Topic: Factor 5 Focuses on Next Generation

[TheYoungerPlumber]

Factor 5 announces it will no longer support the GameCube, turning its attention to next generation consoles and handhelds.

Numerous sources reported today that Factor 5 has officially dropped support for Nintendo’s GameCube.  Many have taken this to be another blow to Nintendo’s third party support, right after the recent Silicon Knights announcement.  However, this news should not be taken too gravely.

Factor 5 isn’t just dropping support for the GameCube, it is dropping its support of all current generation systems.  As Factor 5 president Julian Eggebrecht reminded GameSpot, Factor 5 has “never been a Nintendo shop.”  They simply chose to develop the Rogue Squadron series on Nintendo’s console, and have a long history with Nintendo on its MusyX audio tools.

As a middleware developer, Factor 5 already announced its affiliation with Sony on its PSP and Microsoft on its XNA standardization movement at GDC.  Factor 5 was also involved with DivX tools for non-Nintendo consoles.  Factor 5 insists that it still has close ties with Nintendo and is excited about both the Nintendo DS and GCNext.  The company is likely withholding its next-generation Nintendo plans until the first party discloses its own.

Eggebrecht also hinted at the possibility of a new game announcement in the near future, though which future platform(s) it will run on are shrouded in mystery.

[mouse_clicker]

I'm glad to see Planet Gamecube didn't fall into the trap of implying Factor 5 left Nintendo, especially after all this messy Silicon Knights business. Another reason this is my favorite videogame site.

[TheYoungerPlumber]

Well, anyone who paid attention at GDC would have noticed Factor 5's widespread presence.  It's pretty hard to believe it would leave Nintendo and adopt both Sony and Microsoft--that wouldn't make much sense!  Now, I wouldn't blame the company if it chose to develop a game for a non-Nintendo console, but game development is really a side-project for Factor 5 anyway.  I'd love to hear some multiplatform Pro Logic IIx announcements!  

[WuTangTurtle]

I for one am happy to hear this from them.  It gives them extra time to increase production values on the next generations first gen games.  If Rogue leader (1st gen game) still has one of the best graphics to date then imagine what they can accomplish next gen.

I just hope they put some more time on refining gameplay.  I liked Rogue 3 but it was not changed much and the on foot levels are some of the worst designs ever.

By the way what other games do they make besides rogue series?

[Bloodworth]

That's the whole point Shaolin, they haven't really since before the N64.  They've been more focused on middleware sound and video tools.

[couchmonkey]

I don't see this as a negative thing - most small developers are probably turning or thinking of turning to the next generation consoles at this point - but I bet Nintendo isn't too happy about the announcement.  You can bet Nintendo's internal resources are steadily switching from GameCube to GCNext but they aren't going to broadcast that to the public.  Why buy a GameCube when game developers are already working on the next big thing?

[TheYoungerPlumber]

Well, being a middleware developer makes this sort of announcement a bit different, couchmonkey.  After a certain point, it doesn't make sense to develop new middleware tools for a platform because they will be outdated a year after they are released!  And if Factor 5's next game is on the PSP, I'd hardly say they are starting development too early.

[nickmitch]

PSP? Please, I sure do hope not. If it's for all next-generation consoles then it'll be spectacular as hell.