330°

Xbox One: Microsoft doesn’t care if you can’t share or resell games

The Xbox One has had a problematic reveal, not least of all because Microsoft can't decide what to tell consumers about DRM and second-hand games. In the end though, they have the tech to ensure every user is paying to play and they will be using it.

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weeklyrift.com
GalacticEmpire3997d ago

So the basic gist of this article is that, if you're poor and can't afford all your games new, Microsoft hates you.

PirateThom3997d ago

To be entirely fair, I don't think any publisher likes you if you can't afford all your games new, since they aren't making money off you.

It's just that Microsoft seem to be making it very consumer unfriendly, especially after people complained that online passes were awful.

GalacticEmpire3997d ago

Of course, we're just numbers to them. I still expect to be treated with a modicum of respect since, after all, I am a paying customer.

The problem is that buying new or buying used are not mutally exclusive options and Micrsoft are punishing not just people who ONLY buy used but also paying customers who SOMETIMES buy used.

3997d ago
Mario203997d ago

What is this college school? How can they even say that. Im telling you last time he was in my office he disagreed that chocolates are made our of pineapples. that is when his hair took control of his toppings wink wink

and also where do you get your information private thom

pkb793997d ago

Publishers must hate me. I never pay price for new games. I will wait 6 months, a year, or whenever till the price drops to $20-$30 or grab it on sale.

Its not that I can't afford new games I just think they are way overpriced. I will pay full price for a nice long RPG but as I don't play online $60 for a 10 hour single player campaign is a rip off.

I may have to break this rule for Last of Us but then I have a huge backlog of games to get through so probably not.

3997d ago
Godmars2903997d ago

Then they shouldn't be making games with higher and higher production costs.

@GalacticEmpire:
Not to mention the whole internet things. Whether because you can't afford it or just have a bad provider.

Retroman3997d ago (Edited 3997d ago )

x1 is the hot topic of the century to hate on but in reality. i'm worry about future events with hackers trying to break in ps4 an x1 causing psn and xboxlive to possibly crash again. hope Sony and MS has a solution announcement by E3.

rainslacker3996d ago (Edited 3996d ago )

Thing is, there are still a lot of people who buy BOTH used and new. It's not a one or the other type of proposition. Gamers especially, like the ones speaking out now, often recount times where they have brought used just because it was the only option, and other times where it gets them into the series, and many other benefits of the used game market. But many of them still buy a lot of new games as well. These same people are the ones who are upset, just because it goes against their principals, and it seems like these companies are trying to control us(which I find to be a different topic).

I think a great majority of the people just like having the choice. I know sometimes I pick up a used game that might be $10, and any new sale of that game would be irrelevant to the publisher by then. Does that discount the many many new game purchases I buy each year?

There will always be people who just buy used. But cutting out used just takes them out of the market completely, or pushes them towards a competitor, where that person builds up brand loyalty to that competitor. In the future, when they decide to buy more new(which happens for many young people as they get older), it just means that now the original console that drove them away has to try and win them back.

To this end, I find the whole blocking of the used game market a short term fix(possibly to something that isn't a problem), with long term ramifications to any company that decides to support this agenda. On top of this, MS apparent solution of handling trades/sales looks to be more a way to monetize the used game market, which to me is doubly insulting.

3-4-53996d ago

Yea but I just got a 3DS+PSP after not owning one ever, or owning a DS.

I've now discovered about 10 series of games I'm not a fan of, because I was able to purchase 10+ games for $5-20.

Those dev's now have a new fan willing to pay full price for their new games.

Sometimes it's a long term decision and those are usually the best and more intelligent ones for the company to make.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 3996d ago
fermcr3997d ago

And what about those gamers that buy new games, play them and resell them to help purchase more new games... like me. The result is that gamers like me are going to buy far less new games.

BlmThug3997d ago

In the same boat as you. I buy games new and those that aren't great, I sell quick in order to recoup most of my money which is used to buy more new games

T23997d ago

Your dead on the used market drives the new one ... Theres a bunch of games ive bought new that were sequels to games I tried used to guage my interest first

T23997d ago (Edited 3997d ago )

Oops dbl post oh well - Its quite simple you make a quality product you reap the rewards ... You dont see top auto companies wage war on the used market . Its bad business ..
I hate to pick on madden good games but no way in hell they can justify a new game every year when its obvious an update would suffice

rainslacker3996d ago (Edited 3996d ago )

You're not the only one. GameStop reported that over 70% of trade ins are used to finance the purchase of a new game.

Wonder how many people will be trading in their old games to finance the purchase of a next gen system. There will be some good deals on the massive influx of used games by the end of this year. Many of them being games that the publisher's no longer care about getting money off of. Now imagine what happens when the next next gen starts, and there is less money to purchase all those new systems because you can't trade in older games or you get less for them. Short-sightedness is the word of the day.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3996d ago
bigrob9043997d ago

you know let me say this, i understand why developers would want to have people buy their games new. i understand that they would want to limit you just letting your friends borrow games because that could have been a potential customer and that is money they could have had. i know that games need to sell so that more games can be made, i know everything that needs to be known about it. But here is the thing, once you buy a product it is yours to do with it as you please. i i buy i car i don't have to pay a fee every time i let somebody else use it. i can let as many people borrow a movie as much as i like. i could go on on on, so knowing that why should they get to treat games any different? my thing is if you make great games people will buy them because they know that if they want more great games from that developer than they need to buy knew. most people can only buy a few new games a year, they get to experience more games because they can get used games at a reduced price. when you go out of your way to destroy that market, you are destroying gamers opportunities to play more games. all thats gonna due is make people not want your console or hack your system.

colonel1793997d ago

My most important concern is not the used games. Is the borrowing part.

I have 75 PS3 games and I have bought all of them new, but I have shared a lot of games with friends. Sure, MS could come up with an idea to sell or trade games with a partnership with Gamestop or whatnot.

The problem is if someone wants to share the game with a family member, a friend, a roommate, etc. For me that is the biggest issue.

NewZealander3997d ago

its sad that its come to this.

i should be able to buy or sell what ever i want, sure i think EB games etc suck, they rip people off, but at the end of the day game developers/publishers should not have the right to tell people they cant sell games that they legitimately bought, its really sad that we have come to accept this!

i am still waiting for E3, theres far too many conflicting stories at the moment its like overload trying to decipher this mess!

Darrius Cole3997d ago

The guy that wrote this article is an idiot, either that or he was paid by Microsoft. Microsoft should care very much about the second hand market. The second hand market lowers the entry price of games and brings more money into the gaming industry. Moreover very few people are exclusively new game buyers or exclusively used game buyers. Most of us buy some of each and sell some games back and keep others.

This guy is arguing that Microsoft is going to succeed in taking away gamers rights and that gamers should just accept it. He wants Microsoft to just come out and say that this is what they are going to do. Well Microsoft did say it, and it doesn't look like the gamers are accepting it. I know this gamer is not. As long as they ban or restrict used games, as long as the great eye of Kinect is always watching, as long as their consoles have to check in with the internet every day, I'll never accept it. If they succeed they will do it without my money.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 3996d ago
KillrateOmega3997d ago

Not surprising considering that its MS we're talking about here...

Knightofelemia3997d ago

A company that doesn't care about their bread an butter isn't a good company. There are people out there who do game on a budget. A single mother who scrimped and saved to buy her kid an XboxOne with a used game the kid can't play is nothing more but a paper weight. Mother sells the XboxOne and gets the PS4 with a used game and her kid can play and enjoy with a smile is a great to her. Microsoft lost out on a customer and Sony gained one. Microsoft won't do that. No one knows what the used games will be like on the XboxOne I doubt anything that Microsoft even knows. If anything they might run damage control on the speculations and the rumors and announce what they might do with used games. If anything it would be what we are doing with used games on the current consoles. Play the single player campaign and when I want to play online I buy a product key for that game.

Darrius Cole3997d ago

There is no way in hell that Microsoft doesn't know what the business model for the Xbox One is going to be 4 to 6 months before launch. They know exactly what the used games policy is going to be and they told us. They just meant to hide it because they fear the blow-back from the gaming community if everybody knows the truth. That's why are giving none answers. They don't want to tell us the truth.

The gaming community can define their machine and kill it before it launches. And that looks to be happening, or in the early stages of happening. The hardest of the of the hardcore Xbox fans are jumping ship over this. Judging from the feedback and assuming that both console launch within on month and $50 of each other, the hardcore looks to be ready to buy the PS4 over the Xbone by 8 -2, or maybe even 9 - 1. If that happens it's a wrap. It'll be way down in Wii-U territory.

rainslacker3996d ago

Wii U is seeing a surge in sales. I know it's only been a week, but as a Wii U owner I would like to see it continue.

So long as Sony doesn't come out with the same stupid nonsense as MS, it looks to be a PS4/Wii U next gen for me. Too bad, because I was ready to give MS my money if they managed to impress me with the games, now the games don't even matter. Never in my life did I think I would make that statement.

Moonman3997d ago

WTF are they smoking at Redmond?

003997d ago

money laced with cocaine.

jjb19813997d ago Show
badz1493997d ago

And think it smells good!

Jek_Porkins3997d ago

I'm confused, I thought it came out the other day that you could share games and buy used games? Even their official statement said they designed Xbox One with that in mind....

kwandar3997d ago

Watch Angry Joe's rant and you'll begin to see what is going on.

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

UNGR3997d ago

An angry tired man crying about things we don't have all the details about? The reveal might have been bad but for the love of god give them some time. Who know's, maybe they'll pull the good guy card and ditch all of the customer unfriendly crap. Some people really lover to jump the gun, especially the fanboys on the internet. The reveal wasn't everything, you should wait for the rest of the details or you're just being ignorant.

cyguration3997d ago (Edited 3997d ago )

I don't know why people keep repeating this like it's not true, because yes...you can SHARE AND BUY USED GAMES.

What they keep skipping over is the license fees. When you buy a used game you still have to pay a license fee to actually play the game, otherwise you got a disc that's just good for a coaster.

"The bits that are on that disc, you can give it to your friend and they can install it on an Xbox One," he said.

http://kotaku.com/you-will-...

"They would then have to purchase the right to play that game through Xbox Live."

"They would be paying the same price we paid, or less?" we asked.

"Let’s assume it’s a new game, so the answer is yes, it will be the same price," Harrison said.

EDIT: I'm just posting this info here and I, in no way, support the death of used games. But a lot of people seem to be buying into MS's PR spin posts as they try to find a way to convince people that there are no used fees for sharing. Yes you can share, and yes there are fees for sharing. It's a lose-lose for gamers.

SexyGamerDude3997d ago (Edited 3997d ago )

Unless you go over your friend's house and sign into your account on his Xbox, your friend will have to pay a fee. There is no sharing. MS has said this.

He can't go home and try to play it on his account.

Jek_Porkins3997d ago

You've got old information my friend.
http://www.theverge.com/201...

" Xbox One games will phone home to Microsoft servers on a regular basis to verify that their users own the games. If you buy a used title, however, Polygon claims that you won't have to pay Microsoft for a fresh license to the game.

Simply popping in the game disc and installing it will reportedly establish lawful ownership as far as Microsoft's servers are concerned. When you install the game on your Xbox One, you'll be deauthenticating it on the previous owner's account, according to Polygon"

SexyGamerDude3997d ago

Jek, this is from your article.

"Does the Xbox One actually require an internet connection? Will used game buyers or sellers have to pay an extra fee? Microsoft hasn't made it clear, but a report at Polygon now claims that the answers are "yes" and "no" respectively."

This article is just more speculation. I watched someone who works at MS say that I would have to sign into my friends Xbox for him to play the game. I'll take his word for it.

ShwankyShpanky3996d ago

@Jek:

"You've got old information my friend.
http://www.theverge.com/201... "

How many different ways to people need to debunk that article before you stop reposting it? It's not even the actual source article from Polygon.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3996d ago
cyguration3997d ago

"Simply popping in the game disc and installing it will reportedly establish lawful ownership as far as Microsoft's servers are concerned. When you install the game on your Xbox One, you'll be deauthenticating it on the previous owner's account, according to Polygon"

So then what would be the point of authenticating in the first place if it's just the same as before?

And how would Microsoft know your "friend" from some guy you gave the game to? Or a pawn shop owner? Or a mom & pop outlet that has used games? Or the Salvation Army? That doesn't make any sense how Microsoft will be able to tell "friends" from everyone else.

Jek_Porkins3997d ago

It wouldn't be just for friends obviously, it'd be used for rental services and things like that. Once I have it installed and activated, if I lend it to my brother or whoever else, when they activate it in their console, it deactivates it in mine.

So if I rent a game from Gamefly and activate it, it will deactivate it from who had it last ect... It really isn't THAT hard to grasp in my opinion.

rainslacker3996d ago

If this is true, then it's just to make sure that only one active instance of the install is valid at a time. That in itself isn't a bad thing, and not unlike it is now with discs. It could be achieved by having to insert a valid game disc from time to time, but among friends it means just swapping discs when need be. Internet authentication prevents that.

It still doesn't solve the issue of what happens when MS takes down the authentication servers one day. So 20 years from now retro X1 gaming may not be possible, unless MS issues a firmware update to remove the DRM.

Show all comments (96)
300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

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

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest5d ago

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

GamerRN5d ago

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

Number1TailzFan5d ago

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

1Victor4d ago

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

Kosic4d ago

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

darthv724d ago

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

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts4d ago

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

KicksnSnares5d ago

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

darthv725d ago

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

mudakoshaka5d ago

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

PassNextquestion5d ago

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

TiredGamer5d ago

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

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

rlow15d ago (Edited 5d ago )

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

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

Traecy4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

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

TiredGamer4d ago

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

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310°

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

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

Read Full Story >>
news.xbox.com
bionicstar5d ago

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

PhillyDonJawn5d ago

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

RaidenBlack5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

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

Sonic18815d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast5d ago

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

5d ago
Lightning775d ago

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

Make smarter comments for once.

anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

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

InUrFoxHole4d ago

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

5d ago
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5d ago Replies(1)
Lightning775d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Wow too easy.

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

Which one is it?

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

5d ago
anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

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

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

Lightning775d ago

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

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

anast5d ago

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

Lightning774d ago

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

Again make smart comments for once.

anast4d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 4d ago
darthv725d ago

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

jimb0j0nes5d ago

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

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290°

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

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

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv7210d 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.

solideagle9d ago

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

Sonic18819d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio9d 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:

Lightning779d ago

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

Cacabunga9d 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.

darthv729d ago

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

neutralgamer19928d ago

Darth

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

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

shinoff21839d 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.

Cacabunga9d 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

itsmebryan9d 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

S2Killinit9d ago

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

romulus239d ago

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

darthv729d ago

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

TheEroica9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

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

Chevalier8d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

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

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

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

itsmebryan8d ago

@chevalier

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

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 8d ago
purple1019d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos9d ago

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

DOMination-9d ago

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

XBManiac9d ago

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

SimpleDad9d ago (Edited 9d 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.

purple1019d ago

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

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos9d ago (Edited 9d 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

Kornholic9d ago

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

MrDead9d ago

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

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