why PC version always coming so late ?

[pilsvern]

Why it couldn't be release the same date than console version ?

 

look at this : http://www.shacknews.com/article/56384/wee...pc-sales-a-slow

 

The main reason of this is because GTA 4 pc was release like 8 month too late

So if they release it on pc, xbox360 and ps3 they will sell MUCH more games !

 

i'm a pc gamer.

Edited May 1, 2012 by pilsvern

[Vanzant]

As of now, we don't know if that will happen. It's best not to jinx the idea is that right?

[El Dildo]

the PC version comes later because consoles sell more copies.

 

they also have contracts signed with the consoles that specifies a PC release date which doesn't infringe on console sales.

[ACR]

They say it's because of piracy, when in reality it is because of money from console buyers. Those who can't wait for their favorite game to come on PC will buy console to play it.

[DeafMetal]

I foresee twelve-year-olds fighting. Called it.

 

OP: As a programmer myself, I honestly can't see why not.

[pilsvern]

I dont think console gamers would pirate it, most of them don't play on pc, 90+% of pc gamers will buy it for multi... a same release date would have the same effect

Edited May 1, 2012 by pilsvern

[SARDYNA108]

They say it's because of piracy, when in reality it is because of money from console buyers. Those who can't wait for their favorite game to come on PC will buy console to play it.

No f*cking way, I wont spend my money on a sh*tty console just to play 1 game, im patient and I will wait for PC release, PC version of GTA IV is so much better than consoles, it has better multiplayer and video editor, of course there is less players in multiplayer (GTA IV PC is pretty dead atm while consoles still have full servers) and big problem with hackers but its still better than consoles

[pilsvern]

I think they can clearly sell more pc copy because of the 1st day effect, you know, when you want to discover the game without watching gameplay on youtube before (8 month between releases) ...

[El Dildo]

you guys are missing the point.

more people own consoles than game-ready PC's.

 

it's simple math.

if you release a game across multiple platforms on the same day, the console version will always sell more copies and make more money.

 

the industry is well aware of this.

so when they sign release contracts with the console makers, the console makers usually/always add a clause that ensures any PC version will be not be released until well after the console version has been picked up by everyone who wants it. it's a very common practice.

[œaœa]

They say it's because of piracy, when in reality it is because of money from console buyers. Those who can't wait for their favorite game to come on PC will buy console to play it.

No f*cking way, I wont spend my money on a sh*tty console just to play 1 game, im patient and I will wait for PC release, PC version of GTA IV is so much better than consoles, it has better multiplayer and video editor, of course there is less players in multiplayer (GTA IV PC is pretty dead atm while consoles still have full servers) and big problem with hackers but its still better than consoles

Relax. I would love the PC version as well but let's be realistic here. When porting over, the game loses it's atmosphere. It happened with SA, and IV.

[DeafMetal]

 

you guys are missing the point.

more people own consoles than game-ready PC's.

 

it's simple math.

if you release a game across multiple platforms on the same day, the console version will always sell more copies and make more money.

 

the industry is well aware of this.

so when they sign release contracts with the console makers, the console makers usually/always add a clause that ensures any PC version will be not be released until well after the console version has been picked up by everyone who wants it. it's a very common practice.

How would that affect the sales, though? Can you elaborate a little more? As far as I can see, the people who will buy for the consoles will buy for the consoles regardless of when the PC version will be released.

 

 

I wont spend my money on a sh*tty console just to play 1 game, im patient and I will wait for PC release, PC version of GTA IV is so much better than consoles, it has better multiplayer and video editor, of course there is less players in multiplayer (GTA IV PC is pretty dead atm while consoles still have full servers) and big problem with hackers but its still better than consoles

See? I called it. Twelve-year-olds fighting.

[El Dildo]

How would that affect the sales, though? Can you elaborate a little more? As far as I can see, the people who will buy for the consoles will buy for the consoles regardless of when the PC version will be released.

it's simple math, friend.

 

console = more money, more sales.

we're talking about on release day.

 

both the game maker and the console manufacturer want to maximize sales during release. and they know that if they release a PC version alongside the console versions, then the console versions won't sell as well as they would if you released them separately from the PC version. and they know that if you only release the PC version first, it won't sell as well as it would if you release it after a console exclusive run.

 

the phenomenon has been observed since about 1999 and is pretty consistent.

[JoyDivision]

they make the base game for the consoles at rockstar north then release that as soon as they can, then they get rockstar toronto to work on ports for pc to release at a later date. its easier for them to make the game to fit and work on consoles then throw it on pc because pcs are usually more powerful. the game comes out sooner if they use this method, its nothing to do with popularity.

[Zee]

It's a half and half sort of thing. Now, normally, I'd be the first to blame the problem completely on R*s laziness seeing as they haven't even released RDR PC and GTA4 PC was an abysmal port, however its not just them. The Games Industry is evolving to be more console based. Developers SAY its due to piracy but really i think its because they have to do way less optimization work because the consoles all run on the same hardware, and its more profitable to be on consoles because of DLC and the like.it's an industry-wide problem sadly and it's massively changing the way PC gaming works. That being said, it STILL doent excuse Cockstar from that piss-poor gta4 port.

[JoyDivision]

It's a half and half sort of thing. Now, normally, I'd be the first to blame the problem completely on R*s laziness seeing as they haven't even released RDR PC and GTA4 PC was an abysmal port, however its not just them. The Games Industry is evolving to be more console based. Developers SAY its due to piracy but really i think its because they have to do way less optimization work because the consoles all run on the same hardware, and its more profitable to be on consoles because of DLC and the like.it's an industry-wide problem sadly and it's massively changing the way PC gaming works. That being said, it STILL doent excuse Cockstar from that piss-poor gta4 port.

what was wrong with the gta iv port?

[ACR]

It's a half and half sort of thing. Now, normally, I'd be the first to blame the problem completely on R*s laziness seeing as they haven't even released RDR PC and GTA4 PC was an abysmal port, however its not just them. The Games Industry is evolving to be more console based. Developers SAY its due to piracy but really i think its because they have to do way less optimization work because the consoles all run on the same hardware, and its more profitable to be on consoles because of DLC and the like.it's an industry-wide problem sadly and it's massively changing the way PC gaming works. That being said, it STILL doent excuse Cockstar from that piss-poor gta4 port.

what was wrong with the gta iv port?

Let's be honest, a lot things. Graphics were average, but it required very good and expensive PC hardware, no sli support for people with multi gpu or 2 graphic cards. I bouught very good PC, it was the best configuration in the end of 2009, but still after 8 months from period that GTAIV was released on PC i couldn't play everything or at least with most settings on very high with good framerates. Still it is great game and i enjoyed every minute of it, i still play it even today. But it was bad port, hope things will be different if they release GTAV fo PC at all.

[SARDYNA108]

I wont spend my money on a sh*tty console just to play 1 game, im patient and I will wait for PC release, PC version of GTA IV is so much better than consoles, it has better multiplayer and video editor, of course there is less players in multiplayer (GTA IV PC is pretty dead atm while consoles still have full servers) and big problem with hackers but its still better than consoles

See? I called it. Twelve-year-olds fighting.

I dont get it, what you mean ?

[Sunrise Driver]

 

both the game maker and the console manufacturer want to maximize sales during release. and they know that if they release a PC version alongside the console versions, then the console versions won't sell as well as they would if you released them separately from the PC version.

What a bulltwat. Why game publisher should care where money comes from? Even if some console sales would be "lost", they'd be compensated with PC sales they wouldn't have otherwise (if PC version would be delayed).

 

Cut the crap. Majority of the games have simultaneous PC release.

[Slamman]

I dare say it's more a fact and attributed to the Housers who are consoles players like many of us here, we always have fanboy wars over what's better, but the Housers know kids play on consoles, and by kids I mean Mature Gamers of a certain age, the elder lot play PC games! hahaha

 

Anyway, it's just that the design is implemented on console firstly, then they try and cater to PC players, but because of the 5 year time allotted to construction, I believe a PC version of Red Dead is being held up due to the work it demands to come out on that as well, but I think if demand for a PC version is consistent, they will re-evaluate the question and concern we've actively voiced. Again, commit to buying it, electronic petition as I said before, keep at it, don't let them just forget that that's a viable gaming platform even more so with new tech emerging

Edited May 2, 2012 by Slamman

[El Dildo]

 

Even if some console sales would be "lost", they'd be compensated with PC sales they wouldn't have otherwise (if PC version would be delayed).

that's not true.

 

trust me, the industry has studied these trends for at least 10 years.

they KNOW what happens when they release a game across multiple platforms at the same time.

 

 

Cut the crap. Majority of the games have simultaneous PC release.

I never said they didn't.

 

I'm simply telling you WHY Rockstar (and certain other developers) SOMETIMES release their games on different platforms at different times.

[GTAIndonesia]

Because it's not that easy to re-port the game to PC.

[Slamman]

So where is the stats to back up a simultaneous release stealing sales from consoles for a game on PC? That's rather silly, but in the case of GTA, there's a known modding factor, also a known factor that consoles gamers might double-dip, in that they buy multi-format for that reason if not others

[El Dildo]

they don't do studies on it because it's not an academic concern.

 

but if you've ever been to an industry trade show (not necessarily E3) or know people who work for one of the major developing houses then you will hear them talk about this phenomenon at length. it's well known that it occurs and it is exactly responsible for why some titles are released on different platforms at different times.

[Sunrise Driver]

 

that's not true.

That's true. Especially when each PC digital copy earns more money for publisher, than retail console copy (due to less fees and no Sony/M$ fees).

 

 

trust me, the industry has studied these trends for at least 10 years.

they KNOW what happens when they release a game across multiple platforms at the same time.

What happens? Everybody's enjoying the game and willing to support the company further instead of boycotting it.

[mkey82]

Ignore the trolls, they talk smack.

 

The official reason to keep GTA from a decent PC release is piracy.

 

Now onto the real problem. If "mixed platform" gamers, that is people who own both a competent PC and one or more of the consoles, are given the choice they are likely to choose the PC version. You have even people from MS stating to that effect, saying how they don't want PC sales hurting their precious console traffic (that asshole Unangst did a few interviews on that topic). MS simply want you using a xbox for gaming and Windows PC for everything else, which is obviously just ridiculous. They have become so desperately greedy they're coming off as pathetic.

 

I don't personally adore Sony neither, but at least Sony is not biting the hand that's feeding them like Microsoft is doing.

 

Anyway, if we assume that the PC version of GTAIV has managed to sell about 20-25% share of the total sales, that score is not bad at all. Why? Well, firstly most keep forgetting that PC is usually compared with both consoles while those are two completely different platforms. Meaning, if GTAIV for PC managed to snag 20% of total sales and if both consoles sold equally well, then PC compared to each console did 2 times less, not 4. Keep in mind that those PC sales were made after:

a) R* refused to even indicate anything regarding the PC version for about 4 years

b) the game was delayed 8 months

c) the game was an awful port

d) there was practically no hype for the PC version, they literally announced the PC version after some completely unrelated press conference, throwing it in just like some unimportant bit of information

 

They went so far I'd dare to say that they did everything possible to lower the PC sales as much as possible, everything short of not publishing the game for the PC.

 

Also, don't forget that with GTAIV there was one very tricky issue - there were no previous PC games on their new engine, hence the whole porting process was fairly dubious in many PC gamers' eyes. Many of them caved in and went for the xbox, being the cheaper alternative and of course they ended paying dearly for just one game: about $200 for the consoles alone, $60 for the game and another $50 or so when it finally came out on the PC. At the time, R* at least had some excuse: the porting process takes time, even though I'm quite sure their later announced date stating when the supposed porting business started was a lie. Even if it were true, that meant they withheld "important" information relating to the PC version for about 8 months only because they wanted to boost sales, for both them and MS. So, even if they were truthful, that only proved they were being assholes.

 

There are a few issues, as I see them:

a) can anyone tell how well would the PC version of the game sell if there was a proper release? Comparing to consoles, it would surely sell better as by their own admission, the PC version would lower the console share and thusly definitively bridge the gap. Again, following the rhetoric about the lack of proper gaming PCs and non existence of piracy on consoles, PC piracy shouldn't really hurt consoles sales, should it?

b) Piracy. If we follow the official MS word, it's not an issue on xbox, which is a crock obviously. Piracy is quite a factor on that platform, but MS wants to keep the lid shut tight on that problem. Furthermore, if we follow the assumptions of certain people about how there are more consoles then gaming PCs, then that issue only gains on severity as even a lower piracy percentage on a vastly larger user base will result in comparable effects on sales, no?

Edited May 2, 2012 by mkey82

[Finn 7 five 11]

I dunno about the whole sales crap to do with console manufacturers not wanting PC to get sales, i would see that at the developers end but whatever.

 

Consoles make more money, therefore they will be developing the game for console first and then releasing the PC port as soon as it's done.

[xNewtype Acex]

Here's my humble theory on why we might the PC version of GTA V will not only be made by its own separate team, but will be released alongside the console versions (or soon after):

 

I quoted this from another topic as I didn't want to retype everything.

 

 

I kind of have a theory about the GTA V PC version, wanna hear it? Great, here it is:

 

I think this time around it will be a good port. Why? well, apparently many people have reported about how the PC version of Max Payne 3 is not a port, but that it's being created by a separate team and has been from day one, not only that, but it's already been confirmed to have many features available to PCs, like Direct X11 and advanced tessellation, features which are not available on most console to pc ports, and will be released two weeks after the console version (Better than 6 months later, and I still believe that MP3 will release later only because they don't want direct competition with Diablo III) so it will probably be an excellent port.

 

Now the thing is, if R* is spending all this time and money on making sure the PC version of MP3 will be the best as it can be, why wouldn't they also spend all that hard work in making sure the PC version of GTA V, the series that put them on the map and their biggest moneymaker, be excellent too?

 

So you heard it here first folks, not only will the GTA V PC version will be released alongside consoles, (or nearer instead of 6 months later), but it won't use GFWL, and will be awesomely optimized.

 

 

I may be a simple man, but I dream big.

Edited May 2, 2012 by xNewtype Acex

[mkey82]

^^^ GTA is a console seller, MP is not.

 

I wish you the best of luck on your dreams, though. As far as I'm concerned, I think we'll know a lot more the time second trailer comes along. They will probably announce the platforms at the end of the trailer, if there's no mention of the PC then, I'll just assume R* is following their own pattern. Well, I'm assuming that as we speak, but that's another topic.

[xNewtype Acex]

^^^ GTA is a console seller, MP is not.

 

I wish you the best of luck on your dreams, though. As far as I'm concerned, I think we'll know a lot more the time second trailer comes along. They will probably announce the platforms at the end of the trailer, if there's no mention of the PC then, I'll just assume R* is following their own pattern. Well, I'm assuming that as we speak, but that's another topic.

Please don't destroy my dreams, fellow PC brother, we should have hope, always bet on R*.

 

All that said, I am bracing for dissapointment.

[Finn 7 five 11]

^^^ GTA is a console seller, MP is not.

 

I wish you the best of luck on your dreams, though. As far as I'm concerned, I think we'll know a lot more the time second trailer comes along. They will probably announce the platforms at the end of the trailer, if there's no mention of the PC then, I'll just assume R* is following their own pattern. Well, I'm assuming that as we speak, but that's another topic.

Please don't destroy my dreams, fellow PC brother, we should have hope, always bet on R*.

 

All that said, I am bracing for dissapointment.

How MP3 is being handled is a good indication for what V might be like.