biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=16767 -
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Published on: 7/21/2007
Last Visited: 8/4/2007
We talk to Krome CEO Robert Walsh about what this means for the Viva Pinata franchise and independent studios in general.
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"I've known the Microsoft people for several years," explained Krome CEO Robert Walsh.
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When asked if this was an attempt to reach the mainstream with a party title like Wii Sports, Wii Play, Warioware: Smooth Moves or Mario Party 8, Walsh agreed but downplayed the direct correlation with Nintendo's Wii games."I definitely agree, though I think it's just part of a well balanced library," he responded."I'm positive Microsoft is looking into the party space seriously, as it's a driver for all consoles long term."
Since the game was Rare's original creation, we asked how much input or support they received from the British developer."Originally, there was quite a fair bit, because it's like handing your baby off to someone else," detailed Walsh."They offered assets and advice for keeping things consistent in the Viva Pinata world.They were concerned whether or not we were going to do a quality job.After we proved that we were going to handle it capably, they gave us a bit more freedom, though we're still sending them builds consistently and receiving their feedback."
This move by Microsoft, handing off one of its larger new IPs to an independent developer seems to be indicative of a general change in the industry.Walsh talked about this changing climate: "We work on our own games, but work for hire is a good way to stay in business.