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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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GalacticEmpire4105d 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.

LOGICWINS4105d ago (Edited 4105d 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.

GamersRulz4105d 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.

LOGICWINS4105d 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.

iamnsuperman4105d ago (Edited 4105d 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)

bobshi4105d 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.

nukeitall4105d ago (Edited 4105d 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?

LOGICWINS4105d ago (Edited 4105d 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.

zebramocha4105d 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_WUT4105d 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 4105d ago

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

pixelsword4105d ago (Edited 4105d 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.

hazardman4105d 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.

Panthers4105d 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.

Godmars2904105d 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 Cold4105d 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.

bunfighterii4105d ago

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

soniqstylz4105d ago

Sony gets royalties from DVD as well

kwyjibo4105d 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.

ChickenOfTheCaveMan4105d 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.

ProjectVulcan4104d ago (Edited 4104d 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.

rainslacker4104d ago (Edited 4104d 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.

kneon4104d 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.

dudeOplenty4104d 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.

vitullo314104d ago

Light years better? Your smoking some terrible shit

BattleAxe4104d 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.

Riderz13374104d 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_Wolf4104d 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.

Rageanitus4104d ago (Edited 4104d 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.

cedaridge4104d 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.

Trenta274104d ago

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

Hanif-8764104d 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.

SilentNegotiator4104d ago (Edited 4104d 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.

ElectricKaibutsu4104d 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.

ALLWRONG4104d 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-4104d 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?

shutUpAndTakeMyMoney4104d ago (Edited 4104d 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_6634104d 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"

fermcr4104d ago (Edited 4104d 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.

Viper74104d 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.

dcbronco4104d ago (Edited 4104d 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.

Daoshai4104d ago (Edited 4104d ago )

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

Rockstar4104d ago

@Viper7

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

This option would also be silly.

cooksauce4104d ago

If Microsoft stayed with DVD, it would ruin the xbox

ProjectVulcan4104d ago (Edited 4104d 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.

SolidStoner4104d ago (Edited 4104d 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_gamer4104d 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.

jeseth4104d 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.

xtremeimport4104d 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.

kneon4104d 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.

BrianC62344104d 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 4104d ago
Jamzluminati4105d ago

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

showtimefolks4104d 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.

FlameBaitGod4104d 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_one4104d ago

Pride and corporation? damn, it exists?

BlmThug4104d ago

I agree with MS needing to adopt Blu-ray.

r1sh124104d 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

Anon19744104d 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.

Chris5584104d ago

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

4104d ago
UnholyLight4104d 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 4104d ago
aviator1894105d 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.

Nitrowolf24105d 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.

TENTONGUN4105d ago (Edited 4105d ago )

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

Rageanitus4104d 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

TENTONGUN4104d 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.

rainslacker4104d 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.

Ezz20134105d ago (Edited 4105d 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

PirateThom4105d 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-_4104d 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.

Rageanitus4104d 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

pgnuk4105d 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.

Godchild10204105d ago (Edited 4105d 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.

Hicken4105d 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?

TheRealHeisenberg4105d ago

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

LMAO, stretch much?

kneon4104d 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.

mochachino4105d ago

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

LOGICWINS4105d 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.

Rhythmattic4104d ago (Edited 4104d 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.

ceballos77mx4104d ago (Edited 4104d 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.

HammockGames4105d ago (Edited 4105d 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.

Show all comments (137)
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?"

purple1012d 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 ☝️

Zeref2d 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.

DarXyde2d 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.

PhillyDonJawn2d ago (Edited 2d 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.

Einhander19722d 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.

MrBaskerville2d 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.

shinoff21831d 21h 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.

Profchaos1d 20h 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 1d 20h ago
isarai2d ago

Is that why Hellblade 2 is digital only?

Zeref2d 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.

MrNinosan2d ago

Guess you're trolling, but if you actually think that's how it works, I'd recommend buying some braincells.

mkis0071d 12h ago (Edited 1d 12h ago )

Volitile vs nonvolitile data. A disc will not corrupt either. A drive can be corrupted.

Einhander19722d 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.

2d ago Replies(3)
Einhander19722d ago

Anyone remember xblig which Microsoft removed their whole 360 indie section removing hundreds of games from people?

2d ago
2d ago
Zeref2d 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.

DarXyde2d 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.

Einhander19722d 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.

Einhander19722d 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.

BehindTheRows2d ago (Edited 2d 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.

Zeref2d ago (Edited 2d 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.

Chevalier2d 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.

Tacoboto2d 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.

shinoff21831d 21h ago

Yay steam

Not everyone fks with computers though. The disc is still the best way as a console player. Period.

Tacoboto1d 18h 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 1d 18h ago
Hofstaderman2d 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?

crazyCoconuts2d 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.

Xeofate2d ago (Edited 2d 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.

crazyCoconuts1d 7h 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

FinalFantasyFanatic1d 15h 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)
280°

Sony Taps Bungie's Head of Revenue to Lead Live-Service Games

Sony has recruited Bungie's head of revenue Jaremy Rich to head up its live-service gaming division, Rich has announced on social media.

Read Full Story >>
techraptor.net
ChasterMies12d ago

Please do not put Destiny’s monetization into Sony’s first party games. The monetization is what’s driving players away from Destiny.

just_looken11d ago

The new temp boss is the sony cfo bean counter so i can see this being a thing get every penny.

Cacabunga11d ago

PlayStation officially losing it.. fans will never support gaas games

just_looken11d ago

@car

The new boss did a interview in japan he wants to tap into the mobile market like nintendio so he give 0 fucks about gamers/fans

https://www.pushsquare.com/...

Redemption-6411d ago

@Cacabunga
You only speak for you and those who think like you, but most fans will support what they want. Playstation and PC fans are literally supporting Helldivers 2 and that is a gaas. Maybe you wouldn't, but many more would if they like it.

Huey_My_D_Long11d ago

@Redemption-64
Look, Im not making any judgement calls about this guy, but I will say that Helldivers 2 GaaS model is unique to Helldivers, and legit the only other game I can think of thats similiar was the Avengers game except HD2 pass is still better.
The fact that you can earn in game currency in a way that doesnt make you feel like you have to grind forever, as well you being able work on that pass that you bought...on your own time without a time limit...that right there is fucking huge to me, and I can't name any game other than avengers that avoided trapping players with FOMO logic...I think GaaS on HD2 shouldn't be compared to the rest of the industry...it should be copied.

Einhander197211d ago

Cacabunga

Helldivers 2...

Redemption-64

In Europe it's a 60 40 split favoring PC.
In the US its a 60 40 split favoring PS5.

So PlayStation owners supported the game just fine, it's not getting carried by PC or anything like that.

FinalFantasyFanatic11d ago

@just_looken,
I'm perfectly fine with the way Nintendo entered the mobile market, I never touched their mobile games, meanwhile, the console/handheld stayed the way it is. As for being a bean counter, he's probably going to reel in these massive budgets that Sony's studios have had lately, I haven't played Spiderman 2, but I cannot see how they almost tripled the budget for that game.

@Redemption-64,
That's an exception to the rule, I'm expecting a lot of these GAAS games from Sony to fail, to be fair, they only need a few to succeed, but I would have preferred that they put more of their resources into other types of games.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 11d ago
DivineHand12511d ago

True their monetization is driving players away and at the same time, their decision to chop out content and convoluted systems is keeping new players away from the game.

Joe91311d ago

I don't think that will happen based on how things worked out at Naughty Dog now that we know what we do, seems they had the option to fully commit to live service games or stay making single player experences so they gave up on their live service game. We are not sure how things came about with Bend making a live service game but I hope that was not a forced situation. Sony doesnt seem like they are forcing studios to switch up but we will see, Sony's bread and butter is single player games it is how they dominated the console market.

Obscure_Observer11d ago

Yeah, I though Sony learned something from all their failures in the LS segment under Bungie´s disastrous leadership and supervision which led to games been cancelled, studios closed and all the people laid off.

Looks like Bungie still plays a major role in Sony´s LS initiative and Sony is not backtracking on their GaaS plans.

S2Killinit11d ago (Edited 11d ago )

Are we forgetting that Destiny is also a highly successful franchise? I feel like that definitely deserves mention here.

Besides, there is no reason why a person cant learn from past experiences.

Joe91311d ago

I agree, people act as if Destiny flopped when it came out lol it took 9 to 10 years for the numbers to fall yet people are still playing it add the success of Helldivers 2 no wonder Sony is going forward down this path.

S2Killinit11d ago

Personally, I see no problem with Sony also having service games as long as they make good ones, and more importantly they deliver the AAA story driven games that they are known for. So yeah, I agree 100% with you.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 11d ago
Christopher12d ago

I mean, this person made some pretty bad decisions at Bungie. I hope they've learned from them because I definitely don't see those type of ideas as good for PlaySation in general.

CrimsonWing6911d ago (Edited 11d ago )

Honestly, what’s to learn from? How to make people happily continuously dump money into a single game over its life-time? Buy season passes continuously for several years with a smile on our faces?

GaaS is a design decision that is everything wrong with this industry. The fact that Helldivers 2 did so well and people defend the monetization because it was $40 and is a fun game, scares the sh*t out of me to see that the door is open and all shift will probably be to replicate that in future games. We already know the ROI for traditional game dev cost isn’t doing it for them.

I thought with Jimbo leaving we’d see a change for the better… I’m not so sure now.

S2Killinit11d ago

Service games are being offered by everyone. Sony cannot afford to only create single player AAA games. No one can. They already said they will be doing both.

Abnor_Mal11d ago (Edited 11d ago )

Ps5 gamers in 2023 seemed to play more live service types of games, so regardless to how people feel about them, numbers don’t lie and Sony is going where the money is. I mean look at the excitement around Helldivers2, people are showing that they want live service games.

Christopher11d ago

They play long-time existing live service games like CoD, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Destiny 2, and the like. Mass majority of new live service games are considered failures and aren't moving gamers away from older games.

just_looken11d ago

Yep the huge issue with live service is they need paid players along with a reason to play them.

You forgot mobile market that also taps into that player base as well as the eve online style games there is only a certain amount of krakens/whales blind supporters compared to the amount of live service games we have its not sustainable math wise.

700 restaurants making food for every seat for 1000-3000 eaters just does not work out

Einhander197211d ago (Edited 11d ago )

Christopher

I am not a big live service fan and literally own zero of the games you listed, but that is not true, unless you call games that aren't the top games to be failures.

There are tons of live service games that are profitable.

Games don't have to be the biggest game ever they just need to make more than they cost.

I challenge you to show professionally prepared data that shows that more live service games fail than make enough to keep going.

Because all the data that I have seen shows that live service is less of a gamble than making a big AAA budget game which needs to survive off retail sales.

FinalFantasyFanatic11d ago

I sometimes wonder if we're at saturation point, where it's hard for a new game to join those ranks unless it's particularly exceptional, people only have so much time and money to devote to these types of games.

romulus2311d ago

Correction, they have no issue playing good live service games

shinoff218311d ago

Lol it's not even a quarter of the ps5s sold. Helldivers may have been a hit but let's not say most are enjoying it because truth is most(the real most ) don't care about it.

S2Killinit11d ago (Edited 11d ago )

I play what is fun. If a live service game is good I’ll play it as long as its not a money scheme which Helldivers is not.

And Im a single player gamer.

mastershredder11d ago

How do you kill a franchise that already been killed?
Destiny’s grind, cash-in-on-playbass-cha-Ching, and pop-culture-insertion mainstream-me-too bs totally killed any rep Bungie had. Sony/Bungie, if you are doing this to ward-off players, it’s already working.

crazyCoconuts11d ago

Headline truncated:
"... off a cliff"

Show all comments (43)
370°

Could Xbox Soon Become The Next Dreamcast?

Microsoft's future in the video game space is murky right now, so let's break it all down.

Read Full Story >>
thegamer.com
ApocalypseShadow14d ago (Edited 14d ago )

Not anytime soon. But they're on that path.

One thing not mentioned in the article is Microsoft's money bags. If Sega had Microsoft's money, they would have still been around as a hardware manufacturer. Xbox as a platform only survives because of the money bags. They can continue making consoles for the core and port to PC.

The multiplatform strategy is only the result of arrogance and misguided leadership that blew up in their face. They thought gamers would jump on Xbox in droves if they knew that many of their favorite games would be only on Xbox. But that's not happening at all. Sales didn't increase. They decreased. Why? Because the dumb asses thought giving away these expensively made games in a cheap service would also turn the tide.

Gamers on other platforms are willing to buy quality. They don't need to be handed nearly free games in a service that aren't even finished and sometimes average in their development. Gamers buy Nintendo games. They buy Sony games. Microsoft groomed their base to not buy games. Even the quality ones. It has always been their plan to go digital. But most gamers still like single player gaming. Still like physical releases.

Microsoft's problem has always been that they don't produce high quality games at the same output as Nintendo and Sony. Actually, they should be producing quite a lot more because they're worth over 2 TRILLION. How they don't have more is ridiculous and no excuse. Buying publishers to take away from competition only backfired. Because it still takes millions of dollars to continue to make those games from the publishers they snatched. Their only choice was to crawl back to their competitors to help sustain those developers because Nintendo and Sony platforms were the ones buying games.

Am I sorry for Microsoft? Hell no! They deserved last place for putting in the least effort. They deserved the fallout for buying up the industry and didn't make a single blip on the radar against their competitors where they now need those same gamers they took away games from to support them. Part of it may have been to cash in on their competition. But the result is the slow death of their platform. They may go 3rd party. They may keep making hardware. I don't give a shit about them to worry about it. I only give a shit about the destructive nature of their industry moves that only negatively affect gamers. They could sell and drop out of the industry and I wouldn't blink. Probably laugh. But not blink. They deserve whatever comes to them. At least Sega put in the effort when it came to games. They just had poor leadership. Microsoft has poor leadership and barely makes memorable games. That's a killer combination. And not in a good way.

Cacabunga14d ago

That would be an insult to Dreamcast.. it had a crazy line up of legendary critically acclaimed games.

Crows9014d ago

I was thinking the same. Dreamcast had incredible games in such a short amount of time. It was truly exceptional.

darthv7214d ago

...and yet all those great games were not enough to sway people from the looming release of the PS2 at the time. Sony just has that kind of brand loyalty.

Cacabunga14d ago

Darth

I do not agree.. Sony had even better games thanks to an unprecedented 3rd party support..
DC had amazing lineup but 90% were arcade games..

88314d ago

@darth:
And Sony showed off "The Emotion Engine" and their real time demos that made everyone think they would miss out on REAL next gen 128bit magic if they jumped in before PS2s polygon pushing monster (and early lack of anti-aliasing with a healthy heap of shimmer + DVD playback) stepped up. PS2 was a fantastic system though with amazing games.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 14d ago
blacktiger14d ago

That's not true. Just because Microsoft has the money doesn't mean Microsoft can allow xbox to bleed entire Microsoft money. It doesn't work like they. Also SEC will be watching and investor won't allow it. Lot of reasons why Microsoft can not continue even if they wanted to. SEC regulations is expensive.

fr0sty14d ago (Edited 14d ago )

Exactly this... Microsoft is a publicly traded company, mostly owned by their shareholders (Approximately 59.24% of the company's stock is owned by Institutional Investors, 7.73% is owned by Insiders and 33.03% is owned by Public Companies and Individual Investors.). Their shareholders call the shots on the business decisions, and their shareholders want one thing and one thing only, for their stock price to go up. Losses do not make stock prices go up... so if the division continually posts losses on hardware, but shows profits on software and services (which has been the case with Xbox its entire lifespan, for over 20 years now), the shareholders are going to grow impatient and demand they stop making hardware and focus on the only thing that has ever made them money, software and services.

When Microsoft bought Blizzard and Activision for almost 100 billion, I knew that was the nail in the coffin for Xbox as a console... as the shareholders were going to expect a quick return on that investment, and when it didn't materialize, they were going to be out for blood... out to force Xbox to sell those games on as many consoles as possible, "and while you're at it, sell those first party exclusives that aren't selling well on other consoles as well... hell, just stop making consoles and sell games."

If there is another Xbox console generation, it will definitely be the last, but I doubt there even will be one at this point. I think the Xbox division planning on it just in case, but I don't think the project has been greenlit from Microsoft itself. The rumors that they have not yet even secured the chips needed from the chip fabrication facilities ties into this.

shinoff218314d ago

While I usually agree with you . Alot of what was said can just also be asked before any of that.

How long will the shareholders wait? It doesn't appear long at all

Babadook713d ago

I think I get your point. Like just because MS has money does not mean they are content to throw it away on a dying ecosystem. Xbox has to be profitable or “what’s the point?”

ifinitygamer14d ago

Money bags, yes, but are we ignoring that Xbox actually makes a profit on games and GamePass? Hardware is often a loss leader, and they're probably making profit 4 years into the life cycle, but games and services revenue have been very profitable while other parts of Microsoft's business is struggling. Say what you will about the quality of those games, of course, but this is kind of a reverse Dreamcast situation, where the console was dragging down the company and put it at risk of shuttering entirely. Killing that console saved the business and allowed it to continue to make games on multiple platforms. In this case, the service is very profitable, as are the games, and they're also double-dipping into Multiplatform to extend this further, while their hardware is just sort of what they believe to be the best for gamers and their own titles (whether that is the case or not...)

fr0sty14d ago (Edited 14d ago )

The issue is, they aren't selling enough hardware to make their exclusives profitable, and now that they've bought half the gaming publisher/dev industry, they have no choice but to go third party to make a profit... and that is making their shareholders take a real close look at their hardware division under the microscope... why keep making the hardware if the software is all that is making them money, and they continually, generation after generation come in dead last with hardware sales?

Look at a game like Spiderman 2... if it had been an Xbox exclusive, with the amount it cost to develop, it would have been a huge failure... simply not enough consoles out there to sell it on. They would have been lucky to break even.

ifinitygamer14d ago

@fr0sty agreed completely, which is why they're hedging by releasing other games to multiplatform, plus they have PC to make up for the difference in a lot of ways, which is why their games are not complete money pits. It brings up the question of whether or not those exclusives would drive sales of consoles, though. Let's say Spiderman 2 was an Xbox exclusive, it would certainly have pushed console sales, though who's to say how much is anyone's guess.

fr0sty13d ago

That's why you can't rely on just one exclusive, Sony has always delivered on a wide range of solid exclusives, even this generation (even if they haven't been strong on the first party exclusives, they've made up for it with third party). They don't rely on just one "system seller", they have a portfolio of them.

13d ago
JBlaze22613d ago

ApocalypseShadow To be honest Sony has more of a chance to go 3rd party because like you said Microsoft has money, Sony does not. Sony does not have games, Only games they have come from 3rd party. Sony has been losing money for years and you. Saying Microsoft has been putting the least effort just proves you have no idea what's been going on. All Sony has done is repeat and recycle, never innovating or doing something new. All Sony has is brand loyalty nothing else and it shows.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 13d ago
LG_Fox_Brazil14d ago

Not sure about that. It's been two decades and I still think about Power Stone, Shenmue, Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Seaman and others, but I'm not sure I'll remember Xbox Series X/S games in a few years from now... Maybe I'll remember about the franchises that the Xbox brand spawned, but I don't believe that the Xbox Series lives up to the late Dreamcast or even to the Xbox name itself. I do have great memories about the 360 with Blue Dragon, Gears 2 and Lost Odyssey though

isarai14d ago

Nah, sega actually makes good games

Becuzisaid14d ago

No, Dreamcast was ahead of it's time and most still have very fond memories of it that had one. It also had some good games on it even in it's short lifespan. Xbox has none of these qualities.

Profchaos14d ago

I remember it coming out at the time in a really bad place they hit the market before the PS2 but it was during this transitional time when Sony was promoting the power of the PS2 and so many of the Dreamcast games were awesome but often third parties simply ported the PS1 version increased resolution and performance but rarely fully utilise the capabilities of the console.

I think in the end bad marketing done it in and like the GameCube so many people are fond of it now but at the time it was looked at in the lense of the day and it didn't stack up.

Personally I miss Sega in hardware they took risks that many companies won't

Becuzisaid14d ago

I never owned it, and got the PS2 right when it launched. But there were certain games it had that I was always jealous of that I didn't have access to - Sonic adventure, crazy taxi, power Stone, code Veronica, shenmue, skies of Arcadia. I always thought it was a really cool machine though. I've never heard a bad thing about it though from those that had it.

FinalFantasyFanatic14d ago

I only ever saw one Dreamcast, and that was one my friend owned, pity I never got to play it, I wonder what games he had for it?

It would be nice if some of those games got ported to modern systems.

Profchaos14d ago

Oh man sonic adventure on the Dreamcast made me so jealous as a huge sonic fan on the mega drive who also moved to PlayStation 2 I never got the chance to play it back in the day either. The Dreamcast in Australia where I am was always relegated to the smallest corner of EB Games it was kind of a strong first indicator that things were not going well at the time.

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