Why Xbox, first?

fable · #1 (**permalink**) 05-22-2003, 07:57 AM

Simply that. I can understand issuing the game on dual platforms, but the market for this kind of product is ready-made on the PC, thanks to a host of what we might call "strategic CRPGs" that let you control every aspect of battleplay. So why issue KotOR first on XBox? Simplistic as it may sound, do you think Microsoft is paying LucasArts a significant amount for that arrangement?

Ned Flanders · #2 (**permalink**) 05-22-2003, 08:05 AM

A very good question. I've got a PC and an Xbox. I wouldn't even consider buying a CRPG on a console. Not sure how Morrowind transcended on the xbox, but they've actually got a few CRPG's.

As far as I know, Knights will not be Xbox Live, so perhaps Bill just forked over the money because he can. Most of the Star Wars titles for the xbox have been strong sellers, perhaps that also had some influence.

A little more delving online might provide a better answer. I'll take a look around later.

fable · #3 (**permalink**) 05-22-2003, 08:27 AM

Thanks, @Ned. I'm really curious. It's not (to my knowledge) as though the console market has built an audience for precisely this kind of game. Perhaps it's Microsoft's strategy to woo PC owners over to the XBox camp by whetting their appetites for an advetised, reviewewd game on store shelves--I don't know.

Ned Flanders · #4 (**permalink**) 05-22-2003, 09:25 AM

I have a PC and a xbox. I was considering renting Knights to check it out on the xbox to see if I'd be interested in buying for the PC. Who knows, the game might be outstanding on a console, however, my experience with CRPG's on a console (be it the xbox or older console) usually have more limitations than a PC version.

I wouldn't think there would be a lot of converts from the PC to the console. A lot of PC gamers tend to stray from the consoles, a superiority complex perhaps. I always grew up with both (Colecovison, apple II, commodore 64, NES 8bit, etc).

Even if your correct about wooing PC gamers, I'd guess that most will rent it to see what the delayed buzz is about.

Still for searching for Gates' motivation on the xbox first question.

The Z · #5 (**permalink**) 05-23-2003, 09:11 PM

Anyone else notice that there are a lot of PC Games on the XBox?

HighLordDave · #6 (**permalink**) 05-24-2003, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Z
Anyone else notice that there are a lot of PC Games on the XBox?

Two words: market share.

Microsoft has had a tough time breaking into the console market because of the dominance of Sony and Nintendo, but they've had a fair amount of success with putting out games games (ie-the Mechwarrior series). It's only logical that they would create crossover titles from their PC games to exclusive Xbox games to get PC gamers (who generally look down on console gaming; I do) to buy their other products.

gomichigan24 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-24-2003, 04:55 PM

Quote:

So why issue KotOR first on XBox?

I thought they delayed the pc release of KOTOR so that it would conflict with Star Wars Galaxies and there would not be two star wars rpgs coming out around the same time.

fable · #8 (**permalink**) 05-26-2003, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gomichigan24
I thought they delayed the pc release of KOTOR so that it would conflict with Star Wars Galaxies and there would not be two star wars rpgs coming out around the same time.

Scheduled Xbox release date is June. Scheduled PC release date is September.

HighLordDave · #9 (**permalink**) 06-08-2003, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gomichigan24
I thought they delayed the pc release of KOTOR so that it would conflict with Star Wars Galaxies and there would not be two star wars rpgs coming out around the same time.

I don't know if that's much of a factor; Star Wars geeks are going to buy both anyway.

fable · #10 (**permalink**) 06-08-2003, 08:57 PM

Too true. I know the editor of one big review magazine website that intends to play the game on the Xbox until it appears on the PC, then review that.

gomichigan24 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-09-2003, 09:59 PM

well its gone gold and should be released soon. Should be a really good game.

athers · #12 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 08:13 AM

Xbox version is released today, how depressing we have to wait another month for this game.

However the game does look good if you check out the gamespot review of the xbox version

Xbox really is a waste of time, but this is prolly going to be their 2nd good game that has been released on this platform. All others apart from Halo are rubbish.

Ned Flanders · #13 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 08:31 AM

You might wait more than a month athers. No doubt the PC version is riddled with bugs; the only question is where to draw the line between a release date and making the program as bug free as possible.

I believe the game will transcend nicely to the console as opposed to earlier comments I made in this very thread. Both the IGN and the gamespot review were very positive, and I've found most IGN game reviewers to be in tune specifically with what I do and don't like about games.

It will be a relief to play a bug free CRPG, perhaps the PC version will exceed the xbox version, perhaps not. It is merely a matter of opinion anyway.

With regards to your last comments athers, well............to each their own but that's a discussion meant for another forum.

fable · #14 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 10:25 AM

I'd agree with Ned. Any discussion about the quality (or lack of same) in any console system or PCs should be kept in SYM (Speak Your Mind). You'll also draw more comments, there.

gomichigan24 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-17-2003, 12:02 AM

anyone get the game?