Titanfall’s exclusivity deal with Microsoft is in doubt, after Respawn co-founder Vince Zampella took to Twitter.
From the outset, Titanfall was expected to stay an Xbox and PC exclusive title indefinitely, a view supported by comments EA had made. Originally, IGN and Eurogamer reported on a quarterly earnings call where EA CFO Blake Jorgensen had said, “It’s exclusive only, for the life of the title, on Xbox One, and Xbox 360 and PC”. He then clarified EA’s business agreement with the developer Respawn. “We helped then on marketing, we helped them on development where they need it. And we try to maintain a strong partnership with them over time”. Jorgensen’s comments seemed to definitively deflate any possibility of a PS4 release.
The story has since developed after a fan tweeted Vince Zampella to ask whether the PS4 would see any Respawn games. He replied: “Of course we will, just not the first Titanfall“. A follow up tweet asked specifically about whether exclusivity to Microsoft meant the entire series or just the first Titanfall and Vince replied: “Just this release”.
Vince Zampella’s tweets are at odds with the comments made by EA’s CFO suggesting some tension in their business partnership. It has also caused considerable confusion for the media and gamers. From all that we’ve read and had reported to us, it looks certain that the Microsoft exclusivity deal was negotiated from the outset, but, whether that was for the series or just the first Titanfall changes depending on whether you’re talking to the publisher or the developer. From Vince’s point of view, it seems pretty clear, it was a one game deal to help boost their fledgling startup company.
For PS4 owners, the comments come as welcome news. While they won’t see the first Titanfall game, this paves the way for possible multi-platform sequels and less bragging rights for their Xbox One owning friends and family.
Titanfall is due to be released in Australia on 13 March 2014 for Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC.
Sources: Eurogamer, IGN, Gameinformer, Kotaku