You got that right, because I have no idea what you're talking about with simultaneous release dates, the standard localization process, etc! Again, my claim is that its arbitrary to delay the release of the localization process for the sake of the porting phase. Maybe if we talk about the specifics of porting here, we can have a more constructive conversation:Originally Posted by Wolf Kanno
1. 1UP's RPG Blog : XIII Things About Final Fantasy XIII, Part V
It seems that you, like many others, are under the impression that "multiplatform engine" means that they can just flick a switch and all the code will instantly compile into a workable alternate version. This is obviously not the case! Even if the Crystal tools can make a painless transition from running on the PS3 architecture to 360 (which would be an enormous achievement considering how different the PS3 is from everything else), there's still other factors.
Hard Drive installs are a good example. This is one of the main complaints many big developers have about the 360 - they will not allow a game to have a hard drive requirement (FFXI being the only exception I'm aware of, because it simply needs it to play). To make a game based on hard drive installs do the same things off a disc, even if its easy for a specific title, takes time - id Software had to redesign their entire concept for Rage because Microsoft simply would not budge on the issue! Outside of the game itself, load times will also have to be addressed. Whether difficult or not, its extra issues that need to be resolved before you can start printing discs. Which is things that need to be resolved before you can even start the main localization process? (wtf)
Not to mention there are plethora of minor things like getting the package together, that will also hold up the process.
2. With the PS3 being region-free, the localization process is less painful than ever. Other than a manual and boxart, Sony could ship Demon's Souls right now if they wanted to in the US, b/c the Asian version has a full English text & voice translation (which I'm enjoying right now, thank you very much(not trying to be a snob)). Again, I'm not now, nor have I ever said anything about a simultaneous release, but this process has less issues than ever now.
I know some of you say "this is a business" and Square wants to maximize sales at launch in NA - but we could go down the long list of games that sacrificed some of the business aspect for the sake of creating something amazing. And we're all immensely better off for it. I think anyone who disagrees with that needs to put the controller down and take business classes because their hearts are in the wrong place.
Reply With Quote