340°

Deal with it: Microsoft employee tweets aren’t hurting the next Xbox, silence is

Sony’s PlayStation 4 messaging has been blessedly simple, compelling, and on point. The system will be easy on developers due to its PC-like architecture, the company is breaking down barriers to allow smaller developers to release their games on the PS3, PS4, and Vita, and patches and game updates will be easy to apply and download in the background.

The PlayStation 4 seems to be a system that’s built for the future, and its design will make things easier on both gamers and developers. It’s no wonder the system has been gaining traction in the court of public opinion.

Microsoft, on the other hand, has been silent. The rumors are swirling that the system will require an always-on Internet connection, and Microsoft creative director Adam Orth’s recent tweets in support of an always-on console didn’t do the company any favors. His account is now protected, but damn near every blog and news outlet have already repeated his statements about people needing to “deal with” systems that are always online.

Read Full Story >>
penny-arcade.com
clintos594039d ago

My thing is if this is true will microsoft be able to stop it like if the system was built for the purpose of being connected all the time? Or they just trying to see how the consumer & media react to it & debunk it whenever they decide to do so?

Godmars2904039d ago

This is the same mentality which caused them to integrate IE into Windows: make it required and embed its necessity upon the consumer. Make it the first browser most people use even though its one of the lowest rated.

Or in the case of Xbox3, make online required, get people to get gold XBL subscriptions.

Its also what they're doing with Kinect. Integrate it so that it doesn't matter whether it actually works or functions with all games. That they further plan to use it for advertising, to monitor customers so they can make money from ads, is just another thing to MS's benefit at the likely expense of Xbox owners.

darthv724039d ago (Edited 4039d ago )

in this day and age we have seen how easy it is for someone, anyone, to pass themselves off as someone else on the internet.

These rumors are just that...rumors. They are being given weight because people are not thinking clearly but interpreting them as if they are in fact true.

the key words to think about here: "Microsoft, on the other hand, has been silent." so wouldnt it be more logical to wait for the official word from the executives of the company than to believe rumors that were started to 'possibly' gauge public awareness? Or flat out see how far they can fool the public into believing them.

It's almost as if people forgot how the internet works and really believe "you can't put anything on the internet that isn't true" just like that insurance commercial.

Why o why4039d ago (Edited 4039d ago )

Why didnt greenberg just kill the rumour he woke up to address? You dont know the guy right......................... .. ....yeah...ok but what about what he said....any words on that greenberg.

Godmars2904039d ago

That's the argument.

And I'm sure its been pointed out many a time how MS instantly shut down the rumor of Halo 3 going to PC.

Also, your comment does not address mine.

I was on about what and why MS have done what they've done in the past and how it relates currently. Didn't even say anything about rumors.

g2gshow4038d ago (Edited 4038d ago )

if you're government said we are going to put a video camera in your home an make you pay for it what would you say?

where's?? the petition they did it to epic, valve even for a simple game dmc but when it's something of real important's. gamer's just cry an do nothing makes me sick how dumb an stupid gamers are fight about a game mascot b.s. you think M.S cares about how you feel or respects you as a person they wouldn't even want to be in a room with any of you they see you as fool's dumby cash cow's
another thing to all you stoner's people with gun's an women who like to walk around you'r home naked , mom's an dad's with kids do you really want someone watching what you do. when you are playing you'r game or listing to you'r every word you say. i didn't know video games had to be apart of my real life an family didn't know gaming was so important an trust me when i tell you you're box will get hacked an people will be watching you including the law fu%&# fools ill just turn it off or point it at the wall real smart but something your afraid to have in you'r home

Godmars2904038d ago

The camera is like a landmine: its only going to be noticed when its stepped on.

If and when someone hacks the camera, and that then gains enough public notice, only then will it become the concern it should be.

And even then MS will be there with spin and damage control.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4038d ago
AngelicIceDiamond4039d ago

I was starting to think the same thing. MS's Getting the community all riled up, and then they might announce the console out of no where. A console announce could be underway.

Again, I think MS is just trying to blindside people right now for whatever reason.

T24039d ago

Id have to say at this point that seems like a bad idea. The sooner they get real, positive info out the better for them... But I could definitely see them charging 199 for the console with a required 2-3 yr xbl gold subscription... People fall for simple tricks. Look at cellphone contracts.

MariaHelFutura4039d ago

What's all this fuss about? Sorry, my internet was down. :}

adorie4039d ago

Seriously, MariaHelFutura, My net was down for 10 mins and I had an angry body here ranting about how he can't keep track of his stocks. :T

Verizon FIOS, 25 down/5 up.

Ezz20134038d ago (Edited 4038d ago )

ohhhh, i see what you did there.
you smart devil ;)

Heavenly King4039d ago

I really think this is the case, because M$ cant be that stupid.

Yi-Long4039d ago

... haven't you seen them releasing Windows 8, a tablet/phone OS on laptops/desktops!?

What about the last 3-4 years, where their focus for the 360 has been on dashboard apps and Kinect-games!?

MS is being run by idiots nowadays. Sadly, cause I loved the original Xbox and I loved my 360 the first bunch of years of it's existence. It's disappointing to see the decisions they've been making.

4038d ago
Nilemonitors134038d ago

All I know is that if this is true, and people still buy the new xbox, it'll prove that people will let anything or anyone stomp all over them, let us Ps fans enjoy our console, and let xbox people "enjoy theirs" there's only so much we can do to warn them to avoid M$ dirty business practises, in time they will realise their mistake, stubbornness cannot be cured. Let's only care for our future as gamers and support our company.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4038d ago
Sandmano4039d ago (Edited 4039d ago )

Well if It will stop the pirates then I understand why they are doing this. Although this will cause many other problems, possibly outweighing the problems their solving by doing this...

Cirran4039d ago

This wont stop pirates. This will just make them more eager to pirate the console and make it so you can play offline. Just like with Sim City.

kostchtchie_4039d ago (Edited 4039d ago )

pirates? ha ha this or any other DRM is not to stop pirates, you think games cant be cracked? steam games get cracked, d3 is playable offline, you can play Sim city offline

DRM does nothing but hurt legit players, while pirates play the FULL VERSIONS of the game, rather than the crap developers spew out to legit gamers with pre order bonuses across multiple versions, DLC, and all the other crap they push

but so long as there are people like you out there that think DRM is good, they will always get away with DRM

Sandmano4039d ago

I didn't say I agree with DRM I'm totally against it but like I said If their trying to make it harder for pirates I understand.

guitar_nerd_234038d ago

@kostchtchie_

I gave you a bubble. Spot on, totaly agree.

ziratul4038d ago

They will never stop pirates, that is not possible.

SonyPS3604038d ago

Stopping pirates should never be at the cost of paying consumers.

Unlimax4038d ago

This won't stop the pirates , It will stop you from even playing YOUR OWN GAMES !

http://i.minus.com/ibwI1puh...

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4038d ago
solidworm4039d ago Show
GribbleGrunger4039d ago

MS have responded:

"We are aware of the comments made by an employee on Twitter. This person is not a spokesperson for Microsoft, and his personal views are not reflective of those of the company. We have not made any announcements about our product roadmap, and have no further comment on this matter."

http://www.gameinformer.com...

No denial of the always online policy ... It could be happening folks.

Jek_Porkins4039d ago

If they denied it, it would be an announcement for the next Xbox, Microsoft doesn't want to announce it yet. Do people not understand that they haven't actually admitted to their being a new Xbox on the way?

I know the hardcore, forum going gamer's all know about it, but the regular Joe Blow gamer's probably don't have a clue. I am sure Microsoft wants the Xbox 360 to sell as well as possible until they are ready to unveil the Xbox 720.

The fact that they came out and said some guy doesn't speak for them tells me that they are probably ticked off a bit at the rumors, but getting forced into announcing a console due to negative rumors probably isn't what MS wants and I don't blame them.

despair4039d ago

lmao you beat me to it.

monkey6024039d ago (Edited 4039d ago )

I can tell you from working in retail that these 'regular joe blow' gamers are talking about the ps4 and next Xbox. They are also keyed in on all the latest rumours. I reserve judgment personally until an announcement as should everybody else but if there is truth to these rumours the Durango is dead before its born. As impatient as I am I wish Microsoft would give us something already, there is a market for next gen as people seem eager, and Sony are getting a strong foothold with being first in line.

Edit: This was in reply to jek porkins. While I agree with the rest of your post, I think you underestimate the common market and the interest in the next gen jump

brave27heart4039d ago

A simple "We're not considering always on internet connection for any upcoming hardware" kills the rumour without confirming the next xbox exists.

lastofgen4038d ago

I've given up trying to convince reason with internet folks.

Apparently, rumors = truth, opinion = truth, apology without confirmation = makes it worse.

People just don't respond to reason anymore.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4038d ago
despair4039d ago

They haven't even said they had a new console coming, everyone knows its coming but how can they say the console they haven't revealed isn't online only, especially in a response to asinine comments by a low tiered employee.

Ezz20134038d ago

like what brave27heart said
" "We're not considering always on internet connection for any upcoming hardware""

nothing wrong in saying that

Arai4039d ago

They could easily change it with a firmware...IF they want to.
Whatever the case people will still buy the console.
If RROD several times didn't stop them then I don't think something like this will.

We'll see in some years how good/bad this strategy has/will be for them.

clintos594039d ago (Edited 4039d ago )

Well thats why microsoft is no push over. Money talks & even though I dont like seeing them have their way with consumers but we cant stop them just like u said even with rrod & subscription fees to play online people will still buy it.

4039d ago Replies(4)
Show all comments (74)
230°

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

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

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv7219h 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.

solideagle6h ago

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

Sonic18814h ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio3h 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:

Cacabunga6h 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.

shinoff21835h 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.

Cacabunga4h 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

itsmebryan20m 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

purple1019h ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos8h ago

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

XBManiac8h ago

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

SimpleDad7h ago(Edited 7h 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.

purple1017h ago

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

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos6h ago(Edited 6h 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

Kornholic5h ago

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

Show all comments (25)
150°

Sony Patents To Prevent You From In-Game Harassment By Reading Your Emotions

A new patent recently published by Sony wants to gather biometric data of gamers to track whether one is being harassed using AI tools.

Profchaos1d 9h ago (Edited 1d 9h ago )

I hope this is one of those patents that never comes to fruition.

I already dislike the fact you can pay a significant amount for a online service buy associated games and content on said service and get banned from that service over potentially a misunderstanding the bans are already handed out for flimsy reasons

I'd rather see money invested in a ban that simply removes the offensive players ability to communicate with unknown players allow them to continue party chats with friends but not with Joe blow on cod.

exputers1d 5h ago

Agreed. Blizzard recently banned a college Overwatch 2 player who's dependent for saying "shit." Pretty harsh.

Profchaos14h ago(Edited 14h ago)

How rediculas really. You can't say a word that's allowed in most PG films and prime time TV but the game is based around killing the enemy team using guns, explosives etc.

It's just backwards.

just_looken16h ago

What your talking about is called block list

In 2006 a spaceship dropped of the playstation 3/xbox 360 i say that that generation was the last great gen with game functions/tech that has yet to comeback

Anyhow the playstation 3 if you block listed a id they could not talk to you in chatroom with either text or voice. But that was pre mind fucked 2018 when people were more human than sheep.

But hey gta 6 is coming out billion dollar budget without a single player custom character creator and without singeplayer coop off/online something saints row 1-3 had on the xbox 360.

z2g1d 1h ago

Take my social security and bank account numbers too! Here’s a picture of my wife and our address.

phoenixwing1d 1h ago

Cmon where's the pictures of your children. Don't hold out on them.

H91d 1h ago

At this rate I feel Sony will eventually sell a room to play games in it where they can monitor your every breath

jambola21h ago

I genuinely get a bit worried sometimes when a friend says something that could be offensive In a party
Because I have no trouble believing some bans would happen when in a private party for saying something wrong

SegaSaturn6691d ago

I want them to censor erotic content by measuring my groin temperature so i dont get too distracted while playing black ops 2.

Popsicle1d ago

Terrible idea. Not only do I not consent to providing my biometric data, the potential for mishandling biometric data is almost a certainty. Positive stress and negative stress can produce similar changes in biometrics. Interpreting the precise emotion a person is feeling is not only invasive but could be easily misconstrued. I hope this never comes to fruition.

Show all comments (14)
300°

Microsoft Seemingly Closes Bethesda France

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

Read Full Story >>
insider-gaming.com
Hereandthere1d 16h ago

Microsoft should have left them stay 3rd party

GamerRN1d 14h ago

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

Barlos1d 11h ago

Yeah, they're also jobless.

GamerRN1d 4h ago

They can form a company if they want, they are just as jobless as if "Microsoft had left them as 3rd party".

peppeaccardo1d 6h ago

"MIcrosoft leaves Bethesda do what they know how to do best" ... close! Oh the irony ....
(Citation from a week old article)

ChasterMies1d 2h ago

I think Microsoft and other game publishers are letting people go because they think ai will replace them. Doesn’t matter how much profit they make. They were always going to be let go.

PassNextquestion1d 16h ago (Edited 1d 16h ago )

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

Bethesda France mainly did publishing and marketing within the region

blacktiger1d 14h ago

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

Mr Logic1d ago

What a stupid thing to say. The elites give 0 fucks what we say on an obscure website in the comments section.

Crows9023h ago

You can always reach out and give them jobs at your company man. Don't wait

Profchaos1d 16h ago (Edited 1d 16h ago )

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

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

Tacoboto1d 15h ago

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

Profchaos1d 15h ago

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

Yi-Long1d 12h ago

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

XiNatsuDragnel1d 14h ago

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

Profchaos1d 13h ago (Edited 1d 13h ago )

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

TheColbertinator1d 14h ago

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

Show all comments (21)