Resi 5 Move only for Gold Edition

By Robert Purchese Published 27 July, 2010

Update: Capcom responds.

Update: Capcom has moved to quell growing anger over PlayStation Move support being limited to the Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition.

In a post on the Capcom Europe site, the publisher said it was impossible to patch support for Sony's motion control device into the original Resident Evil 5. The statement is in full below.

"The original Resident Evil 5 was in development for several years before PlayStation Move even existed as a concept for Sony. RE5 was released in March 2009 without the code to allow for future changes to control schemes through DLC or patching.

"Therefore the original Resident Evil 5 will not work with PlayStation Move. Short of building a time machine, going back in time and recoding the game so we can patch control schemes on it in the future there is nothing we can do. Sorry.

"Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition was released in 2010. At this time Capcom was aware PlayStation Move had gone from an early concept to an actual product. Tweaks to the code were made to allow prototype Move to work, which was then shown off at TGS 2009.

"Aware that Move was coming but still unaware of it's final specs, the release of Gold Edition in 2010 featured the same bit of code that allows new control schemes to be added and while Move will 'not work out of the box' with existing RE5GE the ability to download a patch will see current owners of RE5GE be able to use PlayStation Move providing they have an internet connection to download a patch that will be available from 14th September.

"RE5GE was originally an exclusive to a high street retailer, and I believe has now sold out, but this 'new' version of RE5GE will be available across all retailers and will be launched on 15th September with PlayStation Move.

"In Summary. RE5 Gold Edition works with Move with the caveat that you need to download a patch if you already have a RE5 Gold Edition in your possession. Any new purchase of RE5 Gold Edition from 15th September, look out for the updated 'Move' packaging if you want the game without the need to download a patch. The 'Original' RE5 doesn't work with Move…as we don't have a time machine."

Original story: Only the Gold Edition of Resident Evil 5 will support PlayStation Move controls, according to an article on the US PlayStation blog.

Existing owners of the Gold Edition will be offered a free patch retrofitting the controls. This will be available on 19th September in North America.

Once PlayStation Move has been released (15th September in Europe), all new copies of Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition will support the motion-sensing controls on disc.

Unfortunately, anybody with the original version of Resident Evil 5 will miss out. Move support isn't possible "for technical reasons".

The Gold Edition of Resident Evil 5 contains the Lost in Nightmares and Desperate Escape DLC, among other things.

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 (55) Latest comment 2 years ago

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

  • Der_tolle_Emil #1 2 years ago

    I really wonder what those technical reasons are supposed to be. Haven't played RE5 yet but loved RE4 with the Wii controls so I think this patch is really good news for RE5 owners.

  • NewbieZilla #2 2 years ago

    The technical issue of wanting more money.

  • Goodfella #3 2 years ago

    Just as well I sold my normal copy then as it wouldn't have been compatible.

    Technical reasons though?! in other words they want you to buy the Gold Edition as well so you use Move with it?

  • toa_boa #4 2 years ago

    sigh .... Sony .... "technical reasons" ....

  • M_of_the_sys #5 2 years ago

    Looks like shopto are selling it for pretty much the same price as the standard edition.

  • Beano #6 2 years ago

    Technical reasons my ass... more likely for greed reasons!

    Got the standard edition and not buying again just for Move support. Sorry, Capcom.

  • GreyBeard #7 2 years ago

    Fucking Capcom more like... cunts.
    What are people supposed to do who bought the original RE5, and the subsequent add-on packs?

    Last time I EVER buy DLC for one of their products. NO EXCUSES for this bullshit at all.

  • GamesProgrammer Verified Games Team Programmer, Eutechnyx Ltd. #8 2 years ago

    just traded my original in for DQ this morning, so im not to bothered. Ill get the gold nearer release.

    For those that don't have any of the DLC it will prolly be cheaper to trade in your original for gold than buying all the DLC.

    I would be gutted if i had bought the original and all the DLC, again its the most loyal customers that are getting screwed over.

  • Geordiemp #9 2 years ago

    Got 2 copies of RE5 for 360.

    Tempted to trade them in for a Ps3 Gold version, as will probably be getting MOVE....

    And agree, RE4 on Wii, especially mercs, was class and played totally different to the controler version. I would be challenging old high scores using the old controller on mercs using the wii as head shots were a breeze (and satisfying).

    On RE4, I found the sniper much harder to use with the wii controller (the push forward to zoom was bad).

  • Arwin #10 2 years ago

    The technical reason, for those who are really interested, is that they reworked the Gold edition for motion controls and demoed as one of the first titles to support the Move controller back at TGS 2009, aimed for release along with the Move controller in Spring. One of the reasons I suspect both Sony and Capcom were eager to get RE5 out there early as a Move title was the success of RE4 on the Wii.

    Of course, Sony didn't make their launch of a product, as usual (although this time they only delayed it by half a year, so not bad by their standards), but Capcom said f*ck that, we'll patch the final version of the SDK in later and released the game as scheduled. So yeah, I can't blame people who have RE5 already for being pissed, but if you wanted to really know the technical reasons, there they are.

  • Haerger #11 2 years ago

    Bought Gold Edition this morning :)

    Can't wait to play it this September :)

  • 3william56 #12 2 years ago

    Arwin: interesting info - but it still doesn't explain why whatever software mod was required in Gold can't be retrofitted to the standard version by a patch (even a bl**dy big one - up to and including a full replacement of the game engine) or a disc trade-in. Surely it can be patched, and if it's a monster download, or leads to monster additional load times (for example), they could spell it out, and let anyone who wants the Move support to choose.

    Not a smart move by Sony to let this through - Move needs all the top quality launch games it can get as an incentive to buy, and get them as widely seen/played as possible. If RE4 Wii was so good and RE5 Gold + Move is good, it's crazy not to throw some resources to get it out as widely as possible as a (partial) system seller.

  • Notallowedhere #13 2 years ago

    Capcom speaks

    http://ww w.capcom-europe.com/blog/2010/0...
    Edited by 1 at 27/07/10 @ 13:16

  • danathjo #14 2 years ago

    This is bullshit, I bought 5 day one, got the DLC....what a bunch of ball chunks!

  • Gregolution #15 2 years ago

    Pre ordered this yesterday, only 15 quid! My move compatible pre order balance has gone crazy, too many good games on the way!

  • kimchibaka #16 2 years ago

    As already said, why can't they patch in code to allow for Move support for the original? It's not like they need to re-write the whole game, they say themselves that it's only an extra bit of code that was included in the Gold Edition...

    Surely it can't use up any more of my hard drive than, say, the 5GB mandatory install for DMC4?

    Laziness and/or money behind this surely.

  • Huxamalay #17 2 years ago

    Lazyness

  • Markitron #18 2 years ago

    This is old news...............

  • toa_boa #19 2 years ago

    From Capcom's forum post:

    "RE5 was released in March 2009 without the code to allow for future changes to control schemes through DLC or patching. Therefore the original Resident Evil 5 will not work with PlayStation Move."

    So you guys want us to believe, that you would be unable to patch the controller code, if a serious error had been detected in the e.g. DS3-code?

    You have got to be kidding - any software developers reading this is laughing their combined behinds off right now :-) Better excuses next time Capcom fellas.

  • captain_Carl #20 2 years ago

    ""RE5 was released in March 2009 without the code to allow for future changes to control schemes through DLC or patching. Therefore the original Resident Evil 5 will not work with PlayStation Move."

    ....So patch in the ability to change control schemes via a patch? I don't see the problem.

    Oh wait, yes i do. Capcom decided people should buy their crap again for Move controls.

  • Machetazo #21 2 years ago

    It definitely wouldn't be a good idea now for them to attend Games Com :p

    Edit: If that's the case (their explanation), then I think it'd be safe to assume that Game Group's advantage with RE5GE is long since spent, and even if that WERE the case, then, why not produce another run of the originals (If Game isn't interested, after first refusal, let anyone stock it?) Atlus do, in the States often, those copies even end up fed back in via the pre-owned to distribute...

    Really, Capcom, I've read some BS in my time, but this'll take some beating! >:( First, it's technical, another problem commercial, anyone wanna guess their next excuse?
    Edited by 4 at 27/07/10 @ 12:53

  • Notallowedhere #22 2 years ago

    What commercial problem? Game & Gamestation have sold out of Gold Edition and all retailers are getting it as of 15th September in the UK.

    And believe it or not it's surpisingly common developers not being able to second guess the future plans of publishers and first parties, or leaving tags in code for patching of future input devices/trophies etc...

  • GreyBeard #23 2 years ago

    Total bullshit. Nothing needs tagging, all they need to do is replace the main executable with one the one found in the Gold Edition.
    Worst case scenario is that it requires a bigger patch, but its unlikely to be that much bigger as the bulk of the game data will be unchanged.

  • Beano #24 2 years ago

    ^ What he said

  • mr_shoe_uk #25 2 years ago

    I've got the gold edition, so good news for me (I was expecting to have to pay). It does seem a bit strange though.

  • Acrid #26 2 years ago

    "The ’Original’ RE5 doesn’t work with move…as we don’t have a time machine."

    lol, where's Doc Brown when you need him?

  • Arwin #27 2 years ago

    @Gregolution: yeah, I know what you mean. I've just decided not to preorder anything, I'm in no hurry. I'll get the Move controller as soon as I can get my hands on one in the store I think (usually if you're looking for one fast enough you'll get one, but I may reserve one if I can), and then I'll see what games I'll get when - the list is so long that it doesn't matter if I don't get all of them day one. Besides, I already have a few games that are going to be patched, like Hustle Kings, Velocity Bowling and EyePet, and there are going to be a few more day one PSN games available as well I think (at the very least Flight Control HD, though I'm not holding my breath for that one ;) ).
    Edited by 1 at 27/07/10 @ 15:19

  • Der_tolle_Emil #28 2 years ago

    Still a lame excuse. I don't deny that it will take quite a bit of time and lots of work to update two development branches. I guess the Gold edition is different enough in code that simply replacing the original executable with the Gold one won't work as they probably redid a few other things as well - in the end though that is still not a technical reason but rather a financial decision.

  • Feanor #29 2 years ago

    So many game programming experts in here.

  • funkateer #30 2 years ago

    So what they're saying is if there would have been some bug with the controls, they would have been unable to fix it?
    I'm not buying into this at all.

  • Bradach #31 2 years ago

    i'm no programmer but their explanation seems fair enough to me. I have the original but i will be buying the GE as i thought RE4 wii was vastly superior to RE4 on gamecube.

  • geeza2020 #32 2 years ago

    I thought resi 5 was a bit of let down anyway, no need to get upset about a disappointing game becoming MORE disappointing.

  • Al_Swearengen #33 2 years ago

    So just to clarify, a bunch of you are p*ssed off that Capcom didn't add support for a controller that wasn't even spec'd out when the game was being coded? On a scale of 1 to infinity, just how insane are you?

    Why do you even give a crap about a game released in March '09? Surely you've all finished it a hundred times over by now? Look to the future for God's sake. Onwards and upwards.

    That's all I got to say on the subject 'cept the next drink is on the house.
    God rest the souls of that poor family... and p*ssy's half-price next 15 minutes!

  • Huxamalay #34 2 years ago

    So Mr Capcom, you gonna let us trade our normal copies for the Gold Edition? No! Well fuck you in the eye

  • andywilkie35 #35 2 years ago

    Completed this 7 times on the 360. But I'm seriously tempted to get this on PS3 if it plays anything like the Resi4 Wii Edition, which I imagine it will. What a game!

  • Jackface #36 2 years ago

    I don't see the problem - the explanation appears to make complete sense to me. They can change the controls with patches, but they can't add support for entirely new control devices with the original game code as entirely new control devices weren't anticipated.

    I'm not developer and I suspect the majority of whiners/wieners here aren't either, but logically I don't see how patching existing controls if they were somehow broken on release equates to being able to add support for entirely new control systems. Am I missing something?

    Compare it to an expandable HiFi system. If the existing components on the amp need a fix, you take it to an engineer who does the fix for you. But if there's no slot on the back of the amp to plug in Shiny New Component That's Only Just Been Invented, no engineer is going to be able to cut a hole out and add the plug needed and wire it into the system and add new menus to the display that acknowledge the addition of the new hole - you need to buy an updated amp, that comes with empty slots that are designed to take new sockets if and when they become available.

    Same with RE5. The original didn't come with a slot in the code to accept new control patches. The revised version does.
    Edited by 2 at 27/07/10 @ 16:27

  • Der_tolle_Emil #37 2 years ago

    Compare it to an expandable HiFi system.

    You are comparing hardware with software, which makes no sense.

    It's simple, really. Patches don't sell software. But, if you already have pretty much all of the work done (payed for by Sony to have a TGS demo) you might as well finish it to hopefully sell a few more copies. A completely understandable decision, that I fully support - the thing that bugs me is that they come up with excuses for no reason at all, which tells me that they think of me and many other consumers as stupid people who will believe anything.

    Capcom are here to make a profit and I don't expect them to work for free. Why should they? But they don't need to come up with stupid excuses for something that does not need an explanation.
    Edited by 1 at 27/07/10 @ 16:36

  • barkertron #38 2 years ago

    This may not be a terribly popular opinion, but I don't see how anyone not personally involved in RE5 development can say what is/isn't possible with an update. If I'd bought the original version and all the DLC I'd definitely be gutted too, no question about it, but I don't know the first thing about retrospectively updating a game to include support for motion controllers. I am guessing that most people here don't either.

    All games companies - every one of them - are obviously out to make money, but in this case questioning the developers' motives is a bit silly when we really don't have a clue about the underlying technicalities.

  • UKLL #39 2 years ago


    I'm not sure how good it will work anyway.

    Sluggish Resi + responsive Move = frustration.

  • Trinod #40 2 years ago

    They say they can't patch the code of the launch revision of RE5 for motion controls

    However

    They patched the code of the original RE5 to create RE5: Gold with motion control hooks

    Of course they could patch the original version, they just don't want to, because they are greedy money whores. Remember this is the same game that had the whole scandal about having DLC in the form of the vs mode, which was already on the disk at launch, but they denied that too.

    Capcom you cunts

  • GreyBeard #41 2 years ago

    Oh for fuck's sake.
    Seriously, Gold is a GOTY edition, no more no less. Its the original game with the add-ons bundled-in, its not a different game!
    If they can upgrade the Gold edition to support move, they sure as hell could update the standard edition. There is NO technical reason why it isn't possible, they have just chosen not to.

    Its outrageously cynical, and frankly, deeply insulting to the millions who bought RE5 at launch, and supported the game by buying the DLC packs to be now forced to buy the same game OVER AGAIN in order to upgrade to the latest version.

  • Slipstream #42 2 years ago

    lol loved the time machine comment, especially since it's the truth. All of those 'raging fans' who I suspect are crying for the sake of it, can shut up and gtfo now.

  • Kaminari #43 2 years ago

    Capcom just keep on diggin' their grave.

  • Geordiemp #44 2 years ago

    It does go to show how popular the game will be with move support, its almost a different game, a moving lightgun game.

  • Caimbeul #45 2 years ago

    poor show old boy

  • RobotRocker #46 2 years ago

    The people whining about how this is screwing them over without reading Jacknife's post are the reason we cant have nice things.

  • VandelayIndustries #47 2 years ago

    A question - If I were to buy the Gold Edition would I be able to play the campaign online with a friend who has the standard edition? Me with Move controller and he with the DS3.

  • alasdairm #48 2 years ago

    Haven't Capcom got a history of doing this with their Resident Evil games:

    Pretty sure the PS1 versions of RE 1 & 2 were re-released in Dual Shock Editions waaaaaay back

    Ditto with the Wii enhanced releases of the Gamecube versions

  • wapkaplet #49 2 years ago

    Hey, did you guys know that when they made the Gold Edition, they recoded it from the ground up? Seriously, they started from scratch and rebuilt the entire game so that they could add move support!

    ...

    Yeah, I call bullshit.

  • RobotRocker #50 2 years ago

    Yeah, I call bullshit.

    OK. You go tell Capcom that they have to go retrofit the original game for a 3-4 GB patch to completely re-write the code of the game and then pay for that patch to be hosted on Sony's servers.

    We will be waiting here for you.

  • alcides #51 2 years ago

    the fact that the issue only come up now is reason enough to be furious. After all, Capcom polled gamers to choose between DLC and new edition, and we always assumed both editions were on an equal footing.

    This reminds me of WipEout Pulse's DLC on PSP, which were criminally expensive, did not work on multiplayer and segmented the community online... because the game wasn't coded right. Although they did fine with WPPure.

    Any way you turn it, this is simply unacceptable, and yes Robotrocker, this would be nice, with no sarcasm at all.

  • reverandglass #52 2 years ago

    At the risk of sounding reasonable, who cares? Either you've owned and enjoyed RE5 (and possibly the DLC) for a year or more now or you haven't and can look forward to an extra feature if you buy move too. I've never seen people react so stupidly before. Whether Capcom could or couldn't patch the original is irrelevant. You don't hear people bitching that they can't play resistance with move or cod4 or GTA so why complain about the developer who has taken steps to support new tech in an old game. Instead of complaining save your money and buy a new title when move launches and just enjoy RE5 like any other year and a half old game!
    Edited by 1 at 28/07/10 @ 05:12

  • Beano #53 2 years ago

    @reverandglass : You are missing the point, mate. It's not a question about releasing a new version - it a question of only patching one of the two versions allready out. It's either lazyness or greed (wanting more people to buy the gold version).
    They have allready "taken the steps" of implementing Move controls into the game but decided to punish early RE5 buyers. Sure it's more work to patch two versions of a games instead of one, but that's called "giving back to the fans" - common!

  • poorwretch #54 2 years ago

    forget the whole patch debate.
    from what I hear you actually use your thumb to shoot, peww peeww, what is this 3rd grade, its like kevin buttler never existed.
    if this proves to be true, without an alternative for the perfectly fine trigger that move has I wouldn't even bother playing the the original version (if by a heavenly intervention it could be patched)that I allready own, let alone buying the game again.

  • originaljohn #55 2 years ago

    just goes to show, dont buy a launch day game. This sucks