The Slashdot summary is inaccurate. The words "to release without multiplayer" should be changed to "to release without online multiplayer." As others have said, the game will still have multiplayer.
I think it is quite evident that the first mover does not always recieve a necessary advantage in the market. In theory, when all systems are essentially equal, the first mover would logically have a considerable advantage. However, in reality, a lot of factors come into play other than the order of launch--including the actual differences between the consoles, the companies' marketing strategies, consumer biases, and others.
Slashdot Mirror
The Slashdot summary is inaccurate. The words "to release without multiplayer" should be changed to "to release without online multiplayer." As others have said, the game will still have multiplayer.
I think it is quite evident that the first mover does not always recieve a necessary advantage in the market. In theory, when all systems are essentially equal, the first mover would logically have a considerable advantage. However, in reality, a lot of factors come into play other than the order of launch--including the actual differences between the consoles, the companies' marketing strategies, consumer biases, and others.