DKΣ3713 - Nomura Interview

[Hcoregamer00]

Nah, it's more like, if SE don't get FF out this year they're going to sacrifice a LOT of mind share and their big budget FF games are going to go down in a blaze of bomba right along with the PS3. PS3 is approaching the threshold of complete abandonment and at that point even FF13 won't be able to sell well. They're desperate.

I wouldn't say that, especially for Europe and the USA.

In japan you could make a convincing argument.

[MassiveAttack]

Nah, it's more like, if SE don't get FF out this year they're going to sacrifice a LOT of mind share and their big budget FF games are going to go down in a blaze of bomba right along with the PS3. PS3 is approaching the threshold of complete abandonment and at that point even FF13 won't be able to sell well. They're desperate.

Things are certainly desperate in Japan. The only thing on the horizon that is going to move serious hardware units is FFXIII. MGS4 provided a nice but very short-lived bump. What Sony needs is something akin to Monster Hunter Portable on the PSP. Whether that is FFXIII is anyone's guess but it's the only thing in the pipeline that has any chance of resuscitating the platform in the near term - that and a PS3 Slim redesign.

[Hcoregamer00]

Things are certainly desperate in Japan. The only thing on the horizon that is going to move serious hardware units is FFXIII. MGS4 provided a nice but very short-lived bump. What Sony needs is something akin to Monster Hunter Portable on the PSP. Whether that is FFXIII is anyone's guess but it's the only thing in the pipeline that has any chance of resuscitating the platform in the near term - that and a PS3 Slim redesign.

What Sony needs isn't a "Killer App", because FF13 coupled with nothing else would lead to the same events as MGS4. It will get a temporary bump, and then go back to the status quo.

What it needs is a huge lineup of games that appeal to a wide market, to give the consumer the idea that the console is gaining momentum. This huge lineup of games should also come within a certain time period so that growth will be sustained, and maybe even long term.

Until then, the console is doomed to the same sales, even with or without FF13.

[Negaiido]

What Sony needs isn't a "Killer App", because FF13 coupled with nothing else would lead to the same events as MGS4. It will get a temporary bump, and then go back to the status quo. What it needs is a huge lineup of games that appeal to a wide market, to give the consumer the idea that the console is gaining momentum. This huge lineup of games should also come within a certain time period so that growth will be sustained, and maybe even long term. Until then, the console is doomed to the same sales, even with or without FF13.

QFT BUT Q4 '08 and '09 has a pretty nice line up imo

[flamesofchaos]

Haha, that would be funny and so very sad. Some people here would be on a serious suicide watch

I think Neogaf would go on Suicidal watch if the FF:VII remake was on Wii.

[MassiveAttack]

I think Neogaf would go on Suicidal watch if the FF:VII remake was on Wii.

Like I've said before, Kaz Hirai would be forced to resign in disgrace if that happened.

[Tailzo]

I think a FFVII remake for psp could work. Use assets from Crisis Core, the engine too, and then you don't have to use an enourmous 5-6 years budget to make it. Offcourse, not everyone will be happy then.

[flamesofchaos]

Like I've said before, Kaz Hirai would be forced to resign in disgrace if that happened.

So was Monster Hunter 3 a fluke then?

[Raging Spaniard]

I think a FFVII remake for psp could work. Use assets from Crisis Core, the engine too, and then you don't have to use an enourmous 5-6 years budget to make it. Offcourse, not everyone will be happy then.

If youre gonna remake it for PSP given those reasons, then make it for the Wii instead. The budget would be similar and the potential sales much bigger

[Y2Kev]

So was Monster Hunter 3 a fluke then?

Monster Hunter is not that big on consoles really. Monster Hunter Portable is where it really took off.

[MassiveAttack]

So was Monster Hunter 3 a fluke then?

Given the history of FFVII on PS, it would be a considerably bigger megaton (of shame).

[Kagari]

Sony published FFVII originally... do they still hold the rights?

[flamesofchaos]

Given the history of FFVII on PS, it would be a considerably bigger megaton (of shame).

Well you do remember that Eidos published a FFVII port on PC right?

[Mefisutoferesu]

Isn't the PS3 "accelerating" (in terms of, well, PS3ish acceleration) worldwide?

In sales? Maybe world wide, but it's dieing in Japan, and SE certainly does care about their Jp sales, more so than the rest of the world, for whatever reason. In any case, PS3 is in much the same situation as PSP, only with far less sales and a viable competing alternative getting lots of exclusives, and when you consider the way the PSP is performing despite its hardware success and advantages, things don't look good for the PS3. It doesn't help that things seem to be moving much quicker in the console space than the handheld space.

Things are certainly desperate in Japan. The only thing on the horizon that is going to move serious hardware units is FFXIII. MGS4 provided a nice but very short-lived bump. What Sony needs is something akin to Monster Hunter Portable on the PSP. Whether that is FFXIII is anyone's guess but it's the only thing in the pipeline that has any chance of resuscitating the platform in the near term - that and a PS3 Slim redesign.

But see, that's not going to save PS3 anyway. Look at PSP, it sold 2 FREAKING million copies of a game in Japan and is selling better than every other platform, yet almost NO ONE will even attempt to develop for the platform, despite the obvious sales potential. The mind share is dead, there's no interest left in making games for it. PSP and PS3 and any platform need continuous software releases in order to keep interest going. From the get go PS3 has been strapped for software, unlike PSP that at least had a strong start, and is already at the same gait as the PSP, but without the hardware sales. Even with a slim, it'll just repeat the PSP's story, good/great hardware terrible software. There's simply a point of no return, PSP is past that and PS3 is right about there, so unless SE acts quickly and get's some big title out quick and builds interest and userbase, they're going to be forced to release BIG money productions on what is essentially a dead console.

[rykomatsu]

that was kind of a shitty translation in certain parts.

A few notes:

-I'm not sure how Japan announces movie releases, but I THOUGHT they generally gave a hard release date as to when they start showing at theaters, not based on how long they plan to show for. That said, it seems the release date isn't set in stone, rather the release period is (Winter/Spring/Fall/Summer).

-FF XIII team isn't going off to help the Versus team right now...I don't know how the hell the original translator got that idea.

Here it is, retranslated but unedited so some parts might read a bit awkward:

-First of all, please tell us why you decided to hold the DK∑3713 event.
Nomura: Up until now, we've held the Square-Enix Party a number of times, but it wasn't specifically designated as a once-every-two-years event. Unfortunately, due to unforseen circumstances, we've been unable to hold that event this year. That said, though, it would be very unfortunate to be unable to present to gamers, anything until TGS in October. Because of this, we wanted try to incorporate an event into our schedule, even if it were on a very small scale. This time around, the marketing staff of the the titles I'm involved with were the ones who setup the event, so DK∑3713 is not a company-wide event. Because of this we're limited to 400 people every 3 hours 3 times a day for 2 days. We've limited it to a total of 2400 being our maximum capacity.

-What will the event hall be like?
Nomura: Previously we've shown videos in a a closed theatre, but this time around we'll be showing the videos in an more public setting. This allows people who are waiting in line to try out demos to watch the videos while waiting. Even though there's a limitation of 400people/3hrs, based on our calculations, even if you demo everything, you should still have more than enough time to watch the videos as well. We've also arranged a theatre that will accommodate about 100 people as well.

-What would be "not-to-be-missed" at DK∑3713?
Nomura: Dssidia FF and Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep can be demoed. In particular, KHBSS is amazing.

-What aspect of KHBSS is amazing?
Nomura: Of course the fact that it's part of the KH series, but it feels very new. There's an original gaming system in place now, and we plan on setting up the demos so you can experience that in particular.

-Will there be other titles to demo?
Nomura: Of course KH 358/2 Days will be demoable. Also, Sigma Harmonics will be playable as well.

-What can we expect from the FF Versus 13 side of things?
Nomura: Currently, the Cinematics Team is heavily involved in FFVIIAC Complete (ACC) and don't have the luxury to work on other projects. The console development team (i think?) is also heavily focused on FF13 so the number of people in the FF Versus 13 team is extremely limited. Because of this, we're unsure if we'll even be able to present the current status of FF Versus XIII at this point in time.

-How is the progression of ACC?
Nomura: Things that had been set in stone before are more or less near completion, but due to additions to the scenario, the amount of editing required has increased further than expected...

-So that means there will be a significant amount of content?
Nomura: There are parts which have been remade as well, so there should be quite a bit of content. The release timeframe has been decided. We hope that people who have seen AC before will also be able to enjoy ACC anew.

-So that means there'll be some type of announcement in regards to ACC?
Nomura: We'll announce the release period. There will also be another major announcement so please look forward to that.

-Along those lines, what's planned for TGS in October?
Nomura: For those people that were unable to get tickets, we'll be make TGS worthwhile to attend. Think of this event as a TGS Preview.

[AwakenedCloud]

Sony published FFVII originally... do they still hold the rights?

Don't think so, I doubt they would've let the PC version come out if that was the case.

[grandjedi6]

Sony published FFVII originally... do they still hold the rights?

no and they never did

[GoldandBlue]

-What will the event hall be like? Nomura: Previously we've shown videos in a a closed theatre, but this time around we'll be showing the videos in an more public setting. This allows people who are waiting in line to try out demos to watch the videos while waiting. Even though there's a limitation of 400people/3hrs, based on our calculations, even if you demo everything, you should still have more than enough time to watch the videos as well. We've also arranged a theatre that will accommodate about 100 people as well.

Shitty cellphone quality trailers confirmed?

[GhaleonQ]

Thanks, Ryko.

[FFObsessed]

Sony published FFVII originally... do they still hold the rights?

Sony published it in Europe. But that doesn't mean anything for future rights. It was just a distribution thing.

[btkadams]

New cellphone game incoming!

YAY

[Sage00]

D K Sigma Three Seven One Three or SE private party

D K Sigma Three Seven Thirteen actually.

[Rpgmonkey]

-What can we expect from the FF Versus 13 side of things? Nomura: Currently, the Cinematics Team is heavily involved in FFVIIAC Complete (ACC) and don't have the luxury to work on other projects. The console development team (i think?) is also heavily focused on FF13 so the number of people in the FF Versus 13 team is extremely limited. Because of this, we're unsure if we'll even be able to present the current status of FF Versus XIII at this point in time.

And people call FFXIII vaporware?

:(

Anyway, this sounds like the event might be pretty cool. Looking forward to it.

[neverknowsbest]

Haha, holy crap that original translation was terrible. Thanks for the UNDERSTANDABLE translation.

[Kagari]

OP updated with the better TL.

[Id.]

-Along those lines, what's planned for TGS in October? Nomura: For those people that were unable to get tickets, we'll be make TGS worthwhile to attend. Think of this event as a TGS Preview.

FFXIII release date planned with a special edition in mind? That'd be awesome.

I'm prepared to be disappointed :(

[bigmakstudios]

I read it as: E3... 7/13 >_>

[Soroc]

Thanks Ryko! This translation makes much more sense!

[Stumpokapow]

Finally, confirmation that FFvXIII is not in full-scale active development.

[SuperSonic1305]

TGS is in October now?

[jiggle]

can't wait for DKΣ3713
too bad all we'll see are mobile videos :(

maybe they're working on a cg sequel to the movie? I would not mind at all. hell, cg movies for other FF too

[duckroll]

Finally, confirmation that FFvXIII is not in full-scale active development.

It was confirmed when I translated the Famitsu interview the last time. Square Enix just doesn't want people to believe that. Too bad for them Nomura is too big of a superstar to be held back and continues to be honest in every interview he gives.

Btw, what was the original "translation" of this interview? Before rykomatsu translated it, it sounded like there was a lot of confusion.

[schuelma]

Monster Hunter is not that big on consoles really. Monster Hunter Portable is where it really took off.

That's 100% true of course, but I do think there is a chance that at least a portion of that newly huge Monster Hunter audience might get MH3 anyways, just to be able to get something new from the franchise.

[duckroll]

That's 100% true of course, but I do think there is a chance that at least a portion of that newly huge Monster Hunter audience might get MH3 anyways, just to be able to get something new from the franchise.

Monster Hunter 2 on the PS2 came out just 2 months after Monster Hunter Portable took Japan by storm originally. There wasn't much of an effect on sales then either.

[grandjedi6]

Btw, what was the original "translation" of this interview? Before rykomatsu translated it, it sounded like there was a lot of confusion.

―First, tell us about your involvement in the DKΣ3713 event.

Nomura: I've attended the Square Enix parties many times so far, but it doesn't mean that this particular time has been decided. This year there are various circumstances, and I'm sorry to say that I am unable to attend this event. Though by the TGS in October, the visitors will have no excuse to experience something from the event because it's been adjusted on a small scale to be more intimate.

This time the advertisement staff for the games I was involved in will be holding an exhibition. Because it is not an event for the whole company, it will occur 3 times a day for two days, each meeting involving 400 people lasting 3 hours. The total of 2,400 people makes the capacity restricted.

―What is the meeting place going to be like?

Nomura: There's always an image posted on the closed theater, but this time an open image is intended to be posted in the meeting place for everyone to see. So even if you're in line for the trial play, you will be able to watch it. Since the arranged limit of 400 people in 3 hours will likely top, and the trial plays may be busy, you will have time to view the image. As for theater space, seating for about 100 is prepared.

―What will be the highlights of the DKΣ3713 event?

Nomura: Dissidia Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep will be available to try. KHBbS will be particularly cool.

―What is particularly cool about it?

Nomura: Of course it's part of the Kingdom Hearts series, but it has a new feeling. An original system is introduced and a trial level is being prepared for everyone to try at the event.

―Additionally, are there other titles available for trial play?

Nomura: Of course KH 358/2 Days will be available. You can play Sigma Harmonics too.

―What sort of things involving Final Fantasy Versus XIII will we see?

Nomura: I am devoted to Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Comple, and the picture team has no time to spare just now. Since FF Versus XIII's team has very few people, some members of the FFXIII team have begun helping them out. For that reason, it's not ready to be presented in it's current condition.

―What can we expect for ACC's progress?

Nomura: For the most part, it's almost finished, but additional scenarios need further modification, they always seem to be increasing...

―Is it becoming a good volume?

Nomura: Because I am remaking it, I think it will be a good volume. The selling period will decide that. After seeing it, I hope that a new impression will be left and give the viewers something to think about.

―With that notion, does ACC have any announcements?

Nomura: The release date will be announced. There is also a big announcement elsewhere, please look forward to it.

―By the way, what are the plans for TGS in October?

Nomura: If one doesn't obtain a ticket this time, then follow TGS. Please think of this event as a precedence to the edition at TGS.

[rykomatsu]

Btw, what was the original "translation" of this interview? Before rykomatsu translated it, it sounded like there was a lot of confusion.

something about FF13 staff being shunted to FFv13 project team and what not...that was the major error but there were a few other errors pock marking the original

[duckroll]

Don't you guys love how GAF users in general are so demanding on fact checking now? :)

[soul]

Don't you guys love how GAF users in general are so demanding on fact checking now? :)

I love the fact I'm learning Japanese nowadays just because of GAF

[HK-47]

I always think of Donkey Kong when I read that tile...meh

That would be one hell of a subtitle for a DK game

[schuelma]

Monster Hunter 2 on the PS2 came out just 2 months after Monster Hunter Portable took Japan by storm originally. There wasn't much of an effect on sales then either.

Maybe I have something wrong, but from the numbers I'm seeing, the first PSP Monster Hunter didn't do nearly as much what the series is now doing.

From Josh's site:

MH1- PS2- ended up at 288K

Then MH Freedom PSP is released- ends up at 668K (not counting the BEST edition)

MH2 then comes out and reaches 570K.

Then the following year Monster Hunter Freedom 2 comes out ( 1.7M), and then this year of course Monster Hunter Portable 2 G (at 2.3M and growing).

I don't know, IMO those numbers lend some credence to my theory. The second console Monster Hunter saw a pretty significant bump from the first, and the 2 PSP versions that followed are the ones that sold the really amazing amounts.

I'm not saying MH3 is going to sell 2 million copies, but I think it has potential to significantly outsell MH2.

[duckroll]

That would be one hell of a subtitle for a DK game

Nomura working on "Donkey Kong Sigma 3713 AD" confirmed?

[HK-47]

MH 2 sold on par with MHP until MHP2 pushed interest, and MHP, through the roof.

Console MH right now is a mystery, since the demand is insane, but MH 2 didnt boost with the portable games, but because MHP 2 was out it may have "replaced" MH 2 since it was also portable, so why pick up the old version

[Kagari]

<_<

[HK-47]

QFT BUT Q4 '08 and '09 has a pretty nice line up imo

For the West. It isnt look nearly as bright for Japanese gamers

[MassiveAttack]

For the West. It isnt look nearly as bright for Japanese gamers

Unless of course...

[duckroll]

Maybe I have something wrong, but from the numbers I'm seeing, the first PSP Monster Hunter didn't do nearly as much what the series is now doing. From Josh's site: MH1- PS2- ended up at 288K Then MH Freedom PSP is released- ends up at 668K (not counting the BEST edition) MH2 then comes out and reaches 570K. Then the following year Monster Hunter Freedom 2 comes out ( 1.7M), and then this year of course Monster Hunter Portable 2 G (at 2.3M and growing). I don't know, IMO those numbers lend some credence to my theory. The second console Monster Hunter saw a pretty significant bump from the first, and the 2 PSP versions that followed are the ones that sold the really amazing amounts. I'm not saying MH3 is going to sell 2 million copies, but I think it has potential to significantly outsell MH2.

You're not incorrect. MH pulled like 230k and MH-G pulled another 230k, before MHP was released. While MH2 did double the console fanbase, probably because of MHP, Capcom never released a G expansion for MH2, and only did one for MHP2. This makes it hard to see how much of the console fanbase is still on console or it they have all jumped on the portable bandwagon. We'll just have to see.

[Teetris]

I come in here reading the op thinking it's about the remake.

Instead I find out FFXIII is in some kind of development hell now. :(

[MassiveAttack]

I come in here reading the second post thinking it's about the remake. Instead I find out FFXIII is in some kind of development hell now. :(

FFvsXIII, that is. Development has been temporarily halted in order to get FFXIII out the door.

[schuelma]

This makes it hard to see how much of the console fanbase is still on console or it they have all jumped on the portable bandwagon. We'll just have to see.

Yeah, and I'm not trying to claim with any certainty that MH3 is going to be huge..just that I think there is a chance that a signficant part of the 2.3M and growing userbase might get MH3 just to have the next Monster Hunter to play.

[Teetris]

FFvsXIII, that is. Development has been temporarily halted in order to get FFXIII out the door.

Like someone else said, they said the reversed thing not too long ago. The game not having an E3 appearance makes me think they are trying to make it so good they can't handle it or something.