180°

Microsoft Conference Review // E3 2013

Spawnd: Going into E3 Microsoft clearly stated that this time “it’s all about the games.”
For a company with a hardware release coming Fall, you could expect that to be hyperbole… Nope…

Their console talk lasted only moments and was book ended with Metal Gear Solid V, and an onslaught of impressive looking games. It may actually be difficult for the internet to complain about this show (though I’m sure they’ll find a way). Firstly they showed the new Xbox 360 model available as of today, which as rumored, is much smaller and fits aesthetically into the One’s design. This has been expected by most in games journalism, and is most likely Microsoft’s answer to backwards compatibility. Following this announcement Microsoft quickly discussed their plans to follow Playstations idea of giving free games to premium users; starting with the newest and hottest games on the market like Halo 3, and Assassins Creed II (See, I told you the internet would find a way to complain).

Krosis3983d ago

A fairly strong conference. However costing more money than the PS4 is a deal breaker for many. I have yet to see an exclusive that convinces me that I need an Xbox One or a PS4. The multiplats got the most attention and I'll be playing those on my PC as usual. P.S: 343 just can't do Halo...a poncho? Really? I miss Bungie. Destiny will hopefully be awesome but there will never be another "Halo".

greenpowerz3983d ago

Yeah we don't know what MSFT will offer when it comes to price.

Xbox 360 can be purchased for $99 with a payment plan.

My guess is they will offer XB1 for $250 and a XBL Gold deal.

3-4-53983d ago

Sony = A

Microsoft = B

Nintendo = ? Let's be realistic..we aren't going to see the crazy graphics of PS4/XB1.

Those consoles won't have 3D Mario, Legend of Zelda U & WW HD, Super Smash Brothers, or Mario Kart all which are awesome games regardless of graphics.

So yea I expect Nintendo to be in the B- to B + range in terms of overall Conference/Direct.

Jockamo3983d ago

wat nintendo conference

3-4-53983d ago (Edited 3983d ago )

@ kros technically there will be another Halo..lol but yea certain series are ingrained into people's memories and it's a part of their lives.

Krosis3983d ago

I agree 100% regarding Halo. However, as a neutral party, I felt MS had a better conference than Sony (regardless of the actual machines). I felt Sonys was predominantly boring. I'd reverse your scores if it were me. But, opinions differ--something that doesn't seem to compute on N4G lol

Honestly I think the DRM thing is being blown way out of proportion. I feel both consoles will sell well and be neck and neck again (IMHO)--something,really, as gamers we should all hope for. Failing companies is bad for our hobby--I hope Nintendo recovers. As for the schmucks on this site cheering on an Xbox failure...well, you can't keep all 10 year olds off the internet.

I am surprised however at the lack of remarks about the MS inclusion of Bluray--no more multi-discs and something that "Sony loyalists" yaked about for a decade. I know I sound abrasive but I just wish there was a game site to simply celebrate GAMES and not have to sift through these sad, pizza-faced tirades in the comments section about how "mine is better than yours!"...A sense of belonging when it comes to electronics is profoundly sad.

Loki863983d ago (Edited 3983d ago )

Sony gets a C from me MS gets a B+, the price point and DRM the only redeeming factors for Sony. Very concerned with all the lag and freezing on multiplats. They had to end the AC4 demo early and replace the console. TitanFall and Destiny stole the show, so at this point it's X1 for me.

ThatsGaming3983d ago (Edited 3983d ago )

Sony dragged for the first 35 mins... Gamers seem to care about music and videos all of a sudden. To me, its all about the games.

Sony B+, Microsoft A...

Ryse and The Order sawed off
Sunset Overdrive and Infamous sawed off
Quantum Break was very interesting
Killer Instinct was unanswered
Titanfall out did Killzone
Forza 5 out did Drive Club
Deadrising 3 was unanswered
FF XIV was unanswered

Hard to say which indie titles will be full fledged PSN/XBLA titles having achievements/trophies and which ones will not. Edge definitely Sony though...

All the rest looked multiplatform with exclusive add-ons which really don't sway me.

Jockamo3983d ago

Do you think MS will bounce back when these games come to fruition?

ABizzel13983d ago (Edited 3983d ago )

Sony has too many games to show in one sitting, and they have 3 consoles to support unlike MS who have dropped first party dev support from the 360 and focused completely on the X1. Not to mention Sony has annual conference at Gamescon and TGS which generally has new exclusives and well as more reveals for other games; whereas, MS and Nintendo usually don't.

Here's a list of PlayStation exclusives / console exclusives / HD remakes coming this year alone.

The Last of Us, Beyond 2: Souls, GT6, Drive Club, Knack, InFamous: Second Son, Killzone: Shadow Fall, Killzone Mercenaries, Tearaway, God of War HD1 & 2 Vita,
Final Fantasy X HD & X2 HD, Flower Vita, Dead Nation Vita, Puppeteer, Diablo 3, Rain, Dragon's Crown, Warrior's Lair, Kingdom Hearts HD Remix, at least 12 indie games, and multiple PC games coming exclusively to PS4, as well as a range MMO's and Free 2 Play games.

The games are there, but for some reason they decided not to show them.

And there are too many games coming out this holiday season, so it was wise of Sony to keep it's first parties out of the mush up, and let them shine next year when PS360 development drops significantly in favor of PS4 and X1, if they are successful.

koolaid2513983d ago

TitanFall I have to play it it looks like Call of Duty/Halo/Mechtech Warrior

300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

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

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest7d ago

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

GamerRN6d ago

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

Number1TailzFan6d 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.

1Victor5d ago

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

Kosic5d ago

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

darthv725d ago

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

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts5d 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.

KicksnSnares7d ago

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

darthv726d 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.

mudakoshaka6d 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.

PassNextquestion6d 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.

TiredGamer6d 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?

rlow16d ago (Edited 6d 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.

Traecy6d ago (Edited 6d 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.

TiredGamer6d 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.

Read Full Story >>
news.xbox.com
bionicstar6d ago

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

PhillyDonJawn6d ago

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

RaidenBlack6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

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

Sonic18816d ago (Edited 6d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast6d ago

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

6d ago
Lightning776d ago

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

Make smarter comments for once.

anast6d ago (Edited 6d 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.

InUrFoxHole5d ago

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

6d ago
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6d ago Replies(1)
Lightning776d ago (Edited 6d 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.

6d ago
anast6d ago (Edited 6d 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.

Lightning776d 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.

anast6d ago

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

Lightning776d ago

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

Again make smart comments for once.

anast6d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 5d ago
darthv726d ago

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

jimb0j0nes6d 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.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv7211d 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.

solideagle11d ago

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

Sonic188111d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio11d 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:

Lightning7710d ago

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

Cacabunga11d 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.

darthv7210d 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.

neutralgamer199210d 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

shinoff218311d 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.

Cacabunga11d 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

itsmebryan10d 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

S2Killinit10d 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.

romulus2310d ago

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

darthv7210d 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.

TheEroica10d ago (Edited 10d 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.

Chevalier10d 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/...

itsmebryan9d ago

@chevalier

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

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 9d ago
purple10111d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos11d ago

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

DOMination-10d 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.

XBManiac11d ago

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

SimpleDad11d ago (Edited 11d 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.

purple10111d ago

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

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos11d ago (Edited 11d 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

Kornholic11d ago

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

MrDead10d 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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