Nice link regarding Crystal Dynamics. I hope we get the rights. But didn't the author of the story go a bit far? Eidos and CrDy. both deny any additional deals and the author, without anything to back up his words, says that it is "likely" that Eidos will get the additional rights...
Regarding the rebate on FF7: was in Elect Bout. today and a friend who works there said that the statistic on gamers responding to rebates was 3%! That's "three". I don't like accruing the liability (or paying it off), but .03 x $10 is only thirty cents per game. Now this guy ain't the most reliable clown in the big top...but even sixty cents a copy, I think,is reasonable. Remember they also get an accurate address in the old database for future marketing...
Bleeker, thanks for the kind words. I know you are big into THQI. I must admit, they have a tremendous business model, and their earnings speak for themselves. On the downside, as a gamer, I have never much cared for their offerings. I think this prejudice kept me away from the stock, and from certain profits, as I have followed it for quite some time. Their reliance on wrestling, and the loss of the license really put me off. Now I understand they will get the WWF license after AKLM, but by then big daddy ERTS will be in the game... and when they are in the game, they are IN the game! :) On the upside, they have announced and even recently released what I feel to be much more solid titles. If they can get good games to go along with the management I would be in! Then again, while their business model is great, where are the franchises?
Now, just so you all know what is hot in stores today...WWF Warzone! EB was answering the phones "thank you for calling EB where we are sold out of WWF Warzone." While I was there (20 min) there must have been a dozen walk ins and a dozen phone calls for the game. My friend says he hasn't seen anything like it since Street Fighter 2.
A question to all: Id made a great 3D engine, sold a lot of games, then sold the engine to everyone. Duke engine was used in many games. Unreal engine is going to be used by many. Perhaps the TR engine wasn't good enough to sell, or simply wouldn't be good business. But why haven't we seen more games utilize the engine? Virtually every 3D shooter is indoors. We have an engine that can work outdoors. Why have we not done our own "Nam" or "SpecOps?" And why should EA have all the fun with "EA Classics." Why don't we have special little gold boxes with 14 dollar back-catalog games in it?
Does anyone know WHEN in 2000 our deal with Sony ends? This should coincide with PSX-2 release, and with Dreamcast looking to be solid, Sony would certainly want Lara by its side. Possibilities: Sony makes Lara the sony "mascot" (though she kind of already is). She is used to advertise PSX-2, coupled with promotions for the movie. Sony sends us a check...No mascot deal, Sony still wants the Exclusive for TR, sends us a check...Sony wants to renew exclusive deal on TR, and cuts us a deal by selling Psygnosis for cheap...Sony decides to do no deal-TR is ported to EVERY system. Sega and Nintendo send the checks...Dreamcast is HUGE success, and Sega offers BIG bucks for the TR exclusive rights...
BTW, 10 folks left Blizzard the other day. Once again, talent comes and goes, but Blizzard still has Starcraft, Warcraft and Diablo...
I am sorry for the long post, but I am limited to 3 posts per day. Bleeker, please do not think I am putting down THQI. MPRS makes some of my favorite games, and I have a long position with them...and would be pleased as punch to trade companies with you any day of the week!
Sorry if some of this is just pointless speculation, but I would enjoy hearing other opinions regarding the TR franchise...Seems to me that when the deal is up in 2000 that we will be in a GREAT position. Movie will be out (maybe) and the Next-Next gen systems will be fighting it out... |
