PS3 SmackDown! smacked down until late '07

THQ's "goal of delivering highest quality content" delays first PlayStation 3 installment of wrestling franchise to Q4 2007--will other games follow?

When THQ announced WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2007 in March, many wrestling fans sized the grappler up as a PlayStation 3 launch title, as that version was scheduled to launch alongside the console this fall. Unfortunately, those same gamers were given a serious unitard wedgie today, when THQ revealed that the first PS3 entry in the series won't hit the mat until late next year.

"Consistent with our goal of delivering the highest quality content across all next-gen platforms, we have decided to postpone the debut of the Smackdown series on PlayStation 3 until the holiday 2007 timeframe," a THQ rep told GameSpot. Luckily, only the PS3 version was affected by the delay, and the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, and PSP versions remain on schedule for a November 2006 release.

THQ appears to be approaching developing games for the PS3 cautiously in the console's formative years. Company CEO Brian Farrell has stated that developing for the PS3 and Xbox 360 was more difficult and expensive than the other next-gen console, the Wii. "One of the things we like about [the Wii] is the development costs...on the Wii are nowhere near what they are on the PS3 and Xbox 360," he said just before E3.

Back in May, Bloomberg cautioned that several games originally slated for release as PS3 launch titles could fall off the 2006 calendar simply because dev kits weren't sent to companies soon enough. Indeed, Farrell told the news service that the reason its big-license game The Sopranos wasn't in development for the PS3 was because "it was too risky" and "made no sense."

Such trepidation isn't limited to THQ. Sega of America president Simon Jeffrey warned, "There certainly will not be a lot of [PS3] titles available [at launch]." For the record, Sony Computer Entertainment America CEO Kaz Hirai has stated that he believes there will be approximately 15 launch titles available when the PS3 goes on sale in the fall.

However, postponements such as the Smackdown delay aren't limited to the PS3. The Xbox 360 faced similar problems when it went on sale last fall, when highly anticipated launch titles such as Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and Dead or Alive 4 were all postponed due to quality-assurance issues.

109 Comments

  • MartinMan

    Posted Nov 26, 2006 10:20 pm PT

    I know this article is a bit old but I'm still pretty dissapointed that I couldn't get my hands on a next gen version of SvR2007 on my ps3.

  • theone86

    Posted Aug 10, 2006 1:04 pm PT

    When the next-gen console race began Sony was predicting it would win because of its game titles, Blu-ray technology, and quality assurance. Now, not only do they have a reduced lineup of games, but they have lost many of their best PS exclusive franchises. GTA and SVR are being released on 360 and the MSG and Final Fantasy series branched onto the gamecube in the last console generation. If Sony loses MSG and FF they have no franchise games such as Mario or Halo. Not only that, the Wii's new gameplay mechanics seem like more of a selling point than Blu-ray. Sony has argued that PS3 will be the cheapest Blu-ray player on the market and that you'll be paying a little extra for better quality, but you can get the same quality at a reduced price on the 360 and a more diverse experience on the Wii. That being said, the PS3 is nothing but a cheap Blu-ray player and an overpriced game console, especially if you only end up playing a couple of key games which might be ported or sent to other sytems completely.

  • davidboggsm2006

    Posted Aug 2, 2006 8:44 am PT

    u pathetic earthlings u will all bow down to the power and leadership of ZIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • davidboggsm2006

    Posted Aug 1, 2006 8:18 am PT

    you all should just get the xbox 360 i mean come on with MASS AFECT
    FABLE 2 HALO 3 SDVR 2007 AND SO MUCH MORE YOUED BE BETTER OF JUST GETING THE 360 IF SOMEBODY GETS THE PS3 THEN THEIR JUST A PS FAN BOY THATS TO STUBURIN TO ADMITE IT AND THEY WILL PROBALY READ THIS AND GET MAD AND SAY BAD THINGS TO ME BUT THAT WONT CHANGE THAT OR MY BAD SPELLING SONY IS ONE OF THE MOST OVERRATED OVER PRICED CHEAP ALWAYS BRIKS STUF.IT MAY BE A OPOINE BUT IT MAY BE FACT.WOW THE PS3 HAS A TAD BIT BETTER GRAFIX WOW I COULD CARE LESS SONY IS ALWAYS TRYIG TO GET MONEY FROM EVERY ONE OH PS FAN BOYS I WIN U LOSE I WIN U LOSE U LOSE I WIN U LOSE I WIN U LOSE MUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA I WIN YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS I AM THE MAN I AM THE MAN I RULE WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HA HA HA HA HA HA HA AHHHH IS LITTLE PS FAN BOY ANGRY IS HE GO NA POOP DIPIE MUAAAA I RULE XBOX HAS ALWAYS RULED HA HA HA HA I AM JUST THAT FREAKING GOOD I AM BETTER THEN PS FANS I RULE XBOX RULES FOREVER ECHO IN BACK ROUND REPEAST IT.AND JUST TO LET U KNOW IM NOT GOING TO READ ANY OF THE MESSAGES THAT ANYONE POSTS ABOUT ME SO I RULE U SUCK I WIN ALL TEH XBOX FAN BOYS RULES I AM TEH HEAD CHEIF HAVE A NICE DAY. P.S PS FAN BOYS YOU CANT SEE ME

  • DanC1989

    Posted Aug 1, 2006 4:41 am PT

    Thank God that I don't care about the game...

  • Shabudalz

    Posted Jul 30, 2006 3:36 pm PT

    Will the next smackdown game on ps3 be called 07 or 08

  • Siz2005

    Posted Jul 30, 2006 2:07 pm PT

    Smackdown Vs Raw 2007 will be better on PS3 and I am still getting a ps3 anyway and not 360, so what of SvR 2007 does not come this year on ps3 there will be another ps3 games coming out this year.

    P.S (1) I not must of an xbox fan so I dont care if more people going to the 360 for the next gen wreasting game and (2) I am more in to shooters and horrors games anyway.

  • phSychO_AtDawn

    Posted Jul 27, 2006 6:03 pm PT

    I don't think the PS3 is getting a "price drop" anytime soon(untill 2009 or late 200 and my friend mike_mgoblue is right the PS3 only has SIX games in their line-up! that's not a good line-up for the holidays that's stupid! suicide! and might I add that the XBox 360 is last years PS2,look at it,Microsoft followed the same process as the PS2 and it works!they sold 5 million units in less than a year! so for those waiting for the "PS3" just buy a Xbox360, cause it's great console overall(XboxLive,Media capabilities,can play online with PC's,games that were once thought exclusive for the PS3 are now on the xbox 360)and it's a man's console.So come join the Funbus my friends and play online.

  • zerocloudEX2

    Posted Jul 27, 2006 5:05 am PT

    grrrrr WHY! the smackdown's were olny ps games and now its not comeing OUT! SCEW THE X BOX 360 VERISON THEY shouldnt have made it fro it anyways SCEW X BOX I HATE IT! IM BUYING THE PS2 version..and psp now )7 was the reason i was going to buy A PS3!

  • willripyouanew1

    Posted Jul 26, 2006 5:40 pm PT

    HAAA HAAA !!!

  • RVD61903

    Posted Jul 26, 2006 3:51 pm PT

    ugh this stinks, im just gonna have to get it for PS2, hopefully its better than Smack Vs. Raw 2006, it was boring. But at least theyre trying to make it better

  • redomegaz

    Posted Jul 26, 2006 2:25 pm PT

    deanie25 if thats the case then why is it still coming out on PS2 and PSP at the same time of the 360 surely if this was the case then they would have delayed all releases for the sony platforms, plus it wouldnt make much sense as it has been a sony favourite since its first release

  • deanie25

    Posted Jul 26, 2006 10:33 am PT

    this was there plan all along they got a deal with xbox to dely the ps3 one so the 360 can do somthing agains the ps3 cause ps3 would of out sell thevbox easy

  • darknferno12

    Posted Jul 26, 2006 1:33 am PT

    That sucks i was leaning towards getting SD!vsRaw for the PS3 but now i have no choice i want a next gen game and i'm not waiting until late 2007. O well the Xbox 360 version is fine hopfully they'll make the LIVE gameplay awsome

  • jasongm

    Posted Jul 25, 2006 1:29 pm PT

    Not coming for the PS3 this year?!

    Damn, i need my next gen wrestling fix...

    Now the 360 version looks more attractive,
    Xbox 360 smackdown... here I come!

    (Of course you realize this will sell more 360's to )

  • cesarotromundo

    Posted Jul 25, 2006 11:26 am PT

    wtf nnnnooooooooooooooooooooo!

  • satyrderk

    Posted Jul 25, 2006 10:38 am PT

    I am glad to see companies taking their time and making the game as good as it can be before releasing it. I wish all companies would do this. I can wait a little longer for a high profile game if it's going to be better quality. This is actually good news for gamers.

  • hellscovern

    Posted Jul 25, 2006 10:09 am PT

    The way i see it is if they are moaning about cost with doing both PS3 and the 360 versions then they should have kept it on Playstation like it's always been i dont see whay we should suffer just because THQ want's it to go multi platform, i think they are using the PS3 as an excuse many other devs have been able to get some good things from it for launch.

  • WESLY_SNYPES

    Posted Jul 25, 2006 9:16 am PT

    Why did you even take time to post on this news faridmon? and what is goo?

  • faridmon

    Posted Jul 25, 2006 8:08 am PT

    [This message was deleted at the request of a moderator or administrator]

  • Solidesnake2004

    Posted Jul 25, 2006 6:05 am PT

    Company CEO Brian Farrell has stated that developing for the PS3 and Xbox 360 was more difficult and expensive than the other next-gen console, the Wii. "One of the things we like about [the Wii] is the development costs...on the Wii are nowhere near what they are on the PS3 and Xbox 360," he said just before E3.

    My Response: Seems that programers at THQ are telling a Truth for once.. without any guesses or speculation.

  • Zane182

    Posted Jul 25, 2006 4:09 am PT

    Mmmm I never said *I* was buying it for playstation2, lol. I said what current playstation2 owners and Sony fans would do.I'm not a Sony fanboy but it's not like Playstation3 will never get a true next-gen Smackdown, it'll get 2008 next-year.

    Smackdown sells copies but it's never been a system-seller. So it won't effect hardware sales of either console, so to say it spells the end of playstation3 is a little speculative to say the least. I plan to buy all 3 machines when I can afford it. I'm just tired of those bashing a console that isn't even out yet.

    I like my FF's and my MGS's and my Devil May Cry's so I'll buy a ps3. But I like my Smash Brothers and my Halo's too. So I'll buy a 360 and a Wii too. Who cares two hoots which console wins the war as long as you get to play your favourite games.

    Every companys got its arrogant execs and its hardware pros and cons. Those who want ps3's games will shell out for it, simple as that.

  • WESLY_SNYPES

    Posted Jul 25, 2006 3:50 am PT

    Ladies and gentlemen yet another Sony fanboy is not seeing the full picture. No it's not an exclusive title but if it is coming to the 360 then wrestling fans will get a true next-gen experience because the 360 IS next gen. I am a Smackdown fan and owned every game and now I got a 360 because I won't have to sell an arm and a leg like I would if I bought a PS3 and the fact that it is going to be on the 360 gives me even less of a reason to own the bastardized computer. Furthermore, no one buys a system just for "net-gen" graphics alone. If that were the case then Sega would still be making consoles. So while you are still playing it on the PS2, I will be experiencing my Smackdown on a "next-gen" system with its "next-gen" graphics and most importantly with it's "next-gen" gameplay. Is that not what the Sony fanboy wanted to hear? Well...tough.

  • Zane182

    Posted Jul 25, 2006 12:23 am PT

    mrzero1982pt2 wrote "ladies and gentlemen, yet another exclusive title 4 the 360. "

    Ladies and Gentlemen, yet another MS fanboy who isn't seeing the full picture. It's being released for playstation2 and psp. And it's Smackdown vs Raw *2008* being released next year... try reading.

    Gameplay over Graphics. People will buy the Ps2 version and play it on their PS3's and wait a year for 2008 to be on ps3 so wrestling fans can get a true next-gen smackdown after THQ get used to the hardware.

  • Zane182

    Posted Jul 25, 2006 12:17 am PT

    Oh noessss MS fanboys rejoice.... not.

    What MS fans neglect to realise is it's being released for the playstation 2 aswell. PS2 smackdown fans are a huuuuge number. And I cannot see them buying an Xbox360 just for "next-gen" graphics, sorry.

    People will still buy a ps3. They will just play the Playstation2 version and wait for Smackdown vs Raw 2008 to come to the PS3. As it's the gameplay that matters, and not the graphics.

    Oh I'm sorry. Is that not what MS fanboys wanted to hear? Well.... tough.

  • kelkimble2k4

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 11:09 pm PT

    Really funny just one game got postponed for PS3 and it's a very bad thing now?DOA 4,GRAW and Oblivion where postponded too and it was not a big deal in the eyes of lemming?Really you ppl need to think before u post.

  • Imavnas

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 9:50 pm PT

    assassinX01:
    Your just defending Gamespot. Dont be a fool, im not defending Sony in any way. Im merely pointing out that Gamespot likes to not only exemplify articles that are biased towards Sony, but even now that were looking at an article of just one game delay, were also getting additional spins that are just not necessary. The site is called Gamespot, and it gives general news regarding all of gaming in general. There should be no need for that kind of spin on the news, wether positive or negative, and regardless of what "console camp" you personally belong to. As an example, I point you to the SAME news on IGN:

    http://ps3.ign.com/articles/720/720579p1.html

    You see anything there even closely related to those last 3 paragraphs in this Gamespot article? No. They explain where the news broke, where it came from, and what THQ said. Nothing more.

  • assassinX01

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 9:12 pm PT

    "lmavnas-GameSpot is not biased. Your just a Sony fanboy. The reason GameSpot put the extra stuff in there was because they know that this is going to be a problem with the PS3. Just because things are not working out well for the PS3 does not mean that GameSpot should ignore that so you can feel better about yourself. "

    There delaying it because its a yearly installment, so they have chosen to just skip an installment all together (see how it says CANCELED under release date?). Fine with me, I've never been a big fan of THQ games to begin with. Its a problem with all consoles, always has been, and always will be. Just because one game gets delayed means the PS3 isn't doing well. The 360 had 4 games delayed and its doing fine.

  • nintendorocks

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 9:06 pm PT

    Late 2007?! That is a VERY long delay. There has to be something behind this. You don't just delay a game for a year without a reason.

    lmavnas-GameSpot is not biased. Your just a Sony fanboy. The reason GameSpot put the extra stuff in there was because they know that this is going to be a problem with the PS3. Just because things are not working out well for the PS3 does not mean that GameSpot should ignore that so you can feel better about yourself.

  • thekey

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 9:03 pm PT

    Reality check 360 is doing well(inspite of what happened at the launch last year, and its failure in Japan.) Its doing well ever where else. Those THQ guys are just being nice, the PS3 version was just too exspensive to make, and its got to be more harder to program for. (Not enough time with the PS3 dev kit? Yeah right and snow isn't cold, right?)

    I mean the 360 version is supposedly dropping this year(which I will purcase) just says it all right there.

    SOMETHING IS DEFINATELY WRONG WITH THE PS3, I don't know what it is, but something is just not right with it.

  • mike_mgoblue

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 8:59 pm PT

    The Playstation 3 launch lineup has ONLY SIX games!!!

    That is TERRIBLE!!!

    By the way: Hulk Hogan is my favorite wrestler of all time.

  • TooDamnRaw

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 8:58 pm PT

    There's something "fishy" about this story, and though I'm not interested in getting to the bottom with it, I can only speculate these things: Either the PS3 hardware's not complete, the dev units weren't out in time(most likely scenario), the PS3 is not only difficult to program for, but very expensive(also a great possibility), or last but not least...The PS3 itself will be delayed until 2007(not really a possibility, considering the bind that Sony's in). And considering that Smack Down is a huge franchise that moves units just like Madden, Tekken, or Metal Gear, a lot of the "wrestling bashers" here just need to STFU with there lame brained comments!

  • oddworld7

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 8:42 pm PT

    Ps3 version just got low blowed.

  • Imavnas

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 6:35 pm PT

    "Why is it that every time your view is not reached you just accuse Gamespot of being biased?? You people need to question yourselves."

    All Gamespot needed to do was inform us that THQ's new Smackdown game for PS3 was delayed and why, not add more details that spin it to mean we might get almost no games when PS3 releases, when they dont even know that. There was no need to add the negative spin. Its like they enjoy adding fuel to the fires burning against Sony and the PS3.

  • SolidSmoke21

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 6:15 pm PT

    Why is it that every time your view is not reached you just accuse Gamespot of being biased?? You people need to question yourselves. If you dont, you just need to realize wrestling is strong. On a scale of 1 to 10 of wrestling popularity you might not care and to everybody else its probably around 2 out of 10 but among those who watch its a guaranteed 10 out of 10. I dont care but I notice that with wrestling its all or nothing. If you like it, you fully support. If not, oh well. Respect the group and stop thinking that one thing cant make a difference.

  • Myugenjin

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 5:56 pm PT

    Allz I got 2 say is wrestlins dead! No really WWE's stock has sunck since the Rock has left and the Cena's & Ortons now are just lame and halfassed compared to the Old Ric Flair & Hogan.

    & last but not least I don't like THQ since they started doing wrestling games!

  • diphed

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 5:12 pm PT

    theres no reason for them to release 2007 in PS3 becuz 2008 will be released anyways.

  • T1Panda

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 4:48 pm PT

    Hopefully the 360 version will still be released this year. And hopefully it won't suck.

  • NeoJedi

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 4:18 pm PT

    Oh well, guess I'll have to buy it on the 360 when it comes out then.

  • DylanDJK

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 4:03 pm PT

    OMG!!!1!111!!!!11!11!!!!!1!!1!1!1! WTF WHO CAERS ITS JUST A WR3STLNG GM3 ANYWAYS!!!!!!1!!!1!!1111!1!111!11!11!! OMG LOL

    hehe couldn't resist, but god basing a $500 purchase on something as stupid as wresting games. Yes wrestling games did good on the N64 but, that was a good 7 years ago! I could care less if another wrestling game was never made!

  • JoePiervincenti

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 4:01 pm PT

    Everyone hates game delays, but you would hate it a lot more if the game you were anxiously anticipating was a disappointment because the developers didn't get enough time to work on it! Try putting yourself in their shoes for a change.

  • ffgothic

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 3:51 pm PT

    just adds another reason of why PS3 will lose next-gen console war and why i'm gettin a Xbox 360!
    but in general i hate game delays

  • DeltaCommando07

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 3:50 pm PT

    noooo!!! man, i wanted to play this game so badly

  • GrayRoy

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 3:44 pm PT

    Why is everything i love always taken from me!!!!!!!!!!!

  • GrayRoy

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 3:43 pm PT

    Yep...theres no reason to get one now...i am depressed. : (

  • wwf20112

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 3:27 pm PT

    well i couldnt decide on a ps3 or 360.well they helped made up my mind 360 it is.

  • sasuke55

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 2:47 pm PT

    Well I hate to burst some collective bubbles here but I don' t forsee any price drops for the PS3 in 2007. Maybe not even 2008 because this is a system that is designed to have a longer life than other consoles its competing against which is why they put all the new **** in it and made it computer like. I have even heard of rumblings of upgrades to the premium edition not sure about that one though. As for Smack Down lets keep it real for a second

    All of you know this is one of the TOP selling franchises on the PS2 I like wrestling games and as an Xbox owner I hated that they had two different developers for PS2 and Xbox cause the Xbox one SUCKED BAD. IT only took them like what 3 games to figure that out. But now that its not coming to the PS3 until 07 that wont cripple the PS3 but it will hurt what orig looked like a sharp launch line up. But hey not even Sony is impervious to launch problems its normal. But for M$ that is great news cause lets face it there is a crazy market out there for wrestling games and that could give M$ a much needed boost this Holiday season.

  • ZeldaMaster32

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 2:37 pm PT

    Two things you guys are missing here.
    1. I wonder if it was delayed to developers saying it is easier to prgram and develop for 360 rather than PS3.
    2. You guys say, "Who is going to buy this crap?" The casuals. Wrestling games sold many a N64 back in the day.

    Have a nice day!
    -ZM32

  • Doolum

    Posted Jul 24, 2006 2:23 pm PT

    i do hope they will make it a ''worth to have waited for'' Game

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