Molyneux Calls the PS Vita "Gimmicky"

[Greg Tito]

Molyneux Calls the PS Vita "Gimmicky"

Free from constraints, Molyneux can finally speak his mind.

Peter Molyneux at new indie studio 22 Cans [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/116189-Peter-Molyneux-Leaves-Lionhead]. While he's never been reticent with commentary, Molyneux has drawn the line at criticizing Microsoft's competitors ... until he realized he didn't have to anymore. Speaking with commentators on Spike TV after the Sony press conference last night at E3, the Brit said he wasn't excited to design games for the PS Vita handheld.

"I have to say, purely speaking as a designer, it just doesn't excite me," said Molyneux. "The back touchscreen, I thought it was quite cute, there's quite a few games that have the tap on the back."

He continued with some real critical language. "But, you know, I'm not there. I'm sorry. It's gimmicky; it's another thing to put in my pocket."

Molyneux did have a positive reaction to at least part of Sony's presentation, the reveal of the next game Beyond from French studio Quantic Dream [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/117638-E3-Sony-Unveils-Ellen-Page-in-Beyond]. "Anything that David Cage does I think is super interesting," he said. "You can say what you like about his previous titles but they really are cutting edge and innovational."

Way to make up a word there, Peter.

Source: Videogamer [http://www.videogamer.com/news/molyneux_vita_is_gimmicky_doesnt_excite_me.html]

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[dragongit]

Says the man eager to develop for the Kinect

 

[Dragoon]

Wait, what? This guy makes games for the Kinect, the mother of gimmicky controllers, and also has a habit of making gimmicky games anyway and then has the cheek to call the Vita gimmicky? Oh Peter you created and then absolutely destroyed one of my favourite game series (Fable) and now you make hypocritical comments. You crazy screw job please just do everyone a favor and retire your time in the spotlight is over.

 

[Kargathia]

So, if I understand this correctly, his comments so far were showing constraint?
...
..
I'll go get the popcorn.

 

[Baresark]

He is right, it's gimmicky. But, he is the king of gimmick. Kinect games. Beyond that, this guy needs to stop commenting on other peoples stuff.

 

[LZeroK]

Do we really care what HE has to say about anything? Being the godfather of false promises and gimmicks...

 

[Andronicus]

That's interesting. Out of the two major players in the handheld market (for dedicated consoles at least; three if you want to be persnickety and include phones as well), he picked the Vita to single out as gimmicky. While I wouldn't exactly disagree entirely with him, I'd have to say that I find a back touchscreen as possessing significantly more potential use within games than 3D, and at least Sony isn't trying to sell it on that feature alone.

Kinda weird, but whatever, it's Molyneux.

 

[wooty]

So the king of gimmicks says that the Vita is gimmicky?

I guess thats like Cadburys saying that Nestle has too much sugar in their products. I'd still much rather have gimmicky Vita games than that Milo shit you were trying to plug a few years ago.

 

[Lucem712]

I wouldn't say it's really...gimmick-y. I mean, it's just a hand-held with a touch screen, it's not really even different from a smart-phone. Now, the 3DS, that's a gimmick. PS move, Kinect, those are gimmicks.

As they are being sold on those features alone. Vita isn't sold on its touch-screen, it's sold on it's ability to play full, powerful games.

Anyhow, Molyneux, don't talk shit about someone you may have to go to for publishing. Just not a smart move.

 

[surg3n]

Developers haven't scratched the surface of what the Vita is capable of. When we start seeing full blown FPS games on it, I think things will change... come on Killzone dev's, get your finger out!

 

[porpoise hork]

Really Peter? You went there? Quoth the kettle, "Thy pot is black sir."

 

[kyoodle]

I don't normally comment on the way the escapist presents news but shouldn't this article really be about Peter Molyneux liking Quantic Dream?
Y'know artists respecting one another rather than 'Hey someone who made Microsoft exclusives doesn't like Sony's new handheld'. I don't think it's intentional but it just feels like this is trying to stir up fanboy arguments.

 

[Xannidel]

I don't normally comment on the way the escapist presents news but shouldn't this article really be about Peter Molyneux liking Quantic Dream?
Y'know artists respecting one another rather than 'Hey someone who made Microsoft exclusives doesn't like Sony's new handheld'. I don't think it's intentional but it just feels like this is trying to stir up fanboy arguments.

The thread title suits what the OP posted, all but that bottom section was about Peter talking about the Vita being gimmicky
I think this is fits more about the Sony conference because he had more to say then calling the Vita gimmicky.

 

[Frostbite3789]

Snip

And with his newfround freedom from Microsoft where he can speak his mind he...talks bad about a Sony product.

Yep.

 

[sifffffff]

Right on Pete! Now go develop another Kinect game!

 

[kyoodle]

I don't normally comment on the way the escapist presents news but shouldn't this article really be about Peter Molyneux liking Quantic Dream?
Y'know artists respecting one another rather than 'Hey someone who made Microsoft exclusives doesn't like Sony's new handheld'. I don't think it's intentional but it just feels like this is trying to stir up fanboy arguments.

The thread title suits what the OP posted, all but that bottom section was about Peter talking about the Vita being gimmicky
I think this is fits more about the Sony conference because he had more to say then calling the Vita gimmicky.

I never said the title doesn't match the article, I just think OP made the article more about Peter Molyneux calling something gimmicky so people can cynically call it ironic and maybe get a little Microsoft/Sony debate in the comments. We all know how fun they are

 

[Scrythe]

"I have to say, purely speaking as a designer, it just doesn't excite me," said Molyneux. "The back touchscreen, I thought it was quite cute, there's quite a few games that have the tap on the back."

I know what excites you, Peter: an RPG where you communicate almost entirely via farting.

Or better yet, a pause menu that takes you to a whole new room! It takes you forever to do what could have been done in a few keystrokes!

"Anything that David Cage does I think is super interesting," he said. "You can say what you like about his previous titles but they really are cutting edge and innovational."

Because that's what real talent looks like.

Says the man eager to develop for the Kinect

Yeah, pretty much.

 

[getoffmycloud]

Don't hate on him for stating his opinion if he feels that he can make great experiences using kinect then good for him I hope he succeeds, and if he feels that he can't do that for the vita and it is gimmicky then fair that is what he feels.

At the end of the day I would rather have peter molyneux try and make a new experience and produce a gimmicky title than some uncreative waster making a generic military fps any day of the week.

 

[Nathan Josephs]

his first idea he pitched about the box game was one giant gimmick so i expect nothing less than it to be exclusive for the vita by his logic.