Insomniac explains reasons behind Sunset Overdrive’s Xbox One-exclusivity

Insomniac explains reasons behind Sunset Overdrive’s Xbox One-exclusivity
James Orry Updated on by

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Insomniac’s exclusive partnership with Microsoft to bring Sunset Overdrive, it’s near-future open-world shooter, to Xbox One was quite the surprise given the studio’s long history of working with Sony. But CEO Ted Price says the Xbox One just fits best.

“It may surprise some of our longtime fans that we have partnered with Microsoft Studios to develop Sunset Overdrive exclusively for Xbox One,” wrote Price on the Insomniac blog.

“When we first began discussing this idea with Microsoft, we were initially hesitant to shift back into an exclusive arrangement. But as the Microsoft team began introducing us to the abilities and philosophies driving the development of Xbox One, we knew that Sunset Overdrive was a perfect fit.

“The Xbox One and Xbox Live will support our ambitions to create an ongoing two-way dialogue with our community. It will also allow us to have quicker production cycles, enabling timely content updates for new weapons, characters, storylines and even pop culture-relevant content like memes based on social commentary.”

Price also assured fans that whilst Insomniac has gotten into bed with Microsoft for Sunset Overdrive, this doesn’t mean the end of working with Sony.

“Many of you may be asking what this news means for Insomniac. What about Ratchet & Clank? What about Fuse? Others may ask why we have ‘abandoned’ our PlayStation heritage,” wrote Price. “The truth is, not a lot has changed. Insomniac has been, is, and will continue to be 100% independent. We have treasured that independence for the last 19 years. It now allows us to own and control our IP, and find the most suitable partners to make those IP a reality.

“While we are excited about partnering with Microsoft on Sunset Overdrive, that doesn’t mean we can’t or wouldn’t make games with our longtime friends at Sony. That’s the magic of being an independent developer.”

He concluded: “Everyone here at Insomniac and on the Sunset Overdrive team at Microsoft is pumped to bring the game to you. “

A lot of Insomniac’s long-time fans are pretty furious about the studio’s switch to Microsoft, but what do you think? Independence is fraught with financial worries, so is Ted Price right to partner up?

Source: Insomniacgames.com