Insomniac Teams Up With EA But Is "Extremely Loyal" To Fans

Update: Bear this in mind: Insomniac is working on a new multiplatform IP, set to be published by EA. That much is true. But Ted Price also had this to say in regards to PlayStation fans-

"We know many of you are extremely loyal to the PlayStation family, and especially to Resistance and Ratchet & Clank. We are too. Our relationship with Sony Computer Entertainment is still very strong, and continues as we develop additional projects exclusively for PlayStation 3 – projects that will take full advantage of our additional development time."

See? So don't get all bent out of shape.

Original Story:

Well, as most all analysts have said, third-party exclusivity will eventually go the way of the dodo.

BioWare teamed up with EA and have been happy with the results, and PlayStation 3 owners finally got to sample one of the talented developer's epic RPGs last year, in the form of Dragon Age: Origins. Now, another developer that typically stuck with one console and publisher has decided they wish to reach a larger audience: the makers of the Resistance and Ratchet and Clank franchises, Insomniac. It has been announced that Insomniac has signed a deal with EA Partners, which will allow us to see the team's very first multiplatform project; up until now, all of Insomniac's games have been exclusive to a PlayStation platform. Said Insomniac CEO Ted Price:

"Our goal was to be multiplatform on this title from the beginning. We will continue to make games for Sony, but we want to reach more gamers. And the relationship with EAP allows us to do that."

EA Partners boss David DeMartini added that they are "well aligned in terms of creative collaboration" and while EAP will handle the publishing, Insomniac is still doing "the steering, the direction." EAP is content with staying "in the backseat" and allowing the award-winning developer "to do what they have always done - create great entertainment." And although we may prefer PlayStation as fans, we have to admit that having more gamers benefit from great products isn't exactly a bad thing.

One had to assume it was inevitable. Perhaps next to forfeit their exclusivity to reach a bigger audience will be Epic, which would bring the next Gears of War to the PS3. In the end, third-party exclusivity really is a dead duck, although a few studios here and there remain loyal one way or the other. As for exclusive titles, we'll just have to find a way to live with MGS4, Uncharted, Gran Turismo, Killzone, God of War, LittleBigPlanet, Heavy Rain, The Last Guardian, etc. And you know, it seems that Price is saying Resistance and Ratchet and Clank will stay exclusive to the PS3...

5/25/2010 10:32:15 AM Ben Dutka

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Comments (58 posts)

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Kiryu
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 10:46:11 AM
Reply

Ted Price - "We know many of you are extremely loyal to the PlayStation family, and especially to Resistance and Ratchet & Clank. We are too. Our relationship with Sony Computer Entertainment is still very strong, and continues as we develop additional projects exclusively for PlayStation 3 - projects that will take full advantage of our additional development time."

Last edited by Kiryu on 5/25/2010 10:46:41 AM

7 up, 0 down

Craigo
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 10:48:06 AM
Reply

"we want to reach more gamers"
Is that just another way of saying 'more money'?
If the quality of games are still being produced I will be happy.

12 up, 0 down

coverton341
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 10:56:02 AM

Of course it is a way of saying more money. I too will be fine with it so long as the quality of their games goes unaffected.

7 up, 0 down

godsman
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 11:07:06 AM

Since Insomniac used to be Sony exclusive, I'm happy because I know all of their games will not be cheap ports from Xbox.

4 up, 0 down

Nynja
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 11:16:42 AM

They did open a second studio in NC. I'm sure they want to keep that branch and one way would be to expand the customer base.

Intelligent business move. Sucks? Sure, but whatever. Life moves on.

4 up, 0 down

tumbletunnel
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 10:52:35 AM
Reply

Just like MediaMolecule, I hope Sucker Punch will make the exclusive-family growing.
Rachet was great, hope going multiplat won't hurt such games in the future.

Always hoped that Insomniac was Playstation-family but for themselves they wouldn't go in that direction.

Last edited by tumbletunnel on 5/25/2010 10:53:26 AM

0 up, 0 down

godsman
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 11:09:54 AM

I really like their games. Ratchet and Clank is such a great series. I sometimes feel bad for Insomniac because they don't get the sales they deserve because it's exclusive. Even in the PS2 days, these aren't extremely outstanding in sales. Hope for the best from this new IP.

0 up, 0 down

Milonakis
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 10:53:25 AM
Reply

Mother Truckers. At least they went EA and not Craptivision. If any of there wonderful games are crippled by $soft I will be pissed. I loved every Ratchet & Clank and Resistance game ever made. I hope this is an early April Fools Joke.

3 up, 5 down

Hezzron
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 10:57:34 AM
Reply

I'm calling my lawyer. I want a divorce from these backstabbing, unfaithful cheaters!

It's supposed to be a whole new IP, so we'll see what they come up with. It might set the 360 on fire......literally I mean, and hopefully not sales wise.

Last edited by Hezzron on 5/25/2010 10:59:20 AM

11 up, 0 down

sunspider13
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 2:28:00 PM

Fire! Fire!

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 11:01:13 AM
Reply

See now this is how you go multiplatform. Make something new for the everyone and keep your tried and true franchises where they belong.

::points finger at Square::

Last edited by Jawknee on 5/25/2010 11:02:19 AM

17 up, 1 down

shadowscorpio
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 1:34:47 PM

I find myself having trouble disagreeing with you Jawknee.

0 up, 0 down

johnld
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 2:06:21 PM

in all fairness, they did try to do that with last remnant even though the ps3 version seemed to get lost. others see this as a ps3 betrayal but to me is a microscopic hope that square can still see stupid ass ideas when they see one.

on a side note, wouldnt a remake of FF7 be the shocking rpg announcement? given that everyone is getting tired of square enix screwing their fanbase, it will be a "shock" to cater to them right, hahaha. unfortunately, i believe catering to their fans ends at announcing the game. they will definitely screw up everything about it if wada is still in charge.

Last edited by johnld on 5/25/2010 2:07:22 PM

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 2:51:57 PM

I don't well think see a FFVII remake unless Square can wrestle rights away from Sony so they can make it multiplatform. If that's the case, I'd rather not even see one.

Side note, Numora when talking about Versus, what he described for the graphics sounded a lot like God of War III and Uncharted where the ingame graphics and cut scene graphics blend. Not gonna happen it if goes multiplat.

Last edited by Jawknee on 5/25/2010 2:53:53 PM

0 up, 0 down

godsman
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 11:05:01 AM
Reply

i respect that. I hear so many good things about the relationships between Sony and their developers. I never heard ANY thing good from Microsoft being complimented by their developers. It's nice to know that sometimes business is not just business.

(Thumbs up for you Insomniac)

Last edited by godsman on 5/25/2010 11:05:26 AM

3 up, 0 down

Arvis
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 11:30:59 AM
Reply

You gotta feel bad for the 360-only owners that have missed out on Insomniac-quality tiles. If anyone can do a really great multiplatform title, it's these guys. We all win.

-Arvis

6 up, 0 down

johnld
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 2:10:20 PM

they do have that ability but this time the hardware may be the limiting factor. Even if they can make rachet and clank quality games, if the hardware is only capable of running like a NES then you'll only get NES games. of course, i apologize to the people butt hurt that i compared the NES to the 360. as for people who are butt hurt that i compared the 360 to the NES, well.... i just dont care.

9 up, 0 down

TEG3SH
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 11:42:17 AM
Reply

TBH I don't care about going multi if the quality is the same I mean, then again I never liked either Ratchet or resistance so even if their quality suffered I dont care, now If Team ICO did that I'll cry like a little girl

0 up, 2 down

Orvisman
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 11:52:15 AM
Reply

Sony owns R&C and Resistance like M$ft owns Halo. They ain't going anywhere.

Gears of War and Mass Effect are another story.

I've written repeatedly that Sony needs to buy Insomniac and Sucker Punch to keep all of their creative IPs exclusive to the PS3.

Oh well, I'm sure the PS3 is the lead platform for this game. I just hope Price doesn't gimp the PS3 version like other developers have to be fair to all console (360) owners.

9 up, 0 down

Highlander
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 12:04:09 PM

Agreed, were I Sony at this point, I would immediately discuss with Insomniac the possibility of acquiring a majority share in the company in order to retain control of future multi-platform tendencies.

5 up, 0 down

Nynja
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 12:27:08 PM

I believe that would be against Insomniac's interest. It may be more beneficial to SCE, but not the developer.

I much rather have a game designer in full control of the direction of development on any new title than the guy in the marketing department worried about total game sales.

Naughty Dog has set the development community on fire with Uncharted 2. Every major developer out there wants to be the next Uncharted. EAP is basically striving to reach quality titles on that level. This is very similar to SCE's publishing strategy aside from IP ownership. Anyone who has ever worked for a company that came up with a great idea they were not allowed to control will understand Insomniac's move.

As Godsman stated before; PS3 owners should not worry. Insomniac knows how to program for the PS3. When they begin working on their multiplatform game, I think we all know which console will be the lead platform. No shoddy PS3 ports from this team.

9 up, 0 down

Highlander
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 1:48:11 PM

I agree with you Nynja, there are two completely different set's of interest here, and Sony's is quite possibly not best served. My comments were made from the obviously theoretical position of being in Sony's shoes.

4 up, 0 down

Nynja
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 @ 7:26:19 AM

Tuche.

I think (or hope) SCE feels attempting to buy Insomniac would damage their relationship. I think the best thing they can do is try to sweeten the deal even more when publishing Insomniac games.

Last edited by Nynja on 5/26/2010 7:29:07 AM

0 up, 0 down

Orvisman
Thursday, May 27, 2010 @ 9:17:14 AM

Nynja,

Ted Price has said repeatedly he enjoys working with Sony because Sony gives his team the freedom it needs to create its vision, a sentiment I've heard from other first-party studios like Naughty Dog.

Sony is less intrusive in the development of its games than most other publishers, which is why its first-party games are so good.

0 up, 0 down

Nynja
Thursday, May 27, 2010 @ 3:18:23 PM

This is true, but Insomniac still does not own the IP they do not truly have full control of the series.

SCE has published spin-off games for R&C and Resistance on PSP that were not developed by Insomniac. They did not have control over what was done for those titles. Nor did they receive any royalties for those titles. Had it been an IP under their ownership, it would have been a completely different story.

0 up, 0 down

Hezzron
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 11:53:41 AM
Reply

Here's another curse of the "multi-plat" game:

You're sitting down watching TV. Then an add for a video game comes on. It starts off with "An Insomniac Production" splashed across the screen followed by some great, action packed game footage.......then at the end you see the Xbox 360 title play.

Who's not going to have a little piece of them die inside?

8 up, 0 down

Kai200X
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 12:03:36 PM
Reply

Well, good luck to them. Hopefully they will reach more gamers/make a bit more money.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 12:09:01 PM
Reply

Many will say that this was inevitable, and it probably was. But still I hate the idea. Insomniac has always been a truly independent studio that stuck with Sony. They have had very high level access to Sony and Sony's internal expertise. Personally I think that it's Tim for Sony to step up to the mark and buy a Insomniac, or at least a majority share in them, to ensure that this multi-platform insanity goes no further than necessary.

6 up, 0 down

Dustinwp
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 12:24:44 PM
Reply

At least EA is PS3 friendly. I would be pissed if they signed with Activision. Ted Price has said numerous times he appreciates being an independent studio and Sony respects the fact. So I don't think trying to buyout Insomniac would be the best thing for their working relationship.

On the bright side of this news. If Insomniac can bring in more revenue from multiplatform titles, that will give them a bigger operating budget for PS3 exclusive franchises like R&C and Resistance.

Last edited by Dustinwp on 5/25/2010 12:28:41 PM

7 up, 0 down

Shams
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 1:02:22 PM

That definitely sounds possible, but don't forget, Sony has never been one to skimp out on funding. For example, GOW3 had taken 44 million for a two year budget. Compare that to GTA4 and RDR that took 100 million for 4-5 year budget. And I can't imagine how much has gone in to GT5.

Granted, Sony San Monica and Polyphony aren't 3rd party, but I'm sure Insomniac studios received full funding for the exclusives they put out. The only difference is that they remain independent, free to go to other publishers, and R&C and Resistance remain Sony IP's.

By the way, according to Game Informer, UFG (makers of ModNation Racers) are also currently developing a multiplatform game called "True Crime", and open-world beat'em-up that takes place in Hong Kong.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 1:51:37 PM

@Shams

Indeed. That's kinda the difference between Microsoft and Sony. Sony commissions new IPs from independent devs as 1st party exclusives developed by a third party. Microsoft on the other hand buys third party multi-plats and turns them into third party timed exclusives. I think we all know which is more productive for the industry. I hope that Sony continues to work closely with Insomniac's PS3 teams because they have historically produced fantastic games for the PlayStation range.

6 up, 0 down

Shams
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 3:54:16 PM

@Highlander

And that is exactly why I opt for Sony. I think what happened with Insomniac is that they realized Guerrilla games stole the show for FPS's. And unfortunately, R&C didn't sell as much as it did in the past. And after seeing multiplatform successes as GTA, COD, and AC, they felt they had to explore opportunities for more sales.

I'm still looking forward to Resistance 3 and future R&C's, though, which remain exclusive.

4 up, 0 down

FatherSun
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 12:59:54 PM
Reply

Benedicts!!! Traitors!!! Its SACRILEGE!!!

Ok... Im over it...

Seriously though as much as I would have enjoyed Insomniac as a SONY brand I wish them all the best. Who doesnt want to make more money? As long as we get the levels of quality they have made us expect from them then there will be no argument from me. I just wonder how far they can take multi-plats considering the lowest common denominator in this equation (ie:the 063XOBX). Good Luck with that.

I have been spoiled by exclusives so I will wait and see.

3 up, 0 down

johnld
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 2:00:02 PM
Reply

i dont care if developers like insomniac does multiplatform because i know that we wont get any crappy ports because of how much experience they have with the ps3.

0 up, 0 down

johnld
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 2:14:12 PM

just one thing, insomniac games better not let their games end with that xbox logo! I got pissed when final fantasy 13 did that. you know, pissed enough for what a half assed final fantasy game. although as a completely different game its great. final fantasy tag is meant for the best of the best not final fantasy twitch edition.

2 up, 0 down

NoSmokingBandit
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 2:25:26 PM
Reply

Does this mean we wont see Resistance 3 this year? Or is the new IP taking R&C's spot in the cycle, meaning we'll see it next fall? Hopefully they let us know what we can expect.

Either way, its going to kick ass. I havent played an Insomniac game that hasnt.

For those who may be worried, im pretty sure the deal is just for EA to publish the game. Normally Sony publishes all of Insomniac's games, but that wont work if its multi-plat. I'm sure Ted made sure his studio kept all the freedom and liberty that allows them to make fun games to begin with.

Last edited by NoSmokingBandit on 5/25/2010 2:26:40 PM

0 up, 0 down

FullmetalX10
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 2:27:48 PM
Reply

Noooo, damn, why god, why!!
*sigh*
Guess I can only be glad that Resistance and Ratchet & Clank won't ever go to the 360...
I just hope they don't lower the quality of their games, ha, what am I saying, of course the quality will go down going from exclusive to multiplatform, I'll just sigh again, maybe that will help.
*sigh*
Now I'll get something to eat, eat away my sadness of losing a third party developer to the fires of Hades, I mean going multiplatform.

1 up, 1 down

Scarecrow
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 2:27:54 PM
Reply

I always knew Naughty Dog was the better of the two.

They're an awesome dev team. Just sad that money is making them do this.

3 up, 1 down

jdt1981
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 2:38:53 PM
Reply

Well I can't say I'm not disappointed but as long as their games continue to take full advantage of the PS3's hardware I will continue to support and be a fan of Insomniac. I just don't want to see their games get downgraded in order to run on the 360, if that does happen hopefully the PS3 version wont be gimped as well. If I start seeing the PS3 version of their games gimped because they make the game for the lowest common denominator (360) and simply port that to the PS3 I will be very disappointed.

I can't help to think back early in this console generation when one of the Insomniac execs posted a blog titled "10 reasons why PS3 will win the console generation". I guess all that goes out the window for bigger profits,... sorry I mean in order to "reach a larger audience"...

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 2:41:10 PM
Reply

I have absolutely no problem with this.

3 up, 0 down

Phoelix
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 3:19:00 PM

Yes, good luck to them. I look forward to seeing their new IP.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 6:17:21 PM

Me too, it is bound to be one of the better multiplats.

1 up, 0 down

Karosso
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 3:16:15 PM
Reply

WOW, I was expecting this thread to explode... Guess it will happen when Naughty Dog makes the same announcement :(
Well good luck to them, they deserve to be successful and now we will be able to see what the Xbox360 is really capable of. I can never trust a PC developer to push the limits of any hardware, they're just not good enough...
Make something new, fresh and completely different from anything else you've ever done before Insomniac, I'm with you!

0 up, 0 down

FlyingKickPunch
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 3:41:11 PM

Sony owns Naughty Dog, right?

0 up, 0 down

jdt1981
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 3:43:30 PM

@TaoMeowMeow
Yes Sony owns Naughty Dog so don't worry. :)

2 up, 0 down

FlyingKickPunch
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 4:11:41 PM

praise jebus!

0 up, 0 down

Alienange
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 3:36:49 PM
Reply

It's not like they're announcing Resistance 3 is multiplat or the next R&C will be out on both systems. They make PS3 exclusives and now they want to expand by making a new franchise that runs on both systems. Go for it. Make your money. Stay in business because I like your games.

4 up, 0 down

Highlander
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 4:42:50 PM

I think Sony either owns (or has options to control) the rights to R&C and Resistance.

3 up, 0 down

Dustinwp
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 3:37:46 PM
Reply

@Karosso Naughty Dog is a subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment. More like when Sucker Punch makes the same announcement:(

Last edited by Dustinwp on 5/25/2010 3:39:20 PM

0 up, 0 down

FlyingKickPunch
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 3:42:50 PM
Reply

I have no problem with this, as long as we get Gears of War. Deal? One of our best for one of yours. Fair enough. It's settled. Gears of War on PS3 everyone, you can thank me later :)

6 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 4:30:59 PM
Reply

I'm both happy & sad all at the same time about this announcement ...

....happy for Insomniac that they'll be able to recoup more funds in order to make more great games

....but sad in the fact that Sony couldn't have bought them outright in order to stay exclusive to the Playstation brand.

1 up, 0 down

Karosso
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 4:46:58 PM

Well, all we can hope is that they never forget where their true roots lay, may we never see the day when an Insomniac game runs better on the Xbox than on a Playstation console...

2 up, 0 down

isaya85
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 5:36:32 PM
Reply

I'm kool with this

0 up, 0 down

aaronisbla
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 6:37:02 PM
Reply

As long as Resistance 3 is a kickass game, it doesn't matter to me, good for them i say. Now our 360 brethren can hopefully enjoy something good from Insomniac. Gotta wonder if it will be the same people or is it from there newer studio.

Might make a large difference

2 up, 0 down

CharlesD
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 7:21:13 PM
Reply

Insomniac will be glad to come back to a system which allows them to fully capture their vision. I'm not that worried about them sticking with the xbox

0 up, 0 down

___________
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 @ 3:22:21 AM
Reply

again, insomniac were not third party developers they were second party.
thats why they got all the engine work from other sony developers, thats why if you look at the credits for ACIT other sony developers are in there because they helped out.
and visa verse, example insomniac helped out with KZ2.

insomniac are mad for doing this, im assuming now they will probably loose all the privileges sony were giving them.
either way, my jaws still on the floor i NEVER saw this coming!!!
im still disappointed in them, i would of much preferred them stay exclusive with sony but meh hopefully this will give their games longer legs, and intern gives them more cash to create better games.

0 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 @ 9:35:37 AM
Reply

Got to thinking, I sure hope this doesn't change the fact that Resistance a PS3 exclusive..

Last edited by maxpontiac on 5/26/2010 9:36:09 AM

0 up, 1 down

shaydey77
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 @ 6:23:24 PM
Reply

i wish them the best.
What i dont understand is why developeres still dont push multiplats to the max.
Sure some parts will work better on one console over the otehr sometimes. Why not do it?

I know some people would be upset but if its the best that their system can do dont they deserve it after paying for whatever console they have?

0 up, 0 down

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