Microsoft is refusing to publish Xbox Live Arcade titles that are launched on a competing platform first, according to some digging by Eurogamer. The platform holder also prefers publishers to release on-disc titles with the same content across multiple platforms. In an interview, Xbox Europe boss Chris Lewis defended these tactics, saying it’s what players want from the company.
"We're a little biased, so obviously we're going to look to protect our own space as best we can and get exclusivity," said Lewis. "Whilst I can't be specific about the terms and conditions, you can be very confident we seek to maximise our own advantage to ensure the playing field is even, and certainly plays to our advantage wherever possible."
"As you can also imagine, our partners have to be mindful of the relationship they have with all platform holders, and they need to be equitable. But there are contractual situations where we get agreement with different people to do different things, and through what we have available on Xbox Live, we are able to offer things other people can't offer, that allows that exclusivity and unique elements to it that might not otherwise be available elsewhere."
Sony’s policy is far more relaxed than Microsoft’s Content Submission and Release Policy, which was obtained by Eurogamer. Games like Limbo and Castlevania: Harmony of Despair have appeared on Xbox Live Arcade first, later finding homes on PlayStation Network.
"Titles for Xbox 360 must ship at least simultaneously with other video game platform, and must have at least feature and content parity on-disc with the other video game platform versions in all regions where the title is available. If these conditions are not met, Microsoft reserves the right to not allow the content to be released on Xbox 360,” the policy reads.
Some publishers apparently have an issue with the policy, which they say prevents them from being creative with each platform.
"Microsoft is suggesting that anything but parity will result in them not carrying a title. They may think this is competitive, but it's not. They are killing any creative exposure of titles to make up for their own platform's shortcomings,” said an anonymous representative of one publisher.
Microsoft continues to believe the policy is the best way to protect the content that comes to Xbox Live Arcade.
“Honestly, and this is going to sound a bit contrived, we just want what our consumers want from us. We want to be where they want us to be. We want the quality bar of what they experience from us to continue to go up. I think it has to happen. Everybody's got to do that. If we want to continue to command healthy average selling prices, which we all do, that which we offer our consumers has got to keep getting better,” countered Lewis
"Despite the fact it can be irksome to have such strong competition all the time, it actually does keep us on our toes. It's great for everyone, and it makes for a very healthy race to higher and higher levels of quality of game experiences."
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Originally posted by John C FlettOriginally posted by H001iGAN -
Sony and Gabe Newell response:
'Publishers Are Getting the Living Crap Kicked Out of Them by Microsoft'
IndustryGamers chatted with Sony Computer Entertainment America's SVP of Publisher Relations Rob Dyer, who was more than happy to highlight what he feels are very damaging policies for Microsoft.
"I think what [Xbox Europe boss] Chris Lewis was referring to was something that we’ve known about for quite some time, that we’ve been dealing with, and trying to deal with - in the spirit of competition, more than anything, we look for ways to give our consumer reason to have the PS3. I think what Chris and the other representatives at Microsoft are doing is protecting an inferior technology. I think they want to dumb it down and keep it as pedestrian as possible so that if you want to do anything for Blu-ray or you have extra content above 9 gigs or you want to do anything of that nature, you’d better sure as heck remember that Microsoft can't handle that," Dyer began with his all-out attack.
"And that’s a huge problem with them. It first started on the smaller pubs, and we can talk about what’s happened on XBL and the policy they have there that requires publishers to have a whole litany of things in order to get onto their network or they have to go through and be published by Xbox, by Microsoft, which essentially lets them dictate how long they’ll be exclusive and whether or not they own the IP, etc, etc. They - for instance, if you want to be able to do something on XBL, you need to have an office, there’s all kinds of restrictions. We don’t do that. We don’t have any kind of policy like that. We’re not pushing that. In fact, we’ve gone the other way to try and encourage publishers through our Pub Fund... We want to welcome the indies and we've seen that become a very big part of our business because indies are recognizing that we aren’t demanding a pound of flesh in order for them to get a game published on our network."
And Dyer stressed that this is no longer just a problem for the "little guys." It's something that even top tier publishers have to contend with. Naturally, Sony feels this gives them an edge when it comes to developer relationships.
"Here’s the thing... It's now progressed to not just be these smaller indie pubs that are obviously very easy to kick around. It’s moved up the food chain. It’s gone to B and A level publishers to where Microsoft now demands - they sent out something, and I’m reading directly from this - and I’m sure you’ve seen this: 'Should content not be shipped simultaneously with competing platforms in all regions where the content is available, or should the content and features available on the Xbox 360 not be in parity with versions on competing platforms, then Microsoft reserves the right to not allow that content to be published for Xbox 360 or released on Xbox Live marketplace.' So potentially any time we’ve gone out and negotiated exclusive content of things that we’ve announced at things like DPS or E3, publishers are getting the living crap kicked out of them by Microsoft because they are doing something for the consumer that is better on our platform than it might be perceived on theirs."
"So from a creativity standpoint and what we are doing to try to make it better for the consumer, our view is Microsoft’s doing everything they can to eliminate that because they have an inferior technology."
Microsoft's closed network and general policies are beginning to become a problem, if you ask Valve's Gabe Newell, who's called for Microsoft to "open up" Xbox Live because those gamers are getting the short end of the stick while PS3 gamers are benefitting from the best of what Valve offers.
"I’ve read Gabe's comments as well and this is a relationship that I’ve helped foster and helped to get the cross platform connection going. I’m very excited about it," Dyer continued. "I think it gives the gamer - particularly the core gamer - all the more reasons to want to play our console. And that’s the whole thing. We want people to be plugged into PS3 – if they’re not playing the game, then we want them to be on the network or to be using it to download video or to be browsing or doing whatever. And it just gives them another reason to do it. ... And what Gabe has said, yeah. I can’t wait to see what’s happening on Counterstrike. We’re working with them on that. I think we’re going to have some really cool things. We’re pumped up. We’re also very pumped up in working with guys like CCP as a matter of fact to try and be more inclusive rather than being very restrictive."
Ultimately, Dyer wants to see developers and publishers stand up to Microsoft. "I just wanted to make it clear from Chris Lewis’ comment last week and the fact that he’s saying, 'Well, this is great for consumers,' and that they’re going to protect their consumers. I think that that is an admirable stance to take. That being said, while they might be protecting their consumers, what are they protecting them from? And what it looks like they’re protecting them from is the ability to see great content show up on a superior technology. And that, to me, is the problem we’re having right now is these threats and these serious issues that Microsoft is throwing at publishers - it’s only going to dumb down what could potentially come out for a number of these games. And whether people are willing to stand up to Microsoft on this stuff or not is up to that publisher and they do it at their own risk," he added.
Last edited by nomore; Sep 23, 2011, 10:41 AM.Originally posted by John C FlettOriginally posted by H001iGAN -
OFN? I am pretty sure there was a thread about it.Comment
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looked for it but didnt find any.Originally posted by KickAssCop View Post
also searched for the comments from Sony and Gabe, and didn't see that mention anywhere.
are you sure you are not thinking about the thread for XBLA price increase and about indie games?
did you remember seeing the comments from Team Meat?
Working With Microsoft Again
McMillen: I don't think we'll work with them ever again. And it kinda sucks too, because we're still on really good terms with our producer, who was really awesome -- he also happens to be the producer on every good game on the ****ing system.
It felt like he was the only person who really believed in us, and he felt like a friend... and I know it's painful for him, because we've not had one sale [on Xbox] since our initial launch sale, and I don't know if that's going to happen. Whenever we ask -- and we actively ask monthly if we can be included in a sale or get any kind of promotion -- they say no.
Which is odd, because it's like, I know for a fact that we, by openly talking about our relationship with Microsoft, they've actually changed a lot of stuff, and I've heard from developers that they have said to them, "We want to change our image and we want everybody to be happy."
So I'm really very happy that we talked about it, because I feel like we actually somehow did something, but I guess they could probably still be put off by it.
Refenes: I feel the only way we'll work with Microsoft, is if it's more on our terms, which I don't feel like they'll ever want to agree with.
PC vs Xbox sales
Refenes: The ratio of PC to Xbox sales is double on PC. That's just on Steam for PC... Other digital distribution sites in no way compare to what Steam is. Steam is a ****ing powerhouse.
Last edited by nomore; Sep 23, 2011, 01:12 PM.Originally posted by John C FlettOriginally posted by H001iGANComment
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I don't see much of a problem with it. Want a spot on microsoft's servers, need to agree to their rules.. Seems like a non-issue.
It is the publishers duty to run a cost/benefit analysis whether agreeing to the terms is worth it.Comment
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