As reported by Kotaku, it seems that Sega Chairman Isao Okawa had met with Bill Gates (no need to mention what he does) a number of times in an attempt to forge a deal that would allow the XBOX to play Dreamcast games. Former Microsoft exec Sam Furukawa said via Twitter:"Before Mr. Okawa passed away, he visited Gates several times, to see if it would be possible to add Dreamcast compatibility into the Xbox."The article goes on to reveal that Sega had hoped that through this compatibility, Dreamcast fans could migrate to the much more powerful XBOX. Negotiations fell apart when Microsoft decided that they didn't want an internet connection for the Dreamcast titles. Check out the full article for more informative tidbits.
My take: I wish Sega had made the move. Sure a handful of games would lack online features, but a bulk of the library would have been unaffected. Besides, maybe Sega and Microsoft could have worked out a deal to create ports of online capable Sega games that would bring in some profit for Microsoft. Another possibility could have been that Microsoft received a cut from the monthy subscription fee that games like Phantasy Star Online charged.
Of course, one would also have to question if the Dreamcast on the XBOX could have lead to Microsoft having exclusivity on Sega titles and possibly buying out Sega at one point in the future. Who knows!
What's your take?
Bill who? Fence?
ReplyDeleteNever heard of him.
Dreambox
ReplyDeleteIt's bad enough that 99% of the DC's library has been ported to other consoles (and devalued the platform)...
ReplyDeleteIf it had happened, Dreamcast consoles today would be worthless.
Warning, list of games to prove a point to follow:
ReplyDeleteShenmue, Power Stone 1&2, Jet Set Radio, TRUE Samba De Amigo, Seaman, the better version of Re-Volt, Chu Chu Rocket! and Typing of the dead are enough for the Dreamcast to still be an essential retro purchase. I wouldn't say ports have devalued the platform, and surly 99% isn't a true percentage.
As for "if it happened", would it have devalued the platform? Yes and no. Both would played the games, but the Dreamcast would have (presumably) kept online and VMU support. If anything, it would have givne the Dreamcast a longer life span as Dreamcast games could be developed for the old Dreamcast or the new Dreamcast capable XBOX.
Basically: Yes the hardware would be devalued, but the software library would have been given longevity and potential additional games.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting "what if." Saying that though, if the Xbox had been developed with DC compatibility, would the DCJY exist?! :)
ReplyDeleteI just had an odd vision of an "XBOX Junkyard", gave me the shivers.
ReplyDeleteSurely great games that are no longer easy to find being brought to newer consoles and new audiences is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteNow the Dreamcast is history, it can only be a good thing from a consumers point of view if people get the chance too play past games on newer platforms.
Interesting read, indeed. Hmmmm that would have been a shock to the system if Microsoft and DC teamed up. I guess MS were being cautious of piracy.
ReplyDeletehttp://members.beefjack.com/groups/the-dream-lives-on
Thanks for the link, anon - i'll advertise this forum on the Yard and hopefully get more people talking DC
ReplyDeleteDreamcast newz, please!
ReplyDelete