to make this???
Re: Microsoft Says Call of Duty and Activision Games Will Keep Releasing on PlayStation Beyond Current Deals
I'm not surprised, they made bank in call of duty every year. If anything, Microsoft would have lost more to restrict it.
The other franchises will likely be exclusive. Maybe, Diabolo will be multi plat, that's it imho...
Re: Sony More Likely Than Microsoft to Acquire a Japanese Game Company, Analyst Explains
I was curious about how Sony refers to Bungie as a publisher despite the acquisition. My thoughts are that Sony knows that anything they would generally buy need to be exclusive. They might use Bungie to acquire studios for their live action potential and keep them multi platform under the Bungie brand. I.e. Deviation.
Deviation is newly formed from former Call of duty devs, so they have a pre-existing relationship with Sony. Upon opening their new studio, without even announcing an IP, Sony signed them to a publishing deal. They've recently expanded with a new studio in Canada. How do they have the money? They have been acquired, the paper work won't be finalized until their game is released.
That's my running theory. Let me know what y'all think.
Re: PlatinumGames Boss Might Be Hinting at 'Longer' Live Service Titles
Looks like Platinum is asking to be acquired. ☠️
Re: Test Your PlayStation General Knowledge - Issue 2
7 I could do better
Re: Sony Taking PSVR2 Pre-Order Sign-Ups Through Official Website
I don't even have a PS5 yet, but I signed up for PSVR2. I have PSVR, and it was really good. Any improvement just put it over the top to me.
Hopefully I get a PS5 this year, I don't want to go the scalpers route...
Re: Sony 'Vastly Overpaid' in 'Desperation' for Bungie, Says Outspoken Analyst Michael Pachter
Sony obviously over paid, but who actually gets an acquisition at cost? There is a level of Goodwill that goes into purchases to help incentivize shareholders to part with their shares. Although they weren't publically trading, the same rule applies for Bungie. Bungie was worth about 2-2.5 billion pre-acquisition. Using the Activision acquisition as a comparison, Microsoft paid 40% (approx over the valuation of the time) in the buyout. If that were the case, 2-2.5 billion x40% markup = 2.8 - 3.5 billion dollars.
This lines up with roughly the purchase price Sony paid for Bungie.
The main takeaway of this acquisition for Sony is three part from what I read surrounding this deal:
1) consistent revenue stream : Bungie makes 200-250 million in profits year over year. If nothing else changes, Sony will have made their money back in about 15 years.
2) Bungie are a leader in the FPS and live gaming markets. SIE first party studios gain quite a bit of intrinsic value from the knowledge they bring to the community. Especially if the rumoured second studio of Guerrilla is believed to be making a Multiplayer game (possibly Killzone), they'd gain immense value, improving on the Lore and feel of the gun/shooting mechanics.
3) Bungie apparently was working on some next generation technology, Sony was reportedly impressed by whatever it is, that Bungie was working on. My two cents say that this has something to do with VR technology, and Sony wants to really nail the PSVR2 this coming year. Whatever this tech is, Sony is looking to future proof themselves moving forward.
All this to say, the value is more than meets the eye. I am glad they are remaining a multi-platform studio, but I can see why Sony was so interested in them, especially with these uncertain times, full of huge acquisitions. Better to lock down some talent under your studio's umbrella whenever possible.
Re: Geoff Keighley Hints at More Gaming Acquisitions in 2022
It's kinda sad we as game consumers have gone from being shocked at seeing a studio acquisition to being mad when we don't see favorable studios and franchises being bought. Sign of the times I suppose. I'll get used to it over time.
Re: PlayStation Boss Jim Ryan Says You Should Expect More Acquisitions
I think Bungie was inevitable after China prevented Sony from acquiring Leyou. It sounded like Sony really wanted Warframe to capitalize on the f2p space. Now they get their chance, with Destiny.
Re: Reaction: Sony's Bungie Buyout Means Little for PS5, PS4 Fans Right Now
@OmegaStriver actually it's the opposite. Sony isn't moving new games into PC, they are moving their best hits after several years to PC. Traditional PC gamers are the target audience to expand PlayStation. I saw several reviews on Steam, where people tried GOW for the first time, loved it, and wanted a PS5 solely to play the sequel... Sounds like good marketing to me.