Originally posted by ElwayLite
...only thing i disagree with is the fact they would lose money... I understadn they make plenty now, but offering games on other consoles opens up a whole new world of profit, and when it comes down to it, thats what its about... $$$
I\'m not completely sure that square would make profit from making games multi-platform. To make a game multi-platform would be like completely making a new game, wouldn\'t it be? As a computer programmer, I understand that programming using Java and then making the same program using C++ is a tedious and strenuous activity. You have to go through the entire coding and check for bugs everywhere. Basically you have to completely write the whole program over from scratch in order to keep all the bugs out from the different programming language.
But in the world of programming languages, Java and C++ are very similar, so it may go smooth, but my question here is: How close are the programming architecture between Xbox and Ps2? My thoughts would be that the two are completely different to program for, and thus would require twice the time and cost to produce. And especially so if they are to make two versions on different consoles compatible with each other, as in the case between DC and PS2 capcom games.
So considering that if its going to be the same game on two different consoles, and most likely costs will double to produce, then Square wouldn\'t do it, because most people out there have either a Ps2 and an Xbox, or a ps2 alone. Not too many people out there have only an Xbox, and that limited few are not going to give Square enough revenue to cover the cost of production. However, Square could be like Tecmo and decide to make little upgrades and added specials to their games, and by doing things that way, people will be interested in the little differences, and would buy both games on both consoles (IE: my former roomate bought all versions of DOA just for the heck of it.. Ultimately it turns out the be the same game with little differences, but he was satisfied)