420°

If rumor is true, the next Xbox gives a big middle finger to gamers not wanting always-on gameplay

I'm boiling over with anger right now. If the rumor report by Kotaku today is true, there's going to be a lot of gamers just as angry as I am. Kotaku reported that two of their sources are saying the next Xbox, codenamed Durango, will be an always-online system.

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gamezone.com
TheLyonKing4049d ago

I think ms are doing that to gamers right now! This past year and a bit has been a snoozefest.

This always online is going to suck for a lot of places in the Middle East or any remote area in western countries! I hope it isn't true.

4049d ago Replies(9)
sengoku4049d ago

don't explode just yet, M$ have said nothing yet!

_-EDMIX-_4049d ago

???? Are we still trying to get folks to believe that? LOL! Look its all but confirmed to be true. Can you even name a console that has released these past 10 years that NOTHING was leaked about prior to announcement?

The same sources that have leaked PS4....are leaking this same damn system. To say its a "rumor" or "fake" is just down right stupid. At this point, I'm taking it as a damn fact. As to weather or not MS want to keep it in due to all the negative press is really up to them, but Kotaku is pretty much saying those new devkits HAVE IT IN! ie 720 will STILL have this always on DRM.

Too many sources are saying the same damn thing. Buddy....its true.

sengoku4049d ago

i'm just saying everybody should take it easy man.
true or false, nothing has been announced so it's still 50%/50%
i can see it happening but that doesn't mean it will.

BabyTownFrolics4049d ago

Rabid fanboys up in here they smell blood there is no room for reason

Cam9774049d ago

Haha! Xbox fanboys boast about their "superior" online service, yet when a rumour details MS' plans to take that a step forward they complain?!? Right... Enjoy hanging on threads with those remarks.

dedicatedtogamers4049d ago (Edited 4049d ago )

If anyone can convince their followers to believe that always-on DRM is a good thing, it would be Microsoft.

"Okay, so HD-DVD failed, but at least we have Netflix!"
"Okay, so RRoD is widespread and horrible, but at least we have the warranty!"
"Okay, so the warranty can sometimes take weeks to get me a new sytem, but at least it was free!"
"Okay, so all of our games are going multiplatform, but at least we have...multiplatforms!"
"Okay, so we have to pay for online that is free everywhere else, but at least we have cross-game chat!"

From overpriced hardware and wi-fi antennas, to unwanted changes to the dashboard, to a steep drop in exclusive support, to a massive shift over to casual gaming with Kinect, the 360 loyalists have never failed to make excuses for Microsoft.

And no one can dare say "Sony and Nintendo fanboys do that, too". No. The only fanboys on the same level of denial are Apple cultists. The Sony crowd ate humble pie for years while PS3 played catchup and while PSP (and now Vita) were the 2nd-place handheld. Nintendo fans ate humble pie as the Wii's library continued to be devoid of compelling, hardcore games for years and years. At least they'll acknowledge the shortfalls of their preferred company.

Besides, Persona 2 taught me that The Joker always makes rumors come true.

Gazondaily4048d ago

"The Sony crowd ate humble pie for years"

Haha you have got to be kidding me. Lol I'm sorry but your post was just ridiculous. And let me show you why:

Sony exec said, get two jobs or work overtime to buy our console. You swallowed any pride and said okay. Sony said their device wasn't a dedicated gaming machine but an entertainment device. Sonys last minute attempt to copy Nintendo came up with the SixAxis but you defended it. For all its cost it couldn't do basic voice chat like the old Xbox could but you said it's okay, we have Skype. The complex CELL architecture meant most third party games ran better on the Xbox than the console you were supposed to get two jobs for, but you said, oh developers are lazy, they are to blame (and now Sony has done a u-turn and you're happy). Mandatory installs made the console import the worst aspect of Pc gaming into console gaming but you said, oh go make me a sandwich and do something else for 10 minutes (now Sony made a concerted effort to make gameplay instantaneously and you rejoice).

Sony fans never ate humble pie (not the ones here that's for sure). Sony was supposed to crush its opponents when it came into its stride remember? But that clearly didn't happen. Sony fans on this site are the worst:
:
Sony against MS: Lol Kinect- you have no exclusives but forget about a generation that had an unprecedented third party presence in the industry. Then you scoff at the (admittedly few) exclusive MS has desperately trying to downplay the likes of Forza, (where all of a sudden review scores are mired in conspiracy) Gears and Halo (the latter of which Sony still hasn't got an answer for). MS came up with achievements? Oh they basically copied some obscure game that had that (clearly not understanding the nature of the feature or making excuses not to give credit where credits due)

Sony vs Nintendo: 'Lol look at the weak specs. Oh and same old ip's lol. No one wants Mario 100'. Yeah okay kids. Just look at the sheer quality of Mario 64 or Galaxy. And look at the qualitity of the Zelda titles. Nintendo are always at the forefront of innovation but no, the raw tech specs are all many fanboys, especially Sony ones, are what the are concerned with. Which amusingly, leads us to:

Sony vs PC: 'lol no one has money for a $2,000.00 PC because that is the money you require to get a decent gaming computer. Oh and Killzone still looks better than your games'

Where does this superiority complex come from in Sony fans? I'm most likely to game primarily on the PS4 but the attitudes of Sony fanboys as a whole, and I'm talking about the majority on here, not the usual trolls is just plain moronic. You tout the importance of games so much but seldomn act like gamers, bullying others with your hypocrisy and ill informed, sensationalist garble.

Take this article for example. It's just a rumour. Are you forgetting the rumours about blocking used games before Sony unveiled the PS4? Remember how Sony said nothing before the unveiling? Apply the same standards here.

Maybe Persona should have taught you that a Joker with an agenda wants rumours to be true.

lastofgen4049d ago

this always online rumor began with-- the dev got durango devkits that required an always-online connection so that they could always remain verified/secured and be given instant and up-to-date updates for the kit.

this always online thing probably has nothing to do with the final product.

Freedomland4048d ago

What's wrong with always online, if you don't like it, don't buy it because Microsoft like their product this way, so be it.
Ok by me.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4048d ago
GalacticEmpire4049d ago (Edited 4049d ago )

Are there any gamers that WANT always on DRM?

Whether you believe all publicity is good publicity or not, the rampant negative press towards the Xbox 3 is having an adverse effect on gamers perceptions of Microsoft as a gaming company.

4049d ago Replies(7)
xander707694049d ago

Well it shouldn't be causing negative perceptions towards Microsoft because Microsoft hasn't said a peep yet. As far as I'm concerned this is all speculation and until Microsoft officially confirms or denies rumors I'll reserve my anger and perceptions.

It would be nice if Microsoft would just set the record straight now instead of staying silent, but at the same time Microsoft doesn't have to make a public announcement every time people start spreading rumors. No company does.

If Microsoft does require always online connection, they will definitely lose a customer right here though. There is no way I will purchase that, simple as that. I own a ps3 and Xbox 360, I love my 360 and I hope to get the ps4 and nextbox, but if rumors come true I'll be sticking with Sony exclusively.

GalacticEmpire4049d ago

Sadly, those who are patient and open minded enough to hold off judgement are the minority. MS's silence is only hurting the situation if anything, like the article states,

"...if it wasn't true, why wouldn't Microsoft just squash it now so that there's not a negative connotation surrounding their next Xbox?"

rainslacker4049d ago

Good question. Maybe the people that are OK with the idea can tell us what compelling reason there is for an always-online connection on a game console. I'll even concede before hand that we don't have all the facts. I'm just talking hypotheticals, and people are free to speculate on the meaning of a required always-on connection. For this hypothetical, I say that it is required to play your games...as in not optional. Further, if your connection goes down, your system is useless. I'll await some positive answers.

4049d ago Replies(1)
Rusty5154049d ago

I highly disagree. With this new Xbox 720 feature, it gives Microsoft the upper-hand against their competitors concerning video game piracy. This is a really smart business move on Microsoft's part. ...said no one ever.

TKCMuzzer4049d ago

It's a valid point. But forcing people to have an internet connection to play single player games is not the answer. Many people don't want to be constantly connected by 'choice' and that's the key word. On another note I know plenty of people who bought a second 360 because of how easy it is to mod and get copied games for, I should imagine around the world that tallies up.
Microsoft need to be careful, they have not really been great in the last couple of years as they seemingly distance themselves from the core gamer.
They will need a good showing, good games and most importantly something different with Xbox live, because paying just to play online won't be enough next time round.

This is my opinion, I got rid of my Xbox 360 due to Microsoft's dogged stance on Xbox live. I could not even play multiplayer demo's without a Gold account, demo's, that's ridiculous. Sony offered so much more for £40 a year and in these times that's were my money goes and a long way with that.

I'm interested to see what happens next....

Gimmemorebubblez4048d ago

Sony filed a patent for antipiracy offline software which measures the load times on the blu-ray disk.

pete0074049d ago

future is allways on line, my pc is allways online, my iPhone is allways onlime, my dog is allways online, i am allways online, see the matrix and youll find out where will we be in the future!!! lol

clintagious6504049d ago (Edited 4049d ago )

Thats not the problem. The real problem is NOT EVERYONE has internet. MS will be leaving out alot of consumers with this do to having to be online just to play your game. Us gamers who have internet is a small percentage of potential buyers. MS should just come out & get rid of these rumours.

IronFistChinMi
So your telling me that sum users dont have a 2nd account? Get real bruh. Also the user base is smaller then u think due to rrod. Same can be said bout the any other system.

IronFistChinMi4049d ago

That's BS. Microsoft have 40 million+ subscribers to Live, they've sold over 70 million 360's. How is that a small percentage of gamers with internet?

TKCMuzzer4049d ago

@IronFistChinMi
But that means by your maths there could be nearly 30 million 360's not online, that's 30 million possible game purchasers, that's a lot of revenue. Even 10 million would be a big loss.

I agree it's not a small percentage of gamers as the above suggested but Microsoft would risk losing many customers and ironically it's more likely to be the casuals who we know they are trying to attract.

IronFistChinMi4049d ago

@TKCMuzzer Microsoft pull in close to a billion dollars per year through Live; http://kotaku.com/5581839/x...

Microsoft won't be making a lot of money from those gamers who don't use Live, so they probably deem it worth the risk. I don't think it's a good idea, but they'll turn a profit regardless.

IronFistChinMi4049d ago (Edited 4049d ago )

@clint See my link above. Cold, hard numbers man. 2nd accounts doesn't matter when the money pours in like that.

As for your smaller user base theory, provide numbers. My launch 360 died December 2008 after a 1.5 years, got a free replacement 9 days later. Refurbished 360's don't count towards Microsoft's sales figures.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4049d ago
4049d ago
rainslacker4049d ago

The difference is, that's your choice. Not everyone chooses the same, or even has that choice. Mandatory is just the wrong way to go, but optional is perfectly fine, and it's even what many do now.

Also by your comment it seems that you can truly state that you are online 100% of the time. Never has your internet gone down. Never have you had to wait hours or days when your ISP decided to do something, or the servers that run your precious games haven't gone down or been hacked.

Future is not always online. No more than it is F2P or digital distribution. Stop accepting things blindly just because you think it doesn't affect you. Look at everything from a consumer standpoint, because eventually something will affect you and you will feel exactly like many people do now over the very thought of this rumor.

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300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

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twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest5d ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN5d ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan5d ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor4d ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic4d ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv724d ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts4d ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares5d ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv725d ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka5d ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion5d ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer5d ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow15d ago (Edited 5d ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer4d ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

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news.xbox.com
bionicstar5d ago

Will they show Fable 4, Stalker 2, GoW 6 & Perfect Dark?

PhillyDonJawn5d ago

Crossing fingers for Fable and perfect dark. And State of Decay 3

RaidenBlack5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

And maybe Clockwork Revolution, South of Midnight, Contraband, Project 007 & OD? lol
and whatever happened to Everwild ?
+ that rumored Wu Tang RPG

Sonic18815d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast5d ago

Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming.

5d ago
Lightning775d ago

It's an Xbox showcase that they have every year.

Make smarter comments for once.

anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole4d ago

@Anast
Anything you didn't type. Good day sir!

5d ago
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5d ago Replies(1)
Lightning775d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

5d ago
anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

"Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming."

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning775d ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast5d ago

You don't know what a smart comment is or isn't. You're welcome for the help.

Lightning774d ago

No you said something dumb then you tried to back track and mention GP.

Again make smart comments for once.

anast4d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 4d ago
darthv725d ago

Wonder if they will address the handheld rumors....?

jimb0j0nes5d ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

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290°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

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theverge.com
darthv7210d ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle9d ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic18819d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio9d ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning779d ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga9d ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

darthv729d ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

neutralgamer19928d ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff21839d ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga9d ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan9d ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit9d ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus239d ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv729d ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

Chevalier8d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan8d ago

@chevalier

It looks like made a great purchase. Much better then Sony buying Bungie. 😉
Cheers

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 8d ago
purple1019d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos9d ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

DOMination-9d ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac9d ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple1019d ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic9d ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead9d ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

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