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.

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penny-arcade.com
clintos594037d 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?

Godmars2904037d 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.

darthv724037d ago (Edited 4037d 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 why4037d ago (Edited 4037d 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.

Godmars2904037d 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.

g2gshow4036d ago (Edited 4036d 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

Godmars2904036d 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 4036d ago
AngelicIceDiamond4037d 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.

T24037d 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.

MariaHelFutura4037d ago

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

adorie4037d 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.

Ezz20134037d ago (Edited 4037d ago )

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

Heavenly King4037d ago

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

Yi-Long4037d 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.

4036d ago
Nilemonitors134036d 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 4036d ago
Sandmano4037d ago (Edited 4037d 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...

Cirran4037d 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_4037d ago (Edited 4037d 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

Sandmano4037d 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_234037d ago

@kostchtchie_

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

ziratul4036d ago

They will never stop pirates, that is not possible.

SonyPS3604036d ago

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

Unlimax4036d 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 4036d ago
solidworm4037d ago Show
GribbleGrunger4037d 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_Porkins4037d 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.

despair4037d ago

lmao you beat me to it.

monkey6024037d ago (Edited 4037d 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

brave27heart4037d ago

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

lastofgen4037d 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 4037d ago
despair4037d 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.

Ezz20134037d ago

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

nothing wrong in saying that

Arai4037d 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.

clintos594037d ago (Edited 4037d 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.

4037d ago Replies(4)
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90°

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
Hereandthere38m ago

Microsoft should have left them stay 3rd party

PassNextquestion13m ago(Edited 11m 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

Profchaos12m ago(Edited 12m 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

80°

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.

jznrpg1h 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.

Profchaos1h ago

Souls games will be like that players struggling make it harder

PassNextquestion8m ago(Edited 6m ago)

I think if used correctly it could work well

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.

10d ago Replies(3)
Einhander197210d ago

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

10d ago
10d 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.

Tacoboto9d 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 9d 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

FinalFantasyFanatic9d 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.

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