270°

Xbox Durango: How Microsoft Can Win Next-Gen

"With rumours swirling around about next-generation consoles, Sony’s unveiling of ‘some’ PlayStation 4 information has gotten people wondering what exactly Microsoft can do to match or surpass Sony’s new console" | Explosion.com

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explosion.com
TheLyonKing4072d ago

Depends how Microsoft sees winning.

Aside from sales even if say ps4 sells more games ms would still stay but our nexbox has more users using it for Facebook and tv etc.

In all honesty if they are still 75% about games then they still have my vote.

Sony seems very committed to and I am glad. Remember it's a games console not a multimedia device that can also play games.

aceitman4072d ago

If Sony can catch up to ms coming in a year later and Sony coming in this gen 1st or at the same time with a very good console and a good price I can't see ms winning next gen at all. If Sony says they learn there mistakes from last gen and do it right Sony can dominate strong. I'm not trolling it's just looking in Sonya's favor strongly .

The Meerkat4072d ago

Good online service with good games, thats all I need.

I opted with MS this gen because by the time Sony had games and an acceptable online I was already committed to MS.

But next gen Sony will have the online and the games working right from the start. So I'm inclined to go with Sony this time as I don't like the direction MS have taken over the last 24 months.

Skips4072d ago (Edited 4072d ago )

Sonya?

http://trickfist.com/trickf...

EDIT: I completely agree.

madpuppy4071d ago

Sonic200, that picture of Sonya looks like Dolf Lundgren on hormone therapy.

b163o14071d ago

Agreed, MS biggest downfall is the lack of original IP's. Something we all know Sony is fairly strong at. The article says MS should just make new IP's for there core gamers, but the problem with that is creating IP's is not an easy task. If it was the MS would be known for more the just Halo, Gears and Forza. It's a big financial risk to create a new IP's and know matter how well if its promoted or advertised if its a bad game it's not gonna sell. I remember MS buying up studios when the 360 first came out, but did nothing with them. I hope they can right there ship, cause we as gamers are the one who benefit, no matter which system is your choice…cheers

dcbronco4071d ago (Edited 4071d ago )

Actually Original IP that doesn't sell has been a part of Sony's struggles. It may help them this generation, but it hurt them badly last generation. People keep talking like Sony has had major success with all of their exclusives. It's the exact opposite. Most haven't done well. They were break even games or lost money. Starhawk and Twisted Metal and inFamous 2. Those games lost money.

As much as people want to hate Kinect most of those games probably made money. So last generation had nothing to do with this generation. The only effect will be on fanboys of both sides incapable of making an informed choice. Fanboys will remain loyal to a fault while rational people will be smart enough to make a rational choice.

Rational people will look at all three consoles and decide on one or the other , two of the choices or all three. They won't base their decision on myths and legends and belief that it can't be on the Internet if it isn't true.

And save the only Sony cares about gamers thing. There is a name for companies that really, reallly care about what their company is doing. Non-profits(and most of them are liars too).

4071d ago
omi25p4071d ago

Sony came first this gen? Huh, you learn something new every day.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 4071d ago
-Superman-4071d ago

It needs:
GAMES, GAMES, GAMES(EXCLUSIVE GAMES, NO KINECT GAMES)
CHEAP PRICE
FREE ONLINE

If there is a kinect, then we all know they will focus on Kinect, and then no buy Xbox 720

AngelicIceDiamond4071d ago (Edited 4071d ago )

From article:

"It looks rather obvious that Microsoft can craft games that gamers want to play."

Makes sense the idea of Mass Effect, Gears, Alan Wake last gen games like Halo and Fable.

That's why I'm not worried about MS's core offerings and where it stands. MS has established HOT selling, and brand name franchises.

What makes everyone thank they can't do it again? because of Kinect? For 2 years that was MS's strategy with 360. If MS could, they would be releasing core games along side Kinect but they can't seeing how they don't own enough studios.

With 22 new* studios 6 of them being casual that leaves 16 core studios. Unlike N4G I'm not worried about if they'll "make hardcore" games or not. That's a pretty dumb question why wouldn't they?

MS is releasing a new video game console. The hardcore are the first to listen and observe (E3) and the first one in line (retail stores) Hardcore are there thick and thin.

And clearly MS knows this.

Donnieboi4071d ago

Such strong delusion...

mistertwoturbo4071d ago

Hardware wise they need:

16 Core Intel i7-4960X Processor
32GB GDDR6 in Quad Channel
2 GTX TITAN's on the same die
2TB SSD
USB 4.0

All priced under $299.

sdrawkcab4071d ago

Boy, that escalated quickly.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4071d ago
mushroomwig4072d ago

'Integrate Kinect Properly Into Hardcore Games'

That idea alone is doomed to fail because that's not what hardcore gamers want.

OlgerO4071d ago

What? dont you like flailing your arms in front of the tv ?seems pretty hard core to me.

ALLWRONG4071d ago

You will be doing the same thing on the PS4 with the PS4's Kinect like thing.

Is the Sony camp trying to deny its existence?

CraigandDayDay4071d ago

The difference is that the Move will be used for hardcore ps4 games and the Kinect-type gameplay for games like just dance and the like.

DigitalRaptor4071d ago (Edited 4071d ago )

@ ALLWRONG

The "PS4's Kinect like thing"? You mean their next logical iterative enhancement of the PS EYE? Yeah, it was going to happen regardless of Microsoft's focus on camera-based gaming/yoga.

However, I welcome new options, but where I know it will benefit me, is that it won't be a huge focus like we know Kinect 2.0 will be for Microsoft. I like the way in which Sony treated Move, as its focus didn't supersede the reasons for which people bought the PS3 in the first place. I hope and expect that modest approach with the PS4 EYE technology, where they offer it to developers but don't force people to make things out of it. Same with the light-bar on the DS4, I expect cool options from it, but don't take away what is core to the experience.

As long as both companies have a strong core gaming presence then I don't have issues. I've heard Microsoft have formed new studios to make new IPs. As long as they're not all Kinect-based there shouldn't be a problem.

Smeagol20334071d ago

I am a hardcore gamer and I want that. Speak for yourself

stage884071d ago

= you are not a hardcore gamer.

4071d ago Replies(2)
phinch4072d ago

Don't force kinect on us, release some games, new games for gamers, I dont want to dance jump or move around my living room, i just want to get home from work, switch on my console and play a proper game

DiRtY4072d ago

Durango could cure cancer and N4G would still prefer the PS4.

SnakeCQC4072d ago

sony consoles usually allow you to do more than just gaming and are made to a better quality(my ps3 40gb fat version runs still runs quieter than my xbox 360 elite which sounds like its got lawn mower motor powering the dvd drive) and online is free m$ charging for playing online was a d*** move

doublebass24071d ago

Maybe if you really had an xbox 360 you would know by now that install games to harddrive, or usb stick-pen drive makes it way more quiter and faster than ps3 loading countrerpart!Its from a 2009 update, an now you can install 2 usb devices up to 32gb each!!Quit complaining!

p.s. cheer that you still have a functional 40gb ps3!It will soon ylod or rlod as well as mine did..Go get a slim ps3 before its 2 late!!

SnakeCQC4071d ago (Edited 4071d ago )

I've had an xbox and ps3 for some time and have a high end pc. I work; so I have money and don't rely on my parents for gifts every xmas and birthday.

i do install games but ms doesnt make it easy to change out the hdd so i fill my 120 gb quite easy ps even with the games installed its alot louder than my ps3

NukaCola4071d ago

......Folding@HOME

well...actually there buddy, it kind of...

Dilldo_4071d ago (Edited 4071d ago )

Haha well said. Don't know why this site is so infected with prepubescent ps fanboys.. It's been like that for years and I never quite found the reason

OlgerO4071d ago

Apparently we do not all have your intelligence mister Dildo

MysticStrummer4071d ago

If only more people could be as mature as you, Dildo.

Rockstar4071d ago (Edited 4071d ago )

Apparently you weren't here in 2006. As a PS3 owner at the time Sony hate was rampant and "ps fanboys" were in the minority.

The reason why "this site is so infected" may be bigger fan base?

Just guessing.

ALLWRONG4071d ago (Edited 4071d ago )

"Apparently you weren't here in 2006"

That's just an excuse, this is 2013. If you want to be taken to the past go watch "Angry Video Game Nerd".

Rockstar4071d ago

I'm not making excuses.
Just refreshing the memories of all the pots calling the kettle black.

Also...I think I will watch Angry Video Game Nerd.

PurpHerbison4071d ago

I genuinely miss the era that had the modest "to each their own" kind of sony fanboy. The current sony fanboy is just as ridiculous as the early microsoft fanboy for the 360.

mistertwoturbo4071d ago

I was here in 2006. It wasn't just PlayStation gamers that were targeted. The sheer mention of you owning a Wii over a 360 grants you 10 lashes.

Thankfully those rabid 360-only fans are gone.

Now I've also noticed the uprising of rabid PS fanboys, but they are nowhere near the mental retardation of those 360 ones.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 4071d ago
jessupj4071d ago

Maybe if MS actually release some games and stop charging for the privilege of using my own bandwidth I might actually start paying attention.

I find it funny that you find it funny that gamers don't like a console that's not focused on games.

SDF Repellent4071d ago (Edited 4071d ago )

"I find it funny that you find it funny that gamers don't like a console that's not focused on games."

LOL, do you know how embarrassing that comment is. Outside of Twisted Metal and Sony Smash brothers, what titles that was on the PS3 last year that Xbox 360 owners don't have the option to buy? Oh yes, there was also Halo 4 and Forza Horizon too.

4071d ago
SDF Repellent4071d ago

@Tiqila,

LOL, if you are referring to the free games on PS +, you do know it is not free right? Those Free games are only available to you while you have a valid subscription, if it is canceled, you are S.O.L. How do I know? Because I had used the service before, have you?

saint_seya4071d ago

SDF, idk MAYBE journey, that won more awards than forza and halo 4 #guess u decided to forget that game ;)

DigitalRaptor4071d ago (Edited 4071d ago )

With a name like SDF Repellent, it really goes to show that when it comes down to it you're really a huge fanboy, and it exposes your insecurities.

In relation to your comment, it's not fine to ignore that Microsoft ACTUALLY charge you to use your own bandwidth. P2P connectivity. Heard of it? Obviously not. Nothing embarrassing about exposing Microsoft on that part.

What other titles you say? I say LittleBigPlanet Karting, Starhawk, Sorcery, Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One, Yakuza: Dead Souls, Tales of Graces f, MLB 12: The Show, Jak & Daxter/Ratchet & Clank HD (old games, still options for PS3 gamers), The Unfinished Swan. Let's not forget the game of the year Journey which, as a downloadable title, beat out many big names - even Halo 4.

However, what we're talking about here, is Microsoft doing the same thing as they did with the original Xbox, which is dropping support. After the spin-off Gears game, what's on the horizon for the 360? Exactly.

PS3: Ni no Kuni, Sly Cooper, God of War, The Last of Us, Beyond: Two Souls, Tales of Xilia, Kingdom Hearts 1.5 Remix, Dust 514, GT6. Perhaps The Last Guardian and FF Versus XIII.

360: Gears of War Judgement.

Hmmmmm, yeah..

4071d ago
StreetsofRage4071d ago

LilBigPlanetKarting? LOL!

You just made yourself look like a fool with that one. Just cuz sony has more exclusives doesn't mean it's any good. The games you mentioned nobody wanted. All Stars? LMAO! Get out of here with that mess. Didn't even crack the top 50 in software sales the first month. Like I always say....

The 360: Quality
The Ps3: Quantity

Can't wait for Gears Judgement. BTW, Ni No was a good game. First game I bought since Uncharted 3. And by from all those exclusives that you mentioned...I'm not the only one that skipped those games judging them by sales.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 4071d ago
MysticStrummer4071d ago (Edited 4071d ago )

That cure for cancer would only be available with a XBL Gold account.

Speaking of curing diseases, did 360 ever have anything like Folding@home? The app has been removed from PS3 now, but it was available for 6 years.

http://folding.stanford.edu...

lol @SDF "what titles that was on the PS3 last year that Xbox 360 owners don't have the option to buy?"

You are truly representative of your chosen online community, SDF. On behalf of PSN, thank you for staying with XBL.

MariaHelFutura4071d ago

People around here are so insecure.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4071d ago
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200°

Microsoft Seemingly Closes Bethesda France

As part of its plans to cut 1,900 jobs, Microsoft has reportedly shut down operations at Bethesda France, letting go roughly 15 people

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insider-gaming.com
Hereandthere5h ago

Microsoft should have left them stay 3rd party

GamerRN3h ago

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

Barlos25m ago

Yeah, they're also jobless.

PassNextquestion5h ago(Edited 5h ago)

Bethesda France was made up of roughly 15 people... they couldn't of being doing much

Bethesda France mainly did publishing and marketing within the region

blacktiger3h ago

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

Profchaos5h ago(Edited 5h ago)

Bethesda France focused on publishing and marketing in the region. And 15 people lost their jobs as part of the closure.

I wonder if this is part of Microsoft's strategy to abandoned physical media or possibly gamepass advertising makes their roles redundant you don't need to market a game as hard when the majority of players get the game as part of a sub which already promoted upcoming games

Tacoboto4h ago

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

Profchaos4h ago

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

Yi-Long1h ago

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

XiNatsuDragnel3h ago

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

Profchaos2h ago(Edited 2h ago)

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

TheColbertinator3h ago

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

Show all comments (14)
110°

Sony Could Increase Your Game's Difficulty If It Sees You Complain About It

Sony has recently published a new patent that wants to dynamically handle the games' difficulty and gameplay based on the player's emotions.

jznrpg6h ago

This is something I might use. Sometimes I play some good games but they don’t have difficulty option and are a little too easy.

Profchaos5h ago

Souls games will be like that players struggling make it harder

PassNextquestion5h ago(Edited 5h ago)

I think if used correctly it could work well

jambola1h ago

cool idea
cool idea for horror games especially
the way it's explained here sounds like it could never be forced hopefully, so that's ok with me

Show all comments (6)
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?"

purple10111d 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 ☝️

Zeref10d 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.

DarXyde10d 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.

PhillyDonJawn10d ago (Edited 10d 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.

Einhander197210d 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.

MrBaskerville10d 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.

shinoff218310d 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.

Profchaos10d 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 10d ago
isarai11d ago

Is that why Hellblade 2 is digital only?

Zeref10d 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.

MrNinosan10d ago

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

mkis0079d ago (Edited 9d ago )

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

Einhander197211d 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.

11d ago Replies(3)
Einhander197211d ago

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

11d ago
11d ago
Zeref10d 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.

DarXyde10d 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.

Einhander197210d 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.

Einhander197210d 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.

BehindTheRows10d ago (Edited 10d 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.

Zeref10d ago (Edited 10d 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.

Chevalier10d 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.

Tacoboto10d 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.

shinoff218310d ago

Yay steam

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

Tacoboto10d 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 10d ago
Hofstaderman10d 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?

crazyCoconuts10d 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.

Xeofate10d ago (Edited 10d 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.

crazyCoconuts9d 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

FinalFantasyFanatic10d 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)