I can’t report on specifics now, but I’ve learned that a high-profile PlayStation 3 game has run into trouble in development. The game was once scheduled to be a major release for the PS3, but has been transformed into a mere 4 level download title to be sold over the PlayStation Network; similar to what happened with Gran Turismo HD except that you’ll have to pay.
Word is that SCEA is unhappy with the amount of money being spent on development of the title and the developer itself is pretty unhappy with SCEA. In the near future I’ll be able to reveal the title of the game, but for now just know that some title for the PS3 is about to become much less than it was originally intended to become.
In my opinion, this is a sign that the rocky start the PS3 has seen so far is going to be extended. If 1st, 2nd, and 3rd party developers are struggling to get titles out the door at a satisfactory level of quality, you really have to question how difficult developing for the PS3 can be. It’s too early to pass any verdict on the PlayStation 3, but I see shades of N64 all over the console at this point.
We’ll see if developers are willing to do what it takes to get their software up and running well on the PS3 or if they’ll be more likely to jump ship to the 360 and embrace the developer-friendly offering from Microsoft. Who knows, there may be a huge shift in the console landscape over the next few years if Sony can’t get things turned around soon.
