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Is it possible that we will ever see multi-platform games? I mean imagine buying a game that was compatible with SEGA and Nintendo. It would enable development costs to drop which would mean that designers would have more time to spend developing new games. I know that there would be many problems, royalties to Nintendo and SEGA, different formats, but in theory if it was possible, if you could only afford to buy a Dreamcast you could still play Metal Gear Solid, or Zelda. If this would be made possible which I know is highly unlikely, then perhaps it would mean that the consoles would be sold on the strength of the console. Sony’s DVD would certainly be more of a bonus then.
I had a look around and if you want to find out more about this (from the horse's mouth) you can look at SS's official web-site at:
http://www.synapticsoup.com/tech-overview.htm
If you frankly can't be bothered, here's a quote:
"A complete solution for creating state of the art games on the next generation of consoles, the PC, Macs and Linux."
http://www.synapticsoup.com/tech-overview.htm
If you frankly can't be bothered, here's a quote:
"A complete solution for creating state of the art games on the next generation of consoles, the PC, Macs and Linux."
Actually, a UK games developer called "Synaptic Soup" (don't ask me why!) have recently announced that they have a new development engine for games which is intended for multiple platforms. I don't think they have announced specifically which ones, but I seem to remember reading that they were negotiating with all the big console players as well as the usual "real" computer suspects e.g. Windows, Apple, Linux.
Personally I'm a bit undecided on this - it might solve the problems of disspointing ports from one system to another, but I think there is also a danger that the emphasis will be placed on making universally compatible games rather than the quality of those games. We can only wait and see I guess.
Come to think of it Synaptic Soup (I think) are made up of the remnants of Bullfrog, who made some pretty great games for the Atari (Yes, I had an Atari, no shame in that), like Flood and Populous, so this might turn out to be good.
This has been a Milo Public Information Broadcast.
Personally I'm a bit undecided on this - it might solve the problems of disspointing ports from one system to another, but I think there is also a danger that the emphasis will be placed on making universally compatible games rather than the quality of those games. We can only wait and see I guess.
Come to think of it Synaptic Soup (I think) are made up of the remnants of Bullfrog, who made some pretty great games for the Atari (Yes, I had an Atari, no shame in that), like Flood and Populous, so this might turn out to be good.
This has been a Milo Public Information Broadcast.
More like £90, because all the makers want a profit, so a bit pointless.
Absolutely stupid. No way they could do that!
GC has a completely different discs to the others so does the rest. Consider the price of the discs would be massive, and would be put on sale for a big price. How would you like to buy Metal Gear 2 for 50 quid. It would'nt be right.
Production prices would rise to over thousands of pounds if they wanted to make multi platform games, anyway which companies would even agree with each other.
GC has a completely different discs to the others so does the rest. Consider the price of the discs would be massive, and would be put on sale for a big price. How would you like to buy Metal Gear 2 for 50 quid. It would'nt be right.
Production prices would rise to over thousands of pounds if they wanted to make multi platform games, anyway which companies would even agree with each other.
There are obviously some games that are available on mutiple platforms, the Resident Evil series for example.
But, consider this, if there werent some games that only appeared on that system then what reason would you have for buying a Sega rather than a Sony for example. Also I cant imagine that first party developed games will ever appear on other systems. The games industry, just like any other is all about competition. They are all clammering to get you to buy their console and the best way to do this is to have exclusive games that are must haves (Grand Tourismo for example).
I think with the advent of the next gen systems we will see more cross overs than we have in the past BUT they will always appear on their primary system way before they appear on the others. For example Metal Gear Solid 2 will appear on the PS2 way before it hits the PC and the X-Box (which I think it will eventually).
But can you imagine Mario or Sonic on anyone elses system?, not likely. The parent companies of these icons work hard to market them and get them into the public consciousness. They represent the systems. Mario and Zelda = Nintendo and everyone knows that.
I cant see this ever changing.
But, consider this, if there werent some games that only appeared on that system then what reason would you have for buying a Sega rather than a Sony for example. Also I cant imagine that first party developed games will ever appear on other systems. The games industry, just like any other is all about competition. They are all clammering to get you to buy their console and the best way to do this is to have exclusive games that are must haves (Grand Tourismo for example).
I think with the advent of the next gen systems we will see more cross overs than we have in the past BUT they will always appear on their primary system way before they appear on the others. For example Metal Gear Solid 2 will appear on the PS2 way before it hits the PC and the X-Box (which I think it will eventually).
But can you imagine Mario or Sonic on anyone elses system?, not likely. The parent companies of these icons work hard to market them and get them into the public consciousness. They represent the systems. Mario and Zelda = Nintendo and everyone knows that.
I cant see this ever changing.
Is it possible that we will ever see multi-platform games? I mean imagine buying a game that was compatible with SEGA and Nintendo. It would enable development costs to drop which would mean that designers would have more time to spend developing new games. I know that there would be many problems, royalties to Nintendo and SEGA, different formats, but in theory if it was possible, if you could only afford to buy a Dreamcast you could still play Metal Gear Solid, or Zelda. If this would be made possible which I know is highly unlikely, then perhaps it would mean that the consoles would be sold on the strength of the console. Sony’s DVD would certainly be more of a bonus then.