Gang Beasts dev: Parity clause means we can't commit to Xbox One release

“Making something exclusive for the sake of it just feels like an unnecessary step”.

[Bigpappy]

I thought that was resolved in 2015

[gangsta_red]

The developer from what I quickly read hasn't actually been told by MS that they cant release their title later for Xbox.

They just believe they cant at the moment.

[freshslicepizza]

"We're talking to [Xbox], and if it's low-friction, we'd definitely love to get it out this year," said Brown. "But if we're forced to do the open Windows version [as well] just to be able to release, then that's more work. And there are restrictions on that platform that are currently concerning, in terms of development."

They need to get more clarification from Microsoft. It's BS if there is still some sort of a parity clause but maybe this developer doesn't know what has changed since 2015.

[Kingthrash360]

So many issues with MS.
Even if these guys are not fully sure they have a problem or not...they still are unclear. MS is just a pain.

[gangsta_red]

@thrash

"Even if these guys are not fully sure they have a problem or not...they still are unclear. MS is just a pain."

So if they don't understand something, have no idea and haven't talk to anyone about it, it's MS's fault?

C'mon Thrash, I know you hate MS but you can't be serious on this one?

[Seafort]

@moldybread

Gang Beasts has been on PC/Steam in Early Access since Aug 2014.

These developers seem to be talking about Microsoft forcing them to release a separate PC version on Windows Store as well as Xbox which they don't want to do as it's more work for them considering it's already been out on PC for the past 3 years. They don't seem to like the Windows Store platform anyway like a lot of devs and PC gamers.

[TheUndertaker85]

"The parity stipulates that indies are only able to release games on Xbox One if it's simultaneous with versions for other platforms, is exclusive (even temporarily) for Xbox One, or comes with exclusive content to ensure the Xbox One SKU stands out from others released before it."

"Back in 2014, Phil Spencer explained that the parity clause was to ensure Xbox consumers don't feel like second-class citizens by being offered older games with little to no improvement over past releases. A year later, Chris Charla told GamesIndustry.biz that Xbox can be flexible if developers reach out, but still said the platform holder wants studios to "do something with the game so that it feels fresh for Xbox players"."

It was. These "devs" are talking out of their asses.

[TheUndertaker85]

This further institutes the fact. The 2015 reference from this same story. Context is always key. These devs aren't attempting to work with MS. They're citing old shit then acting like it's a current day problem. It's also easy to see why this was posted as see who flocks in first.

https://gamerant.com/micros...

This is directly what this developer stated. If you read it you can find the issue with his statement.

""We're talking to [Xbox], and if it's low-friction, we'd definitely love to get it out this year," said Brown. "But if we're forced to do the open Windows version [as well] just to be able to release, then that's more work. And there are restrictions on that platform that are currently concerning, in terms of development.

"It might be that we can give exclusive content, but we don't like the idea of exclusive content unless it's locked to that platform - so if we were to add Sackboy, Nathan Drake or something [into the PS4 version]. Making something exclusive for the sake of it just feels an unnecessary step, even though it would be for a limited time.""

They aren't "forced to do an open WINDOWS version". He even states they like platform specific, exclusive content. 🙄

[XiNatsuDragnel]

I thought this BS was resolved sigh they never learn sometimes.

[G20WLY]

And sometimes they always don't...

[XiNatsuDragnel]

My point is that parity clause BS needs to go its anti consumer and it's not good for gamers

[G20WLY]

^totally agree mate

[Prem8tuaProcrastin8a]

The parity clause doesn't exist anymore. This is a bullshit excuse. All ms ask is if you are releasing your game on Xbox later, that you include something a little extra. They don't insist on anything in particular, just make it worth the wait, as Chris charla said a couple of years ago:
"But if somebody takes money for exclusivity for another platform or ships the game on another platform or does not ship on the Xbox, you know long time later or several months later they decide to ship on Xbox, all we ask is that they add something to the game to make it fresh for Xbox players. So Xbox players will get something fresh when they download the game. Our goal is to make sure that if the developer wants to ship the game on Xbox, they can ship the game on the Xbox One. That is the ultimate bottom line."

[rdgneoz3]

"All ms ask is if you are releasing your game on Xbox later, that you include something a little extra."

So technically there still is a clause, albeit a small one.

[TheUndertaker85]

They all ask for that.

http://gamingbolt.com/sony-...

Even Minecraft offers Nintendo exclusive DLC at launch for going to the platform later. All of the platforms really. You think other platforms don't ask for some sort of upgrade if they release later?

[andrewsquall]

But why do they expect something extra? Microsoft won't even do a post on the game when it comes to Xbone eventually anyway. Its always the same deal when a game gets farted out on Xbone a year or 2 later. It just shows up on Xbone one day with no heads up or nothing. I remember that happening later with Outlast and Stick it to the Man.

[Aenea]

Still that nonsense?

[HotMoltenLava]

Are we really up in arms about this trash game? I got this on Steam early access a long time ago for my 8 yr old and believe me you are not missing much. She even quickly got bored of it. All other platforms enjoy.

[G20WLY]

Well others seem to have been loving the beta..? On YouTube the let's players are laughing their bits off while clobbering 3 friends and I hear the online MP is in beta now to compliment the couch co-op.

Perfectly reasonable for you not to enjoy it, but to bash it like nobody else is, frankly, reeks if sour grapes.

I'll definitely be giving it a go!

[HotMoltenLava]

Why would it be sour grapes if I already own the game? I am just telling you my story. Whether or not you listen is up to you. Carry on.

[G20WLY]

Lol, it's up to me? Really? Thanks! XD

My reasoning is pretty clear given the subject matter of the article we're commenting within talks about whether or not it'll make it to Xbox.

This alone pisses some people off whether they want to buy it on that platform or not.

The fact remains; you're bashing it, where others seem to be enjoying it. Hence my questioning why you feel so strongly against it, as opposed to just saying along the lines of, "tried it. Wasn't for me", like a normal person might.

[G20WLY]

^haha, I...I'm grateful for the tip and respectfully disagree, John.

Irrespective of wording, you understood my point. I think your point is you disagree with mine, which is okay. 👍

[ocelot07]

Wish they would hurry up with the PS4 version.

[ruefrak]

It's almost as if they're saying, "We heard about this thing called a 'parity clause' and we can't commit to that." But they're interested in Switch, which they have zero knowledge about. And it's been revealed that while Nintendo may not have a strict parity clause, if you don't release day-and-date with other platforms, Nintendo will do absolutely nothing to help promote your game.

[Rangerman1208]

"It might be that we can give exclusive content, but we don't like the idea of exclusive content unless it's locked to that platform - so if we were to add Sackboy, Nathan Drake or something [into the PS4 version]. Making something exclusive for the sake of it just feels an unnecessary step, even though it would be for a limited time."
This. I'm tired of different consoles getting their own exclusive content whilethe others gets left out, like how I Am Setsuna's PvP mode is only on the Switch. Same thing happened with Furi when they announced that The Heat was xbox exclusive. Sure, it is coming to the PS4 and PC but announcing it as an Xbox exclusive boss fight with no mention of timed exclusivity was a dumb move.

[XXanderXX]

Till maybe your next game , good luck none the less.

[SaveFerris]

These kinds of parity clauses are dumb. Forcing the developers to make extra or exclusive content before Xbox/Sony/Nintendo allows the game onto the platform, just because the developers chose to release their game on another platform first is silly.