14 DAY TRIAL // Video game developer Insomniac Games has made its upcoming Sunset Overdrive an exclusive for the Xbox One home console because the company believes that the Xbox Live service is perfectly suited to its ambition when it comes to both competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes.
The information comes from Ted Price, the chief executive officer of the studio, who is quoted by GameSpot as saying that his team was looking for a partner who was able to deliver a capable network infrastructure that would support a large player number.
He explains that “Microsoft’s muscle on the platform and Xbox Live fronts has been invaluable in helping us create a unique multiplayer experience. Furthermore, the overall partnership has been seamless, and we've been extremely happy with the level of support and commitment we've received for Sunset Overdrive.”
The CEO says that the most testing element was the Chaos Squad cooperative mode, which allows eight human players to move across a large game world at a speed and choose to take part in a variety of randomized missions.
The mode was shown in action running on the Xbox One and is mostly smooth and engaging, with the limited number of issues seen during E3 2014 set to be eliminated before official launch.
Ted Price also says that Insomniac Games, which has had a long-running relationship with Sony, might return to the PlayStation 4 in the future because the company will remain independent and can choose to work with any company that can offer a good partnership and solid infrastructure.
He adds, “One of the benefits of operating as an independent studio and creating and owning one's IP is that you can develop for the platforms that make the most sense for the game.”
Sunset Overdrive is set to arrive on the Xbox One on October 28 in the United States and three days later in Europe, offering a multiplayer-focused shooter experience that will emphasize speed and impressive weapons.
Insomniac has also promised that it will deliver constant updates for the title, with new modes and maps.
Microsoft is preparing to heavily market the game and will offer a bundle for it that will include a white Xbox One device, which has until now been only available to employees of the company.
The measure is designed to boost overall sales of the platform, which has been trailing the rival PlayStation 4 from Sony since they were both introduced in late 2013.