Machinarium Developer Exploring PSN Options After Xbox Live Arcade Rejection
Presence on Linux and Mac means Microsoft won't be serving as publisher, Sony lacks similar policy.
By
Kat Bailey, 04/12/2010
When Microsoft recently declined to publish indie point-and-click adventure
Machinarium on Xbox Live Arcade, it raised questions as to what exactly their publishing policy is. The answer appears to be that Microsoft are open to publishing titles so long as they don't appear on other platforms. Asked for comment by
Joystiq after his game was reportedly declined for the service, Machinarium designer Jakub Dvorsky explained, "They told us, 'It's not Microsoft-exclusive, we don't want it.' They didn't cite the Mac and Linux versions [as reasons for the refusal] but it's quite clear that's the reason."
Machinarium has not been outright refused space on the service. Microsoft will not allow the title to be self-published, but they will allow it on the service if the developer Amanita Design is able to find a publishing partner.
According to Dvorsky, "It means if we want to release the game on XBLA we must throw, probably, most of the profit out of the window -- to the publisher. Just because we created Mac and Linux versions."
Sony and Nintendo lack similar policies, so Dvorsky is now exploring his options on the PlayStation 3, "We submitted the game to Sony after Microsoft refused it."
Machinarium is a point-and-click adventure that's notable for its complete lack of dialogue and its striking, hand-drawn visuals. The game revolves around solving a series of braing teasers. In addition to Mac and Linux, Machinarium is currently available via Steam for $19.99. We'll let you know if it makes it to the PlayStation Network.
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