Confirmed: Ghostbusters timed PlayStation exclusive after Sony deal [UPDATED]
Wednesday, 06 May 2009 10:14
Ghostbusters
Sony Computer Entertainment today signed a deal with Atari to publish Terminal Reality's Ghostbusters, making the game a timed PlayStation exclusive.
In a surprise turn of events, Sony has signed a deal with Atari to publish Ghostbusters, just one month before its release.
The game is set to release alongside the Sony Pictures Blu-ray of the original film, but now
only for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2. The PSP version will follow a number of months later.
The game was originally in the works for Microsoft's Xbox 360, Nintendo's Wii and DS, and PCs, but it's now unclear what will happen to these versions.
GamesIndustry.biz understands that Atari might publish them at some point in the future.
Ghostbusters was originally dropped by Vivendi Blizzard after their merger with Activision last year. Atari picked up the title, but the economic climate has seen the company continue to experience financial problems.
The fact that Ghostbusters is a Sony Pictures property, and Atari is now headed by previous Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios president
Phil Harrison might have a cursory connection to the deal.
You can watch the video game's opening cinematic by
following this link.
[UPDATE] -
VideoGaming247 has gained comment from an Atari representative, who has stated that the game should release on non-PlayStation platforms later in the year, though there are no official dates.
[UDPATE 2] - This snapshot from a Sony Computer Entertainment Europe press release highlights the exclusivity:
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Sony Pictures, and Atari Europe today announced that Ghostbusters: The Video Game for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2 is to be published in PAL territories by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe in June, meaning that owners of PS3 and PlayStation 2 will get their hands on the game that reunites the cast of the hit movies.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the well-loved franchise, the game will launch in coordination with the Blu-ray release of the original hit movie and licensing programs from Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. Ghostbusters: The Video Game will launch in Europe and PAL regions on June 19th 2009 exclusively for PS3 and PlayStation 2.
"We’re committed to bringing the PlayStation family the biggest and best gaming experiences first," says Mark Hardy, European Product Marketing Director at SCEE, "and it doesn’t get any bigger and better than this blockbuster title. This summer, PlayStation owners will be the first to grab their proton packs and fight the spirit world. We’d like to wish them the best of luck in their ghostbusting endeavours and, of course, to remind them not to cross the streams!"
"With our colleagues at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe publishing Ghostbusters: The Video Game, we are thrilled by the dynamic new Ghostbusters game. We think it will have tremendous appeal to gamers and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this beloved franchise." said Mark Caplan, Vice President of Licensing-Interactive for Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. "With this superb game launching alongside the Blu-ray release, we will reach existing fans and the next generation, bringing them all into the irresistible Ghostbusters universe."
"Atari is committed to maximizing the launch of the Ghostbusters videogame across Europe,” Said Jim Wilson, VP Worldwide Marketing, Atari. “In partnership with both Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Inc and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, we have a unique opportunity to add new game products and expand marketing opportunities to reach Ghostbusters fans in Europe."
Ghostbusters: The Video Game will release exclusively for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2 on June 19th, with the PSP version to follow this autumn. Other platforms, dependent on Atari publishing the titles, may follow before 2009 is out.
[UPDATE 3] - An Atari spokesperson has
told MCV that non-PlayStation platforms will indeed see the Ghostbusters Video Game by the end of 2009:
"I can confirm that Sony will publish Ghostbusters on PS3 and PS2 on June 19th, and that the Xbox 360, Wii and DS versions will be coming from Atari later in the year, an Atari rep told MCV.
"There is currently no confirmed date for the game."
[UPDATE 4] - Since SCEA has yet to send out a press release, we will have to presume that the timed exclusivity only applies to PAL regions (Europe and Australia) though as soon as we hear otherwise, we'll let you know.
[UPDATE 5] - Ghostbusters: The Video Game will release across all platforms in North America, as confirmed in
our follow up story.