Author Topic: More developers drop the GCN: and so what? (Read 19303 times)

Gamebasher · « **on:** February 15, 2003, 09:08:57 AM »

Sigh...

Just went over on cube-europe.com and got the news that CodeMasters drops support for the GameCube. This means we get no Colin McRae Rally 3. SEGA drops all their sports titles for GameCube, and Electronic Arts are considering similar action. Funny how this reminds me of the whole Dreamcast saga. There was also so many developers who dropped support for that little wonderfull machine, with Electronic Arts even promising that they were going to "destroy the Dreamcast". Well, they succeeded on that one. Yeah, I´ll never forget that. Still think the Dreamcast is one of the greatest and most beautifull consoles ever invented. So is the GameCube. And now people have been talking for months if not it could be that the GCN would go the way of the DC...

Not a chance!

It´s funny how CodeMasters were among the very first to drop the support for the Dreamcast, not giving us Colin McRae Rally 2 as promised. And how many other companies followed shortly after that with projects canned. Is there a kind of conspiracy going on here?

SEGA and Nintendo are the two greatest gaming companies on this Earth, so maybe little Codies got jealous? Maybe same with EA? To be honest, I don´t like either of these two, and for this reason I don´t worry about them too much. This is the second time that Codies promise- and subsequently drops support for a platform. This is also the second time that EA is making similar rumblings. In my opinion it is simply immoral to go and promise something and halfway into developement they just can it. This is a huge offence, a slap in the face of gamers that they don´t deserve. SEGA can be forgiven for their course of action regarding the sports titles. Their finances aren´t too good. Not so with the other two.

And all this just because the GCN is doing poorly at present. It´s no real excuse. There´s more to it, and I have suggested above what I think it is. Yes, I am suspicious because the exact same thing happened with the Dreamcast. Don´t know if executives from EA and Codies meet over Coffee or a Buffe and make "plans". "Go and buy an X-BOX or PS2" they may say. I say: "Not in a million years!" At least not to play any of their crappy games (Colin McRae 3 was awfull)!! Yeah, I do get tired when someone does this kind of stuff twice.

But if they really want to also go and destroy Nintendo, they can forget all about it. Nintendo will always survive ("the day we exit the consolemaking business, is the day we exit the videogame business" - said they!). What worries me instead, is that others may follow after them and abandon the GCN "because they did it". Not that this is a huge problem either, as Nintendo makes unique titles that the competition can never make and continues to innovate, but it´s an annoying trend since it hurts us gamers as it means a longer wait between titles released.

So maybe I find comfort in the knowledge that Nintendo is forming it´s own alliances now (SEGA doing the same - with Sammy) with Triforce and with new software agreements looming over the horizon. So they won´t have to rely on uncertain developers anymore. MEGATON anyone?

So nomatter how things may be looking now, this is all set to lighten up in the next consolewar where Nintendo will be ready...

So until then let´s not bury our heads in grief, but trust in our favourite games company.

Nintendo has awesome potential, and they´re going to use it to succeed again one day. Bad karma always returns to the offenders (if any).

"Who digs a grave for others...fall...into it...themselves (hehe)!" That is so true.

Gamebasher.

RickPowers · « **Reply #1 on:** February 15, 2003, 09:48:42 AM »

The day Nintendo stops supporting the GameCube without a new console in sight, is the day I'll be concerned.

Perfect Cell · « **Reply #2 on:** February 15, 2003, 09:55:44 AM »

Codemasters is still making GBA games, if im Nintendo i say screw you... and take away the GBA option. Nintendo needs to realize that the GCN is also important. and support it like they do the GBA

Grey Ninja · « **Reply #3 on:** February 15, 2003, 10:06:33 AM »

I was content with my N64. I am genuinely happy with my GameCube. It bothers me a little that some developers are dropping support, but to tell the truth, it doesn't concern me in the slightest. The chances of me even playing a Sega Sports game, EA sports game, or a CodeMasters game is very remote. They just aren't the type of games I normally play.

We have gained Square-Enix, Capcom, and Silicon Knights. That's plenty good enough for me. This upcoming year, I am already saving pennies for all the games I want. There are just too many to buy all the ones I like. To me, that is a very good sign.

aoi tsuki · « **Reply #4 on:** February 15, 2003, 10:13:00 AM »

Quote
It´s funny how CodeMasters were among the very first to drop the support for the Dreamcast

And so does it really surprise you that they're dropping Cube support?

But i am rather pissed that CMR3 won't be making it to GC. Reminds me of Half-Life on DC, which was practically finished but got canned. After playing the PS2 version of CMR3 i was really psyched to play it for Cube with enhanced graphics and sound. Truly a disappointment given the severe lack of realistic racers on the cube.

Also, what's a Buffe?

RahXephon · « **Reply #5 on:** February 15, 2003, 10:17:30 AM »

don't forget the new beautiful companny called Retro, Nintendo has a gun with all slots loaded, while sports maybe be a little lacking, we can obviously see the diffrence made up in spades when it comes to our new powerhouse companies, especially Nintendo itself, it is so nice to see it REALLY working to give us the most memorable titles ever.

Mario · « **Reply #6 on:** February 15, 2003, 10:41:58 AM »

Why doesnt Nintendo just do this

Codemasters: No GC games for you!
Nintendo: No GBA games for you!
Codemasters: GC games for you!

Sir Daniel Fortesque · « **Reply #7 on:** February 15, 2003, 10:57:08 AM »

Quote
Originally posted by: Mario
Why doesnt Nintendo just do this

Codemasters: No GC games for you!
Nintendo: No GBA games for you!
Codemasters: GC games for you!

That's exactly what Nintendo should do with other companies as well. Konami is one of them who fully supports the GBA, if Nintendo were clever they'd stop them for developing on the handheld until they'd promise to give some strong support to the Gamecube with games like Silent Hill and Castlevania, not only those crappy Disney titles.

willys85 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 15, 2003, 11:09:05 AM »

Nintendo have the power with the GBA, they need to extortion companies like konami to make games for GC or there will be no more GBA license for them, but there still a problem because maybe if nintendo does this the companies will start to support the N-gage

theaveng · « **Reply #9 on:** February 15, 2003, 11:27:13 AM »

Quote
Originally posted by: GamebasherElectronic Arts even promising that they were going to "destroy the Dreamcast". Well, they succeeded on that one. Yeah, I´ll never forget that. Still think the Dreamcast is one of the greatest and most beautifull consoles ever invented. So is the GameCube.

What's a Dreamcast? Is that like Beta VCRs? 8-track tapes?
It doesn't really matter how "beautiful" or "great" a piece of equipment might be. What matters is how many units it sells, so it makes a lot of profit for its maker. Dreamcast Failed in that mission.

Ditto Nintendo64. If GameCube continues losing third-party/exclusive titles, it too will join the trash heap of history. Obviously I don't want that to happen, so YES I do care when I hear news about developers bailing ship.

"Codemasters: No GC games for you!
"Nintendo: No GBA games for you!
"Codemasters: GC games for you!"

It worked with Square. That's why GC is getting Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles. Nintendo needs to start pulling some strings. They did it in the 80's with their NES-exclusive agreements... they need to do it again. Time to start exerting some muscle.

BlkPaladin · « **Reply #10 on:** February 15, 2003, 11:29:25 AM »

They do but with all things they will have to be careful on how they weild such power. Because code masters or any other developer can just go and say "ok no games for you." With two other consoles and a new "contender" in the handheld market its not that a developer is hurting for a platform to make games for.

As for EA droping sports support I doubt that they will drop all support since they don't have a competitor on the console.

WesDawg · « **Reply #11 on:** February 15, 2003, 12:16:12 PM »

I don't really think loosing Colin McRae is that bad a thing for us. I wasn't gonna buy it. I seriously doubt EA will drop any of their leading franchises from the Cube simply because they sell pretty well on it. Most people I know own some version of Madden. I really don't know what else EA makes except the close to amazing Tiger Woods 2003. Using the GBA to force developers into the Cube is a bad idea too though. In the long run all it will do is foster some sorta weird hate for Nintendo among developers, and theres already to much of that going around.

Sean · « **Reply #12 on:** February 15, 2003, 12:26:56 PM »

I think all the talk about Nintendo's "demise" or potential extinction comes from a vast misunderstanding of success, a blatant ignoring of Nintendo's actual profits, and a ridiculous and oft-talked about disconnect between the mainstream and Nintendo.

I mean, I've said it before and I'll never stop saying it: some opinions are wrong (even mine! hahaha). So many people have NO IDEA how successful Nintendo is nor how much money they have in store. What is it? Something like $9 billion? I know I've read this before, but let's say I'm wrong--people still have these skewed concepts of what it means to be successful. Little do they know that Sony and Microsoft are busting their butts to pull a profit, to my knowledge, while Nintendo, from most any account, is almost literally swimming in wealth. Third parties are even complaining that people with GCN's are essentially buying only Nintendo's games! I'm sorry, but if these people expect this to be a slam to Nintendo, they don't realize that it reflects worst on THEM! Make better games, Third Parties! If I'm dead wrong on something here, please, please let me know, but I'm faily confident that losing third parties is bad but not a sign of a Nintendo ship sinking.

If Sega pulls their sports lineup after a game sells 20,000 copies, well, logically, Nintendo isn't going to miss them much since neither they nor Sega were benefitting from the games (well, Nintendo will make money off it, either way, eh?). The only way it does matter, the way I see it, is it turns off potential buyers in the casual mass market who buy two or three games a year and any or all of them start with NCAA or Tiger Woods.

Oh, another thing just struck me. If everyone and their brother, sister, cousin, next-door neighbor, preacher, rabbi, priest, shaman has the PS2 and an updated copy of Madden and NFL2K EVERY YEAR, why in god's name WOULD the GCN versions sell all that well? It seems ever so slightly logical to me that oversaturation would in fact slow the sales of the same exact games on other systems. These games are EVERYWHERE, and in times where three HUGH JAZZ companies are fighting, more people have more than one system than ever before. I will say that with confidence even though I haven't the figures to back it up.

Let me just restate that losing third parties, any time, is bad. One can't deny this. But people have to stop exaggerating, you know? Let's change their minds.

Kuchakor · « **Reply #13 on:** February 15, 2003, 02:03:51 PM »

Someone mentioned Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003 as being close to amazing, my little bro just bought it today, and it DEFINATELY gets my vote for sports game of the year!!

RickPowers · « **Reply #14 on:** February 15, 2003, 02:14:41 PM »

Quote
Nintendo have the power with the GBA, they need to extortion companies like konami to make games for GC or there will be no more GBA license for them, but there still a problem because maybe if nintendo does this the companies will start to support the N-gage ...

I can't beleive people are actually suggesting that Nintendo use EXTORTION tactics to get companies to develop for GBA.

Sir Daniel Fortesque · « **Reply #15 on:** February 15, 2003, 02:20:43 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: RickPowers
Quote
Nintendo have the power with the GBA, they need to extortion companies like konami to make games for GC or there will be no more GBA license for them, but there still a problem because maybe if nintendo does this the companies will start to support the N-gage ...

I can't beleive people are actually suggesting that Nintendo use EXTORTION tactics to get companies to develop for GBA.

Maybe that's the only way to talk some serious sense on stubborn companies like Konami. I'm not suggesting Nintendo should do it though.

Perfect Cell · « **Reply #16 on:** February 15, 2003, 02:23:40 PM »

Quote
I can't beleive people are actually suggesting that Nintendo use EXTORTION tactics to get companies to develop for GBA.

Actually its use exortion to get companies to develop for the GCN not GBA

.... a bit rought but Nintendo needs to get its act together. No one can dispute this

Samuslink · « **Reply #17 on:** February 15, 2003, 02:31:03 PM »

I think that Nintendo could use the GBA as a powerful weapon for a select few companies. But they should be careful, as those types of tactics has burned them before. Companies remember when they are blackmaled. I personally love my gamecube software collection. I really don't care if some 3rd partys are backing out. Let them pump there cheap ass games to different systems. I love going to the store and seing about 25 games in the xbox section and about 100 GOOD games in the gamecube section. and about 100 CRAPPY games in the PS2 section.

Agent · « **Reply #18 on:** February 15, 2003, 03:18:54 PM »

Quote

Codemasters: No GC games for you!
Nintendo: No GBA games for you!
Codemasters: No games for you!

Marcus Arillius · « **Reply #19 on:** February 15, 2003, 03:57:16 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: Sean
Third parties are even complaining that people with GCN's are essentially buying only Nintendo's games!

Hey, thats true for me. I currently own 9 GC games and just two aren't Nintendo, Madden and Rogue Leader. No other games are appealing to me. I don't care about losing third parties that mainly produce sport titles. You can only have so many kinds of a football game. I said this in another thread, but when you've played one *insert name of sport here* game, you've played them all, in my opinion. And whats the point of a new Madden title every year? WASTE OF MONEY!

Zeth · « **Reply #20 on:** February 15, 2003, 05:07:33 PM »

YEAH, AND THEN, NINTENDO CAN BE ALL, "IF YOU ARE MAKING PS2 GAMES YOU CAN'T MAKE GBA GAMES"

DD!!!!!!!!!!!!

Calibretto · « **Reply #21 on:** February 15, 2003, 05:13:15 PM »

While it is dissapointing when third parties cancel support for the Cube, I agree with what others have said here, in that Nintendo will stay strong anyway. I also agree with Sean who posted earlier when he said that people underestimate the sucess of Nintendo. Nintendo is strong, and will stay strong, because they are the best videogame creators out there. And if the majority of the market can't realize that, it is their loss.

nolimit19 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 15, 2003, 05:52:01 PM »

to me i think ninteno is moving in the right direction. we may have lost codemasters or whatever crapbut they gained square and capcom. i mean there are enough good games. skies of arcadia is one of the best games i have ever played. its a great example out of the many (good) exclusives for the cube. 2003 will be even better.

here are the top 10 games for 2002 and as u can see nintendo is doing just as well as either of the other consoles makers.
1. Metroid Prime NGC Nintendo
2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City PS2 Rockstar Games
3. Zelda: A Link to the Past GBA Nintendo
4. Splinter Cell XBox Ubi Soft
5. Warcraft III PC Blizzard Entertainment
6. Madden NFL 2003 PS2 EA Sports
7. Super Mario World GBA Nintendo
8. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 PS2 Activision
9. NBA 2K3 PS2 Sega
10. TimeSplitters 2 PS2 Eidos Interactive

madden, th4, nba2k3, and timesplitters2 are all for gc. i hear a lot of people saying that the cube doenst have as much depth, but its right there with the xbox. and so far in 2003(at least for the 1st half of the year) the cube has the more inpressive lineup. there are so many good games coming out i just cant see the xbox of ps2 beating out the quality.

AGENTDICKLAURENT · « **Reply #23 on:** February 15, 2003, 05:57:24 PM »

When mentioning Codemasters on that list though. Realise that they never actually supported the GC.
Out of the 4 games they announced in May 2002 they didn't release 1. Not 1. Which means they shouldn't even be on that list. These others have stopped their support because of bad sales. Codemasters stopped their support for internal reasons. I bet the people assigned to do the GC work for Codemasters was restructured for other tasks long ago. About autumn 2002 in fact.

manunited4eva22 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 15, 2003, 06:20:08 PM »

Do you guys think Nintendo likes to make it wasy to get sued? I doubt that they would try to use GBA again as a major skapegoat without having some massively long contract saying that both companies agreed that the GBA was not a forced issue in the deal. Even at that it could look shady in court with that even being mentioned. If it happens, I am wrong, so be it.

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Author Topic: More developers drop the GCN: and so what? (Read 19303 times)