Crackdown demo slips through a slight crack
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Jan 16th 2007 at 7:55PM }
Microsoft PR has informed us that the Crackdown demo has entered the final certification process, but will miss its scheduled release on Thursday. A press release states the delay will only span "several days," but IGN cites several weeks (anytime before the end of the month). The retail version will ship February 20 as expected.Microsoft also confirmed that the demo will not support "jump-in" co-op gameplay, a major feature of the retail version. Instead, players will have to organize co-op games through the demo's pre-game interface -- a slight, but notable nuisance. The demo is set in one of four major gang-held territories and gives players an opportunity to enjoy some of the game's advanced abilities through enhanced leveling.
In related news, Buy.com is offering Crackdown, plus Halo 3 Beta invite, for $58.39 (includes S&H).
[Via press release]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mr BoomStick XL @ Jan 16th 2007 8:19PM
Can anyone explain, HOW THE F**K THIS HAPPENS!! I mean come on already. These things should be handled by someone who knows what their doing!! Every time MS has an opp. to CRUSH Sony with LIVE Arcade or a Hot Title they let it slip through their fingers!! I was REALLY foward to theis demo on thursday!! What a shame!!
boo @ Jan 16th 2007 8:32PM
man, i wanted to play this all weekend.
aegies @ Jan 16th 2007 8:25PM
I can tell Microsoft where they can stick their certification.
http://eat-sleep-game.com
Wulkar @ Jan 16th 2007 8:26PM
@Mr. boomstick
i was looking forward to this game as well, i have been following it since its appearance on Game Informer a long time ago. i was really looking forward to jumping in and blowing up tons of crap and jumping over buildings.
i guess we will just have to wait which i think is BS.
Petrie @ Jan 16th 2007 8:26PM
Because the delay of one demo is surely going to ruin MS dominance of online console gaming. /sarcasm
AoE @ Jan 16th 2007 8:55PM
@Mr BoomStick XL, I'll attempt to explain: Demos are in fact not the final product, nor do developers or publishers make money on them, directly at least. Most likely the team crafting the demo is only a tiny subset of the development team for the game (who are all of course working hard getting the full game ready for release). This demo team probably had to cut things as close as possible to get the demo out the door running final or near-final code. As you've read in the story, they also tweaked online play and the leveling system for the game, which quite possibly introduced some new quirks. Anyhow, whatever the reason, by the time it got to the overloaded certification department (don't forget that every game and every bit of content for XBLM must get their sign-off first) it was late enough to push out certification for a few days.
I've answered your question, now please answer one for me. What is it that Sony's releasing thursday that's such weak-sauce that a DEMO could crush them? Just curious...
Figboy @ Jan 16th 2007 10:13PM
i worked in the gaming industry for over 3 years, so i'll give you some of my experiences regarding game demos.
the same team that is toiling away on the final product, is often the same team that is making the demo.
demos are a distraction from finishing the final product, as time is spent working on the demo instead of the final release, and testing said demo for bugs from the QA Team.
right before E3, the guys at Obsidian were busting their asses on the E3 demo of Neverwinter Nights 2. in QA, we had to test that build, to make sure it was working perfectly. after that three weeks of work on the demo, we went back to testing the actual game.
i'd much rather have the demo be delayed, while they work on trying to reach that February 20th release date (which, is really only a month away), than have them diverting that time on a demo, which could subsequently delay the retail release.
Wii @ Jan 17th 2007 7:22AM
Wow, when it comes to 360 MS fans are so patient and forgiving, but when it comes to PS3, TWO months into launch and you have people jumping on Sony's back shouting about "Lack of games"
Akyho @ Jan 23rd 2007 2:49AM
i am very displeased myself at the demo not coming out but i am more unhappy about not know when i need to wait so i am getting paranoid and haveing to check every possible time. but to suddenly turn heel and shout at MS calling it names and saying its useless.....all over a demo? there is no sanity to it.
a demo is free you get what you paid for.........nothing in all honesty but they are giving it to you so button lip sit on your hands and wait. did these tactics work as a child "your not giving me a gist for five seconds longer than i expected! you F£(%$&% B£%£% £&% " yeah that got you what you wanted.