Fool.com: ''With all the hype around the Wii U, you're probably wondering if this is a good time to invest in Nintendo (NTDOY), or any gaming company for that matter.
An investor might reason that GameStop (NYSE: GME ) has much to gain from sales of the Wii U consoles, games and accessories. Then, as the Wii U hype dies down, we can look forward to the release of Sony's (NYSE: SNE ) PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's new (NASDAQ: MSFT ) Xbox in late 2013, if the rumors are true.''
Companies, particularly public companies like Microsoft, need to grow.
i mean its pretty simple, they spent close to 30 billion in acquiring activision, they thought they'd make it bk no problem, and that didnt happen.
its just shit that because of MS's miscalculation alot of people lost their jobs.
They are going to use AI for a large portion of the game development process. Upper management need bonuses and the shareholders need more money. So, people will lose their jobs.
They shouldn't have bought any studios. Some is okay...but they went on a shopping spree...stupid
The better question is why did Microsoft buy publishers for a service they were subsidizing they knew couldn't support.
And why are so many websites trying to make people feel sorry for Microsoft instead of truly criticizing the fact they are closing studios and killing jobs that would have been fine if Microsoft themselves hadn't gotten involved.
Quit feeling sorry for Microsoft and start feeling sorry for the industry and the all the gamers who are actually losing out.
THIS IS MICROSOFTS FAULT.
The first thing that happens after any major acquisition or merger is a consolidation of the whole new portfolio, which includes cutting any excess, bloat or portfolios that don't fit the larger MO of the big boy. So far, it's been par for the course with Microsoft and that's why gamers have been so against this acquisition. Tango Gameworks is the beginning. You think Microsoft wants to pay to keep small timers like Ninja Theory in business?
There is absolutely zero evidence to suggest that Microsoft will improve any of these studios, but plenty to suggest that they will get rid of what they don't need and hold onto the IP. The real agenda of the acquisition was always to acquire The Elder Scrolls, Diablo, Fallout, Call of Duty, Candy Crush etc. that will create millions in passive revenue stream for Microsoft regardless of where the games release. Microsoft simply wants their cut.
Because of Games Pass Microsoft has no interest in investing in new IP which is risky and requires creative talent they can neither nurture nor manage. Game Pass has also not grown in the way Microsoft expected it to, even post acquisitions. Therefore the logical thing to do, without serious money makers to release, is to cut as much cost as possible.
NE: "Kirby's been on more than a handful of adventures, and we've gathered a list of 10 of the best Kirby games here."
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has received a bunch of new DLC, including two new gameplay modes, for free.
Gaming-only consoles? Yes, they are a dying breed. Media-focused consoles? Those are definitely on the up-and-up. Microsoft really changed the game with the Xbox 360's integration with a number of MS/Windows applications. Sony, for their part, have also done a decent job at bringing media to the living room.
Really though, we can thank Netflix, Amazon (Prime), and Hulu (Plus) (and a host of other apps/channels) for daily usage of our consoles. I have my PS3 on almost every night for Netflix simply because it's the best version of the app at this time (IMO).
I feel Nintendo's TVii for the Wii U is an interesting concept, but I feel the next wave of mediacentric home devices are going to come from Microsoft and Sony. They'll pack the gaming punch, but we'll be seeing almost everything available if predictions hold true.
Personally, I can't wait :)
That is the saddest picture i've ever seen.
On topic: The consoles aren't dying, just changing so much that they don't resemble consoles anymore.
If they are not all in one devices, they'll vanish, just like the wrist watch and alarm clocks.
Even TVs have multiple uses these days.
They ain't dying. Just evolving.
no, consoles are not dying. they are only becoming more popular. Everyone i know has an xbox or ps3, whether it's my grandparents or teachers, everybody has one now.
I can agree with some people that handhelds are dying (despite the 3DSs impressive sales) however i honestly dont see the death of consoles anytime soon.
The Wii U might fail though due to its unconventional controller design but so might the 720 and the PS4. We really will not know the answer until the consoles have been in the market for a while.