Rockstar Games shows you don’t have to be scum to be a big publisher

Why Rockstar Games deserves huge respect from the gaming community.

[Majin-vegeta]

I love R* cuz they know how to do their DLC and it's priced fairly.

[Derekvinyard13]

great read. but i don't know what the author meant when he said "Bottom line is Rockstar Games may not be perfect Max Payne movie anyone?" does he know that they had no participation in that?

[lastdual]

Yeah, while I appreciate the author's point, he makes a couple factual errors, not the least of which being that Rockstar is primarily a *developer*, not a publisher. Their games are published by Take-Two.

[Gaming101]

lol Yeah Rockstar doesn't actually publish anything, the publisher's do all the financing, and it's always the publisher's idea whether to do DLC, price the DLC, decide on DLC release dates, they're the ones who handle the money. The developer's job is to code and design games, not to do money management and strategy with marketing etc.

[Deeloc]

R* is a gamer.they always put a poster in all their games that comes out.they are the company that made me stop playing mario games.i love ROCKSTAR GAMES

[Shaman]

Great article. R* games put AAA games like on track and they don't milk franchises or gamers either. Also, they have best DLC this gen. I mean, Episodes from LC and RDR Undead Nightmare could easily pass as full fledged games rather than DLC.

[wallis]

Yeah in fairness they are really good devs. I think other companies like bethesda and valve are good examples too.

[TooTall19]

I think those two are well respected, but not on the same level as Rockstar. I haven't been upset with Rockstar, and they seem more willing to take on risk.

[Tony P]

R* still has a pretty good rep among gamers. As former giants of goodwill like (for example) BioWare and Blizzard continue to face decline, I feel like R* still has a good bit of it left for not pulling half the dick moves the former two have.

[F7U12]

uhh.. so the problems with Rockstar and Team Bondie have already been forgotten?

or how about
"extensively long hours (14-16 hour days for six days a week, another source says), suffering of family, benefit cuts, disrespect from upper management and stress to point of causing depression among many employees -- one, suicidal thoughts.She insists these are beyond the usual "crunch time" conditions which are understandable, illustrating it's more like crunch time all the time, with no real light or normal periods. The letter concludes with a note that legal action will be taken if necessary."

http://www.neoseeker.com/ne...

yeah f**k Rockstar.

[Topshelfcheese]

I have a friend who worked for R* in the NYC office and he doesn't have the same respect for them after working there, that he did while we were in school. They treat there employees poorly is all I heard from him.

[SilentNegotiator]

How neglectful could they be to let Team Bondi work that way for all those years and not take any action?

[scotchmouth]

You are an idiot. Team Bondi =/= R

[F7U12]

oh no did I spell something wrong...oh sweet jesus no! give a f**k but thanks for the spellcheck poindexter. lulz

[PshycoNinja]

How about when they laid off most of the red dead team when they finished the game. And all those allegations that teams are overworked way too much an way too often.

But other than that R* is perfect /s

[StraightPath]

Rockstar is just an amazing developer. I dont think any first part developers from sony or microsoft can match this multiplatform developer.

[honkyjesus]

What about R#?

[SheenuTheLegend]

capcom chairman or peon disagreed with you

[Rainstorm81]

Rockstar strives for quality which is always respected in my eyes, some people have gripes with their games but there is no question about the amount of effort that goes into them.

Cant wait for GTA5 and Max Payne 3

[Summons75]

So I guess GTA dose not exist because that game is one of the scummiest.

[SageHonor]

lol you got 39 disagrees.

[Summons75]

lol yeah this site makes me laugh at the level of fanboyism

[Mythicninja]

Rockstar makes decent games, and they do deserve respect, I have to bitch though, where is red dead redemption for PC guys? I want to travel through the west and blast zombies on horseback! Am I going to have to wait until someone designs a decent xbox 360 emulator? (probably never will happen)

[Highlife]

No if you really want to play the game go and buy it.

[_Aarix_]

Buy a damn console if you want it so bad. A regular xbox emulatr barely works.

[Mythicninja]

What a moronic statement. I should spend $200 on that piece of equipment just to play 1 game? No thanks. Back to the cave, troll

[Rainstorm81]

Moronic statement? i dont think so, if you wantr a game you will need the hardware to play it....Its YOUR choice to only play one game on it, as both consoles have many many games worth playing that are not available on PC

[debian_zac]

@Raiinstorm81

Its less about hardware and more about OS. my media center has better hardware than my xbox360 does. I'm sorry but Red dead should be released on pc, I don't see why it shouldn't be since PC's have better hardware than any console released to date. Also it costs what 100 for a hdd upgrade on a xbox360 when they are the low end Hitachi drives.

[Rainstorm81]

There are PC games I want like SWTOR or Starcraft 2 but if i really want to play them then ill just buy a gaming PC.

Its your choice not to buy a console, but no one is obligated to bring any game to your platform of choice.

[Highlife]

Then it's your loss cry baby. If there were games on the PC that I really wanted to play I would buy myself a video card and the game and play it. There are games on the 360 that I would like to get but for me I can't afford 2 systems so that is my loss. I am not going to sit here and bitch and think I am entitled to that game on my system.

[Mythicninja]

I can always tell a jackass when I hear the word entitled these days. I didn't say I was entitled, I am stating how I wish for a port. If I do not at least voice my opinion how am I to hope for change? So I'll campaign for my cause, and unless you are specifically opposed to the PC platform ever getting the game (i.e. PC hating fanboy) , GTFO --->

[scotchmouth]

Well put highlife.

There are games on the PC that I think would be fun to play with Mods and all that but it's really not currently in my budget.

Console wise I wanted both so I saved money and got both.

If you want something save for it. Whining really accomplishes nothing

[cyguration]

I'm with you.

Buying a console for a single game isn't really worth it. I like the PS3's setup better but it lacks Halo/Gears/Forza and I'd be an idiot to have to buy a bunch of systems for a few games.

The other problem is, as mentioned below, all the freaking HDD upgrades for the 360. Basically if you play casually it's no prob but it's a pain for core collectors.

This gen of gaming had some decent titles, but the DRM for the 360 (Xbox Live) and all the firmware updates for the PS3 (removing PS2 backward compatibility) just makes me glad I kept my previous gen consoles.

Still doesn't solve the Red Dead issue, though.

[mandeep1803]

First time I ever played GTA: Vice City, I was blown away. Most people have some amazing childhood memories with games like Zelda or Mario, but as I started gaming at age 14, first game I ever fell in love with was GTA: VC. Rockstar is, in my books, makers of digital worlds, not games.

[DARK WITNESS]

Well said man, well said..

[scotchmouth]

I've been gaming since the early 80's. Somewhere in there I grew bored of what was out there. Until one day I went into a computer store and they had the demo for the first GTA. That blew me away. The choices that came with being able to jack any car in this open city.

I'll always remember accidently backing over a cop with an ambulance and wondering if I could drive the cop car and control the sirens. I remember laughing as I sped away in the cop car.

Some years later I remember telling a friend "Man that would be cool if they made GTA like driver so you could explore the city in 3d (as opposed to top down). When 3 was released I was again blown away.

Through the years I've played a lot of great games but I always keep my eye on this series because for me there is the most possibility.

[DARK WITNESS]

they have been my No 1 dev this gen in terms of the quality of the games and content they have released this gen.

for the most part I feel they have done DLC the right way. I know not everyone liked gta4, but personally I still rate it as one of the most impressive games for the size of the city and graphics, plus what they did with the physics engine and AI. The city felt so alive with stuff going on. No other open world game has given me that same vibe.

I would love to personally shake the hand of everyone working for them, but for now I would just say I really appreciate the games they have released and the work they have put into them.

Can't wait for GTA5.

[AcceptedWalnut]

I haven't since felt the awe of seeing GTA3 for the first time, that game was special.

[vega275]

Guess they are talking about EA,capcom,activision. Those three come to mind when you talk about scum bag publishers and I'm know EA Is the biggest ones in my book

[Blader23]

add Blizzard to that and list is completed.

[OMEGAZONE]

GTAIV and RDR are 2 of the greatest games we have seen this generation, both delivered innovation and quality up and above any other game this generation so far.

[Eamon]

I would say Red Dead Redemption was probably their best game yet.

Can't wait for Max Payne 3 and GTA V.

[Kran]

Now although they're games are good... have people already forgotten the L.A. Noire controversy?

[Zechs34]

R* wasn't really the problem there. It was Team Bondi. If anything, it's thanks to R* we even got to play LA Noire.

[Starfox811]

Team Bondi weren't the ones to blame, their company structure may not have been grand, but it was R* who were whipping the team to get things done and placing crushing dev schedules onto them.
I'd say R* are great at pleasing fans and giving them what they want, but they aren't as great at dealing with the dev side of things - that is unless you're a proven development studio. R* North get a load of leeway because when they were DMC Interactive they brought them GTA, which has gone on to make R* who they are, however they only bothered to make R* North a in-house team after GTA3 did so well. They didn't seem to mind Team Bondi folding as they had the tech they needed and could pass it on to a new team they think would be able to handle the task.

Like many companies they're good on the outside but slightly questionable behind closed doors.

[wicko]

I guess this article isn't about the developers that work for the company - because they are pretty scummy in that respect.

[OcelotRigz]

My favorite developers by far, they know what their fans want and they give it to them with more effort and care than most other developers put together. Never rush things, never overprice, never bullshit their fans and always stick to their guns, they make their games the way they want to and don't get affected by whats currently popular and selling well. (DICE take note)

The only other developers that come close is Valve, i like valve.

[Rupee]

I love R*!!! Just about every game they release is solid. Even L.A.Noire, as bad as it was, is still entertaining. My absolute favorite game is Red Dead Redemption. That game bleeds quality.

[NobleRed]

I don't like Rockstar because they never put effort in their ps3 versions of their games.

RDR for example was a lousy port.

[omi25p]

Butt Hurt?

[FinaLXiii]

lols to you sir

[DeadIIIRed]

R* has been one of the only developers that I've respected constantly over the past decade or so. As long as they can deliver GTA V with the seriousness of GTA IV turned down a little and really hone in the multiplayer, I'll be more than satisfied.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Rockstar makes good games...we all know that, and certainly they did well with the GTA IV and Red Dead DLC...but we can't forget what their last and most recent offerings were... LA Noire. LA Noire definitely is not a great game for DLC offerings and value.

[Swiggins]

Except that Rockstar was only the Publisher for L.A. Noire, Team Bondi were the developers.

Let's not forget that Team Bondi's management also shipped it's own team down the river for quick profits.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Publishers set pricing of DLC, pre-order bundles, and collector editions not the developer. The Publisher is the one who says, we should price this out for $10 or lets include that as a pre-order bonus, etc...

I do however agree that the leadership of Team Bondi was horrific.

[tiffac008]

But at least they always come out with a complete edition with all the DLCs included. I got LA Noire and Red Dead Redemption that way ^^

[Yukicore]

I ♥ Rockstar. They are fair and excellent developers, love their designs, taste and outcome is just excellent, their technology, they always set a new level in realism in games, i just love 'em.

[YodaCracker]

Grand Theft Auto IV is my favorite game of this gen, closely followed by Red Dead Redemption. There is just something special about Rockstar's games that I don't feel from any other developer. The care and attention put into their games is unrivaled. When I first play a Rockstar game, it always feels unique and special. Many games I play these days feel similar and uninspired. But Rockstar games have this magic about them that I can't put my finger on. Sure they have incredibly high production values and polish, insane attention to detail, and the best physics engines in the industry, but there's something more than that. The games just feel complete. I never feel like Rockstar just wants my money. I can't really say that about any other developer.

[raytraceme]

Um rock* is NOT a publisher thay are owned by take two. Take Two is the publisher.

[SuperBeast811]

True LOL sooo many people dont get that

[MasterD919]

I have always appreciated that Rockstar is able to maintain quality with all of their releases. Red Dead Redemption and the GTA series are just amazing. Truly revolutionized open-world gaming as we know it.

[SuperBeast811]

Really?I heard it was hell working for them coming from the R* San Diago and Team Bondai guys but either way R* is not its own company anyways hasnt been for along time they are owned buy take two interactive their whole "independent" thing is just for show anyways...

[scotchmouth]

What exactly have you heard? There was one real complaint from a San Diego employee which doesn't accurately portray anything. It was 1 guy.

Again the Team Bondi thing wasn't R's doing. That was the head of Bondi that was poor in how he ran his employees. From what I understand he was running his employees into the ground as time drew on.

[Awesome_Gamer]

My favourite Developer/publisher by FAR... I love you Rockstar <3

[UdeS]

I really enjoy R* as a company for passion they put in their game. Everyone that played vice city knows this, the Miami feels there is in the game so nicely done and the game itself is still being played nowadays because of how nicely done it was put up.

When they announced RDR I wasn't sure if I was gonna get it, but I still bought it. In my book it was on par if not better than Vice City, have you seen how they made the music or the sounds/noises you hear throughout the game ? If you haven't already go on youtube watch it, they spent so much time on this game that it became insanely immersive ; the landscape is stunning, the horses look great, the story is amazing as well and like I said before the audio was one of the best in a video game. The game felt more than just a "Western style GTA", it had its own unique feel to it.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I agree with this article, because R* doesn't like to stay comfortable milking a single cow and instead likes to try new things and innovate.

[honkyjesus]

But they are scummish and their fanboys literally call them R*.

[ZippyZapper]

Rockstar should never be compared to Activision or EA.

[SnakeCQC]

the only thing i dislike about r* is how pc ports are handled they run great on my consoles but would love to play them on my incoming 4k tv/ monitor

[BongSmack]

Isn't Rock Star the developer and Take2 The publisher?

[yeahokchief]

i dont really have anything to add to the conversation that has already been said. just came here to join in on the R* love. they are the best in the business.

edit: Actually, i do. The problem with ea, activision, capcom is that they put making money at a higher priority than creating quality and innovative experiences, keeping the fans happy and building respect behind the brand with each and every game.

I found it disgusting that you had an executive at Capcom saying that they wouldn't make another survival horror game because the market was too small for it. HELLO. YOUR COMPANY FUCKING CREATED THE GENRE when it never existed in the first place. The only thing that is too small is the executive's narrow little mind. RE is one of the core series that built that fucking company and they're just going to milk it into oblivion until nobody cares. If there isn't a big enough audience for it, it's probably because the last time they attempted it was last generation on the fucking gamecube with resident evil 0. Compare that to how you have Rockstar making games like LA NOIRE. Would you say that there's a market in gaming for 1940s film noir? Well it sold over 5 million copies.

[seanpitt23]

I think rockstar is one of the best companies out there
there quality of games is just cut above the rest.