"In the computer gaming world, Blizzard Entertainment is a juggernaut. The division of Activision Blizzard is responsible for some of the world's bestselling PC games, including World of Warcraft and StarCraft. But the company hasn't released a game for home consoles in more than a decade.
That could change any day.
Blizzard has nothing against controllers, joysticks or living rooms, said Paul Sams, Blizzard's chief operating officer, at last month's annual BlizzCon event in Anaheim. Financial details are what's holding up the company's long-overdue return to the console market.
To release an Xbox, Playstation or Wii game, game producers are required to pay a licensing fee to system manufacturers. It's a big reason why Microsoft and Sony can sell their hardware at a loss.
The simple economics goes: The manufacturers profit on game sales, even if they lose money on the hardware needed to play the games. They might lose money on each console, but the longer term prospect of selling more and more games should make back that loss (and then some).
"The value is the game," Sams agrees. But he doesn't like the business model. "I don't like the idea of paying a console manufacturer a fee. That concept pisses me off."
But the community aspect of consoles is compelling Blizzard to go beyond the all-too-familiar flicker of the bedroom computer monitor. "Because the living room is a place where more people can be around, there's a lot of reasons why it's appealing," Sams said.
In order to get there, however, Blizzard appears to be holding out for a console maker to cut a deal. "They do it all the time," Sams said. True, manufacturers will ...
... sometimes give bags of money in exchange for exclusive rights to high-profile game franchises.
Where might Blizzard go? As it prepares to launch its revamped online gaming network, called Battle.net, the company doesn't have much need for Microsoft's Xbox Live infrastructure or Nintendo's WiFi Connection.
Blizzard has a cozy history with Nintendo, having made games for the Super Nintendo and StarCraft 64 for the successor to the SNES. The Wii's remote control would be well-suited to the developer's flagship real-time strategy games.
Blizzard is shopping around Diablo III to consoles. "We are in ongoing talks with Microsoft and Sony," Sams said. "I think they desire to see us on their platforms."
A near-finished game called StarCraft: Ghost was the closest Blizzard has come to releasing a console game in years. Due to the loss of a key person on the outsourced development team, "it wasn't turning out the way we wanted," Sams said. So, Blizzard scrapped the project. That crucial developer, Ray Gresko, now leads work on Diablo III.
"I think that a lot of other companies would not have hesitated in publishing it," Sams said about the game based on its sci-fi franchise. "We weren't willing to put out a game that was not at the level of Blizzard polish quality that customers have come to expect."
As the battle between Microsoft and Sony becomes more aggressive, with both companies recently slashing the prices of their systems in advance of the holiday season, it may not be long before one plops the right deal down on Blizzard's table. -Mark Milian"
I knew someone would get me there but....what I meant was getting the best experience from the game. People who can't get the required hardware or are just to lazy to get the extra parts will be able to enjoy the game on a standardised version that looks a bit better than what they could have had on their pc.
That was long for nothing but there you go:)
RTS like Warcraft or Starcraft however, is another matter entirely. RTS games do not have a positive history on consoles, most notably due to the control scheme and interface.
It is always a possibility.
Diablo 3 does not require a good gaming PC. The Graphical settings will most likely be able to be changed via options, like most other games.
Source? Speaking from experience, an average $300-500 computer can be very powerful indeed, orders of magnitude times the necessary amount to run computer games with decent settings.
Even though many PCs, which can perform many more tasks than a console, and are much more general (also, portable in the case of laptops), cost less than $300 (PS3).
Source?
Holy shit man, where do you live. I'm moving there NOW.
I've never heard of a (Good, Decent, Usable) PC or Laptop for under 600.
We pay more than that for a good monitor in most civilized parts of the world.
Ok, so let's say your right. D3 doesn't require high end PC's to play. Seems like a good argument until you actually compare what your getting for your money.
300$ on Console....Can play D3 with amazing graphic and speed.
500$ on a shitty PC, Can play D3 with shittier graphics and half ass speed.
So it leaves you with one real argument. The fact that PC's have more capabilities than consoles makes them better. They aren't just gaming engines but all in one tools. That's true.
I'm a PC gamer. Always been and always will be. So I'm not trying to bring down the PC. But I'm saying that it's a valid idea to want to port out simple hack and slash games to consoles in order to widen the range of players. It can't be at all that different from how God of War plays. (On a fighting point of view)
So to conclude, I would believe that Blizzard are making a good choice. Just as long as they don't forget us PC gamers I wouldn't mind seeing more people (console gamers) learn what a real ARPG is.
Sooo its really about which one has more cash
I have both but no live At the moment
I like the Xbox more but I like to have a ps3 as a back up
So either or doesn't matter im getting it for the PC
(Everything s hooked up to the same HD monitor anyways)
Ok, so i guess in China PC cost as much as you say. Can't argue. But here in the US you can have a PC for 300$ that is better than a PS3 (and the emphasis is on better - about the same graphic power oh and you can do some other things beside gaming and watching movies). For 500$ a PC would own a PS3 from all sides. Please don't ask me to prove it to you. I'm tired - every time there is a Console v PC discussion - of showing, people in different forums, how you can assemble a good PC for 400$. (and yeah, some people can't assemble themselves but it still cheap to buy good gaming grade PC from retailers).
About 5 years ago, a good gaming PC would have cost at least 1200$, now its different (once again, at least in the states). For a powerful GPU to run everything at Max, once you had to shell out 500$ for now you can have for 100$. All other component prices subsided too.
Now that you know, you can go ahead and move to the US
People are arguing that on a console, it would be difficult to play an RTS with a controller. Well, the same thing goes for an FPS; a mouse gives you much more control. So why not an RTS?
My argument which contains both relevant POV's from both sides: You have to look at this "possible shift" from pc gaming to consoles, at an economic standpoint. I am pretty sure I'm not alone when I say that I defiantly do not want to see a complete monopoly of the gaming market. One might say a BLIZZARD, SONY, MICROSOFT, NINTENDO (MICROBLIZZONYTENDO) would turn this already cutthroat competitive market into a pile of mushy goop,though I firmly believe that BLIZZARD's WoW, StarCraft, and key financial advisors are going stay a safe static investment for years to come.(Honestly, they are not going to decide on anything detrimental towards the enterprise in which they have established) Therefore this bridging of the diablo series between mulitple systems might be a concrete idea. (Also keep in mind while there are still a alot of customers for the diablo series, their decisions on this diablo console situation will most likely not have an effect on their other games) If the decision comes to the addition of a console market for BLIZZARD I think its O.K. to assume that the constant influx of content and extensive lore from WoW and StarCraft's booming sales in eastern portions of the world is an almost indestructible backbone that easily glorifies this company. Not to mention amazing staff that BLIZZARD has acquired over the years in order to rectify such amazing titles. ( And if you truly believe they couldn't possibly generate even more prominent titles you have underestimated there unequivocal ingenuity.) If BLIZZARD were to some how come up and me and ask my opinion on whether or not to expand to consoles and why.
My reply would be along the lines of: I believe you would be making a risky decision economically, but what economist out there has truly not taken any risks. And because you are a market leader you truly have the power to make such risks with out terrible repercussions. Just make sure you keep the support of the bulk amount of your associates.
BEST COURSE OF ACTION: Focus on your computer based gamers first which are your leading and most faithful associates. Make sure diablo 3 meets/exceeds all of the necessary parameters which are necessary for the best possible gaming experience in this market. On day of release make a press conference stating that there will be attempts made at producing a console based diablo 3. From there what happens, happpens. Though the fact of reaching a diplomatic situation with SONY, MICROSOFT, and NINTENDO is no easy feat (dont forget about battle.net). If one thing leads to another maybe a release of a diablo 3 is possible and if this is achieved, move on towards opening a port.( Which is a very tricky subject b/ you do not want to disappoint your prior computer gamers or your new up and coming customers.) If we have learned anything at all from video game market history, its' that you want to make a near perfect first impression in the primitave stages.
PRO'S AND CON'S OF OUTCOME: CON'S: Diablo sales might go down do to abridged computer experience for the sake of development on consoles. (Controls, Graphics, Expansiveness, Sound, UI) Relations with console based companies which could effect the long term production of a similar product in the future. Product Upkeep for a period of time until the system is reliable.
PRO'S: Expansion of the product/brand acknowledgement. Increased development/recognition of computer to console UI which can most definitley work in perfect equilibrium. Establishment of common grounds in which a port from computer to console can be established in future projects. The creation of a very profitable relationship with console based companies. Increased profit in terms of expansions with consoles. ( Im aware of the xbox live Microsoft Points System which could be utilized to create a substantial flow of revenue in terms of game add ons)
Terms that I feel must be addressed: There are alot of threats about how customers would leave if diablo was ported to consoles. Now I believe this might be true for very few, but in terms of loyal associates that BLIZZARD has obtained over the years, if they are truly passionate about the diablo series and the lore contains, I postulate that they will be happy customers even if there is a port created. If the port turns out to be horrible I would only imagine it being removed and nothing furthur than that. (Seriously people, has BLIZZARD implemented anything without an extensive amount of thought/testing) Not to mention the Cataclysm expansion for WoW which will be a great fall back if all does end in shambles.
I also feel it is necessary to credit SETH with a truly honest and his neutral opinion on this subject! I would truly like to see him (or you for that matter, because you are probably reading this) post more about this subject.
Keep in mind that I would truly love for everyone to come out of this situation truly happy with not only the end result of a great diablo but BLIZZARD making an economicly sound and astute conclusion in the end.
Side Note: I am hoping I will receive feedback on my post from everyone in the form of posts and mail. I truly would love to discuss this topic.:thumbsup: OH and I will be editing these positions if I feel the need.
The less colorful version can be found below! =D
I'm sure you've heard of colors though.
But seriously, it's really difficult to read when it isn't structured and looks like it's inscribed on a rainbow.
To play FPS with controller is bad enough, but its somewhat (on a super very low level) playable, especially when they put auto/help aiming, dunno, never played for more than 5 minutes lol.
But to play RTS with controller is absolutely impossible. I never did play RTS with controller, but i saw once a gameplay video of C&C on Xbox and well... think about it, how fast can you move the map without a mouse? how fast you can choose different unit? RTS on console is BS!
edit:
lol I thought that XZ3ROorDieX post is spam bot, i seriously just skipped it
You can build a PC that can run Crysis (used as a high end benchmark most of the time) at 40 FPS. Here is the link Build A kick-ass $500 gaming PC . If you build it yourself a PC can be had pretty cheap. Plus since this article is a little old prices have probably gone down even more.
My argument which contains both relevant POV's from both sides: You have to look at this "possible shift" from pc gaming to consoles, at an economic standpoint. I am pretty sure I'm not alone when I say that I defiantly do not want to see a complete monopoly of the gaming market. One might say a BLIZZARD, SONY, MICROSOFT, NINTENDO (MICROBLIZZONYTENDO) would turn this already cutthroat competitive market into a pile of mushy goop,though I firmly believe that BLIZZARD's WoW, StarCraft, and key financial advisors are going stay a safe static investment for years to come.(Honestly, they are not going to decide on anything detrimental towards the enterprise in which they have established) Therefore this bridging of the diablo series between mulitple systems might be a concrete idea. (Also keep in mind while there are still a alot of customers for the diablo series, their decisions on this diablo console situation will most likely not have an effect on their other games) If the decision comes to the addition of a console market for BLIZZARD I think its O.K. to assume that the constant influx of content and extensive lore from WoW and StarCraft's booming sales in eastern portions of the world is an almost indestructible backbone that easily glorifies this company. Not to mention amazing staff that BLIZZARD has acquired over the years in order to rectify such amazing titles. ( And if you truly believe they couldn't possibly generate even more prominent titles you have underestimated there unequivocal ingenuity.) If BLIZZARD were to some how come up and me and ask my opinion on whether or not to expand to consoles and why.
My reply would be along the lines of: I believe you would be making a risky decision economically, but what economist out there has truly not taken any risks. And because you are a market leader you truly have the power to make such risks with out terrible repercussions. Just make sure you keep the support of the bulk amount of your associates.
BEST COURSE OF ACTION: Focus on your computer based gamers first which are your leading and most faithful associates. Make sure diablo 3 meets/exceeds all of the necessary parameters which are necessary for the best possible gaming experience in this market. On day of release make a press conference stating that there will be attempts made at producing a console based diablo 3. From there what happens, happpens. Though the fact of reaching a diplomatic situation with SONY, MICROSOFT, and NINTENDO is no easy feat (dont forget about battle.net). If one thing leads to another maybe a release of a diablo 3 is possible and if this is achieved, move on towards opening a port.( Which is a very tricky subject b/ you do not want to disappoint your prior computer gamers or your new up and coming customers.) If we have learned anything at all from video game market history, its' that you want to make a near perfect first impression in the primitave stages.
PRO'S AND CON'S OF OUTCOME: CON'S: Diablo sales might go down do to abridged computer experience for the sake of development on consoles. (Controls, Graphics, Expansiveness, Sound, UI) Relations with console based companies which could effect the long term production of a similar product in the future. Product Upkeep for a period of time until the system is reliable.
PRO'S: Expansion of the product/brand acknowledgement. Increased development/recognition of computer to console UI which can most definitley work in perfect equilibrium. Establishment of common grounds in which a port from computer to console can be established in future projects. The creation of a very profitable relationship with console based companies. Increased profit in terms of expansions with consoles. ( Im aware of the xbox live Microsoft Points System which could be utilized to create a substantial flow of revenue in terms of game add ons)
Terms that I feel must be addressed: There are alot of threats about how customers would leave if diablo was ported to consoles. Now I believe this might be true for very few, but in terms of loyal associates that BLIZZARD has obtained over the years, if they are truly passionate about the diablo series and the lore contains, I postulate that they will be happy customers even if there is a port created. If the port turns out to be horrible I would only imagine it being removed and nothing furthur than that. (Seriously people, has BLIZZARD implemented anything without an extensive amount of thought/testing) Not to mention the Cataclysm expansion for WoW which will be a great fall back if all does end in shambles.
I also feel it is necessary to credit SETH with his truly honest and neutral opinion on this subject! I would truly like to see him (or you for that matter, because you are probably reading this) post more about this subject.
Keep in mind that I would truly love for everyone to come out of this situation truly happy with not only the end result of a great diablo but BLIZZARD making an economicly sound and astute conclusion in the end.
Side Note: I am hoping I will receive feedback on my post from everyone in the form of posts and mail. I truly would love to discuss this topic.:thumbsup: OH and I will be editing these positions if I feel the need.
This format is for the people that feel color is overrated and individuals that can't handle the overstimulation of their senses
This has to be the most polished argument I have ever seen. I mean who would ever think about putting FPS on consoles. Some of which are halo 3, gears of war 2, Mass Effect, Bioshock and Call of Duty 4. Who ever thought fps on consoles would be a success has to be retarted (handicapped). Take this advice from a guy who has played 5 minutes of a FPS, trust me on this one.
Halo 3:D
its crazy how halo (which of course is a terrible game) had an estimated 5 million in unit sales which amounts to an overwelming 300 million U.S. dollars.
Source: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117976843.html?categoryid=2525&cs=1
Call of Duty 4:D
this dumb fps has an estimated total sales of 13 million units; which in money speak that means 780 million U.S. dollars of revenue.
Source: http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-sells-13-million/?biz=1
Must I say more?:confused: Come on guys you can do better than that!:D
Nothing futher to add your Honor:hammy:
Where I live, I am taught to seperate paragraphs by tab overs. Since this feature is not available I found it necessary to go out and buy a new computer with a shiny new enter button so i could make a new version of the text. I would appreciate it now if you would consider reading my post now(paragraphs included free of charge). Oh and ill be happy to inform you that this computer is strictly black and white print so, this version is not going to include any color to it ^_^. Bland and simple just like what most people enjoy.
Have a nice day
No further position to add your Honor:hammy:
Case is now officially :necro:!!!!
I believe you hit the bullseye on this topic. It would be a great eye opener for the series.
Crossplatform has been tried and failed so far. How exactly you suppose to play it on b.net?
Even for RPG's, mouse & keyboard are superior to controller. Advantage is always for PC gamer, unless its a racing or sports game.
I don't mind for even more people to know about Diablo, but at what cost? and usually it cost. Just check history for games gone Console/multiplatform that were PC exclusives before.