A few weeks ago I wrote a blog here on N4G titled ‘Microsoft I’m Calling You Out’. My intention was to put forward the message, aimed optimistically at Microsoft, that if they don’t do something about the negative press surrounding their third Xbox then all hell could break loose. I won’t link to it but it’s in my profile/history/whatever if you want to read it.
Well, here we are, weeks later and things have indeed taken a turn for the worse. The rumors about an ‘always online’ Xbox 3 have reached fever pitch much to the dismay of one MS employee, Adam Orth, whose arrogant comments on twitter have caused quite a stir. Gamers are swearing off Xbox left, right and center as bewildered fans consider jumping ship to the more favourably received PS4.
So, MS, I don’t want to say I told you so but, well, I totally told you so! Seriously though, I never expected anyone with any influence at MS to be reading user blogs on N4G. I guess I’m just here to gloat about being right, it doesn’t happen as often as I’d like so I’m making the most of it.
Meanwhile, back on topic, the severe and effluent weather hovering over Microsoft’s PR department must be making them very nervous indeed. I mean, if the rumors (which are looking more and more likely) are true, how do you even begin to spin that in a positive way? This all goes to show that the people screaming “all publicity is good publicity” should be eating their words about now. The damage that the negative press is causing is all too apparent and MS’s silence is speaking volumes about their attitude toward next generation. There’s an air of arrogance that is undermining the image of the Xbox platform as a whole and if something is not done MS will fall into an abyss, one which I fear they cannot escape.
Venturing into a post-apocalyptic world, Bandai Namco resurrects the forgotten treasure, Sand Land: will it capture the magic of the Manga?
I enjoyed the demo so I'll be picking this up. The gameplay made me think of Metal Max Xeno so it sold me on it.
After the release of the horrid avatar update, Pokémon GO fans are trying to get items refunded. This has led to some getting threats of being banned.
Shift Up has released Stellar Blade day one update 1.002 on PS5, and those who preloaded the game should be notified of this update.
Do you really not know this is about the n-word or are you saying that black people can't get offended because it upsets you?
I can't believe they're censoring this game on day 1. Games just aren't the same.
/s in case it's needed. I'm fine with them making these changes that they might not have known is culturally insensitive to some people in the big ole world. But that's just me.
They are censoring something that is deemed offensive by Journalists quoting the offensive term verbatim. They are typing it intentionally in articles while in the game it's a wall texture saying Hard next to a unrelated 3d model sign that says R store. Is it offensive or not? Crazy town.
At least IGN just shows the term with a screenshot of the game. Because it's their "discovery" and to not show hypocrisy in their HUGE vitue signal.
Hard R is the not offensive way to describe an offensive term. Are they going to type "Ha$$ R" or not use the term now?
Oh, hey, I agree with you that IGN and other journalists are dumb. Not disagreement there. But, I think for a game going out to millions of people across the world? It's not something they want associated with them. It's just horrific PR.
Add to the horrific PR nightmare that this is the first major Korean-developed Sony-published title, if I'm not mistaken.
There aren't that many Korean developed titles in general. And the allowance of this only would drive a bigger fissure in east vs west especially after Final Fantasy XVI released featuring no black characters at all...
Not a good look for Sony regardless of how you personally feel about it or the people that talk about it.
I'm not saying it shouldn't have been changed. It's an easy fix and looks like it was an easy fix.
But the word HARD being too close to the letter R being a horrific PR nightmare and a indication of a racist developer is beyond crazy.
I only think they would be seen as an insensitive developer if they were informed of its implications and didn't remove it. I don't think it's a bad thing to not want to have an unintentional message in your game.
If you can't enjoy the game without knowing there are racial slurs plastered on the walls, you might actually be the snowflake.
"Hey why didn't you get that game? I heard it's got that hot Korean chick?"
"I was gonna, but then they removed a reference to the N word!"
So this could be misconstrued as a offensive slur to a group of people they patched it out no harm no foul and now your not buying the game because this effected YOU in a negative way?
I'm confused.your offended because they didn't want to offend anyone says a lot about you more then the studio.
I'm offended by the sight of blood a d violence and find violence to be very insensitive...
We can all play stupid and pretend to be offended by graphics and fake worlds.
I really enjoyed the demo.
I'm going to play through and max out on story mode then go to the challenge mode afterwards.
This game is very challenging but fun.
Especially for timing on the parrying and blocking.
Got the Deluxe Digital Edition (PS5) pre ordered.
:)
Great blog. The situation is definitely getting out of hand.
If I know one thing, gamers are a forgetful bunch. I'm not getting a NextBox because I remember something called "RRoD", but most people have chosen to forget that. They'll change their minds. All it will take is one Halo, a "real" Fable, a new Gears, etc. If RRoD, E74, overpriced peripherals, HD-DVD, unnecessary changes to the dashboard, the loss of exclusives, the fee for XBL Gold, and the recent focus on Kinect haven't convinced gamers to "jump out" of the Xbox brand, I highly doubt these rumors (or the reality) of "always on" will do the trick. I don't mean to call my fellow gamers gullible, but daaaaayum, sometimes you fools are gullible.
And I'm beginning to suspect this is all a troll. If Microsoft orchestrated all of this and then later says "NextBox can be played online or offline", they end up smelling like roses and the internet will overflow with "see? I told you!" and "okay, I guess I'll get a NextBox" and "see? Microsoft always listens to their fans", etc etc.
Its more bewildering that MS's PR are doing worse than jack-crap in regards to the guy's comments. With what little they have said only confirming the overall spirit of what Orth said.
Namely "Deal with it."
I'm honestly disgusted and horribly saddened by this information and the way it's been carried about. I've been a long term Microsoft and Xbox fan but now my loyalty will be tested with the upcoming generation. Don't get me wrong, I have a PS3 and a Wii and I love them both, but Xbox has always been my go-to console. I'll have a lot of reading and following up to do when the next Xbox is released to determine whether or not it's something I want to be involved with.
My only issue is ... Why do i have to "wait til E3" every year when it comes to MS? Then when E3 does come. "I" get multiplats, Milo, ponchos, Cirque de Solei, Usher, etc. *Before anyone brings up announcing things too early. Guess when Alan Wake was announced and released. Remember "hobo" Sam Fisher? (Conviction) If i'm a customer OR soon to be customer. I shouldn't have to wait for 'news' on your product. It makes me distrust you as a company, and it makes me feel you don't really want my business. What's the worst case scenario if MS says these 'always online' rumors are NOT true within the next 3-4 days (before E3 obviously) for example? inb4 Jek
You've all been had... up till this "leak" it was all PS4 all day every day... Microsoft leaks out just enough info to get the Sony fanboys all riled up and completely flip this conversation back to Microsoft. Microsoft and Sony's only concern right now is mind share... Microsoft has everyone's attention and come E3 every eye from every fanboy on all sides will be riveted to that press conference ... it's crazy, but I think this was all started by Microsoft on purpose