Game Ports: Will they or won't they? (page 2 of 2)

Mass Effect 2

Confirmed Platform: Xbox 360

Rumored Platform: PlayStation 3

About as likely as catching a glimpse of hot Hanar-on-Volus action, the chance of the original Mass Effect heating up PlayStation 3s is a cool nil. The acclaimed role-playing game is soundly an Xbox 360 exclusive, published by Microsoft Game Studios. In short, there's no way Mass Effect will jump onto PlayStation 3 - Microsoft owns the publishing rights. But what about a sequel? BioWare was recently snatched up by mega-publisher EA, a company that embraces multi-platform game design.

"BioWare owns the Mass Effect" IP, clarifies a Microsoft spokesperson. "Microsoft has not yet announced specifics regarding sequels to Mass Effect but we'll be talking to EA and BioWare in the weeks to come. We are committed to the franchise's long term success."

Without any ownership in the property, Microsoft has little say in the direction BioWare and EA take with the newly-developed Mass Effect franchise. Unless Microsoft negotiates some lucrative partnership with both companies, expect EA to handle publishing responsibilities for the Mass Effect franchise from here forward. Given that EA historically favors multi-platform releases over exclusives, a dual Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 (maybe even PC) release for Mass Effect 2 could easily be in the cards. Making matters easier is Mass Effect's Unreal 3.0 technology, which is now optimized for the PS3 in addition to the Xbox 360.

From a development standpoint, bringing the franchise to PlayStation 3 could open up a lot of potential. The increased capacity of Blu-ray would enable more audio than Xbox 360 DVD-9s, possibly allowing for an orchestral soundtrack to replace a synthesized one, more voice acting, and simply a bigger game. Of course, opening up the rich Mass Effect universe to a PlayStation 3 audience hungry for big third-party games could bring new fans to the fold and in turn generate more revenue. After all, money makes the galaxy go round.

Chance of PS3 Port: Bet on it
Contractual obligations are keeping the Normandy grounded at docking bay 360. But as for Mass Effect 2...Specters are free agents, aren't they?



Halo 4

Confirmed Platform: Xbox 360

Rumored Platform: PlayStation 3

Halo is to Xbox as fireworks are to Independence Day. So when rumors of Bungie's split from Microsoft proved true, theories about a possible multi-platform Halo game surfaced. Fascination surrounding the supposed loss of Microsoft's biggest title turned into a furious debate between Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 fans. All for naught, since Master Chief is far from finishing the fight on Xbox 360.

Quashing any thoughts of PlayStation 3 development the company asserts, Microsoft confirmed that ownership of the Halo franchise ensures that future games will remain exclusive to Xbox 360. "Microsoft will retain an equity interest in Bungie, at the same time continuing its long-standing publishing agreement between Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie for the Microsoft-owned Halo intellectual property as well as other future properties developed by Bungie."

There's absolutely no question that the next Halo game is going to be exclusive. The wait won't be long for a new game in the franchise since Ensemble Studios' real-time strategy spin-off Halo Wars is slated for release in late 2008. Other projects, such as the much-hyped collaboration with famed The Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, are also in the pipeline. As far as a new first-person Halo is concerned, we hear there's a lot of Forerunner history waiting to be told...

Chance of PS3 Port: Never
Master Chief has a history, and a future, with the Xbox alone. There's no chance he'll ever land anywhere else.



Haze

Confirmed Platform: PlayStation 3

Rumored Platform: Xbox 360, PC

You don't need Nectar-enhanced perception to see that Free Radical Design's latest shooter, Haze, is set for sole release on PlayStation 3. During Sony's E3 presser, Ubisoft officially confirmed it as a PS3 exclusive. Even Ubisoft's fact sheet states, "Play both sides of the same war and experience two unique game systems, exclusively for the PlayStation 3." There was certainly no question about the game's exclusivity given the company's clear statements--until investors were told in late November of its delay.

The sheet, which is dated November 1st and hasn't been updated since, was written well before the decision to delay the game until spring. Could the delay be for the purpose of porting Haze to Xbox 360 and PC? The smaller base of PS3 users could be prompting Ubisoft to port the game in order to recoup costs, especially given Haze's limited press coverage. It isn't a foreign concept to the company -- take former PS3 exclusive Assassin's Creed, for example. Much like that game, Ubisoft spokespeople are remaining quiet on the subject, refusing to respond to our requests for comment.

Giving them the benefit of the doubt, Haze has probably been delayed in order to prevent it from being ignored during this intense holiday release season. Pushing it back allows it a better chance for success and more time for polish. Can't argue with that!

Chance of Xbox 360 Port: Slim to none
This is a PS3 party all the way, and Haze doesn't currently have enough buzz to warrant a multi-platform port. If it's a sleeper hit upon release, though, an Xbox 360 version is possible.

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