Killzone 2 date a "management decision"

By Robert Purchese Published 21 May, 2008

Moved to 2009 to make more money.

Sony US has explained that it moved Killzone 2 to February 2009 so the game didn't end up competing with others in its own catalogue.

The decision was purely a management one, explained Sony US speaker Ron Eagle, and nothing to do with any development problems.

"Killzone 2 was moved to Feb 2009 to make sure we didn't have three shooters in the marketplace competing for retail dollars during the same holiday season," said Ron Eagle, SCEA speaker, on the US PlayStation blog.

"To be clear, there is nothing wrong or causing a delay to the development of the title. We (SCEA) had to look at the [autumn] calendar with SOCOM, LittleBigPlanet, MotorStorm: Pacific Rift, Resistance 2, plus some PSN titles and make a decision where each game should come out."

Mr. Eagle also revealed that there will be plenty more information to share on Killzone 2 in the "coming months", presumably at the E3 Media & Business Summit this summer.

"The [PlayStation Day] event was the first of many steps, but please rest assured that multiplayer, co-op, story weapons, etc. will be covered in the many steps to come," added Eagle.

That full PlayStation Day Killzone 2 trailer can be found now on Eurogamer TV.

Head over to our Killzone 2 gamepage for our very recent hands-on with the PS3 flagship shooter.

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

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Comments (54) Latest comment 4 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • tobsen #1 4 years ago

    Brilliant PR move for a corporate speaker, way to piss off your fans I guess.

  • Yossarian #2 4 years ago

    "Killzone 2 was moved to Feb 2009 to make sure we didn't release it before it was finished", more like.

  • richardiox #3 4 years ago

    "Not releasing the dualshock 3 in Europe was a management decision as we didn't want it competing with existing stocks of SIXAXIS controllers"

  • Shrui #4 4 years ago

    They saw Haze and thought "Maybe we want to hold on to this a little longer, you know, for quality."

  • spongebob #5 4 years ago

    I don't know. What if these kind of games are old news in 2009? We've had enough of Gears of War and the like by then. And the video didn't look THAT special.

  • DjFlex52 #6 4 years ago

    "Not releasing the dualshock 3 in Europe was a management decision as we didn't want it competing with existing stocks of SIXAXIS controllers"

    Translation: You're screwed Europe! We don't mind the dualshock 3 competing with existing stocks of SIXAXIS controllers in Asia and North America, though :)

    o.O Sometimes Sony really puzzles me with their PR thought processes.

  • bad09 #7 4 years ago

    JSPOOLE, you was reading my mind!

    / runs from SDF!

  • MENTAL1ST Verified Senior Software Engineer, Picsel UK Ltd. #8 4 years ago

    Killzone 2 is the sequel to an average Call-of-Duty-esque FPS with pretty graphics but a shoddy frame rate.

    I find it hard to believe that 2 will be able to scrape more than an 8 from reputable websites and magazines. If it's a management decision to hold it back, then that's just so the backlash doesn't hurt the format in its first full-strength Christmas assault on Microsoft's market position.

    But it isn't, it's because it's not finished. Besides, backlashes didn't seem to hurt Assasin's Creed's Christmas performance that badly.
    Edited by 1 at 21/05/08 @ 10:07

  • the_genius #9 4 years ago

    The fact that R2 will be delivered on time (it's Insomniac), and is shaping up pretty well effectively gave them licence to delay Killzone 2 and polish it up a bit more. SCEE has a lot riding on Killzone 2 so I imagine they appreciate the extra time.

  • menage #10 4 years ago

    lol, the hate is getting out of hand.

    cheer up guys, gives them time to refine the press x to jump mechanic

  • the_dudefather #11 4 years ago

    @menage
    even the jumping is gray
    Edited by 1 at 21/05/08 @ 10:12

  • menage #12 4 years ago

    @JSPoole

    The general consumer doesn't know squat, that's why.

  • Kostabi #13 4 years ago

    I'm looking forward to R2 more so this works out nicely for me.

    After what Microsoft did at the back end of last year by seemingly releasing everything in the space of a couple of months I'm glad Sony have spaced things out a bit more. Still wish it wasn't 2009 though.

  • peterfll #14 4 years ago

    A management decision you say? I thought they would have asked the cleaner.

  • Wash #15 4 years ago

    "After what Microsoft did at the back end of last year by seemingly releasing everything in the space of a couple of months I'm glad Sony have spaced things out a bit more."

    Terrible having a choice of games aint it ;).

    Moving it to avoid the likes of GoW2 and its own "big hitters" will hopefully give them time to make it look more better.
    Edited by 1 at 21/05/08 @ 10:27

  • lambtron #16 4 years ago

    "After what Microsoft did at the back end of last year by seemingly releasing everything in the space of a couple of months I'm glad Sony have spaced things out a bit more. Still wish it wasn't 2009 though."

    Yes, it was really terrible having all those great games at once. I still cry myself to sleep thinking about it.

  • Quak #17 4 years ago

    Claiming rumble was left out of the PS3 pads in the first place because of technical issues, and nothing to do with Immersion's lawsuit, was a management decision too.

    It's quite incredible how they could piss away the lead and loyalty they built up with the PS1 and PS2. Sony really is the new Atari/Sega.

  • space_ace #18 4 years ago

    but would the further delay be a "management decision"...?

  • des #19 4 years ago

    If they were confident in Killzone 2 they would release it 2008 holiday season to fight other games not ghost town called February.
    Also everybody knows that November and December=massive software and hardware sales for everyone,especially in comparison with other months.

  • drumbaby #20 4 years ago

    Halo 3 could have come out earlier...but they released it when it would do them most good...

    The bastards.

  • chris_ace #21 4 years ago

    Post deleted at 11:55:13 13-12-2011

  • DjFlex52 #22 4 years ago

    @DjFlex52
    Actually if you think about it, it makes sense. Europe has by far the largest PS3 install-base and therefore (theoretically) the largest demand for DS3. If supply/inventory is an issue then it makes sense to feed product to the two lesser markets (US and Asia) in order to prevent demand becoming an issue in all 3 territories.

    @Arbiter

    Translation #2: Europe? You're screwed!

  • muscleblade #23 4 years ago

    "The general consumer doesn't know squat, that's why"

    True!

    After all the comparison articles on here Eurogamer readers should have a better knowhow though. I mean hardcore gamers that play games more than most people should know the facts by now and spread the word. Thats what im trying to do. All my friends are 360 owners because of me. Nothing to to with fanboyism btw.

  • mkreku #24 4 years ago

    "Nothing to to with fanboyism btw."

    Hilarious.

  • MKorkia #25 4 years ago

    Sounds too much like another 4.5 or 5.6 reviews coming for a title competing against 8.5 - 9.0 reviews from other games.

  • des #26 4 years ago

    @chris_ace

    They could have released R2 in October or November and Killzone in December.
    Or delay R2 for couple of months,Insomniac would know how to use extra time.
    It is a bit funny that Insomniac= 3 ps3 games in 3 years and Guerrilla=1 ps3 game in 4 years.

  • Kostabi #27 4 years ago


    Yes, it was really terrible having all those great games at once. I still cry myself to sleep thinking about it.

    It was terrible when I wanted to play most of them. I get OCD for new releases. :(

  • Penguinzoot #28 4 years ago

    Yes, it was really terrible having all those great games at once. I still cry myself to sleep thinking about it.

    It was terrible when I wanted to play most of them. I get OCD for new releases. :(

    It was terrible when I had to pay for them. I get OCD for new releases as well :(

  • Garulon #29 4 years ago

    I'm going to make a bold claim that R2 will be a sub 720p at launch that'll crater like a wet turd, and all the PS3 fanbois wetting their knickers for three years will pretend they always knew it'd be shit.

    Bookmark me!

  • chris_ace #30 4 years ago

    Post deleted at 11:55:13 13-12-2011

  • penhalion #31 4 years ago

    This PR guy needs to be taken to one side for a chat!

    He's managed to make it sound like they were not confident that KZ2 would be able to compete with the christmas lineup from Nintendo and Microsoft, so they simply moved it to a dead month when it would have no competition due to the christmas comedown.

  • Bitkari #32 4 years ago

    Makes plenty of sense, but still comes off as a bit of a bungle. Having too many games really isn't Sony's main problem at the moment.

    They're not exactly overflowing with must-have games right now, are they?

  • Dodgymat #33 4 years ago

    Saw KZ2 featured on Playr last week - was ordinary at best.

    Demo person said
    "The AI is amazing, so dynamic, they will try and get round your sides and flank you if you let them"

    Hmm very Gears I thought - but the reality was ....

    "AI stands right in the line of fire, seemingly unaware of the hail of bullets aimed his way and appears to be looking skyward in a drug induced trance, after 10/15 seconds of this it saunters behind a box and starts peeking out"


    All we need now is CAPCOM to announce RE5 for February '09 and we won't be seeing this over-hyped, over-gray P.O.S for at least another whole year !

  • davisorle #34 4 years ago

    @mrmrc84
    Sure dude. You can be bitching all you want about it but noone I know around here has had his xbox even replaced. Even if they have them moded and they pay only 1,2 Euros to have their copies of the games even though the console they own has been opened up etc. So you can talk all you want out of your ass with that same old rrod you all keep using. Sure you could even have had 5x 360s replaced for all I care since you can say anything you want for whoever believes it. Sony the only thing they've had produced and hasn't had issues til now must be their bateries cause everything else from laptops, tvs, cd players, consoles ( and don't tell me you don't know about the usual play station issue with their laser on the drives ) so what about MS? Xbox was perfect. About 360 I only know 1 person that has had a prob here in Greece and I was glad he did cause he is a loser. So, that is your opinion really.

    So can someone name me all the great PS3 games of the year to sum up and make me laugh a bit? lol Great investement you guys did. By the time your console is usefull you'd have actually got an xbox or a wii and by then the money difference would have ben covered since the PS3 by then ( long time yet ) will be apparently half it's price than what you paid for. Well, enjoy anyways :p Maybe you'll be able to spend the year with Home? Oh that not out yet either? :S soooorry

    Ok going to work now and we will have a nice chat there with the guys at work ( if time ) 2 more days for Conan btw... ffs already

    @Dodgymat
    About the game's AI I said that i noticed it ven in the videos they all have been praising. You can see that only the scripted NPCs are being in the action and he alone takes a while to even be attacked either he is invisible. Either in extremely easy mode or something.
    Edited by 1 at 21/05/08 @ 12:21

  • goon-uk #35 4 years ago

    I like the killzone2 bashing, Have these people not read the hands on with the game? Every preview has been very positive and with just under a year left it should be a solid game. I want to know what the multiplayer will be like though, The general movement and shooting seems very good so MP should work well on it.

    They don't need to make fancy game types and mechanics. Well designed maps are everything in a MP game.

  • menage #36 4 years ago

    I own both machines. Like em both, but KZ2 just doesn't look that special next to the pretty graphics. Resistance 2 looks like the better deal, especially because Insomiac always delivers at least a certain quality. Guerilla has yet to prove themselves. It could be great, But videos of them selling the game with 5 hear old mechanics as new ones didn't help (press x to jump, you can shoot red barrels, claiming diversity in experience when everything was obviously scripted to the max, etc, wtf?)

    And like someone else mentioned. Capcom are bound to release RE5 februari next year. They released Lost Planet in 2007, DMC4 in 2008 and it made them bundles to release a game in that timeslot. RE5 is bound to follow.
    Edited by 1 at 21/05/08 @ 12:49

  • DFawkes #37 4 years ago

    Arbiter +1

    And on another note, I think I'll choose to believe you wouldn't release a bunch of hyped games at the same time. It happens with movies all the time. even if that makes me willingly naive, at least I won't end up as a hate filled person waiting to explode! Although I think I will anyway.

  • monkie_king #38 4 years ago

    So is the message that it would get buried at retail if launched at Xmas, and has more chance of selling if it's launched in the lean months Q1? You'd expect a big "AAA" title to want to maximise its sales potential by launching pre-Xmas.

    Maybe the counter-argument is that KZ2 can sell on its own merits, making space for weaker games to recoup their costs by getting in on the Xmas bonanza.

  • General_Zod #39 4 years ago

    Ah what a fantastic console generation, the 360 is a steaming pile of turd, I honestly dont know anyone who has had one where it hasnt broken on them. The PS3 is a shiny steaming pile of turd which has no decent exclusive games and the wii is just the wii. What did gaming kind do to deserve such abominations?

  • Widge #40 4 years ago

    I think both consoles are good! We've not had it so good really.

    My PS1 and 2 eventually succumbed to laser issues, N64 stopped recognising carts, Xbox had some bizarre issue where it just displayed some error code on the screen (not sure what the actual error code was anymore).

  • themorganator #41 4 years ago

    So let me get this right, the delays we keep hearing on PS3 titles about are 'management decisions' and are in no way linked to the inherent difficulties associated with coding for PS3?

    What rubbish.

    PS3 needs console exclusives right now and these continued delays are getting on my nerves. some of the titles I've been waiting for were announced so long ago, I'm not sure I'll even live to play them. Sort it out Sony!

    I have both consoles so get of my back fanboys.

  • smoothpete #42 4 years ago

    I feel for the developer, it's been a long time coming and has been hyped beyond belief - it can't possibly live up to expectation now

  • goon-uk #43 4 years ago

    "PS3 needs console exclusives right now and these continued delays are getting on my nerves. some of the titles I've been waiting for were announced so long ago, I'm not sure I'll even live to play them. Sort it out Sony! "

    Well considering we have just had GT5:p, MGS4 in a months time, Wipeout soon after with Little big planet not to far after that, we then get R2 + K2 after the turn of the year. Not to mention all the other games that I've missed out and obvious multiplatform releases. More than enough games to keep somebody going and if it doesn't....you really need to get out more.

  • Andy247 #44 4 years ago

    Why not hold back a "lesser" title, they've been cock-waving about this one since before the hardware launch so to delay it for any reason other than it not being ready just makes Sony look (more) stupid.

  • Turambar #45 4 years ago

    "Why not hold back a "lesser" title, they've been cock-waving about this one since before the hardware launch so to delay it for any reason other than it not being ready just makes Sony look (more) stupid."

    Because that would decrease the chances of people buying both games, this way people are more likely to buy the lesser game to tide them over till Killzone comes out and buy that too.

  • Widge #46 4 years ago

    and last year had Ratchet & Clank, Uncharted, Warhawk... etc. which, yes, you can say you don't like, you don't think are any good... but I'm sure plenty of people love these games. I do think people feel like they have the need to pop up to "defend" the "lol catalogue" accusations. If they are anything like me, they've got a big fat stack of games at home and see no problems whatsoever with the situation.

    With my situation, I've got too much to play than time at the moment. Mainly thanks to the old infinite playtime of a certain multiplayer game hogging all my time, and now nothing happens apart from GTA4 in life. Well that and GTA:VCS on the PSP!

    So I'm happy with the exclusives I've got now and the ones that are coming.

    As an aside, slightly regretful that I'm not getting the chance to sample Lost Oddessey or Halo 3 (because I liked the 1st two and I do want to finish the story off)... but fairly glad that Mass Effect is winging its way to PC so I can play it on the train for work trips! Well glad unless it turns out like KOTOR.

  • bitesize #47 4 years ago


    ^ don't you start on KOTOR again man!! ;-)

  • Widge #48 4 years ago

    It is my mission to crusade against it at least once a week!

  • the_genius #49 4 years ago

    It has been delayed for exactly the same reason why MS only release one game a week on XBLA, even though they have plenty ready to go. Average consumers just don't have the money or inclination to buy multiple games in a short space of time.

    Sony delayed Killzone to accommodate Insomniac who have their own regular schedule of releases. Killzone could probably use the extra time anyway. The last thing Sony want to do is piss Insomniac off, if they went multiplatform it would be a huge loss.

  • Widge #50 4 years ago

    sounds right up my street then! There hasn't been a single jRPG of note for me recently. Well the PSP has been full of tactics ones, but I want a good old fashioned turn based doodah with a bit of roaming around random countryside. I'm not hard to please!

  • menage #51 4 years ago

    @Arbiter

    Disagree on that. LO is better than most FF games. FF games are a convoluted mess without a decent story. And LO is way more strategic than any FF I ever played.. Ia ctually used all the spells and crap they gaven me. In FF I could get by with some massive damage spell and heal. If it had been an official FF game it would have scored higher instead of lower on name alone. Like all the brand loyalists her like to do:p

    @Widge

    Try it, but roaming the countryside is one of the things they removed from the concept. There's still bucketloads of crap to find all over the place though, even after 60 hours.
    Edited by 3 at 21/05/08 @ 16:33

  • Widge #52 4 years ago

    oh, so no exploration as such?
    ack but unless it goes PC, its not going to happen, I can't splash out on a new system just for one game!

  • ronuds #53 4 years ago

    Maybe Sony doesn't have much coming out in '09?

  • lordvitriol #54 4 years ago

    Lol the other games are c budget titles, I wont be playing Killzone 2 anyway unless I can use my usb keyboard and mouse for other things than typing on the PS3 that's for sure, but that would be too logic to be able to do i guess, i managed to play Turok64 and The Darkness plus Drakes fortune with a gamepad but 99% of other consol fpses are a joke no matter their sale figures and brittany speers/space girlz popularity.
    Edited by 2 at 22/05/08 @ 11:24