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Sony Buying Xbox 'Simply Ridiculous' - Analyst

NowGamer: A leading industry analyst has slammed claims Sony should buy Xbox as 'simply ridiculous'.

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NYC_Gamer4113d ago

I believe Forbes wrote similar Sony&Nintendo doom articles too

tehpees34113d ago

Forbes is a joke run by haters.

dcbronco4113d ago

Forbes isn't run by haters. It run by business people. People that realize gamers cam be flamed into giving them hits on their site so that they can say they have a varied and extensive group of people looking at their site. It's all about making money on a dying industry. Articles hits create revenue lost by paper magazines.

Nothing to see here. Just a dinosaur trying to save itself from the tar pits.

blackbeld4113d ago

"Sony Buying Xbox"

No way!

Samsung Buying Xbox is way better.

morganfell4113d ago

And Jesse Divinich said GTA V was coming in 2012. He said that dance games were dying. He also felt Homefront was a good game and investors were wrong to dump THQ stock. The guy has been wrong so many times it is ridiculous. All of these analysts should be dumped into a fire pit and burned. Not because they are wrong but because their predictions, mostly erred, do more harm to the industry than good. It is humorous to note that so many believed MS purchasing Sony was such a realistic possibility but this is now far-fetched when the truth is both ideas were and are quite absurd.

I do not believe Sony or any other company would buy the Xbox division simply because MS wouldn't sell a business. They would kill it off first. I do think MS would be much more likely to strike a partnership with a company like Sony. Again I do not believe that will happen but it is certainly more possible than a sale. And a partnership between Sony and MS would be a juggernaut of gaming.

pixelsword4112d ago

I hope not, Microsoft is keeping Sony on their toes and vice-versa; Sony is keeping Microsoft on their toes as well. They are what Sega and Nintendo were in the 8 and 16-bit era.

AAACE54112d ago

Let's not forget that both companies have to face the portable market because that area is still taking away from traditional gaming.

BattleAxe4112d ago (Edited 4112d ago )

"Divnich responded to claims by Forbes contributor Adam Hartung earlier today (Mon) that Microsoft should sell its Xbox Division to ‘someone like Sony’.

Hartung said: “The entertainment division will be spun off, sold to someone like Sony or possibly Barnes & Noble, or dramatically reduced in size.

"Failure is already inevitable. At this stage, not even a new CEO can save Microsoft. Game over. Ballmer loses. And if you keep your money invested in Microsoft it will disappear along with the company.”

I can see where Hartung is coming from. Heres why I think he is saying this:

1.) Surface may or may not take off

2.) the Windows Phone OS hasn't been all that successful

3.) Apple is appealing to more and more people in the Laptop and home computing space

4.) Sony could potentially destroy Microsoft in the next generation of the console war. Sony just surpassed the worldwide sales of the 360 while releasing a year later and with Microsoft having a 7 million console lead. Sony has beat Microsoft two generations in a row now.

5.) Google could potentially come out with a PC operating system in the next few years

6.) The SteamBox could begin to popularize Linux

Microsoft is really getting hit hard on all fronts, and I'm sure there are other areas where they are taking a beating like the competition from free office software such as Open Office.

airforcex4112d ago (Edited 4112d ago )

BattleAxe,

1.Sony has not surpassed MS on worldwide sales. The report was a forecast of systems shipped by one company. A forecast is a prediction. In fact, 360 is still ahead by at least 1.5 million systems according to most sites. Notice how Sony has not made such claim.
2. XBOX has always been the underdog. MS shipped the system early precisely to counter Sony's dominance. The strategy worked. MS is ahead with 2 markets (US and Europe).
3. 360 dominates the US market (where the big bucks are made); it will do the same next gen due to XBOX Live.
4. Sony beat XBOX the first time, as expected. At most, it will tie MS this time around which is a lot to say for MS given that PS2 sold 157 million consoles. That's a considerable market loss.
5. They've been predicting the fall of MS and Xbox for years, and they continue to stay on top. At most, MS market share on the PC side will be smaller in terms of %, but in terms of total install base, no one comes close. There are a total of 66-70 million Mac users in the world. MS sold 60 million W8 licenses in a few months. Add W7, Vista, XP...
6. Finally, I own a PS3 and enjoy it! But I also like my 360!

pablo-b4112d ago

@ battleaxe

the thing is, you are a well known fanboy of the sony flavour! what you just wrote was a fanboys wetdream.

time to wake and change your undies i think

Ezz20134112d ago (Edited 4112d ago )

@airforcex
1."Sony has not surpassed MS on worldwide sales. The report was a forecast of systems shipped by one company. A forecast is a prediction. In fact, 360 is still ahead by at least 1.5 million systems according to most sites. Notice how Sony has not made such claim."

so you are using vgchartes as your fact lol
you guys love to flip flop when ever it suit you

2. "XBOX has always been the underdog. MS shipped the system early precisely to counter Sony's dominance. The strategy worked. MS is ahead with 2 markets (US and Europe)."

the only place Xbox beat ps3 in it is USA
the rest of the world
ps3 beat it every where
and did you say Europe ??!! lol you can't be more wrong
ps3 beat it there too by alot

3. "360 dominates the US market (where the big bucks are made); it will do the same next gen due to XBOX Live."

again with USA=world lol
they do dominate USA
but guess what ps3 cought up with them and by now it passed them
USA help them but still they lost to ps3 worldwide
(which much more important than one place)
and fun fact ,the lowest selling ps home console still manage to beat xbox360 "at it prime" in sales and games

4. "Sony beat XBOX the first time, as expected. At most, it will tie MS this time around which is a lot to say for MS given that PS2 sold 157 million consoles. That's a considerable market loss."

even if you go by "vgchartes" (which you are using)
they show now that ps3 have 52.7% market share and xbox360 have 32.3% market share
http://www.vgchartz.com/art...

that's your site ...do you still trust it now or what ?!

5. "They've been predicting the fall of MS and Xbox for years, and they continue to stay on top. At most, MS market share on the PC side will be smaller in terms of %, but in terms of total install base, no one comes close. There are a total of 66-70 million Mac users in the world. MS sold 60 million W8 licenses in a few months. Add W7, Vista, XP..."

and if MS keep going with the same games with no new ips and force you to pay for online
they will fall big time
you guys thought exclusives don't matter but it did matter
that's why ps3 beat xbox360 in worldwide

6. "Finally, I own a PS3 and enjoy it! But I also like my 360! "

same
but i don't like my xbox any more
lost any faith i had for it

sikbeta4112d ago

What!? buying XBOX Division!? lol they simply don't have the money rofl...

NotSoSilentBob4112d ago

No Forbes isn't a joke run by haters, they have become a website looking for hits. The more outrageous the Headline the more hits they get thus the more advertising revenue they get.

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 4112d ago
Dwalls11714113d ago

Someone was butt hurt and wrote this responce article in recored time lo impressive....

But honestly it makes sence... The only titles microsoft has of value is halo gears and possibly forza... just eliminate the whole war and let sony handle the release and distribution of these titles..and their own...

IAMERROR4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

We going by sales? Then I guess the only titles Sony has of value is Uncharted, GOW, and Gran turismo. Let's face it both systems have some great games lets stop all this petty "XBOX GOT NO GAMEZ" argument/point. It only reflects yourself poorly.

gaffyh4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

Wait...what?! It "makes sence" as you put it??

It doesn't make sense at all. Microsoft has sold over 60 million consoles this generation, and have raked in loads of royalties from publishers. So it doesn't make sense at all. Why would you join up with a rival, when you are already making money from the business? That only ever happens when a company is struggling very badly, and MS is far from struggling.

And you could say the same thing about Sony, the company may be struggling, but PlayStation is one of their most successful divisions, they wouldn't sell and they wouldn't want to join with a competitor in the field just to eliminate any "war".

Competition is a great thing for gamers. With MS, I seriously doubt we would have great games like Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet and The Last of Us on PS3.

gaffyh4113d ago

I meant to write "without MS" at the end of that last paragraph.

ShinMaster4112d ago (Edited 4112d ago )

Not sales. What he meant was exclusive games worth getting an Xbox for. Which IMO were not enough for many people.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4112d ago
DiRtY4113d ago

This was not even a Forbes article. It was a random blogpost on forbes. That is basically as credible as a comment on N4G.

Anon19744113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

I wish Jesse Divnich had elaborated a bit. The article that Forbes had reprinted this morning went into detail regarding Microsoft's specific challenges, and this isn't the first time we've heard from analysts that Microsoft should consider selling off the EDD division (of which as of 2011, 99% of the revenue was related to the Xbox) due to poor return on investment overall.

The author, a Harvard MBA and former Pepsico and Dupont Exec, didn't say "Oh, they're going to sell it to Sony!" What he said was he expects Microsoft will either sell or dramatically scale back the division.

Rather than submitting a knee-jerk, "That's ridiculous" quote, I would have rather seen Divnich explain his position or offer a counter point, refuting the author's claims. "Sony's not buying and Microsoft's not selling" doesn't address a single point the author made.

You have to wonder if Divnich even read the original article at all, or if he pulled a N4G's and simply read the headline and responded, completely ignoring the article's comments?

Here's a link to the original.
http://www.thephoenixprinci...

Anyone care to offer a counter point as to why this guy's wrong? It's not like we haven't heard these types of rumblings before from analysts. I could see dismissing this if it were a one off article spewed by some random blogger with no business credentials, but that's not what's happening here.

kenshiro1004113d ago

Some people read what they want to hear. Well said darkride.

4113d ago
DiRtY4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

Well going by your comment history, you will support the author anyway, but here is the main point.

He is lying.

His quote:

"The entertainment division will be spun off, sold to someone like Sony or even Barnes & Noble, or dramatically reduced in size. Unable to make a profit it will increasingly be seen as a distraction to the battle for saving Windows - and Microsoft leadership has long shown they have no idea how to profitably grow this business unit."

Truth: The division made 364 million USD profit in 2012, 1257 million in 2011 and 517 million in 2010.

Source: http://www.microsoft.com/in...

His quote:

"Cash will be burned in what Microsoft will consider an epic struggle to save the core of the company. But failure is already inevitable. At this stage, not even a new CEO can save Microsoft."

Truth:

Microsoft's net income (profit) as a company for the past years:

2008: 17.68 billion USD
2009: 14.56 billion USD
2010: 18.76 billion USD
2011: 23.15 billion USD
2012: 16.98 billion USD

http://www.microsoft.com/in...

His quote:

"Microsoft's monopoly over personal computing has evaporated. From 95% market domination in 2005 share has fallen to just 20% in 2012 (IDC, Goldman Sachs.)"

Truth: This statement is extraordinary stupid, because it compares every device and treats them as one market. So in 2005 MS had 95% market share. This number is for PC only (Windows vs Linux vs Mac). And since then it has gone down to 20%, that is what he implies. In reality, MS sold more copies of Windows than ever before. ( http://www.techspot.com/new... So how did that happen? Well the author decided to mix it all up. So suddenly every cellphone sold counts just as much as a PC sold. So according to this logic, MS lost market share to Symbian big time for example. Oh yeah, what a threat that was for MS... MS still dominates the PC OS market.

In reality Windows market share increased this holiday season from 91.45 % to 91.74%.

http://thenextweb.com/micro...

There you have it. Anyway, you will still support the author's point of view.

Oh and btw. Here is what the very same guy wrote about Sony last year:

http://www.forbes.com/sites...

Anon19744113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

Where the hell do you see me agreeing with the original author? I don't. I think MS has far too much invested in the brand to consider selling the Xbox at this stage. They spent so much getting to this point, why would they bail on their investment? I've never said otherwise.

This isn't the first time an analyst has commented that Microsoft would be better off to spin off the entire EDD and you can see their point if we're comparing the returns of the EDD to the rest of the company. However, check my comment history.

I've always maintained my opinion that Microsoft isn't going to back out now, nor should they. But Divnich didn't even offer that much. "That's ridiculous" isn't a counter point, nor does it convey any understanding in the slightest of what's even being discussed or why. Is it too much to expect a so called industry expert to be knowledgeable enough about that industry to offer a concise counter-point against the various claims made? All you have to do is actually go back to the beginning of the 360's cycle, do the math and realize that, from an "on the surface" business standpoint, they should probably be discussing new strategies moving forward.

The entire industry isn't standing still, it's moving on. That's the point being made here. Is Microsoft evolving or will they be left behind? Sony's in the exact same boat if they can't innovate. They're just both being left behind by different boats, hijacked by Apple/Samsung/Google.

I don't think it's too much to expect an industry expert to be able to intelligently comment on these points instead of dismissing all points with a flippant remark that proves he's not even paying attention to what was said in Forbes this morning.

Ju4112d ago

@DiRtY FYI, from your own link:

Entertainment and Devices Division
(In millions, except percentages)
2012 2011 2010
Revenue $ 9,593 $ 8,915 $ 6,079
Op.income $ 364 $ 1,257 $ 517

While your $364M sounds quite good, you should put this into perspective. For a record revenue of over $9B this is the worst result for the Entertainment Division since 2010 and the second worst in the group.

So, I understand why someone would argue they could simple "save" $9B buy selling this division off.

I don't believe this will ever happen. It's about prestige, too. And the entertainment sector will only grow in the future. MS wasn't very successful in this market - except with the XBox. But phones and tablets tanked; like all other attempts before to expand into this market. MS still makes more money than every. If the shareholders aren't getting nervous nothing will change anytime soon, I guess.

pablo-b4112d ago

@ red-ranger

darkride is indeed the pedlar of xbox doom and gloom blogs

here is the best of darkride

http://n4g.com/news/416137/...

http://n4g.com/news/921809/...

http://n4g.com/news/602869/...

http://n4g.com/news/570158/...

enjoy!! ofcourse he would try and say the xbox is failing lol

nukeitall4112d ago (Edited 4112d ago )

What is there to elaborate?

Sony had to sell a building as their bonds are rated junk (by several both moody and s&p) and nobody will loan them money anymore.

Sony were forced to sell a building to finance their company, while Sony's Playstation business is one of their better performing "arms", and you tell me how they are going to buy anything.

Heck even Gakai was bought for almost half a billion, and they weren't exactly a great business.

The Xbox business would be worth far more and Sony simply couldn't afford to buy it. MS could financially buy Sony, but they would never do that, because then they would also get all the baggage that go along with it and they probably would only want the Playstation business.

They could far easier just throw money at the Xbox division and kill Playstation instead of buying Sony. It would be far cheaper, but obviously MS wouldn't do that.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 4112d ago
doogiebear4112d ago

Sony doesn't even have enough money to buy Microsoft's Xbox division. I hate Xbox (due to lack of exclusives, lack of Japanese games, and greedy LIVE fee's) but there's no way M$ would sell Xbox as a franchise.

Persistantthug4112d ago (Edited 4112d ago )

It needs to be understood that the division that houses Microsoft Games is not doing all that great. Even Microsoft Corp itself is under severe attack and alot of analysts don't see how Microsoft can't stop the slow and consistent market backslide.

Think about this:

Other than PC Windows related products, what else is Microsoft a leader in?

-Microsoft failed with Zune
-Games For Windows Live is a failure to VALVE/STEAM
-GOOGLE, FACEBOOK and others rule the internet
-Apple & GOOGLE are destroying Windows mobile platforms
-XBOX 360 is doing pretty well, but reportedly it's in "last place".
Also over the last 10 years, Microsoft has actually lost more money on XBOX Brand than it has profited.

*Has anyone ever wondered why Microsoft had to close ENSEMBLE, close DIGITAL ANVIL, close ACES, and close FASA studios?

*Has anyone ever wondered why, Instead of Microsoft buying their good buddies BIOWARE, it had to stand by and watch EA snap them up?

Because while it is true Microsoft has virtually limitless $......MICROSOFT GAMES does not.

Believe it or not, even though we all like gaming alot, Microsoft really does have bigger fish to fry (GOOGLE), and if Windows brand continues to slide like it has been, Microsoft could divest the gaming and/or entertainment division.

4112d ago
Cupid_Viper_34112d ago

@ Airforcex

Sorry bud, but the Xbox 360 only has a lead in the US Market, it trails the PS3 in both Japan and Europe.

imdaboss14112d ago

Everyone knows the reason why the xbox360 selling better in the united states is because people here like buying and repurchasing crappy product that breaks on them here..Sony is making a profit in the long run and they did already..I dont know why people keep saying Sony have financial issues when they dont at all..

otherZinc4112d ago

LOL! Glad another analyst checked that blog guy from Forbes.

Forbes shouldn't let fools write like that & attach the Forbes name to it. Most of us business grads see Forbes as credible, things like this will stop that.

M$ is taking its most prize possessions Halo, XBOX Live, & Kinect into the XBOX Next connected with Smart Glass.

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 4112d ago
iamnsuperman4113d ago

What is ridiculous is nowgamer. A lot of decent website just decided to ignore the idiocy but nowgamer has released this and thought it was worth finding another annalist to say something else. They should have just ignored it like every other decent publication

Godmars2904113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

Have to ask: besides Halo, a collection of mismanaged studios and neglected IPs, what does the Xbox brand have to offer Sony?

I mean they have cross chat, just can't use it on the PS3.

jimbobwahey4113d ago

Sony already has cross-game voice chat anyways, it's a feature on the Vita. The only reason they haven't added it to PS3 is due to there not being enough memory dedicated to the XMB to support it. It's pretty much a given that PS4 will have it as a standard feature though.

Zodiac4113d ago

What does the xbox brand have to offer Sony? The brand itself, which is more important than a few games.

zebramocha4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

So your saying if cod & gears were not on the xbox?it would have been slam dunk for Ms.

@irsh there is nothing wrong with Ms having a paid service but they are not investing any of that on proper games,(I mean games made for xbox and not peripherals.) I don't want pumping out 10 games a year but they should do more then just gears & halo.

DOMination-4113d ago

MS are investing though. They have 21 first part studios now ready to release games for next gen. In comparison, Sony have been getting rid of studios and only have 12 now. Half of which seem to be making ps3 games and not ps4 games.

Those figures suggest to me that MS are investing more for the future than Sony.

rainslacker4112d ago

I fail to see why Sony would consider the Xbox brand really necessary to own though. They have built up their own brand over the past couple decades...I'm sure you've heard of it. I'm sure Sony would prefer to have their own branded products in peoples home. While Sony makes a lot of products that don't carry their name, they have gone to great lengths to make Sony a household name. Using the Xbox only dilutes that name recognition, which would be particularly bad considering PS is one of their best and most widely recognized products.

Even the IP's that MS owns, while valuable, may not be worth investing in, as when it comes to games very few last the test of the long term. Halo is a great IP, and certainly worth a lot...but so was Doom back in the day...and now think how much that IP is really worth in this day and age. Fable? Well Sony has a lot of games that could compete with that in the back catalog. Forza? Yeah, they have GT. There are some others that MS owns of course, but those are the big ones. Some of the smaller ones may be worth picking up. Alan Wake for instance has a pretty decent following.

TUGA4112d ago

And why would Sony want the Xbox brand? To compete with their own brand? I could see Sony buying IPs or Studios from MS but that is it.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4112d ago
SuperLupe4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

Oh they can only hand back to Sony the 50million + customers they took from them this gen.

The Xbox's lifetime sales didnt pass 25 million when with the 360 by the end of this year they will be at at least 80 million. With Xbox out of the picture Sony would be back to the status they had the two last gens.

KMCROC544113d ago

Why is that a good thing & how does it benefit you if such stupidity were to take place.Please explain.

Irishguy954113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

Are you serious? Besides the Xbox brand you mean??

Jesus;.

Also, Sony couldn't afford Xbox, Cocozero is right. Xbox Live alone brings in a Billion a year. Sony only have 10 Bill and that isn't even money, it's Total assets.

I mean...why in the **** would MS sell something that brings a few billion a year for 1 single payment of just a few billion?(which is all Sony can afford and that's taking a massive risk)

Godmars2904113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

XBL's yearly billion is based on something MS has made required to have if you own a 360. Unless does the same, which they have though they give you something and make it a choice, its invalid.

No matter how many disagree.

@Red_Ranger:
So Sony's going to either drop GT or support Forza in tandem? More so when when GT sells more. Why even bring that up?

Likewise most of your suggestions are bewildering, if not delusional, because where things like Ratchet and Clank have seen entries this gen which were well regarded, something like Banjo or Perfect Dark weren't.

ArmrdChaos4113d ago

The market share Sony no longer has.

4113d ago
nukeitall4112d ago (Edited 4112d ago )

The Xbox brand today is as strong as Playstation.

That alone is more than Sony can afford right now. There is a reason why Sony sold their NYC headquarter, and it ain't because they are sitting on enough cash!

It's to fund Sony's ongoing losses!

TUGA4112d ago (Edited 4112d ago )

I disagree. MS managed to sell more consoles than Sony just 1 year out of 6, meaning that Sony sells consoles at a faster pace than MS, despite the fact that their console has constantly been more expensive than the 360. Not only that but even the after MS big push to enter the "casual" market with Kinect, Sony still sells more consoles than MS.

The Xbox brand is stronger than it was last gen while the Playstation brand is weaker, but i doubt that Xbox brand is as strong as the Playstation brand. Not only that but IMO the reason why MS ate a big chunk from Sony's market share this gen has more to do with Sony's mistakes rather than MS successes.

nukeitall4112d ago

@TUGA:

Sales alone does not determine a brands strength. Ferrari has tremendous brand strength, yet they don't sell as many cars as Toyota does in a month all year.

That said, other than Japan, Xbox 360 sells as well as Playstation 3. You claim price as the reason, but it doesn't change that for a long time, the PS3 was riding on the Playstation name, not on the product!

To each their own, but Xbox is no longer the industry joke, and a brand even Sony fears:

http://n4g.com/news/1158634...

We no longer hear from Sony:

"Beating us for a short moment is like accidentally winning a point from a Shihan [karate master], and Microsoft is still not a black belt."

"We do not care." [On competition from MS and Nintendo]

TUGA4112d ago (Edited 4112d ago )

You forgot to mention that a single Ferrari has the price of 5 or 6 average Toyota cars, you forgot to mention that a Ferrari isn't at all the most convenient of cars for dayly use and you forgot to mention that Ferrari and Toyota aren't even competing for the same market. A Toyota may even be considered a necessity while a Ferrari is nothing more than a luxury that only a select few can afford. Comparing PS3/360 to Toyota/Ferrari is like comparing oranges to apples.

Sony may respect and even fear Xbox brand but that doesn't mean that the PS3 brand isn't stronger than the Xbox brand.

Godmars2904112d ago

Or denial.

Like I said before; if Nintendo were to go under and had to sell off IP, Mario would be the first thing to go.

But MS? Even though all they've really got is Halo most point to the subscription service they've all but made mandatory. Nothing else they've done comes close yet the best people trying to defend them can come up with is empty rhetoric and poorly presented ridicule.

Lvl_up_gamer4112d ago

With the amount of ignorance you are talking there is no point.

It's been covered time and time again on this site the successful IP and services that MS have it's become a seriously broken record.

You should be researching instead of spreading your pro-sony ignorance. Here I will educate you.

IP's.

Halo - as you know which would end the argument right there as the Halo franchise is a multi-BILLION dollar franchise.

Forza - Highest ranked racing sim on consoles SINCE RELEASE. This gen Forza has generated MORE profits combined then GT5 AND gets a by-yearly release keeping the IP fresh with new content and better gameplay with each iteration.

Dance Central - Since it's release in 2010, Dance central has sold over 5 million copies combined. That's amazing when you consider the amount of Kinect units out there.

All RARE IP's that still belong to MS such as Killer Instinct, Banjo Kazooie, Conker etc. Just because MS doesn't utilize those IP's, it doesn't mean they don't exist. Just like MS's IP's from last gen that they chose not to bring over to this gen like Amped, Blinx and Crimson Sky's.

Then there is Kinect which has broken record sales for peripherals.

Now lets talk about the BIGGEST money making machine MS has under their belt that ANY company would KILL for. Xbox Live. XBL makes BILLIONS on a yearly basis. To even think for a second that PS+ and HOME combined make more anything near what XBL makes just solidifies my comment to your ignorance.

This gen Sony and MS have sold 70+ million units while Sony has lost billions this gen, MS have made billions this gen....so obviously IF Sony could buy out the Xbox brand then it would be Sony that would be making hand over fist BILLIONS a year just on the Xbox brand alone instead of losing billions like Sony has been doing.

SO yes Godmars, I stand by my comment that you are COMPLETELY ignorant and short sighted. Your blind loyalty prevents you from seeing the BIG picture which is MS have been more profitable this gen with their xbox brand alone then Sony has been this gen with their PS3 brand.

StrongMan4112d ago (Edited 4112d ago )

"Forza - Highest ranked racing sim on consoles SINCE RELEASE. This gen Forza has generated MORE profits combined then GT5 AND gets a by-yearly release keeping the IP fresh with new content and better gameplay with each iteration."

The fact that you have to add ALL Forza games to beat the sales of GT5(9 million) says it all. LOL

"Dance Central - Since it's release in 2010, Dance central has sold over 5 million copies combined. That's amazing when you consider the amount of Kinect units out there."

Three Dance Central games ONLY sold 5 million? That's not good. LOL Dance Central 3 isn't selling at all.

"All RARE IP's that still belong to MS such as Killer Instinct, Banjo Kazooie, Conker etc. Just because MS doesn't utilize those IP's, it doesn't mean they don't exist. Just like MS's IP's from last gen that they chose not to bring over to this gen like Amped, Blinx and Crimson Sky's."

LOL, NONE of those games would sell and MS knows it. That's why they won't make any of those games. Blinx.........LOL

"Then there is Kinect which has broken record sales for peripherals."

It's not selling any more. It's been at 20 million for over a year now. All Kinect games flop in sales now too. Check Fable the Journey, Steel Battalion, and Dance Central 3.

MS is in dead last place this gen whether you like it or not and that also says it all. They release a full year ahead of Sony and Nintendo and ended up dead last behind Sony and Nintendo. Your blind allegiance to MS is blatantly obvious, Chunkylover.

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 4112d ago
Cocozero4113d ago

Sony couldn't afford the Xbox even if they wanted it.

shutUpAndTakeMyMoney4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

They should just buy halo gears & kinect name from them that is the whole xbox. Everything else flops in comparison. no? Take those 2 away and and what else will sell the console besides a better version of Cod? NO reason to buy the whole division.

mr_kubrick4113d ago

Sony is in such a deep financial trouble they couldnt even buy Kinectimals if they wanted to.

WetN00dle694113d ago

^That.
Sony is in a multi billion dollar debt. They cant afford to buy anything. Here is hoping the Ps4 pulls them out of the shit hole they are in.

Ezz20134113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

@mr_kubrick & @wetn00dle69

yet sony can offord making those amazing ps3 exclusives which are tons like what's coming this year alone
yet they just bought gaiki
yet they can offord making lots of movies
yet they can offord making music
etc. of other sony divisions

EDIT : of course i will get disagrees when i state facts
this is N4G after all

stuna14113d ago

People are killing me with the Sony can't afford the buy this bit! If that was the case then why they still sinking money into things like Giakai or the Vita!

It's simple because Sony understands the concept of how to make money! You have to spend money to make money, this is a undeniable fact that all business majors should know.

Why do countries have stimulus programs? The same reasons businesses have them! To stimulate spending but, more importantly to stimulate growth and ultimately PROFIT!

At some point all businesses go through some kind of rough transition, but that is the purpose of restructuring.

Sure Sony might not be able to afford what Microsoft has to offer, but they are far from being counted out, after all this isn't a sprint, it's a marathon.

rainslacker4112d ago

Regardless of whether they have the ability to buy them, my question to you is why would they buy them? I know they're money makers, but realistically Sony has games that compete with all of those. Why dump lots of money into something when you already have a similar product, particularly if MS was willing to give those up, which would only mean less competition for their own products.

Kinect maybe, but Sony could just invest in it's own device...oh wait...they have.

Name recognition would be all they would be buying...and for the price of those products they could spend half as much and market their own alternative and probably achieve the same thing.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4112d ago
tachy0n4113d ago

microsoft CAN buy playstation. thats what i think its more believable rather than the other way.

SignifiedSix4113d ago

Microsoft could buy sony 100 times and still be in the clear lol.

B1663r4112d ago

Dont exaggerate. With their current cash supply, Microsoft could only buy Sony 5x over.

Show all comments (117)
240°

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
darthv7220h 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.

solideagle7h ago

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

Sonic18814h ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio4h 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:

Cacabunga6h 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.

shinoff21836h 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.

Cacabunga4h 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

itsmebryan48m 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

purple1019h ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos9h ago

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

XBManiac8h ago

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

SimpleDad8h ago(Edited 8h 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.

purple1017h ago

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

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos7h ago(Edited 7h 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

Kornholic6h ago

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

Show all comments (25)
150°

Sony Patents To Prevent You From In-Game Harassment By Reading Your Emotions

A new patent recently published by Sony wants to gather biometric data of gamers to track whether one is being harassed using AI tools.

Profchaos1d 9h ago (Edited 1d 9h ago )

I hope this is one of those patents that never comes to fruition.

I already dislike the fact you can pay a significant amount for a online service buy associated games and content on said service and get banned from that service over potentially a misunderstanding the bans are already handed out for flimsy reasons

I'd rather see money invested in a ban that simply removes the offensive players ability to communicate with unknown players allow them to continue party chats with friends but not with Joe blow on cod.

exputers1d 5h ago

Agreed. Blizzard recently banned a college Overwatch 2 player who's dependent for saying "shit." Pretty harsh.

Profchaos14h ago(Edited 14h ago)

How rediculas really. You can't say a word that's allowed in most PG films and prime time TV but the game is based around killing the enemy team using guns, explosives etc.

It's just backwards.

just_looken16h ago

What your talking about is called block list

In 2006 a spaceship dropped of the playstation 3/xbox 360 i say that that generation was the last great gen with game functions/tech that has yet to comeback

Anyhow the playstation 3 if you block listed a id they could not talk to you in chatroom with either text or voice. But that was pre mind fucked 2018 when people were more human than sheep.

But hey gta 6 is coming out billion dollar budget without a single player custom character creator and without singeplayer coop off/online something saints row 1-3 had on the xbox 360.

z2g1d 2h ago

Take my social security and bank account numbers too! Here’s a picture of my wife and our address.

phoenixwing1d 1h ago

Cmon where's the pictures of your children. Don't hold out on them.

H91d 1h ago

At this rate I feel Sony will eventually sell a room to play games in it where they can monitor your every breath

jambola22h ago

I genuinely get a bit worried sometimes when a friend says something that could be offensive In a party
Because I have no trouble believing some bans would happen when in a private party for saying something wrong

SegaSaturn6691d ago

I want them to censor erotic content by measuring my groin temperature so i dont get too distracted while playing black ops 2.

Popsicle1d ago

Terrible idea. Not only do I not consent to providing my biometric data, the potential for mishandling biometric data is almost a certainty. Positive stress and negative stress can produce similar changes in biometrics. Interpreting the precise emotion a person is feeling is not only invasive but could be easily misconstrued. I hope this never comes to fruition.

Show all comments (14)
300°

Microsoft Seemingly Closes Bethesda France

As part of its plans to cut 1,900 jobs, Microsoft has reportedly shut down operations at Bethesda France, letting go roughly 15 people

Read Full Story >>
insider-gaming.com
Hereandthere1d 16h ago

Microsoft should have left them stay 3rd party

GamerRN1d 14h ago

If they are let go, they can be whatever they want. They ARE 3rd party now... 🤦

Barlos1d 11h ago

Yeah, they're also jobless.

GamerRN1d 4h ago

They can form a company if they want, they are just as jobless as if "Microsoft had left them as 3rd party".

peppeaccardo1d 6h ago

"MIcrosoft leaves Bethesda do what they know how to do best" ... close! Oh the irony ....
(Citation from a week old article)

ChasterMies1d 2h ago

I think Microsoft and other game publishers are letting people go because they think ai will replace them. Doesn’t matter how much profit they make. They were always going to be let go.

PassNextquestion1d 16h ago (Edited 1d 16h ago )

Bethesda France was made up of roughly 15 people... they couldn't of being doing much

Bethesda France mainly did publishing and marketing within the region

blacktiger1d 14h ago

that's a shame for you to say that, i'm sure Elite loves hearing what you just said.

Mr Logic1d ago

What a stupid thing to say. The elites give 0 fucks what we say on an obscure website in the comments section.

Crows9023h ago

You can always reach out and give them jobs at your company man. Don't wait

Profchaos1d 16h ago (Edited 1d 16h ago )

Bethesda France focused on publishing and marketing in the region. And 15 people lost their jobs as part of the closure.

I wonder if this is part of Microsoft's strategy to abandoned physical media or possibly gamepass advertising makes their roles redundant you don't need to market a game as hard when the majority of players get the game as part of a sub which already promoted upcoming games

Tacoboto1d 16h ago

It's France too, there's a high likelihood only 1-2 people on the team even had an Xbox.

Profchaos1d 15h ago

Possibly guven all the leaks we know the Xbox brand is really struggling in the region.

Yi-Long1d 12h ago

Well, if your consoles and games are barely found in any stores any more, of course you're gonna struggle finding consumers ...

XiNatsuDragnel1d 15h ago

Tbh Microsoft I think Bethesda being 3rd party same with Activision would probably more competitive than thus scenario imo

Profchaos1d 13h ago (Edited 1d 13h ago )

I think it would have been better for all parties really especially gamers

TheColbertinator1d 14h ago

The recently purchased Activision French offices might take over all the licensing and marketing for Microsoft in France from now on.

Show all comments (21)