290°

Microsoft's Backtracking Might Not Have Been For Us

No longer will Xbox fans have to suffer through online check ins or restrictions on used games in order to play their games

However, the backtracking might not have been done with gamers in mind. Rather, publishers may have been the reason for the change in the Xbox One's policies.

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unigamesity.com
pompombrum3963d ago (Edited 3963d ago )

It was to stop all the bad press they were getting. Didn't funny boy Don already come out and say they expected this reaction from vocal gamers over the internet and that the slightly uninformed wouldn't be effected? They probably didn't expect all the hate to spew out all over the media though and the Jimmy Fallon thing was probably the last straw. If the uninformed suddenly become informed, then they were always going to be in trouble.

Either that or Mattrick was dumb enough to believe that a great E3 focused entirely on games would be enough to have gamers bending over for their restrictions.

Either way, this whole fiasco imho means Microsoft need to change to or add to it's Xbox division because the current execs are clearly out of touch with gamers.

RyuCloudStrife3963d ago

I find funny that people are screaming that the gamers made it happen LOL I'm sorry gamers played no role in this decision, but that's how they have to sell it to you:

"Oh we, have listened to you. That's why these changes were made to please you"

Please people M$ ain't making decisions with your benefit in mind, they doing it to stay competitive with, Sony, the company who they claim is not their competitor.

M$ IS LAUGHABLE.

pompombrum3963d ago

Exactly, anyone with half a brain can pick apart their update and smell the BS spewing from it. It was the only way they could play it though, I just hope after such an embarrassment they will look to shake up their Xbox division with some people who actually understand gamers.

Sitdown3963d ago

What are you talking about? The competition with Sony is about what?....selling consoles. Who is the target audience for video game consoles? Gamers. So how can you say gamers played no part in this...when making money off them is the end goal. While you make the claim about directly, you can not discount the indirect impact.

pompombrum3963d ago (Edited 3963d ago )

Microsoft's target is "entertainment consumers" not gamers specifically. If gamers are what changed Microsoft's mind, they'd have known people's reaction back when everyone was complaining about Sim City. If gamers were what swayed them, they'd have done the logical thing and announced they were dropping internet checks and drm back at E3 to huge REAL applause from the audience instead of the cringe worthy fake wooers. Actually, if they had done that, they'd have probably taken E3 after such a solid showing of games instead of leaving E3 with their head inbetween their legs.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3963d ago
iamtehpwn3963d ago

It's simple as this: Publishers were concerned with Xbox One Sales decline due to the controversy. They want More Xbox One solds so their mutliplatform games will have bigger install bases and sell more. It's that simple.

Gamer19823963d ago

That and pre-orders were 1-8 to Sony in USA alone where Xbox dominated last gen and only the night before the change Jimmy Fallon brought up the fact you can only play used games on PS4 to a cheer from the audience. That was national TV that was the audience MS was going for not the gaming audience. They ignored the bad press of E3 as they have lost interest in gamers believing they are only a small part in there future but a hit on national TV? That's a killer for them as that's where there future market lies so they went and changed it. The crazy thing is non gamers won't be buying xbox ones when they buy rokus etc.. in US for there non TV needs which are a 1/4 of the price and no TV's are starting to come with voice control built in and no doubt there will be a cable box with it in the near future.

Aceman183963d ago

it was for their shareholders who saw the low number of preorders.

dedicatedtogamers3963d ago (Edited 3963d ago )

"Microsoft's Backtracking Might Not Have Been For Us"

Hmmm, what leads you to make that conclusion?

Was it the full month they kept telling gamers that this is the future, that they're sticking with their plan, that we need to see it for ourselves before judging it?

Or was it the near-instantaneous flip-flop after this news started hitting mass-market media like Jimmy Fallon? Or was it after seeing the pre-orders lagging behind PS4?

Yeah, I'm sure it was for us, Microsoft. Because you were listening back in May, weren't you? And you totally announced the changes at E3, right? (link http://www.escapistmagazine... )

NameRemoved00173963d ago

My guess is Game Publishers told them to drop it so they could make more $.

Ray1863963d ago

I think that they saw this and said Oh Oh, I think their talking about us.

http://thehill.com/blogs/hi...

pr0t0typeknuckles3963d ago

of course it wasnt for us,it seems like they were saying,oh crap sonys gonna kill us on relese day,all because they support used games and no drm,what do we do?,we have to change our policy,we cant afford to lose to sony,were Micro$$$oft we need Money.

Tainted Gene3963d ago

"Microsoft's Backtracking Might Not Have Been For Us"

http://images.wikia.com/dra...

Kingthrash3603963d ago

M$ was always about the $$$$$$$$$$......they did it for the $$$$$$$$$$$$.....the only thing they ever liked about humans was we give them$$$$$$$$$$$$ and since we started giving sony $$$$$$$$$$$$$ and giving them ¢¢¢¢¢ ¢¢¢¢¢& #162;¢ they felt they had to do something to get our $$$$$$$$$$$$ back so they did what they should have did in the first place. still even after this they will get ¢¢¢¢¢ ¢¢¢¢¢& #162;¢ because once you cross most gamers you've lost them for a generation....plus that kinect is still a trash gimmick and 499 is asking too much for a inferior console...99$for the kinect...smh.....ms youve already lost.

unchartedxplorer3963d ago

that's a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Bzone243963d ago

I know that some people won't believe this but Sony isnt a charity. They are in it for the money. If there was no money in it there would be no playstation. But Sony cares about us. Yes they do. They want your money.

Morpheuzpr3962d ago

Yeah but the difference is that while MS is trying to milk the cow till it drops dead, Sony is milking it but also feeding it so that it's able to keep producing.

MS is nothing but a leach in the video games industry IMO.

Convas3962d ago

"They did it for the $"

BUSINESSES, HOW DO THEY WORK.

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90°

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.

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theverge.com
darthv7211h 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.

purple10148m ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos23m ago

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

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

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insider-gaming.com
Hereandthere1d 8h ago

Microsoft should have left them stay 3rd party

GamerRN1d 5h ago

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

Barlos1d 2h ago

Yeah, they're also jobless.

GamerRN20h ago

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

peppeaccardo21h ago

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

ChasterMies17h 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 7h ago (Edited 1d 7h 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 5h ago

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

Mr Logic15h ago

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

Crows9015h ago

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

Profchaos1d 7h ago (Edited 1d 7h 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 7h ago

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

Profchaos1d 6h ago

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

Yi-Long1d 3h ago

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

XiNatsuDragnel1d 6h ago

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

Profchaos1d 4h ago (Edited 1d 4h ago )

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

TheColbertinator1d 5h ago

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

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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 ☝️

Zeref11d 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.

DarXyde11d 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.

PhillyDonJawn11d ago (Edited 11d 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.

Einhander197211d 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?

Zeref11d 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.

MrNinosan11d 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
Zeref11d 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.

DarXyde11d 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.

Einhander197211d 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.

Einhander197211d 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.

BehindTheRows11d ago (Edited 11d 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
Hofstaderman11d 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.

crazyCoconuts10d 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.

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