Reason BioShock is coming to PS3

[smods]

After reading japesters comments in another thread:

2K was officially done with BioShock and was hard at work on BS2. I believe Sony realized their mistake in passing on this game last year (either that or Microsoft had a 1 year exclusivity contract) and ordered a very late port. To make up for the age of the game, they commissioned additional content specifically for their system. It's not 2K's to give away to anyone else.

I got to wondering if anyone from the team would comment on why BioShock is so late in coming to the PS3? Was it a timed exclusive for Microsoft or did Sony snub their noses up at BioShock?

What do you guys think?

[japester]

Since you are quoting me, I should add the other piece of the puzzle that led me to that conclusion.

I lean towards Sony passing on BS1 (rather than Microsoft having timed exclusivity) because they were broke when BS1 was in development. Sony's #1 goal for a while now has been to promote blu-ray over HD-DVD. I hear they poured billions into it. And they finally won the battle in February. All the money they were spending on blu-ray promotion and studio deals could now be spent on other divisions, like PS3 games.

So I wouldn't call it a snub so much as a, "We'd really like that game, but we're broke at the moment!" And that's something we can all relate to. LOL!

Again, these are just my theories, but the pieces sure do fit together nicely.

[Ninjit_Turak]

uhh... this is so completely wrong. A Sony doesnt pay a developer to get a game released on their console. Microsoft paid 2K for a 1 year time exclusivity contract, that's all there is to it.

Imagine if sony had to pay developers to make games for their console? That would be so retarded, and game publishers would be so outrageously rich, there would be no such thing as exclusives anymore lol.

[japester]

uhh... this is so completely wrong.

If that opening statement is describing the rest of your post.....I heartily agree.

Microsoft may have had a timed exclusive. I doubt it, but it's possible.

But the rest of your post shows you don't know even the basics about the industry. Perhaps you should read up on it. Understanding the business behind game development can be quite gratifying.

[prateeko]

Actually it's more likely that Microsoft paid for exclusivity (hence the "Only For Xbox & Windows" logos on the boxes). Plus, Sony as recently as E3 stated that they do not (well, more like they can not afford to) pay for exclusives - this is one of the main reasons why Square-Enix has to develop FF XIII for the 360 in NA because Sony won't be helping them close the financial gap (caused in part by the lower unit count of the PS3 in America).

Sony seems more intent on using the devs it locked into 2nd and 1st party positions to make their own games while Microsoft is known for paying for exclusives (and then losing devs like Bizzare to Activision and BioWare to EA)...

[Jodalmighty]

I always love when someone asks for an official version and we other board dwellers feel the need to chime in with our two cents regardless of how little we know. Whatever the real reason I'm just glad we get more Bioshock.

[kentuckyfried]

Actually it's more likely that Microsoft paid for exclusivity (hence the "Only For Xbox & Windows" logos on the boxes). Plus, Sony as recently as E3 stated that they do not (well, more like they can not afford to) pay for exclusives - this is one of the main reasons why Square-Enix has to develop FF XIII for the 360 in NA because Sony won't be helping them close the financial gap (caused in part by the lower unit count of the PS3 in America).

Sony seems more intent on using the devs it locked into 2nd and 1st party positions to make their own games while Microsoft is known for paying for exclusives (and then losing devs like Bizzare to Activision and BioWare to EA)...

I wish we could hear the official story. I'm guessing that it's just Microsoft's deep pockets at work, as usual...

It's great that Bioshock is finally coming to the ps3. But it's like a belated, useless gesture for alot of ppl, the damage is already done (if I had known that it was eventually coming to the ps3, I would never have bought a 360). The fact that there doesn't seem to be any additional compelling content probably doesn't help either.

[Jodalmighty]

(if I had known that it was eventually coming to the ps3, I would never have bought a 360).

Really? You would have waited a year? There aren't any other games on the 360 that you have enjoyed playing?

[RyanAndrews]

Really? You would have waited a year? There aren't any other games on the 360 that you have enjoyed playing?

I was wondering the same thing. I mean BioShock a year earlier, Halo 3, Mass Effect, Gears of War. What makes you regret the 360? Unless your into Lair and Heavenly Sword. Then I understand, but both consoles are great I suppose. I think 360 is leading the gaming front right now though.

But I think BioShock is coming to PS3 late because Sony passed up on it. I think Sony looked at it and felt it would only be as successful as The Darkness from 2K or less successful. When the game released and ended up with several Game of the Year awards, I think Sony sought a better version of that oh so successful game that they passed on. So now they have payed for a complete qualtiy port plus extra content.

[kentuckyfried]

Really? You would have waited a year? There aren't any other games on the 360 that you have enjoyed playing?

Luckily I did already have a 360 that my friend bought me as a favor...

I was kind of craving certain number of 360 exclusives (Dead Rising, Condemned, Gears) prior to the gift, but what really pushed it over the edge was Bioshock.

I was playing Oblivion on the ps3 at the time, and all I kept hearing was this non-stop buzz for Bioshock. "What a stupid name for a game," I kept thinking. There's got to be a reason for the hype though...

Enter the wikipedia entry on Bioshock. I saw what the art was going to look like and fell instantly in love, stupid name and all. To top it off, it seemed like there was no hope for a ps3 version that despite my distaste for Microsoft and business practices. So I had to cave in.

Like you said before, "1 year?" I think I could've waited, but it would've been a challenge.

Ironically, since COD4 came out, I've picked up both versions so I can play with anybody (that's my level of affection for the game), I haven't devoted any time to those old 360 games (yet). The 360's been silent for most part (all of my 360 friends who play COD4 defected over to ps3). I kind of want to play Mass Effect and/or Lost Odyssey but haven't picked them up due to time constraints.

[RyanAndrews]

Luckily I did already have a 360 that my friend bought me as a favor...

I was kind of craving certain number of 360 exclusives (Dead Rising, Condemned, Gears) prior to the gift, but what really pushed it over the edge was Bioshock.

I was playing Oblivion on the ps3 at the time, and all I kept hearing was this non-stop buzz for Bioshock. "What a stupid name for a game," I kept thinking. There's got to be a reason for the hype though...

Enter the wikipedia entry on Bioshock. I saw what the art was going to look like and fell instantly in love, stupid name and all. To top it off, it seemed like there was no hope for a ps3 version that despite my distaste for Microsoft and business practices. So I had to cave in.

Like you said before, "1 year?" I think I could've waited, but it would've been a challenge.

Ironically, since COD4 came out, I've picked up both versions so I can play with anybody (that's my level of affection for the game), I haven't devoted any time to those old 360 games (yet). The 360's been silent for most part (all of my 360 friends who play COD4 defected over to ps3). I kind of want to play Mass Effect and/or Lost Odyssey but haven't picked them up due to time constraints.

What's your fav PS3 exclusive? I will be gettin' a PS3 soon, and so far I think I will only be buying MGS4 and BioShock (again) on it. It has the inferior versions of multiplatform titles in most cases and AAA exclusives aren't as common on it (that appeal to me). Thank God it has Blu-Ray or I wouldn't be convinced. I <3 Blu-Ray. I can't wait for BioShock though. But I would really like to hear some reccomendations for PS3 exclusives.

But to the OP again, I thought some more and I think it is possible that Sony may have wanted to focus on the HD format war as some have said before. Notice that BioShock PS3 was announced around the end of the format war.

[kentuckyfried]

What's your fav PS3 exclusive? I will be gettin' a PS3 soon, and so far I think I will only be buying MGS4 and BioShock (again) on it. It has the inferior versions of multiplatform titles in most cases and AAA exclusives aren't as common on it. Thank God it has Blu-Ray or I wouldn't be convinced. I <3 Blu-Ray. I can't wait for BioShock though. But I would really like to hear some reccomendations for PS3 exclusives.

But to the OP again, I thought some more and I think it is possible that Sony may have wanted to focus on the HD format war as some have said before. Notice that BioShock PS3 was announced around the end of the format war.


Umm...what are you talking about? I've bought all the multi-plat titles on the ps3 and they play just fine (I didn't pick up any of the "bad" port titles except for the Orange Box on sale last week). They look as good, if not better, on the ps3 (I've even heard that that was an exaggeration, I'll have to see for myself). In fact, I have at least two titles on both the ps3 and 360 since I [had] different friends on different platforms and there was no way at the time to consolidate them on a single one.

For example:

COD4 is gorgeous on either system. I prefer the controller on the ps3 version, and the internet access if free. I like the rumble on the 360 version, but I don't like having to pay for Live (I'm paid for the year for only $50 but it's still an annoyance since I don't login as much time on the 360).

So if there's anything you can fault on the ps3, it's the shortage of exclusives prior to 2008.

if you're going to buy soon, here's what you want to look into:

(1) MGS4 - this is an obvious no-brainer. Fun, plenty of replayability for all the goodies in the single player, but short (10 hrs or less for some ppl). The gift that keeps on giving though is Metal Gear Online. I haven't played this as much as I would like too, but it's something I'm looking forward. Just spending alot of time having my characters level up certain skills while I'm off doing errands or out. It's a thrilling yet frustrating game with lots of faults, but it seems to have alot of potential.

(2) Uncharted - This is a fun action game with beautiful production values. Not to be missed. It's not Tomb Raider!!

(3) Resistance - the ps3's answer to Halo. Great design. Fun. If there's anything to complain about, it's that it takes too long to get online, which is why it never caught on with me. it's wild fun for 4-player offline gameplay against your friends. The sequel's going to be absolutely amazing.

There's something weird about this game though. i would get eyestrain headaches and could only play in 40 minute intervals at a time. Could be just me though.

(4) Folklore - underappreciated j-RPG. I bought it, but have to play it, so I can't really comment other than the reviews seem to be pretty good and the fact that it looks great and makes excellent use of the dualshock 3's motion controls.

(5) Heavenly Sword - can't review, have it, but haven't played it

(4, 5 were sidelined by COD4 alone =D)

(6) Warhawk - I bought it, played it very little b/c of COD4, but I've heard many good things about. I guess I should go back and play it, lol.

(7) There are a number of PSN titles you'll want to pick up such as Super Stardust, and the recently released Elefunk. I don't know what your taste is but there are lots of things to choose from.

Anyhow...don't think the HD wars had anything to do with Bioshock. I'm just glad it's coming, hope it has something more to offer as the "definitive" version of the game.

Admittedly, you'll notice I haven't completed that many games...too many games...too little time. I had fun either way with whatever I had the chance to get my hands on.

[RyanAndrews]

Umm...what are you talking about? I've bought all the multi-plat titles on the ps3 and they play just fine (I didn't pick up any of the "bad" port titles except for the Orange Box on sale last week). They look as good, if not better, on the ps3 (I've even heard that that was an exaggeration, I'll have to see for myself). In fact, I have at least two titles on both the ps3 and 360 since I [had] different friends on different platforms and there was no way at the time to consolidate them on a single one.

For example:

COD4 is gorgeous on either system. I prefer the controller on the ps3 version, and the internet access if free. I like the rumble on the 360 version, but I don't like having to pay for Live (I'm paid for the year for only $50 but it's still an annoyance since I don't login as much time on the 360).

So if there's anything you can fault on the ps3, it's the shortage of exclusives prior to 2008.

if you're going to buy soon, here's what you want to look into:

(1) MGS4 - this is an obvious no-brainer. Fun, plenty of replayability for all the goodies in the single player, but short (10 hrs or less for some ppl). The gift that keeps on giving though is Metal Gear Online. I haven't played this as much as I would like too, but it's something I'm looking forward. Just spending alot of time having my characters level up certain skills while I'm off doing errands or out. It's a thrilling yet frustrating game with lots of faults, but it seems to have alot of potential.

(2) Uncharted - This is a fun action game with beautiful production values. Not to be missed. It's not Tomb Raider!!

(3) Resistance - the ps3's answer to Halo. Great design. Fun. If there's anything to complain about, it's that it takes too long to get online, which is why it never caught on with me. it's wild fun for 4-player offline gameplay against your friends. The sequel's going to be absolutely amazing.

There's something weird about this game though. i would get eyestrain headaches and could only play in 40 minute intervals at a time. Could be just me though.

(4) Folklore - underappreciated j-RPG. I bought it, but have to play it, so I can't really comment other than the reviews seem to be pretty good and the fact that it looks great and makes excellent use of the dualshock 3's motion controls.

(5) Heavenly Sword - can't review, have it, but haven't played it

(4, 5 were sidelined by COD4 alone =D)

(6) Warhawk - I bought it, played it very little b/c of COD4, but I've heard many good things about. I guess I should go back and play it, lol.

(7) There are a number of PSN titles you'll want to pick up such as Super Stardust, and the recently released Elefunk. I don't know what your taste is but there are lots of things to choose from.

Anyhow...don't think the HD wars had anything to do with Bioshock. I'm just glad it's coming, hope it has something more to offer as the "definitive" version of the game.

Admittedly, you'll notice I haven't completed that many games...too many games...too little time. I had fun either way with whatever I had the chance to get my hands on.

Didn't mean to start an argument. I just hadn't seen many AAA exclusives that appealed to me.

Oh and if you need another PS3 controller, pick up the DualShock 3. It is the SIXAXIS controller with rumble included.

And with the multiplatform titles, I was just referring to reports and comparisons that had roughly 3 of 4 titles reported with more bugs or framerate issues on the PS3 versions. Not major issues, but if you get down to it, in many cases they felt that they could call the 360 version superior. Again, I only made my comment based on that. I like PS3, but I just hadn't heard many good things about many of the multiplatform titles.

I may look into Resistance, Uncharted, and Super Stardust. Thanks for the reccomendations. I had looked at Resistance before, and it was a good shooter, but I guess I kinda forgot about it because it wasn't quite a "Halo" level experience. But I will check it out again. Killzone 2 also looked good.

And on the topic: I though about that again and I think Microsoft maybe payed for exclusivity, but it seems odd. 2K is sorta like EA and likes to spread their games around so I don't think they would have sold exclusivity time. So maybe Sony just didn't want to support or promote it.

[kentuckyfried]

Oh, no worries. It's too bad all the good games aren't just on one single platform...Sony has a few up their sleeves...and so does Microsoft. Despite the intense headaches I also got from Gears, I do want to play the 2nd one. The destructible concrete tech demo was really impressive, to say the least.


If you have questions, a good place is the gamefaqs.com forums too for reviews and recs.

[Jodalmighty]

What's your fav PS3 exclusive? I will be gettin' a PS3 soon, and so far I think I will only be buying MGS4 and BioShock (again) on it. It has the inferior versions of multiplatform titles in most cases and AAA exclusives aren't as common on it.

Metal Gear 4, Resistance, Uncharted, and Heavenly Sword. Heavenly Sword is a bit on the short side but its still a lot of fun. Also I think that Sony has the more creative downloadable titles. Some really cool artsy stuff like Flow and Echo Chrome. If you have the option I'd suggest getting the Metal Gear bundle as it comes with MGS 4, a Dual shock 3 controller, 80 gig hard drive, and a voucher for a free dowloadable game. (Granted the game is "Pain" but for free its not horrible.) The MGS 4 bundle is an extra hundred but when you factor in the game $59.99, Dual Shock 3 $49.99, Pain $9.99, and the extra hard drive space, and the fact that this version of the system is backwards compatible, its totally worth it.

[Redman115]

Umm...what are you talking about? I've bought all the multi-plat titles on the ps3 and they play just fine (I didn't pick up any of the "bad" port titles except for the Orange Box on sale last week). They look as good, if not better, on the ps3 (I've even heard that that was an exaggeration, I'll have to see for myself). In fact, I have at least two titles on both the ps3 and 360 since I [had] different friends on different platforms and there was no way at the time to consolidate them on a single one.

For example:

COD4 is gorgeous on either system. I prefer the controller on the ps3 version, and the internet access if free. I like the rumble on the 360 version, but I don't like having to pay for Live (I'm paid for the year for only $50 but it's still an annoyance since I don't login as much time on the 360).

So if there's anything you can fault on the ps3, it's the shortage of exclusives prior to 2008.

if you're going to buy soon, here's what you want to look into:

(1) MGS4 - this is an obvious no-brainer. Fun, plenty of replayability for all the goodies in the single player, but short (10 hrs or less for some ppl). The gift that keeps on giving though is Metal Gear Online. I haven't played this as much as I would like too, but it's something I'm looking forward. Just spending alot of time having my characters level up certain skills while I'm off doing errands or out. It's a thrilling yet frustrating game with lots of faults, but it seems to have alot of potential.

(2) Uncharted - This is a fun action game with beautiful production values. Not to be missed. It's not Tomb Raider!!

(3) Resistance - the ps3's answer to Halo. Great design. Fun. If there's anything to complain about, it's that it takes too long to get online, which is why it never caught on with me. it's wild fun for 4-player offline gameplay against your friends. The sequel's going to be absolutely amazing.

There's something weird about this game though. i would get eyestrain headaches and could only play in 40 minute intervals at a time. Could be just me though.

(4) Folklore - underappreciated j-RPG. I bought it, but have to play it, so I can't really comment other than the reviews seem to be pretty good and the fact that it looks great and makes excellent use of the dualshock 3's motion controls.

(5) Heavenly Sword - can't review, have it, but haven't played it

(4, 5 were sidelined by COD4 alone =D)

(6) Warhawk - I bought it, played it very little b/c of COD4, but I've heard many good things about. I guess I should go back and play it, lol.

(7) There are a number of PSN titles you'll want to pick up such as Super Stardust, and the recently released Elefunk. I don't know what your taste is but there are lots of things to choose from.

Anyhow...don't think the HD wars had anything to do with Bioshock. I'm just glad it's coming, hope it has something more to offer as the "definitive" version of the game.

Admittedly, you'll notice I haven't completed that many games...too many games...too little time. I had fun either way with whatever I had the chance to get my hands on.

yea i agree with kentucky here only mgs4 isnt that short its more like 15 through 20 hours and if u havent played the first 3 you'll be really confused as this game has a very complicated story.the downloadable data base helps but its better to have played all the Metal Gears.