100°

Now more Microsoft job ads mention Xbox 'Platform Next'

Yesterday, Microsoft quickly pulled a pair of job ads from its website that mentioned the ‘next-generation’ Xbox.

But now a handful of other Microsoft ads featuring talk of the next-gen Xbox have been uncovered by GamerZines, revealing that Microsoft Game Studios is hiring for work on a ‘next-generation project’.

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gamerzines.com
Boody-Bandit4422d ago

It's odd that we keep seeing all these articles about MS looking for help to roll out their next gen console yet it was reported that they have no plans of debuting it at E3. I don't see how they are going to go business as usual unless of course they plan on announcing it at the end of 2012 or possibly having E3 2013 all about the new console which will release in the Fall of that year.

I just don't see MS waiting longer than Early 3rd quarter 2013 to release their "next box".

EliteDave934422d ago (Edited 4422d ago )

Since they just looking for people to help build the next Xbox it seems that they are far from done with it. So ofc they wont debute it @ E3 2012 ( like they just said they WONT )

gamingdroid4422d ago

Sounds more like MS is ramping up for the next Xbox!

You generally start manufacturing at the earliest 6-month prior to release, so we are more than a year away.

That said, MS debut their console on MTV in May of 2005 for a release 4-5 months later so revealing it next year isn't out of the question for a release in 2013.

DeadlyFire4422d ago

Fall 2013 launch. E3 2012 debut. To many beans hitting the floor to not be true.

Boody-Bandit4422d ago (Edited 4422d ago )

I hope so.
I think anything after 2013 would be a disaster.
This generation is the longest I can ever remember without having new hardware hit retail, but I am getting old and memory is the first thing that fades.

Can anyone remember a longer time between the release of new hardware in the gaming industry?

DeadlyFire4421d ago

There has never been a gap like this. The real truth would scare ya. Microsoft planned originally to launch new console in 2010, Nintendo in 2011, and Sony was uncertain. They pushed it back a little. Looks like Sony might launch in 2014. Either way even senior tech guy at Sony states we will see PS4 in PS3's 7th year. Meaning E3 2013. Makes me a little uncertain if it will show up at E3 2012.

Either way. New consoles are coming at last in 2012/2013 or so.

tehpees34422d ago

They would release November next year. November seems to be a target month for MS. But its pretty funny how we are hearing more rumours on the next Xbox than we are Wii U.

Pokemon_Master4422d ago

I am so afraid of skyrocketing costs, that devs will only put 1 game on it maybe every 5 years, and because it has to sell or go bankrupt, you need to make a shooter

Simon_Brezhnev4422d ago

if games are $70-80. I wont get into next gen no time soon.

BuffMordecai4422d ago

Companies would go under because of their own greed if that happened.

tigertron4422d ago

Its the same story every generation.

I'm of the opinion that next-gen tech will make things more easy for developers, thus saving money.

Who knows...but what I do know is that next-gen is right around the corner.

Pokemon_Master4422d ago

this gen hasnt made things easier

last gen overall we got around 40 games a month on all systems

now its down to 10-15 on a really really good month, less than 10 most months

Whats going to happen next gen?

Maybe 5 a month?

gamingdroid4422d ago

@Pokemon_Master

True, but we also get a lot of XBLA type games. Some of them are good enough to be a full on disc release in the previous generation.

Next generation, who knows... the tools might be so good indie's can make Xbox 360/PS3 disc based games?

DeadlyFire4422d ago

I am afraid of this. Most games have servers shut down between 2-3 years after launch so this wouldn't work. Unless a MMO model was introduced. I am not a fan of the MMO era, but with yearly games I don't see how it would really bother them. Buy a new chapter of the story and some new maps every 6 months. I think eventually it will happen, but I don't want it unless an MMO can be made fun.

4422d ago Replies(1)
Noticeably_FAT4422d ago

I was convinced that Microsoft would announce a new console this year, but now I'm almost 100% sure it wont be this year at all.

Microsoft was number 1 world wide in 2011 and that was without a price cut. I would guess that they are going to cut the price of the Xbox 360s and the Kinect. That should sustain them easily through the rest of this year and into next year.

With the Star Wars Kinect console also helping to push sales.

We already know about Halo 4 and Forza Horizon, but there is also supposed to be a rebooted franchise that is getting a release this year, and a "Killer sequel" which many are guessing to be Killer Instinct.

Throw in games like Witcher 2, Crimson Dragon, Fable The Journey, Steel Battalion Heavy Armor and Kinect Star Wars and Microsoft has plenty to keep people busy this year.

Microsoft is smart and wont pull Nintendo by announcing a new console a year before they plan on releasing it, which pretty much kills off sales for the current console.

It is obvious however that Microsoft is gearing up to take the world by storm next generation though. I'm dying to hear more about this new AAAA game franchise and would love to see a new Gears/Alan Wake on the NextBox.

70°

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
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.

purple10142m ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos17m 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

Read Full Story >>
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.

Crows9014h 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.

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 ☝️

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.

Show all comments (43)