This week's launch of Vanquish not only portends the imminent demise of thousands of robots, but represents the final shot in Sega's four-game publishing deal with Platinum Games. Speaking to Develop, Platinum's executive director, Atsushi Inaba, reflected on the agreement -- encompassing Bayonetta, Madworld, Infinite Space and Vanquish -- and the incentives offered by Sega.
"When we created Platinum Games, we of course talked to a lot of publishers, and Sega offered us the most freedom to develop games, he said. "I think the partnership has been great, and I'm really grateful for their support." Inaba considers the exchange, with ownership of four properties going towards creative freedom, a "fair deal." But what happens next? "For the future of our partnership, of course, it's not something that we alone can decide," Inaba said. "Sega has its stance, and we have ours, but if Sega asks us to make something we might take the offer."
Although Platinum has nothing "against the idea of making sequels," Inaba added, the company's long-term goal is to create new IP and retain ownership of it. "So as a studio we would like to do both [new IP and sequels], but the whole point of Platinum Games is to create our own IP, that's what we do."
With Platinum still growing and readjusting its relationship with Sega, the developer's critical acclaim will be compared to its uneven sales performance in any discussion. Selling over a million copies, Bayonetta has undoubtedly been the studio's biggest success thus far. If Sega intends to ask for a sequel, it'll know witch.
[Image: Platinum Games website]
Reader Comments (33)
Posted: Oct 22nd 2010 7:41PM Epoque said
I never realized all of these excellent games Platinum had been developing were SEGA IP. That's kind of unfortunate. Hopefully Platinum will work on sequels if there are any. Can't wait to see what they put out next at any rate.
Posted: Oct 22nd 2010 7:44PM JONNNathannn said
Platinum Games typically makes awesome experiences but Vanquish is a bit generic. I was disappointed.
Posted: Oct 22nd 2010 10:08PM KIDCHAINSAW said
@JONNNathannn It's pathetic how much you've been thumbs downed for stating your opinion.
Reply
Posted: Oct 23rd 2010 2:45AM Liquidfingers said
@JONNNathannn
I agree with you, but I base my opinion off of the demo. If the demo is indicative of the final product, as demos often are, I just don't see how it's anything special. Just goes to show that if you've got a name and ex-Clover team members in your crew you can shit out a standard third-person shooter with a terrible story (minus chainsaw bayonet goodness) and have it critically praised.
Reply
I agree with you, but I base my opinion off of the demo. If the demo is indicative of the final product, as demos often are, I just don't see how it's anything special. Just goes to show that if you've got a name and ex-Clover team members in your crew you can shit out a standard third-person shooter with a terrible story (minus chainsaw bayonet goodness) and have it critically praised.
Posted: Oct 22nd 2010 7:50PM Mr Numeros said
And I know witch Joystiq editor whose stories I love reading.
Posted: Oct 22nd 2010 7:50PM Resonanse said
Platinum are defiantly one of my favorite developers around - particularly when I found out they used to be Clover studio, up there with Mistwalker and Remedy in terms of developers that produce excellent games that never quite seem to get the praise / sales they deserve.
Still, I beleive it's unlikely SEGA will try to capitalize on these IPs without Platinum's help - the whole reason these IP's are worth anything is because of the unique gameplay variations and styles offered, so they'd be foolish not to sign them should a sequel be warranted [though personally I don't think any Platinum game needs a direct sequel] a new Bayonetta styled game would be welcome.
Still, I beleive it's unlikely SEGA will try to capitalize on these IPs without Platinum's help - the whole reason these IP's are worth anything is because of the unique gameplay variations and styles offered, so they'd be foolish not to sign them should a sequel be warranted [though personally I don't think any Platinum game needs a direct sequel] a new Bayonetta styled game would be welcome.
Posted: Oct 22nd 2010 8:06PM The Joy of Painting w Bob Ross said
Alright Nintendo, now you hire Platinum Games to make a new Star Fox game because Hideki Kamiya says he wants to make one.
Posted: Oct 22nd 2010 8:07PM Mmmmz said
I love their stance on sequels.
I remember when sequels were fairly uncommon and were more appreciated. Now they're just expected if a game is good and a game is only considered good if there's a sequel coming out for it.
There's nothing wrong with releasing a sequel two or more years after the original if great new games come in between. Then, when an original title is revisited it'll make it more special and, more importantly, developed more carefully.
I remember when sequels were fairly uncommon and were more appreciated. Now they're just expected if a game is good and a game is only considered good if there's a sequel coming out for it.
There's nothing wrong with releasing a sequel two or more years after the original if great new games come in between. Then, when an original title is revisited it'll make it more special and, more importantly, developed more carefully.
Posted: Oct 23rd 2010 9:40AM SoCoolCurt said
@Faenix
i second that. the first two were amazing games with the second being even better than the first. it's rare to find a game that keeps me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire experience.
Reply
i second that. the first two were amazing games with the second being even better than the first. it's rare to find a game that keeps me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire experience.
Posted: Oct 22nd 2010 8:14PM Faenix said
*points at the "games"* "I tapped that"
Posted: Oct 25th 2010 9:53AM squallgengar said
@Faenix
Your penis is small enough to fit in the hole of the disc? Sorry man. :/
Reply
Your penis is small enough to fit in the hole of the disc? Sorry man. :/
Posted: Oct 22nd 2010 8:19PM The Cole Train said
That guy is looking pretty fly.
Posted: Oct 22nd 2010 8:47PM onan said
@Guts Which Sega have you been watching? Aside from the Platinum titles, they've put out in recent memory a bunch of crappy Olympic titles, bad Marvel titles like Iron Man, Sonic and Sega Racing, Sonic 4, Alpha Protocol, Aliens vs Predator, and a ton of catalogue rereleases. Yakuza was probably a high point, but they're going to kill it with this ridiculous Yakuza Zombie Apocalypse title.
I miss the Sega of yesteryear.
I miss the Sega of yesteryear.
Posted: Oct 22nd 2010 8:53PM Cleric said
Make a new Infinite Space. And put it on 3ds or even consoles and I shall buy it.
I'm not really a fan of the combo/points building like Bayonetta. MadWorld or Vanquish.
I'm not really a fan of the combo/points building like Bayonetta. MadWorld or Vanquish.
Posted: Oct 22nd 2010 8:55PM WhiteShield said
Bayonetta was fantastic, and I just finished playing Vanquish (at least this playthrough) which i must also say was completely amazing. I would love for them to make a sequel for Vanquish especially (and without giving anything away, there is some set-up for a possible sequel) but what they also feel about sequels I can totally respect. Yes, I could get another Vanquish that is better, or they can create an entirely new IP now that totally rocks and gives me a new experience.
It seems these guys focus more on the actual experience of the game and that they really try to get you into the whole atmosphere and action of it. I've loved what they've done with Sega so far, and I would love to see more from them in the years to come
It seems these guys focus more on the actual experience of the game and that they really try to get you into the whole atmosphere and action of it. I've loved what they've done with Sega so far, and I would love to see more from them in the years to come
Posted: Oct 22nd 2010 10:10PM KIDCHAINSAW said
@onan Valkyria Chronicles.
But yeah. Sega is awful these days.
But yeah. Sega is awful these days.
Posted: Oct 22nd 2010 10:14PM Playace said
Do YOU come with the game? *cheesy grin*
Posted: Oct 22nd 2010 11:51PM Regault said
I want an Infinite Space 2 with a starship combat system actually worth the quality of the rest of the game.
Seriously, all that story and ship customization working in support of rock-paper-scissors was freaking disheartening.
Seriously, all that story and ship customization working in support of rock-paper-scissors was freaking disheartening.
Posted: Oct 23rd 2010 12:06AM Epoque said
@onan Valkyria Chronicles and Valkyria Chronicles 2 are definitely the high-point of the current SEGA. They are two of the best games of their respective platforms, and unlike the genuinely fun Yakuza, aren't marred by dated game design and visuals.
Posted: Oct 23rd 2010 2:20AM NoirR said
@onan
"I miss the Sega of yesterday"
DAMN! so, it's been a whole day already? =S
"I miss the Sega of yesterday"
DAMN! so, it's been a whole day already? =S
Posted: Oct 23rd 2010 7:04AM Monty Airline said
Vanquish seems like one of the first major titles to marry Japanese studios with Western game design sensibility, as several Japanese producers and designers over the past few years have said is the clearest route out of the stale mud in which many former standout Japanese studios have become mired.
Posted: Oct 23rd 2010 9:08AM Rikimaru said
@onan Actually Sonic and Sega Racing is a good game. Tracks are diverse and I like it more than Mario Kart for its sense of speed.
Posted: Oct 23rd 2010 10:20AM Resonanse said
@Epoque I disagree - Bayonetta or Resonance of Fate would be the companies current highlight.
Posted: Oct 23rd 2010 12:08PM Neter said
@onan
Agree. Even so, I loved House of the Dead: OVERKILL.
Agree. Even so, I loved House of the Dead: OVERKILL.
Posted: Oct 23rd 2010 12:09PM Neter said
I would love a Madworld sequel. The game is awesome but with lot of wasted potential.
Posted: Oct 23rd 2010 1:21PM Kougeru said
infinite space was their best game IMO. and it ended so.....suddenly. really is the only game of theirs that NEEDS a sequel. also, according to the japanese it's the best game (based on score...not sales...people buy games and hate them and those sales are still sales)
bayonetta was good too tho..except for the crappy ps3 port
bayonetta was good too tho..except for the crappy ps3 port
Posted: Oct 24th 2010 12:54AM delicatessen lama said
That last word tripped me up for a second ;)
Posted: Oct 25th 2010 7:53AM B0FF said
Nice wordplay there, Ludwig!
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