1060°

Sony Buys Spider-Man Developer Insomniac Games

Sony has purchased the independent developer Insomniac Games, best known for last year’s Spider-Man on PS4.

Direct4441710d ago

Ok, WHAT !? Welcome back, INSOMNIAC. We miss you so much.

-Foxtrot1710d ago

Holy Shit

See...THIS makes sense, they have a real history with one another

Direct4441710d ago

Yeah, but that was unexpected.

Eonjay1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

Well damn. There it is.
Their First Party Studio Lineup is second to none now just as it was before.

Now we sit back and wait for articles stating how Sony is hurting the industry with this purchase after Microsoft bought 7 different ones and people applauded. Wait for it.

Kribwalker1710d ago

I really wish sony would build new studios from the ground up instead of buying already established studios that make multiplat games

hawkeyejonjon1710d ago

@Kribwalker Same exact thing can be said about Microsoft so what is the problem with Sony buying studios but its fine for Microsoft? Microsoft should have built studios instead of buying Ninja Theory, Obsidian, Double Fine, etc and they should have gotten criticized for it than instead of getting praised.

rainslacker1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

@Krib

I think Insomniac has made a total of 1 multiplat game in the last 15 years, and it was a commercial failure.

I guess you could include SSoD since it eventually went to PC.

Maybe if you include the games that came from Insomniac East, but I'd wager not many here could list a single game from that part of their company without going to look it up.

Direct4441710d ago

@Aeery @kribwalker ok, why ? If Microsoft can buy studio, why can’t Sony do it ?

ziggurcat1710d ago

@krib

"I really wish sony would build new studios from the ground up instead of buying already established studios that make multiplat games"

They already do.

Christopher1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

Hate on Kribwalker all you want, but a lot of people here were saying just that when MS bought Playground Games and Undead Labs.

But, recognize the other side of this hypocrisy as well. There were people here just last week trying to tell us how Insomniac bought its way out of Sony, made their own games, and how another company who was expanding from just PS4 to now PC games is of utmost importance to consider for their relationship to Sony. It apparently put a lot of things into perspective? But, let's ignore how a company who previously wanted to stay as independent as possible, did that, and yet Sony accepted them back without question and now they've decided to be owned by that same company?

To me, this looks like Sony doing the same as Microsoft, putting their house in order for the next generation and ensuring the companies they want on their team are there and those they can't afford to keep exclusive are given the freedom to do what they want.

We should all stop bickering over how these companies do it or trying to speculate as to the intent and perspective behind them, let alone think that just because a company is no longer exclusive to another that it means they aren't still well supported and loved by the people who got them to where they are.

Fluttershy771710d ago

And what DOESN'T make sense?

-Foxtrot1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

@Christopher & Kribwalker

There is a HUGE difference buying someone who has worked with you for a very long period of time then buying a studio who you've hardly ever batted an eyelid to

The one studio people have said Sony should buy is Insomniac because they've been by Sony's side since the PS1 creating a classic such as Spyro the Dragon, then Ratchet & Clank. then Resistance and now Spiderman. Unlike someone such as Microsoft buying Ninja Theory or Double Fine.

No one really had a huge issue with Microsoft buying Playground Games and Undead Labs because at the end of the day they had worked with them a little before hand. The only issue people had was why not create studios from the ground up aswell as that but they only did one then bought Obsidian, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, I mean really?

It would be more of a case and point if Sony bought Remedy for example

AspiringProGenji1710d ago

What hypocrisy @Christopher?

Sony has build a lot of studios from the ground up and are still doing it (pixelopus and the rumored news studio). He would have been right if Sony weren’t building studios themselves, but they are. Where’s his logic?

I know a lot of people have say that to MS because they barely build studios themselves, but Sony has already built studios themselves and keep doing that. Also for the record you could say Sony has built insomniac in some way

Maybe when he says something that makes sense and not in spite to any good news about PS people here won’t hate him, because all the studios that Sony has built and keep building have proven his argument moot

Christopher1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

***There is a HUGE difference buying someone who has worked with you for a very long period of time then buying a studio who you've hardly ever batted an eyelid to ***

You guys are just creating your own rules and ignoring the cracks within them, IMHO.

And I say the same to the other side.

It was okay to make SFV PS4 only, but Tomb Raider 1-year was bad because whatever. Nah, they were both bad for gamers. End of story.

Now it's okay to buy a studio only when you've worked with them for years? I think the developers of Ninja Theory, Obsidian, and Double Fine have said the exact opposite and have been given a lot of freedom and reason to continue to exist from these purchases. But, the only way others will accept it is if they don't continue to exist and Microsoft creates new studios from the rubble? Or if Microsoft hires only the best from each of those studios to create new ones to make the same games those studios would have made?

Just silly, IMHO. All of it.

lalalala1710d ago

Great news imo, loved Insomniac games since Ratchet and Spiderman was proof they are still relevant.

Babadook71710d ago

This is kind of like when Microsoft bought ninja theory except Microsoft had no relationship with ninja. Sony has long had a great relationship with insomniac.

darthv721710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

Please sony... green light SSOD2 and let them make SSOD1 as a freebie bonus.

1710d ago
RememberThe3571710d ago

Classic N4G arguments:

Some random person says something that's then attributed to an entire group that now has to answer for it. Forget all the PS fans applauding MS for finally taking publishing seriously again, let's focus on the asshats that say negative crap no matter what and try to hold every PS fan accountable for what said asshats had to say.

That fact that Christopher is coming to the defense of Krib is laughable. Krib stretches reality more than most around here. And to ignore the nuance of who Insomniac is and their relationship with Sony just to call out people who may have never had the point of view your arguing against is just ridiculous.

Neonridr1710d ago

@Eonjay - well that depends, were Sony fans criticizing MS's practices of buying up studios? Because if that's the case then it would be hypocritical of Sony fans to act like they are above such tactics..

I, for one, applaud this decision. They have a solid history together and it makes sense.

The Wood1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

'No one really had a huge issue with Microsoft buying Playground Games and Undead Labs because at the end of the day they had worked with them a little before hand. The only issue people had was why not create studios from the ground up aswell as that but they only did one then bought Obsidian, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, I mean really?

It would be more of a case and point if Sony bought Remedy for example'

Spot on fox

I didn't see too much complaints about Microsoft's purchases especially the two Chris mentioned. I think krib was being sly with his comment and mirroring what some ps fans may have said. . .fair enough. My answer to that was Sony do both. Grow and acquire so that's not 'hating on krib' it's disagreeing with the notion Sony don't build from scratch. What say you

Christopher1710d ago

***That fact that Christopher is coming to the defense of Krib is laughable.***

Beside the fact that I immediately called out his own hypocrisy...

But, don't worry, when you have something worth defending, I'll defend you as well. 😉

OB1Biker1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

@Christopher
No
It's not because some silly comments about Ms acquisition were made that you have to do the same silly comments about Insomniacs.
Everyone actually knows there s absolutely no denying the studio and Sony are a perfect fit.

The hypocrisy is to pretend there's a problem here

SkatterBrain1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

I Wonder what would have happened if Bungie had stayed under Rockstar Games after releasing ONI and theyre would have been no PS2 Grand Theft Auto vs Microsoft Halo fight back then, i wonder if the Xbox would have been where it is now if they didnt buy Bungie those were the 2 biggest games around the early 2000s

bouzebbal1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

Now I want more Resistance and Ratchet please IG!!!

Krib: your likes are hopeless

SkatterBrain1710d ago

Time To Make A New Resistance for PS5 with a whole new arsenal of creative Weapons

Christopher1710d ago

***The hypocrisy is to pretend there's a problem here***

Neither Kribwalker nor I have a problem with this sale. (Yeah, I am speaking on Krib's behalf and without his permission.)

He was just pointing out how different this news was taken by people who criticize other companies for the same thing.

I find this news to be great for Sony, and hopefully just as good for Insomniac if it means Sony continues to let them flex their wings and make new IPs.

DarXyde1710d ago

Indeed.

I previously stated the acquisition was unlikely based on Price's previous statements and the fact that Insomniac was pretty comfortable being partners with a Sony. Insomniac is a huge acquisition. Huge.

I can accept that I was wrong. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to cancel my dinner plans. I was planning for a nice evening out, but it seems like I will only need my hat and a microwave tonight.

Kribwalker1710d ago

@Christopher
“Neither Kribwalker nor I have a problem with this sale. (Yeah, I am speaking on Krib's behalf and without his permission.)

He was just pointing out how different this news was taken by people who criticize other companies for the same thing. ”

Exactly. And it was the same comment made by the OG poster, who has now spun it around as to make himself not look the hypocrite.

I hope sony buying Insomniac paves the way for sunset overdrive 2, as MS surely wasn’t getting made and i loved the first one and would love a sequel, anywhere really.

UltraNova1710d ago (Edited 1709d ago )

Chris,

"You guys are just creating your own rules and ignoring the cracks within them, IMHO."

No, you are too proud to admit that you are ignoring the whole wall for some cracks on it because it suits your current argument.

I've been here long enough to know your logic's extend and Foxtrot's argument is valid and you damn know it. Insomniac is for all intents and purposes synonymous with Sony, now it's just official. This is not a case of Sony buying a truly multiplatform dev like recent MS aqcuisitions.

It truly is a very different situation here. It doesn't make it right or wrong mind you but different. Even the hypothetical Sony buying Remedy case demonstrates this difference clear as day.

That said, I do agree that buying multiplatform game exclusivity (1 year or whatever) is wrong and both Sony and MS are to blame here.

And a piece of friendly advice, next time choose a more neutral comment to support (you seem to like that) rather than the most trolling one on the entire thread.

Direct4441709d ago

@Chris You know Foxtrot has a point, right ?

derektweed11709d ago

@Kribwalker

Don't worry, I got the joke.

Seems no one here has a sense of humor lol

fr0sty1709d ago

It was meant to be. Welcome home, Ratchet & Clank.

Unspoken1709d ago

Terrible news. Insomniac had some pretty good VR games. Sony ruining it again for gamers.

The hypocrisy is real.

IRetrouk1709d ago

@ unspoken, doesn't sony currently have the biggest presence in vr? How is insominacs work on vr and being bought by a company who is pushing vr a bad thing? Isnt sony talking about publishing games on other platforms to reach a bigger audience? Could that not also involve their vr stuff, especially as it seems it's the pc they are talking about. I dont see it as a bad thing.

+ Show (32) more repliesLast reply 1709d ago
GTgamer1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

Hell yeahhhhhhh next up Kojima productions I guarantee it.

Parasidious1710d ago

I wouldn't be mad at that. 😁

neomahi1710d ago

I hope, but I doubt it.

Segata1710d ago

I honestly wonder why it has not happened yet. That and QD.

1710d ago
Snakeeater251710d ago

No need to buy kojima without mgs

1709d ago
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xer01710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

It's a good investment. Insomniac are a safe bet.
They have a good record.

I guess Sony were under pressure by Microsoft.

No more Sunset overdrive by Insomniac... I believe the IP still belongs to Insomniac.
Microsoft only published it.

Eonjay1710d ago

It could come back on PlayStation.

Slappy McGee1710d ago

You're right, the reason Insomniac made Sunset Overdrive for Xbox is because MS allowed them to keep ownership of the IP. Now Sony can make it for PlayStation if they want.

https://www.gamespot.com/ar...

alb18991710d ago

They were almost exclusive like Playground for MS but for sure is good to secure the heavy hitters.

rainslacker1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

Wow. I knew a lot of people said this should always happen, but I never though it would.

Insomniac is....or was...a huge indie dev. I don't think people realize they aren't just some small developer making one game at a time. They have 2 big studios on each side of the US. One is the one that makes their big games, the other makes mostly mobile or browser based games.

I wonder if they had something in the deal for Sony to fund some game they wanted to make as well. I know they had some games they wanted to make but couldn't get funding.

@Kotaku

"Best known for Spider-Man".

really? Ratchet and Clank and Resistance are not known properties?

xer01710d ago

That's a good question. It wouldn't surprise me.

ApocalypseShadow1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

Don't forget they make good VR games like Stormland

KillZallthebeast1710d ago

My guess is most people are too young to remember the spyro franchise on ps1 and ratchet on ps2.

Neonridr1709d ago

@Apocalypse Shadow - they also made Edge of Nowhere and Unspoken for the Rift. Maybe there will be a way to get PSVR versions of those two games (although Oculus did fund them, so not sure if there is any exclusive rights there or not). But really enjoyable titles regardless.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 1709d ago
AspiringProGenji1710d ago

@Krib

they are doing that with PixelOpus. They started with a 50 something meta game called entwined, and now look at the growing wirh Concrete Genie

Besides you could say Sony has been a big factor in Insomniac's growth.

Say what now?

V10Elit3x1710d ago

@Krib. So hypocritical of you. MS did exactly the same but maaaany more got purchased by Microsoft, so please stop being a fanboy

Rynxie1710d ago

Yes, resistance please!!!!

IamTylerDurden11710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

Bombshell.

This is by far the biggest acquisition this gen by any of the big 3. Incredible news as Insomniac is currently a huge, multifaceted studio with a sterling track record. They are also on fire recently with the stellar spider-man, R&C, and an awesome looking VR game called Stormland currently in development.

techies1710d ago

Great, Now WHERE IS MY RESISTANCE!

hulk_bash19871710d ago

An IG developed Resistance sequel is looking more likely. Insomniac has always been one of my favorite developers in gaming. Congrats to Sony and IG for such an amazing partnership. IG is amazingly talented and I cant wait for all the games to come from them.

neutralgamer19921710d ago

I said this months ago and got PM saying how wrong I was and how I knew nothing well I am waiting for those same people to PM me back with sincere apologies 😂

BTW here is what's next

Kojima
Bluepoint

QD were in line but they want to try all platforms and a company invested big money into buying share of the company

Don't be surprised if Sony buys out

2 of these 3

Camcom
Sega
Take two

Remember that rumor about Sony and take two don't sleep on it. Sony ceo pretty much believes playstation is its bread and butter and unlike ms which had other avenues of generating big time money for Sony playstation matters more than Xbox matters to ms

And I know people won't believe it but wait got TGS that's when we will hear about Japanese developers at PSX we will hear about 1-2 more studios

And at Ps5 reveal they will bring the hammer down

BTW ms made offer to insomniac too but insomniac actually came to Sony about this. They much rather go with a publisher they trust

outsider16241709d ago

Christ!! Can you imagine Sony buying Take Two??
That's a Mega Bomb right there.

AngelicIceDiamond1710d ago

Easy pickings from Sony their history says it all. Sony said it themselves that content is at a all time high, Insomniac was heavily speculated. can't wait to see what they produce exclusively from Sony this point on.

1710d ago
Muzikguy1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

I know a lot of people were guessing this would happen but this is great news. This is the kind of acquisition that makes sense. Now I really hope to see a revival of the Resistance franchise next gen. If that happens I'll get back to paying for PS Plus. Hear that Sony? Lol

NeoGamer2321710d ago

Not really surprising. Their games always did best on the PS platform and they have a close relationship with Sony.

Good to see Sony stocking up on first party devts again.

outsider16241709d ago

Congratulations to Sony and Insomniac.

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milohighclub1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

Hahaha, YO!! Now that's an acquisition!! 👏

robtion1710d ago

Back when Naughty Dog were making Jack and Daxter and Insomniac were developing Ratchet and Clank I thought both these studios were on par. Back then they shared technology and it seemed quite a bit of dna.

I think Insomniac could be a Naughty Dog level developer now that they have access to 1st party resources.

rainslacker1710d ago

I think Insomniac can easily be on the ND level. The recent Spider-Man proves they are capable of big AAA, and Resistance was always high end, if lesser known. R&C, despite it's cartoon style, was always on the brink of AAA, and the recent remake this gen was AAA quality, although probably a AA budget since it used assets from the movie.

They're the kind of company when given the resources and support to do well, they do well(Spider-Man, R&C). When hampered by publisher demands, they tend to not do well(Fuze), and when they don't get the support they can still make a great game, but the game itself may not do well(SSoD).

bishup251710d ago

Sony's not messing around. It's MS's next move on which to acquire next.

harmny1709d ago

why is people happy about exclusivity? i thought you were pro freedom of choice? oh right its sony. n4g's god.

Direct4441709d ago

That’s because Insomniac Game joined PS family. And it’s also both of them have strong relationship. Would you say the same thing to MS if they did the same ?

harmny1709d ago

I would but MS releases every game on PC. Great move.
I own a PS4 btw

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Jin_Sakai1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

Holy crap! This was out of nowhere. Welcome to the PlayStation family Insomniac Games!

SmielmaN1710d ago

My jaw actually dropped at this headline! Amazing potential here with Insomniac now party of the PlayStation family! I’m thrilled!

solideagle1709d ago

say wwwwwwwwwhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaa tttttttttttttttt!!!

that was my reaction when I read headline then I thought it was an opinion piece. I still cannot believe how Ted Price agreed when he wanted to be independent.

Now Insomniac can create Ractche & Clank x Daxter. :D

zoramax1710d ago

I thought Sony owned them before and then they bought themselves out, weird that they wanted to go back. Spiderman must be what they want to keep doing.

Chaosdreams1710d ago

They were never owned, but had partnerships on various IP's. Now everything they'll create is for Sony platforms and only for Sony.

rainslacker1710d ago

Sony had attempted to buy them after the success of Ratchet & Clank, but the owner wanted to stay independent. They eventually went to other publishers to make games for other platforms, where they could retain the IP rights, and produced Fuze and SSoD, which didn't fare so well. AFAIK, they still weren't interested in being purchased, and were not in a position to have to be purchased because they were doing well financially anyways.

Don't know what changed, but this is a huge get for Sony. They are a proven AAA studio, who almost always does quality work. Up until the purchase, they were in the top ten largest indie studios in the world, and have two big studios on either side of the US. The east coast studio produces mostly mobile and browser based games.

ApocalypseShadow1710d ago (Edited 1710d ago )

Rain, don't forget the VR..lol!

Oh damn! They could make a side project Spider-Man VR game for next Gen besides Spider-Man 2.

1709d ago
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200°

Microsoft Seemingly Closes Bethesda France

As part of its plans to cut 1,900 jobs, Microsoft has reportedly shut down operations at Bethesda France, letting go roughly 15 people

Read Full Story >>
insider-gaming.com
Hereandthere5h ago

Microsoft should have left them stay 3rd party

GamerRN3h ago

If they are let go, they can be whatever they want. They ARE 3rd party now... 🤦

Barlos29m ago

Yeah, they're also jobless.

PassNextquestion5h ago(Edited 5h ago)

Bethesda France was made up of roughly 15 people... they couldn't of being doing much

Bethesda France mainly did publishing and marketing within the region

blacktiger3h ago

that's a shame for you to say that, i'm sure Elite loves hearing what you just said.

Profchaos5h ago(Edited 5h ago)

Bethesda France focused on publishing and marketing in the region. And 15 people lost their jobs as part of the closure.

I wonder if this is part of Microsoft's strategy to abandoned physical media or possibly gamepass advertising makes their roles redundant you don't need to market a game as hard when the majority of players get the game as part of a sub which already promoted upcoming games

Tacoboto4h ago

It's France too, there's a high likelihood only 1-2 people on the team even had an Xbox.

Profchaos4h ago

Possibly guven all the leaks we know the Xbox brand is really struggling in the region.

Yi-Long1h ago

Well, if your consoles and games are barely found in any stores any more, of course you're gonna struggle finding consumers ...

XiNatsuDragnel3h ago

Tbh Microsoft I think Bethesda being 3rd party same with Activision would probably more competitive than thus scenario imo

Profchaos2h ago(Edited 2h ago)

I think it would have been better for all parties really especially gamers

TheColbertinator3h ago

The recently purchased Activision French offices might take over all the licensing and marketing for Microsoft in France from now on.

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70°

I’m Glad Atlus & SE Changed Dates To Avoid Competing With Shadow Of The Erdtree

Saad from eXputer: "I'm glad I don't have to choose between Square Enix, Atlus, and FromSoftware due to bad release windows and Shadow of the Erdtree."

H923h ago

More intelligent than guerilla games

raWfodog5h ago(Edited 5h ago)

Atlus is releasing their game one week before Erdtree, SE is releasing theirs one week after.

HZD released four days before Zelda, HFW released one week before Elden Ring.

It seems to me like they are still releasing their games too close to Erdtree.

110°

Sony Could Increase Your Game's Difficulty If It Sees You Complain About It

Sony has recently published a new patent that wants to dynamically handle the games' difficulty and gameplay based on the player's emotions.

jznrpg6h ago

This is something I might use. Sometimes I play some good games but they don’t have difficulty option and are a little too easy.

Profchaos6h ago

Souls games will be like that players struggling make it harder

PassNextquestion5h ago(Edited 5h ago)

I think if used correctly it could work well

jambola1h ago

cool idea
cool idea for horror games especially
the way it's explained here sounds like it could never be forced hopefully, so that's ok with me

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