Larian Studios - Signs with ISM

[Dhruin]

Larian Studios has announced (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=21557) they have signed up with management services company ISM. While this in itself may not be interesting to readers, the press release confirms the platforms for their next title:
RPG developer joins business management specialist
Role-playing specialist Larian Studios has become the latest client to sign up with management company ISM.
The award-winning development studio has previously worked on Divine Divinity and Beyond Divinity, and is currently working on a next-generation RPG for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.
"Role-playing games are the second most popular genre on PCs and the third most popular on console platforms," said Francois Masciopinto, ISM's senior agent for Europe.
"We are convinced that Larian is poised to provide consumers with incredible game experiences, and publishers with the opportunity to leverage their unique talent," he added.
"We believe ISM provides us with the business and negotiation skills necessary to compete in today's interactive market," commented Swen Vincke, president of Larian.
"They understand our business and challenges, and we strongly believe this new partnership will position our company for dramatic growth and expansion throughout the world," said Vincke.

More information. (http://www.rpgwatch.com/show/newsbit?newsbit=3058)

[User Name]

Another one gone over to the dark side of console kiddification. This console+pc combo bullshit will be the death of pc gaming.

[DarNoor]

My thoughts exactly. I wonder how dumbed down this game will be.

[VPeric]

Agreed 100&#37;. I'd rather have nothing at all, then some dumbed down console RPG. <_<

[Myrthos]

That's a bit premature isn't it?
As far as I interpreted the comments on their forums, they are developing for PC and are investigating a port to one or more consoles.

[Danicek]

We will see. I don't think consoles are doomed to have only childish titles. It is obvious that the majority of titles for consoles are bit dumbed down (as you say) but it is mainly because they are trying to target the largest-possible audience. I would say that it is generally the same on PC's. The games tend to be dumbed down in general nowadays. They are simply more and more expensive to develop meaning more and more money is needed to get back the costs (at least) which means you need to target large enough audience.

[ToddMcF2002]

Well on the upside - consoles are getting weaker relative to PC capabilities again. I welcome PC games that run smoothly and you know.... don't try to load the whole world into memory ;).