MGS4 doesn't need 1m day one sales, Payton misquoted

by James Ransom-Wiley { Feb 8th 2008 at 11:40AM }

As fun as it's been to dream about the vague, but imminent peril hinted at by Metal Gear Solid 4 assistant producer Ryan Payton when he allegedly told Reuters that the game must sell over a million copies on day one (or else...?), it's time to wake up -- all bets are off! Speaking on the Bionic Commando podcast, Payton denied ever quoting the ominous figure, admitting, "I don't even know how many figures we'd need to sell to be profitable." (Figures? Aren't we talking about game sales?)

"More importantly, that's not something you really talk about in an interview," Payton continued, "I've been trying to contact Kemp Powers over at Reuters to see, I don't know, if he recorded it on tape, but I'd love to hear it. So we can set the record straight." Well Payton, consider the record straighted with us. (This whole thing never made much sense anyway ... What if it took two days to break a million -- then what?)

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

Tags: konami, metal-gear-solid-4, metalgearsolid4, mgs4, ryan-payton

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

copa @ Feb 8th 2008 11:47AM

Konami doesn't need to sell a million copies of MGS4 on day one for it to be profitable.

They just have to release it on a platform other than the PS3.

Noshino @ Feb 8th 2008 12:05PM

well, the previous installments have shown that the MGA games don't sell well outside the PS brand...

And we all know that they receive quite a big bag of cash for each exclusivity...

So I could even believe that with 1 mil would be enough to make profit, I'm not an insider, so I wouldn't be able to use the exact numbers, just a guess

Noshino @ Feb 8th 2008 12:05PM

copa @ Feb 8th 2008 12:15PM

"well, the previous installments have shown that the MGA games don't sell well outside the PS brand..."

No, the previous installments have shown that the PS2 kicked the XBox's ass. And then took his mother out to a fancy restaurant.

The PS3/XBox 360 story has been a little different. On the big multiplatform releases PS3 is getting outsold 2:1 in Europe and 4:1 in North America.

Fernando Rocker @ Feb 8th 2008 12:19PM

Noshino

You can't compare the sales of MGS on the Gamecube or Xbox... last gen the indisputible winner console was the PS2... Gamecube and Xbox had a relative small installbase and the games were not bigger sellers.

Now is different... every multiplatform game sell more on the 360 than in the PS3 side.

We have to wait to the next week and see how DMC is going (you can't use the DMC sales in Japan either... 360 is dead in Japan, but I'm pretty confident that worldwide the 360 version of DMC will outsell the PS3 version)

maverick_saturn_626 @ Feb 8th 2008 12:35PM

Once again, Fernando has enlightened us with his great wisdom.

What makes you think MGS4 won't sell? You make it sound like the PS3 has no gamers or fanbase whatsoever, in fact, it has an increasing install base. MGS is a PS game, its only natural the next game stays where it is.

I don't know why people complain about a game not going multiplat or going multiplat, its up to the devs. Konami hasn't pissed me off like Capcom because they don't keep changing their minds, once they have a mindset, it usually stays that way.

Whether or not DMC sells more on Xbox or PS3 is irrelevant, DMC is not in comparison to MGS.

FidliousWong @ Feb 8th 2008 12:44PM

Actually, copa, depending on the game, PS3 copies have been outselling 360 copies in most of Europe. Including Assassin's Creed and in Italy, PS3's Winning Eleven outsold the 360 version 4:1. So no, in Europe, most of the bigger multiplats are NOT dramatically outselling on 360. In many cases, it's the opposite.

copa @ Feb 8th 2008 12:59PM

Fidlious, if you want to cherry-pick individual countries in Europe, you can support whatever conclusions you want.

If I cherry-pick the states I want, Gore defeated Bush in 2000.

But on large multiplatform releases, PS3 software is being outsold in Europe.

maverick_saturn_626 @ Feb 8th 2008 1:02PM

With that changing dramatically. With Wii, of course, every tom, dick, harry and his dog now own a wii, my 60 year old auntie owns a Wii, what she plans of doing with it is beyond me, but she heard the hype, and decided to buy, heck, saved me money, I just use hers :)

Korova @ Feb 8th 2008 1:09PM

Noshino

I dont get it. You are saying that people with other platforms dont want the game, yet Sony is paying through the nose to keep it exclusive.

That's like being the Uncatchable Joe - not because he is so hard to catch but because nobody care enough to try.

Zoesch @ Feb 8th 2008 1:16PM

Oh FFS show me proof that Sony is paying please... Since the inception of SOX and the current accounting practices unless you want a world of hurt you have to disclose every little payment. That's why the Microsoft payout to rockstar for DLC had to be made public and why the Toshiba/Microsoft payout to Paramount/Dreamworks was announced to the public.

I know that common sense has never been a deterrent to spouting crap on the internet (Fernando being the best example ever) but for the love of god, think first, hit the keys later. Here's a simple guide:

1)Does my statement make sense?
2)Can I prove my statement?
3)Does my statement make sense after proof?
4)Does it add or detract?

If the answer to all 4 is yes then post away.

With regards, the public in general.

maverick_saturn_626 @ Feb 8th 2008 1:23PM

Korova, I would like proof of this too :S Your statement seems pretty 'carved in stone' solid.

Wait, don't tell be you got that info from the grapevine.

Konami have simply made it clear they wanted the game on PS3, they have been going on about it since the first game of Metal Gear Acid where they boasted about the PS3s potential to win, they did the same for MGA2, and they are claiming we need MGSPO for MGS4. Konami and Sony both reside in Japan and are in fact close partners in gaming. Paying through the nose? The only people that do that are Micro, with the paying of Rockstar for exclusive content, the buying of Bungie to keep the game exclusive, the paying of EA to keep Fifa, the paying of Bizarre to keep Gears. But then, its all for the best ey?

maverick_saturn_626 @ Feb 8th 2008 1:23PM

FidliousWong @ Feb 8th 2008 2:27PM

Copa, dude, it's not a matter of cherry picking regions of Europe. That seems to be your tactic with your whole "Major releases outsell in Europe 2:1 and in the US 4:1." In Europe, those numbers you quote simply do not exist and PS3 has been outpacing 360 in Europe for a few months now. And the 4:1 scenario is not in existance in the US anymore. I have no doubt that 360 game sales are outpacing PS3 game sales, but it's no longer the the huge gaps it once was.

And, incidently, remember VF5? "That game will sell much more on 360 than it would on PS3." Amazing how that one worked out.

ssuk @ Feb 8th 2008 3:09PM

Well according to my [made up] source, Playstation 3 is 101% uncool and the Xbox 360 is 2381% overheat lolololol.

Cite your sources if you're going to present ratios and statistics, else I urge everyone to consider said statistics as BULLSHIT. Stop your frivolous fanboy cock-slapping contests and provide some facts, not crap you've just made up.

itouchmyself @ Feb 8th 2008 6:58PM

Whoa Whoa Whoa, you guys are all talking like MGS4 is even capable on the 360......

Dr. @ Feb 8th 2008 11:47AM

That picture is absolutely brilliant.

playwhutyalike @ Feb 8th 2008 11:51AM

Chockfull of awesomeness.

Mr.ESC @ Feb 8th 2008 11:52AM

Photoshop is awesome.how I know that? well no one in their sane mind would use Corel,ever.

So is either Photoshop or crazy Ms paint skills.

B1gC72 - PSN: KillaKornbread @ Feb 8th 2008 12:36PM

lol i actually only came on this post to comment on that picture. Mission Accomplished!

FOXHOUND @ Feb 8th 2008 1:15PM

I'm also going to take the sane route & less-bickering route... by simply complimenting the article's hilarious picture. :)

I don't honestly give a damn *what* console MGS4 is on(even though it has been concretely said it'll be on PS3 first); I'm getting the frackin' game and going to enjoy it while people continue to rabblerouse the idea of it going onto other consoles, despite knowing how bad ports of MG on non-Sony consoles has done. But hey, I'm a MG-fan(obviously), and I go where those games & characters go. 'Nuff said.

Fernando Rocker @ Feb 8th 2008 11:48AM

I'm not gonna say it... but they know how to make MGS4 a lot more profitable.

=)

Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Feb 8th 2008 11:49AM

Don't worry, its already been said.

Nigeria @ Feb 8th 2008 11:50AM

That picture says: Wii-Wii.

FidliousWong @ Feb 8th 2008 12:52PM

So THAT's how they can make it profitable. By releasing it on a console who's fanboys constantly swing between opinions that start with "it would make more money here" to "fuck that tired ass franchise. It's stupid, gimme emo Splinter Cell..."

Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Feb 8th 2008 2:20PM

Yeah, fid, heaven forbid that 17 million people have different opinions of Metal Gear Solid.

FidliousWong @ Feb 8th 2008 3:34PM

Actually, I'm talking about individual people who have flip flopped on it. Not as a general concensus.

Zeus.:God @ Feb 8th 2008 5:55PM

Yeah, they would probably make more money if they gave the fanboys the ability to fuck Metal Gear Solid...

Mr.ESC @ Feb 8th 2008 11:49AM

I'm not an expert but I'm sure there are already 1M of Ps3 users out there and each one of them bought the Ps3 for either MGS4 or FFXIII.

I hope there is a Ps3 bundle with Mgs4.

JakubK666 @ Feb 8th 2008 12:05PM

Probably just you and Fernando :P Everybody else uses them as Blu-Ray players.

Yourself @ Feb 8th 2008 12:10PM

You're insane, or probably just have no idea what the video game market is like, if you think every PS3 owner out there bought their console for one of those two games.

Trev @ Feb 8th 2008 12:48PM

I didn't buy mine for JUST one of those two games, but I do loves me some MGS and it would be a lie to say that the PS3 exclusive (even Microsoft says so) MGS4 didn't contribute to my purchase.

FOXHOUND @ Feb 8th 2008 1:59PM

Actually, I've got WARHAWK, VF5, NHL08, UNCHARTED, and COD4 should be arriving in the mail next week. I guess I'm an exception to that false generalization...

Mr.ESC @ Feb 8th 2008 9:02PM

You know then that you bought your system for 4 multiplatforms right? seriously you bought it for warhawk? thats like buying a Wii for Resident evil 4.Sorry but is either MGS4 or FFXIII and maybe killzone otherwise why you didn't bought a xb360?

Jtenma @ Feb 8th 2008 11:42PM

Mr. ESC - 4 multiplatformers?.....no. Uncharted....no, Warhawk...no. So what, he likes WH. WHAT R U GONNA DO ABOUT IT?

FOXHOUND @ Feb 11th 2008 10:36AM

...I bought it because I *like* the 60GB console's capabilities(and some of the abilities Sony *doesn't* want hyped -cough-)and the thought of a 30% failure rate $300+ system is a bit hard to spend money on. Especially when its manufacturer is MICROSOFT. It's like purposely buying Windows ME and expecting results. x_o"

Don't get me wrong, I eventually did get a X360 for BIOSHOCK and some other "X360-only" games, but it's literally sitting underneath the PS3(and to the right of my Wii console).

CassilineKnight @ Feb 8th 2008 11:51AM

Lol...talk about covering that ass. This guy definitely said it and then realized just how stupid and impossible that scenario is given the game and the system its currently planned to come out for.

This game has a fanbase thers no doubting it but it doesn't have the popularity that Mario or Halo has and sales are gonna be weak unless it comes to the 360 IMO. Personally I won't buy the game in either scenario. I'm more concerned about Final Fantasy XIII.

MGS is just plain old boring to me.

Fernando Rocker @ Feb 8th 2008 11:55AM

That's what I wanted to say... MGS4 will be good, excellent... but it doesn't have the name or the appeal to atract every PS3 user... it's not even a very recognizable name in the mainstream.

Only real fans of MGS will buy this game... even DMC is more popular in Japan than MGS, and the launch of DMC wasn't that impressive.

Only time will tell. But i my opinion, there are ar more MGS fans on the 360 side.

deaftly @ Feb 8th 2008 11:59AM

Fernando, If DMC4 sales are better on 360 then PS3, that shows alot of PS2 people migrated over to the xbox side and that could be very interesting to certain PS3 only games.

cc123 @ Feb 8th 2008 12:10PM

"even DMC is more popular in Japan than MGS, and the launch of DMC wasn't that impressive."

DMC4 on the PS3 had better launch sales in Japan than DMC3 did on the fucking PS2 you retard.

Noshino @ Feb 8th 2008 12:13PM

I don't think he is covering his ass, as he is actually confronting the reporter from Reuters to set the record straight...

Once again, sales shows that the MGS franchise doesn't do well outside the PS brand...

but then again the case which deaftly presents could be true, so we would have to wait and see...

Fernando Rocker @ Feb 8th 2008 12:18PM

cc123 @ Feb 8th 2008 12:23PM

My comment about sales in Japan was not about DMC4 selling better on PS3 than 360. It was a response to your asinine comment about the launch not being impressive.

It sold better than the previous game with a much smaller install base and a less popular console. So it did much better than expected, especially with Japan's current Nintendo obsession.

James @ Feb 8th 2008 12:27PM

So the PS2 sold 120 million systems worldwide yet MGS2 sold 5.56 million and MGS3 sold 3.96 million copies worldwide.

It's hardly a mainstream franchise. Just has a vocal fanbase.

Yes it's going to need porting.

Trev @ Feb 8th 2008 12:33PM

Fernando: I try not to pick at things like this, but you can't have an opinion on how many of something there are. I can't say "In my opinion, there are four pens on my desk" It doesn't make sense. I'm almost certain what you meant is "I believe there are more" or something like that, but even then its still a weak statement meant only to cover your ass while you say "more people bought 360s"

James: Someone else loved pointing that out as well, but the console to game ratio is meaningless. With 120 million ps2s, how many sold just so someone could play GTA, DDR, Singstar, Guitar hero or whatever? The PS3 isn't brimming over with casual style games now, the Wii is, so the Wii is getting those DDR style sales. People with PS3s, like myself, are the "hardcore" (I hate the term) gaming market that plays games like Devil May Cry and MGS, since that's the market the PS3 (and 360) is appealing to currently.

Vidikron (FU) @ Feb 8th 2008 1:12PM

@James

Using your logic almost no game is mainstream then.

Noshino @ Feb 8th 2008 1:20PM

haha

Fernando

Capcom ad for DMC4...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=yWVLYQHqY5o

Sony's ad for DMC4

http://youtube.com/watch?v=qdk3JEiqHL4

So Microsoft is depending on the advertisement made by Capcom to sell this game? Hell, because one of the 3-4 ads that Capcom has out there show the PS3 version in front...while the others don't show any of the versions....

So Fernando, Microsoft could be selling this game in Japan...the games that appeal THE MOST to that crowd, are the ones that Microsoft markets the less on their own territory....

Oh well, just wait and see about the rest of the world, altho it seems that Sony has been running those same ads around Europe, friends from Italy, Germany, Spain, and UK have seen them...

upz @ Feb 8th 2008 3:41PM

"You can't compare the sales of MGS on the Gamecube or Xbox... last gen the indisputible winner console was the PS2... Gamecube and Xbox had a relative small installbase and the games were not bigger sellers.

Now is different... every multiplatform game sell more on the 360 than in the PS3 side."

Does anybody else think this sounds ridiculous? "Last generation one console had a higher install base than the others, so the sales data is irrelevant. This generation one console has a higher install base than the other, but the sales data is completely valid!"

Every day, this guy makes me question his mental capacity.