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Should Sony Stick With Blu-ray Next Gen? What About Microsoft?

Premier Gaming Network - If history is to repeat itself, then Sony may go with a different format next generation. However, given the advancement and investment in Blu-ray technology, should Sony just stick with the format? And what will Microsoft opt for next generation?

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GalacticEmpire4133d ago

Yes of course, but they should improve the transfer bandwidth and increase the max capacity.

MS need to swallow their peride and just adopt bluray.

LOGICWINS4133d ago (Edited 4133d ago )

And pay Sony royalties? Thats lunacy. Thats like saying the PS4 should adopt a Windows 8 OS. Yeah, it would be lightyears better than the current PS3 OS, but it wouldn't be worth the expense of helping out your competitor.

Microsoft will likely stick to DVD, but their main selling point this time around will be a combination of Kinect and that projection tech they recently unveiled...which will be a disaster because they would COMPLETELY lose touch with their hardcore audience by focusing on expensive gimmicks as opposed to quality titles.

GamersRulz4133d ago

I disagree, Blu-ray is a universal medium, MS have to adopt blu-ray technology otherwise Xbox will look like a dinosaur tech.

in addition haven't you ever seen a VAIO laptop running Windows? So yeah it's Ok to pay royalties to your rival in order to provide your customers with best tech available, Blu-ray in this case.

LOGICWINS4133d ago

Thats a different scenario. Sony pays Microsoft royalties out of necessity. Windows operating systems are too popular to not have on your laptop.

Blu-Ray on the other hand is NOT a necessity for a next-gen console to succeed. The 360/Wii proved that this gen.

iamnsuperman4133d ago (Edited 4133d ago )

"Blu-Ray on the other hand is NOT a necessity for a next-gen console to succeed. The 360/Wii proved that this gen."

Last generation sure (takes a while for a physical media to really catch on) but this next generation the xbox needs to be Blu Ray if Microsoft really wants to be this "box in every living room" idea. For just gaming terms they could go down the road of what Nintendo did but a disadvantage is they cannot play Blu Ray DVDs which are becoming more important and more sought after.

It isn't ideal for Microsoft but I feel it is a necessity. It is a small royalty bump which doesn't fully go to Sony but goes to the Blu Ray group

It will be a big mistake if they stick to DVD and I think they no that. For Microsoft the options are stick to DVD (extremely bad idea), go the Nintendo route (slightly bad idea if they want the next xbox to be the main device in households) or go Blu Ray (which has more positives that to the negative of paying royalties)

bobshi4133d ago

LOGICWINS, you are wrong.

You are comparing this gen to next gen.

It needs a high capacity disc to succeed next gen.

We already get games spanning multiple discs causing gamers to have to get out of their chair to go change a disc.

That would increase dramatically if they stuck with DVD.

This isn't 2001. The technology exists, use it.

nukeitall4133d ago (Edited 4133d ago )

Furthermore, other than for movies, BR is NOT a necessity for high capacity storage either. Wii U has a high capacity storage and it does not use BR.

Even if MS decides to use blue laser which is the same as blu-ray technology, as long as they don't claim compatibility and play blu-ray movies they don't have to pay the license fee. In effect, they would have the exact same storage capacity or more without the fee.

Nobody has a patent on use of blu-laser.

BR unfortunately is a format that to most consumers are quickly diminishing in value. Too many people are moving over to streaming now like Netflix. On top of that, brand name standalone players cost $60.

If consumers wanted BR, they likely already own a player. Besides, why would you wear out your optical drive in your $400 console when there is a far cheaper and likely quieter option?

LOGICWINS4133d ago (Edited 4133d ago )

The next Xbox MAY be able to play Blu-Ray movies, but thats where it ends. Microsoft will stick to DVD or will heavily focus on digital downloads for gaming.

"BR unfortunately is a format that to most consumers are quickly diminishing in value. Too many people are moving over to streaming now like Netflix."

EXACTLY! Most people would rather pay $80-$90 a year to stream an unlimited amount of movies and tv shows as opposed to spending $10-$25 on individual Blu-Rays.

Subscription services offer WAAAY more value than buying individual Blu-Ray discs.

zebramocha4133d ago

@iam your analogy doesn't make sense because the wii had its motion controller and the 360, at a point had better offerings in comparison to the ps3,I'm they mean to adopt blu-ray for games not just entertainment.

LOL_WUT4133d ago

I hope you're wrong because I hate swapping out discs on the 360 it's an annoyance. Anything other than DVD would be nice. ;)

RuleofOne343 4133d ago

If you really think about it they are paying the BDA , Then the BDA breaks it down to those involved.

pixelsword4133d ago (Edited 4133d ago )

I may not be the most even-handed commentator on consoles or the PC at times, but I do try to give them a fair shake; but if Microsoft uses the DVD for next gen, I'm not buying it.

On top of that, there won't be a way to play my Blu-Ray movies, so that's another strike against the Next Box.

Microsoft is in a corner and the only way out is to go the Blu route.

hazardman4133d ago

Dude do some research, I did and that why I'm commenting on you idiotic comment. Blu rays actually use a codec on the blu ray that guess what is part owned by MS.(look it up) Viao come with windows these companies work hand in hand. Obviously when it comes to gaming everyones lookng for an advantage. From all rumours 98% say MS is gonna have blu ray. They both pay each other royalties in one way or the other. I'm not trying to start a war in here just your name has Logic but there's not logic in what you say.

Panthers4133d ago

DVD will not work anymore after this gen. Games are going to be too large. That would be like last gen using CDs as the medium.

I wish I could find it, but there was a thread on an old forum where someone was arguing that DVDs would never be necessary for gaming because CDs would provide enough space. He argued that developers would find better means of compression. Could you imagine using CDs still?

While DVDs worked, I dont see them lasting much longer. So I do see MS using Blu Rays for games, until streaming becomes the norm.

Godmars2904133d ago

If MS want's the Xbox brand to be seen as an all-purpose media center then they have to include BR as a movie player. They can likely get away without it, especially in the US, but not elsewhere.

Would be best for them, Sony as well, to allow for HD titles less than 8GB to be on DVD as well.

Tapioca Cold4133d ago

They pay Toshiba(I believe) for DVD you tool.

These big companies are always paying royalties.

Blu ray is awesome and if you don't think so then your TV sucks.

bunfighterii4133d ago

You realise Sony also sell Vaio computers that all use Windows, right?

soniqstylz4133d ago

Sony gets royalties from DVD as well

kwyjibo4133d ago

Have you seen the mobile ecosystem wars? Everyone pays everyone else royalties. That's how it works. Take a look at the H264 battles.

That being said, Microsoft may believe that everyone who wants Blu-Ray already has it - and go for a cheaper bespoke option like Nintendo did.

If Microsoft can negotiate a low enough Blu-Ray royalty rate, they might just go with Blu-Ray. This could make the next Xbox become the centre of the living room experience, which is something they've tried to do this generation.

ChickenOfTheCaveMan4133d ago

HD-DVD is dead, DVD Is hanging but can't hold enough data. M$ would be beyond stupid not to go with blu ray.

ProjectVulcan4133d ago (Edited 4133d ago )

Next gen consoles need some form of high capacity format that isn't too expensive. This means discs. Consoles aren't quite ready for download only because not every market has that luxury. They may be in another 5 years, but not quite yet.

In the case of Sony, it is very easy for them to drop in another bluray drive. It is well established, 50GB is still a lot of space and 99 percent of devs would be perfectly happy with that. A reasonable speed BD drive is now cheap as well. 8x would be plenty. Incredibly you can actually buy external usb 6x BD ROM drives on ebay for less than 22 pounds. I think it is obvious Sony will go this route again.

The question is what will Microsoft do? I think they will probably end up shoving in a bluray drive too. The fight over the format is long past and mostly forgotten history now. If they want to be an ultimate home media hub they would be wise to include bluray, although they might decide that they want to exclude it IF it means people move to their streaming service instead. It is very possible that they would view bluray as not a significant marketing feature in 2013, and not having it wouldn't hinder sales of the hardware or games but further drive streaming which they can make money from and have total control over on the platform.

Even in this scenario the drive will surely be a high capacity disc drive derived from bluray like tech much as Wii U is. It's just too cheap and fast to not have a high capacity disc drive in 2013. It's a total no Brainer. Even Wii U has one and that isn't exactly aiming to be cutting edge.

rainslacker4133d ago (Edited 4133d ago )

"BR unfortunately is a format that to most consumers are quickly diminishing in value. Too many people are moving over to streaming now like Netflix. On top of that, brand name standalone players cost $60."

Blu-Ray adoption rate is rising year over year since it's introduction to the market. Last year it saw a 16% increase in number of players sold, and increase from 9% the year before. It's adoption rate is actually much quicker than DVD ever was.

You made this same streaming argument the other day, so I will say to you again, is it hard to see the added value of having it all in one machine? Why do you keep insisting that streaming is going to take over? Physical media is still wanted and will always be. Digital is of course quickly gaining acceptance, and depending on how you look at it, has surpassed physical media sold. Just because people are streaming doesn't mean that they don't also want physical media. They both present advantages, and quite frankly, most of the world, or even the US, isn't equipped for an entirely digital future. Did you know that only 68% of US homes have broadband internet as of 2012(this isn't even broken down into high speed broadband, but over 112Kb speeds)...it seems there's more than one market to look at given those numbers. Stop pulling assumptions out of your ass and do some real research to see that what you like isn't necessarily everyone else likes.

kneon4133d ago

@LOGICWINS

Perhaps your logic requires some facts. I guess you aren't aware that the main backers for CD and DVD were Sony and Philips, so Microsoft has been paying them all along via their royalties for those formats. A couple of dollars in royalties isn't going to stop them using bluray.

dudeOplenty4133d ago

@LOGICWINS

You should know that every time I read one of your posts, I become so stupefied and pessimistic towards the human race that I usually find a baby to punch in the face afterwards.

vitullo314133d ago

Light years better? Your smoking some terrible shit

BattleAxe4133d ago

Sony uses Windows on their Vaio Laptops, and uses Skype on the Vita, so I don't see what the big deal about Microsoft using Blu-Ray would be.

Riderz13374133d ago

Microsoft will stick to DVD? Sure if they want to live in the stone age. Lol games are getting much bigger nowadays and if they stick with DVD instead of blu ray get ready to have multiple discs for games more often.

Sy_Wolf4133d ago

Microsoft wouldn't need to pay royalties if they didn't alow BluRay playback out of the box. Just like they didn't need to pay DVD royalties with the original Xbox. Also, Nintendo isn't paying royalties to the BluRay Disc association because they don't alow BluRay playback.

Rageanitus4133d ago (Edited 4133d ago )

This is when your facts and business logic fails.

Blu-ray is supported by MANY companies meaning royalties will go everywhere.

DVD has royalties also... why you think the wii and game cube used dvd medium but did no allow to play movies.

Sometimes you have to work together to make your product better.

Plus to ppl who think Streaming vide like netflix will remove Blu-ray.... they are completly closed minded.

Sorry netflix is mainly strong in only USA.. Most ppl have limited bandwidth around the world and it aint fast enough to pump out the SAME quality picture and sound and blu-ray.

Ive messed around with Netflix and it is no way inhell close to the quality of a Real blu-ray disc with uncompressed sound.

cedaridge4133d ago

In Microsoft case I do prefer to Stream my movies in that regard BUT xbox need Bluray for disc scratching purpose. And I game more than I watch movies. That is one thing I like about the ps3, not having those ugly scratches on my disc.

Trenta274133d ago

Sony didn't make bluray! They pay a fee just like everyone else.

Hanif-8764133d ago

@LOGICWINS Try changing your username to LogicFAILS because i've never seen so many comments which lacks "logic" the way yours do. However, i don't think someone could actually be that stupid. I have to admit though, its either your dumb as F--k or your just blinded by fanboyism.

SilentNegotiator4133d ago (Edited 4133d ago )

DVD6C licensing group.
Sony makes money on every DVD drive and disc, too. I'm sure you thought Sony only had part in creating the betamax.

"Blu-Ray on the other hand is NOT a necessity for a next-gen console to succeed. The 360/Wii proved that this gen"
-
LOL!! You're using the 7th gen to prove that Blu-ray isn't needed in the 8th? If the neXtbox wants to keep being called a multimedia system, it needs blu-ray. Plain and simple.

ElectricKaibutsu4132d ago

Sorry LOGICWINS but continuing to use DVDs next gen wouldn't make sense. It didn't matter so much this gen because the 360 and PS3 don't have enough memory to use high res textures. The next Xbox and PlayStation however will absolutely have enough. Those textures take up a lot of space and DVDs just don't have the capacity. And could you imagine Microsoft falling behind frickin' Nintendo in tech?

I'm betting Microsoft will bite the bullet and put Blu-ray in the next Xbox. Actual Blu-ray, not the gimped Wii U version.

ALLWRONG4132d ago

Sony fans have some silly reasons why MS should use BR. Almost none of them have to do with the tech. I say don't be surprised if MS decides to go all Nintendo and Apple and choose another option. After all it seems to work out well for Apple and Nintendo.

DOMination-4132d ago

I always thought they could use a proprietary flash drive system for games. Would ve small, can hold lots of data, fast transfer rates and would make piracy very difficult. They're also really cheap now. It seems to tick all the boxes but obviously doesn't. Does anybody know why?

shutUpAndTakeMyMoney4132d ago (Edited 4132d ago )

@ LOGICWINS
"And pay Sony royalties? Thats lunacy. Thats like saying the PS4 should adopt a Windows 8 OS. Y"

have you seen sony laptops? They don't use sony OS's. But in this case this makes MS look bad. I like it! Wow sony is really ahead of the curve by 7 years.

If xbox 720 is to stand a chance they need ps3 tech inside it.

".which will be a disaster because they would COMPLETELY lose touch with their hardcore audience by focusing on expensive gimmicks as opposed to quality titles."

lol sounds like 2010 - 2013.

"Blu-Ray on the other hand is NOT a necessity for a next-gen console to succeed. The 360/Wii proved that this gen."

So seeing how LA NOIRE, FF13, Rage And other games has 3 disks on 360 bigger next gen games
will just use 5 - 7 disks? Awsome!

Even Nintendo couldn't figure this out they are going for the hardcore.

Good job sony. Wonder what they will bring in ps4.

Blackdeath_6634132d ago

that is how technology evolves. survival of the fittest every company makes their own format and the one that is more successful is adopted as the new standard and it just so happens that Blu-ray is better than HD-DVD. if every company stuck to their own format we will have a million different options which will make things extremely difficult for the consumer and it is a lose lose situation for everyone. if microsoft can take blu-ray and do something creative with it then there is no reason why they shouldn't adopt blu-ray it also serves them and all their fanboys right for bashing blu-ray when it was released and saying "no body uses blu-ray anyways" and "it's useless"

fermcr4132d ago (Edited 4132d ago )

Sony and Microsoft have many business together, so i wouldn't be surprised if next Xbox come with blu-ray or something similar.

Only fanboys fight. As for Microsoft and Sony, they probably get along quite well.

Viper74132d ago

Let's face it. Microsoft only has 2 choices with X720 disc medium.

a) Use Blu-ray like most of the industry.
b) Drop the disc drive all-together and focus on digital downloads.

All other options are just silly.

dcbronco4132d ago (Edited 4132d ago )

Logic, I do agree that MS doesn't have to go with Blu-ray. They do have to have a larger disc though. DVD won't cut it this generation. But there is no reason it has to be Blu-ray. It could be something new. It could be HD DVD. It was always far cheaper to make than Blu-ray. And they could acquire it cheaply. Considering some games sell millions of copies and they could do contracts with a few companies for pressing games, it could be more cost effective than the royalties on Blu-ray for it's partners.

But the reality is that digital is the future. And even if MS included Blu-ray, it will only be so beneficial for royalties for Sony and it's partners. If this generation is going to last as long as the current one, digital will outstrip disc long before it's over. The 360 already downloads content after you've turned it off and Steam already allows you to download a game before the release date. Put the two together and you eliminate the need for a physical format. So while physical will be there, it won't last.

Daoshai4132d ago (Edited 4132d ago )

Umm Sony already pays Microsoft royalties for bluray playback because it uses their VC-1 codec. This whole argument is stupid.

Rockstar4132d ago

@Viper7

"Drop the disc drive all-together and focus on digital downloads."

This option would also be silly.

cooksauce4132d ago

If Microsoft stayed with DVD, it would ruin the xbox

ProjectVulcan4132d ago (Edited 4132d ago )

"always thought they could use a proprietary flash drive system for games. Would ve small, can hold lots of data, fast transfer rates and would make piracy very difficult. They're also really cheap now. It seems to tick all the boxes but obviously doesn't. Does anybody know why?"

Because they aren't really cheap even now, not compared to disc based technology.

25GB blank bluray disc costs how much? $2 each at most if bought on a cake at retail? 50GB discs cost maybe $5 each at retail at most?

16Gb flash memory costs at least $10 at retail. 32GB is at least again $15. Actually I have been extremely conservative and priced the BD discs high, and the flash memory low!

But the point is obvious. When you want to make millions of copies of the game for retail, flash memory is STILL vastly more expensive than using a disc based format. Potentially $30+ million dollars more expensive in fact, for big selling games that might require over 25GB.

It is cheaper for everyone concerned to stick with discs right now, despite the fact flash memory is seemingly cheap. Everything is relative.

SolidStoner4132d ago (Edited 4132d ago )

next Xbox should not use DVD, it has to Blu-ray, or something similar, it may be USB stick.. it will be fun when people will be forced to change 10 DVD cds for one game.. you will need to buy a suit case with DVD's not one CD case to play games... thats just stupid... In real world I dont even care.. I will chose that console which will have Gran Turismo on it!

Lvl_up_gamer4132d ago

I agree that MS doesn't have to go with Blu-Ray. There are other options available.

However, MS is looking to make the 720 be the primary media hub in the living room. I think MS will go with Blu-Ray because they want to tap into those households that have a PS3 as their blu-ray movie playback machine. MS won't be able to achieve their goal if they don't cater the the #1 HD physical media format. Sony will just come back and take market share away once again this next gen like they did this gen simply because Sony offered HD blu-ray.

MS will need to release blu-ray for their system in order to keep Sony from taking market share.

I very well expect MS to use blu-ray and MS don't give a rats butt if they have to pay royalties....they have billions and the payoff to have blu-ray on the 720 would be a much greater asset to them then to not too.

jeseth4132d ago

MS needs to go to Blu Ray. DVD reared its ugly head toward the last couple years of this gen.

Sony obviously knows it will result in a better experience overall, Microsoft needs to swallow their pride and go Blu too.

It would be embarrassing for Assassin's Creed 5 or GTA 6 to be 3 or 4 discs.

xtremeimport4132d ago

aren't you sick of multiple discs that come with the xbox? yeah thats because its on dvd and not bluray.

Next gen bluray will be faster and could be larger. For MS to even consider shipping a console without a bluray drive is maddness.

kneon4132d ago

@Trenta27

Actually it was Sony and Philips who once again collaborated to pioneer what would become bluray. Sure they have to pay their royalties like everyone else but they also get a good chunk back from what others pay.

BrianC62344132d ago

Sony must pay Microsoft for some things they use that Microsoft owns. All of these big companies work on things together, It's no big deal. I don't think Sony gets all of the royalties though anyway. A group of companies including Sony created Blu-ray.

+ Show (46) more repliesLast reply 4132d ago
Jamzluminati4133d ago

I hope MS goes all digital or sticks with DVD-8 lmfao.

showtimefolks4133d ago

sony should/will stick with bluray and improve on capacity among other things

MS either needs to add bluray or come up with a solution for disks that can hold more than 6-8GB of date.

whether people like it or not but DVD held a lot of stuff back this gen 3rd party wise. and i hope MS doesn't make the same arrogant choice again.

FlameBaitGod4132d ago

I think this is a no brainier and for those who think MS would stick with DVD's then MS would just fail, if its now and devs hold back because of the fee they get charged by MS when the exceed the DVD limit and that's on this gens graphics, just imagine how much they will be held back with the new MS console ?

b_one4132d ago

Pride and corporation? damn, it exists?

BlmThug4132d ago

I agree with MS needing to adopt Blu-ray.

r1sh124132d ago

MS could do what nintendo did with the wii-u, have their 'own' version of blu ray - i think they have 25gb wii-u discs.
MS could do the same.
THe most likely scenario is they will have blu ray

Anon19744132d ago

I certainly hope the PS4 has Blu-Ray. I don't watch Blu-Ray's all that often but when I do, my PS3 is my Blu-Ray player. It'd be nice if the PS4 stuck with the same format as well just to eliminate the need to purchase a stand alone Blu-Ray player. When the PS4/Next-box show up, I have neither the room nor the desire to have the new consoles and the old consoles hooked up to my system at the same time.

I see know reason why the PS4 wouldn't still use Blu-Ray though. It's in Sony's interests to support the format, and given the lengths they went to include it in the PS3, there's simply no way they wouldn't include it in the PS4.

Chris5584132d ago

It's ironic how a user with account name Logicwins always fails with his "logic thinking"

4132d ago
UnholyLight4132d ago

Microsoft will adopt Blu Ray. Blu Ray destroyed HD DVD and I donèt think there was much sense in Microsoft adopting Blu Ray in 2009 or something because that might have reflected badly on investors that Microsoft had given up..sort of thing.

This time around Microsoft will definitely be adding in Blu Ray without a doubt. How else can you make games for the next 6 years that will continually grow in the tech and graphics department like this gen did with the limited space of standard DVD...

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 4132d ago
aviator1894133d ago

It's a no-brainer for sony, no doubt.

It's just ms that needs to adopt it. Either that or a really good alternative but I figure that a good amount of customers are looking for blu-ray players nowadays so it's be smart of ms to include it in the next xbox.

That's just my take on the situation.

Nitrowolf24133d ago

Exactly. They don't really need to adopt it for games, i mean they could always go with something else, but I think like the HD-DVD add-on, one for the next Box supporting Blu-ray would be great (better if built in). Blu-ray is starting to progress more and more for films, every company supports it now and the machines are only getting cheaper.

TENTONGUN4133d ago (Edited 4133d ago )

why not just install compressed data like you would on a pc. problem solved, no blu ray for microsoft

Rageanitus4133d ago

the xbox fanboys made it such a big deal that quite a few PS3 games had to install minor files on the hard drive.

so now its ok to install.? Maybe

TENTONGUN4133d ago

who said i was a fanboy? i used to pc game a lil and always installed. whats the big deal? i do it on my 360 and ive had to on my ps3. alot of lil bitch babies if you ask me. people need to grow up and accept shit.

rainslacker4133d ago

Quite honestly, given that stand alone players are so cheap, it probably won't be a major issue for people picking up a console to play games. If they are looking for a central media hub for under the TV then it would be a good option, so obviously you wouldn't want to close out those people. OTOH, most stand alone players have a ton of streaming options, so the only advantage to buying a console is that it will also play games. I doubt the licensing costs are that high though, as your dealing with tens of millions of units. MS also owns the codec that BR uses, so I'm sure they have quite a bit of bargaining power.

This is the first gen Sony is coming out with a system that isn't matched to a emerging technology (CD/DVD/BR), so they won't have that advantage like they did on their previous systems. I believe their Gakai acquisition will have some part to play in that, as it's the only real emerging technology when it comes to entertainment right now.

Blu-ray is a given for Sony though, doubt it even needs to be discussed. As for MS, since they want to be the center of people's living room, it's hard to imagine they would shut out those buyers, despite stand alone players being cheaper.

Ezz20134133d ago (Edited 4133d ago )

sony will go on with Blue-ray but will make it size 100gb or they can let the 50gb as it is
only ps3 exclusives can go to 40+gb

as for MS if they didn't have something close to the size of blue-ray ,they will be in deep trouble when next gen come out

PirateThom4133d ago

I don't think they should limit anyone using the medium, if the next Xbox sticks with DVD (highly unlikely) then the multiplatform difference of multiple discs will become even more apparent than it is now.

Sony should definitely have 100GB support but, like with the PS2 allowing games on CD or DVD or the PS3 allowing 25 ir 50GB discs, allow developers to choose the best option for them and make sure they aren't penalised for using larger capacity discs. Basically, make the publishing aspect as developer friendly as possible.

_-EDMIX-_4133d ago

Agreed. And that is just NOT going to happen. Games THIS gen need that space period! GTAIV is a perfect example. This is a GTA game with just about 3 gigs more space then the last GTA game and where expecting HD graphics, physhics ALL while still having the same features....NOT possible. GTAIV proved that. GTAV will use more then 3 disk, PROOF that GTAIV was gimped for nothing more then being on 2 systems (one of which still used DVD).

Theres a reason why GT5 has over 1,000 cars and Killzone 2 has huge detailed 2gig levels.

Games get bigger not smaller. One would be just stupid to think using DVD again would be wise. (I don't think it was wise THIS gen)

Games will only continue to get bigger. Max Payne is 35 gigs, LA Noire is almost 40 I mean, you either want Next Gen or not. Having DVD is not going to give you proper sequels to Max Payne and LA Noire (just examples) ....they didn't for GTAIV.

GTAV (quote me and MARK MY WORDS) IS ONLY AS BIG, AND HAS SOOOOO MANY OLD FEATURES RETURNED BECAUSE ITS NOT USING JUST ONE DVD ie THE REASON GTAIV WAS GIMPED. i'M SORRY BUY I DON'T WANT GTAVI ON 720 IF MS WANTS TO USE DVD NO REAL GTA FAN WOULD.

Rageanitus4133d ago

I do not believe you need more than 50 gb's unless they make all games with uncompressed sound.

but dual layer Blu-ray discs will go a long way... I have not seen many PC games go beyond 50 gbs;) after install

pgnuk4133d ago

It is what made the PS3 more appetizing for consumers to buy into the high price tag, it needs to stay for the next console.

Godchild10204133d ago (Edited 4133d ago )

Why can't Mircosoft go with some different Disc type tech? Nintendo did it and their disc can hold 25GBs at minimum. So I believe Microsoft can come up with a type of disc that can hold a minimum of 25GBs as well.

They don't need to go with Blu-ray, just something that can hold a lot of information on one disc.

Sony will stick with the Blu-ray tech, I don't see a reason for them to go away with it, unless they have something better. But for now, to keep the console cost low, there shouldn't be a reason to go with a higher price tech.

Hicken4133d ago

Nintendo's isn't really that different. It's based on Blu Ray, but modified enough that it can't PLAY Blu Rays, and thus they get away with not having to pay royalties.

I imagine I'll get some disagrees for saying so, but Microsoft stands to make more money from using DVDs, on both ends.

On the developer end, they can charge more- as they do now- if the number of discs goes over a certain limit, and that's definitely gonna be happening next gen.

On the consumer end- for some games, anyway- multiple discs in a console that had a reputation for scratching discs means that even if just one disc is scratched, the consumer has to buy another copy of the game to continue. I wonder how much that has contributed to the supposed higher attach rate on 360?

TheRealHeisenberg4133d ago

"I wonder how much that has contributed to the supposed higher attach rate on 360?"

LMAO, stretch much?

kneon4133d ago

I don't think it's modified at all, they just didn't pay the royalties for the codec for video playback, just like the Wii had a DVD drive but couldn't play movies until the homebrewers got their hands on it.

It would be silly to go with an entirely new format, they would end up paying at least $30-50 more per console if they used a proprietary disk format, plus the disk manufacturing costs would be much higher.

So you take off the shelf bluray hardware with maybe some custom firmware and that's all you need.

mochachino4133d ago

Movies, Bluray looks and sounds significantly better than any stream I've seen.

LOGICWINS4133d ago

Yet streaming is more popular. What does that tell you? Being "better" means nothing if people aren't willing to pay for that better experience. For the price of a handful of Blu-Ray, I can get a Netflix or Amazon Prime sub and gain access to THOUSANDS of movies and tv shows.

Also, I can stream the majority of the movies/tv shows on the PS Store for FREE via the Internet Browser. Do I care that they aren't in HD? Nope.

Rhythmattic4132d ago (Edited 4132d ago )

"Do I care that they aren't in HD? Nope"

As for Tv shows I agree, but having a 50" Panasonic Plasma (a high end mode) and a 5.1 surround system to watch any quality Blu-Ray release, makes streaming look no better than 720p.. In most cases , worse.

So Im responding to your comment.. I care, as do many others.

ceballos77mx4132d ago (Edited 4132d ago )

I stream movies and TV shows, but those really good movies and shows I get on bluray.

But for games I live in Mexico, to download a game that's above 10 takes a couple of days, now imagine a 30+ Gb game and God knows how big next Gen games are gonna be, your crazy Logic if you think MS is going digital only.

The 360 is very popular in Mexico but not everyone had high-speed internet or even internet at all.

HammockGames4133d ago (Edited 4133d ago )

@Godchild

Valid point re: alternative disc tech (feasible)

But MS has made it clear they want to own the living room, providing entertainment any way they can. Since Blu ray is so widespread now, it seems like BR inclusion in the next MS console would be consistent with that.

That said, MS will still push video streaming, of course.

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130°

Microsoft's Absurd Antics Have Me Scared For Dishonored And Arkane Lyon's Future

With Arkane Austin no more and Lyon living for who knows how long, the superb Dishonored is in serious danger; Microsoft cannot be trusted.

Relientk771d ago

I love the Dishonored series so much and really want Dishonored 3. Microsoft better not screw this up.

JEECE21h ago

I mean, I think the fans will probably kill Arkane Lyon by cooking up reasons to hate whatever they do next without playing it. I've never seen a game so artificially disliked as Deathloop.

thesoftware73020h ago

Lol, why don't we just say, we are worried about all studios owned by MS now. They will keep closing studios until they have none left ...🙄

Skuletor17h ago

Just merge them all into a single studio, have it churn out a single Call of Duty every year and call it a day, lol.

Barlos17h ago

Don't be scared, you'll be fine.

Skuletor17h ago

It's exputer, fine is one word I would not associate with them.

Profchaos17h ago

I think it's becoming clear based on matt bootys comments there's no future for any IP that can't sell above 10 million within the launch window. But is also a small game that gives them prestige

/S it's beyond a joke right now

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290°

More Job Losses At Xbox, “There’s More To Come”: Paul Thurrott

Paul Thurrott in a recent episode commented on the on-going Microsoft fiasco hinting at more job losses and that "there's more to come".

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Sonic18813d ago (Edited 3d ago )

There won't be no more acquiring game publishers from Microsoft in the future . Xbox has to pay Microsoft back. It might take two decades to do that.

sagapo2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

I don’t understand what you’re saying. Xbox IS microsoft so there’s no “paying back “.
And MS gross profit in 2023 was over 140 billion dollars so forget your 2 decades.

Unless you mean the money MS invested in Xbox (acquisitions included) and the time it will take for xbox as a brand to gain that money back on it’s own, then yeah, that could take a while.

romulus232d ago

The better term to use might be return on investment, xbox is simply a division of Microsoft one that MS can easily do away with if profit margins are not met. So in that regard he's right, if xbox isn't showing the expected return on investment the higher ups are expecting than it's unlikely Microsoft will acquire any other studios any time soon, especially if they are spending billions buying developers just to shut them down in the end.

MrBaskerville2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Xbox is a division that they discussed shutting down but doubled down on after Gamepass was pitched.

It needs to make money at some point. Big money.

rokos2d ago

According to Statista the net income of Microsoft is about $72.4 billion dollars which is a bit lower than last year profit. That is almost as much as Activision's acquisition but I assume that would be a one off since it costs so much plus I see how their focus has been shifted to AI, thus any major future investments will probably be in that area.

Markusb332d ago

i think you are really missing the point

VariantAEC1d 19h ago

@romulus23
That is not why MS buys studios. They might continue to buy because it's about taking that sweet sweet IP out of the corporate husks of their acquisitions.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 1d 19h ago
SonyStyled2d ago

“There won't be no more acquiring game publishers from Microsoft in the future”

No bro, there do be is for Microsoft not acquiring for what is now if not what it be is 😂

2d ago Replies(2)
ChasterMies2d ago

Xbox isn’t a separate company from Microsoft. It’s all Microsoft.

Abear212d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Let’s be real, this is the media spinning all the acquisitions and liquidations of said developers and spinning it to make M$ the villain.

This was bound to happen, a bigger slice of pie and cut costs, when the games come they stand to make more and that’s their agenda—it was the writing on the wall when the sales went through and legally all those who approved the sale and mergers knew this would happen.

Snowflakes need to realize business is ugly and you can cry all you want but this is how capitalism works. And it works.

That said, M$ needs to steer the narrative and grab hold of all this, make their plans known, hype the hell out of all those dead IP’s they plan to revive, and be honest about the timeline. This is likely to involve mobile and IP on other consoles, and most people realize that.

The problem is this company is incapable of being transparent and seems to often want to dissuade and confuse is customer base. The lack of E3 has hurt Microsoft and I don’t think they know how to properly or effectively market their brand anymore.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1d 19h ago
jwillj2k43d ago

There really needs to be a class action lawsuit here. You buy these companies just to put people out of jobs. And it’s not like something happened to derail their plans this WAS the plan. Microsoft has no business in this space at all.

franwex3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Microsoft has been doing this for years. They simply want the IPs. Look at Nokia. Look at Skype. This time it simply expanded to games. Gaming is not as important to Microsoft’s executives as it was to the founders too. Bill Gates was willing to sell the og Xbox at a loss. Steve Balmer approved the red ring of death fiasco. This CEO isn’t really a gamer.

-Foxtrot2d ago

Maybe it's time though to put a stop to it and use a big giant like Microsoft as a huge example to the rest of these big companies.

There has to be a line drawn somewhere.

People like the FTC and the like went against Microsoft yet their Actvision deal was still allowed to go through yet look what's happened...it's not even Acitivisions studios aswell, it's Bethesdas.

VariantAEC1d 19h ago

Years?

Try several decades, and in the gaming space 2.3 decades.

Jon615862d ago

You do realize this happens in ALL industries? Or are you just saying this because it is Microsoft? In any case I feel for those that are being let go but the trch industry is suffering right now.

jwillj2k41d 23h ago (Edited 1d 23h ago )

This absolutely does NOT happen all the time. Let me know the last time 1 company with a terrible product track record spent 100 billion onto acquire MULTIPLE successful companies in under a year only to shut them down and stop making their products regardless of how successful they were. Not merge them, completely shut them down.

And you can’t use Microsoft in your example.

Notellin2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Class action lawsuit? The law is on their side and protects them at all costs. There are no rules to protect the people at the bottom.

jwillj2k41d 23h ago

Not true when it comes to mass layoff do your research.

RNTody3d ago

Ninja Theory, Perfect Dark, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, Wolfenstein 3, Dishonored, Prey, Doom, Quake... something tells me that bad things are going to happen to these entities under Microsoft.

MrDead2d ago

ID software, the makers of Doom and Wolfenstein that have been with us since 1991 could be gone and MS will keep the IPs.

I hope some of these studios can buy their freedom from MS otherwise this is going to be even more devastating for the industry and gamers.

Yui_Suzumiya2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

That's exactly what I'm worried about. I've been a fan of id since Wolfenstein 3D and I'm honestly afraid.

lodossrage2d ago

Toys for Bob saw the writing on the wall and bought themselves out.

Wouldn't be the first time a company did that under MS either. Bungie and Twisted Pixel did the same. Considering what just happened, I can see some other devs trying to buy themselves out too.

anast2d ago

Good thing the bosses of all those small studios made their money.

glenn19792d ago

they cant do it right now they will get burned

XiNatsuDragnel2d ago

Phil and his team need to be gone

lodossrage2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Won't make a difference.

The whole structure needs to be overhauled. Anyone that replaces Phil will be no different than him, Mattrick, or anyone else.

Until the company changes how they go about business, nothing will change

glenn19792d ago

I just don't have any idea what they would do , they have done sooo much damage on their xbox brand, they have a show at July or June I think, but will it even matter even they show amazing games, idkn

lodossrage2d ago

True,

But they may as well get it over with. Whether it happens now or later, the burning is going to hit the same.

Reality is the ONE move that can alleviate a lot of this is the one move they can't make. Remove day 1 from gamepass.

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90°

Microsoft Opening Xbox Mobile Game Store in July

The Xbox brand is expanding, as an Xbox mobile game store is opening this coming July where Microsoft will brings its "first-party portfolio."

Jin_Sakai4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

“Bond adds that they will start on the web”

This will go nowhere.

Nice knowing you Xbox. This is what happens when the house never gets cleaned.

MrDead4d ago

The only this MS is expanding is the amount of feculence it sprays on everyone who just want to enjoy gaming and make games.

The best thing MS can do for the gaming industry is leave and never return.

XiNatsuDragnel4d ago

Good luck with this even it might not succeed.

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