Interview with Shane Kim from Microsoft

[Mike0]

interview here

 

 

 

The part about GTA IV:

 

At E3, I kicked off the interview by asking what you guys were going to do about Japan. I'm not going to do that to you again, because I think now the question is Europe. With PlayStation 3 outselling Xbox 360 there on a month by month basis, what's the plan, how do you get back on track?

 

Well, first of all you have to say that we're going to ramp up the focus. We've always known it's going to be a key battleground for us, much more so than Japan, frankly. And so we've doubled down our focus on the whole area and all parts of the business. We've launched Xbox Video Marketplace in the European markets now, so that's going to help because it reaches a broader consumer set. So as we add more local content there, it helps us. Things like Grand Theft Auto, which has been incredibly important in Europe in the entire market, not just in the UK, for example. Making sure that we own the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV from a platform perspective is really important. So how do we work with our partners there?

 

How do you own that launch?

 

I think it really is about marketing, right? We already own it, I believe, from a content standpoint, because we have the exclusive episodes. And so Xbox 360 is still going to have the ultimate experience for GTAIV. But we have to make sure the customers know that. Because if you look back, again, to the role of GTAIII and what that played in terms of PS2's development -- in Europe as well, because it was huge in Europe -- GTAIV, first time on our platforms, so that's a great opportunity for us. We need to take advantage of it.

 

And yet it's day and date, so how does that -- does that really change the status quo?

 

No, you have to work harder. You absolutely have to work harder. You just can't lose sight of the fact that Sony obviously has a lot of experience and brand equity in this market. And we're still relatively young. So we are competing against an established competitor there; they have good equity in Europe. As I've said this morning, they've done a good job in ingraining Sony into the fabric of people's lives, in a broader sense. And so that means you just have to work harder.

 

Even though we've managed to do a good job in terms of getting the game day and date, people still, if you just let things roll, will associate Grand Theft Auto as a PlayStation franchise. Which means that we have to work really hard to make people understand that no, it's not, and that you'll actually get a greater experience on Xbox 360.

 

 

 

 

It still amazes me how many people automatically say they will get a PS3 to play GTA IV on.

 

Rockstar really need not mess up the PS3 version, or there are gonna be alot of angry PS3 users

 

 

Those 2 episodes are basically MS's way of selling more X360s. And what better game to do it with than with the multi million selling GTA.

 

I have faith in Rockstar that they will not mess up the PS3 version. If they dont mess up the PS3 version, then PS3 owners will be relieved and people who dont have a console yet, will be able to choose between 2 consoles, depending on their taste in other games. (console exclusives, 1st party libraries)

[MA3LK]

Not a bad interview. thanks for the heads up.

 

Same i hope Rockstar doesn't screw PS3 owners because Microsoft paid them a bit.

[DML]

Even though we've managed to do a good job in terms of getting the game day and date, people still, if you just let things roll, will associate Grand Theft Auto as a PlayStation franchise. Which means that we have to work really hard to make people understand that no, it's not, and that you'll actually get a greater experience on Xbox 360.

That guy sounds like a f*cking idiot. People who know their history associate GTA with the PC, not Playstation or XBox. What a f*cking no-brains pansy-boy...but, he works for Microsoft so that goes without saying really.

[chrisisking]

I'm very surprised with this interview as theres no Sony bashing and no that much of a sickening amount of "Yeah we have the exclusive content, were much better and have the proper version!" bullsh*t. I'm generally shocked MS What, did ya sh*t the bed this morning or somethin??!

[grekster]

Same i hope Rockstar doesn't screw PS3 owners because Microsoft paid them a bit.

You think Rockstar is that stupid?

[Mike0]

Its not about stupidity. Its about the ability of their programming team to make a quality software product for the PS3 platform.

 

Offcourse they are working closely with the Sony and NaturalMotion teams.

 

 

 

But they already proved that they are not "stupid". The delay was probably mainly because of the PS3 version and partly the X360 version. The game wasnt even finished + PS3 version was a little behind. But now they say it has catched up.

 

 

Since they have said the release date, they have probably fixed the development problems and are now on track to make a quality GTA product.

[grekster]

Its not about stupidity. Its about the ability of their programming team to make a quality software product for the PS3 platform.

 

Offcourse they are working closely with the Sony and NaturalMotion teams.

 

 

 

But they already proved that they are not "stupid". The delay was probably mainly because of the PS3 version and partly the X360 version. The game wasnt even finished + PS3 version was a little behind. But now they say it has catched up.

 

 

Since they have said the release date, they have probably fixed the development problems and are now on track to make a quality GTA product.

I hope your not referring to me because if you had read my post properly you would be able to see that I was remarking on MA3LK's implication that Rockstar would purposely create a crap version of the game on PS3 for money from MS

[NinjaJones]

Same i hope Rockstar doesn't screw PS3 owners because Microsoft paid them a bit.

You think Rockstar is that stupid?

Of course they won't...that's why i'm glad that it was microsoft that bought the DLC not sony...if sony had then microsoft would try to 1up them and who knows what would be different...

[twista fattie]

Even though we've managed to do a good job in terms of getting the game day and date, people still, if you just let things roll, will associate Grand Theft Auto as a PlayStation franchise. Which means that we have to work really hard to make people understand that no, it's not, and that you'll actually get a greater experience on Xbox 360.

That guy sounds like a f*cking idiot. People who know their history associate GTA with the PC, not Playstation or XBox. What a f*cking no-brains pansy-boy...but, he works for Microsoft so that goes without saying really.

ur f*cking stupid, most people didnt even know what GTA was until GTAIII u idiot so for the last 5 years or better it has been mostly associated with Playstation thats the point he was trying to make. All u Playstation fagz are just pissed about 360 getting one over on ur beloved piece of crap. so im gonna laugh all from now till launch at all u guys with only a ps3 hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaah

[DML]

 

ur f*cking stupid, most people didnt even know what GTA was until GTAIII u idiot so for the last 5 years or better it has been mostly associated with Playstation thats the point he was trying to make.

The guy is a f*cking clown...that's the only point he was trying to make.

 

(I was gonna say something else, but I edited it out you see)

 

Please keep the personal attacks to a minimum. If you cannot resist committing unprovoked personal attacks on someone, do it to a mirror.

Edited February 8, 2008 by DML

[mcgriz]

Even though we've managed to do a good job in terms of getting the game day and date, people still, if you just let things roll, will associate Grand Theft Auto as a PlayStation franchise. Which means that we have to work really hard to make people understand that no, it's not, and that you'll actually get a greater experience on Xbox 360.

That guy sounds like a f*cking idiot. People who know their history associate GTA with the PC, not Playstation or XBox. What a f*cking no-brains pansy-boy...but, he works for Microsoft so that goes without saying really.

Yeah but I think GTA has become more popular as a Playstation game than it did on the PC.

[DML]

Yeah but I think GTA has become more popular as a Playstation game than it did on the PC.

Yeah that's true, although it was always destined to become popular once it took the path of being full-3D.

[chrisisking]

For god sake why do you lot insist on fighting and flaming each other, I know your all about 14 and your testestorone is flowing through you but please be civil at least! Its just sad

[DML]

For god sake why do you lot insist on fighting and flaming each other...

For the record: Who's flaming who?

 

I was taking the piss out of some pansy Microsoft employee, and all-of-a-sudden, I got attacked by some stranger. I don't know about you, but when someone attacks me, I attack them. It's just nature.

[Jonny04]

Even though we've managed to do a good job in terms of getting the game day and date, people still, if you just let things roll, will associate Grand Theft Auto as a PlayStation franchise. Which means that we have to work really hard to make people understand that no, it's not, and that you'll actually get a greater experience on Xbox 360.

That guy sounds like a f*cking idiot. People who know their history associate GTA with the PC, not Playstation or XBox. What a f*cking no-brains pansy-boy...but, he works for Microsoft so that goes without saying really.

Lol and yeh PC runs with Windows. So hes no pancy boy asswhipe.

[Jonny04]

A good interview and alot of fair points, its another reason why I'm getting it for Xbox 360. GL to them.

 

As for PS3 hope they don't screw us, but they won't it goes without saying, its R* afterall.

 

Goodday people.

[DML]

 

So hes no pancy boy asswhipe.

See, this is what I mean. Ridiculous, uncalled for, personal attacks from forum users.

 

I have to apologize to Mike0. My comment appears to have "stirred up the hornets nest", with some pretty delicate people shaking their fists of fury, and thus taken focus from the topic at hand.

[nlitement]

By the way, I hope both versions suck balls, especially the PS3 one, for stealing my franchise.

[Outer Haven]

By the way, I hope both versions suck balls, especially the PS3 one, for stealing my franchise.

Shut the hell up.

[Mike0]

I missunderstood the "stupidity" part. Sorry

 

You said Rockstar are not stupid enough to mess up the PS3 version just because MS gave them some money.

 

 

Rockstar wouldn't deliberately mess up the ps3 version. That would only hurt them. If they wanted to do that, they would have released the game in october 07 and leave the PS3 version in beta stage

 

 

What I mean to say is they are probably doing their best to make the PS3 version up to standards and not buggy etc...

 

 

 

The truth will be out there 29.04.2008 when the reviews come in

[Emm Ell]

 

Even though we've managed to do a good job in terms of getting the game day and date, people still, if you just let things roll, will associate Grand Theft Auto as a PlayStation franchise. Which means that we have to work really hard to make people understand that no, it's not, and that you'll actually get a greater experience on Xbox 360.

That guy sounds like a f*cking idiot. People who know their history associate GTA with the PC, not Playstation or XBox. What a f*cking no-brains pansy-boy...but, he works for Microsoft so that goes without saying really.

''If you just let things roll'' - Referring to those people not entirely 'clued up', and therefore those that you could say ''GTA'' to, and would think PS2 - GTA III was the beginning.

[josh995]

Yeah but I think GTA has become more popular as a Playstation game than it did on the PC.

Yeah that's true, although it was always destined to become popular once it took the path of being full-3D.

[Mike0]

Shane Kim is talking from a point of view of Microsoft. And he didnt say anything that isnt true. The GTA IV DLC is part of MS's plan to expand the X360 in Europe and try to beat PS3. One part of that battle is GTA IV.

 

If Rockstar North just does their job like it should and makes a quality PS3 version, no one will be hurt MS will get their consoles sold, and PS3 owners will be happy also.

 

 

Also about those 2 episodes I wonder:

 

If their exclusivity "expires" eventually, will they just port them to the PS3? Or will they make identical DLC for PS3?

 

 

I think they will do something different DLC-wise for PS3.

 

 

But we have to admit Rockstar have a perfect plan. They will launch the game in Spring, then they will launch Episode 1 in time for Christmas. So GTA IV will be talked about all year

[josh995]

Shane Kim is talking from a point of view of Microsoft. And he didnt say anything that isnt true. The GTA IV DLC is part of MS's plan to expand the X360 in Europe and try to beat PS3. One part of that battle is GTA IV.

 

If Rockstar North just does their job like it should and makes a quality PS3 version, no one will be hurt MS will get their consoles sold, and PS3 owners will be happy also.

 

 

Also about those 2 episodes I wonder:

 

If their exclusivity "expires" eventually, will they just port them to the PS3? Or will they make identical DLC for PS3?

 

 

I think they will do something different DLC-wise for PS3.

 

 

But we have to admit Rockstar have a perfect plan. They will launch the game in Spring, then they will launch Episode 1 in time for Christmas. So GTA IV will be talked about all year

I have been wondering that too, because a lot of times, especially in the video game industry, "exclusive" means for a period of time. However, they did pay 50 million, so it could be, well.. forever, or at least until a new GTA comes out.

 

But, I'm confidant that the PS3 will get THEIR OWN version of exclusive content. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, this is GTA we're talking about, arguably the biggest game of the year, and we're in the era of being able to download things right to our video game consoles, so to think that the PS3 will get NOTHING, is absolutely ridiculous!

[RONIN1191]

It's all going to boil down to which one do you prefer? Now that the controllers are similar between the two consoles its going to be less about the input for gameplay and more on personal preference. I started on GTA back in the Pentium II era (for those of you old enough to know what that means) but even now, I still associate it with the Sony trademark because the (arguably) greatest games of the franchise happened on that console. I stopped playing GTA after that first game just because I didn't care for the top-down view. When GTA III came out, I bought a PS2 specifically for that game (I had played it at a friend's house from around 8pm to sunrise the next morning and knew then I had to have it); it was the greatest game of its time. IMHO, that is. What came next? Vice City. For me, it was the best in the franchise simply for the era it evinced and the soundtrack. SA was great, again, a PS2 game. The Xbox ports were nice, but if you'd already played it on the PS2, you weren't going to see anything spectacularly different, with the exception of a minor graphical upgrade.

 

I got a 360 for Christmas so thats what I'm getting my game for...I truly believe that the differences between the two won't be that big a deal; that MS got the DLC first is just sound business strategy. Its all about money for them, and its all about the quality of the game for us.

 

 

[GTA_Godfather]

I think R* pretty much already screwed over Sony by selling rights to exclusive content to Microsoft. If PS3 was getting the exclusive DLC, you could definitively say the PS3 is the better way to go (with blu-ray capability, better controller [maybe], etc.), but is NOT the case. The Xbox is the way to go as far as consoles go.

 

GTA is NOT a Sony Playstation enterprise anymore. It's multi-platform game now and the 360 is the king of the hill (with exclusive DLC rights).

 

Now...if you want the BEST version, you get it for the PC. Comparing the PC version to the console version is like comparing a Mercedes-Benz to a Toyota.