Blu-ray not the only reason for PS3 delay?

  • By Staff, GameSpot
  • Posted Mar 22, 2006 3:47 pm PT

IGDA Japan president says lack of key development tools have slowed game development for the system.

Sony Computer Entertainment president Ken Kutaragi explained last week at the 2006 PlayStation Business Briefing that the PlayStation 3 would be delayed until November because of problems with the finalization of the next-generation Blu-ray disc standard. However, International Game Developers Association Japan (IGDA Japan) president Shin Kiyoshi has pointed out another likely factor in the console's postponed launch.

In an article posted today on Nikkei Net, Kiyoshi reports that Sony hasn't been able to provide key PS3 development tools to game makers in a timely fashion. As a result, Shin said, most companies haven't even been able to go into full-scale development for PS3 games, even though it's already spring, which was Sony's initial launch period for the console. Nikkei Net says Shin pointed out that the PS3's compiler, which converts programs into a language that the console can understand, wasn't released until very recently.

The responsibility for the compiler was entrusted to compiler specialist SN Systems Limited, which was acquired by Sony in 2005. However, Shin said that the compiler's release had been continually delayed due to the complexity of the PS3's hardware and its multicore Cell processor. SN Systems finally made its release at the end of 2005, but according to Shin, it still didn't take full advantage of the PS3. As a result, IBM itself has become involved in the creation of the PS3's development support tools, and a compiler optimized for the Cell chip is finally being released this month.

Shin predicted for Nikkei Net that, in terms of development environment, the PS3 will have tough competition against Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Revolution. Publishers will be receiving the final release of the PS3's development tool in June, which gives them less than half a year to prepare for the console's worldwide launch. On the other hand, the Xbox 360 is known for its convenient development environment that inherits many aspects of the original Xbox's.

Shin speculates that Sony may be able to prepare a lot of Blu-ray movies for the PS3 launch, but the launch might lack on games. Furthermore, he thinks the chances are high that launch titles for the PS3 may look inferior when compared to Xbox 360 games.

Shin also comments that the Revolution could mean major competition for the PS3 in Japan. He said that the console is known for its friendly development environment that inherits the GameCube's and that there is a possibility of its launching before the PS3.

120 Comments

  • kruesader

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 2:43 pm PT

    PS3 could just be DISSAPOINTING

  • Allard_Rocker

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 11:58 am PT

    i officially become a 360 fanboy

    X360 110 games by Holiday 2006
    PS3 7 rushed launch games

    why buy a friggin japanese console?

  • AndrewFleury

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 7:07 am PT

    I agree with Manifest_78.

    Also, each system has their "Killer App" that is worth having the system to play it. Not ALL games make it to all systems otherwise as Manifest pointed out..the Xbox having the better graphics would always win out.

    I bought my PS2 FIRST then a year later bought an xbox... I own an HDTV and let me tell you, the games on the Xbox just look ALOT better with its anti-alias, the slew of games that support 720p and the 5.1 surround in ALL games.. So in case of a multi-platform game I play it on the Xbox or the PC for FPS....

    But my PS2 still holds a place to play those sweet games that don't make it to the xbox... Shadow of the Colosus !!! Final Fantasy.. Metal Gear Solid...

  • Manifest_78

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 6:58 am PT

    The reason why some people like me that will get both or all consoles in this age of multi-platform releases is the fact that some versions are just better for a particular system. I own all of last generation's systems and I have a 360 and the truth of the matter is that when a game was released on all systems 9 times out of 10 the better version was the xbox version. I'm not knocking Sony or Nintendo but with better graphics, no need to get or manage a memory card, better online gaming and custom soundtracks....if you had all 3 of the previous systems which one would you have spent your money on if you had to by one game that was multi-platform?

    I still love my PS2 and Gamecube and I'm estatic about my 360, but no system is the ultimate system that can please everyone. So instead of being jealous that my particular system got the short end of the stick, I just go out and buy the superior game and let the fanboys fight among themselves about systems when it's the games that matter. I'm curious to see what the next generation will have in store and I personally refuse to get a subpar game just because a system or company is the underdog...most popular...or have a nostalgic feel to it.

  • jraziel1019

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 6:01 am PT

    PS3 = USA = March 2007. Mark my words and place your bets.

  • Markman219

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 5:21 pm PT

    Movies on blu ray disks? Now thats a waste of money/

  • johnnyboy232

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 3:39 pm PT

    First of all, I don't get the people who want to get both the 360 and the PS3. If you already have an Xbox 360 why would you get another system that would, in the long run, develop the same games?

  • tomservo51

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 3:17 pm PT

    Killzone Demo, lol, Sony is full of lies these days.

  • Sandman100

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 3:08 pm PT

    Lack of game quality on launch day could be Sony down fall. Pulse they have to deal with two next-gen system launch in the same month. So Microsoft did a good job getting out a year in advances.

  • LyfnDeth

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 2:34 pm PT

    If the PS3's compiler isnt even released yet, how did all those game developers already make demos for the PS3? (exp: Killzone 2, Resident Evil 5, FFVII Tech Demo, I-8/Resistance, MGS4, Unreal Tournament '07 etc)

    KittenKiller

  • nev70

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 2:16 pm PT

    what a suprise could Sony be making another piece of convoluted hardware AGAIN ! you think they would of learnt from the PS2

  • SavoyPrime

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 2:09 pm PT

    Lack of games at launch wouldn't be anything new for Sony. The PS2 launch was lacking.

  • tuff_gong92

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 12:35 pm PT

    mmmm delay and price is what will do the PS3 in at launch because people had enough of that at the 360 launch.

  • WolfSkill5544

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 12:03 pm PT

    Very interesting point.

  • umaque

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 11:01 am PT

    The price common ,I need prices!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • umaque

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 10:57 am PT

    Man that was what I thought originally, I mean common blu-ray format standard

    Sony needs to step up their production and quality in order to compete
    with x-box 360 cmmon man

    YAMPOI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • mickel_darmawan

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 10:36 am PT

    Is it?/ ahhh ... , just another opinion from analyst.

  • AndrewFleury

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 10:04 am PT

    Hey...you guys should be lucky thers on PC fanboys that join in here and start saying how much better PC's are then any console....

    Then we'd have way more posts of these moron fanboys complaining back and forth to eachother.

    I luv the way some of thse Sony Fanboys are still on their broken record that the xbox360 looks the same as xbox 1 games... Do you people even have eyes... I own a PSP,PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360.. and guess what... they 360 games look amazing.....Oblivion, Fight Night, Ghost Recon..these games are eye-candy...and they are GREAT games too

    They remind me of people that have their fingers in their ears, refusing to listen trying to speak louder then the person telling them the truth going LALALALA I'm NOT LISTENING

    And guess what...when the PS3 comes out..the games will probably look awesome too....though anyone thinking it will look anything remotly like these screenshots we're being fed...is just living in a dreamworld

    Oh look these screenshots of un-released games from a system coming out in 1 year (from Xbox360's November launch to sony's alledged release date of November 2006) look better then the screenshots of a game that is already released and proven that they actually look THAT good

  • luis7989_7

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 9:28 am PT

    what the hell !!!! this is totally freaky, first this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, then this, then that, when this is all gonna to stop!!!!!

  • nikko101

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 9:13 am PT

    I won't wait for PS3, Xbox360 is within the reach and it's games are just great.

  • jonnyjd

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 9:09 am PT

    I'm not too worried about this. It's a new programming tool. Once the developers are up and running on it and get to know it's ins and outs, all will be good with the world.

  • Manifest_78

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 7:34 am PT

    LOL I agree with Riverwolf007 and ReyWing. It's getting rediculous how Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo fanboys argue like they are defending their family's honor. It's just a game and the majority of the people that have their panties in a bunch about who and what is better never have or ever will recieve a check from these companies, so please be easy. No one knows how the PS3 or Revolution is going to perform till they hit. Loyalty of that nature is a joke and I'll personally like collecting systems so when a good game comes out, I'll be playing it and not whining why I'm better off without it.

  • ReyWing

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 7:13 am PT

    "its whatever freaky emotional connection u ppl have developed with these game systems are what sell the things these days" - Riverwold007. hahahah so true. I however like being a turn-coat - I sold my Genesis and SNES for a PS1. Then I sold my GC for more Xbox games. Who knows though, maybe I'll end up selling my 360 for a PS3 =p I'm not loyal to any company! ... oh except to the one that pays me so I can put bread on the table ^_^

  • Riverwolf007

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 6:53 am PT

    if the ps3 launched next week with capcoms greatest hits and pong 2006 it would sell 20 million consoles. the console and the games dont matter anymore its whatever freaky emotional connection u ppl have developed with these game systems are what sell the things these days

  • Arkham

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 6:27 am PT

    Ah, so THIS is where all the XB boys scurried off to! I wondered where the other PS3 news chased you.

  • soulessjay

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 6:15 am PT

    Not surprised.

  • K1LLSWITCH

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 6:12 am PT

    People understand this, consoles never have been and/or never will be released in the spring. Sony has proven in the past to be loyal to the gamers, and they always have a variety of launch titles for their system. Also the games for their system are the best to date. The only thing going for Microsoft is an awesome online service with hardly any quality games for their system. Halo is a good game, but not that great of a game to put it up on a god like pedestal to be worshiped. They port 80% of their games from the PC and the PS2 and call it their own. Your able to play your own music straight from your HDD. Who cares. I have a stereo system that works just fine. And as for Nintendo. Enough said.

  • lokesc

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 5:56 am PT

    I don't think PS3 games will be inferior at all like xbox 360 where Fifa game is more like an arcade!

    One thing for sure the new releases for the PS3 on launching may not be that much. But, with Linux os there is tonnes of things PS3 is capable of right out of the box!

  • kinetic100

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 5:20 am PT

    Coming from the UK the delay is no real change to us. We expected any spring release to only be in Japan, followed by the US then us around christmas. The fact games are not going to be as good as the x360 is something i expected too. I think they will be better than the release games on the x360 but not as good as the ones coming out around the launch date. Microsoft are goning to save key titles to try to spoil the launch and the PS3 games may not be able to match them. However i do feel the PS3 holds the potental to far out perform the x360 when its key titles begin to appear. So i will continue to let my friends who bought a 360 have there moment and hold out for my PS3.

  • PazUSA

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 5:03 am PT

    Let me see if I get this....it's going to be unbelieveably expensive (we know this because the fact that they aren't trumpeting an aggressive price poiint to offset the fans frustration indicates tyhat this is so)....we know that they are having problems with the technology itself (late bluray specs).....we know it's been delayed already....we know they still don't know what the controller will be lke....we know they have incredibly ambitious online plans but we've seen nothing......we know this is going to be a very hard system to develop for....and now they tell us that launch titles will look like crap?
    Man, I'm glad I bought a 360 when I did because this system is looking and sounding more dubious by the day. Wake me up in 2008 when the thing works, has decent games and is below $500

  • KiLLer_ba

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 1:52 am PT

    As long as the system doesnt get delayed again, we'll be happy.

  • buildar

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 11:00 pm PT

    I'm still having trouble finding this srong 3rd party support for the 360 that everybody keeps talking about. If someone has a link to games that are in development and have been confirmed for release i'd like to see it. All i rememebr is microsoft throwing money at a bunch of people who started franchises fifteen year ago and a bunch of companies that said they were looking at developing for the 360.

  • mardigrasmorgan

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 10:24 pm PT

    this guy is not playing around.... I seriously want to believe every word he says.... and I'ma big PS3 fan...... fudge.....

  • SpiffyXD

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 10:12 pm PT

    Wow, you guys really care. I mean all the XBOX guys... are so affected by this, it breaks my heart. If you are so happy with your 360 why the hell do you read this news. Why do you feel a need to bash Sony?

    There's a difference between bashing and sharing one's view on something. Just remember that just because someone is criticizing the PS3, does NOT mean they bashing it.

    Bashing to me means that you are blindly criticizing without any evidence, often with an immature or childish tone (and grammar).

  • lord_caiyen

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 9:56 pm PT

    Makes me remember that Kutaragi-san mentioned that the PS3 will be more a entertainment machine rather than a video game console... so why the delay? Sony knows that their profits will come from video games.

  • decebal

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 9:55 pm PT

    Wow, you guys really care. I mean all the XBOX guys... are so affected by this, it breaks my heart. If you are so happy with your 360 why the hell do you read this news. Why do you feel a need to bash Sony?

  • kingdevil

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 9:17 pm PT

    i thing now ps3 will have more time 2 get all the sell's right

  • umbrae

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 8:52 pm PT

    ROTFLMAO... Even the makers of the crap don't know how to develop for it. Yeah, there will be plenty of quality games on the PS3

  • WrAiTh001

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 8:38 pm PT

    Hey Timothy, how about the unified memory architecture of the 360, with 256GBS of data transfer, you sony fanboy sucker DILLON. (which is actually faster than the ps3).... Silly boy, if they both play the same next gen games then there both next gen...THICKO.

  • pyth0n13

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 8:21 pm PT

    i predict it will be delayed again. lol

  • granitehole

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 8:19 pm PT

    iv seen a few develepers blogs since e3 last year and alot have said that there isnt going to be a major difference in graphics anyway. i cant believe that people are going to go out and pay £3/4/500 for something that is already out and cheaper and is going to get better 3rd party support.

  • GreyFoxV1

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 8:17 pm PT

    Sony is going to run themselves into the ground on this one with a high price and varying quality of games at launch becuase of short dev time.

  • ghostadv

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 8:13 pm PT

    Doesn't surprise me

  • tirmothy87

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 8:12 pm PT

    HEY Purvis11!........guess what, sony is taking a long time because they have technology that other companies dont even think about, look at microsoft, yea they got their console out but tell me what new "next gen" technology is there. their processor is no surprise to any one, and the the type of discs used for the media is NOTHING new! but for the fact that its HD, that doesnt beat bluy-ray though. so good for you that your 360 is your number one console, just wait when sony does release its console it will dominate the 360.

  • rbarahona

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 8:11 pm PT

    Well, that's the price on having some new hardware. I'm sure that Sony will get everything on track for a succesful PS3 launch (whenever that may be).

  • jimbo102671

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 8:08 pm PT

    If this is true, we'll have PS3 launch titles screaming "RUSH JOB" as the developers have to finalize them using the "final release of the PS3's development tool". Just when things started to smooth out for Sony, things get rocky once again. I admit, the X360's launch lineup did not appear to be much better than today's games on the origional Xbox (or PS2/GC for that matter) and the same could happen to the Rev if Nintendo botches things as well. Expectations are always high on new console launches, so let's all hope the PS3 and Rev don't disappoint us.

  • mpalacio

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 8:04 pm PT

    Doesn't matter....somehow, someway PS3 fanboys will find a positive note out of all this...they always do.

  • mpalacio

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 8:02 pm PT

    First this, then that, then this, then that. When will it ever end? Maybe the PS3 purchasers can get some good movies while they wait for games.....

  • Mafia217

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 7:42 pm PT

    Wow, incredible!

  • lord_lad

    Posted Mar 22, 2006 7:17 pm PT

    this sounds like the initial launch of the psp....how typical sony.

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