Report: Sony Required IP Rights To Limbo But Didn't Get 'Em

Limbo

The PlayStation brand thrives on exclusives. So retaining the IP rights to fantastic new projects would be a top priority.

But things don't always work out. In speaking at a Develop Conference presentation, as reported by Edge, Sony Computer Entertainment executive producer Pete Smith explained the situation concerning Playdead's critically acclaimed Limbo:

"There are obvious benefits to keeping it, but also to giving it up: you're way more likely to get the deal. Remember, 100 per cent of nothing is nothing. A publisher is much more likely to commit to marketing and merchandising if they own the IP.

Sometimes all we want is protection so [devs] don't make a game, finish it, then go to one of our rivals. We look at IP on a case by case basis. With a bit of common sense, you can find common ground."

But Sony didn't get the rights to Limbo, as the developers ended up signing with Microsoft, which allowed the title to release first on Xbox Live in July 2010. The game didn't hit the PlayStation Network and PC until a year later. If you missed it, be sure to check out our review; it's easily one of the best downloadable experiences of the generation.

Related Game(s): LIMBO

Tags: limbo, playdead, limbo psn, sony

7/16/2012 11:52:54 AM Ben Dutka

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