http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ov-23H2%2BL._AA280_.jpg

<EDIT: This news is for the release in PAL regions only>

I guess new Atari head honcho (and ex Sony exec) Phil Harrison is still friendly with his old outfit. They are allowing Sony to have exclusive rights to publish (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sony-picks-up-ghostbusters-from-atari_3) the new Ghostbusters game next month for the PS3, PS2, and eventually the PSP:


Sony Computer Entertainment will now be publishing Terminal Reality's Ghostbusters title in a surprise deal signed with Atari today, according to GamesIndustry.biz.

The game is set for a June 19 release alongside the Sony Pictures film, but only on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2 platforms. They will have a period of exclusivity lasting several months until the PSP edition is launched.

It is unclear exactly what will happen to the Xbox 360 version of the game, although GamesIndustry.biz understands that Atari may look to publish it later on.

Here's a preview video (http://ps3.ign.com/dor/objects/14218851/ghostbusters/videos/ghostbusters_spc_040909.html)... the game's new story was written by and features the voices of most of the original cast (Akroyd, Ramis, Murray, etc.).

http://www.gamebump.com/images/upload/33o571n0lnmd6tr5bwca9tg9.jpg

http://www.gamebump.com/images/upload/dwom2hccmxcd6gtitiqsnlx2.jpg

This is awesome. I had heard about this happening but had no proof of it, so I didn't post it.

But it's great. More backing for the PS3 and Sony!

Well, one smart marketing angle is that the Blu ray editions of the two movies are coming out around the same time (it is a Sony movie franchise after all). I was getting those for sure, but had my eye on the game in case it turns out to be decent. We'll see.

Well, one smart marketing angle is that the Blu ray editions of the two movies are coming out around the same time. I was getting those for sure, but had my eye on the game in case it turns out to be decent. We'll see.

Same here. This is just a great deal put together. Can't wait.

Actually really looking forward to this game, it looks pretty fun.

SCEA hasn't announced any timed-exclusivity yet. Right now, it' just confirmed for the UK. Might want to edit the title.

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/06/sony-publishing-ghostbusters-in-europe-psp-version-resurrected/

SCEA hasn't announced any timed-exclusivity yet. Right now, it' just confirmed for the UK. Might want to edit the title.

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/06/sony-publishing-ghostbusters-in-europe-psp-version-resurrected/

I thought it was confirmed this morning that it is a timed exclusive for the Pal regions only from an offical press release that I saw on N4G. Not sure what you have there since I am at work.

I thought it was confirmed this morning that it is a timed exclusive for the Pal regions only from an offical press release that I saw on N4G. Not sure what you have there since I am at work.
Correct. Here is the release.

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT EUROPE TO PUBLISH 'GHOSTBUSTERS: THE VIDEO GAME' ON PLAYSTATION® 3, PLAYSTATION® 2 AND PSPTM (PlayStation®Portable) IN EUROPE AND PAL REGIONS

- Eagerly Anticipated Software Releasing Exclusively on Two PlayStation Platforms in June for the 25th Anniversary of Original Hit Movie –

- Original Cast of the Hit Movie Come Back Together to Do Battle With the Supernatural on the Streets of Manhattan -

- PSP Version Coming Autumn 2009 -

LONDON, UK – 6th May 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) , Sony Pictures Consumer Products, and Atari Europe today announced that Ghostbusters: The Video Game for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) and PlayStation®2 is to be published in PAL territories by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe in June, meaning that owners of PS3 and PlayStation 2 will get their hands on the game that reunites the cast of the hit movies. To mark the 25th anniversary of the well-loved franchise, the game will launch in coordination with the Blu-ray™ release of the original hit movie and licensing programs from Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. Ghostbusters: The Video Game will launch in Europe and PAL regions on June 19th 2009 exclusively for PS3 and PlayStation 2.

“We’re committed to bringing the PlayStation family the biggest and best gaming experiences first,” says Mark Hardy, European Product Marketing Director at SCEE, “and it doesn’t get any bigger and better than this blockbuster title. This summer, PlayStation owners will be the first to grab their proton packs and fight the spirit world. We’d like to wish them the best of luck in their ghostbusting endeavours and, of course, to remind them not to cross the streams!”

“With our colleagues at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe publishing Ghostbusters: The Video Game, we are thrilled by the dynamic new Ghostbusters game. We think it will have tremendous appeal to gamers and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this beloved franchise.” said Mark Caplan, Vice President of Licensing-Interactive for Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. “With this superb game launching alongside the Blu-ray release, we will reach existing fans and the next generation, bringing them all into the irresistible Ghostbusters universe.”

“Atari is committed to maximizing the launch of the Ghostbusters videogame across Europe,” Said Jim Wilson, VP Worldwide Marketing, Atari. “In partnership with both Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Inc and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, we have a unique opportunity to add new game products and expand marketing opportunities to reach Ghostbusters fans in Europe.”

In Ghostbusters: The Video Game, players can grab a proton pack and turn their ghostbusting fantasies into reality as the new recruit to the Ghostbusters team in a story set two years after the Ghostbusters 2 movie. Once again, the city of Manhattan has been overrun with ghouls, ghosts and all things foul – and it’s down to the Ghostbusters team to capture them all and regain control.

The game has been written by original Ghostbusters writers Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd and reunites members of the original cast for the first time in 20 years. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson lend their voices and in-game likenesses to the game, which also features performances from favourites including William Atherton (Walter Peck), Annie Potts (Janine) and Brian Doyle-Murray (Mayor Jock Mulligan).

Developed by Terminal Reality and Red Fly Studios Ghostbusters: The Video Game will arrive on PS3 and PS2 this June. PSP version of the game is scheduled for launch in autumn 2009. To find out more, visit eu.playstation.com.

good!

Yep. PAL only exclusive.

http://kotaku.com/5242106/sony-now-publishing-ghostbusters-in-pal-territories

From Ars Technica: "Dropped by Activision, picked up by Atari, grabbed by Sony in Europe... with so much talk and news coming out of the business behind the game, it's going to be refreshing to be able to just sit down and play it on June 16, across all the major platforms, in the US."

I thought this sounded ridiculous, considering Gamestop has been selling PC pre-orders. Time to change the thread title, Joe.

If Sony owns the rights to Ghostbusters, I don't understand why they couldn't throw us a bone with at least a timed exclusive on this one. They are trying to increase their install base, right? Christ, Microsoft is willing to dump God knows how many millions into Square Soft to get them to screw the PS3 out exclusivity on Final Fantasy XIII and Sony isn't even willing to delay release on a franchise they OWN to make the PS3 a bit more attractive. What's next? They gonna release God of War 3 and Team Ico's new game on the 360?

If Sony owns the rights to Ghostbusters, I don't understand why they couldn't throw us a bone with at least a timed exclusive on this one. They are trying to increase their install base, right? Christ, Microsoft is willing to dump God knows how many millions into Square Soft to get them to screw the PS3 out exclusivity on Final Fantasy XIII and Sony isn't even willing to delay release on a franchise they OWN to make the PS3 a bit more attractive. What's next? They gonna release God of War 3 and Team Ico's new game on the 360?

Got an actual link? Or is it really hard to believe a company can't decide to change their mind and increase the potential sales because of the climate they see without money being thrown at them? Unless of course you have a link for the dumping of millions to have them come to the 360?

If Sony owns the rights to Ghostbusters, I don't understand why they couldn't throw us a bone with at least a timed exclusive on this one. They are trying to increase their install base, right? Christ, Microsoft is willing to dump God knows how many millions into Square Soft to get them to screw the PS3 out exclusivity on Final Fantasy XIII and Sony isn't even willing to delay release on a franchise they OWN to make the PS3 a bit more attractive. What's next? They gonna release God of War 3 and Team Ico's new game on the 360?

LONDON, UK – 6th May 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) , Sony Pictures Consumer Products, and Atari Europe today announced that Ghostbusters: The Video Game for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) and PlayStation®2 is to be published in PAL territories by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe in June, meaning that owners of PS3 and PlayStation 2 will get their hands on the game that reunites the cast of the hit movies. To mark the 25th anniversary of the well-loved franchise, the game will launch in coordination with the Blu-ray™ release of the original hit movie and licensing programs from Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. Ghostbusters: The Video Game will launch in Europe and PAL regions on June 19th 2009 exclusively for PS3 and PlayStation 2.

Only Sony Europe has the rights to the PAL release. Not the NTSC release.

Lol...

Thanks for the correction... title changed.

If Sony owns the rights to Ghostbusters, I don't understand why they couldn't throw us a bone with at least a timed exclusive on this one. They are trying to increase their install base, right? Christ, Microsoft is willing to dump God knows how many millions into Square Soft to get them to screw the PS3 out exclusivity on Final Fantasy XIII and Sony isn't even willing to delay release on a franchise they OWN to make the PS3 a bit more attractive. What's next? They gonna release God of War 3 and Team Ico's new game on the 360?

On what planet is a new Ghostbusters game a system seller?

Got an actual link? Or is it really hard to believe a company can't decide to change their mind and increase the potential sales because of the climate they see without money being thrown at them? Unless of course you have a link for the dumping of millions to have them come to the 360?

Obviously from my post I said "God knows..." because it was one of Microsofts shady backroom deals. We got a player in the game with infinite money who keeps getting lucky breaks. Not everything can be chalked up to coincidence.

On what planet is a new Ghostbusters game a system seller?

I bet we see a small boost in sales in Europe if the game gets a metacritic higher than 80. People love the Ghostbusters and this game was made to be the equivilent of the third movie.

Obviously from my post I said "God knows..." because it was one of Microsofts shady backroom deals. We got a player in the game with infinite money who keeps getting lucky breaks. Not everything can be chalked up to coincidence.

Yeah, cause we know Sony never does this, either. :rolleyes:

We should all be happy that it will be released across multiple platforms to increase the success of what looks like a great game so far.

I love Ghostbusters. :D

Unless Sony paid them a fat wad of cash it seems silly to limit potential sales.

Obviously from my post I said "God knows..." because it was one of Microsofts shady backroom deals. We got a player in the game with infinite money who keeps getting lucky breaks. Not everything can be chalked up to coincidence.

Ah, yes. The ubiquitous "shady backroom deal." You'd think with all of their money, Microsoft could afford lightbulbs, or at the very least--windows.

Actually, if I'm reading that correctly, Sony is only publishing the PS3, PS2, and PSP versions.

Since EU Atari still has the rights for the other versions of the game, it sounds like this is a timed exclusive. Sounds like Sony is taking the initiative to publish their versions of the game, which will give them the June 19 release date, and the the other versions were being pushed back in EU.

No?

Obviously from my post I said "God knows..." because it was one of Microsofts shady backroom deals. We got a player in the game with infinite money who keeps getting lucky breaks. Not everything can be chalked up to coincidence.

AAA titles sell well on the 360, you can check the monthly NPD numbers to see that. They'd be absolutely stupid to keep it exclusive without a huge money hat.

It is an exclusive because only the multi cores of the cell can calculate what would happen should the proton streams happen to cross.

Got an actual link? Or is it really hard to believe a company can't decide to change their mind and increase the potential sales because of the climate they see without money being thrown at them? Unless of course you have a link for the dumping of millions to have them come to the 360?

Here's your link mboojigga:

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6209256.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop;title;5

Square Soft is willing to lose sales on Advent Children in North America "because we are going to carry on with the project alongside the Xbox [360] version, so we really can't just make it available only for the PS3."

Notice he used the word can't. They could put something on the Advent Children Blu-ray disc that would increase sales AND be unpirateable but now...Well I know I'm gonna ********** it and I'm sure a lot of other people who would have bought it just for the demo will do the same. They were willing to lose money to be good to Microsoft. Explain that.

Funny--all that quote says to me is that they aren't going to take the time to do the localization needed to release it in the US right now because they want to do them at the same time. I guess we sometimes see conspiracy when we are looking for it.

The small spike in sales associated with releasing a BD with the demo release only for the PS3 would probably be negated by the time and money associated with doing a small run localized release for the PS3.

Nevermind that the next quote in the actual interview is "“But we hear that the demo version normally means something that you can download in the West, so that is a possibility we would like to check.”

Here's your link mboojigga:

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6209256.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop;title;5

Square Soft is willing to lose sales on Advent Children in North America "because we are going to carry on with the project alongside the Xbox [360] version, so we really can't just make it available only for the PS3."

Notice he used the word can't. They could put something on the Advent Children Blu-ray disc that would increase sales AND be unpirateable but now...Well I know I'm gonna ********** it and I'm sure a lot of other people who would have bought it just for the demo will do the same. They were willing to lose money to be good to Microsoft. Explain that.

I think you need to loosen your tin-foil hat a little.

Here's your link mboojigga:

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6209256.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop;title;5

Square Soft is willing to lose sales on Advent Children in North America "because we are going to carry on with the project alongside the Xbox [360] version, so we really can't just make it available only for the PS3."

Notice he used the word can't. They could put something on the Advent Children Blu-ray disc that would increase sales AND be unpirateable but now...Well I know I'm gonna ********** it and I'm sure a lot of other people who would have bought it just for the demo will do the same. They were willing to lose money to be good to Microsoft. Explain that.


I can't access the link but what is this trying to prove? Is this in relation to a demo being available with the movie for the PS3? If so, this is a seperate issue about increasing sales for a movie. A demo doesn't gurantee sales for exlcusives or multiplatform. Even if MS pursuaded Square with money why does this matter? It is buisness at the end of the day and companies spend money to make money and decision are based on a whole list of reasons and the climate. If the PS3's install base was twice as what it was before E3 last year who is to say that the game would have went multiplatform or not? Bottom line is everyone gets to enjoy the game when it is released. The decision obviously was the potential to make more money going multiplatform vs their concern staying only to the PS3. Look at MGS4. Would it been better if that game went multiplatform? MGS4 was designed for the PS3 and Final Fantasy was designed from a engine that is designed for multiplatforms.

The PS3 is much more competitive with the 360 in Europe than in the US. So it isn't really surprising to see both sides laying down some extra cash to try to give themselves an advantage.

I can't access the link but what is this trying to prove? Is this in relation to a demo being available with the movie for the PS3? If so, this is a seperate issue about increasing sales for a movie. A demo doesn't gurantee sales for exlcusives or multiplatform. Even if MS pursuaded Square with money why does this matter? It is buisness at the end of the day and companies spend money to make money and decision are based on a whole list of reasons and the climate. If the PS3's install base was twice as what it was before E3 last year who is to say that the game would have went multiplatform or not? Bottom line is everyone gets to enjoy the game when it is released. The decision obviously was the potential to make more money going multiplatform vs their concern staying only to the PS3. Look at MGS4. Would it been better if that game went multiplatform? MGS4 was designed for the PS3 and Final Fantasy was designed from a engine that is designed for multiplatforms.

Actually the engine that Final Fantasy XIII uses was designed for the PS3 and modified for other platforms. In the end it should look better on the PS3 (Unless they nerf it per Microsoft's request, and I'd hope they wouldn't go that far.)

What am I trying to prove? That Microsoft throws money at companies to reduce competativeness in the market. I used FFXIII instead of Ghostbusters because there's hard evidence here. Since Square Soft has made a decision that will specifically lose them money on Advent Children sales (Final Fantasy bluray movie that has a FFXIII demo on it in Japan) they must be getting something to make such a decision. They removed the demo from the movie for the North American release, denying Playstation 3 users access to the demo. So at this point Microsoft's money is negatively effecting consumers.

I can see you're a conservative that believes in the market, I am too. But there's a point where Microsoft throwing money around with an attempt to corner the market negatively impacts consumers. That's a point when I start having a problem with it. They're trying to push Sony's Gaming Division out of the market. Look what Microsoft does when it gets a monopoly. Have you used Vista lately?

Johnsteph10, how do you explain Square Soft making a decision that will negatively impact their sales in an attempt to be "fair" to Microsoft? Arbetrary sarcastic remarks prove nothing other than the fact that you can't reasonably explain such a decision on Square Soft's part.

Actually the engine that Final Fantasy XIII uses was designed for the PS3 and modified for other platforms

This has been well known to be false.

The Crystal Tools engine, originally named the White Engine, is a game engine built by Square Enix to be used on all seventh generation game consoles; the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii and with Microsoft Windows PCs.[1]

Crystal Tools, as stated by Tetsuya Nomura, was created in the switch from the PlayStation 2 to the PlayStation 3 during the development of Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy Versus XIII (the first titles being developed using the engine along with an MMORPG codenamed Rapture[2]) with Nomura commenting that in the PlayStation 3 switch, "the hurdles are greater than they were in the move from the PS1 to the PS2"[3]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Engine

By the way the game when announced for the PS3 was/is actually being developed on the PC and then moved to PS3 and now 360.

That Microsoft throws money at companies to reduce competativeness in the market. I used FFXIII instead of Ghostbusters because there's hard evidence here. Since Square Soft has made a decision that will specifically lose them money on Advent Children sales

Even if the fact that they MAY lose money becuase they are not going to include a demo with the movie, do you not think they won't make up the potential sales lost your claiming for this game going multiplatform or even from the sales alone from the PS3 Japan version?

This has been well known to be false.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Engine

By the way the game when announced for the PS3 was/is actually being developed on the PC and then moved to PS3 and now 360.

The Crystal Tools engine was originally being developed as a PS3 engine for over a year before it went multiplatform. It wasn't originally conceived as a multiplatform engine and a lot of work was done on it as a single platform engine. Remember when the big hype on it was it uses 4 of the 6 synergistic processing elements of the Cell Processor? It wouldn't be prudent for Square Soft to say it works better on the PS3, I guess time will tell either way.

Even if the fact that they MAY lose money becuase they are not going to include a demo with the movie, do you not think they won't make up the potential sales lost your claiming for this game going multiplatform or even from the sales alone from the PS3 Japan version?

I think the 2 things are mutually exclusive. Your arguement was Square Soft will do whatever it can to make the absolute most profit so there's no proof Microsoft is buying them out. The highest profit without a payoff should be releasing the game multiplatform AND releasing the demo in North America to encourage higher sales of the Advent Children blu-ray. Right?

The Crystal Tools engine was originally being developed as a PS3 engine for over a year before it went multiplatform. It wasn't originally conceived as a multiplatform engine and a lot of work was done on it as a single platform engine. Remember when the big hype on it was it uses 4 of the 6 synergistic processing elements of the Cell Processor? It wouldn't be prudent for Square Soft to say it works better on the PS3, I guess time will tell either way.



I think the 2 things are mutually exclusive. Your arguement was Square Soft will do whatever it can to make the absolute most profit so there's no proof Microsoft is buying them out. The highest profit without a payoff should be releasing the game multiplatform AND releasing the demo in North America to encourage higher sales of the Advent Children blu-ray. Right?

A demo may still be possible on PSN and Live for North America and Europe since the market here is completly different than Japans. We may here somthing about it at E3 for all we know. Look at the total sales in Japan vs US sales alone. Look at how they came to a decision to keep it exclusive on the PS3 in Japan and the decision to go multiplatform here in the states.

I just don't see why your concerned with the sales of a BR movie with the demo here. Sure I would love to get the demo but I just watched Advent Children on Live last weekend.

A demo may still be possible on PSN and Live for North America and Europe since the market here is completly different than Japans. We may here somthing about it at E3 for all we know. Look at the total sales in Japan vs US sales alone. Look at how they came to a decision to keep it exclusive on the PS3 in Japan and the decision to go multiplatform here in the states.

I just don't see why your concerned with the sales of a BR movie with the demo here. Sure I would love to get the demo but I just watched Advent Children on Live last weekend.

Offering a demo for free doesn't net them any money in increased Advent Children sales. Plus, since Sony charges developers per download they'll actually be paying to give people something they could have distributed for free while increasing sales. Plus we're gonna be waiting Christ knows how many months after the release of Advent Children for them to release the damn FFXIII demo. The decision be fair to Microsoft makes no sense unless Microsoft is paying them, that's all I'm saying.

The decision be fair to Microsoft makes no sense unless Microsoft is paying them, that's all I'm saying.

And, all we're saying is that simply because you can't see any other reasons doesn't mean they don't exist. I've already stated reasons why they would wait without Microsoft paying them. I don't even own a 360 and I can think of reasons why they wouldn't necessarily do it here just because they did it in Japan.



Maybe it's time to get this thread back to Ghostbusters, too.

And, all we're saying is that simply because you can't see any other reasons doesn't mean they don't exist. I've already stated reasons why they would wait without Microsoft paying them. I don't even own a 360 and I can think of reasons why they wouldn't necessarily do it here just because they did it in Japan.



Maybe it's time to get this thread back to Ghostbusters, too.

Almost a month away, wish they'd do a demo. Not an a**hole Infamous preorder type demo, a real demo.