We’ve finally got some results on some of the rumors we’ve posted in previous editions, so before getting to this week’s rumors we’ll give you a rundown of the results along with our hits or misses.
Current score
Andrew Passafiume: +85
Graham Russell: +5
Shawn Vermette: +100
Results
Gears of War 3 to be released in April 2011
It didn’t take long for this rumor to be confirmed. Microsoft announced on Jimmy Fallon Monday night that Gears of War 3 would come out on April 5, 2011.
Andrew 95% = +45
Graham 50% = +0
Shawn 95% = +45
Saint’s Row 3 to be released in 2010
True, Saint’s Row 3 hasn’t even been officially announced, but the head of Volition Studios stated soon after the release of Saint’s Row 2 that they were already at work on the third installment in the series. Additionally, Saint’s Row was released in 2006 and Saint’s Row 2 was released in 2008. The timing is right, the commercial and critical success is there, and the desire appears to be there…but will it happen?
Andrew: I can see this happening, and THQ will probably make a big splash with this at E3 if it is true. Although I do find it strange that it was never really announced, and yet sequels to Darksiders and Red Faction Guerrilla were. And considering Volition, the guys behind Saint’s Row, also made Red Faction, I’m unsure which one we’ll actually see first (seeing as only one of them has already been announced). 65%
Graham: Saint’s Row 3 is scheduled to be revealed at E3 2010 and released in fiscal 2012 (the year starting April 2011). There have been official statements to this effect. Games typically don’t get released earlier…usually it goes the other way. 1%
Shawn: Honestly, I’d be surprised if the next Saint’s Row came out in 2010. It seems like fall 2010 is starting to fill up with other big titles already. Early 2011 seems more realistic to me. 40%
MVP Baseball series to return for 2011
With the release of this year’s baseball games, the exclusivity agreement between Major League Baseball and 2K Sports expires after a 5 year drought of decent baseball games on any non-Sony system. Considering the resounding disappointment of the 2K baseball games in recent years, one would think that EA would get back into the mix by re-launching its MVP Baseball series next year. However, is it even possible to bring back what was once considered the best baseball series after such a long layoff?
Andrew: EA loves to make money and they probably see the potential in bringing back their beloved baseball franchise. I really see no reason for them to start working on a new title, but I doubt that it will happen right away. 2011 seems like a nice estimate for the rebirth of the franchise. 80%
Graham: Shawn, you need to hone your ear. 2K’s agreement was seven years long, and goes through 2012. So no, MVP can’t come back in 2011. I have nothing else to say. 0%
Shawn: I really hope that EA does bring back the MVP series next year, but I half suspect EA may just stay out of the baseball genre. They’ve lost most of their MVP team, and 2K recently said they were losing $30 million a year on it. I hope it comes back though, and will support it with my vote. 65%
Portal 2 to open on PS3 after all
When Portal 2 was announced last month, it was only announced for the Xbox 360, PC, and Mac. No surprise given Valve’s outspoken dislike of the PS3. However, rumors are now swirling that Portal 2 will indeed be released on the PS3, and that it will be outsourced to the same studio that handled the Orange Box port for the PS3.
Andrew: I was willing to buy this rumor up until the point where it was said that the same team that ported The Orange Box to the PS3 would be handling this port. Valve was unhappy with EA’s port of The Orange Box onto Sony’s console, and I doubt they would rely on the same team again. And considering rumors are swirling they are releasing the original Left 4 Dead on the PS3 themselves, I cannot see them turning to another company to do the same for Portal 2. So yes to Portal 2 coming out to the PS3, but it’s probably going to be Valve who ports it. 10%
Graham: The only thing stronger than Valve’s dislike of the PS3 is our dislike of their PS3 Orange Box port. This is completely possible, but I don’t think too many people with PS3s don’t have at least one of the other systems, and Portal: Still Alive never made it over there either. I can totally see them passing. 5%
Shawn: While I’m normally all for games coming out on as many systems as possible, the PS3 port of Orange Box was abysmal. On the other hand, more systems at release means more sales, so I think that Valve will overcome their dislike of the PS3 in time to release Portal 2 on it as well. 75%
