530°

PS4 Rumour: Sony Files Patent For Dynamic Content Switching Between Architecturally Distinct GPUs

Sony has filed a patent which is called “Dynamic Context Switching Between architecturally Distinct GPUs”.

Read Full Story >>
gamingbolt.com
bicfitness4163d ago

This is encouraging as it reinforces the idea that they will be going with power next gen. We don't need another Wii U.

Karooo4163d ago (Edited 4163d ago )

Power consumption is vital, you can't use a desktop GPU all the time even for random OS services, if they have a low power GPU to complement it they can save power and use the high power GPU only for games.

NewMonday4163d ago

this could mean the OS is fully on in another window.

sikbeta4163d ago

@bicfitness

Eh... was obvious from the start, Sony and MS go for the Power, N play with other cards...

O-T

Didn't understand a bit going by the title alone... anyone in the know can explain this mumbo-jumbo-tech related patent for me please :P

Hatsune-Miku4163d ago (Edited 4163d ago )

I love it how sony ponys are using a rumor to bash unfairly wii u.

Lets assume this is true. You go ahead buy a 500 dollar system with 70 dollar games, that only EA can develop for.

""devilhacker"& quot;

The wii u is rubbish. I can't wait for the Ps4. The Ps4 will be very powerful and improve upon gaming as we know it on consoles.I would gladly pay for quality and more power for my consoles. Its a hobby of mine so I don't want to pay for outdated tech seen in the wii u that came out 10 years ago and later at the beginning of this gen. Nes fanatics are silly and excuses bad decisions made by Nintendo then talk about things like power and graphics doesn't matter. It wouldn't matter to people who are fanatics and to mainly support their fav company.

I'd gladly buy a ps4 for 500quid as long as its powerful and future proof Plus people have things called jobs where we get money and buy what we can afford. The wii u is already outdated before release,lol.

Buying a Wii u is like buying a xbox 360 for twice the price with worse games

bicfitness4163d ago

@ sik. I don't think that it was. Reports were conflicting for a while and many indicated that it would go with a low all on chip solution, which would peg it as very similar to the Wii U (though stronger, surely).

This news is encouraging if its not just patent protecting and will actually be used.

pixelsword4163d ago

Sounds like going back and forth between games of different gens for some reason to me.

ABizzel14163d ago (Edited 4163d ago )

@sik

Basically it means Sony's will likely have 2 GPU's in their PS4. Now the fact that they're "different architecture" means they're unlikely to be running XFire or SLI (although the patent could of been produced because Sony found a way to make the 2 GPUS work together).

1st GPU will have a lower power consumption which would likely put it as a weaker GPU. My guess is that GPU is actually the rumored AMD A10-APU, which uses a HD 7660. It's capable of running anything the PS360 has come up with thus far and at better framerates, plus it has a solid Quad-Core CPU built into it, it's small, and it has a low power draw (perfect for consoles). So when you're doing anything outside of playing PS4 games then the APU will likely be the only thing running the console to save energy, lower heat, and other GREEN benefits.

The 2nd GPU is likely a more powerful GPU to run those PS4 games in 1080p @ 60fps in 3D that Sony wants. This is possibly the most determining factor of what the PS4 will be capable of (that and RAM, and if the GPU's can do Xfire or not). Here are the GPU's they would likely go with:

7870 or 7950: If they want the PS3 to be comparable to High-End PC's then either of these cards will do. Their 1080p @ 60fps in 3D goal will be reached, and it will allow for some 4K gaming in the form of PSN titles, PS3 HD remakes @ 60fps, and even some PS4 games. If Sony wants Ultra graphics settings using DX11 then these cards are a must.

7970M / 7850 / 6970: These cards are in a similar position as the ones above, with the exception being they're better suited for playing games at High settings instead of Ultra. But everything else applies.

There are a group of other cards that will work, but from there on down the "next-gen" factor starts to dwindle when compared to current PC gaming.

If anything they should try for the 7800 series and if they can the AMD Steamroller A-12 APU. The 7800 series would be the most powerful cards they can get and by the end of 2013 they should be able to get them at a very reasonable price. 7850's are selling for around $160 right now, and 7870's are going for around $230. By launch next year they should be getting them for $130 (7850) and $180 (7870) thanks to the launch of the 8000 series and competitive price drops. The A-12 APU should be a nice leap over the A-10 as well offering better performance for games, and possibly lower power consumption as well. We'll see come CES. By then a decision must be made.

kneon4163d ago

If you read the patent then you will see that it is unlikely that this is for the PS4. This is for a tablet, phone, laptop or handheld gaming device, though I expect it's unlikely to be the last one.

Ju4162d ago (Edited 4162d ago )

This has nothing to do with power consumption, even if possible in this configuration.

But what's much more interesting that this allows a "multi gpu" setup in a non-coherent setup using a "virtual" intermediate language (e.g. virtual or abstract shader language) which is compiled "on the fly" to the architecture underneath. It doesn't even specify what GPU is used. Theoretically it could run one shader "binary" and (re)compile for both AMD and NVidia (or what ever).

What that also allows them to do in the long run is to support (past?) and future machines with the same graphics language.

BTW: This could even go so far and run on a PS3 I imagine.

DeadlyFire4162d ago (Edited 4162d ago )

So CPU 301 may be a Cell processor? What? Okay I guess I know that PS3 games will be possible on the PS4 now if that maybe is more than a maybe. :P CPU 101 is likely main CPU or is it? Its possible a 2nd generation Cell design could exist along side their setup to function as PS3 support + extra muscle if needed?

GPU 103, 104, and GPU 303,304 = what? Possibly the same GPUs. Its an interesting puzzle. Does the new GPU combo emulate PS3 GPU alongside possible cell in CPU 301 or are they separate GPUs? I assume Platform 300 series would mean PS3 emulation. Wording this in a similar fashion to Microsoft's patent. Basically 300's perform as a PS3 would. 100's perform as a PS4 would. Microsoft does the same kinda thing, but in their own way. :P

Microsoft filled a similar patent awhile ago talking of CPU 302, CPU 304 with GPU 306, 308. Also with CPU 307, and GPU 309 mentioned. Ah here ya go. Lets compare! http://www.tomshardware.com...

It mentioned communication fabric. Which just so happens to be ARM powered support system that AMD is throwing in all their new chips in the future.

Timing of the filings revealing few months later make me believe Sony might be heading to early 2014 launch.

Looks like both plan on utilizing 2 GPUs or say GPGPU + APU? or say modern high end GPU with last generation GPU?

Its a puzzle on the power of said pieces of the puzzle and how they will function exactly. E3 we will see it all.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 4162d ago
LOL_WUT4163d ago

@ bicfitness

"This is encouraging as it reinforces the idea that they will be going with power next gen. We don't need another Wii U."

Interesting ;)

4163d ago Replies(2)
GraveLord4163d ago

This seems to be less about power, and more about multi-tasking.

Blackdeath_6634162d ago

thats what i thought at first. i hope this is th case because multitasking was the ps3's weakest points. however i don't think it is about multitasking because that has to do with the RAM not the GPU's.

shutUpAndTakeMyMoney4162d ago (Edited 4162d ago )

@bicfitness

"Sony: We won't show PS4 until it can demonstrate 'a significant leap'"

http://n4g.com/news/1021333...

akaakaaka4162d ago (Edited 4162d ago )

Pc gamers, nintendo fanboys and cheap gamers
"Sony can't afford another hi end console"
"Ps4 will only have a small upgrade" lolzz

Ps4 will amaze anyoane and pc gamers stop hating and get exited because it only means pc games will also step up..

zeddy4162d ago

sounds good but i hope they dont make it too complicated for the devs. took 3rd party devs at least 3 years to master.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 4162d ago
portal_24163d ago

I am so ready for next-gen.

TemplarDante4163d ago

APU (cpu+gpu)+GPU= 1TF+2.5TF = Samaritan demo+

Cue on my PS Orbis :)

Mac is OK4163d ago

The rumor was that the PS4 had a A8-3850 APU (with an integrated HD 6550D), and a HD 7670 for a discrete GPU.

Reference: http://www.ign.com/articles...

TemplarDante4163d ago

You're talking the Alpha kit from January.
The second kit was A10 APU solution only. The January 2013 kit is highly modified A10 Jaguar cores, maybe two APUs with two packs of four Jaguar Cores at 1.6ghz per core. HD6770 and a 2TF 8series GPU.
The future is nearly upon us :)

Mac is OK4163d ago

If they're now using a A10 they're probably using the A10-5800K, which has a 7660D.
I just hope the discrete GPU in the final version is better than a HD7670.

WiigotU4163d ago

So the article states could be. If thre going to release a new system without any issues wouldn't they need to already know so that they can make sure the system is stable and has no issues?

madjedi4162d ago (Edited 4162d ago )

Yeah just like the wiiu was stable day 1 and isn't suffering from a piss poorly optimismed os still, or other issues.

jjf4163d ago (Edited 4163d ago )

It's interesting in that clearly sony arn't relying on off the shelf components, sony clearly could'nt patent something AMD designed in the first place.

TemplarDante4163d ago

Its AMD using Sonys patent here..
There seems to be patent sharing between Sony, Microsoft, IBM and AMD ...
Remember the secret Sony-microsoft meetings..?
And the weird domain registrations..

Ju4162d ago (Edited 4162d ago )

The key is "different architectures". That's not what AMD (or any other vendor) does, because all SLI/X-Fire solutions require the same gpu on all end points. Sony's patent does not.

This is a layer above the metal. Like a VM for shaders.

joeorc4162d ago (Edited 4162d ago )

" That's not what AMD (or any other vendor) does, because all SLI/X-Fire solutions require the same gpu on all end points. Sony's patent does not. "

Slow down there. you may want to take a look at this:

AMD adds ARM processor as it looks beyond x86
AMD adds the Cortex-A5 processor with TrustZone technology to boost security on x86 chips

By Agam Shah
June 13, 2012

Advanced Micro Devices on Wednesday said it will integrate an ARM processor with upcoming x86 chips, marrying two rival architectures and ending more than a year of speculation around AMD's plans to use ARM technology.

Starting next year, AMD chips will integrate ARM's Cortex-A5 processor with TrustZone security technology. ARM processors are used in most of the smartphones and tablets that ship today, and TrustZone is found in all its Cortex-A processors.

TrustZone is a set of instructions that help secure mobile devices, mobile payments and streamed content. Netflix streams to some mobile devices are protected using TrustZone. AMD has signed a license with ARM for the Cortex-A5 processor, it said.

The integration of an ARM processor is one of the first big steps from AMD in a plan to overhaul its chip design strategy. Under a new management team, AMD said in February it would change its design methodology to allow the integration of third-party intellectual property, such as that from ARM.

AMD competes with Intel in the x86 processor market, where it has long struggled to significantly increase its market share. Intel and AMD both have virtually no presence in the tablet market, which is dominated by ARM. Rumors about AMD's plans to sign an ARM license have spread as growth in the PC market slowed and AMD plotted its next steps.

http://www.computerworld.co...

DO you think this is just for security alone?
Nvidia is doing the same with the Tegra a core set aside for Security. but also to reduce power.

aS AN EXAMPLE IN THE CASE OF THE PS3

the PS3's 8th core SPE was used in that process.
IT WAS DISABLED FOR GAMES AND DEVELOPER'S but not for the PS3 to use. That is why the developer's cannot see it or access it it was used for security only. Hacker's had to mimic that SPE core to Map memory and make a virtual copy of that SPE. they could not access it because it was closed off to outside sources. To this day the PS3 is still a 9 core processor. with the 8th spe disabled for everything but security.

EXAMPLE:

Sony expected to use IBM architecture in PlayStation 3
Bruce Gain

3/22/2002 10:21 AM EST

Additionally, the PS3, as well as other applications that will use the Cell, will take advantage of the CPU's "self healing" capability. "Self-healing computers will be programmed not to go down," Doherty said. "Bus and processor areas are automatically corrected using a new meshed era redundancy technology.

http://www.eetimes.com/elec... http://www.eetimes.com/elec...

NOTICE THAT WAS BACK IN 2002 , the SPE security core was a development that not only Sony was working on as you can see with Nvidia, AMD and IBM, TOSHIBA AND SONY!This use is not just for security, but also to be able to reduce process leak, and to lower requirement's in Heat dissipation.

Ju4161d ago

^^ That's totally unrelated and has absolutely nothing to do with Sony's patent.

I quote this directly from the link above just in case you have trouble comprehending:

Here’s the official description of the patent: ”Graphics processing in a computer graphics apparatus having architecturally dissimilar first and second graphics processing units (GPU) is disclosed. Graphics input is produced in a format having an architecture-neutral display list. One or more instructions in the architecture neutral display list are translated into GPU instructions in an architecture specific format for an active GPU of the first and second GPU.”

Here is the link to the patent: http://appft.uspto.gov/neta...

joeorc4161d ago (Edited 4161d ago )

^^ That's totally unrelated and has absolutely nothing to do with Sony's patent.

I quote this directly from the link above just in case you have trouble comprehending:

Here’s the official description of the patent: ”Graphics processing in a computer graphics apparatus having architecturally dissimilar first and second graphics processing units (GPU) is disclosed. Graphics input is produced in a format having an architecture-neutral display list. One or more instructions in the architecture neutral display list are translated into GPU instructions in an architecture specific format for an active GPU of the first and second GPU.”

what do you think the freaking Cell processor is?

IT HAS EVERY THING TO DO WITH THE PATENT! why ? because Sony was one of the first companies to design this type of system along with IBM, and Toshiba. do you really think it had nothing to do with it? really?

you did not look at the entire doc did you?
because if you did and you really did understand what you read you would know that yes they are in fact 100% related to this patent, hell there is a ref. to the Cell for pete sake right off the bat!
just read and look at the entire doc:

example

Other References:
Cell Broadband Engine Architecture, copyright International Business Machines Corporation, Sony Computer Entertainment Incorporated, Toshiba Corporation Aug. 8, 2005 which may be downloaded at http://cell.scei.co.jp/.

http://www.freepatentsonlin...

you do know its a CPU/GPU hybrid chip right?

the PPE is a Power PC risc, with the SPE's being a processor element that has on board system memory.

i mean as an example on how this works is right in the body of the doc:

The CPU 301 may include one or more processing cores. By way of example and without limitation, the CPU 301 may be a parallel processor module, such as a Cell Processor. An example of a Cell Processor architecture is described in detail, e.g., in Cell Broadband Engine Architecture, copyright International Business Machines Corporation, Sony Computer Entertainment Incorporated, Toshiba Corporation Aug. 8, 2005 a copy of which may be downloaded at http://cell.scei.co.jp/, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The CPU 301 may be configured to run software applications and optionally an operating system. The software applications may include graphics processing software 303 portions of which may be stored in the memory 302 and loaded into registers of the CPU 301 and/or GPU Context Controller 305 for execution.

notice this: "CPU 301 and/or GPU Context Controller 305 for execution."

what does it say right in the very first part in the DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS?

This is accomplished using an architecture-neutral display list instruction set in software, and having a specialized piece of hardware (the “GPU Context Controller”) sit between the GPUs that translates the architecture-neutral instruction set into the architecture-specific instruction set of the given GPU:"

notice once again what they were talking about:

"This is accomplished using an architecture-neutral display list instruction set in software, and having a specialized piece of hardware (the “GPU Context Controller”) sit between the GPUs that translates the architecture-neutral instruction set into the architecture-specific instruction set of the given GPU:"

why do you think the Cell was made the way it was?

Show all comments (73)
250°

The PS5 Has Shipped An Estimated 5x More Units Than The Xbox Series X/S In The Last Quarter

When the PS5 and the Xbox Series X/S first launched all the way back in 2020, console sales were not what either platform manufacturer wanted them to be. The pandemic slowed things down more than ever before, even though in the case of each next-gen console, all the units that were manufactured, sold.

Of course that didn’t last, and soon manufacturing limitations on the consoles were a thing of the past, and sales started to leap forward. For one next-gen console platform, at least.

-Foxtrot14h ago

I can see why Microsoft is putting their games on PlayStation with these numbers

Imagine how many copies of future games like Elder Scrolls VI, Blade, Indiana Jones and more they could sell if they went fully multiplatform.

OtterX9h ago

If they don't, it would be the death of them.

purple1017h ago

while I see your point, i'm one of those people that dont really want to see a M$ logo, when I boot up, however good the game is, unless truly exceptional, I've got enough games from Sony and enough coming down the pipeline, plus the 2 free smaller games on ps+, why do I need to give Microsoft anymore money,

I usually play just GT7 and cod, you've got Gran Theft Auto coming, its over for microsoft, they shot themselves in the foot, and now have to hobble away, to the losers corner, sit there, and repent.,!!! hahaha

OtterX7h ago(Edited 6h ago)

@Purple101 At this point, Microsoft just wants to be the American Tencent, but also just happen to have a console available for those who want it.

I hate what they're doing to the industry, but I would play the next Elder Scrolls on PS5 or PS6 even if I had to look at a MS logo at the beginning. At this point, I'm just invested in the series. I didn't feel this way about Starfield, which is why I've skipped it. Worst case scenario, I'd pick Elder Scrolls up on PC if it didn't come to PS, but I've stayed true to my word - I have not, and will not buy another Microsoft console after 3 red ringed 360s. They've killed my console support for life. They showed how scummy they can be by knowingly rushing out a product before it was ready, just to try and capture a 1 year headstart.

If a MS logo shows up at the beginning of the next Elder Scrolls on a Playstation console, so what? That means Sony won and MS is just another publisher. Many of the large publishers are quite dirty, so it fits them well. I wouldn't mind seeing their console die off though and them solely take up this publisher role.

Jingsing3h ago(Edited 3h ago)

Yeah, I never bought another Xbox console after the 360. But at the same time you shouldn't find yourself captive to Elder Scrolls if the company behind it is very scummy. I dropped COD after Ghosts and I don't regret it the company has only become worse and I'm glad I never was part of funding that.

14h agoReplies(1)
13h agoReplies(1)
Barlos3h ago(Edited 3h ago)

A surprise to nobody.

S2Killinit2h ago(Edited 2h ago)

5X is a surprise as it’s just unreal.

Jingsing3h ago(Edited 3h ago)

Sony would probably be selling more if they stopped sending mixed signals about their future. Putting games on PC because you are taking data analytic advice from Microsoft about the future of consoles is folly and has limited their potential sales. Microsoft want Sony and the world to believe that consoles are done as a business so companies like Sony and Nintendo etc can end up serving Microsoft's platform. Remember when it comes to Microsoft "It is us or no one and the three E's" Don't fall for it.

S2Killinit2h ago(Edited 2h ago)

MS has forced everyone’s hand in regard to PC. If the other two dont release on PC, they will be giving them an edge. Imo

Although i think Sony/PlayStation would be wise to release selectively on PC.

Jingsing1h ago

The way Sony are doing it though is very suspect, It almost seems like they are trying to tunnel their way out of Steam with a PSN back-end. They should have just launched their own store. Yes this would no doubt upset PC users but you just can't have everything on Steam as that means no market competition. Microsoft and Sony should only use their own stores. That way they can also enforce their subscription fee's (I don't think there should be fee's) like they do on console as right now they are saying people on console have to pay this fee but if you play on PC you don't. That is very anti-consumer.

Skuletor25m ago

While putting their games on PC would lose them some console sales, there's a large market of people that prefer consoles for their simplicity and convenience, I wonder if it would really effect them negatively. Well, I guess at this current point they won't be dragging PC players into a PS Plus subscription, so there's that.

Show all comments (27)
290°

Why Xbox believes it must cut costs and close studios

Companies, particularly public companies like Microsoft, need to grow.

Read Full Story >>
eurogamer.net
gold_drake2d ago

i mean its pretty simple, they spent close to 30 billion in acquiring activision, they thought they'd make it bk no problem, and that didnt happen.

its just shit that because of MS's miscalculation alot of people lost their jobs.

Jingsing1d 23h ago

This is exactly what many people said would happen including the CMA and FTC. Lies lies and more lies and they allowed a $69 billion buy out to happen.

gold_drake1d 23h ago

oh yeh it was 70 billion. that was my bad haha even worse.

JackBNimble1d 2h ago

MS has educated financial advisers, they knew there was little chance to recoup the 70billion just to break even on the Activision deal let alone whatever other nonsense is going on in MS.
This whole thing was to corner the market for leverage.

thesoftware7301d 23h ago (Edited 1d 23h ago )

gold,

You can't be serious, right?

Do you think that MS thought they would make 80bill in a year & Half? They haven't even released titles under MS yet, lol.

But in fact, that A/B revenue is already paying off, look at the last earnings call. That $80 billion is long-term money, my guy, no sane person/company would think they would make that back in any short-term situation, it's a long-term investment.

Let's play silly then. If MS's reason for laying off staff and closing studios was due(which it really was not) to the A/B deal, tell me what Sony's reason was for past studio closures, the recent 900-person layoffs, closing Sony London, shutting down Dreams, and closing Japan Studio? Zipper? Psygnosis? cuts at all their internal studios.

Keep in mind, you are claiming MS's reason is because of the A/B deal; please explain Sony's reason.

Hofstaderman1d 23h ago

You actually still defending them? Sheesh.....

gold_drake1d 23h ago

this is not a sony vs MS debate. dont make it something it isnt.

and of course not, but im pretty sure they thought they'd make more money after the deal. they didnt, and closed off some studios.

its pretty insane to think there is any other reason for the closure of studios in this case.

romulus231d 23h ago (Edited 1d 23h ago )

(It really was) due to the Activision Blizzard deal and the loss of physical sales due to gamepass. You keep bringing up Sony in all your posts about this, stop deflecting and trying to change the topic, this is about MS and what they are doing.

BehindTheRows1d 22h ago

Has nothing to do with Sony. Stay on topic.

notachance1d 22h ago

once in a while you see someone too invested in their make-believe console war that everything happened has to be connected to said war…

a bit of banter between fans is normal, this crusade you’re doing now isn’t.

Chevalier1d 22h ago

Wow idiotic. You bring up very old closures not that there haven't been recent ones from Playstations, but, seriously stop deflecting. This has NOTHING to do with Playstation.

Does Playstation got $3 trillion behind them and daddies wallet? No they don't so stop making a fool of yourself.

Xbox has never been profitable really and they just keep losing money so between their worst hardware sales, terrible 3rd party sales and now terrible 1st party sales.

Gamepass numbers that are no longer being announced shows their numbers after 3 years of missed targets has flatlined. Plus their recent gains up to 34 million were ONLY because they folded Gold members in too. Absolutely take your idiotic rhetoric out of here. Keep on topic without deflecting.

S2Killinit1d 22h ago

Ayayayay with these xbox/MS excuses.

Reaper22_1d 17h ago

How dare you mention Sony! Everyone here knows when Sony closes a studio and lay off workers it was the right thing to do. Even when they bought Gaikai and fired almost everyone it was the right thing to do.

Gamers can be such hypocrites sometimes.

andy851d 16h ago

Is it? That's revenue not profit. Completely different.

fr0sty1d 7h ago

The earnings call only showcased how dire the situation is... Even with ABK and Bethesda, they still couldn't make enough to keep investors happy, gamepass subs are stagnant, and hardware sales are tanking.

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 1d 7h ago
thesoftware7301d 20h ago (Edited 1d 20h ago )

Drake,

"this is not a sony vs MS debate. dont make it something it isnt."

You are correct that it's not an MS Vs Sony Topic, but when exaggeration and imagination mix from a one-sided social group, similar examples are needed to ground radical thoughts; in this instance, the example was that shutting down 3,4,5, even 6 studios during a restructure/ buyout/acquisition is not some anomaly(it can suck) that has to be dissected or spell doom and gloom.

"But I'm pretty sure they thought they'd make more money after the deal. They didn't, and they closed off some studios."

But they did make more money, a lot, actually; the last earnings call showed a huge growth in profit, almost all due to A/B revenue.

"its pretty insane to think there is any other reason for the closure of studios in this case."

The fact that they did make money, kinda throws this out the window, and besides, you don't wake up and say, hey let's close a studio, you look at the output, you look at the dev as a whole, the long term and short term, you weigh it against all other studios and goals, you keep key members, ect..then you close if they are the weakest links...which by MS analysis they were.

Again, I will make a small Sony comparison, just so some of you can understand and see past the bias; Insomniac, ND, and Bungie have made some of the best games ever created, yet Sony saw fit to cut jobs in every of these studios, even tho Insomniac & ND are the biggest producers of PS games, leagues ahead better than Tango and Arkane, yet, they saw cuts, mind you, while being the TOP produces of PS first party. They were told to cut costs, and more jobs may be on the line, and Bungie is being threatened by a hostile Sony takeover. Put that in perspective, as I know that layoffs and dev closures are different, but if the best of the best is getting cut off, it is less than surprising, that lesser studios are closing.

@Cheva,
My response fits well with your comments as well. You even went on to prove that the dev closures are not just due to A/B acquisition. Then you point out Sony has less money than MS, inferring that MS should keep devs open that they see as lesser earners, while Sony having less money makes it okay to close them. lol...it doesn't work that way.

gold_drake1d 20h ago

im not reading all of that. u have ur opinion, i have mine.

thats rly it.

but this aint sony vs ms.

ApocalypseShadow1d 20h ago

You're trying to compare a 100 billion company to a company that has 3 TRILLION worth. SIE has to live or die on their own. And in turn, PlayStation has helped the main company again and again. Sony has to balance out what is working and not working in the company.

While Xbox has Daddy Warbucks footing the bill to keep the platform afloat. They have been bleeding money from Nvidia hardware in the OG Xbox, the RROD fiasco, the attempted 2013 DRM nonsense and the lies about being the most powerful console in the world and the losses of paying out millions to prop up a service hoping it catches on with enough subscribers to justify its existence.

They're not comparable if Xbox isn't allowed to live or die by its actions. It's subsidized. Revenue isn't profit. And if they were profiting on their own, they wouldn't be closing developers. If they were profiting, they wouldn't need Daddy Warbucks spending 80 to 100 billion buying up 3rd party publishers to sustain a loss leading platform.

They stopped announcing game sales, stopped announcing hardware sales, stopped announcing game pass subscribers, they are putting games on their competitors platforms but you're telling us that they are doing great even after killing jobs and closing developers at Xbox.

Stop drinking the Kool aid. You're drunk.

Chevalier1d 10h ago

Again at which point did Playstation have a $3 trillion company shift the market with a giant purchase?

"But they did make more money, a lot, actually; the last earnings call showed a huge growth in profit, almost all due to A/B revenue."

Lol. No they didn't. Increased revenue was ONLY due to adding Activision Blizzard revenue in. Growth was only 1 percent. It's idiots like you that have no idea what they're talking about is why Xbox isn't better than it is. You guys just make excuses continually.

If Xbox got so much profit then why did they stop announcing hardware numbers? Why did they stop announcing Gamepass numbers? Oh right because they're NOT profitable. Their sales in every category has dropped off the face of the planet. It's why Spencer will be closing more studios and canceling upcoming projects too.

The Wood1d 3h ago

How can they be profitable when they're not selling enough hardware, software or subs. You need take a seat on this one my friend unless you can prove you angles

jwillj2k41d 2h ago

Sony didnt shut down the studios you mentioned after they made last of us or ratchet and clank or destiny. Cutting jobs is not equal to closing studios. Sony cuts are a candle in the sun of Microsoft’s closures.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1d 2h ago
WelkinCole1d 15h ago

I am pretty sure MS knew this would happen and this was part of their plan. I mean if anyone with half a brain can see this happening I am pretty sure a multi billion company like MS knew this would happen

The whole strategy in buying Beth and Acti/Blizzard is for

1. Buy established games they can have under xbox because they have done a horrible job in building their portfolio internally for the past 15 years

2. Following from 1, try and boost xbox competitivenss against a dominat PS which MS after 3 tries still can't crack

3. Follolwing from 2, try and weaken Playstation dominance by taking out these massive multiplats from the PS

4. Following from 3, try and profit off from the PS domiance with selected games they will still have on the PS to make money like COD

5. Obviously get the IP's by buying them instead of creating them which again as I mentioned in number 1 they have been woeful in doing

None of these had anyting to do with keeping all the devs they accuried. MS has always been very shitty to Devs under them. Look at what happned to Bungie for example.

I believe MS in court truely mean it when they said they had to do something because PS was just too dominant. This was their last roll of the dice.

And from the looks of things. It has not panned out as MS had hoped. PS5 is still as dominant as ever and xbox is still behind. Worse still their MP's they got is not irreplaceable as they thought. Starfield? lol!. There have not been any major shift in momentum in this console war in their favor so now its time to start cutting their loses and it starts with the most expensive cost for any company. People.

Michiel19891d 13h ago

for a comparison, sony laid of a bigger % of it's staff this year than ms, it's what companies sadly do nowadays. If you think with GP and Bethesda + acti aquisition they were looking for quick cash, you couldn't be more wrong. It hasn't even been a year, "they thought they'd make it bk no problem, and that didnt happen." shows you have 0 understanding of how a business operates.

thesoftware7301d ago

@ Michiel1989

Exactly this!

I'm reading these comments, and it's mesmerizing how off-base most of them are.

I posted a few comments above, and their rebuttals have nothing to do with the points that I presented; when they start doing that, I just ignore them because, at that point, they're debating all over the place.

Profchaos1d 6h ago

30 more like 70 to 80 plus 7 for Bethesda

Tzuno1d 1h ago

meanwhile everything turned woke an inevitably went downward, i'd say it serves them well if they promote such kind of approach, mwuahahahahahhh!

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 1d ago
anast1d 23h ago

They are going to use AI for a large portion of the game development process. Upper management need bonuses and the shareholders need more money. So, people will lose their jobs.

Skuletor1d 23h ago

Maybe they were already using AI to make business decisions, which would explain why they closed Hi-Fi Rush's studio, then said they need more games like Hi-Fi Rush not long after that announcement.

Crows901d 22h ago (Edited 1d 22h ago )

They shouldn't have bought any studios. Some is okay...but they went on a shopping spree...stupid

Einhander19721d 22h ago

The better question is why did Microsoft buy publishers for a service they were subsidizing they knew couldn't support.

And why are so many websites trying to make people feel sorry for Microsoft instead of truly criticizing the fact they are closing studios and killing jobs that would have been fine if Microsoft themselves hadn't gotten involved.

Quit feeling sorry for Microsoft and start feeling sorry for the industry and the all the gamers who are actually losing out.

THIS IS MICROSOFTS FAULT.

RNTody1d 22h ago

The first thing that happens after any major acquisition or merger is a consolidation of the whole new portfolio, which includes cutting any excess, bloat or portfolios that don't fit the larger MO of the big boy. So far, it's been par for the course with Microsoft and that's why gamers have been so against this acquisition. Tango Gameworks is the beginning. You think Microsoft wants to pay to keep small timers like Ninja Theory in business?

There is absolutely zero evidence to suggest that Microsoft will improve any of these studios, but plenty to suggest that they will get rid of what they don't need and hold onto the IP. The real agenda of the acquisition was always to acquire The Elder Scrolls, Diablo, Fallout, Call of Duty, Candy Crush etc. that will create millions in passive revenue stream for Microsoft regardless of where the games release. Microsoft simply wants their cut.

Because of Games Pass Microsoft has no interest in investing in new IP which is risky and requires creative talent they can neither nurture nor manage. Game Pass has also not grown in the way Microsoft expected it to, even post acquisitions. Therefore the logical thing to do, without serious money makers to release, is to cut as much cost as possible.

Show all comments (47)
100°

Former Dragon Age lead writer David Gaider pours scorn on EA's AI dreams.

"They want you to believe the devs under them are super stoked to work generative AI into their processes," continued Gaider, "but I assure you what they took as excitement was really a veiled wail of despair not unlike the time that team was informed of their new 'really cool' live service mandate.".

LordoftheCritics4d ago

Publishers see gaming as another stock market.

isarai4d ago

I think anyone with some common sense knew this, im glad i don't support their games anymore, what a sh!t company.

Psychonaut854d ago

Friends don’t let friends buy EA or Ubisoft.

Chocoburger3d ago

I said this yesterday. AI isn't what we want when it comes to crafting artistry. Alas, these soulless corporate morons don't care about their work, only about cutting corners as much as possible.