Epic’s Mark Rein explains why Unreal Tournament 3 went to PS3 first
Back at E3 2007, it was a big surprise when Epic opted to go for a timed exclusive on the PS3. Especially given what we know now – that the PS3 is a slippery fish to program for, particularly if you don’t use it as a lead platform in development – you’d have thought that intentionally or not, Xbox 360 had this one in the bag. The Unreal Engine 3 wasn’t build with the Cell Processor in mind and for a long time it just didn’t get on well with the PS3 – look at the long delays suffered by Stranglehold and the subsequent graphical compromises it had to be make. But Epic persevered regardless and UT3 is finished and about to land in North America.
Given that it would have surely have been just as easy to treat each platform equally, or just get around to polishing off the pS3 version later, why did Epic make this welcome decision? User Generated Content is the key, explains Vice President of Epic Games, Mark Rein. “When [Sony] embrace user-created content, that's what it means to be an open system,” said Rein, “That's why we're on PlayStation 3 first -- because they are embracing user-created content. It's not just moving the deck chairs around the boat. They are embracing real art.”
The idea of being able to build and design your entire own level (on PC) and then import it directly to your console game is pretty unique and way beyond arbitrary level editors that occasionally get tacked on to games. However, Mark reveals that you can go well, well beyond just making levels: “This is the full power of the Unreal Editor. The same editor we used to create the games is now available to you. You want to import your objects you made in 3D Studio Max or Maya? Bring them in! You want to code an UnrealScript? Code an UnrealScript! All those things you can do. If they fit on our map, you can stick them on the PlayStation 3 and they'll run!”
Clearly this a significant step up from what’s currently available in console space, but it’ll be down to the mod community to really drive this onwards. Luckily though, Unreal games and PC games in general have always enjoyed a significant mod scene and it would definitely be of no harm to Sony to tap into that. Even so there’s still a risk that less salubrious content will slip through the, well, non-existent safety measures. In fact any map, model or mod you download can come from absolutely anywhere, without restrictions. It’s either a potential gold mine or a land mine waiting to be stepped on. As Rein says “If you're going to allow user-created content, you're going to allow user-created content.”
Source
Gamasutra
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Comments
Ok. That's cool. It is very true that ps3 is opening a whole new world for developers. Epic Games made a smart move by trying to figure out the ps3 first and experiment with it. Unlike stupid 2K. 2K was saying "Oh...we won't create any games for ps3" - LOL, yea don't because u can't create games. What BIOSHOCK?! Big deal, if u guys can't program games for a ps3 i bet if u guys tried to port it over it would look so bad since they are such bad developers. Now, Square Enix, Konami (Kojima Productions), Epic Games, and Ubisoft - are true game companies.
Posted by: shadowpal2 | November 29, 2007 4:30 PM
Agreed. Developers that cant work with the cell processor are just lazy. They blame it on the ps3 instead of just learning how to program for it.
Posted by: David Hayter | November 29, 2007 9:08 PM
EA games looked so bad when ps2 was around,the developers of hitman for the ps2 were excellent.
EA and 2K are just M$'s ass likers cuz they get paid $$$$ but dont realise that they can have more with ps3 too.
Posted by: OMEN | November 29, 2007 9:24 PM
When I had the Sega Saturn, I whined about the lack of software developer's support and said things like, "The developers are too lazy and the only good games are going to come those who work hard on the machine.... basically Sega." The Sega Saturn sucked.... endpoint. Sony has created a rotten egg and is trying to transform it into a rose. They saw Microsoft's specs and started getting scared. They quickly redid the specs to add a graphic card (two years old) just like the Sega did with the Saturn when they added another processor. Doesn't matter how much perfume you pour on the PS3.... it still stinks.
Posted by: Grendel | November 29, 2007 10:13 PM
Grendal u xbot fanboy lol They said the same thing about PS2 - the only reason 360 was never really an issue with development is because its just a PC in a box..the architecture is nothing new or exciting.
I think Sony have played this game very sneakily...when you have developers such as Epic backing you ur onto a winner. The PS3 is bringing full user generated gaming and the future is looking great - little big planet, home, UT3, GT all bringing a brand new approach to gaming and social networking side of it.
I can't wait for UT3 on PS3.
Posted by: dabizo | November 29, 2007 11:12 PM
The only reason it came out on PS3 first is because Xbox already has Halo 3 and Epic knew it could not compete. They're too similar (fast paced FPSs). Epic is smart to do a time delay because it increases the chance that they'll sell more copies. By the way, for all of those people thinking this is a big deal, check out the URT II and Liandri sales (not overly impressive).
Posted by: Metsfa | November 30, 2007 3:10 AM
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