It would seem that rather than dead, Aruze’s interests for the coin-op market are alive and well, if only hibernating, and they see themselves as the only providers of games for the SNK platforms, even though they have signed agreements with companies in Korea and Japan to develop licenses held by SNK. The company, like many of the older manufacturers in video amusement, perceive not only the properties, but also released cabinets as directly still owned by their manufacturer.
It is with some extreme feelings that Aruze greeted recent trade reports that a UK company was thinking of adding their name to the list of developers for the MVS platform. Adding insult to injury, the company (VektorLogic) has also claimed to be working on an open architecture development environment for other game companies to follow their lead and create their own games. It has been circulated that upon hearing this news, Aruze through SNK has started to gather legal advice towards stopping VektorLogic from releasing their first game in October in England. Aruze has also made it clear that they will not tolerate any U.S. "Grey Imports" (the name given to outside manufactured products) by SNK supporters.
In an industry hungry for any content, it seems absurd that there should be arguing over games that could help the industry generate badly needed revenue, especially from an amusement manufacturer that is in hibernation regarding the support of new releases. But just to address the questions regarding the legal position (on a International footing), a list of areas that could be breached by new software that could activate legal action has been passed to the REPORT:
Use of Neo Geo or SNK proprietary libraries and source code
Use of Neo Geo or SNK logos or IP (Intellectual Properties)
Use of proprietary SNK MVS hardware features in cartridge design
Tampering with SNK warranty on MVS units by unsupported components
It is obvious that the proposed 3rd Party software will avoid booting up with the memorable Neo Geo loading screen and tune, or will attempt to release their version of an SNK branded property. But in manufacturing cartridges to be able to work with MVS systems in the field, these hopeful game providers will be in danger of breaking at least the first, third and forth points of Aruze’s ownership.
Those in the Japanese amusement sector see Aruze's threats of legal action as attempting to stop game developers from poaching their property, an analogy given by one Japanese source was described as such:
"SNK and the MVS are like a famous bar that needs renovation, Aruze being the landlord who wants to close it down and turn it into a restaurant, but needs money. The new game developers are like regular drinkers in the bar wanting to still use it to drink in and for parties!"
Away from all this talk of bars and drinking, some new rumors could prove Aruze’s commitment to the platform. As reported previously, it seems that more light is being shed on a MVS version of the Capcom vs. SNK series. It was originally promised in 1999 that then SNK would release their own version of the fighting game for their own loyal Neo Geo followers. As Capcom’s fighters have now moved onto the Naomi platform and away from the CPS3 architecture, it has been rumored that the code can now be transferred to other hardware and that the company is investigating a MVS release to make use of the 110,000 MVS platforms in circulation. This rumor has to be treated as still highly volatile, as many things could change Capcom and Aruze’s minds regarding spending on a sequel rather than a new title. One unlikely source has even gone as far as suggesting that rather than continuing to place investments in a platform that will be celebrating its twelfth birthday in a matter of months, Aruze may actually consider a Capcom alliance towards a Naomi release of the King of Fighter 2001, under development between BrezzaSoft and Eolith.
Games that have been rumored to be considered for a possible release on the MVS continues to grow. A list is supplied below, however the REPORT would like to repeat that it treats much of this list as highly skeptical, and waits more attributable sources to confirm the games:
Capcom vs. SNK 2
Aruze/Capcom
King of Fighters 2001
Aruze/Eolith (BrezzaSoft)
Samurai Showdown V
Aruze/TBA
Data East’s Ghost Lop
Aruze/Data East
Crystal of Kings
Aruze/BrezzaSoft
Garou: Mark of the Wolves 2
Aruze/Arc System Works
Neo Sparks
VektorLogic
source: http://www.eventgaming.com/stingerreport/10.html
Jeff... I would love to hear from you on this... and anyone else who has an opinion on this.
It is with some extreme feelings that Aruze greeted recent trade reports that a UK company was thinking of adding their name to the list of developers for the MVS platform. Adding insult to injury, the company (VektorLogic) has also claimed to be working on an open architecture development environment for other game companies to follow their lead and create their own games. It has been circulated that upon hearing this news, Aruze through SNK has started to gather legal advice towards stopping VektorLogic from releasing their first game in October in England. Aruze has also made it clear that they will not tolerate any U.S. "Grey Imports" (the name given to outside manufactured products) by SNK supporters.
In an industry hungry for any content, it seems absurd that there should be arguing over games that could help the industry generate badly needed revenue, especially from an amusement manufacturer that is in hibernation regarding the support of new releases. But just to address the questions regarding the legal position (on a International footing), a list of areas that could be breached by new software that could activate legal action has been passed to the REPORT:
Use of Neo Geo or SNK proprietary libraries and source code
Use of Neo Geo or SNK logos or IP (Intellectual Properties)
Use of proprietary SNK MVS hardware features in cartridge design
Tampering with SNK warranty on MVS units by unsupported components
It is obvious that the proposed 3rd Party software will avoid booting up with the memorable Neo Geo loading screen and tune, or will attempt to release their version of an SNK branded property. But in manufacturing cartridges to be able to work with MVS systems in the field, these hopeful game providers will be in danger of breaking at least the first, third and forth points of Aruze’s ownership.
Those in the Japanese amusement sector see Aruze's threats of legal action as attempting to stop game developers from poaching their property, an analogy given by one Japanese source was described as such:
"SNK and the MVS are like a famous bar that needs renovation, Aruze being the landlord who wants to close it down and turn it into a restaurant, but needs money. The new game developers are like regular drinkers in the bar wanting to still use it to drink in and for parties!"
Away from all this talk of bars and drinking, some new rumors could prove Aruze’s commitment to the platform. As reported previously, it seems that more light is being shed on a MVS version of the Capcom vs. SNK series. It was originally promised in 1999 that then SNK would release their own version of the fighting game for their own loyal Neo Geo followers. As Capcom’s fighters have now moved onto the Naomi platform and away from the CPS3 architecture, it has been rumored that the code can now be transferred to other hardware and that the company is investigating a MVS release to make use of the 110,000 MVS platforms in circulation. This rumor has to be treated as still highly volatile, as many things could change Capcom and Aruze’s minds regarding spending on a sequel rather than a new title. One unlikely source has even gone as far as suggesting that rather than continuing to place investments in a platform that will be celebrating its twelfth birthday in a matter of months, Aruze may actually consider a Capcom alliance towards a Naomi release of the King of Fighter 2001, under development between BrezzaSoft and Eolith.
Games that have been rumored to be considered for a possible release on the MVS continues to grow. A list is supplied below, however the REPORT would like to repeat that it treats much of this list as highly skeptical, and waits more attributable sources to confirm the games:
Capcom vs. SNK 2
Aruze/Capcom
King of Fighters 2001
Aruze/Eolith (BrezzaSoft)
Samurai Showdown V
Aruze/TBA
Data East’s Ghost Lop
Aruze/Data East
Crystal of Kings
Aruze/BrezzaSoft
Garou: Mark of the Wolves 2
Aruze/Arc System Works
Neo Sparks
VektorLogic
source: http://www.eventgaming.com/stingerreport/10.html
Jeff... I would love to hear from you on this... and anyone else who has an opinion on this.