Well I just like that Sony are finally throwing some money around to third party developers. Sony's own games are second to none, but more exclusives are always welcome. Oh and this just in:
Rumor: Are Epic Games Getting Into Bed With Sony Japan?
According to the Internet, and might I add that the Internet is never wrong, Sony Computer Entertainment plans on making an announcment at E3 that will be huge. Off the scale you might say. In other news, little over two weeks from now, April 15, Epic Games will hold a press conference to announce the formation of Epic Games Japan. My first thoughts on that news included the two words "why" and "bother."
Japan has never really been known as the best environment for Western themed shooters. In fact you might say that aside from Unreal Tournament 3, Epic Games have never really strayed too far from the Xbox 360 regarding their tentpole releases. With that in mind why bother opening an office in Japan, even if it is there to provide "Japanese language support for the Unreal Engine 3," which to me sounds like a pretty lame reason for doing so. I mean UE3 has been on the market for years, several high profile Japanese developers have made some top notch titles with that engine, and they did so impressively. Also, it has been announced that Gears of War lead designer Cliff Bleszinski will also deliver a video message at said press event. Whilst I understand that Dude Huge is somewhat of an important spokesman for Epic, why would he be needed for such a public display of support – even if it is a pre-recorded video message?
This logically points towards Epic making serious inroads towards developing games for a bigger audience, one which includes our Japanese co-players which would explain the presence of Suda "51," who is currently working with Electronic Arts on an UE3 powered title. Having such a high profile developer at the event would surely give Epic some ground to stand on with regards to gaining the respect of the gathered press. Now then, let's go back shall we? You might be asking yourself "What the hell has this to do with Sony?" Here's what I believe is going down. At E3 2010 Sony will unveil a slew of new titles to the PlayStation 3 platform, some of which were previously, and most importantly, exclusively identified with Microsoft's Xbox 360 platform. Whilst it might not be Gears of War 3, it could very well be set in the Gears universe as Epic Games, not Microsoft, own that intellectual property. The only agreement with Microsoft was for the original Gears trilogy which looks to be wrapping up in April 2011. With all the intrigue regarding the backstory of the Gears trilogy it isn't conceivable that a prequel might well end up on PS3 – in fact we're calling that now. At E3 2010 Epic will unveil a Gears title for PS3. It makes sense when you consider the timing, the recent Unreal Engine technical demo with the Bromack, as well as Epic moving into Japanese territory. We'll be keeping an eye on Epic's upcoming press event to see whether or not our suspicions are on the ball.
Link
I want it NOOWWWW dammit... 
Log in to comment