Insomniac: Xbox One offers quicker production cycles

Insomniac is making its new stylistic open-world shooter Sunset Overdrive exclusive to Xbox One because it offers quicker production cycles, says studio CEO Ted Price.

Posting a message on the Insomniac website, Price said that although the developer was reticent to sign another exclusivity deal with a console manufacturer, the Xbox One and Xbox Live capabilities would allow it to create an “ongoing two-way dialogue” with its community.

He explained that the quicker production cycles and use of Xbox Live would enable timely content updates for new weapons, characters, storylines and pop-culture relevant content, given the fast turnaround times.

Price added that Xbox One exclusivity didn’t necessarily mean Insomniac would only develop for Microsoft in future, and it was open to bringing new titles to Sony’s platforms.

"The truth is, not a lot has changed. Insomniac has been, is, and will continue to be 100 per cent independent,” said Price.

“We have treasured that independence for the last 19 years. It now allows us to own and control our IP, and find the most suitable partners to make those IP a reality. While we are excited about partnering with Microsoft on Sunset Overdrive, that doesn’t mean we can’t or wouldn’t make games with our long-time friends at Sony. That’s the magic of being an independent developer.”

Work on Sunset Overdrive is being headed up by Resistance 3 creative director Marcus Smith and lead designer Drew Murray. No release date for the title has been set.