Square Enix: 'Our Partnership With Microsoft... Does Have A Duration'

Ever since Microsoft announced at Gamescom that Rise of the Tomb Raider is an Xbox exclusive for Holiday 2015, questions have swirled about what that means. Head of Xbox Phil Spencer later qualified the arrangement a bit, though the complexities of the deal are still unknown.

[kingtroy]

Good to know

[Gazondaily]

We knew this ages ago though.

[-Foxtrot]

Obviously not everyone did since people were so determined to submit those old articles saying Microsoft is publishing the game...making out like it was a full time exclusive.

Look at the failed section

[thekhurg]

@Foxtrot

Why did that Greenburg turd say they MS was publishing the game yesterday?

[Gazondaily]

@thekhurg

"Why did that Greenburg turd say they MS was publishing the game yesterday?"

Because MS are publishing the game. Read the article:

"Yes, Microsoft will be publishing ‘Rise of the Tomb Raider’ on Xbox," a Square Enix representative told us via email.

[thekhurg]

@Septic

Fox's point was that people were submitting old articles talking about MS publishing the game, when that Greenburg guy said yesterday that they were.

Maybe I'm missing the point of his comment, but it felt like he was saying MS wasn't publishing, or that this news was unconfirmed.

To me, it seemed pretty clear who was publishing. The fact that MS hasn't come out to say it's lifetime exclusive is puzzling, but w/e - I've got Uncharted 4 during that timeframe.

[Gazondaily]

MS are publishing the game but its a timed agreement. Long and short of it is, Tomb Raider will be available on other platforms in 2016.

"The fact that MS hasn't come out to say it's lifetime exclusive is puzzling"

It isn't a lifetime exclusive mate. Like I said, this is very old news. Phil Spencer came out the next day after the announcement to state exactly this.

[bouzebbal]

is there anything new in here? no!
Greenberg is a moron, this just confirms it even more.

[IGiveHugs2NakedWomen]

Basicly, the fanboys were hoping that ROTTR was going to be a Xbox exclusive and now we see evidence that it is nothing more than a timed exclusive that probably won't appear on Playstation platforms. All Square has done is limit themselves to Xbox platforms and everyone knows that Tomb Raider has always sold more copies on Playstation platforms. Once Square sees the disappointing sales numbers for ROTTR, they won't make deals like that with Microsoft again. Oh well. Bring on Uncharted 4.

[Gazondaily]

@Bloodborn

"I can't wait to see this game flop, even if it comes to other platforms I won't support these kind of deals. Maybe I'll pirate it just to annoy Squeenix a bit 😇
"

True gamer right there...

[Cindy-rella]

So the next tomb raider game will come to the ps4 probably sometime in 2016.

My guess is that theyd love to do the next tomb raider in 1080p 60fps but they wont be able to do that on the xbox one. Uncharted 4 will most likely be in 1080p 60fps while having the best graphics at its time of release and the devs for the next tomb raider will want to be able to make a product that rivals uncharted 4 technologically.

I dont think the xbox one will do 1080p @60fps for the next tomb raider and with a ps4 version coming later on, i think theyll make that version the best version they can on consoles. Im expecting better graphics, better resolution and fps for ps4 version due to the fact that the ps4 is more powerful and theyll have more time to polish that version

All guesses on my part which seems logical given the information and a few facts. Releasing a game thats already been released on another platform is going to be harder to sell so theyll have to entice ps4 gamers with better incentive to buy it. If the next tomb raider is in 1080p @60fps on ps4 with better graphics i feel like that will lure on more buyers. I also know 1080p @60fps will be hard to achieve so the chances are a bit low of that happening.

[Army_of_Darkness]

It sucks that this is a timed exclusive on the xbone because I've been looking forward to it ever since the very well made recent tomb raider, but I'll live considering that uncharted 4 will release around the same time and I can always buy ROTTR later on.

[Double Toasted]

It'll probably be years before it shows up on another console besides Xbox, just like Mass Effect. But then again, ive seen mentioned, the Dead Rising 3 type of deal might mean no other console will get it and you'll need to invest in a PC...

[Docknoss]

Same with Street Fighter

[thekhurg]

@Septic

I know Phil came out afterward to say it was timed, but now, that Greenburg character has stated they're publishing it.

The situation is different now. Sony has just bought Street Fighter 5 so I'm sure Microsoft wants to have Tomb Raider as a complete exclusive, and them publishing the game seems like a step in that direction.

That's the problem with them, they never clarify anything because they're always trying to confuse people.

[Ezz2013]

""Long and short of it is, Tomb Raider will be available on *other platforms* in 2016. ""

So it will come to ps4/ps3 too

[Eonjay]

So basically, we know exactly what we knew months ago and exactly what we knew months ago.

Actually this is IGN's fault. They purposely built this narative into their top story yesterday because the trolls were hungry.

Phil Spencer has been pretty honest though and I think I understand why. His job, as opposed to Arron's, is to build trust in the company as the face of Xbox. He understands that the best way to build trust is to be straightforward. Sometimes I think he works with Aaron as a foil to be the 'good cop'.

[TheRedButterfly]

@ 1.1.15

-_- That's not it at all. It'll come to PC at a later point, but it's beyond foolish to think that a Microsoft published game is coming to PSAnything. This is good for Tomb Raider, good for Xbox gamers, and good for PC gamers. The only ones in the cold are the Sony/Nintendo loyalists.

[TheBrit]

Maybe newcomers to the story didn't know this already.

[WMANUW]

@docknoss

SFV is a permanent exclusive, Confirmed repeatedly. Then bring SF on Xone not worth much.
ROTTR is a temporal exclusive, MS publish it for the period of exclusivity '. Expired time will be the exclusive Sony and SE A deciding how to publish it yet.
SE wants to bring ROTTR on ps4,earn much.

Simple ...

[LordMaim]

@Bloodborn: I have a console preference too, but that statement is just ignorant. Square Enix failing isn't good for anyone, and stealing the work of a developer only justifies their develoment of more intrusive copy protection and DRM systems. Which also doesn't help anyone.

[nX]

^Square Enix did nothing but crap after they bought Square Soft, I have lost my sympathy for this company a looong time ago, even long before Final Fantasy 13. I'm not mad at them for this deal, they have done much worse things in the past - but I certainly don't wish them any success with such shady business tactics.

[tuglu_pati]

Old

[CYCLEGAMER]

Bloodborne
Will you do the same to Capcom?? Do you want Capcom and SFV to fail as well?

On topic: What I think they mean is that the game will be timed for the xbox consoles for 6-8 months then ported over to the PC, just like Ryse and DR3, MS published those games as well. They are not mentioning the game is coming to PC, because they are trying to sell the game on their system. Their is no timed exclusivity deal with SFV, it will release on the ps4 and pc at the same time, which is why Sony is coming out and saying this but MS isn't, doing the same with ROTR.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

@MELMAN26 I am guessing the difference here was Sony's deal with Capcom called for the simultaneous release of the game on both PC and PS4, MS's deal with Square is timed exclusive to the Xbox platforms specifically and release elsewhere at a later time. Its just how the deals were made.

@Septic the one thing we didn't know before was that MS was actually the Publisher on this game. That tidbit wasn't known until Greenburg announced it, and I am certain they let that out in the face of the Streetfighter announcement.

[jb227]

Yeah now we are stuck between Microsoft, who want to get their money's worth & truly get people to believe that they will only be able to play the game on their platform, & Square who don't want to upset their fanbase from other platforms any further & want to assure that people are ready to buy their game when it does hit those other platforms. Hopefully situations like these will put Square off of making these kinds of deals in the future.

[nX]

"Will you do the same to Capcom?? Do you want Capcom and SFV to fail as well?"

Yes I do. Not as much as Squeenix because Capcom didn't disappoint me countless times like Square did, but I generally don't want to see multiplats go exclusive, it's just bad for gamers.

[Kal0psia]

I think it's as simple as anything. Microsoft want's to publish a version of Rise of The Tomb Raider on the Xbox that is slightly different from other future version of it. Probably something similar to The Division and cloud computing based? Who knows, but that is the only thing you can think of otherwise what is the point, right?

I mean it's clear there full backing of development and market exclusive only for Xbox.

[NatureOfLogic_]

Good news for PS4 owners. Hopefully we'll also get exclusive extras with the PS4 release also.

[vishmarx]

Everyone did,
MS reps and fanboys just went a little nuts after the sfv announcement

phil should really do something to keep the idiot greenberg on a leash.he's the one who started this too, among many of his other stupid twitter endeavors.

its like whatever hil does to make MS look good is instantly countered by these half wits.i almost feel bad for the guy

[lex-1020]

But we didn't. Not necessarily. Square Enix published the first Tomb Raider reboot, so it was understood that they would be publishing the second one, but once Microsoft came out and said that they were publishing it it became a new question. Why would Microsoft publish a game on a Sony platform? The answer was they aren't. As part of the Exclusivity Microsoft is publishing the game on their own platform first. Then it will be published by Square Enix on other platforms afterwards.

People got confused when Microsoft said they would be publishing the game.

[Wizard_King]

Square Enix says

"dirt cash I want you, dirty cash I need you oooohhhhh"

Money talks.

[donthate]

Just like anything, if timed means 2-3 years then the game is irrelevant by the time it lands on other platforms. I think the sticking point is also that Tomb Raider is likely to be linked with Xbox brand from now on i.e. they get more content or favoritism.

[JMyers]

The only reason MS announced that they were publishing RTR was because of the backlash from SFV. This was to steal headlines that they too have a third party exclusive.

When the outcry came and the twitter battle started over full exclusivity, Greenberg said that they are publishing it... giving the impression that the deal with Square has changed somewhat.

Yes they are publishing the game... but this has a duration. Maybe something similar to Mass Effect but not as long. Spencer did say "the deal has a duration" at the time of annoouncement. He also reiterated that it was "For Holiday 2015, exclusive to MS". this stance hasn't changed.

This PR spin is ridiculous. They don't want to say how long the period is as people may hold back and wait for it on PS4. In other words not picking up an X1 to play it. The Marketing campaign may say something like "Exclusive this holiday to Xbox Only"...

Greenberg is known for this mind games. In my opinion PS4 development is currently on hold, with all efforts now on the Xbox versions. MS will then market and heavily promote the game as an Xbox exclusive in 2015... with the relevant bundles just like TitanFall. After this the PS4 development will start and PS4 owners gets the game in 2016. Maybe a lesser version though.

This way MS has something to compete with UC4, and Square doesn't have Lara go up aganist Drake, where both franchises eat into sales of each other. I in no way support this, but I'm just putting a business spin on this deal.

I hope they are both released on the same day, now that they are on seperate consoles.

[miyamoto]

The PS4 has Japanese game makers on its shoulder so its not very hard to understand the backing its getting from prodigal publishers Capcom and Square Enix.
The Japanese developers and publishers thought that M$ money will solve their problems last gen. Instead they suffered a severe backlash from the Japanese gamers! Remember FF XIII? Japanese game industry's deals with Microsoft last generation did not go well instead it almost killed them. No wonder home console gaming there is in a sad sorry state.

Here is hoping Japan can recover quickly on its own feet, see the error of their ways and repent, eh Capcom and SquareEnix?
"your hope of playing Rise of the Tomb Raider on other systems lives on."

Its time for PaybackStation 4!

[Lev1903]

LOL. So the faillure of the of the japanese game industry is the fault of MS? A gameconsole who isnt even a top player in Japan single handly ruined the industry with their deals? That means the japanes industry was weak in the first place.

If they almost killed than is their own fault. If someone gives you a bag of money and you waste it then the problem lays with the person who wasted it not witg the guy who gave you the money.

[miyamoto]

@Lev1903
*facepalm

What is this elementary school?

Do we have to spoon feed everything to the likes of you guys about how the "westernization" of the Japanese gaming industry in terms of selling their souls in the name of M$ money, breaking their word of honor to Japanese gamers, aping shady and greedy business practices, aping western games to cater to the American market thereby losing their own Japanese originality and identity and leaving a sour taste on the Japanese gamers and not selling in the west , etc etc ..... has ruined it for everybody thanks to M$

[Lev1903]

I think you are contradicting yourself. You just gave me lots of reasons why the japanese developers solds their souls for money. If the Japanese developers screwed japenese gamers for money. Then Geuss what, thats on the Japanese developers not MS.

Dont try to put the faillure of the japanese indrusty on MS. Be a man and accept the faillures of the japanese industry.

[SoulWarrior]

@foxtrot, so true.

Now when SE reiterate its timed, suddenly this isn't news and everyone knew about it haha.

[Gazondaily]

Er what are you on about. People have been saying its timed for ages:

http://n4g.com/news/1636003...

[MasterCornholio]

Yeah it really is.

:)

[Magicite]

I loved previous Tomb Raider (might replay anytime soon again) and Im waiting for next with huge anticipation, but not in thousand years would I play it on X1. PC is the platform of choice or PS4 in worst case.

[Lev1903]

IS it because you dont have an XBOX?

[N311V]

Yes it is. This is the fact first time it's been clearly stated that Rise of the Tomb Raider will be available on PS4. Previously statements by Microsoft have been ambiguous at best. People claiming this is old news have simply had their inference confirmed, until now it was not certain.

[Illusive_Man]

What did you get out of the quote?

Absolutely nothing.

Here's why.

Phil indicated other titles like Titanfall, Ryse, and especially DR3 have a duration, which could mean anything from 1 year to 10 years.

All three titles came to PC after a while but never came and don't look like they will ever appear on PS4.

You guys are reaching.

Let me know of a AAA Microsoft Published 3rd party title that appeared on a Sony console. Don't use Mass Effect because it took 5 years to come to PS3 and the IP was bought by EA.

Why won't MS give a straight answer:

1) They don't have too.
2) Gamers of late have become increasingly easy to anger
3) They have a contract with SE
4) They don't want people waiting around for a PC version not likely to come until much later
5) They've said enough already. Some choose to continue believing despite comments by Phil pretty much putting the writing on the wall:

- I wanted our own "Uncharted"
- Its a deal similar to Dead Rising 3
- We don't invest resources into games going to competing platforms

I honestly hope MS just straight up buys the IP and the Soul Reaver series if this does well on Xbox One and Xbox. I am sure they will strongly consider it as TR 2013 made 30% of all sales on XB1 despite having 2x smaller install base (at the time).

[jb227]

I think you answered your own question in regards to exclusivity w/ Mass Effect, EA bought the ip…Square still owns the TR ip so they can take the game wherever they want when the deal runs out…I can't imagine the amount of money MS would've had to pay to keep that game exclusive for longer than 6 months to a year, but you can guarantee it'd be quite a bit more than whatever they'd have to pay Bioware for a brand new, unproven ip.

If this game was going to take so long to hit other platforms, don't you think MS would be shouting that from the rooftops? If the deal was anything longer than 6 months to a year, we would know about that. I wouldn't be surprised if Rise hits PS4 & PC in Summer 2016.

Not sure why anyone would want Microsoft to spend the kind of money it would take to buy the Tomb Raider ip over using that money to create actual new games. TR would hit the Xbox either way, if they own the ip or not, so you're actively saying you would rather have bragging rights than actual games.

[Copenhagen]

Must be nice to just cherry pick things out that fit your narrative while having your head completely your @$$. TR has for the most part been known as a PS franchise going back 15 years plus. It sells better on PS consoles and indeed DID sell more on the PS4 than it did on the X1 with the last installment. I find it sad the xbox loyalists don't see the writing on the wall and the truth is the xbox experiment can't and won't go on forever and it's never been clearer than it is now that the future of xbox is in doubt but be honest MS is in the business of making money and the xbox brand won't ever be as big as the Playstation and it has a lot to do with gaming being a pet project for MS instead of a primary source of income from Sony hence the effort and finished product games and consoles reflect that..

[ziggurcat]

@illusive:

"let me know of a AAA 3rd party title published my MS that went to PS, but don't use because that would prove me wrong."

and news flash:

MS doesn't own the TR IP, spencer has even stated that MS has no ownership over it, so... SE still owns the IP, which means that when this deal with MS is done/expired, it's most certainly going to be coming to playstation.

[ziggurcat]

* "... but don't use Mass Effect..."

edit: and another example - Bioshock.

[thewhiteelephant]

Microsoft has no rights to the IP doesn't mean Microsoft doesn't own this particular game in the TR series

[DonFreezer]

Good to know? If Capcom went out and said that their Street Fighter deal with Sony had a duration you would all cry and scream cursing words about Capcom.

[otherZinc]

LMAO! You guys can have a play on words all you want.

Bottom Line:This title isn't coming to the PS4 or PS3, period!

This is how business works. And...most of you don't know business.

So stop.

[ziggurcat]

well, i'll be sure to point out how you're wrong when it comes to PS (because it will).

and you don't know business, either, so... stop.

[ZeroX9876]

read the update #2 on the link. I think it's the answer you were searching for.

I played most of my tomb raider games on PC, so I'm happy to know the possibility of it being on my platform of choice is still there (same for PS4).

@fiveby9

read the update in the link! SE said it has a duration. I think with all the confirmations we received, I'm taking it as a timed-exclusive.

[fiveby9]

I don't think you know that for a fact. I'd be willing to bet unless the deal is restructured, under the current terms it will be published (not by MS) for PS4 and PC after a brief period of exclusivity.

[Muzikguy]

They'd be stupid IMO to even think otherwise. Guarantee that people aren't happy with this deal, and the game will probably not sell that well because of it. I want SE to start turning things around. I might as well just give up on that idea. I needs me sum JRPGs!!! (Good ones, with solid story and immersive graphics. Not 2D ones or action RPGs)

[rmw2hot87]

this is old news they been said this months ago

[DLConspiracy]

Actually I believe Phil Spencer may have said something on Twitter months ago. They are probably just being official about it so that it "comes from the horses mouth". So to speak. In other words straight from them.

[rmw2hot87]

SQ themselves confirmed the duration on the Rise Of The Tomb Raider FAQ blog in August

[DLConspiracy]

@rm

OK cool. Its been awhile. I just remember reading or hearing about it.

[BlackTar187]

There was literately an article on MOnday about the deal and everyone in the comments was like NOPE not coming to PS4 ever. Then it's confirmed and now it's everyone knew about it?

[DLConspiracy]

@blacktar

I was one of the only people who never really believed it was a permanent exclusive. They said holiday exclusive back then. Then it was confirmed timed.

[BlackTar187]

Fair enough DL

I know labeling one as all on these things is kinda stupid. I just know that on Monday most of the comments were Xbox is publishing and quotes from Phil from them saying Phil wouldn't help fund a ps game etc etc as proof of the permanent exclusive to the Xbone.

Thanks for the response.

BTW i'm not the disagree you have on your response.

[DLConspiracy]

@blacktar

Its all good man. I have a disagree fairy that follows me around these days. I don't mind. Haha

[Muzikguy]

Seeing this a lot lately. New news being reported on what's already been known. Sad hit seeking "journalists" :/

[SoulWarrior]

This brightens hope it will end up on PS4.

Phil confirmed it as timed, MS haven't been selling this as a full console exclusive and SE have been constantly dodging questions about whether it comes out on other platforms.

I'd say there is still a very high chance this will come to PS4.

[u-bEttA-rUn]

I just read the article again and Microsoft said its like the deal they have with Dead Rising... So no ps4?

[thanhgee]

Microsoft should really confirm that it will only ever be on the Xbox console. There really isn't any advantage in being ambiguous about which platform it actually goes on.

[kranker]

Although there is still time for DR3 to end up on the ps4, not that i'd want to play it. After all Mass Effect 1 ended up on ps3 years after it released on the 360. See MS 'exclusives' are for the most part never actually exclusive.

[poppinslops]

Mass Effect was developed by Bioware and published by Microsoft... If EA hadn't purchased Bioware, the series would have remained on PC and Xbox.

If Sony wants Tomb Raider they will likely have to publish it themselves, or buy Square Enix... Of course Square Enix could stop releasing flops, make some money and publish it themselves... But that seems unlikely.

So y'all better pray us Xboners buy the Hell out of it! The PC crowd are mostly pirates and Square Enix's 'money-makers' (Hitman, Kingdom Hearts, Deus Ex, Final Fantasy) are all a good way off...

[NeoGamer232]

I doubt it.

You guys don't seem to realize that for a contract to be legal and binding in the USA it must have a duration.

Them confirming that the deal has a duration is really just saying they have a legal and binding contract.

[u-bEttA-rUn]

now are they making both games simultaneously and once the deal is over the game will come out or did they not even make the game and not allowed to until their deal is over...?

[poppinslops]

There is absolutely no way that Microsoft would pay Square Enix to split their time and resources on a Playstation version...

A PC version is probably in the works, which they could port to Playstation... However, a PS3 version of said port would be difficult and a PS4 port would need to be downgraded, which takes time and money... Which Square Enix might not have.

[LordMaim]

The PS4 version was already in production well before Microsoft got involved with an exclusivity deal. They were being developed concurrently.

[DirtyMagician]

To be honest by the time it comes out on PS4 nobody will be bothered about it, that's what I hope at least. It did look good but after taking Microsofts money and ditching nearly all of their customers, I'm not interested. Too many bad moral/common sense choices going on from developers/publishers these days.

[polow got sol]

I agree i feel the same as you, just towards sony and sf5.

[DirtyMagician]

Yeah, it sucks whichever platform it happens to. Multiplats shouldn't go exclusive.

[BlackTar187]

They both suck but the truth is PS sold more SF and PS sold more TR so even though they both suck they aren't apples to apples.

Capcom is catering to the audience who bought the most copies of their games last gen where as that isn't the case with TR.

[kranker]

Its a major FU to the fans, including me. However, it begs the question as to whether SE was going to put up the money for the development of this game in the first place. If they weren't and Microsoft offered to fund it, it makes sense that its at the very least timed exclusive. Just a shame that Sony didn't offer to do the same if that is the case.

[Muzikguy]

IMO I'm glad Sony isn't helping to fund this TR game. I don't want them funding all these games when these giant companies are very capable to do so. Maybe they (SE) shouldn't have milked that FFXIII Lightning teet to death. Anyway I like Sony helping in games, but I'm glad they're choosy about which ones. TR sells more on PS than Xbox so who loses out, the consumer? SE is losing them anyway

[Sgt_Slaughter]

Inb4 Final Fantasy 7 HD Remaster on Xbox One only...

I think if that happened the internet would break.

[Imalwaysright]

If MS is publishing Tomb Raider then a PS4 version is out of the question.

[MasterCornholio]

Didn't Microsoft publish Mass Effect?

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/w...

Yep that's correct. Just because Microsoft publishes the game doesn't mean that it can't come out to other platforms.

[Volkama]

Mass Effect isn't really a good example as the circumstances were quite exceptional. MS had a contract with Bioware to publish the full Mass Effect trilogy, and then EA bought Bioware.

Better example is Ryse. It hasn't come out on the PS4, but Crytek have confirmed that they could release it on any platform they want with any publisher they want as that part of the contract with MS had a duration.

[bleedsoe9mm]

@Volkama and in 2 years time maybe more we'll be talking about when wil TR come to ps4 just like we are ryse . unless sony or ms buy the ip a game whether its TR or SFV is going to come to the other platform eventually its just a question of when .

[NeoGamer232]

Mass effect was a unique situation where the debt got bought out after they released the game. EA probably negotiated something with MS before the buyout to take it multiplatform.

[Volkama]

(to the disagrees, I am implying that Tomb Raider seemingly shares those terms and is very likely to release on the PS4)

[wodan]

Yeah just like ninja gaiden oh wait.

[Seafort]

MS didn't publish Ryse and Dead Rising 3 on PC, Crytek and Capcom did.

MS had nothing to do with the PC versions even though it's their OS. That's how much MS supports PC gaming. Not a lot!

[Volkama]

They're releasing a Flight Simulator game on Steam soon. That's probably the big new focus and drive that Phil Spencer keeps aluding to lol.

[Imalwaysright]

@ MasterCornholio

Do you know if MS still owns the publishing rights for the original Mass Effect? The only way for EA to to be able to release the game on the PS3 was to buy Mass Effect's publishing rights from MS. That or MS allowed EA to release it on the PS3 in exchange for a compensation.

@ wodan

It's Ninja Gaiden Sigma on the PS3. There is a reason for the "Sigma" in the title of the PS3 versions. Now the question is if the contract that MS made with SE covers a technicality like a simple change in the title of the game.

@ Seafort

True those 2 games are on the PC but not on the PS4. There is a reason for those 2 games not being on the PS4 despite the fact that a PS4 version of both games would only benefit Capcom and Crytek giving their current economic situation which is far from being the best.

[Chevalier]

Depends on if Square Enix was smart enough to sign a contract aloowing them to repackage it like a definitive edition.

[RiseofScorpio]

why is MS publishing it if its just a timed exclusive? TR 2013 wasnt a success to Squeenix cuz Square Enix wanted it to sell 10x that because they had to blame losses on someone, and they'd rather blame European and North American companies than blame the Japanese developers who bombed with FFXIV.

I think there was a lot of corporate politics going on behind the scenes. Square funded Crystal Dynamics' developer of TR2013, but wanted 10x the sales they actually got. Common sense would have told them that they weren't going to get WoW/CoD level sales of a franchise reboot that had several stinkers before it. Allegedly Square didn't even want to fund the follow up, so its at least a plus that Microsoft will bring the game out.

People need to understand its not viable to spend IDK 200 million to make and market TR and only break even a year later, thats not good business.

[RiseofScorpio]

No, he [Phil Spencer] and Squeenix was talking about the FRANCHISE, the IP, not this game.
Let's review one more freaking time:
https://twitter.com/XboxP3/... Microsoft is PUBLISHING THE GAME. Let me know when you see Microsoft's name on a PS4 game.
Then there is this: http://www.eurogamer.net/ar... Phil Spencer: "I have a certain relationship on this version of Tomb Raider, which we announced. " THIS VERSION
"Now, obviously if I'm going to partner on it, I'm a platform holder, I'm hardly going to invest to go make the PlayStation version of any game. "
People just are not getting this. THIS PARTICULAR TOMB RAIDER GAME is not coming to the PS4. The next one could. But NOT this one.

[Sayburr]

Ummmm, the statement says this particular tomb raider game does have a duration:

"“Our partnership with Microsoft on ‘Rise of the Tomb Raider’ does have a duration, but we aren’t discussing those details at this time and are focused on collaborating to deliver a great game on Xbox One and Xbox 360,” a Square Enix representative told us via email"

[_-EDMIX-_]

lol, the denial is real with this one...

[Give_me_head_strong]

Waluigi- Sshhhh... let the Sony fanboys live in their fantasy world. A world in which pigs fly, and Microsoft published games come to Sony consoles. Lol

[MrBeatdown]

"No, he [Phil Spencer] and Squeenix was talking about the FRANCHISE, the IP, not this game."

Not true. Square Enix clearly referred to the game, not the IP when saying the deal had a duration... "Our partnership with Microsoft on ‘Rise of the Tomb Raider’ does have a duration". That has nothing to do with the IP.

"Microsoft is PUBLISHING THE GAME. Let me know when you see Microsoft's name on a PS4 game."

Okay... Minecraft.

It's foolish to think that just because Microsoft publishes it, it will never end up on PlayStation. Square Enix is still involved. SE's money is in it too.

This isn't a case of Microsoft publishing an independent developers' game. Microsoft has published two games made by other publishers. One was Ninja Gaiden II, and the other was Dead Rising 3. One of those ended up on PlayStation.

[Predaking77]

"which we believe will be a step in continuing to build the ‘Tomb Raider’ franchise as one of the biggest in gaming."

Square Enix, if you really wanted to make TR one of the biggest in gaming you should had make the game available on PS4 which righ now has the biggest fanbase and is the more popular console.

Releasing exclusively on x1 will not help you achieve that. In fact, it will make the game flop and stay behind.

[Volkama]

It is likely that this deal will increase the profile of the IP even if it does (temporarily) limit the audience. Microsoft will shine a bright spotlight on the game, and throw a lot of marketing dollars at it.

[bleedsoe9mm]

every deal (unless the platform holder buys the IP) has a duration . the question is the deal 5 years or 2 months , with ms involved as the publisher i think it will be closer to 5 years .

[Volkama]

With Microsoft I'd guess more like 8 months. That's where they will see the value. They're playing business games, not childish games.

[gamertk421]

Will be on PC eventually, and maybe ps4 by 2017, but I doubt that one

[OC_MurphysLaw]

So basically MS has this version of the game I essential Lockdown. A pc version surely will come but doubtful a PS4 version will now. That said, future iterations probably could come and will come to PS4.

[HeMan76]

If I am sure about a thing,that is ROTTR will never come to PS consoles.If it has a duration,after some time like Ryse and DR3 visit the PC thats it but never PlayStaion.

[CerealKiller]

I'm not buying this for PS4. I will just rent it for 360 at redbox for $2.

[yewles1]

They only talk about having a 'duration', that does not guarantee RotTR coming to PlayStation platforms as opposed to just PC after the clock stops, especially in the face of the SFV scenario.

I'd be on watch for this, guys...

[airsick7]

Why would they not bring it to a 15 million plus install base? If their deal has a duration, it's coming to ps4 guaranteed.

[PharaohX]

Because not all 15 million PS
owners will buy it.

[_-EDMIX-_]

Agreed. I'm sorry but one has to be in real denial to not see the game will be ported.

Square owns the IP and MS admitted its not a full exclusive as many of their 3rd party deals are not for 100% full exclusivity as....I mean we are talking about a 3rd party publisher who owns the IP. Of course its coming to PS4 and likely PS3 and of course PC, hell FFX is coming to PS4 for gods sake.

We are talking about the publisher KNOWN to port things lol!

You know something is wrong with BOTH parties are openly telling you its not owned by MS, that the deal has a time limit it timed exclusive etc yet others are saying otherwise against the damn parties involved. LMFAO!

MS tells them it has a duration....(fanboys say no)

Square states they still own the IP...(fanboys still say not coming else where)

Something is sad when they are legit telling you everything you need to know regarding the deal other then out right saying YES..WE WILL PORT IT LATER! lol.

....sad.

[ScorpiusX]

Based on the definition of the word Duration that could mean anything from continuance, date, life span, lifetime , run. Either way am cool with it

[whoyouwit04]

How does a story that sony fans think gives them hope for this game that states the same facts that has been known since the game was announced get approved. But the update that clarifies that what no one know for sure which is Microsoft was publishing the game get blocked multiple times.

And Sony fans stop hoping for a game you will never get this game will come to pc after the duration is up and that's it just like Rise and DR3. This is the exact Same deal, get over it.

[Spid3r6]

Partnership deal is only for this title and that is it...Meaning Rise of TOMB Raider will be a microsoft exclusive since they do not own the IP.

[windblowsagain]

It's timed and the clock is ticking.

I Enjoy Tomb raider.

But I also love UNCHARTED.

So it's all good.

[Tzuno]

Meanwhile at Microsoft headquarters http://www.matmartinez.net/...

[Relientk77]

Um what lol

[Antifan]

Get ready for the flop this game will receive.

[Dirtnapstor]

I still think when MS uses the term "publish", they are using it very loosely. Deceptively really. Upfront $$$ equals timed deal.

[Father__Merrin]

Rise of Tomb Raider & Uncharted 4 will be available on PS4

only Rise of Tomb Raider will be available on Xbox1

its clear who is getting the better deal, i would prefer to play both games not just the one, 2 > 1

[Relientk77]

Nice for Square Enix to confirm this, when MS is being very vague about it, just saying its their exclusive

[_-EDMIX-_]

Not really. It is nice of them to re-confirm, but MS did state that the title was timed ie had a duration.

[SliceOfTruth888]

who cares

[Provolone24]

Why is this still a topic? Microsoft clearly stated that it is "exclusive to holiday 2015"...

Granted, how long "holiday 2015" will be is still a mystery. I interpret that as basically Black Friday to Christmas of next year, but why Microsoft would pay for a mere one month of exclusivity is beyond me.

[arbitor365]

I am still struggling to understand why they had an agreement with microsoft to begin with.

> Their games have never sold well on microsoft platforms
> the xbox one has a much smaller instal base
> tomb raider sold around .3 m on xbox one, out of the 6 million that it sold in total (yeah. lets make the next game exclusive to the worst selling platform)
> Its not like square doesn't have the money in the bank and didnt make a huge profit on the other game (once again, it sold OVER 6 MILLION copies)
> Do they really not think that if they continue to treat their fans like garbage and give them the middle finger, it wont come back to bite them?

It is just the most abysmally moronic decision I have ever seen. Square is a disgrace. and the recent FF7 fiasco shows how they are not living on the same planet as the rest of us.

[_-EDMIX-_]

money. They still own the IP, they will port later re-coupling millions.

They'll be fine.

[xxxGEOxxx]

The good thing I can possibly see coming from this delay, is whatever add-ons or other DLC that could release between then and the eventual release for PS4 would be included in a "complete" edition.

[DarXyde]

If Rise of the Tomb Raider were a true exclusive, I sincerely doubt there would be such an openness to interpretation. Microsoft would have just come out and said "it's never happening". Neither they, nor Square, nor Crystal Dynamics have done so.

[ironmonkey]

so tombraider is timed exclusive and street fighter is forever exclusive to ps4/pc cross play. win for ps4 owners will get tombraider sometime with complete definitive edition.

[DarXyde]

Street Fighter V, most likely.

Super Street Fighter V or whatever it will inevitably be called? Highly unlikely.

[thewhiteelephant]

Fighting games are so meh anyway. Enjoy street fighter. I don't think this particular TR game will come to ps4 Square own the IP sure, but that is simply the name and anything associated. Does not mean Microsoft doesn't own this particular game in the TR series.

[Provolone24]

lol what are you talking about? This article is about Square clearly stating that this deal has a duration. You "don't think this Tomb Raider game will come to PS4"? What fantasy world are you living in?

[DillyDilly]

Maybe Microsoft made a better exclusive deal for this after the Street Fighter announcement ?

[S2Killinit]

So basically tomb raider is coming out for PS4, in like a month or two after the holidays. It just seemed like Greenburg was trying to make it sound like TR was going to be lifetime exclusive

[mkis007]

It will probably be more like 6 months to a year. Think GTA 4 DLC . MS paid 50 million to make it exclusive for 1 year.

[thewhiteelephant]

And it worked. Everyone played it and beat it and the playstation only owners got the dregs after 12 months when everyone was already over it

[S2Killinit]

I see. well, I think I can wait for Tomb Raider. I actually don't think I would have paid much attention to it had there not been news about it going timed exclusive.

[Give_me_head_strong]

Get over it Sony fanboys, Microsoft is publishing the game and it's never coming to PS4. Although a PC port is highly likely at some point. So if you want to play the game then swallow your pride and buy an Xbox One and experience the best action/adventure platformer next Fall.

[mkis007]

They are publishing it on xbox. If it was never coming to ps4 they would come out and say it just like adam Boyes did about sf5.

[Iamnemesis4880]

Till MS plonks another 30 bars on the table then it starts all over again.

[souga_houjou_jin]

so much for been exclusive hahahahahahahahahaha
so it is coming to ps4 sooner or later unlike ps4 exclusive SF5

anw dont care about tom raider
sony have the better game like it or not...uncharted nuff said

[BABY-JEDI]

MS paying $????? For exclusive time slot + MS paying $????? For advertising/promotion/publicit y.
= MS losing a sh*t ton of money
All to counter the launch period of Uncharted. Can anyone taste the fear here from the Xbox brand?