460°

Episode #358 – Exclusive Podcast interview with Christa Charter aka Trixie360

Gamertag Radio interviews Trixie, an ex-Xbox employee about her new novel, the reason why she left Microsoft and much more.

*"Xbox is run by mostly middle managers with no gaming experience"
*"Xbox left J Allard"
*Xbox Community
*Xbox Live Gold member vs ads
*The reason why Inside Xbox failed

Xbox conversation starts at 25:04.

Read Full Story >>
gamertagradio.com
dedicatedtogamers4228d ago

Unfortunately, this is becoming true for a LOT of companies, not just Microsoft's Xbox division. Notice how many "social media" integrations are being added into consoles these days? That isn't gamers saying "this is how we make our games better". That would be middle managers saying "hurr hurr wouldn't Twitter be a good thing to add to our system guize?"

I miss the old days of developers (and console makers) being die-hard gamers, from the entry-level guy all the way up to the boss.

Knight_Crawler4228d ago (Edited 4228d ago )

I agree and as much as I wish things could go back to the good old days, I have accepted that as technology progresses things have to change.

Game consoles are no longer dedicated gaming machines like they were in the past and gaming consoles are your one stop social media hub and the next gen consoles will take social media even futher...heck I expect the 720 and PS4 to be 20% console and 80% PC.

With this said its not hard to see why Sony and MS are hiring experts of all sorts that dont have a back ground on gaming...Sega was made up of people who were hardcore gamers but lacked the business mentality and the Dream cast ended up sinking them.

Sure my gamer instinct is pissed about how gaming is no longer just gaming but from a business perspective this make sense and in these times you can not just rely on games and have to offer a variety of things with your gaming service.

Nintendo is now feeling the pressure because they lacked so many things that MS and Sony offered and are now playing catchup...the Wii U online can either break or make Nintendo.

Edit: My point was that the gaming business has become more than just games and experts from other fields are needed in order for the company to make a profit and survive.

knowyourstuff4228d ago

It has been thought of by companies that didn't start up as gaming companies (like Microsoft) that businesses are just machines designed to make money, and you don't need a game developer who specializes in coding to run the business, the marketing, the supply chain, etc. Quite frankly, this is true, however some industry knowledge is still required. You do need to know what people are playing, and someone who can analyze current and emerging markets. I don't need to play videogames all day to understand markets and how to do proper project management, but if you have someone who really doesn't care about games because they don't play them, that's a serious problem. You do need to care about the product you're putting out, because without that you get rushed games that release full of bugs.

shutUpAndTakeMyMoney4228d ago (Edited 4228d ago )

If ps4 & 720 were 110% pc they would still have hardcore tactical shooter & true horror games left.

lol now if wiiU takes off the tablet crazy will be part of everyday console gaming.

One of the big companies already bought into cloud gaming so yikes.. Console gaming so popular it is killing it as a hardcore platform.

After looking at splinter cell the only stealth game left is MGS. Kojima stands alone.

forestfrog4227d ago

I disagreed with you, im not saying you are wrong, I just don't like what your saying.

miyamoto4227d ago

LOL What are u peeps talking about?
Nintendo's longtime president Yamauchi prides himself as the emperor who never played a single video game on any Nintendo console since they started doing games in the 1980s. Bitter irony eh?

Of course they are all about the money.

But the question is who among them are doing their homework about nurturing the industry and making it grow up.

My point is by this time if you are really passionate about legit video games you should be able to discern for yourself who is are REAL DEAL from the PHONY POSERS.

Who continues to make the effort to move games forward and who holds it back and who brings it backwards? who brings new stuff to gaming . who abuse it & just in it for money only?

EVILDEAD3604227d ago

The music industry isnt run by Musicians...
The Sports Industry isnt run by Sports Atheletes
The Game industry isnt run by gamers

The Xbox is a platform for games and entertainment, just as any console is at this point.

Just because we all love and play games doesnt necessarily make us all qualified to manage a business.

MS made some great business decisions this gen that has put the Xbox brand in a great position.

But at the end of the day, like Sony and Nintendo, not all of those decisions are perfect.

Evil

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4227d ago
PirateThom4228d ago

Sadly, the days of gamers making games is almost at an end.

It's too big a business now. While I have no doubt some of the middle managers do enjoy games, I am under no illusion it's in the same sense a lot of people enjoy games; casually, on their phone, the yearly COD/Madden/FIFA release.

Problem is, even the ones who play games, like Shuhei Yoshida are still in charge of a company/part of a company and the bottom line is all that matters.

3GenGames4227d ago

Apparently you haven't heard about Homebrew for older consoles. Or Indie games for PC and such.

extermin8or4227d ago

tbh there are still great games being released, rarely in an industry is the person in charge the best person for the job purely because he like the stuff he's in charge of, you need someone to make practical unbiased decisions so you survive as a compnay; as long as they aren't stifling the developers too much and allow them creative decsions or at least take their advice then gaming will be fine; it's the actual main development workforce that needs to have a passion for what they are creating (sorry about typo's my pcs dying and theres a30sec lag between me pressing a key and it typing so i cba to fix issues)

lastdual4228d ago (Edited 4228d ago )

And yet a lot of those social media features may end up not mattering when Smart TVs become the norm in a few years.

Once your TV has all the functionality of a tablet computer built into it from the start, your console connecting to services such as Facebook will just be redundant. At that point, it becomes all about the games once again.

In fact, TVs may eventually give the consoles direct competition if they come with game-streaming platforms such as OnLive pre-installed. The execs at companies such as MS are going to be in for a hard time if they think their current stategy will continue to work in the future.

Knight_Crawler4228d ago (Edited 4228d ago )

Thats a really weak argument...have you tried browsing the net on one of those smart TV's or watch a youtube video? slow as hell and maybe 1 or 2 tv have descent speed - it wont be till another 3 years until we see a TV with PC capabilities.

The next gen consoles will be more PC than gaming consoles and if this true then this will kill 2 birds with one stone...sure they wont replace PC's but what if gaming consoles can do 80% of what a PC can do.

mcstorm4228d ago

The biggest problem with the digital age is there is no default format from videos, music, websites ect. Plus here in the uk to get netflixwe need a game consles as our smart tvs dont support it they tend to go for love film and sky player is only aavailable on thr 360 so because of this people will still use consoles for this access but i dont think any of this is the reason why people buy a games console.

The 1st reason is games and type of games they want depends on which console they buy and if it then works with a service they have they will use there consoles to access there service.

lastdual4228d ago

@Knight_Crawler

Obviously Smart TVs are still in their infancy, but looking forward, there's no doubt that the tech and user experience will improve.

What tablets can do now, TVs will be able to do within a few years - the point being that the "console as an internet/social media hub" model isn't really the future.

chasegarcia4228d ago (Edited 4228d ago )

Sony boss is a gamer / just saying.

nukeitall4228d ago

He is still middle aged, and probably doesn't have time to game much while earning his millions.

G20WLY4228d ago

@nukeitall, so you have to be young and play all day long to be a gamer? I both disagree and resent that :|

showtimefolks4228d ago

they did hire phil harrison so hopefullt that will help

Bigpappy4228d ago (Edited 4228d ago )

If any of these companies don't put gaming ahead of all else, they will loose their console business. Gaming is what sells consoles and keep them relavant. All that social stuff, music, sports, movies, ... is available else where. Consoles are sold because of games, all the other crap is just nice to have.

I am still mad at M$ for not working something out with Jay Allard though. I am surprise that Apple our Google didn't give him an offer he can refuse. He was the brain that made Xbox a viable alternative to what was already on the market. He created Xbox Live (Voice chat; maket place; XBLA; Achievements; ...). He is a gamer and gets excited about things that make gaming more enjoyable and promotes growth.

These new guy are more focused on how to make more money with the Xbox. I understand that side too, but they have to know that gaming has to be the main focus or it will all blow-up in thier faces. Halo4 show that someone there still understands that Xbox will only allows other areas to grow if the gaming side remains very strong.

Cueil4227d ago

J Allard left the Xbox brand long before he left Microsoft... his other projects were mostly failures or got cut as a device and later partially used in other devices

pain777pas4227d ago

This was not suprising and I have been saying this for so long. 2005 to 2007 Mass effect release was 360 in its prime. Really great system and shocking Japanese support with exclusive games. I have not been on live in years so knowing now that Trixie is gone is so sad. Her and Major N were my peeps at a time. I remember the good old days of watching the first trailers for Assasins Creed lonely souls (best trailer in my opinion of all time)and Ace combat (didn't buy it though). The Halo 3 build up vidocs about the brutes. Mass effect trailers and build up. Lost odessey, Blue dragon.... I loved it especially when it was the only system on the market at the time till MGS4 and RROD pushed me over edge back home. This was a depressing interview but we still have Sony which only overpriced their system really because the 60gig PS3 is the best disc based console ever made. 360 I loved you for Oblivion, seeing Gears(played it but it was a long tech demo to start really), Bioshock, Halo 3, Mass Effect and RR6 (don't laugh the community in the early days were amazing mature gamers who loved the game to master it and have fun).

ChickeyCantor4227d ago

It's because these people talk business. And good business is money.

meetajhu4227d ago (Edited 4227d ago )

This is the reason Console gaming should die. The PC gaming is so much better and mature. 3rd rated mong heads who have no flipping clue about gaming, run console business eg:Major Nelson.

RustInPeace4227d ago (Edited 4227d ago )

If PC gaming is so "mature" (in the sense of the players, not the tech being newer/better/"mature" ; ), then why can't I play ONE legit game of BF3 (or any competitive game, really) without someone blatantly using hacks for the sake of being an as*hOle and tarnishing the experience? Given, it does happen on consoles, but its almost a lifestyle for PC players when its skill VS skill.

rezzah4227d ago

I think we may always miss the old days because companies are heading to were the money is. They want to popularize their product with the social media. Some to a greater extent than others.

If any company reflect the idea of more gaming dedication over another company, I think we would head over to that console. But there are other factors that I'm sure I don't see right now.

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 4227d ago
Bumpmapping4228d ago (Edited 4228d ago )

She looks like the gremlin chick from Gremlins 2.

MikeMyers4228d ago (Edited 4228d ago )

This is why many are pleased with what Steam has done, is doing, and will be doing in the future. You can tell it's not run by a bunch of managers with little or no experience.

When you have a company as large as Microsoft, the innovation, the hunger, the eagerness to prove themselves gets lost along the way. Plus the Xbox brand was created with more than just gaming. That division is there to work within all of Microsoft's vested interests.

TekoIie4228d ago (Edited 4228d ago )

You kind of missed the point -_-

Steam doesnt fit the comparison in this subject. On top of that MS didnt start out in the gaming industry and so when they went to make the move into that industry the reasoning was simple: to make money with a new product.

Valve on the other hand was created because people wanted to make games for a living.

MikeMyers4228d ago (Edited 4228d ago )

Not sure how I missed the point when a company like Sony also didn't start out with gaming under their portfolio. However they did manage to run the Playstation brand quite well early on.

I feel there is a disconnect between those who run the Xbox division and the consumers, and that could be allocated to what this article is suggesting. If we agree to disagree that's fine but I don't feel I missed the point at all. If you get involved with something you should have people running it that have an interest and either have experience or gain experience while being there.

@nukeitall

I don't believe their budget was all that limited. This is Microsoft we are talking about and their initial investment with the Xbox back in 2001 was by no means small. Sony also seen Nintendo and Sega as competition and they managed to provide a product consumers wanted while not appearing as though it was run by a bunch of managers with no gaming experience.

Microsoft also bought Rare for $375 million dollars. That's not something a start-up company with a limited budget does. Look at Rare today and it's obvious they are nothing like they used to be.

sadday4228d ago

Mike, I tend to agree with nuke here.

Almost no one can enter the console business without heavy investments unless you want to be like ouya. Only way to be taken serious is to make serious investment.

To the gaming industry, that is a start up.

The beginnings of Xbox is detailed in a book called The Xbox 360 uncloaked. It is a great read.

I wonder if nuke read it.

Cueil4227d ago

even steam is starting to move away from being a totally gaming platform

nukeitall4228d ago

I don't think a large company has necessary lost the eagerness to prove themselves. It is more the culture set at the outset.

From the start, the Xbox division had to prove itself and had very limited budget. In almost all ways, it was almost like a startup company.

MS perceived Sony's dominance as threat, and so the battle began.

wastedcells4228d ago

This is why I always end up supporting the console who seems to be geared towards games and the people playing them.

neogeo4227d ago

So you are a big Wii supporter?

majiebeast4228d ago (Edited 4228d ago )

Frank Gibeau from EA

That man is responsible for all the social aspects of deadspace 3,simcity and generals 2 among others. He is responsible for destroying those franchises to get the casual gamer with social media aspects like implementing twitter and facebook in games.

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300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest4d ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN3d ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan3d ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor3d ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic3d ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv723d ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts3d ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares4d ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv724d ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka3d ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion4d ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer4d ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow13d ago (Edited 3d ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer3d ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

Read Full Story >>
news.xbox.com
bionicstar4d ago

Will they show Fable 4, Stalker 2, GoW 6 & Perfect Dark?

PhillyDonJawn4d ago

Crossing fingers for Fable and perfect dark. And State of Decay 3

RaidenBlack4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

And maybe Clockwork Revolution, South of Midnight, Contraband, Project 007 & OD? lol
and whatever happened to Everwild ?
+ that rumored Wu Tang RPG

Sonic18814d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast4d ago

Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming.

4d ago
Lightning774d ago

It's an Xbox showcase that they have every year.

Make smarter comments for once.

anast4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole3d ago

@Anast
Anything you didn't type. Good day sir!

4d ago
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4d ago Replies(1)
Lightning774d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

4d ago
anast3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

"Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming."

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning773d ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast3d ago

You don't know what a smart comment is or isn't. You're welcome for the help.

Lightning773d ago

No you said something dumb then you tried to back track and mention GP.

Again make smart comments for once.

anast3d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 3d ago
darthv724d ago

Wonder if they will address the handheld rumors....?

jimb0j0nes4d ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

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290°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv729d ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle8d ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic18818d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio8d ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning778d ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga8d ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

darthv727d ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

neutralgamer19927d ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff21838d ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga8d ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan8d ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit7d ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus238d ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv728d ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica7d ago (Edited 7d ago )

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

Chevalier7d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan7d ago

@chevalier

It looks like made a great purchase. Much better then Sony buying Bungie. 😉
Cheers

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 7d ago
purple1018d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos8d ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

DOMination-8d ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac8d ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad8d ago (Edited 8d ago )

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple1018d ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos8d ago (Edited 8d ago )

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic8d ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead8d ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 8d ago
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