950°

Exclusive: Microsoft's next Xbox will take over your TV, interact with your cable box

Microsoft is investing in TV in a big way with its next Xbox console as part of a fight for the living room. Multiple sources familiar with the company's Xbox plans have revealed to The Verge that Microsoft will introduce a feature that lets its next-generation console take over a TV and set-top box in a similar way to Google TV.

We understand that the next Xbox will require an online connection to use the entertainment services, allowing them to be always-on for streaming and access to TV signals.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
MariaHelFutura4034d ago

This is all just weird. I want a gaming console, not a remote for my tv. Hopefully this is all the DRM is used for.

Skips4034d ago (Edited 4034d ago )

"Hopefully this is all the DRM is used for."

This is MICROSOFT bro. Same people who get away with charging for half of a game you've ALREADY payed for, and charging you to use services you're ALREADY paying for.

Same people who treat devs like crap when they don't get what they want. lol

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

So yea, doubt it.

Yi-Long4034d ago (Edited 4034d ago )

... but I just want a cool gaming console which main focus is GAMES, so it won't be MY TV you'll be taking over...

Campy da Camper4034d ago

It sucks being old. I could not care less about all this social interactive crap. I could not care less about motion controls. I don't want a camera on me. I just want to play MGS, Infamous, Fallout, etc in peace with high frame rate and in true 1080p.

Is that so much to ask? I will buy a good game new so DRM to an extent does not bother me. Psplus let's me try a game out so I'm good to go

So far ps4 is getting my money. With games like infamous and the last of us I am supporting Sony. Keep all face tracking, head counting, automatic pausing out of my life. Just give me quality games please!

fr0sty4033d ago (Edited 4033d ago )

Seems like the "less focus on gaming, more focus on entertainment" and "always on" rumors are fitting right in with their actual roadmap more and more each time another one of these leaks happen. I could see a few of them being fakes, but they're all echoing each other from different sources each time.

Waller4033d ago (Edited 4033d ago )

@Sonic200

How does Microsoft charge you for half of a game you've already paid for? I think you're confusing Microsoft with Electronic Arts.

I'll admit that the Gold for Netflix and the like is a bit much, but don't bash them because you don't play Xbox.

dmeador4033d ago

@Sonic

What do you meaning by charging for half of a game you've already paid for?

SHORYUKEN4033d ago (Edited 4033d ago )

Hah. Seems like they throw the white flag and want to change their console business plan.

Make the xbox a setup box entertainment system that could play Kinect games.

They giving up the hardcore gamers. Sony winning the hardcore audience.

sikbeta4033d ago

MS knows how to play the game, they're not aiming just to gamers, they want the living room all alone for themselves ;)

Why o why4033d ago (Edited 4033d ago )

What sonic means is you cannot play the multiplayer section/component of the game you've already paid for without paying for live even if you didn't use xgame chat or any of the bells and whistles its locked. You also cannot use netflix, a service you've already paid for without live. The reason bbc iplayer isnt allowed on xbox is because microsoft wont let silver members have it, only gold. Thats against bbc's policy as its paid for out of our tv licence so guess what...you wont get it at all....a free service, just because ms want to charge for using a free service

Belking4033d ago

We'll see how how you all feel when you have to pay for Gaikai services. If you don't like xbox or where MS is going with it, then it's simple.....don't buy it.

Skips4033d ago (Edited 4033d ago )

@Waller and dmeador

What Why o Why said. Microsoft charges what PC, PS3, Wii U etc. all do for FREEEEEEEEE.........

BASIC ONLINE PLAY

ACCESS TO SERVICES YOU'RE ALREADY SUBSCRIBING TO

Netflix, Hulu, etc. etc.

http://cdn.memegenerator.ne...

IF I BUY A NEW GAME FOR $60 bucks. I should be able to access ALL of the content, both SP and MP. I have to pay $60 a year ($40 if you know where to look), ON TOP OF THE $60 bucks I already spent.

Online passes ar already included in new purchases. So, in essence, they are MUCH worse than EA. lol

@Belking

Gaikai isn't basic online. Just FYI. It's a CRAP LOAD TON more than that. lol

Something I DOUBT Sony will force their users to subscribe to, just simply play games online.

Doesn't PC do online MP for their games (Except MMO's of course) for free?..............

Yea, thought so.

Zhipp4033d ago

@SHORYUKEN
Funny that you should say that, because it's rumored that M$'s 99$ "Stingray" will be just that. It's supposedly launching alongside the more expensive Nextbox.

MysticStrummer4033d ago

@Waller and dmeador - It means you buy a game, and then rent the online part from Microsoft.

BattleAxe4033d ago

"MariaHelFutura + 9h ago
This is all just weird. I want a gaming console, not a remote for my tv. Hopefully this is all the DRM is used for.
#1Agree(88) | Disagree(24) | Report | Reply"

Welp, looks like 24 Microsoft fanboys prefer to watch TV rather than play video games.

omi25p4033d ago

You mean like dropping developers because the publisher failed to advertise the game. I.E playstation All Star Battle Royal

bakasora4033d ago

Nope it doesn't. Because I didn't buy one.

Why o why4033d ago (Edited 4033d ago )

'You mean like dropping developers because the publisher failed to advertise the game. I.E playstation
All Star Battle Royal'

Is that all you've got omi...lmao..you compare what sony has done to developers versus microsoft. pull your head out lad. Sony are no angels but to highlight them whilst forgetting Microsoft is reaching especially since there have been articles on n4g regarding the same subject matter recently.

DanyBrown4033d ago

How is that going to work outside of the US were the standards for set top boxes are different and change from country to to country is this just another box designed for the American audience that will come to Europe without most of those media features just like the 360(no netflix no espn no etc)

+ Show (15) more repliesLast reply 4033d ago
PeaSFor4034d ago (Edited 4034d ago )

i already have a pvr for my cable and i already have .torrents for my tv series, now if MS want to sell me a console, they better forget about all that tv/cable box silly aspect and SHOW ME GAMING RELATED MATERIAL!

Saigon4034d ago

i get it, but again, this shows a push towards the casual market. The casuals would love this feature. Gamers on the other had, look at it as a gimmick. the sad part is that I see the potential but there is a great risk involved.

What happens, if no one catches on to this concept? Seriously, and I will get disagrees with this comment, IMHO the Wii U is not selling well because most people do not know it is a new console, they think is something extra added to the already established Wii. Nintendo should have gave it a different name. Now MS is trying to invade the home as the central entertainment device, what if people are not interested with this concept?

Nodoze4034d ago Show
fr0sty4033d ago Show
rainslacker4033d ago (Edited 4033d ago )

@Saigon

Currently there are so many different implementations of all these "extra" features, that it's hard for the consumer to really get on board. For the most part, I don't think most consumers are going out asking for these services, they are just there, either through their new TV, cable box, media devices, etc, and they are kind of handy for some, and an annoyance to others.

I don't see anything wrong with trying to get into this market while it's new. Honestly it's better than waiting until one gets a majority foothold of the market share, but for the time being the risk is really high. There is a lot of competition, and despite Xbox's success it still has a long way to go before people stop seeing it as a game machine.

This is one of those things where a unified platform is much better for the consumer. Having a baseline standard is much easier to develop this technology, and make it beneficial for the consumer. MS is well known for making many things the norm in this regard, so it does bode well for them that they could set a standard.

None of this really has anything to do with gaming though, and if this is all true then it's going to really be hard to define what exactly the Xbox is.

That being said, this move seems like it's definitely geared towards the US market. I'd imagine multiple territories would be a huge headache in terms of getting content, not to mention the many different standards that exist around the world when it comes to service. Some of the less profitable areas would be starved for content, and may just opt to stay with their normal cable service. If Xbox was on their radar, then it would come down to if it offered the game play that they wanted.

Edit: this also makes me wonder about the 3 minute rumor that your xbox becomes useless if disconnected from the internet. Seems a lot of people would be extremely annoyed over that since cable service is generally much more reliable than internet service.

nukeitall4033d ago

Yup, and you had PCs for online gaming, as well as PC for gaming prior to consoles popularity, but look how the market shifted towards consoles.

Point being, the world is bigger than just you. Deal with it!

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4033d ago
NewMonday4034d ago (Edited 4034d ago )

we all now how Google TV turned out.

Edit:"Kinect will detect multiple people simultaneously, including the ability to detect eye movement to pause content when a viewer turns their head away from a TV"

in soviet Russia, THE TV WATCHES YOU!

..stolen from Godmars290 ..

ichimaru4033d ago

....that feature actually sounds impressive lol

hesido4033d ago

So Kinect makes you watch a disgusting scene, you just can't turn your head away :)

I'm sure the feature is optional tho.

BullyMangler4034d ago

hua haa. Nintendo sure know how to inspire them.

shutUpAndTakeMyMoney4034d ago (Edited 4034d ago )

"interact with your cable box"

Yesssssssssssssss!!!

Gamers rejoice!!

They seem to be as serious as sony about core gaming!

In an alternate universe of course.

God I hope everything but xbox can get away from MS some day. Poor pc gamers need OpenGl standard now!.

But honesty I hope xbox has the same success as windows 8.

AngelicIceDiamond4034d ago (Edited 4034d ago )

@Shutup Sonic and Yi Long

Awww here we go the fanboys are going back to there original propaganda now that the whole DRM console rumor is pretty much outta the mix.

Now your excuse is "MS needs to focus on games blah, blah, yadda, yadda again. The last I check its not E3 season, WAIT till E3. "It'll be Kinect again." Sure, with unannounced hardcore games. Highly possible Games such as

Lions Heads new Ip or Fable MMO
Cryteks Ryse
Alan Wake 2
Rares New Ip
Black tusks new Ips
Epics new Ip

And those are highly likely's we know nothing about MS other new studios they opened up.

Let me add some devs that could be at MS E3

Bethesda
EA
Activision
Epic
CD Projectz
Respawn Enteratinment

So you guys got nothin to counter.

Man you fankids will find any excuse and find any viable reason to complain. Y'all never give up do you?

rainslacker4033d ago

How is DRM console out of the mix? None of this means that it still couldn't do what everyone is complaining about. This move is just a reason to add another element into the mix in the guise of something else.

It's been a common theme for quite some time that MS needs to focus on games. It isn't a reversal and spin because one article discussing something unrelated to games shows what the always on could be used for.

Zhipp4033d ago

Honestly, I kind of expected Nintendo's TVii to be exactly this, and was kind of disappointed when it wasn't. I don't really see how this is a bad thing, anyway. So it can interact with your cable box. You don't have to use the feature if you don't want to.

PiTCHBLaCK4033d ago (Edited 4033d ago )

I Don't see the new XBOX being able to Interact with every cable box out there, so some people will have to buy a new Cable box if they want that feature. I also Expect MS to make there own Cable Box Called Micro Box.....LOL...hadda throw that in. ;)

Ben Dover4033d ago

@Angelicice

Everything you listed in your post is pure speculation and you act as if that's the truth. Pretty pathetic of you if you ask me..

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4033d ago
AngelicIceDiamond4034d ago

@Maria

It pretty much answers the question about the "Always On console"

Put the pieces together. Always on connected console MS TV features.

MS has said nor leaked nothing regarding videos games, just wait till E3 season.

4034d ago
Darrius Cole4034d ago

Gotta go with Sonic on that one. Post 1.1

Don't expect Microsoft to change now. Expect them to do what they have always done, charge you for things you have already paid for.

thechosenone4034d ago (Edited 4034d ago )

"Kinect will detect multiple people simultaneously, including the ability to detect eye movement to pause content when a viewer turns their head away from a TV"

What came to mind when I read the above
https://i.minus.com/ibkyaSi...

and I'm sure this feature will work especially well while watching commercials. lol

ps3_pwns4033d ago Show
nosferatuzodd4032d ago

Samsung galaxy s4 is already doing this with the scroll with you're eyes and all that damn Microsoft is that desperate .

Next there going to charge you for Xbox live ,charge you to use there device to watch cable, charge for how many people using kinect they should named it
Cablebox 720

KiLLUMiNATi_894033d ago

But I think it's a smart idea tho... S4G will always disagree with anything Ms does... I really see no big issue with this at all... Lets just wait and see how it plays out....

iGamerZero244033d ago

There clearly going a different route than Sony , I wish them luck cause I'll be getting a PS4 day one and the next Xbox doesn't look good if these rumors come true

NateCole4033d ago

Again as i said before. MS is focusing on Google more so than Sony come next gen.

How this will impact the gaming aspect and how they fare against Sony is remained to be seen.

It's a very big gamble MS is taking here. A middle of the road approach is very dangerous because you might end up being a jack of all trade but a master of nothing.

There is no question that MS is not doing too well against Apple and Google. It is obvious that MS is now going to use the xbox in their fight against them.

All of these living room features i hear is what is already done easily on PC and mobile. I would even say the TV is becoming less and less important now with the prevelent of mobile devices that are essentially pocket PC that is always online.

The same thing happend to phone landlines when cellphone came along. People like convenience of having their own screen/device that is free from the confines of a living room. This is where technology is heading. Mobile and internet(cloud). Not the living room as MS seems to be betting on.

The exception is console gaming and i put the emphasis on gaming. Console gaming will always have to be in the house anything other than that will not be console gaming.

We shall see.

baodeus4033d ago

@natecole

1. Can MS use the xbox as a central hub to provide cross functionality (smart glass) to everything (TV, mobile devices) allowing the consumer to access contents anywhere,anytime? Didn't MS already stated that they wanted to unified everything (xbox, tv,phone, mobile devices)? If they say they want to take over your living room, it means that you will be confined to your living room only? For some reason, you guys have a very limited view on anything. Like if they say they are doing this, that means they can't do anything else beside just what they told you (and in this case, they still haven't reveal/confirm anything). That is a very narrow minded view.

2. Does everyone actually prefer watching TV/movies on the go instead of on the big screen tv? What do people use mobile devices for mostly? (serf the web, check email, check facebook, play games, watch some youtube vid, read some news, stream some music, you know something quick. Do you think it is convenient to watch 2 hrs long movie on the go with battery inefficiency,limited data plans, and on a small viewing screen? Why do you think watching movie on the old psp on the go didn't take off back then?

3. Do you think that MS goal/motive is also the current goal/motive for every other businesses as well, including sony (gaikai implementation)?

4. Some key points for current economic trend:
- convenient (instant access to contents/information/etc... anywhere, anytime)
- Speed (how fast you can deliver content to consumer)
- Content, content, and contents
- Social/communication features

If you want to stay relevant, you have to expand because if you just focus on one thing, and your competitor also have what you have (even if it doesn't cater to a certain minority group), but they also provide something else on top, then what about you? That is the current economic situation, and for some reason, you guys don't understand that what everyone is doing (MS, Sony, Apple, Google, etc...) is mandatory. Business is hard and not as simple as just a gaming console.

TheXonySbox4033d ago

Are you serious? LMFAO

This has to be the most dense thing i've ever read on N4G. M$ biggest competitor is Sony in the console venu, that will NEVER change thus M$ focus will never change either.

Where do you learn your info from? Please stop using it.

chaos-lockheart4033d ago

it better not take over MYYY TV

delboy4033d ago

A box full with features, and with BC, somehow I lost my interest in ps4.

Ron_Danger4033d ago

To lose something, you must have it in the first place.

Eddie201014033d ago (Edited 4033d ago )

Tell the truth, were ever interested in PS4?

Sounds like a bad attempt at manipulation.

You @##$# need to grow up no matter your real age.

solidjun54033d ago

you never had it in the first place. Your fanboyism prevented from having said interest.

ALLWRONG4033d ago

"This is all just weird. I want a gaming console, not a remote for my tv"

Well, I guess you should skip the PS4 and throw away your PS3. Seeing how the entertainment features are pretty much identical to what all other consoles offer.

Do PS fanboys ever think before they comment?

kenshiro1004033d ago

What does the PS3/PS4 have to do with this? They're still gaming consoles. They still play games. We don't even know what's going on with Microsoft's new console right now. It just seems as if they're drifting further and further away from what made their console popular in the first place.

You can't use those two consoles as an example and say 'its the same thing'.

Please.

solidjun54033d ago

Do you read before you comment?

kenshiro1004033d ago

If this is true, then I am skipping the 720 (whatever its called) just like I skipped the 360 with its RROD.

3-4-54033d ago

This makes me want it less.

I want my tv/cable to be separate from my Gaming.

Psn8004033d ago

I Only Want A Gaming Console ?

4033d ago
TheXonySbox4033d ago (Edited 4033d ago )

Obviously people want it for JUST gaming on a GAMING website. Reality is i see people using it for media, netflix even youtube ALL THE TIME.

Thus microsoft has market samples, they know its a proper direction and I agree. Consoles are basically low end PCs so they may as well make them advanced enough to do some great things. People use them for more then just games.

More is better. Less is worse.

UnwanteDreamz4033d ago

Yes and no. Is it better to get more features if you get less games? Not saying that will happen but it is posible

famoussasjohn4033d ago

Think of it as an additional option. Microsoft has been wanting the Xbox to be an entertainment system, as you can see with the latest additions to the current Xbox. This will just be one additional feature you can use on top of being a gaming console. Based on this rumor, it's not just going to be a gaming console, it will a lot more than just a gaming experience, and I'm completely fine with that.

Do you really think if they release a console that is half assed for gaming?

4033d ago
stage884033d ago

It certainly WON'T be taking over mine.

nosferatuzodd4032d ago

Weird indeed and how much to use such a feature
With Microsoft money means everything like how they charge you to play with games u already purchased online with Internet you already paid for can you imagine.

You're going to of to pay for you're cable pay Microsoft to use you're cable through their
U I then pay for xboxlive pay for Netflix no thanks

+ Show (22) more repliesLast reply 4032d ago
Qrphe4034d ago

Although this is what I was hoping TVii truly was, I'd take TVii any day over A Nightmare on DRM Street: The Console

Pope_Kaz_Hirai_II4034d ago

Why bother doing this over gaming features I mean ok some of the cable stuff can be cool but its never going to replace people using their proper cable when they wanna watch tv , I have to use my 360 just for the sky player so I can watch free sky sports but thats only because its small and easier to set up than my laptop in my living room, so im of course forced to pay for xbl to use the sky player and thats the problem I would have with any of their cable features your still paying xbl to use them over your cable sub.

Jek_Porkins4034d ago

It's options, and they will have the same gaming features Sony and Nintendo offer, and 90+% of the same exact games as the PS4, so why not go after a broader audience if you can?

I use my Xbox 360 for just about everything as it is, when they added ESPN on there I was in heaven, so many games, sports and other events to watch for free!

Microsoft has a ton of money, the most first party studios and they are aiming to take over people's living rooms...deal with it!

MariaHelFutura4034d ago

Paying for online does not equal the same gaming features as everyone else. PC, Nintendo, Sony or iOS.

MariaHelFutura4034d ago

343 Industries – Halo series
Connected Experiences – Untitled Project – Design Large scale multiplayer title and help other first party studios
Good Science Studio – Kinect Adventures, Kinect Fun Labs
Kids and Lifestyle Entertainment – Next generation fitness project
Microsoft Studios – Los Angeles – Next generation core cinematic title
Microsoft Studios – Mobile Gaming – ilomilo
Microsoft Studios – Redmond Publishing – Overseeing and co-developing multiple projects in conjunction with third party development studios
Platform Next Studios – Next generation core title
Playful Learning – Next generation family project
Skybox Sports – Next generation sports project
Turn 10 Studios – Forza Motorsport series
Twisted Pixel Games – The Gunstringer, LocoCycle
Xbox Live Productions – South Park Let's Go Tower Defense Play!, South Park: Tenorman's Revenge, Avatar Kinect
Europe

Lionhead Studios – Fable series, Black & White series, Unannounced MMO-like New IP - (2 team studio - Concurrent development of Fable: The Journey, Fable Heroes and an unannounced next generation title)
Lift London – Multiple Cloud Based gaming projects
Rare Ltd. – Banjo-Kazooie series, Viva Piñata series, Perfect Dark series, Kinect Sports series- (3 team studio - Concurrent development of various titles)
Soho Productions – Kinect Sesame Street TV
Press Play – Max: The Curse of Brotherhood[25]
Canada

BigPark – Joy Ride series, Kinect Sports: Season Two
Black Tusk Studios – Untitled Project - (an unannounced next generation title)
Microsoft Studios Victoria – Untitled Project
Non Game Development

Microsoft Studios – Sentient Team Working with internal and external teams and sharing new technologies[26]
Microsoft Studios – Skype Xbox Engineering Team Bringing Skype communication software to Xbox platforms through Xbox Live[27]
Microsoft Studios – Games Testing Organization Responsible for games and entertainment testing; from crash processing, telemetry and data visualization, to automating Xboxes[28]

just_jeff4034d ago (Edited 4034d ago )

this started off as a good post until... "the most first party studios." Is that even true? That's an actual question cause I don't know. I always thought, especially this gen, that MS focused on 3rd party DLC timed exclusives and that it was Sony who invested heavily in 1st party.

rainhell774034d ago Show
MariaHelFutura4034d ago

Personally, I would rather have PSN and PS+ for a year, over XBL allowing me to use my existing internet connect, since it's basically the same price. But hey, that's me....

amiga-man4034d ago (Edited 4034d ago )

I would just like to point out that 90% of my PS3 game collection is actually made up of the 10% of games only available on the PS3 and all without paying the online tax M$ charge.

Saigon4034d ago

@MariaHelFutura

Looking at that list, i am looking at their gaming focus. It shows, MS focus, Casuals. I see nothing that points to Core Gamers. i am sorry people I think MS has turned for the worst, and this is disappointing for me to write. But maybe I am wrong. maybe I don't see the bigger picture. I truly hope this is not the case. i hope the event in May or E3 clears up this nonsense because i am sick of trying to figure this mess out.

Ron_Danger4033d ago

@ Jek

I don't think you know what the word "free" means.

just_jeff4033d ago

@rainhell77

Live or PS+... I have neither! I only know what I've read about both services.

Here's what I've heard.

Live, awesome online support (don't know what that means or what that entails) and crossgame chat (?) where you can be playing a game, online or not, and talk to your buddies.

PS+, downloads take longer than they should. no crossgame chat... FREE games every month discounts at the PSN store.

I have no idea if Live gives you free games or discounts (?) but I know PS+ does. From my perspective, I can be cheap at times, value wise... PS+ looks like a better deal, right?

Good Online Infrustructure Vs. Free games

Why o why4033d ago

'Microsoft have a ton of money'

Yet they have to slow down for the next gen when the company that doesn't have a ton of money didn't. Look up the term, now tell me what these studios you speak of are doing for you since kinects release

dantesparda4033d ago (Edited 4033d ago )

@just_jeff

I am so sick and tired of fanboys always spreading bullsh!t, PSN is NOT, i repeat NOT! slower than XBL. They are the same speed, i have both and they both will download games and demos at the full speed of my internet service. I know cuz i can test it, and they both download at full speed.

Also, there are barely any discounts on XBL, whereas there is a ton of discounts on PSN, even without a PS Plus account. And Plus practically gives away games, I've counted over 70 i got from Plus in one year. I dont have the time (and am running out of space) to play them all

XBL does have party chat which allows 8 people chat at once while they play any game and will also allow you to all go into a game together, provided the game has that many slots open. Another nice feature that Live has that PSN doent is voice messaging, which allows you to record yourself for 15 secs and send that as your message, PSN doesnt have this, so you can only text message each other (although PS3 has predictive text while 360 doesnt)

PiTCHBLaCK4033d ago (Edited 4033d ago )

They're both pretty equal in Studio numbers.

+ Show (11) more repliesLast reply 4033d ago
Nodoze4034d ago

Imagine the glowing red hot Xbox720 console that now needs to be turned on 24 hours per day. Who wants to place wagers on the number of house fires these things are going to cause?

Perhaps the dongle will be 4x the size of the 360 dongle. LOL.

Beta testers wanted.

GetSnooked4033d ago

Do you really think they are just going to let their next console go through the same problem? If you pushed a pul-door, do you never learn from the mistake?
In that case (yep I'm going there)Sony probably hasn't learned their lesson from being hacked and shutting servers down for a month.

See how your logic works? Well you probably don't cause their ain't no logic in your argument.

4034d ago Replies(5)
Show all comments (268)
220°

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
darthv7217h 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.

solideagle4h ago

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

Sonic18811h ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio1h 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:

Cacabunga4h 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.

shinoff21833h 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.

Cacabunga2h 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

purple1016h ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos6h ago

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

XBManiac5h ago

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

SimpleDad5h ago(Edited 5h 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.

purple1015h ago

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

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos4h ago(Edited 4h 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

Kornholic3h ago

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

Show all comments (21)
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 14h ago

Microsoft should have left them stay 3rd party

GamerRN1d 11h ago

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

Barlos1d 8h ago

Yeah, they're also jobless.

GamerRN1d 2h ago

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

peppeaccardo1d 3h ago

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

ChasterMies23h 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 13h ago (Edited 1d 13h 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 11h ago

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

Mr Logic21h ago

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

Crows9021h ago

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

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

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

Profchaos1d 12h ago

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

Yi-Long1d 9h ago

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

XiNatsuDragnel1d 12h ago

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

Profchaos1d 10h ago (Edited 1d 10h ago )

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

TheColbertinator1d 11h 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)
280°

Xbox's Preservation Step Sets A Much-Needed Example, Especially For Nintendo

Hanzla from eXputer inquires: "If Xbox can care about preserving its games and legacy, what exactly is wrong with Nintendo, trying to kill game preservation single-handedly?"

purple10112d ago

Ahh yes the good old game preservation of saving all your games to a removable hhd on the Xbox 360, taking it round your mates house, setting up multiple tvs to
Be met with “save data corrupted, please re download”

Or how about removing 360 games
From the store
, download them now or else, and, better hope to god that save data doesn’t corrupt, or it’s lost for ever

Nice one ☝️

Zeref12d ago

It's better than what Nintendo and Playstation is doing. It might not be perfect but at least they are TRYING. Unlike the others.

DarXyde12d ago

Trying? Take off the blinders for a moment, mate.

1. A failure to preserve games is just that: a failure to preserve games. Don't try to sugarcoat it: NO ONE is doing it properly. Better than awful is nothing to write home about.

2. At the time of this comment, isn't it the case that you need an internet connection to play Xbox games even if you buy physical discs that are hardly in circulation anymore? I don't have a Series X and I can't verify, but I think that is correct. I'm fairly certain you can at least play PS5 games at version 1.0 (not much of a win really when many games require day one patches). I think Microsoft's all digital, licensing approach is by far more aggressive than anyone else's. They really try to push you to game pass where you lose your entire library by umm.... Skipping a month of payments.

I don't think anyone is doing it right whatsoever. Don't get me started on Nintendo, who goes after anyone looking to preserve their games better than they ever would with extreme litigation.

Don't be a simp for any of these companies. Get it together.

PhillyDonJawn12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

@DarX never speak on Xbox again. You lost all credibility with your internet connection comment. Smh you have 0 clue and misinformed yet speaking on something you don't no squat about.

Einhander197212d ago

What has Sony done exactly? You guys keep deflecting to Sony but I am not actually seeing any results, and ai am certain nothing that you can come up with even comes close to what Microsoft has done and what they have tried and failed to do, like tie all your disks to your account on xbone.

Microsoft removed their whole indie section when they moved to the xbone because they were going to only allow games on the service that came from a publisher, id@xbox started after xbone launched and it only exists because Sony embraced indie and Microsoft was forced to cancel their plans and reverse course.

And every single game that was part of games for windows live including disk games (I have gta 4 on disk that won't work) so hundreds of games that use that DRM no longer work unless the company themselves patched it out which of course very few did.

MrBaskerville11d ago

Not trying. Tried. they killed of the backcomp program years ago. They set something up again, but sounds like it's more of an attempt to save the current library on whatever they are planning next. With luck they save everything and more, but let's see. I could see them killing off parts of the OG xbox and 360 libraries. Can't imagine that they would allow us to play Forza 5-7 in the future.

With that said, I do like what they've done and really wish they could have done more.

shinoff218311d ago

Zeref

So killing off physical media is trying what exactly. Ms don't really give a fk if you think they do your kidding yourself.

Profchaos11d ago

They are not trying this team is established for forward compatability the team is. It interested in preserving Xbox or 360 games.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 11d ago
isarai12d ago

Is that why Hellblade 2 is digital only?

Zeref12d ago

Just because it's digital only doesn't mean you can't preserve it. Just put it on an external and you have the exact same functionality of what a disc does.

MrNinosan12d ago

Guess you're trolling, but if you actually think that's how it works, I'd recommend buying some braincells.

mkis00711d ago (Edited 11d ago )

Volitile vs nonvolitile data. A disc will not corrupt either. A drive can be corrupted.

Einhander197212d ago

This is just a scammy PR move to distract from the fact they are going digital only and trying to push streaming and subscriptions only.

No gaming company has pushed harder to remove ownership than Microsoft.

Without discs there is no preservation, preservation can't be done by the rights holders it can only be done by the consumers, anything else is a lie.

12d ago Replies(3)
Einhander197212d ago

Anyone remember xblig which Microsoft removed their whole 360 indie section removing hundreds of games from people?

12d ago
12d ago
Zeref12d ago

Do you know you can put your games on an external and preserve them that way? There are no benefits to discs. ZERO. Idk why some of you are still obsessed with them.

DarXyde12d ago

Because games like Persona 5 exist. It's STILL V1.00. On Playstation, that's a win because 1.00 is installed on the disc—no need to download anything.

If a game does not require any updates, it's all on the disc.

Extremely low bar in the modern era, of course. It's not much of a win by any stretch.

But for now, physical media does have a purpose, at least on Playstation.

Einhander197212d ago

That is factually not how game licensing works, try plugging your hard drive into someone else xbox, It's not going to work, and it won't work if the licensing servers ever go down.

Einhander197212d ago

Anyone remember games for windows live.

I have around a dozen games, some on Steam itself that will not work because Microsoft shut off the licensing servers.

BehindTheRows12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

I do. I STILL have games (Gears of War being the big one) I cannot access because Games for Windows LIVE is total garbage and no one has held Microsoft accountable.

Zeref11d ago (Edited 11d ago )

You don't have an Xbox apparently. Because you can 100 percent plug in your external and play games from it on any Xbox console lol. You just have to be logged in to prove ownership.

Chevalier11d ago

"You don't have an Xbox apparently. Because you can 100 percent plug in your external and play games from it on any Xbox console lol. You just have to be logged in to prove ownership."

Damn how many times do people got to explain your idiocy to you? You can take a copy of Persona 5 like someone used as an example and play that game on ANY console WITHOUT logging in which means I can lend the game to a friend without internet and they can play my game. Can you lend your hard drive to anyone without logging in for them to play? NOPE. That is a huge difference and if you think otherwise then sorry you're an idiot.

Tacoboto11d ago

"No gaming company has pushed harder to remove ownership than Microsoft."

Ubisoft is literally erasing games people bought from their libraries... My PS1-3 discs are useless on modern hardware. Nintendo's re-published and resold almost their entire Wii U library, and the eShop is completely dead with no BC mechanism in the Switch software. Microsoft publishes everything they make today day one on Steam and Xbox/Windows. Sony only brings to PC the titles they think you might want some years later and Nintendo won't even design a functional long-lasting joystick.

You're absolutely trolling and not serious if you think Microsoft today is the worst offender.

shinoff218311d ago

Yay steam

Not everyone fks with computers though. The disc is still the best way as a console player. Period.

Tacoboto11d ago

How do Sony and Nintendo feel about these discs from 2001-2013?

Don't be stupid, you know Xbox is the best at this today.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 11d ago
Hofstaderman12d ago

Nobody wants this. Sales or the lack of it in the case of XBOX is very telling. I wonder how the adorably all digital series X will fare. Adorably dismal perhaps?

crazyCoconuts11d ago

Only time will tell, but for from someone like me suspecting that Xbox is trying to gracefully exit the console market, that "forward compatibility" team is trying to get Xbox games playing on Windows PCs. I mean, it's nice that they're not planning on exiting with a "enjoy your games while the hardware still works" message, so that's nice. They still have a brand to protect via Microsoft so probably feel obligated to have a better exit strategy.

Xeofate11d ago (Edited 11d ago )

That is not their plan, their plan is to transfer users accounts to the cloud.

Phil Spencer himself said as much a few months back, plans could have changed but I think people are reading way too much into one statement where Phil said he would allow Epic on xbox because he wants to be able to sell xbox games directly on other platforms. Aka, instead of selling Sea of Thives through PSN he wants to have an xbox store to sell his games on PlayStation without giving PlayStation any money.

Again, it's extremely unlikely that Phil plans to put PC on xbox and licensing would prevent them from just giving out other publishers games purchased on xbox copies of thier games on PC, Microsoft does not own their games.

crazyCoconuts11d ago

The thing that doesn't align with the cloud strategy is the giving up on exclusives. You'd still need strong exclusives for cloud streaming - it's still a "platform" , just with a lower upfront hardware investment. I feel like they've learned what PS learned with PSNow long ago. We're not ready to stream games and it's only gonna lose them money to try at this point

FinalFantasyFanatic11d ago

I would love that, I'd buy up some of the Xbox games if they could run on PC, like the Rare Replay, Lost Odyssey and Dead or Alive Ultimate, probably a pipe dream though.

Show all comments (43)