Topic: Nintendo gets the Shaft again!

[Rhoq]

Well, I just sent a letter to IGN's mailbag (yeah, I know). Maybe they can get an official word from Rockstar about GTA on the GameCube....

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Months ago, there were rumors circulating around about the possibility of Rockstar Games bringing their insanely popular Grand Theft Auto series to the GameCube and X-Box consoles.

Earlier this week, they announced a GTA3/Vice City bundle pack for the PS2, PC and X-Box – which will be released on November 4, 2003. I know that this subject had been touched on in the last issue of the mailbag, but is there any chance that us GameCube owners can finally get GTA on Nintendo’s console? Aside from my desire to own the game without having to purchase another console or a PC (I have a Mac), I know that having GTA can help Nintendo to break the Cube’s “kiddie” image. I went over to Rockstar’s website, looking for an e-mail address so I could contact them myself about GTA on the GameCube, but all I could find was an e-mail address for their Tech Support department.

While I don’t expect Rockstar to come through for us GameCube owners, I was hoping that maybe you guys at IGN could flex a little muscle and get Rockstar to address this issue once and for all.

Thanks.

[the_zombie_luke]

Quote
Originally posted by: mouse_clicker
zombie: Nobody said it would change Nintendo's image overnight, but you can't deny that having Grand Theft Auto on the Gamecube would be a major step in the right direction. Further more, it would even the playing field. GTA was a huge system seller for the PS2, and now that the Gamecube is the only console without GTA, you're gonig to start seeing the repurcussions of the game. This has nothing to do with how much you like the game- I don't care if you would rather have played what a yak just crapped up, GTA sells more than any game out right now and having THAT on the Gamecube is a huge leap in the right direction.

All this thread is about is that the GameCube needs GTA . Maybe GTA would increase sales but it really wouldn't matter. All of you keep pretending that the GameCube can catch up to the PS2 in sales. Microsoft and Nintendo were finished before they began. The PS2 had such a momentous launch and their momentum will never stop. All of us should stop worrying about sales figures. Maybe the GameCube doesn't have GTA. But the PS2 doesn't have many awesome games the GameCube has. I don't care if every person in the world has a PS2 with Grand Theft Auto. Nothing can lessen the greatness of the GameCube's "hero-ness." Not Sony, not Microsoft, and not some 13 year old "expert" who says Nintendo is doomed. The GameCube is Nintendo's best since the Super NES without GTA.
 

[AgentSeven]

GTA3+GTA.V.C.

Hasn't everyone already played these games to death by now?  Who cares if they are not on the Cube....

By the way, GTA VC did not outsell GTA 3.  I guess the shock effect is wearing off...

[mouse_clicker]

zombi: You can't view everything in terms of black and white. No, no game this generation will make the Cube catch up to the PS2 in sales, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't try. If everybody gave up because no one game will do that, then the Gamecube would be WAAAAAAY behind. GTA won't make the Gamecube be number 1, but it'll push it closer to the number 1 spot (a LOT closer) and there's nothing wrong with that.

And the Gamecube, or at least Nintendo, DOES need GTA. Currently it's a PS2 exclusive, which means people who want to play GTA AREN'T buying a Gamecube. GTA3, I believe, sold roughly 8 million copies in North America alone- no Gamecube game has come even remotely close to that. Anyone claiming the Gamecube can't use sales like GTA's is a lying fanboy who can't see what's best for Nintendo.

[Michael8983]

"GTA won't make the Gamecube be number 1, but it'll push it closer to the number 1 spot (a LOT closer) and there's nothing wrong with that."

Maybe a brand new exclusive GTA game but we're talking about a mere port here.
It's like when the XBox got MGS2:S. MGS2 was a HUGE hit on the PS2 but MGS2:S only sold modestly well on the XBox and didn't have any real effect on its hardware sales. But at least it was a temporary exclusive. This GTA3/VC combo doesn't even have THAT much going for it.
The vast majority of gamers have a PS2 and they'll buy this thing for it. The XBox version will get little attention and if there was a Gamecube version it would be COMPLETELY ignored.
 

[mouse_clicker]

Evening the playing field would be a huge move for Nintendo. A lot of people have bought a PS2 soley for GTA, or because GTA was only on the PS2. If GTA was at least on all 3 systems, people would no lnoger be buying specific consoles because of GTA and would start looking at other games in addition, which is where Nintendo comes into play.

[Ian Sane]

'if there was a Gamecube version it would be COMPLETELY ignored."

Well that's a pretty blanket statement.  Since I would probably buy it as well as some people on this forum I doubt it would be "completely" ignored.  I don't think it would be a huge seller or anything but would sell well enough to be profitable.  Resident Evil 2 on the N64 didn't make a big difference but it still sold well with the userbase that didn't own any other consoles.  GTA would likely do the same.

I don't think Nintendo needs GTA to change their image.  They just need Nintendo to focus more on mature titles.  Right now Nintendo releases like at the most two mature titles a year.  It just isn't enough.  They're still like 90% kids games/10% mature games.  If they want to fix their image with the older crowd while still maintaining their kids' market they need to be more like 50/50 or at the very least 60/40 with the kids games getting just a bit more attention.  That means they stop making fifty billion Mario, Kirby and Pokemon spinoff games and dedicate more resources to exclusive mature content.  The older gamer has to take them seriously and they never will until Nintendo shows they care about BOTH markets.

Right now ED and Metroid Prime are the only Nintendo produced Gamecube titles released that are designed for the adult market.  That's not enough so Nintendo should not be spending so much time with titles like Mario Golf and Wario World, which are not really needed in the lineup, and instead have those developers (Camelot and Treasure, who have experience with titles like Shining Force and Ikuruga that appeal to older gamers) work on some more mature stuff to balance out the lineup and show older gamers that Nintendo is serious about appealing to ALL gamers.  The Gamecube actually has a lot of mature content from third parties so Nintendo themselves are the only ones who really have to step up to deliver more mature content.

[the_zombie_luke]

Quote
Originally posted by: mouse_clicker
zombi: You can't view everything in terms of black and white. No, no game this generation will make the Cube catch up to the PS2 in sales, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't try. If everybody gave up because no one game will do that, then the Gamecube would be WAAAAAAY behind. GTA won't make the Gamecube be number 1, but it'll push it closer to the number 1 spot (a LOT closer) and there's nothing wrong with that.

And the Gamecube, or at least Nintendo, DOES need GTA. Currently it's a PS2 exclusive, which means people who want to play GTA AREN'T buying a Gamecube. GTA3, I believe, sold roughly 8 million copies in North America alone- no Gamecube game has come even remotely close to that. Anyone claiming the Gamecube can't use sales like GTA's is a lying fanboy who can't see what's best for Nintendo.

I agree that Nintendo could benefit in some way having GTA, but Rockstar does lazy porting and a straight port wouldn't convince people to buy GameCubes. I think Nintendo needs something to give it an edge in America like Tales of Symphonia is doing in Japan, but GTA can't be the only solution. I think Nintendo has already figured out what to do for this generation and the next one. Collaborations! Right now the GC Soul Caliber II is doing well and getting extra attention because Nintendo put Link into it. F-Zero turned out extremely well and is also turning heads. Twin Snakes is also getting some attention as well. I think these and other collaborations will help the GameCube have a stronger finish. Also, I wouldn't rule out another Zelda by Capcom either. These collaborations are also going to pave a bright future for the N5.  Even a lying fanboy can see collaborations are a good short-term and long term solution Mr. Clicker.

[AgentSeven]

I'm sorry to disagree but Nintendo does not need GTA3 or GTA VC.  That ship has sailed.  Everyone who wanted to play those games did already long ago.

[mouse_clicker]

Not everybody- I'll bet you that not only will the compilation sell great on the XBox, but on the PS2 as well.

[Kyosho]

Quote
Evening the playing field would be a huge move for Nintendo. A lot of people have bought a PS2 soley for GTA, or because GTA was only on the PS2. If GTA was at least on all 3 systems, people would no lnoger be buying specific consoles because of GTA and would start looking at other games in addition, which is where Nintendo comes into play.

not necessarily.  Sales on mature games in my area for the Nintendo Gamecube have been less than mediocre.  If Rockstar were to introduce a game like GTA into Nintendo's library, they would make small profits compared to the likes of the PS2 and Xbox.  When I used to work @ EBX, the games that sold the most were Nintendo produced games (as said before).  Also any game that was on all 3 platforms usually sold the least on the Nintendo Gamecube.  I doubt one would get a Gamecube for GTA over an Xbox or a PS2.  

[Cap]

Quote
Originally posted by: Kyosho
not necessarily.  Sales on mature games in my area for the Nintendo Gamecube have been less than mediocre.  If Rockstar were to introduce a game like GTA into Nintendo's library, they would make small profits compared to the likes of the PS2 and Xbox.  When I used to work @ EBX, the games that sold the most were Nintendo produced games (as said before).  Also any game that was on all 3 platforms usually sold the least on the Nintendo Gamecube.  I doubt one would get a Gamecube for GTA over an Xbox or a PS2.

i dont really think thats the point.  i wouldnt expect anyone to buy a gamecube soley for grand theft auto, but when you can get mario AND grand theft auto, that makes the system that more attractive. as it is, its just another game that can be had on any system but gamecube. while it may not entice anyone to actually buy a gamecube, it could cause someone not too. at least in my opinion.

[Djunknown]

Wow! I'm loving the feedback from all directions. Its nice to have a nice, intelligent thread that hasn't gone up in flames! Now for my 2 cents:

For those wanting a a GTA-esque game, you're in luck. True Crime: Streets of L.A is slated to come out on all three platforms. Worst case scenerio is that its a GTA type clone (Hardly, since it boasts some features such as an intricate hand-to hand combat system, GTA was mainly about your gun or occasional baseball bat.) Its coming out in Novemember, so unless they pull gamecube support at the 11th hour, your wish will come true. Now all that needs to happen is for GCN users out there to show that truly want these types of games on Nintendo's system when it comes. If not, publishers will be proved right, and will go elsewhere. Take that for what you will.

If I'm not mistaken, Rockstar(and subsideries) have avoided nintendo like the plague. The exceptions are Smugglers Run and Conflict Desert Storm. Whereas even the most stubborn publisher may have gone to the GBA, Rockstar has gone on record saying "GBA does not suit our needs." So if they go portable with N-Gage, PSP or some other contender, they might have the power to stick it to Nintendo in its most profitable area. They just bought out TDK interactive, saying it will delve into 'younger demographics' and with Rockstars money, it sounds like they really, really want to wipe Nintendo off the face of the earth.

I'm not going to say what Nintendo needs and need not do: I'm just somebody with too much time on my hands! Though I will say that more Exclusive Mature titles wouldn't hurt now would it? And while I'm at it, an official Nintendo mag geared for the 18 and up crowd. Doesn't have to be trashy, maybe something like good ol PGC

I'm done now. Thanks for listening and keep those ideas running!

[Kyosho]

Quote
Exclusive Mature titles

Good exclusive titles is always a plus to help Nintendo boost up their 3rd party sales.

[mouse_clicker]

Kyosho: The point is GTA would no longer be a deciding factor in someone's console purchasing decision because ALL the systems would have it. Right now, only the PS2 has GTA and hence that attracts a lot of people to the PS2 since that's the only place they can get it.

[KDR_11k]

"Mature" games sell least on GC. Why? Well, let's put it like (I think he said it) Miyamoto: The Japanese don't like that violent games. Since the XB has 10M in the west and GC has 10M including Japan, the GC has less people in the west. And only those are possible buyers for GTA. Means that while the GCs victory over the XB in Japan gives us all the good japanese games, the XB clearly wins in the number of potential buyers for violent games.

[BrianSLA]

Yes without a doubt Nintendo got the shaft ( and a VERY BIG shaft ) again this time. I agree with most of the posters in that 1.) a Gamecube port of the GTA3/VC duo would have sold the very LEAST amount of the three mulitconsole versions.  BUT 2.) The Nintendo port would have sold on the Gamecube and sold a good number - NOT great like Nintendo produced exclusives but a good number none the less. I agree with both sides but the Nintendo tru blue fanboys are seriously kidding themselves if they don't think this is a big blow. The best selling games of this generation is on everyone else's consoles but yours. A GTA3/VC Gamecube port would have sold as many copies as as regular or even AAA GC title out now. As for the image thing.... I think Nintendo's image has NOW gotten much WORSE. You guys don't even get GTA3/VC. Rockstar manages to fangle their way out of their ironclad Sony exclusivity deal to just make an Xbox port? Surely they could have made a GC port but they didn't. I don't think Nintendo's image problem is now only that it is a Kidde system but that NOW games don't sell on it. When you only sell 80,000 Gamescubes in a quarter and have to stop production to clear out excessive inventory..... you got problems. When the best selling game(s) of the generation skip your system on purpose... you got problems.
Yes True Crime is coming out soon on all platforms..... that won't help the image problem. It is coming out on all 3 systems- same time. No big deal. GTA3/VC exclusive on PS2..... hurt Xbox & GC by making gamers buy PS2. GTA3/VC exclusive deal ends...... Xbox gets it, Gamecube doesn't. Xbox port sells big. I don't think it will sell many more Xboxes but it stops Xboxers getting a PS2 / PS2 envy. Gamecube not even getting GTA3/VC....... Gamecube loses on all fronts. Gamecube image gets nailed big time. It could easily have the game now but Rockstar chooses not too. That's bad news. Very bad news.

[Kyosho]

the Japanese seem to like more fantasy based stuff.  Their culture is just weird though... for example, some of their most famous movies are rather gory, violent, and unethical in American standards.

MouseClicker: Yes that would be nice if GC would see games such as GTA ported to their console at the same time, and it would definitely boost their popularity even more.  But the problem is.. how are they going to get good games like this onto the Gamecube when developers all over the world sees so-and-so stop making games for Nintendo or releasing a game for the other 2 systems and NOT nintendo?  Even though these companies have made some pretty crap games, it still hurts Nintendo's image nevertheless.  I just hope that you guys see anyone leaving Nintendo's production line is not the greatest of news and gives bad vibes to the world in general.

[the_zombie_luke]

Quote
Originally posted by: AgentSeven
I'm sorry to disagree but Nintendo does not need GTA3 or GTA VC.  That ship has sailed.  Everyone who wanted to play those games did already long ago.

My thoughts exactly. Nintendo needs games like Tales of Symphonia. If the GameCube would have launched in Japan with a game like Symphonia then the situation would be much better for the GameCube.

[PIAC]

doesn't matter if it needs it or not, the point is it would still be nice to have the option for gamers, people who can't necessarily afford to get another system, more games is never a bad thing, especially ones at the caliber of GTA 3 and Vice City

[Djunknown]

Just had to chime in again with more pennies to add in the pile:

I agree with BrianSLA's assement: Rockstar is putting the hurt on Nintendo (North America wise) by bringing their games to every other system save for the big N.  Rival fanboys(Like we listen to their rants) and casual gamers(Who outnumber hardcore gamers) will point the finger at Nintendo gamers saying "nyah Nyah! You don't have this..." While Hell has frozen over a few times this console generation, I don't expect Rockstar to go anywhere near a Nintendo system in the future. Some top air tight-exclusive (GTA is available on PC after all) mature game will have to fill that void

I disagree however with BrianSLA's statement that True Crime release on ALL systems is no big deal. Remember those game cancellations (For arguments sake let's skimp on the actual quality, lets look at numbers) Mace Griffin and Mafia? They cancelled GCN ports in mid-production stating it wouldn't "sell."  Other companies take note and follow that example.

Activision (Publisher of True Crime) is taking a gamble here because:A) They could've have saved resources for other projects B)See profit potential. Whereas other companies pulled the plug on GCN because they saw their 'folly', Activision is still Gung-ho at this time (Unless I somehow jinx it and they stop the GCN presses at the last minute). While not being exclusive does steal some of that thunder, its a good lithmus test to see if Nintendo gamers REALLY want that type of content. If not, Activision takes note, competitors take note, and pull out.

Before I end, let me stir the a pot a bit. GTA has been the main game discussed here. What about Rockstar's other hit, Max Payne? The 2nd chapter (Which is done in a film noir fashion!) is due out in October. Obviously the first had an impact because many other companies are copying their elements (Dead to Rights anyone, or is that strictly coincendental?). Is this another example of Nintendo getting 'Shafted' again?

[Perfect Cell]

Is this another example of Nintendo getting 'Shafted' again?



No its Nintendo getting the Shaft from Rockstar plain and simple.... Rockstar had promised a Nintendo version of Mafia, and an Exclusive version of Serious Sam.... Remember those 2? Well now Rockstar isnt making either. They are simply ignorning the GCN while making PS2 and X-box games. Couldnt they have given us Midningt Club 2? They made an X-box port. Couldnt they have made a GTA for the GCN? Its scheduled for the X-box.


simply put, third parties  nintendo relations  in Japan might be strong still but in US they are still very weak . Nintendo should extend some of that Fund Q money to US territories

[KDR_11k]

I don't see what Rockstar has to do with Max Payne or Serious Sam. May Payne was developed by Remedy, Serious Sam is developed by Croteam and published by GoD. I think people are over-exaggerating the importance of Rockstar.

[BrianSLA]

>> I disagree however with BrianSLA's statement that True Crime release on ALL systems is no big deal <<

I meant it is no big deal in that it doesn't hurt or help Nintendo's image. The issue is a push. It isn't coming out later / never / exclusively / timed exclusive / upgraded or whatever..... True Crime is coming out simulataneously on all systems. ALTHOUGH the Xbox version is supposedly better ( graphics / audio / possible LIVE support ). IF the Gamecube version megasells and the PS2 & Xbox versions bomb, yes it matters. BUT in reality, the Gamecube version will most likely sell the least of all three versions. I am not saying TC will bomb on the Cube, quite the opposite but the Gamecube version usually sells the least of mulitplatform. True Crime should and will sell like hotcakes on all platforms.

>> Activision (Publisher of True Crime) is taking a gamble here because..... <<

I gotta disagree with you on that one Djuknown in that True Crime is a GTA3 type game / genre that will sell on all systems. Its got great hype and the fact that the Cube doesn't have this type of game / is clammoring for it..... it isn't really a risk. It is a blockbuster game. If anything Activision would be foolish NOT to put it on the Cube... they will make some good money on the Cube. Activision isn't shafting Cube owners, it isn't shafting anyone. They are releasing it on everything at the same time to be fair. There isn't a PS2 / Xbox / Gamecube fanboy that will be offended by a simulataneous muliplatform release. True Crime will megasell. It is just more money for them. That is why I say it isn't a big deal..... it isn't a risk. It is guaranteed profit or high probability of profit. AND if the so called ' gamble ' on the Cube fails..... so what, it will still megasell on the PS2 and Xbox. It is win win situation for Activision. Nothing gained or lost with the Cube.

 

[ThePerm]

iv never heard of true crime...it prolly wont sell very well.