Kunos Simulazioni to be Acquired by Digital Bros

[Atwork]

4 million that is it. That is incredible to me. Gtplanet comment section could have pulled together 4 million. I got a buddy who got a inheritance of at least a million. Hopefully this is a good thing for kunos. I am guessing that this is something that had to happen for them to push foward. Good luck.

4 million seems to be a drop in the bucket. I figure they only did this as a necessity.

 

[LeGeNd-1]

They may have mortgaged a house or two but they also profited by $1.7mill in 2015, before the launch of the console game, so I'm guessing the mortgage is probably paid off by now

I hope that's the case. But $1.7m isn't really much for an AAA game these days, especially with something as license heavy as AC. Sure they got free passes on Italian manufacturers and Porsche by being their partners, but from here on out it's going to get tougher to convince manufacturers who aren't already on board. Then there's the costs of flying out and laser scanning overseas tracks

Haha for the GT series maybe it was better if Sony did interfere. Look what we now have.... Vision GT fantasy cars... 2015 Ford Mustang fantasy Group B race cars.... fantasy city circuits.... releases years behind schedule.... car sounds that are challenged by 1986's Out Run...

Maybe. But realistically speaking, who within Sony can replace Kaz? And would it still be called Gran Turismo if it isn't Kaz at the helm?

I've given up on Gran Turismo improving on sounds/AI/customization/career/common sense a long time ago. I'll just take it as it is: a decent try at making a sim for the masses, one of the most beautiful games around with a Japan-heavy car list (with occasional oddballs) that sometimes wows you but isn't the King it once was.

 

[Walkinshaw]

After being sceptical, I bought this on sale and must admit that I think Assetto Corso is the best racing game on PS4. And yes, I have all of the other PS4 driving games.

 

[Sharpie]

Look at him move HAHAHA

 

[Soulfresh_ACV]

Look at him move HAHAHA

And I bet he dances better than a lot of us here on this post and even on GT Planet haha

 

[ALB123]

I've given up on Gran Turismo improving on sounds/AI/customization/career/common sense a long time ago. I'll just take it as it is: a decent try at making a sim for the masses, one of the most beautiful games around with a Japan-heavy car list (with occasional oddballs) that sometimes wows you but isn't the King it once was.

I am so confused by the moves PD has made. I totally get that they want to push this eSports direction with a racing focused title and all that jazz. But, they could have also made a GT 7 that pretty much follows the typical GT formula. You guys know better than me what worked well in the series and what didn't. That game could have and should have been available a long time ago and then GTSport comes along for the hardcore racers among the GT faithful. I don't know...maybe GTSport will be so revolutionary ours heads will all explode.

 

[Orayani]

I used to love Gran Turismo as I never got into it until GT5 Prologue but comparing GT5P, GT5 and GT6 more so seeing whats becomimg of GT Sport... I don't see Gran Turismo competing with Assetto Corsa. Sure Gran Turismo is exceptionally pretty and polished but it doesn't have the feeling. Each distinct feeling of each car and I've certainly never felt a games feedback like Assetto Corsa. Let alone the marvellous sounds and the physics. Pure addiction.

 

[lancia delta hf]

I don't like this also... Not after seeing the console versions that lacks lots of features and options that the original PC version has.

I hope that it turns good out for Kunos.
But reading that the acquisition allows full control over the intellectual property...
Make me think that Marco and Stefano will be simple workers of the digital Bros group.

"The acquisition allows full control over the intellectual property and the opportunity for the group to invest on future developments of new versions of Assetto Corsa, benefiting from a brand that's already well placed in the videogames market worldwide. The fact that the group already holds the publication rights of Assetto Corsa for the console version also implicates synergies in terms of positioning and advertising optimization when the rights will be entirely held by the group."

Let's wait and see what happens

This to my understanding only counts for the console version, they can use the branding as they please but only have control as they please for the console. Of course it could have just been reported poorly.

Just to add to this, Sony owns Polyphony Digital and Kaz still gets to be the princess, running around doing whatever, whenever he wants.

see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyphony_Digital (owner is Sony)

So there's a good chance that things at Kunos will stay the same, if 505 Games takes on Sony's non-interference style.

Let's just hope Marco doesn't go over to the dark side and becomes a prima dona like Kaz ;-)

Totally assuming here but i doubt Marco and Stefano sold up in blind faith and have stipulations in the deal, unless they simply dont care about their baby anymore. Maybe this will give Stefano the opportunity to make his dream open world sim?

People worrying about AC taking a different route but why would it? AC isn't a big enough brand to sell to the masses on its own name. It sells based on what it offers and it would be stupid to change direction. At the very least we will surely get one last proper AC, with rain, night etc before they dumb it down.

Marco will have to hire his very own Mr. Traduttore and then pretend he doesn't parla inglese anymore.

He will never get passed me muahahaha muahahaha. Damn i need to watch Austin Powers again now.

4 million that is it. That is incredible to me. Gtplanet comment section could have pulled together 4 million. I got a buddy who got a inheritance of at least a million. Hopefully this is a good thing for kunos. I am guessing that this is something that had to happen for them to push foward. Good luck.

4 million seems to be a drop in the bucket. I figure they only did this as a necessity.

Yea but then what?

I hope that's the case. But $1.7m isn't really much for an AAA game these days, especially with something as license heavy as AC. Sure they got free passes on Italian manufacturers and Porsche by being their partners, but from here on out it's going to get tougher to convince manufacturers who aren't already on board. Then there's the costs of flying out and laser scanning overseas tracks



Maybe. But realistically speaking, who within Sony can replace Kaz? And would it still be called Gran Turismo if it isn't Kaz at the helm?

I've given up on Gran Turismo improving on sounds/AI/customization/career/common sense a long time ago. I'll just take it as it is: a decent try at making a sim for the masses, one of the most beautiful games around with a Japan-heavy car list (with occasional oddballs) that sometimes wows you but isn't the King it once was.

No one can tell me there isn't anyone who can replace Kaz. It doesn't have to be within Sony.

 

[Donnced]

This to my understanding only counts for the console version, they can use the branding as they please but only have control as they please for the console. Of course it could have just been reported poorly.

For me the next details gives to my understanding that it counts for all versions and next versions:

"The acquisition allows full control over the intellectual property and the opportunity for the group to invest on future developments of new versions of Assetto Corsa, benefiting from a brand that's already well placed in the videogames market worldwide. The fact that the group already holds the publication rights of Assetto Corsa for the console version also implicates synergies in terms of brand positioning and advertising optimization when the rights will be entirely held by the group."

Like lots are saying... Its like Sony that in their group has studios like Polyphony Digital.
Sony put the money, has all the intellectual property rights and do all the rest.
With kazanuri yamauchi that has the freedom to work an develop GT like he wants, but clearly has to achieve some goals that Sony imposed.

If everything goes well, no problem and great opportunity for Stefano and Marco,as well for Kunos Simulazioni.

If it isn't good or doesn't achieve the goals and don't bring benefits to the group that buyed Kunos Simulazioni, than things can happen like what Sony did with evolution studios or Liverpool studios... Closed..

After that..Kunos has one solution, start again from 0, the only thing that they couldn't use the name "Assetto Corsa" cause that would stay intellectual property rights from the group.

So, let's see what the future brings to the game and team..
Now they will have money to achieve things that they as standing along studio couldn't achieve easily.

But, personally still don't like how 505Games did the distribution of the console versions... With problem's in the DLC launches or that the Asian countries didn't receive the season pass and DLC till the 6th December after much complaints and reporting from the Asian users.

Let's hope everything goes like Marco said in his Facebook post and benefits us,the fans and users of Kunos Simulazioni and Assetto Corsa

 

[lancia delta hf]

For me the next details gives to my understanding that it counts for all versions and next versions:

"The acquisition allows full control over the intellectual property and the opportunity for the group to invest on future developments of new versions of Assetto Corsa, benefiting from a brand that's already well placed in the videogames market worldwide. The fact that the group already holds the publication rights of Assetto Corsa for the console version also implicates synergies in terms of brand positioning and advertising optimization when the rights will be entirely held by the group."

Like lots are saying... Its like Sony that in their group has studios like Polyphony Digital.
Sony put the money, has all the intellectual property rights and do all the rest.
With kazanuri yamauchi that has the freedom to work an develop GT like he wants, but clearly has to achieve some goals that Sony imposed.

If everything goes well, no problem and great opportunity for Stefano and Marco,as well for Kunos Simulazioni.

If it isn't good or doesn't achieve the goals and don't bring benefits to the group that buyed Kunos Simulazioni, than things can happen like what Sony did with evolution studios or Liverpool studios... Closed..

After that..Kunos has one solution, start again from 0, the only thing that they couldn't use the name "Assetto Corsa" cause that would stay intellectual property rights from the group.

So, let's see what the future brings to the game and team..
Now they will have money to achieve things that they as standing along studio couldn't achieve easily.

But, personally still don't like how 505Games did the distribution of the console versions... With problem's in the DLC launches or that the Asian countries didn't receive the season pass and DLC till the 6th December after much complaints and reporting from the Asian users.

Let's hope everything goes like Marco said in his Facebook post and benefits us,the fans and users of Kunos Simulazioni and Assetto Corsa

I will look at it positively until i have reason not to, and my positivity is making me hope we get a LS Monaco and Historic Monaco. I know It's not great for racing but i love racing my mates on it. Also hope this would mean more historical tracks as they're pretty awesome.

 

[RaceFuchs]

I think marcos post on facebook said it all. No reason to worry about anything, nothing will change for us gamers.

 

[Tired Tyres]

I don't agree at all. Gaming it snowed under by the sheer number of devs' bought out by bigger fish and then subsequently closed down. Every one of which will have into the deal thinking it was for their own good. You simply wouldn't do it otherwise. ONE "sales have not met out expectations" and it will be it.

As for Stefano, how many of his famous strops, when it's no longer his company, before he walks away for good?

 

[Fredzy]

I'm confident that this will be good for us current AC fans who consider the simulation aspect critical. Still, I'm tempering my expectations. Their team and resources will grow but that doesn't necessarily mean we'll get 2X the game.

Digital Bros probably wants the next AC title to legitimately compete with the big names like GT. Maybe they're OK with it staying niche! But I doubt that. If the core team from Kunos really does stay intact and in control, I think they can get there. And we'll have a lot of good stuff to look forward to. The main things that AC needs to change/add/refine to pull in more causal gamers shouldn't hurt the experience for the hardcore folks.

 

[artem9000]

Just to add to this, Sony owns Polyphony Digital and Kaz still gets to be the princess, running around doing whatever, whenever he wants.

Very accurate point, but you should consider that Kaz shows very solid numbers every year. Also he had a big advantage when he started a new niche in gaming and made strong brand series in the time when make games was much easier. The better analogy is Turn 10 studio and we all know how it worked out for them.

 

[fatkrakr]

I don't agree at all. Gaming it snowed under by the sheer number of devs' bought out by bigger fish and then subsequently closed down. Every one of which will have into the deal thinking it was for their own good. You simply wouldn't do it otherwise. ONE "sales have not met out expectations" and it will be it.

As for Stefano, how many of his famous strops, when it's no longer his company, before he walks away for good?

I think this is the beginning of Stefano's exit. This deal was a way for the rest of the studio to keep going.

 

[panjandrum]

I don't know, all too many times a small company making a great product gets bought-up (Bioware -> BiowEAre, anyone? anyone?) the results end up being disaster. Often the bigger company wants a product to "please everyone", and that ends up being a mess. I sure hope that isn't the case, but to put it succinctly; I don't care if AC2 has perfect weather, ****eloads of eye-candy, 999-car online competitions, irons my socks and walks my dog - I care if it's got great physics and FFB.

 

[LogiForce]

4 million that is it. That is incredible to me. Gtplanet comment section could have pulled together 4 million. I got a buddy who got a inheritance of at least a million. Hopefully this is a good thing for kunos. I am guessing that this is something that had to happen for them to push foward. Good luck.

4 million seems to be a drop in the bucket. I figure they only did this as a necessity.

Let's put that into perspective shall we... for Project CARS 1 the WMD members put in €2.255.535,- million euros and Slightly Mad Studios only invested €1.500.000,- million euros, thus a total of €3.755.535,- million euro. With many members who would've liked to give more at the time. My guess is with the return of investment of WMD members I think just WMD alone could have bought Kunos Simulazione Srl.

Now think about that for a second... I think you all would go nuts if Assetto Corsa fell into the hands of Slightly Mad Studios one way or another. Plus it would be even more hilarious given the taunts Kunos threw at Ian Bell/SMS/WMD via twitter in the past 6 months.

 

[Northstar]

I guess there are two ways to view this.

Optimistic - DB/505 is a rather small company so they may be motivated to let AC carve a foothold into the sim racing niche market.

Pessimistic - DB/505's library is mostly made up of F2B games or full-release games that get lukewarm reviews. This could be a sign that AC could suffer by not getting enough of a budget behind it.

Obviously only time will tell, but I hope it ends up being the Optimistic one.

 

[CTstryk]

I hope they did the right thing here, kinda like the fact that they were a small group doing big things.
I wish them the best, & in the meantime I'll just try to think positive about this.

 

[Samsonknight]

Look at him move HAHAHA

The lady behind him, going back and forth, almost makes it seem like she is the backup dancer.

 

[TeamCZRRacing]

They also said the console version wouldn't be watered down from the PC version.

 

[Rautz]

Bugger, I hope the other shareholders dont try influence the game design.

 

[Tired Tyres]

Bugger, I hope the other shareholders dont try influence the game design.

You mean dictate what WILL happen. That's what happens when you are no longer your own boss.

 

[GT4or]

Bugger, I hope the other shareholders dont try influence the game design.

You mean as long as they don't influence negatively the simulation. But the game design does need to be better, and this starts with better initial plans. The initial plans for AC were conservative because they weren't looking to make a popular game, but just enough to sim race and also because resources back then were low, so that influenced several aspects and decisions about the game.

 

[gladbecker82]

I think you all would go nuts if Assetto Corsa fell into the hands of Slightly Mad Studios

Yes we would be scared ........ if they would have AC.

PCars had a great Track Lineup, but almost all werent laserscanned, the Cars looked like plastic, Replays sucked.

The big starting Grids, Career Mode and the fairly priced DLC were great Things in the Game tho.

 

[T0MMY3688]

Bugger, I hope the other shareholders dont try influence the game design.

I think that will happen when the game fail to reach the goals and expectation set by the Digital Bros, all we can do is hope this deal will help further improve AC and not change the game for the mass market.

 

[TT92]

I think that will happen when the game fail to reach the goals and expectation set by the Digital Bros, all we can do is hope this deal will help further improve AC and not change the game for the mass market.

I hope hope they do change it for the mass market. The mass market demands private lobbies and use consoles.

Do I need to remind anyone that console users were promised that we wouldn't get a watered down version and we were having private lobbies with custom championships?

 

[Nielsen]

I hope hope they do change it for the mass market. The mass market demands private lobbies and use consoles.

Do I need to remind anyone that console users were promised that we wouldn't get a watered down version and we were having private lobbies with custom championships?

Both features are already confirmed for AC on consoles, as requested by the sim racing community, so no need for another market. If anything is watered down nowadays, it's the mass market.

 

[T0MMY3688]

I hope hope they do change it for the mass market. The mass market demands private lobbies and use consoles.

Do I need to remind anyone that console users were promised that we wouldn't get a watered down version and we were having private lobbies with custom championships?

They did announce that private lobbies is in the works last November but no release date yet: http://www.assettocorsa.net/forum/i...-blog-porsche-private-lobbies-and-more.39021/

I'm rather pessimistic with the whole acquisition, mainly due to 505 Games/Digital Bros. I've seen Payday 2 which got partnership with 505 Games during April 2015 then ridiculous microstransaction squeeze into the game on October 2015. Microtransaction was removed last year when they bought their rights back from 505 Games, no exact evidence points to 505 Games demand those features but it sure looks suspicious.

And now the rights of the whole game is under their control, similar crap like that could happen to AC now. If one day Digital Bros went nuts they could demand AC to turn into an arcade racer but I hope not and this deal will just help AC become a bigger and better game.

 

[jm79]

505 is quite an eccentric publisher so this sort of makes sense... but I can't help but feel this will end up a disaster.

@Tired Tyres sounds pessimistic but will probably end up being right

Also it says they were paid partly in shares. I wonder what percentage that was... Sounds like a bad deal all round.