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High profile games retreat from 2009 to regroup in 2010
It's getting down to the wire for holiday releases. Developers and publishers either have to commit to a 2009 release or decide now that they're going to delay until 2010. Today, two high profile games blinked in the face of their 2009 release dates.
Take-Two CEO Ben Feder told IGN that BioShock 2 won't be along until next year. The content-free justification:We felt that it was essential to invest the additional time to ensure that this title will deliver what its fans expect and deserve.
But then there was this strange little allusion that the economy made them do it:[Our lineup for fiscal 2010 will] provide a platform for enhanced financial performance in what we hope will be an improved retail environment.
The cinematic adventure for the Playstation 3, Heavy Rain (pictured), also opted out of 2009's holiday season. Guillaume de Fondaumiere, the CEO of developer Quantic Dream, told gamesindustry.biz:...most publishers today realise that it's not ideal to release a new IP or a new genre just before Christmas. It's a very crowded place to be, and certain games need more space to live their life. Everybody at working on the project, both at Quantic and Sony, believe [a 2010 release date] is the right time.
Furthermore, this analyst thinks Starcraft II won't make it in 2009 either. Keep the delays coming, videogaming industry! Let's break this cycle of leaning so heavily on the holiday season.
By Blue Guyute at 3:16 AM ON 07/14/09
I'm glad games are getting pushed. I hate having a whole years worth of games released at holiday. Though Q1 2010 is starting to look a bit crowded as well, at least it's not all Q4 2009.
By obonicus at 7:56 AM ON 07/14/09
Certainly, it's better to lean on March.
By Bahimiron at 10:23 AM ON 07/14/09
And the slow stumble toward the finish between Alan Wake and Heavy Rain hits yet another ankle-twisting pot hole.
By Neuromancer at 11:21 AM ON 07/14/09
My favorite part of the interview?
"Q: Would it be the ultimate compliment for Heavy Rain to inspire a new generation of developers?"
What the hell do you say to that, other than yes?! Talk about leading questions.
By Shags at 11:28 AM ON 07/14/09
Diablo III is bound to end up on this list based on blizzards track record.
By joesocwork at 8:56 PM ON 07/14/09
I seldom buy games immediately when they're released anyway. And I've always tended to regret it when I do. I guess everyone has to worry about the bottomline but I just hope the delays about getting rid of bugs and not mostly about marketing.
joesocwork:
I seldom buy games immediately when they're released anyway. And I've always tended to regret it when I do. I gue...More »