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Spore to Ship 'When It's Done' And Not Before
Citing the sheer potential of the title, EA executives John Riccitiello and Frank Gibeau stated in a conference call yesterday that Spore will not ship until it is finished. Next Generation reports: "'It's one of those breakthrough products that might come across the industry every three, five, seven years ... We could not be more bullish for the potential of the franchise as we are right now,' said Riccitiello. He said that he still expects the game to ship in the 'March, April, May' 2008 timeframe. However, Riccitiello said, 'We will make the choice of shipping a better game than an on-time game given the high potential for this franchise.'"
In that case, you'd be silly. I've seen spec houses through construction and there's always a timetable, even when it is back in planning phases. The time table can change, delays can happen, but it is never a "it's done when it's done" thing.
I understand the complexity involved in a game, but unless you've got no idea what's going on when you are a decent ways in to the project, you should be able to give a rough timetable. I'm not asking for a date or even a month, but a quarter or a half is a reasonable expectation.
I've just seen too many projects that have a "when it's done" hung on them that ends up being either never, or a really poor project when it comes out. The two examples that stick out most in my mind are Team Fortress 2 and Duke Nukem Forever. Both got a "when it's done" kind of attitude. Neither is done yet, both have changed what they are many times, and I'm willing to bet both will blow if they ever actually make it to market.