re: OK done with the PS4 for now

quote:

---

I don't think anyone can argue otherwise on that. I just don't think it's wise to tie yourself to only one company because things ALWAYS change.

---

Video gaming is one of the volatile industries. Many publishers (EA, Take 2, Activision are included with Sony and Nintendo here) own studios because they want to have projects done internally. It's no different than any other business. Being with a publisher guarantees secure financial backing and makes sure important things like salaries and benefits get paid (you'd be shocked to hear how many smaller devs go months without being paid).

If you want unlimited creative freedom, then you go start your own indie studio. Many have done this and it's been a bit of a mixed bag of success. Best option is for the studio and publisher to have a really good relationship that allows for a lot of autonomy. Sony pretty much lets Naughty Dog run itself with almost zero distraction (sometimes, Sony gets ND people to share info/assist other studios). There are plenty more reason why you'd want to be under a console producer as well (marketing and strong HW/SW support being key). It's not a bad deal for them.