Gamers Don't Understand PS Classic

I'm going into this blog saying I am not defending the lineup of titles that the PS Classic has. But the inclusion has frustrated a lot of gamers, even though they have never been the target audience for these Classics on Nintendo and the upcoming PlayStation version. With PlayStation, it's not as easy considering there are tons more of titles that are fondly looked at. Here are the issues:

1. Licenses: That means titles like Tony Hawk can't make it because of licensed music and the skaters. Obviously, sports games are out of the question. Stuff like Harry Potter can't make it. Should be pretty simple to understand. There have been complaints about Crash Bandicoot not being on it. Same with Spyro the Dragon Tomb Raider, and some other franchises. Part of it is the first two being owned by Activision now instead of Sony, both of which have seen multiple publishers over the past 22 years, and the last one possibly being the result of being bought by Square Enix. It's hard to dissect that, but this stuff costs money. Sony may have a lot of money, but they can't waste a ton of it on licenses.

2. Source codes: I'm reminded of reading a bit of N. Sane Trilogy of having to do the first three Crash Bandicoot games from scratch because of lost source codes. Tons of companies may not have the original files to bring something some of their titles to the PS Classic. If the intent is to look exactly like it was on the original, then it might be shit out of luck.

3. Dead Companies: Basic and simple to understand. That means any original titles unless they were bought by another company (which that could be a hassle in itself), will never make it to anything including Classics.

4. Representation: Looking at the lineup, I think Sony was looking to use a variety of genres. When you have that many titles to pick, it's tough. And that's where the gamers get frustrated. Frustrated that isn't more Final Fantasies, or more Resident Evils or any of that. This lineup is not intended for fanboys. If it were, it would be a role playing game or Japanese only set and lack of many genres and/or representation of America and Europe.

It's not that simple for Sony compared to Nintendo. PlayStation is remembered for not just their first party but tons of third party games that are beloved. Some of my favorites are not Sony games like Medal of Honor, Driver, Metal Gear Solid. This stuff doesn't come free and if you want free, go use an emulator. Honestly, these Classics are not for me and I understand. Plus, I have a number of those games, so the appeal is not there for me. Part of me wishes gamers were not that stubborn and would understand that it's not easy to pick titles. Their choices would be complained at as well. Cut and dry, it's a lose lose situation.