Looks like Tecmos in trouble

More employees sue Tecmo. This could be the end for them

[Superfragilistic]

This is starting to look a hell of a lot more serious than one pissed off arrogant game designer!

Tecmo Dead or Alive? It's looking increasingly dead and/or dying. Or as NeoGaf put it no smoke without fire. ;)

If it does go under, I just hope that MS snaps up the NG2 & Fatal Frame IP rights and gives Team Ninja a new home. ;)

[green]

Ninja Gaiden is an IP that struggles to sell over a million copies, so i dont think Microsoft will be interested in obtaining the IP.Itagaki has even gone on record to say that this will be the last NG game he makes, and if NG2 is the last one i play i will be fine with that.

What they need to do is for Microsoft to open a new studio for him or fund his studio like Mistwalker and create a new action game franchise with deep combat mechanics like NG2 but with a much more engaging storyline and a better cinematic feel like God of War(my best PS2 game).

[Superfragilistic]

I completely agree. It's just I'm a hardcore NG fan! And I think NG if overhauled could become a much more commercially serious franchise. Or so I hope! lol

I think Microsoft would have a lot to gain in grabbing Team Ninja and Itagaki. Although I do feel that Itagaki would require a much shorter leash than that extended to the far more experienced and rounded Mistwalker team. Team Ninja is a largely established team that could fill a major hole in MGS, namely action orientated titles. If they took what in many peoples eyes is the most fluid and complex action gameplay engine around and then give Itagaki staff that can develop a much more engaging narrative, better online integration (Bungie, Lionhead, Rare and Turn 10 can help there) and higher production values (voiceovers, camera, slow down, etc) MGS could have a seriously promising studio on their hands.

And yes God of War 2 is my favourite PS2 title to! The gameplay comes second to NG but it wipes the floor with NG2 thanks to its incredibly engaging narrative and much more consistent production. ;)

[green]

Completely agree.I am currently in act 9 of NG2 and its a fantastic game but the problem i face are things that you pointed out which are basically the poor production values.

I remember the 1st time i completed God of War.The Story was just soo engaging with top draw action and great visuals.It still lives me baffled why they have not made a big budget movie of that game.

Microsoft needs a good 1st party dev that excels in action games and opening one with Itagaki or grabbing him along with team ninja will be a good movie.Tie them up with some people who can pen a good script (Silicon Knights) and you have an epic in the making.

Well we will just have to wait and see if Microsoft can turn this into an advantage for themselves.

[Superfragilistic]

Funny how someone disagrees with both of our sentiments but can't find it in themselves to add to the discussion... gotta love N4G! lol

It's funny that you mention Silicon Knights because I have a firm belief largely based on their historical record, that Too Human is going to push a lot of boundaries and reinvigorate the action and RPG genres. If they were to aid Itagaki on production values we wouldn't have any camera problems and we'd have a ridiculously deep story... anybody play Eternal Darkness? ;)

[green]

Speaking of Too Human.There where 3 games announced during the early days of the 360 that i felt will completely justify me purchase of the console.Alan wake,Too Human and Mass Effect.

Mass Effect completely smashed my expectations and is currently my best game this gen.I am keeping my fingers crossed that Too Human turns out to be really good.Even if it dose not end up AAA, i think it will be pretty good and will be worth my money for the story alone.

Edit:I never played eternal darkness.I only played 3 games on the gamecube.Resident evil Zero,Turok2 and extreme g.

[Superfragilistic]

Yeah Mass Effect is my personal fave as well. It innovated all over the place and I think some people got unnecessarily caught with the pop in and framerate instead of recognising it as the most innovative RPG this gen. The dialogue system (and quality) alone was revolutionary and will no doubt be seen not only in future RPGs but many EA titles in particular. I can already envision player interviews and press events in Madden utilising the same system.

If you haven't played Eternal Darkness and you still have a Gamecube, track it down and buy it. It single handedly explains why Too Human should be much higher on everybody's gaming wish lists.

[ChampIDC]

On the subject of NG2's story, I completley agree. I think it would have a lot of potential to be on the level of God of War games in terms of production if Team Ninja joined up with MGS. I finished the game, and the story really isn't that bad (what's there at least), but they just don't expand on anything. It's just all far too simple. I'd love to see a NG game with a lot more complex story.

[PlayStation360]

I think Nintendo already bought the rights to it. Please correct me if I am mistaken.

As for Team Ninja, they are still a great Dev company. Sure NG may be over, but what is stopping them from making a great new IP.

I think it is wise if Micro snaps up both Team Ninja and Epic. My humble opinion of course.

[green]

double post

[Euphrate]

No more Ninja Gaidens No More Dead or Alives?!

NNNOOOO!

[Bnet343]

Well no NG2 was the last one, but I still want DOA5. As the guy above said, I hope MS gives Team Ninja a good home. They are underrated devs.

[Alexander Roy]

Damn, I hope they make it. I was so happy to hear that Itagaki left beause that would make a multiplat DOA(X) much more possible. Of course, if what happened to Itagaki happened to the others as well, then their complaints are justified - I mean, Tecmo kinda owes them money.
Come on Tecmo, get yourself together, I want to unlock gigabytes worth of bikinis!

[JeepGamer]

I've always kind of wondered about Tecmo. Here we have a Japanese company that seems to make games for the console that never has and never will actually sell in Japan. I'd think they'd at least try a multi platform approach or something but as long as they are making money that's all that really matters.

[Enigma_2099]

.. he's still an @ss, but that's one for Itigaki... ouch.

[Enigma_2099]

And both you Itigaki-lovers can go to h-e-double hockey sticks...

[ppp]

xbox 360 is in trouble
glad i got a ps3 now

[Mr Fancy Pants]

why don't you just STFU? what are trying to do? gain bubbles knowing that this site has a lot of sonyboys? stop the nonsense.

[juuken]

Fancy_Pants, the guy is a troll...lmao. You're getting mad with a troll instead of ignoring him?
...Only on N4G...*giggles*

[Pain]

Should have made your games for Playstation 2/3

[GiantEnemyCrab]

@1.3 - Or maybe that is what you get when you treat your employees like sh*t.

This has nothing to do with Xbox or Microsoft.

btw - this ppp guys is just another clone trying to be "pp".

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

PPP is that guy that says stupid sh!t and gets owned by Xbots, so he runs around cloning the names of pp, The Mart, POG, Jason 360, Bladestar and any onter Xbot. It happens right after he gets owned by that persion here in the comment section. I had him shadow me a couble of times, he hates it when he's wrong and can't handle it, so he does this sh!t.

[PopEmUp]

So you now admitted you are an xbot?

[qface64]

well they are in a bad situation but i really doubt this is the end for them i see it as a rough time for tecmo everyone has them and depending on how these lawsuits turn out i can see them making all their games multi platform to make as much money as possible

[Superfragilistic]

That's if they have any employees...

Partial translation of Japanese news reports according to Kotaku states:

"On June 16th, two Tecmo employees filed suit with the Tokyo District Court for unpaid wages, demanding 8.3 million yen ($AU 81,570) in payment. According to the suit, the workers were illegally placed on a "flexible hours" work scheme, starting four years ago. From that point, overtime wasn't paid, apparently. The plaintiffs represent all 300 Tecmo employees and contest that because of this dubious employment structure, overtime for the employees exceeded over 100 hours per month in unpaid overtime.

Tecmo developer Hiroaki Ozawa is one of the plaintiffs in the case, and since February has headed up the "Tecmo Labour Union". The suit even claims that Tecmo has created false documents and has covered up accounting documents. Officials are looking into whether Tecmo has violated labour laws."

That's not Itagaki, or a couple dozen, but all 300 Tecmo employees! Which basically means Tecmo as we know it is essentially a board of directors without any development staff! Or as Kotaku succinctly put it... "Tecmo seems F$#@ed!"

Watch the stock price plummet...

[hay]

300? This is Tecmooooo!

[HowarthsNJ]

No other Japanese company will hire them now.

Being a company player is really an important asset there.

They'll have to get employed outside of Japan or go back to Tecmo heads down and begging.

[juuken]

Lol @ the 300 reference.
I think Tecmo could still go on, but this lawsuit will cost them millions.

[Vojkan]

Sony will buy them, go sony go!

[hay]

lol, would be great.

[juuken]

That would be an awesome idea especially. xD

[bama]

It would be the equivalent of the Rare buy out for MS. The name is there but the substance ain't. Sony is smart enough not too do something like that.

[Bnet343]

Buy Tecmo? and do what with them? Thier games suck. All they have is Fatal Frame.

[hay]

Aww, no more DoA? :/

[Alexander Roy]

That would be a sad day in gaming. Hot babes with skills for the win!

[Kareshi_X]

If Tecmo Employees could gear up with itagaki and MS for a Sumthing of their Own it would be Really great. We could use sum new Franchise from itagaki on the 360 . Watch the Disagrees From Sony People!

[juuken]

...O_O
Uh-oh.
I sense a rebellion comin'.

[midgard229]

shuda just paid itagaki. i'd go as far as saying i was right, if he left tecmo falls, dunno if ya remember but he is what brought tecmo back from the verge of death with dead or alive. the new president is foolish and itagaki is gone and apparently got every one else mad, leading to what juuken said, a rebellion. its over for tecmo, they're bleeding inside out.

[kesvalk]

hummm this whole tecmo revolt seems fishy...

i think in the end they will just fire the head of tecmo and put itakagi in his place, let's just hope he will continue with the actual projects...

i don't think MS or anyone else will buy it... if they din't got brought until now...

[RAM MAGNUMS]

Ninja gaiden could have been a contender!
But then again, it will be traded and traded and traded again for the better, bigger action hack and slashers such as the best: GOD OF WAR!

BRING BACK SHINOBI SEGA!!!
Teach Ryu what a real ninja is like!

DOA? Who cares about that game when you have the best: Tekken!
Maybe if you dont have a gal pal and you need to watch boobie jiggle but it isnt even a real combat system. Its mostly counter attack moves that make the game SUCK!

C,mon, Im a gamer since atari 2600. I know whats good and what just sticks to the formula and what always has room to improove!
Other games have made significant evolution while Team Ninja produces the yawn effect of the same ol, same ol.
Its good if you never played before bad if you been playing since day one!

Yeah yeah, you know im a Sony Droid but I had a xbox once, well twice before but since RROD was the main feature I got from it and I still remember the look on my face when it bricked. Never again. I will not be used like a tissue like these xbutts that come on here talking multi console having gamers. I got a wii, a psp, a ds and a ps3!
There is no need for a xbox 360 when it can just get discontinued like hd dvd and every developer on it can make better games for my playstation.
If you dont support it the games will come to your console, Just ask bioware and BIosHock!
Ha Ha!

Oh and I just got my Game informer magazine and the front cover is INFAMOUS!!!

Also, Bad company got a 9.25 & the sound of the game got their full attention and respect. YES! Cant wait to have more frostbite engine in future shooters!
Of course MGS4 got a 10!
And Socom got some light too. They said it is for the hardcore Socom fans but I suspect it will be great for anyone who has time to get good at it!

Anyways, Metal Gear Online is really good im loving it. especially when people use communications and mics.

It really is a towel wrap for the xbox 360.
Better luck next time xbuttholes!
HA hA!

[Ogrekiller]

you already got used like a tissue by buying an xbox. But you might as well throw in the towel, you ps f4gboys already lost the console war when you bought a Playstation 3.

[Bladestar]

How do you feel now Sony leg humpers? Do you feel like an @$$? so much hate for Itagaki... saying that it was his fault and that he was making the whole thing up... it seems like as always you people are just miss informed and quick to pull the guns...

[Diugu]

This doesnt change the fact that Itagaki is a prick, but obviously he has the right to get the money he agreed with his company.
Just like any worker out there.

Anyways... for Itagaki: Make something else, no more Ninja Gaiden. You can use what you learned from making these cool games and create a new and better title.

[young7yang]

sh*t happens

[Reibooi]

I really wonder what will happen to the DOA and NG IP's if TECMO does go under. Despite Itagaki-san saying it was he last Ninja Gaiden he may have said that because he knew he was leaving and chances were that it would be his last game. I wonder if he would take the chance to do more with the franchise if he could. As well Itagaki-san created DOA so I would think he wouldn't wanna just see it die if there was a way he could avoid it. If TECMO does go under I wonder if Itagaki-sans new studio could somehow get their hands on the NG and DOA IP's.

[poopface1]

I love NG 1 AND 2. I wouldnt be so sure about one without him, teamninja, or the rest of the company thats leaving.

[qwert]

Tecmo in trouble, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, please we want more crap games like ninja gayden 2............................. ...

[phony force slayer]

quert still has more than 1 bubble'YYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY YY' NOW WE CAN HAVEGAY COMMENTS FROM HIM AND HIS BUM BUDDIES.

[n to the b]

"I played the demo and the game sucked big time!"

"I'm in disagree whith this review, that's more like 4.25/100! I just already finish the game in 2h32m, very small indeed."

if you look in his/her profile u will see those comments from a week or so ago posted within an hour of each other under an NG2 article. so, this would mean qwert is a time traveller because how could you play thru the demo and the full game in less than an hour, let alone why would you? plus qwert said it took longer than that to beat already. so yeah a real-life time traveller... or maybe just a LIAR!!!

(sorry to keep posting this but I don't want to let this little twerp get away with posting straight BS. let me know when everyone on n4g catches on and I'll stop...)

[GiantEnemyCrab]

LOL @3.2: Good observation and looks like you just owned this loser.

Agreed. He should be ignored and voted down let me help.

[qwert]

My assholes xbots friends, don't do this to me...I'm one of yours...I love crap games just like you guys...I love crap consoles just like you, don't ignore me!...

[kesvalk]

like i said, i think will just takeover tecmo and continue the actual projects, they don't just give up on the projects they have been making all this time (just like FF4 and such)

about the "no more Ninja Gaiden" thing, i think he was just like hideo kojima... say it but 3 year later he appears with a new one...

PS: i would like a Ninja Gaiden on the Wii, just because its the only system i have XD

[levy]

If this effects the Fatal Frame series then I will strangle them. Or is it that Fatal Frame 4 is released by Nintendo? I would prefer them to be on an HD console, but Fatal Frame on wii is better than none at all.

[Fanboy Slaughter]

My sentiments exactly. I could care less about Tecmo, DOA, NG, or Itagaki. I just want my Fatal Frame 4 on the Wii, and if it bites the dust after that then so be it.

[Drakol]

I've worked for a few companies back in Tokyo and Yokohama, and had to deal with this sort of BS. It's "sort of" common for this to happen in/around Tokyo, or most bigger companies. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if SEGA made it to that list.

Those business men can be greedy as F@!k over there T_T;...

[mintaro]

Technoooo!!!

[Auron]

TechnoMo! shame but cmon besides Team Ninja and the Fatal Frame series what did they have?

[i rule]

now its just a bunch of horse humping fa@@ots

[-Maverick-]

You need a tissue?

[Ogrekiller]

and a shotgun too. That sword that pippin in Lotr had would be nice as well

[princejb134]

i wonder what will happen if kojima and itagaki team up to make a new ip
greatness problably

[Aquanox]

"If you don't like it, then quite the company or sue it"

The President of TECMO must be wishing every night, before going to bed, that he never mentioned those words... In front of Itagaki.

The guy literally obliterated him.

[NinjaRyu]

for the work they have done!

I only have one thing the say to the President of Tecmo Now!

http://i2.tinypic.com/263tw...

[DrWan]

wtf? 300 only?

[pwnsause]

thats a pretty decent amount.

[DrWan]

well Sony employs 1500 developers across all their studios combined, so i thought tecmo was a decent size 3rd party because u know it's been around for ages. oh well, whatever. i guess it really doens't concern me

[pwnsause]

isnt insomniac around the same size as tecmo, even though they're expanding as well?

[G1TR4P3D]

no wonder itagaki abandoned ship. IT'S SINKING FASTER THAN PS3!

Itagaki = 1
Tecmo = 0
PS3 = -1,000,000

[Run_bare]

but i hope they don't cancell Fatal Frame IV (Project Zero 4). Really looking forward to play that.

[pwnsause]

well thats what those executives get for being greedy, this is the itgaki effect, even though the man was arrogant, he has his rights to get his bonus pay. thats what was stated in the contract. their stocks are even hitting the floor.

[pwnsause]

Tecmo what happened?!?!?!?! Tecmo? TECMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O!!!!!!

[JasonX43]

in the aftermath of all this Team Ninja becomes a third party game dev... and buys Tecmo!!!!!