'Great Decision' to Sell Naughty Dog to Sony, Says Co-Founder

While Jason Rubin and Andy Gavin "definitely agonized over it," Rubin stands behind their decision to sell Naughty Dog to Sony.

[UCForce]

ND made a right choice to join Sony. Sony confident their first party studio will success. A new ip is always a good thing to make thing fresh that keep audience interested.

[NotanotherReboot]

Jak and Daxter is the right choice imo

[darthv72]

ND needs to bring back Way of the Warrior for the PS4.

[DashArrivals]

That would be a terrible idea. Naughty Dog have evolved passed that IP. Why can't Sony let another studio make that game? Uncharted: Golden Abyss was awesome and that was done by another studio. I think if Jak & D come back, then another studio should handle that game.

[dohji]

I wholeheartedly agree. Unfortunately Nathan and Ellie are the only characters ND gives a damn about anymore.

[UCForce]

Let them make a new ip. It's their choice, not your to choose and judge. I think you will never learn.

[NotanotherReboot]

Theres nothing wrong with Jak and Daxter. its a great Ip for all ages and they must make it again

[UCForce]

Let's other studio do it. Every Sony First Party studios are making new ip.

Edit : Look, if you want these franchise back, it gonna be awhile.

[Retroman]

Thinking same thing. maybe we'll see Crash and Daxter on ps4 now.

Since life like a revolving door (repeat itself ) they eventually would reappear anyway .

[bouzebbal]

They are one of the best, even if I prefer less mature games in general

[Lore]

Agree 100%. And this is the studio that could evolve the series just as Santa Monica Studio is evolving Kratos.

[morganfell]

@dohji,

Are you using those names to refer to the IPs Uncharted and TLOU? I ask because I found Elena and Joel more important. Not as central characters but for me, and likely only for me I wanted them to survive. Thankfully Amy Hennig did not get her way. And if you are saying ND is a two trick pony, before TLOU everyone said they were a one trick pony. If they release another IP you will be as wrong as the initial group of people. Great IPs are the pedigree of ND. It has to do with how that studio functions.

[Nu]

Nintendo should've bought Square Soft back in the day. I also woder what could've been if Nintendo and Sony had a successful collaboration with the hybrid console.

[Fist4achin]

I'm kind of glad they didn't merge. I've been happy with Playstation as a brand since the beginning. Nintendo has made numerous decisions that I thought were horrible and their only saving grace is an occasional product that does kick ass and upholds their failures. I don't want to see Nintendo go away, but lately I have not been fond of the direction of the company and their products.

[0Day]

Nintendo should have bought Rare, they would have still been great.

[bloop]

I'm glad that Nintendo/Sony console never happened too. I don't think the gaming industry would have gotten to where it is today without the PS1. Sony really went for the more mature audience which is something Nintendo would never have done.

[PlayableGamez-]

[Delete]

[oof46]

Seeing as the only Final Fantasy I've enjoyed since the SNES was IX...no.

[FallenAngel1984]

It was the best decision they could make

[UCForce]

Even I'm glad Sony let GG made a new ip which I'm excited Horizon Zero Dawn in the first place. I love Killzone franchise but I'm glad developers let their franchise rest and do something new for change.

Edit : @UltraNova it will happen but it gonna be awhile.

[UltraNova]

Yes but i still want KZ2 or KZ4 on my ps4...

[XanderZane]

It definitely was a great decision. PS1 was huge back then when ND was making the Crash Games. Any dev would have wanted to work for Sony back then. They were able to acquire quality developers to take over for Jason & Andy. I can still remember interviewing them in Cambridge, MA when they were making "Way of the Warrior" for the 3DO. Due to a very poor 3DO controller, the game the controls weren't the best. The game was pretty average. Still both guys were enthusiast and very knowledgeable. Andy was going to M.I.T. at the time. I still have the interview in my VGT Online mag. Spoke to them several times at the E3. Great guys.

[Neonridr]

Having virtually unlimited capital backing one of the industries best studios was a no brainer. Smart move by Sony locking them up.

[Relientk77]

They are easily one of the best devs out there. Really glad they're with Sony

[Aloy-Boyfriend]

Like some of us were saying some days ago here, Sony made Naughty Dog who they are now. They are never leaving Sony or pulling a Bungie.

The endless budgets plus the little oversight Sony has on them is something exemplary. It is why they make amazing games one after another

[kevnb]

I feel like they make exactly what Sony wants.

[_-EDMIX-_]

It's why I believe such a symbiotic relationship is beneficial for both parties.

This is one of the rare instances where a publisher is correct to purchase a developer.

Sony as a publisher is basically always pushing brand new properties every single generation as new franchises or series if they're successful enough.

Most Publishers do not do this on a regular basis.

This allows their Studios to always have fresh new ideas.

I wish the entire industry worked this way in the respect of Publishers always welcoming in New properties but I completely understand the Financial Risk that's involved.

I'm not going to pretend that like lair ,folklore, Heavenly sword and other titles did it fall to the Wayside because of this direction.

But in the same respect they also got Uncharted ,Infamous, resistance ,The Last of Us etc

Sony is not afraid to lose a few eggs to make a perfect cake and I'm completely okay with that but I also 100% respect and understand that some of those failures could essentially destroy smaller publishers.

[phoenixwing]

@edmix

Folklore and heavenly sword definitely are some of my fav games. Although they didn't sell gangbusters I'd love to see some sequels

[UltraNova]

@edmix

Folklore??? Oh the ps3 early day memories...that game was pure magic really special. Heavenly Sword while a solid, well acted game was never going to rise above GoW and become a mainstay. As for Lair...lets be honest the heart was there but the effort and execution were not.

[nitus10]

Those words imply that Sony dictates to Naughty Dog. I think it is better to say "they (Naughty Dog) makes games that make the Playstation brand great".

@ _-EDMIX-_

Well said. I think the words "symbiotic relationship" sums it all up.

@phoenixwing

Folklore? I almost forgot about that. IMHO a more mature version of Pokemon and a surprisingly interesting story as told from two perspectives. I actually found it was best (some may disagree) to alternate between characters after each mission.

Heavenly Sword? I really have not played that for years. I still have it though.

Damn games like these and Skyrim and Unc... (err let's not go there!). This is why I held off buying a PS4 for two years.

[Inzo]

Agreed but more importantly, ND makes exactly what gamers want.

[Pancit_Canton]

Sony kinda messed up on not acquiring Insomiac games as well. Having those two dev working side by side would be awesome.

[Kane22]

insomniac chose not to join Sony..im sure Sony tired numerous of times to buy them..

[WeAreLegion]

I can confirm that, actually. They tried many times. Interest has wained in recent years, for obvious reasons.

[nitus10]

If you play Uncharted - Drakes Fortune you can unlock the making of the game and the Naughty Dog developers appear to be on excellent terms with Insomniac developers and share ideas. It does help when the two companies are just down the road from each other.

[G20WLY]

Yes, Sony tried, but Insomniac wanted to go it alone. They haven't had it easy since then and you have to wonder, if they could turn back time, would they do the same? I don't think so...

While they still have their moments, they're not quite at the level they once were among their peers, at least in my opinion. What Insomniac were best at, they're still great at - look at the latest Ratchet and Clank - but others are hot on their heels in that regard, with the likes of Sanzaru Games and even Playtonic Games (Yooka Laylee is looking great!) showing great form in the platformer arena.

Would be great to see another Resistance game, though - Resistance 3 had an amazing campaign with some stunning graphics, but seemed to fly under the radar somewhat. It's nice to see them return to form wit R&C, but those guys are not even close to Naughty Dog these days.

[Movefasta1993]

G20WLY?Insomniac are still as good as their peers,i don't know what you are talking about but both sunset and ratchet got great reviews and sold past a million.That's great for a platformer in this generation, and no platformer comes close to those two.

[JEECE]

Insomniac is not as consistent, unfortunately. Yeah, they made the great ratchet games, but they also made some unnecessary spin-offs that weren't great. Resistance 1 was good, 3 was fantastic, but 2 left much to be desired. Also, FUSE.

[Pancit_Canton]

I actually like all the Resistance games. Fuse was published by EA and look what happened on that. Sunset Overdrive looks fun. I think they are great developer with the right publisher.

[TankCrossing]

I've got time for Insomniac. Sunset Overdrive and Ratchet and Clank have been some of the most fun I've had with both current consoles, and Spider-man is looking good. All of their VR games have been relatively robust and enjoyable too, though they can't bring in any significant money beyond the funding from Oculus.

[_-EDMIX-_]

As much as I like Insomniac I would definitely agree that they're not as good as they used to be.

They are definitely hit or miss

[kneon]

@JEECE

Just think what could have been if Sony had owned Insomniac. Sony wouldn't have interfered, so instead of the bland Fuse we could have got the original Overstrike which looked like it had the potential to be a much more original title.

[Stogz]

Yeah but the co op mode in part 2 was awesome. Wish they would've expanded on that.

[InTheZoneAC]

each resistance got worst, along with the MP aspect.

[Movefasta1993]

@Pancit 'Sunset Overdrive looks fun' you played all resistance games,so I can tell you are a fan, but you didn't bother buying sunset?

[_-EDMIX-_]

Well like somebody brought up, Insomniac was not ready to be sold.

And I feel maybe that relationship is the best for Insomniac as I always listen to Ted price podcast and I always love hearing him speak about his Studio and he sounds like a smart intelligent person, he has his reasons.

If them being independent allows them to create their best work I think it's best that Sony actually never purchases them and simply pays them per contract.

[Bathyj]

I came to the comments to say the same thing. Insomniac have definitely done their best work on Playstation. It would have been great to for all parties to have then under Sonys banner.

For all those saying they are not the same league as Naughty Dog, no theyre not, but they very well might have been. Thats the point. That path was not taken. Had it been they would have had all the support, the technical help, the budget and time, and everything else that ND got.

At the time those companies were neck and neck. ND went to Sony and became industry leaders, Insomniac stayed independent and became hit or miss. But both could have reached that level, and they would have worked a lot closer than they have and learned from each other.

[Pancit_Canton]

I agree.

Spyro is in the same level as Crash bandicoot
Rachet and Clank is in the same level as Jax and Daxter

Resistance 1 and Uncharted 1 are both great even though they are in a different genre. Both game told an epic story and great gameplay.

[XanderZane]

Microsoft messed up not acquiring SEGA, when they had them making 2nd party exclusives for the original XBox. That was a big missed opportunity right there. Getting RARE was ok, but getting SEGA would have been huge. Microsoft never even made an offer. Even when EA was going after Take-Two Interactive, Microsoft didn't try for that company either and they easily had more money then EA at the time.

[jznrpg]

I am glad MS did not buy them, because we have seen what happens to studios under there umbrella and it isnt pretty .

[XanderZane]

@jznrpg
Same thing happens under Sony and EA's umbrella as well. Looked what happened to Evolution Studios. Nothing new.
https://www.engadget.com/20...
https://gamerant.com/sony-c...

[Miss_Weeboo]

I say What? What? in the...

[ApocalypseShadow]

They made the right decision to sell to Sony. Most other publishers like EA, Activision or Ubisoft would have been detrimental to naughty dog's health and broke up their team. Jason is a cool guy but I hope he's not taking credit for their current level of ability as a great team.

Also, bigger budget gets you more resources, but doesn't make a great game like Jason is saying. Smaller teams can make a great game that has nothing to do with money. Only a great *idea* that comes together. Rocket league, shovel knight, etc weren't made with millions. At least that's my take.

[franwex]

They have produced top quality games consistently for well over a decade. It was a great decision in which both parties and gamers have benefited. Other companies should treat their studios like this.

[corroios]

This is what makes a diference. Get the best studios.

[jznrpg]

You also need to have the right owners/bosses, and Sony lets them takes risks .

[MultiConsoleGamer]

For Sony, yes, absolutely. They got one of the best developers in gaming history. PlayStation is a brand build on the work of others. For Naughty Dog? No. I'm sorry but you make more money and have a wider audience when you can put your games on as many platforms as possible. That's just common sense. I would much rater see games like Uncharted 4 on every platform so more people can be exposed to its greatness. That's just common sense.

[Aloy-Boyfriend]

That is not common sense, more like port begging. Naughty Dog being 3rd party wouldn't afford to all the perks they get with Sony. If their games were multiplat, it doesn't mean they would sell more or be better. They don't need to be 3rd party to sell well. If they had low support, maybe you'd have a point. But that not being the case, what you say is not "common sense."

[MultiConsoleGamer]

Why would I need to "port beg" when I've owned every Sony gaming system ever made? That's just fanboy nonsense.

More platforms = more money and more exposure. At the end of the day that's all that really matters. From a purely business sense limiting yourself to just one platform is nonsense. As a developer you're purpose is to sell your product to as many people as possible and to make as much money as possible. Anyone who says otherwise is deluded.

Also, games are an artform that should be experienced by as many people as possible, especially when they're as good as the Uncharted series. Again, this is just common sense. Anyone who thinks otherwise needs to be honest with themselves and step back from their personal loyalties.

[mkis007]

Multi

But the point is there was no guarentee ND would be the same developmentioned studio it is today without being under Sony...which is the point.

Sure from a business standpoint you can make money the more versions you make, but what if spreading the wealth lowers the quality? Completely different makeup. Look at insomniacs Fuse vs ratchet and clank or sunset OD.

[UCForce]

It's like you begging. No, this isn't common sense. Sony made Naughty Dog and ND have earned huge reputation of all gamer because thank to Sony. It's very rare to see publishers support developers like that.

Edit : @Multiconsolegamer Exclusive sell console. If Uncharted 4 was multi platform, it not gonna sell well.

[oasdada]

Tombraider is on all platforms.. considering the marketing push it had.. the sales wernt that impressive

[MultiConsoleGamer]

Tomb Raider isn't nearly as good as Uncharted 2 or 4.

[jaycptza]

Who do you think funds their projects? Now consider this when you're independent you have to do it yourself. SONY opened up a lot of opportunities for Naughty Dog, access to SONY's motion capture tech, actors, engine development tool. All of these things need to be considered.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

Of course, and they would still make a LOT more money as an independent.

If you truly loved Naughty Dog and honored their work you'd realize that I'm right on this subject. Exclusives are a dying breed, and for good reason.

[G20WLY]

^Exclusives are not a dying breed on SONY'S console - just sayin'...

[IIFloodyII]

They likely wouldn't have survived the transition from the 6th gen to the 7th if not for Sony, so it was the right move for ND too. Uncharted 1 took them to the brink even with Sony, to the point someone was leaving every week, so I doubt many publishers would have been as merciful.
https://www.youtube.com/wat...
Video on it if you don't believe me.

[showtimefolks]

Let's be honest if any of us had an independent gaming studio Sony would probably be the one publisher we all wanted to work with((not for with) that's the difference. Other uels while Sony will take some big risks even knowing very well they may not pay off. Shu yoshida said it best only few exclusives for truly make a big profit while others either greak even or lose a bit

David Jaffe said few years ago that work with Sony is an honor

Insomniac is next, they thought they could do well on other brands and fuse/sunset overdrive has provided them with hard facts that their fan base is on PlayStation and that's where they should focus

Fuse sold very little and original over strike looked much more fun
Sunset overdrive was a game Xbox gamers simply didn't support

[Majin-vegeta]

Over Strike looked awesome cuz it had that witty humor you expect from Insom.Too bad EA made them turn it into a crappy run off the mill 3rd person shooter 😑

[showtimefolks]

i think over strike became sunset overdrive

[UCForce]

I agree. Which is rare to see a publisher like Sony who willing to support their developers.

[GrimReaperGamer]

Best move they've ever made.

[sreevenkat]

I would like to hear about new IP from ND....

[BlakHavoc]

For those that want ND to make another Jak or handle a new Crash, keep dreaming. This studio is so far removed from that, they're always given the freedom to make whatever they want and with guys like Neil and Bruce running the show its highly unlikely that you'll see those games being made by this particular studio. I'm sorry but the UC and TLOU franchise is and will always be bigger than Jak and Crash. Imo it would be a complete waste of talent to have this A team of devs make another Jak or Crash game. Thank god they're not crazy enough to do it.

[UCForce]

Even that, ND done with UC series. Now they focusing TLOU Part 2 and maybe new IP.

[BlakHavoc]

Ya they're finished I'm just saying, I believe they'd make another UC before they make a crash or Jak

[MADGameR]

Man a Legend of Dragoon Remake or sequal would be GREAT!! DO it SONY!

[ninsigma]

They are an incredible studio and one of the big reasons I stick with Playstation first every gen.

[rlow1]

No surprises here. I always laugh when a company calls themselves independent and yet pretty much work with just one company. Hell, I didn't know for a long time that they weren't a Sony studio, because they were so synonyms with each other. Kind of sad to see another independent studio get absorbed but the money must have been real good.