Microsoft defends the Xbox One’s licensing, used game policies

Kyle Orland: "This is a big change, consumers don't always love change, and there's a lot of education we have to provide to make sure that people understand."

This is the extremely diplomatic way Microsoft Xbox Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer Yusuf Mehdi spun his reaction to the PR challenges surrounding the Xbox One of late. And it's true, consumers around the world (and around the Internet) loudly expressed how much they dislike the changes Microsoft announced to its game licensing terms (and online requirements) for the Xbox One last Thursday, giving Sony the ammunition it needed to win E3 by basically doing nothing.

[Intentions]

Sony is going to be the lead for sure [At launch]. Not saying that Xbox would totally fail, but Sony will definitively lead next-gen.

Regardless, hope MS can give a decent competition and pump out cool games. Same goes to Sony.

[dedicatedtogamers]

If Microsoft is defending it now, there's zero chance they'll be reversing the Xbox One policies any time soon.

[US8F]

Proud and arrogant. Typical loser mentality.

Didn't the Microsoft boss say either you have internet connection or stay with 360?. Sorry Microsoft, easy victory for PS4. I'm predicting 4-1 sales figures

[DARK WITNESS]

The only way they would change is if the console bombs and bombs hard!

Sadly I don't think most gamers care, understand or have the will power to stand up to this.

Educate us he says.. You can try for the next 10 years, I am not buying it.

I am still waiting for truly beneficial reason that I should sign up to this crap.

Being an old xbox fan, I have a few friends who are jumping with me to ps4 and other friends who are upset with me for making the jump. They keep asking me if I am going to leave them when they are all going to be playing Titanfall.

I can see a lot of people giving into this just because they don't want the social divide.

Anyway I tell them to try and justify the drm situation and they can't.

[pompombrum]

I couldn't even get past the forth paragraph before my eyes were rolling and I couldn't take it anymore.

Try harder M$.. you are screwing over gamers and everyone with half a brain cell can see that the negatives massively outweigh the positives.

[DevilishSix]

I see MS still defending anti-consumer policies much like the government is defending its snooping into everyones phone calls and emails. It's a damaging situation they have put themselves into. I don't see how they could reverse course, it would mean they would have to admit they were wrong, it would be embarrassing for MS and it does not fit MS corporate culture. They have always taken a juggernaut stance in the business world.

[Testfire]

@ Dark Witness, I think you would be surprised how many gamers are saying fk MS because of restrictions and pricing, as well as the non gamer focus with the later years of the 360. And I'm talking about real world gamers I've spoken with not forum goers.

[Insomnia_84]

I actually have a friend who trys to justify it and says it's "innovation" lol
Says it doesn't affect him one bit. Says the style of the XBone console is better than PS4's. He says the PS4 has no new festures, he was actualy disappointed that there was not kinect in the E3 MS conference. He said the DRM was being enforce by the publishers to make console makers do what MS was doing and that Sony would follow too, after Sony's conference I have not heard comment from him in that topic. He doesn't see anything better in PS4 but everything with the XBone is good for him, innovative and the best for the future. He says gamers are just paranoid and that we the ones against all the DRM and restrictions are the minority.

I think I have as a friend the biggest Microsoft fanboy in history. lol

[shutUpAndTakeMyMoney]

Fail...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[NextGen24Gamer]

Xbox One’s licensing, used game policies benefit Gamers in the long run if it drives down prices of the games.

Example: PC games sell brand new for 19.99 to 39.99. You can't trade them in, you can't lend them to a friend.

If xbox one multiplatform games are less expensive on the xbox one than the ps4, that would be a Game Changer for the "On A Budget" gamers.

It only makes sense that DRM would drive down the prices for the games on the xbox one. We have 5 months to find out.

The 24 hour check in can be done with your mobile hotspot from your cell phone if your internet goes down. Sure it's different, sure it seems like it could be a problem. But, honestly...It won't be an issue for next gen gamers. People who have internet. People who have cell phones, people who own HD1080p television, people who own tablets. LOL...This is High Tech High End gaming at it's finest.

Sure they are leaving behind the gamers who don't have internet, who don't have HD Televisions, who don't have cell phones or tablets.... And those people have the ps4 to buy. It's cheaper and has less next gen requirements or restrictions.

Xbox ONE, I'm IN!!!! I'm the high end consumer you are aiming for and I'm excited. The exclusive games look amazing and if the costs of the games are less due to DRM...That is a win win for ALL Gamers!

People always resist change. It's a normal reaction. Let's talk again in 2 years. LOL...

[abzdine]

Wii U sold 875% more consoles on may 21st, and it's for a reason.

Nintendo showed some cool stuff at E3 direct, and Sony obviously went consumer friendly and pulled off some quality titles as well. PS4 is a definite buy but Wii U starts to be interesting to me as well.

to sum it up:

Greatness awaits
4>1

[LeCreuset]

"Let's talk again in 2 years. LOL... "

1st it was, "Wait until the reveal."

Then it was, "Wait until E3."

Now we have, "Wait until 2 years." LOL indeed.

[ABizzel1]

"We're trying to do something pretty big in terms of moving the industry forward for console gaming into the digital world. We believe the digital world is the future, and we believe digital is better."

If that's the case then your digital games need to sell for a $10 - $20 less than retail, and you need to add multiple annual sales to your XBL service to recoup the loss of retail games, and make sure the 2 free game per month aren't 6 year old games.

On top of that there was no need for DRM, always online, and alway on Kinect to implement a digital future, especially when the PS4 can do the same thing.

[MysticStrummer]

"1st it was, "Wait until the reveal."

Then it was, "Wait until E3."

Now we have, "Wait until 2 years." LOL indeed."

lol Exactly. The goalpost keeps mysteriously moving. This 2 year wait suggestion is the longest one I've seen.

[kenshiro100]

Microsoft's arrogance and refusal to listen to gamers will be their downfall.

[madpuppy]

"If Microsoft is defending it now, there's zero chance they'll be reversing the Xbox One policies any time soon."

MS avarice will be their downfall.

they don't like failure so much that they will cut and run rather than try to compete on a level playing field, remember their first foray into cell phones the ugly Kin and Kin 2? they were on sale for not even a month with dismal sales numbers (i think only into the hundreds) they stopped producing them and dropped all support for existing customers, didn't give them a refund or let them get a different phone. also, look at the first xbox, when they released the 360 they dropped all support for the first xbox. virtually abandoning the people that did not want to upgrade at that time.

[AngryTypingGuy]

I'll be getting the PS4 first for sure, but I read the comments in the article and they make good points. Eventually, consoles will not have discs, including future PlayStations, that's just the way things are going. I don't think that MS is being evil or anti-consumer, rather they are trying to please everyone, which means a little give and take in each area.

But the bottom line is that right now, I want the ability to buy used discs without restrictions, and only the PS4 offers that.

[Tultras]

Proud and arrogant, I seem to recall Sony fitting into that category.

I guess History always repeats itself, just In different forms.

[FunkMacNasty]

From the interview, as stated by this MS rep:

"I think it's fair to say there's a segment of consumers at this show in particular who really pay attention, who are very passionate about all aspects of gaming, and that we listen to closely. In a broader set of community, people don't pay attention to a lot of the details. We've seen it in the research, we've seen it in a lot of the data points."

So right there ^^^^^ he basically admits that MS is aware core gamers are paying attention and are steaming mad at MS, but that's okay because people who dont pay attention to anything will basically still buy the XboxOne. Wow. Just... WOW. So it is true.. MS really doesnt care about gamers, and really DOES want to market to the casual crowd. There's absolute proof, right there, in his words.

F*ck this guy and the marketing/PR horse he rode in on.

[Enemy]

"No internet? Buy a 360, that simple." - Microsoft

Arrogant is the last word I'd use to describe Microsoft. Unfortunately there aren't nearly enough foul words to describe them at this point.

[jacksons98]

@enemy
"No internet? Buy a 360, that simple." - Microsoft

Or a PS4

[N4GDgAPc]

@Elite24Gamer

The reason PC games become cheaper is because they don't have to worry about paying percentage fees to Microsoft or Sony like consoles do. It all goes to them.

[GamerToons]

WTF?

That's his response?

"This is a big change, consumers don't always love change, and there's a lot of education we have to provide to make sure that people understand."

F*** You MS... I am an adult. I don't need to be educated. All you are teaching us is "Pay us more money and you will still have a bricked console"

[rainslacker]

"I think it's fair to say there's a segment of consumers at this show in particular who really pay attention, who are very passionate about all aspects of gaming, and that we listen to closely. In a broader set of community, people don't pay attention to a lot of the details. We've seen it in the research, we've seen it in a lot of the data points"

MS just doesn't get it. Basically saying, "Yeah, we listen...we just don't care".

They're banking on a market which doesn't care. A market which could just as easily decide to pick up the other two consoles which are cheaper. Seriously, when people who don't care about gaming want to get a game system...who do you think they ask about it? That's right, it's their gamer friends. I've fielded so many questions at work and within my social circle recently from the exact crowd that MS is going after, and not a single one hasn't been incredulous over what MS is doing, and can't understand the reasons why.

This whole article the guy kept saying "Value this, value that". What I found though was he didn't really say what value MS is giving to gaming, or even to their target market...which i guess is the casual/TV watching crowd.

How can MS be so dense to completely ignore the fact that digital convenience isn't what people are complaining about, it's the restrictions of digital that they have a problem with. This guy just readily admitted they want to force a digital future, not wait for it to come around on it's own. The fact he admits that they still need retail discs should be a pretty damn good indicator that the digital future is not now.

I hope all this nonsense blows up in the face of those pushing the "all digital future". For the first time ever, people are truly starting to see and look into what an all digital future means. Up until now, all you heard about were the positives, but all the negatives just got swept under the rug. I say people analyzing all this now is a good thing, because it means we maybe won't have to deal with all the downsides when we have no other choice. I say it's good MS is going to slap all the ignorant people who don't realize all this stuff across their faces to get them to wake up.

[StuffofLegend]

@insomnia_84
Key trying dude. I just got my friend who was hardcore Xbox to see how bad MS was/is :)

[andrewsqual]

Lol who suggested they could? If they were to change it now the whole infrastructure and the way any games form the console have been shown would have to be redesigned. It wouldn't be out until Late 2014 then, do you think they will do that?

[DARK WITNESS]

@ rainslacker

This is exactly what I keep telling people. This whole idea that it does not matter if the hardcore leave because the casuals will still buy it is bullshit because the casuals sooner or later end up following what the core market does.

if the casuals are the ones that jump all over the xbone the publishers will feel it because the casuals don't buy as many games.

One thing is for sure, this gen is going to be very interesting.

[N4GDgAPc]

@DARK WITNESS

Your right. Look what happened to the wii. It sold great and first party games to but 3rd party games sold like crap. Eventually they stop making games for it.

[rainslacker]

@N$GDgAPC

Here's the thing, MS is trying to replicate what Nintendo did with the Wii, only to a much broader consumer base.

The Wii was an anomaly in the entire history of console launches.

Here's the thing though. The Wii didn't do what it did by trying to get into many different markets at once, it did it by making games accessible to everyone, whether they could manage a controller or not.

That is the exact opposite approach that MS is taking. MS is making gaming more restrictive for everyone. Sure it has Kinect, but the motion control fad has passed it's prime by several years now. Most people just don't care anymore...even Nintendo realized that and tried to get into the tablet craze, for better or worse.

The Wii made gaming appealing to a new demographic, it didn't try to change the way everyone already consumes their every day media. It also wasn't trying to tack on extra, new, and unasked for features onto that consumption.

The hardcore left the Wii for the most part, because it wasn't appealing for them.

The Wii also had a very friendly price tag for the more casual consumer.

[titletownrelo]

*cool, hey can I borrow one of your gam- nope nevermind...

*want to rent a game to see if its any good before buyi- Can't even do that, WOW!

*Live in Carribean Islands, India, Germany, China, or Japan? You want to play games on day one? Well too bad!

*Have some killer gaming headsets from the 360 you want to use on the Xbox One? Not happening, sorry.

*Uncomfortable with Kinect constantly watching you? Sounds like a personal problem.

*Want exclusives other than generic shooters? That's not how we role.

*Have a great idea for an indie game? Well, then you have to pay us to let you go through this obstacle course first.

*xbox live under maintenance? Wanna play some single player offline gam- Hmm, can't do that...

*want a leading console in hardware and at an affordable cost? Maybe a good looking slimmer case to conserve space? WELL THEN DO WE HAVE A SURPRISE FOR YOU!!!

#DealWithIt

[davekaos]

@US8F

I dont know why you got so many disagrees as you are correct. Geoff keighley ran an interview with Don Mattrick who said as plain as day. "if you do not have an internet connection then stick with the xbox360"

Microsoft = worst company in the world.

For those who have not seen it look it up on youtube.

[Death]

The analogy used was you wouldn't buy a cell phone and not have service. Why would you buy a console that requires an internet connection and not have internet. For people that can't get internet, he said they could still have a high level gaming experience with a 360.

Gamers can be like spoiled children. We all want gaming to evolve, we all want better graphics and longer games, we want free online, we want to see Blu-rays filled, but we don't care if developers can actually make money while doing all this.

Mobile gaming is very attractive for developers since the cost is so low and profit potential so high. If we want to see triple A titles released on our consoles, something needs to change or the developers will simply not exist. It's easy to laugh at the Wii and deny it's success. If you take the time and look at Nintendo's financial statements over the last decade or so you will see they make alot of money. They do this with platforms that are a generation behind in technology and simplified games. It's a very sound business model.

If you want the Halo's, Destiny's, Uncharted, Gran Turismo's, and GTA's of the future, something needs to be done to make the resources needed to produce these games available. Piracy and used game sales cost billions annually. If the DRM in Microsoft's new console succeeds, gaming can evolve or at the very least be sustained. If developers and publishers can make more on Xbox games, what do you think they will do? Sony will adopt a DRM policy to retain third parties or risk being a mainly first party console. Sony is also in need of cash which is why they reversed their policy on online gaming. Why would anyone think DRM is any different?

[Ares84HU]

@Elite24Gamer

I hit agree instead of disagree by accident. Just wanted to clear that up. I don't agree with your fanboy veiws and your bad reasoning. Did MS say that games will be cheaper??? No, they will not be cheaper. Even if they could be cheaper MS will not give it to you for less.

Also, last time I checked you can lend PC games to your friends. In some games you can't play online because of the Serial number/cd key, but you can install them and play the single player without a problem. That is if it's disc based and not purchased from steam/origin or other online based shop.

[Divine]

honestly i do think digital may will be dominant in the future and i like digital when it comes to certain things but when it comes gaming. i like to see my collection of games building up . like right now I would never download the last of us on to my system. But see this is where sony is the future. because they give us the "option"

[DARK WITNESS]

personally I feel this sums up the situation perfectly;

http://patrickbrown.deviant...

[BallsEye]

Look on the bright side, your friends even a country away can play your games anytime, unlimited without SENDING them the disc by mail.
Just use that family option. Thats one benefit.

[Blackdeath_663]

the install base and early adopters is really important and that's what sony is shooting for even more so this gen than any before because alot of money will be made via online services like ps+/psn getting enough people actively using this service means you can continue providing content and driving sales. also even if MS pumps out a huge amount of games and has a price drop the difference in policies i feel is enough to keep sony ahead. i don't think many people would want those restriction specially after gaming on a console without any restriction what so ever. trying to regain the lead for the XBone will be like pushing sand up a sand dune it will be and uphill struggle

[shivvy24]

the reason people went for the 360 was the cheap price ! all my friends had a ps2 but went for 360 because their reason was it was alot cheaper! all my friends wanted a PS3 but we were 15 yrs old back then and couldnt afford it but luckily my dad got it for me as a gift !

[crck]

I'm sure the 1 year head start 360 had certainly didn't hurt either.

[s8anicslayer]

Funny thing about is that MS has the same thickheaded beliefs as Apple and that is because Bill Gates and Steve Jobs once worked together and both practice and practiced respectively the same Motto "Our way or No way"! and that is sending both firms that has once led their respective industry to leaving the door open for anyone who wants to come through and that is because the consumer is standing ground with the exception of the diehard fans of these to behemoths.

[AngelicIceDiamond]

"Within that, we've tried to optimize, and I think we've found a great balance across all of those dimensions," Mehdi said. "But there are tradeoffs. We do want to support everyone in that system, beginning with the consumer. But we want publishers to get paid for the great IP they work on. We want retailers to be able to drive and sell our products and make a profit. So we are trying to balance across all those."

Here we go trying to play hero and do everything, and tackle everything at once. MS needs to dedicate themselves to the consumer first and foremost.

But like I said MS isn't changing anything until the initial reaction and possible backlash. I think these policies will ultimately become ineffective down the line.

[MEsoJD]

Sony can really go after them once commercials start airing for both consoles.

[rainslacker]

Would love to see a re-imagining of those old Apple commercials where they had a Mac and a PC. Apple probably wouldn't care. They don't have a huge love of MS.:)

[strifeblade]

Microsoft's drm policies are a big change in gaming- But i love games and i want the devs and publishers to be successful, but how can they be successful when used game sales take so much from profit. Did you know that heavy rain sold 2 million copies at a time where more than 4 million have played a copy of the game? With so many big publishers closing, most recently being thq and the cost producing AAA games rising with each gen- why shouldnt developers and publishers be protected? Microsoft said they are not getting a cut on used sales and its up to the publishers to use the system msoft set in place. I was hugely against drm policies but when i look at it from this perspective that my favourite game publishers and devs might be in trouble- im willing to lose a little bit of value on my trade ins if it means helping the publishers/devs. Why the online drm? well its the only way to enforce it. This article states as that up to 10 friends/ families can play from your shared game library. thats good news- its just msoft restricts private sales of your games, you can only trade to gamestop and probably bestbuy as well. If ytou dont have internet you are screwed- yes that is technically true so this system is not for you.

Ps4 is 100$ less and the hardware is supposed to be more powerful so does that mean all multiplats will look that much better on ps4? Why would devs put the extra effort to make games look better on the playstation counterparts? Is it to encourage all gamers to buy the playstation version- the version which can be traded and sold second hand multiple times? Or the xbox one version which makes every effort to protect the very publishers and devs that develop their games on? Its safe to say graphically they will be identical but to think that ps4 versions will be significantly better than the xbox counterpart would be foolish and a dev would be stabbing himself in the back if he did something to encourage the sale of the playstation version over the xbox one version

[InSpectre]

New and used are two separate markets. On top of that you're seeing the glass half full.

How many people traded a used game in to buy Heavy Rain new? You don't get that statistic.

[StuffofLegend]

Hate to say it,but the consumer is the end result. If you don't provide for the consumers wants or needs, eventually you lose business. If devs want to move numbers, then they need to provide a product compelling enough to continue owning, or upgrade the product via dlc. It really isn't fair to all devs,but if they continue making games, then they've obviously had a good return on sales, despite the consumers ability to freely move the product.

Restricting re-sales is just a way to increase the profit margin, by putting out the consumer.

How many people out of those 2 million who did not pay for the game are likely to go out and by the next Quantum Dream game because they know that a quality product will be delivered. It ends up being free viral marketing for the dev.

[strifeblade]

@inspectre
Trading in used games games for new games only adds fuel to the fire. Its a continous cycle which initially increases the sale of the new game but those 3 or 2 games you just traded in for it- well you just hurt those devs and publishers. hurting the sales of 2 or 3 different games to buy one game brandnew- tell me how does that look? You just did good at the cost of a greater evil

Why not wait for the game to go cheap and become affordable? plenty games get price cuts to 39.99 sooner than you think. Xbox one does allow game share so split the games with your friend- take turns buying brandnew games and sharing them, its good for you and the devs/ publishers

[fardan85]

You know, sharing games with 10 family members is way worse than used-game sales.
Let me do a quick analysis to this.
As you said, Heavy Rain sold 2 mil, & more than 4 mil people got it used. The original 2 mil copy purchased from the store was sold and resold again. So, from this data I can see that the game purchased from store was played by 3 different people. Original buyer, then 2 used games buyers. (Total of 3 beneficiaries)
For MS new policy, share the game with 10 family members "I'm assuming the original buyer is part of the 10", So, one guy purchase the game only & a total of 10 people benefit from the game.
Used game sales = 3 beneficiaries
MS policy = 10 beneficiaries
Which one will hurt developers more?
I rest my case.
I can go on and show you that DRM & MS policies are hurting the market, and the current situation is way better but I don't think I need to.
before I end this reply I'll add one more thing, If used games sales are hurting the market and developers/publishers can't survive then why they continue investing in this industry?
I'll this for you to think about.

[Rip-Ridah]

@ strifeblade
Heavy Rain is a VERY bad example to use to prove your point:
http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

[strifeblade]

@Fardan
The msoft share system works at any given time only one friend and play and access your library. One friend so 10 friends cannot actively play a game in your library even if they are different.

Now playstation- your library of games can be lent to as many friends as you want so long as they are different games. eg i give one friend killzone and he other friend infamous. This is not possible on xbox- only one friend can play the game at a given time so when the friends stops playing then some other friend can enter access the libary and play as well.

Now its entirely possible that devs restrict the game share feature for their title in the first month that its out and enable it afterwards- they can also prevent you from trading in the game the first month as well. Why is that? Because all devs say they lose most of their profits in the first month of release- by doing this they ensure they are maximising profits for their game in the first month. Anyone who really wanted to play the game badly enough would buy it instead of waiting a month to borrow- if they chose to buy the game used a month later devs still get a cut- And if you played the game on your friends account a month later well you may never have been a customer in the first place. Overall this system is far more profitable.

@rip ridah
sure they made plenty of money with 2 million- but they cut out a lot of profit margin- sony owns quantum dream if profits look like this for evry sony release then why is sony in such a bad financial state? imo they need all the profit they can get.

[strifeblade]

@stuffolegend
Consumers will speak with their wallets when both ps4 and xbox one come out. Pre orders are looking good for both systems but i bet ps4 orders are higher. But we can only wait and see how they sell when they come out.

Microsoft is releasing it system for 500$ with tons of great exclusives in a short time frame. Microsoft is really hoping people will buy their system from the strong game conference and game exclusives shown regardless of drm.

sony have exclusives too but not nearly as many as msoft has shown and release dates are only known for 3 games killzone infamous and knack. You may wait a while to see other exclusives but sony's main selling point are not the games- they are the 400$ selling point and drm free.

Sony is smart- 100$ less and no drm= win for consumer. Msoft just has a list of very attractive exclusives.

If msoft manages to keep up with sony in sales then its bad news for multiplat games on sony. With an install base on xbox 1 equal to ps4 devs will begin to heavily promote xbox one versions (eg.exclusive in game content) since they stand to gain a lot more profit.

All speculation ofcourse

[BallsEye]

Yes! Glad someone finally understands it. With the system there will be more Single Player games, better games! If MS would not put this DRM we would just see COD after COD after COD coz it sells. Real SP masterpieces get very little attention cause they can just be rented to finish it and then that talented studio is closing.

I also really like the idea of family members. My brothers that live in other country will be able to share games with me without any limits and guess what? I wont have to send them the damn disc over the mail. It's a good thing!

@strifeblade

No. Many family members can use your library at once, they just can't play the same game in the same time from your library. It will be "occupied"

[S2Killinit]

@Intentions
You know, I was totally in the same boat as you, until all the evidence came in regarding Microsoft's war on gamers, privacy rights, and consumer rights of ownership. Even though PS4 would have been my lead console I still planned to buy xbox but after everything MS has in store for gamers I am staying away from their console. I think at this point with the way Microsoft has played its hand, an xbox success is equivalent to a Gamer's defeat. They have gone against every desire and wish of the core gamers (the people that made Xbox what it is) and if they succeed without these gamers, gaming will be a very different habitat. For one thing, companies will not take gamers as seriously, and our wishes will be eclipsed by those of the so called "casuals". If you are a gamer, you better wish xbox flops, in my opinion.

[Eddie20101]

Most hardcore Gamer's and other educated people understand completely what you are trying to do with the Xbox One, and they ain't liking it.

Taking away choice

Taking away My freedom to do whatever I want with the game I purchased weather I purchase it new or used. I should be able to share my games with anyone I like without having to jump through hoops. I should be able to play a legal copy of my game without having to check in with Microsoft ever 24 hrs.

Taking away my choice or working your way towards making people buy there games digitally rather than a physical copy.

Working your way to watch dogging my living room with Kinect, probably for advertising reasons and gage consumer behavior(that goes way beyond what Microsoft's already doing on the internet with bing) is a complete invasion of privacy. They could be watching while your playing a game. Not saying they are but sure is possible considering how extreme this whole situation seems.

This article basically says we are not smart enough to understand the big picture.

The only time Microsoft have been about choices is when you make choices within there own brand, then when they see fit they just remove choices that they deem you don't want.

I understand, you want to control my living room and limit my choices.

Everyone should be completly insulted by this person representing Microsoft and if indeed this is there view on things Microsoft too.

People please speak with your dollars,no matter the games or loyalty (there are other very good choices), what they are doing is wrong.

[jiggyjay]

How times have change! I remember when Sony were the arrogants one with PS3.. Remember Krazy Ken Kutagari?? People will work to get a PS3..etc etc... Now MS is the one doing it... Although I think the value of the Xbox is justified they really are going to have a tough sell to consumers who will look at the bottome line which is the price..

[sinjonezp]

What I did not like at this e3 is how microsoft is trying to force this new age with its policies that is anti-consumer whioe trying to literally buy the gaming industry. They have billions to spend and third parties care about dollars. So they buy up all these exclusives and then look at you in your face and say .."well, what are you going to do?" It is sad; especially after reading the interview with the titanfall developers. They say we have a great relationship with microsoft - yep its called money. M Pacther spoke on this and I share those concerns. They are buying up everything so the options are reduced. That is why everyone is saying they have such good line up and forgetting about the policies. Forcing this whild buying up all types of exclusives creates a sad forecast. What also I am afraid of is how will the hacker scene react. I believe they will attack the x1 relentlessly; forcing microsoft to impose further restrictions. If consumers make the x1 a success, we are looking towards a bleak gaming future.

[colonel179]

I think the least of the issue is the always online. Whilst a lot of people can and will be affected about it since not all countries have as good internet as Japan and Microsoft HQ, the biggest issue is how they are treating their costumers with the DRM.

An iPad must be online to do a lot of stuff. There are a lot of games that need to be online (I am currently playing The Simpsons: Tapped Out), but restricting every little detail just so they can make more money it's what's making consumers rage.

If the Xbox required online to play games, but would be able go to a friend's house to play the game, wouldn't be much a problem. It is true that a lot of things will be connected to the internet in the future, even the refrigerator some day, but the way MS is doing is very, very wrong.

[ritsuka666]

Man, what a flamebait and immature comments here..You never cease to disappoint me N4G, never...

[Munky]

That's fine....But fix the damn price.

[Grave]

I bet you $100 that when the Sony execs heard MS announce that price point half of them fainted from joy. They had to be sweating bullets. If MS matched them this would be a totally different story. Pretty sure anyways.

[HarryMasonHerpderp]

They beat Microsoft on a lot more than just the price.
The PS4 is just a better console for gamers and that is a fact.

[Hellsvacancy]

The room was on fire with applause when Sony mentioned the used game policy, that was before the price was even announced

Even if the PS4 was priced higher it wouldnt matter, the PS3 has costed more than the 360 this entire generation, and look hows thats turned out

[SuperLupe]

"They beat Microsoft on a lot more than just the price.
The PS4 is just a better console for gamers and that is a fact."

The better console for games is the console that has the games you want play. Sorry but MS impressed ma way more than Sony on the games so no, its not a fact. The perfect console right now for me would be a PS4 with the XOne lineup of games.

The only area Sony have MS beat right now is the DRM, 24h check in nonsense and price.

When it comes to what matters most, GAMES, MS have Sony beat right now.

I will get an XOne thats for sure, but just not at the 500$ price point.

[Grave]

See I am the exact opposite. I far more interested in Sony's exclusives, to each their own, but ya I bet many consumers wait for the X1 to come down in price which means that at the start Sony will sell MANY more consoles than MS.

[CGI-Quality]

The PS3 started out @ $600 and STILL has outsold the 360. Doubt they were "sweating bullets". Being $100 cheaper just means it will be easy for them to keep a lead, but if both were $49.99, the PS4 would still be in a better position than it's predecessor was vs the 360.

[SKullDugger]

It would not have changed a thing gamers want and have the right to do what thay want with a game they pay for outside of piracy which hurts everyone. If i or anyone else wants to give a game to a friend, sell it or trade it in they should be able to with out M$ telling them sorry you can't do that. SONY heard the gamers of the world and gave us what we wanted and what is fair.

[MysticStrummer]

@Lupe - "When it comes to what matters most, GAMES, MS have Sony beat right now."

Entirely subjective.

[HarryMasonHerpderp]

@SuperLupe

You misunderstand me.
Whether Microsoft showed better games or not is subjective and I was in no way talking about the games. I was talking about the actual console which has region free, no DRM, supports used games, is more powerful and $100 cheaper.
The Playstation 4 is the better CONSOLE hands down. If anyone disagrees then please speak up I would like to know what the Xbox One console has which Sony hasn't already matched or beaten.
Not being a fanboy or anything ( I thought MS had a great conference) I'm just going off on the facts.

[NeoTribe]

People were leaning tword ps4 prior to the price point. That was just the 30th nail driven into the coffin.

[dmeador]

@HarryMason When you are talking something like *better, rarely is it a fact. The thing is PlayStation is supposed to be all about games, but I only saw multi plat ones that interested me.

And the games are about 60% imo of what to me makes abetter console, not sure how you can throw that out.

I'm playing in the states, have internet, and rarely buy used (and used games will be available) so the facts you gave are moot for me. And the $100 is a small price to have what I believe is a superior product.

What Sony hasn't matched or beaten:
Exclusive game lineup, new ips
Online experience
Interface (haven't experienced firsthand, but much prefer my 360 layout to my PS3)
Voice commands and kinect just seem awesom/easy e to use
I can let my friends around the country borrow games/viceversa
Use game library anywhere
exclusive shows netflixisque (Sony talked, said nothing)

I was waiting on E3 to make my launch decision, and X1 easily won for me. If you Microsoft is an evil company trying to oppress all of the poor souls of the earth then grab a PS4. Ill probably be getting one down the line. What's funny to me is all the hate for this. PC games have only been doing this forever, and in the coming years physical copies of games will be all but gone.

If you have read this far, I would like to know what the PS4 does that the X1 doesn't match or do better besides the things you mentioned. The only thing I can see is (probably) slighltly better graphics and a cheaper initial price point

I cannot Fn stand how much of the console war is starting to look like politics. "If you don't support my position you must be an idiot and want evil to reign".

[LOGICWINS]

The price is exactly what its supposed to be given the included camera. What MS should have done is not force Kinect down peoples throats and offer a non-Kinect SKU with less gigs for $399. Even if they do that though, its too late. People are already pre-ordering and have made their decisions.

[DarthJay]

This nails it. 100% legit difference in price. If Sony prepackaged the PS Eye with their console, it would be $459 and the difference is obviously that the Kinect does more.

But yeah, Microsoft got greedy on this one and is definitely forcing Kinect on people. I would have gotten the SKU with the Kinect anyway, but I can't believe they were so short-sited in making it a requirement. They would have sold many more without it.

It's so frustrating to see them keep mashing square pegs into round holes.

[NeoTribe]

Im sure Kinect 2 is more in the 150 dollar range than it is 100. So they prolly coulda underpriced sony by 50 bucks if they wernt money hungry corporate greedy bastards.

[AceofStaves]

Exactly. Had MS come out with a Kinect-less SKU for the one at the $399 price point, I think the general tone of conversation amongst gamers would be much different.

[MRMagoo123]

Most ppl are talking about the DRM and used games fiasco , yeh the kinnect is a problem too but those other things out way that by far. i dont think it woul dmake much difference if they removed the kinnect ppl would still go for PS4

[FlunkinMonkey]

@Superlupe

O really? Better exclusives on xbox yea? I think i'm a little more hyped for studio's like Naughty Dog, Santa Monica and Guerilla Games, whose titles have trampled on 360 exclusives in the past.

I think the only exclusives you could possibly be talking about are Forza, and Titansfall? Where i could answer i would prefer Drive Club and Killzone.

You can't possibly be talking about Killer Instinct? That game looks offensive to my child hood, and looked like they just threw in Ryu from the new Street Fighter with a wig. Ryse looked style over subtance (not surprising from Crytek) and Dear Rising 3 looked furrrkin WACK, i was bored within 2 minutes of it running, let along 2 hours playing.

Sorry, but for me... no chance buddy

[Narutone66]

A lot of those "exclusive" games are from 3rd party developers like EA, Capcom. It's either available for the PC or will be available for the PS4 later on.

[Fasttrack76]

Buy Microsoft welcome Sony

[Captain Qwark 9]

haha poor english means you contradict yourself in that statement. i think you meant

"bye microsoft, welcome sony"

the way you wrote it your getting both not trolling ms which i assume like most, is what you meant to do

[Wintersun616]

Buy Microsoft? No thanks, I'll stick with Sony. :)

[Fasttrack76]

Bloody predictive texting, that looks stupid buy,least you knew what I meant bye bye,but nah ill end up with both eventually,but ps4 is 1st on my list, gadget mad,got ps3,ps vita and xbox360 at moment

[Bathyj]

as do it's fanboys

[Why o why]

Trust me. A lot of them have nothing left but calling out the hypocrites who will now pay for psn. . I personally don't agree with the paywall, which they are all too familiar with, even though I've always been a plus subscriber but they should be spending more of their energy at home so to speak. Get your own house in order. That situation is far more critical in my opinion.

[Karpetburnz]

Haha, Xbox fanboys have been saying all generation "XBL is better because we pay for it". now suddenly they're admitting it's a bad thing, they cant have it both ways. they're the real hypocrites, I haven't seen any PS3 fanboy saying its ok for online fees, everyone is disappointed in it, it's just Xbox fanboys damage controlling because their favourite company is getting a lot of backlash from the media.

[famoussasjohn]

The attitude that they give off is very off putting. As a primary Xbox 360 user, I have no desire to purchase the Xbox One just by the pure arrogance to justify their changes/restrictions and to essentially say "Tough shit" to anyone who disagrees. The ability to not trade games is beyond ridiculous. I could have lived with the online checks, I'm usually signed on Xbox Live whenever I play no matter what so it wouldn't affect me unless the unfortunate happens and my internet goes out for more than 24 hours (in which case I'd want to throw my $500 paperweight). The ability of trading in MY game that I purchased is no longer an option is a BIG deal to me.

I want to know who the designer was of this console that thought of "hey, if you don't have internet, this console isn't for you, you should buy our older offering instead." You would think they'd want to get their product into as many homes as possible, but I guess common sense is not allowed over at Microsoft Headquarters.

[Bathyj]

I personally, from my own point of view hardly buy used games or trade them. the online thing is stupid but it also wouldnt effect me unless their was an outage. the Kinect is creepy and I wouldn't want to pay for it, but even that I would live with for the right games and the right treatment.

no, what pisses me off is MS abandoning their consoles halfway through their lifecycles. They go hard at the beginning, as we've seen at e3. They try to hook to and once they do they no longer care. They forget about the games, they just become a secondary consideration. I'm not falling for it 3 times.

plus I hate their bullish arrogant attitude. They just keep grabbing your nipple and twisting and they don't let up, forever telling me what I want instead of listening to what I want. They would rather buy exclusives then make them, and they are bringing far too many dodgy practices that I don't think is good for gaming

I was a big fan of the first Xbox, which I can't even call Xbox one anymore thank you very much. even after multiple rrods I bought a lot of games for 360 but they lost their way and made it clear I'm not important to them which is a shame because I've always bought nearly all the consoles. I think it's just ps4 this gen. maybe I'll finally get into pc gaming if I need variety.

[Why o why]

Agreed again. This current gen was enough for me to see how their just enough, scrape the hurdle approach to output was lazy, not at all like the company who everybody says is 'doing worse' and is in 'financial difficulties'....Despite this that same company continues to churn out games and new ips year after year. Just look at 2013's output compared to the other hd console.

All of this new direction malarkey pretty much the nailed the coffin shut...I wont be jumping in even though ill be missing out on their games, some of which look very enticing and credit where its due, they surprised a lot of us. Problem is ms do have a habit of front loading each gen. This gen they started falling off almost at the midway point/kinect time, relying heavily on 3rd party support for core support. Its their choice not be be consistent. People will make excuses but that 'just enough' approach doesn't do it for me....their draconian approach just made it worse.

Im still a proud 360 and ps3 owner though. Many hours of fun on each, cant lie. Met great people on both and that's what ill miss the most about xbl..

[Bathyj]

yeah it's not like I WANT to only have one console. I've always had a favorite but still enjoyed the others and even though ps2 was my sentimental favorite that gen,i bought most multiplats on Xbox. They were doing everything right at the time. the fact they weren't "winning" really didn't matter to me.

I'd love another player to step in and blow me away. MS is just not going it anymore and their recent actions haven't instilled any New hope. they're only confirmed that they're lost to the dark side. maybe forever.

[Anthotis]

"Microsoft does a terrible job defending the Xbox One’s licensing, used game policies"

^correct title

[GrumpyOla]

I personally borrow and lend PS3 games and bought a few 2nd hand ones, but at the same time I can understand MS position on this issue. Imagine 4 of you going to a bar and ordering 1 drink and sharing it. Is that illegal? No, but you'll get one unhappy bar owner. Is it ethical? That's up to you to decide.
If Ms succeeds (and I hope they won't)in this, it won't be long til Sony follows suit.

[NeoTribe]

That's what gaming consoles are suppost to do. If you take away the ability to share and rent than theres no reason to buy a console over a pc.

[crazysammy]

Here is my response to that. That bar owner is shortsighted. If 4 guys come in and share a drink he has made money. Now if the drink is good and the service was good those people will return for another drink, and another, and another.

[kurochi]

@ GrumpyOla
Who the hell goes into a bar with four dudes and "share" one lousy drink? That's a lousy example. Plus, it's apples vs oranges in your comparison.

[L0YD]

I don't want to always-online console to threat me like a criminal this nextgen and gens after this, not going to support xbox one, because if its successful - DRM and always-online will become a standart.

[Gaming4Ever]

Microsoft has basically confirmed their exit in the industry.

[Captain Qwark 9]

disagree, i think the internet is up in arms but a good majority of the people arent that putt off by it. a rather large portion of my friends and myself are still very excited for the x1 despite knowing all of the drm restrictions and higher price point. im ready for the all digital change myself. a few months ago i was pissed about it but thinking about how i listen to music or watch movies today, its all digital for me. im okay with giving my games library the same chance. X1 looks awesome, its my first system, then ps4 later next year.

Edit*

plus worst case scenario, i hate it. they may not let em sell my games easily but that cant stop me from selling the console lol but i think i will love it so im not too worried about that

[Gh05t]

I think a majority of the people are very put off by this. They will buy an Xbox anyways but I wouldn't say they aren't put off.

The issue is that all digital usually comes with a better value on content. Why spend $14 on a CD when I can buy the two songs I like for $2 or a digital copy of the whole thing for $10. Why buy the DVD/Blu-ray for $15.99 when I can watch the movie for $3.99 (assuming I usually don't re-watch movies often) or buy the rights for $8.99. With PC games I usually wait and get a 40%-65% discount before I buy. So the problem here is they are forcing an idea of a digital age without showing any of the benefits. Unless they come out the gate with lower game prices than we are paying equal for less value than a PS4 title.

So I am happy he says the future will drive down costs but in order to get me to buy into that future PROVE it. Reduce the cost for digital content and Ill consider it. Otherwise he wants us to hope for a reduced cost which from this greedy industry I don't trust a word they say especially when it comes to how much money they will "Save" me.

[Captain Qwark 9]

well in order for that the base of that future to begin somebody has to take the first steps too, hated for it or not. MS did that before with braodband only on the original xbox. people hated them for it but look what it did for live.

then in order to keep xbl improving, they kept the subscription rate despite the competition offering free or sub based and for years its pissed people off. but look what that resulted in, xbl on 360 is wonderful and full of features like crossgame chat that sony is just now getting with ps4. Also, im certain that paywall also contributed to X1's network which will likely be nuts. In what is rather no surprise too, now sony has adopted a mandatory subscription model.

so twice now ms has done something people have hated but turned it into something good. im giving them the benefit of the doubt that the restrictions and steps they are taking here will eventually lead to another future trend too. i could be wrong, i could be right. time will tell but personally i like a lot of what they do even if they do sometimes nickel and dime customers.

anyway, the whole point of my response is, somebody has to take the lumps to start change, and that applies to early adopting customers who may have to pay more and a company who may have to survive bad press. most peeps dont like change at first but eventually people come to terms with it but if nobody is willing to take those lumps, we stay stuck in the past. if people come to terms with it, adopt it, then it is possible prices will drive down and this is the future. we shall see

[Gh05t]

I totally agree with you and understand what you are saying but in both those scenarios WE actually received value for the adoption. XBL requiring high speed we got to see what value that gave us instantly (playing Halo with no lag that I can remember but then again it was over a decade ago), Paying for XBL was fine since at the beginning it allowed me to play Halo with my friends who lived in a different city. In this case they are saying the value is COMING. They have not shown in any case where this value pays off NOW. That is why I said meet us half way. Ill accept your DRM/Check ins but what is MS giving me for this... NOTHING yet but MAYBE lower prices in the future. That is BS, if they want change they have to show why the market should change. Reward me for my adoption of the fundamentally changing situation. Dont sell me on hopes/dreams of some better future or else wait until that future before you implement this.

[Why o why]

Lol, forcing broadband was pioneering, positive but more importantly needed.

This is not..only the apologists are jumping to defend this.... Its going to be another 7 plus years before its considered by anybody else in the console world. I live in the now and I bet you a digital kowtow if ms's games are sold for cheaper than sony's.......

Oh btw, ms did a pioneering act but it didn't save the console did it. Kinda like scoring the most goals/points but your team still gets trashed. Hollow victory mate

[cell989]

You guys are the reason Microsoft thinks they can get away with DRM bs. They'll be making plenty of money from you tubby, every new game you buy theyll make some money off of you. The blind xbox is quite delusional

[LoveOfTheGame]

Hopefully the PS fanboys actually read the article for once.

The only real difference in policies is that Xbox has the 24 hour check in. Both companies used game policies are the same in allowing you to buy, trade, and loan games.

Had a friend swear up and down that the Xbox couldn't play used games because that's what he read on the internet. Seriously idiots should stop getting on the internet.

@manny1up
Did you just completely skip the article or can't read?

[Foxgod]

And thats exactly why they cancelled the press show, people arent listening, and are just making up more lies.

[Fishy Fingers]

They cancelled a press event because people aren't listening? What a load of crap, if people aren't listening wouldn't a press event be the perfect opportunity to try and set the record straight?

[Foxgod]

No it wouldnt, because the public press are the ones who spread most of the fudge in the first place.

[Narutone66]

What a delusional way of thinking, press conference is exactly what MS needs to clarify the issues. You're just as delusional as the company that hired you.

[Fishy Fingers]

So they couldn't invite reparative journalists into the invite only press event because they're known for making up lies? Are we clutching at straws?!

I bet you don't question the integrity of said journalists when they're painting MS (or whatever subject) in a positive light.

You cancel press events for predominately one reason. Damage control.

[Why o why]

What a shill. You're really trying to say both are the same. . You must either be an employee or a very silly tool if you're really pairing the two directions. . .

Which part of not being able to borrow or rent do you see sony talking about?

Which part of not being able to actually own your disc based games do you see snow talking about

The only grouping you can do is that both are gaming consoles and even that is debatable

[WeAreLegion]

If they wouldn't have used these ridiculous restrictions, they wouldn't have to worry about the "lies" told by the media. I don't see lies about Sony being thrown around. Do you?

[solidworm]

You been living under a rock?

[Majin-vegeta]

Both companies used game policies are the same in allowing you to buy, trade, and loan games.

Grade A stupidity at it's finest.*Facepalm*.

[DARK WITNESS]

No they are not... if you believe that then you are nothing more then a great example of the kind of braindead sheep that are actually falling for this bulls£"^T !!

And yes, I read the whole article.

[kneon]

While the XB1 will allow the potential for used games and lending/giving away games it is much more complicated and restrictive than on the PS4. Also publishers aren't required to allow resale or giving away of games on the XB1.

When Microsoft make it as easy as this to lend games then people may stop complaining about the DRM

[ehandlr]

The used game policies are NOT the same... Not even in the same ballpark....

[PSVita]

@love- your actually wrong. It's up to the publisher to decide where you're able to trade in and buy a game. It's not the same as the PS4 at all.

[SonyPS4]

"Seriously idiots should stop getting on the internet."

You're on the internet? Someone must be ghost writing this.

[LoveOfTheGame]

I agree Xbox's process is more restrictive and complicated, but it will still allow the use, trade, and rent/loan of used games.

I don't see how people are overlooking that when they have stated it several times.

[Gh05t]

So by loan you mean what exactly... I cant just hand a copy of my game to a friend and expect him to be able to play it... That is what loaning is to me.

[Mikeyy]

MS Fanboys don't even know their own policies.

Loveofthegame, you cannot loan your games to your friends. If they install it, it removes it from your account, and adds it to his. Current policy dictates that a game can only be traded once. That counts as a trade.

I cannot wait to hear about all the backlash from Xbox owners who didnt know about all this, so many friends games are going to be "stuck" on their buddies xboxs.

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

***"Loaning or renting games won’t be available at launch, but we are exploring the possibilities with our partners."***

As of now you can't rent or loan used or new games on the XB1.

[cell989]

"Loaning or renting games won’t be available at launch, but we are exploring the possibilities with our partners" that is a complete bullshit PR statement. Why can't it be available at launch? I'll tell you why, MS designed the xbone from the ground up to be a DRM restricted piece of trash

[clonerz]

Yeah ok xbone plays used games you say well i have 4 ps3 console in home one for each child guess what they can't take that one game into there room and play it on there profile never mind you can't just lend it to a brother or friend who enjoys the same type of games but hell I'd have to buy 4 f$kn copies of the same game in my own home the hell with that But BUt wait I must be misinformed yeah OK take a walk with your lies You should consider a job in politics Bud

[LoveOfTheGame]

Xbox allows 10 family members to have a shared game library allowing you to digitally lend the game, but only allows one person to play said game at a time.

So you would only need one copy for all of them to enjoy on each of their consoles.

[Gh05t]

@LoveOTG

A Press conference for them to answer questions about exactly how this works would be nice but as they refuse to give examples I have a hard time trusting its as easy as they make it out to be. For instance how are the 10 family members determined? is it by IP address? How do they know who is family and who isnt? Do we have to live in the same house?

It says that my family member can play my copy of forza at a friends house from our shared library but it doesnt say that the original copy didnt have to be from our own house.

In this case couldnt I just say my 3 friends are family and we all have access to each others games and only have to buy Multiplayer games separately? If thats the case Im going Xbox One all they way.

But these are questions that need answers and MS refuses to give strait answers to anything right now which makes me feel like they are hiding something.

[LoveOfTheGame]

They answered them in this article, family member are determined by you not IP address or blood. You choose them at setup or can after the initial setup.

Not to sure about the physical disc thing for initial download, but that would be the same problem with loaning a disc to someone.

@Mystic
Sony with their online passes?

@Mikey
They are similar as they both allow used games to work. That's been my point this entire time but people seem to throw other things in.

[clonerz]

That is cloud based which sucks aka prone to hang ups and disconnect no thank you

[Mikeyy]

How delusional can you be?

There are MAJOR differences between Sony and Microsofts policies.

With sony, you can sell your game to anybody you want. With Microsoft you can only sell to your buddy if he has been on your freinds list for 30 days (1 time only he can't resell it or give it back) or a "MICROSOFT APPROVED RETAIL OUTLET". No craigslist, no ebay.

With Sony you can rent games. Sofar, you cannot rent games on XB 1 at all.

With sony you can bring your game to your freinds house and play it together. With Xbox you can only play for 1 hour, Unless signed into your Live account. If I understand that correctly.

So please explain to me how both companies polices are similer AT ALL? They are way different.

Sony clairifyed that there comments about it being up to publishers is about Online passes, which happened last gen.

[MysticStrummer]

"The only real difference in policies is that Xbox has the 24 hour check in"

One company built their console specifically to make it easy to enforce DRM. The other didn't. Huge difference.

One company is selling disc based games that don't have the entire game on them. The other is selling disc based games that have the entire game on them. What a concept. Huge difference.

One company made it more complicated to rent, borrow, and sell your games. The other didn't. Huge difference.

Three guesses who that One company is...

[kenshiro100]

You're pretty funny. Microsoft isn't making a good case for themselves at all. But why should they,when they have people like you defending them?

[LoveOfTheGame]

Last bubble, didn't think this much conversation would start up over a simple bit of information.

I know they have said that it won't be available at launch for the rent and physical loan of a game, but they have stated they are working on that. The same could be said about Gakai for PS4 about not being there at launch but I do believe both sides will eventually get these systems up and running in due time.

As for people think I am defending MS policies, I am not. I am simply telling people to see everything before making judgement. I am not a strict fan of either side and currently have both consoles pre-orderd until I have made a final decision.

Edit: I understand people wanting to boycott Xbox for the 24 hour check in or boycott PS for requiring payment for online play. I just don't understand why people make outlandish claims of what a system can and cannot do and have that as their reasoning.

A friend we have is on the fence for converting from PS3 to Xbox One and he intelligently told us why he was thinking of going to Xbox(He has no friends on PS3). The next day he starts accusing Xbox of not being able to play used games and says it's true because he read it on the internet from Game "Journalists".

I just can't stand when people ignorantly defend or attack something without considering the other side of things. That's the main reason I never argue with my family anymore.

[die_fiend]

@loveofthegame

There is reason everyone is disagreeing with you. You're wrong. Shouldn't have taken you 5 bubbles to still not realise that. U never argue with your family anymore? I can see why

[MRMagoo123]

you cant rent or loan games on the xbone , how in the hell is that even close to the ps4 policy? you MS shills are getting stupid now, they must pay you guys a lot.

[manny1up]

Am a 360 owner , greatly disappointed "ALWAYS ON" shenanigans mandatory 24hr check in , Kinect Always on (F%$# Kinect) NOT lending games , Not Renting Games (Am NOT RICH!) Price tag $499 are you EFFING kidding me ? SRY microsoft am opting for PS4 you totally abandoned your LOYAL supporters (GAMERS) ! .

[Gh05t]

I agree with everything you have said i just havent pulled the trigger on pre ordering either console... I guess im still hoping MS will wake up but I think its just my Nightmare and I need to wake up and transition back to a PS fan (I have owned a PS1, PS2, and PS3 but I really didnt like the PS3, Games were good just didnt like the console and UI or the controller in comparison)... I have been an xbox and xbox360 supporter but now I feel abandoned and dont know if I can support this always connected and Kinect BS.

[MRMagoo123]

for the good of gamers get a ps4 preordered now , let MS stew in there crap for a while till they realise what they have done is wrong.

[Ashlen]

"This is a big change, consumers don't always love change, and there's a lot of education we have to provide to make sure that people understand."

Micrsoft: "Customers are stupid!"

No, MS we understand completely. That's why PS4 is totally dominating the picture.

[NarooN]

Wow MS actually trying to defend this stuff?

All I have: http://i.imgur.com/PHpfwxg....

[Ashlen]

I like that gif. =)

[manaxknight1]

nah i dont want to be educated on ur stupid new game policies...nor do i want to be watched 24/7..

[PSVita]

Funny considering the resent NSA news. Just look at the games watchdogs.

[gano]

Actually its not being educated, because you already know about it.
No, they are trying to re-educate peeple to being dumber.

[fOrlOnhOpe57]

I know you have my best interests at heart, Microsoft but I'll stick with the Playstation version of sharing,thanks lol.

[DARK WITNESS]

Well said

[SeraphimBlade]

Starting to feel bad for the pr reps whose job it is to make this look good. Right now, it looks like a trainwreck in slow motion.
"Why is our train flying through the air upside down?"
"We are... uh... bringing train-riding to the next level."

[RandomDude655]

Train is riding on the cloud bro....
Rocket Science!

[Vip3r]

Ah well, at least we won't have to carry several game disks in their boxes to our friends house now.

That was always the biggest problem with current and previous gen gaming and now Microsoft has gracefully releaved us of that distant burden via our wallets.

[DevilishSix]

Good luck with that, how well will it play on a friends system relying on his internet speed and connection, since you won't use a physical copy it will need to stream game data? Hope you have a T1 connection.

[PSVita]

I believe he was being sarcastic

[Mikeyy]

Did MS even mention is games can be streamed while downloading?

It would be really pointless to goto your buddys house, log into your live account on his xbox, decide you wan't to play Madden 25, then have to sit there and download 30GBs of data before you can install and play.

[Gaming_Guru]

Microsoft's problem is that they are treating physical copies of video games as if they are digital. What i find funny is that they want consumers to get use to a digital transition when what Sony is providing is actually a better transition.

Since the added feature for PS4 with PS+ is playing online, a person would not have to buy a single game and be renting digital copies of video games each month. Things like Netflix is popular because it's a subscription rental system as apposed to a rent-per-view rental system seen in the 90's.

I have no problems with the idea of DRM in context with digital content since digital information can be copied so easily, but when talking in context of physical media i've never seen an idea that i would backup / favour.

[RickHiggity]

Keep it up MS. All you're doing is saving me money XD

[Allsystemgamer]

Worst part here is what about people who don't have Internet connections? They don't know about the online requirement so I hope the store selling them tells EVERYONE they need a net connection or allows people to return it.

Just imagine not having the net, not knowing about the requirement, buying a 600$ after tax system and not being able to use it because you didn't know and CAN'T return it.

[Coolmanrico]

Lol, I was thinking the exact same thing. I predict hundreds if not thousands are going to bring it home not knowing about the requirement.

[PSVita]

That's why they didn't talk about it at E3. You gotta pay $500 for the console,then $60 for LIVE in order to just access the other things you might already pay for and the you MUST have Internet if you want to play or do anything beside watch a blu-ray.

[SKullDugger]

This plan from M$ is forcing the people who supported them thru the XBOX 360 downfalls and problems to buy a package bundle with kinect 2.0 and online,DRM and they have control of the games you purchase not the consumer and what about our proud Military people who may not always have an online connection, M$ answer just keep your 360 and pass on the XBOX ONE. Guess what M$ i use to support you but no more you keep your XBOX ONE and I will buy a PS4 this is a total rip off and screwing of the faithful gamers who supported you. GOODBYE M$ my money and time will now be given to SONY..

[PooEgg]

Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah...

Don't even want to hear it MS. I actually liked my 360, but your greed and nonsense has turned me off of Xbox One, no way in hell am I going to support your anti-consumer pro-greed machine, since doing so would only encourage more greed in the gaming business and we already have enough thank you very much.

[Psychonaut]

I wish I could start up a site for taking bets on if Microsoft will price drop right out the gate and knock off 100.00 dollars.

[RandomDude655]

They actually won't. High Level Executives don't want to launch at a loss anymore.

[Psychonaut]

Well, then I feel sorry for Microsoft fans cause the XBOX One is trash in every shape and form, also Blu-Ray is a sony proprietary(of the BIG three), so for every Xbox One game sold, Sony makes profit as well.

Anyways to each their own, I am just happy to play PS4 this christmas.

[babadivad]

I think this whole mess started when someone at MS came up with the idea of having a console without disc which is admittedly a cool idea. But, you cannot go that route without having some sort of protection from piracy. And Microsoft did it's typical over compensating and imposed extremely stringent DRM policies to protect against piracy. It started with a good idea and steamrolled out of control from there.

[KumquatGOATBEEF]

I understand if you want to buy an Xbox for some exclusives, and more power to you if you do, but other than exclusives why even bother with the hassle of what Microsoft is doing?

We already know the PS4 is more powerful, we know there are no used game restrictions and probably no online passes at all anymore, no required internet connection, PS+ is optional unless you want to play multiplayer and PS+ has received rave reviews for its value... I just don't understand the mindset of why someone would invest in the Xbox if you're not buying the exclusives.

I like the PS4 because I like the idea of it focusing on the games and providing quality gaming content. It's a console for gamers, Sony made a point of that.

[Rusty515]

Fool. You forgot about Xbox One's secret advantage...It's the next watercooler.

[KumquatGOATBEEF]

Damn... I forgot that I'm screwed if I get thirsty playing the PS4. This changes everything!

[BLAKHOODe]

Microsoft seems to think it's consumers don't understand the value of the all mighty dollar and wants us to trust Microsoft in handling the digital distribution of our games? Yea, okay..

Microsoft wants to eliminate retail and control what we pay for games. I don't have my Xbox turned on right now, but I dare anyone to go on Xbox Live and check out the prices on some of the on-demand games. Do we really want to pay $40 to $60 for games sometimes 2 and 3 years old?

[mushroomwig]

This is really strange to read, it's like Microsoft have turned into the Sony of 7 years ago, arrogant and proud.

[BLAKHOODe]

You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.

[RandomDude655]

"When Gaming is ashes.....you have my permission to rent games" -MS

[Tatsuya]

and.. after all that victory win and real applause at the SONY E3 conference, they are still being idiotic about it. Then Microsoft, looks like PS4 will be the lead platform for the next gen. I wish you the best of luck.

PS4: Greatness Awaits

[komp]

Wow, near the bottom of the article:

Mehdi said it was "hard to say" what the larger reaction from the less attentive mainstream consumers would be.

In a broader set of community, people don't pay attention to a lot of the details. We've seen it in the research, we've seen it in a lot of the data points.

....

Are they saying that they hope the ignorant masses outside of the core gaming community will buy this anyway, not knowing about the world of pain they could be walking into?

He then goes on to boast about a possible sell out at Amazon pre orders: I mean, is that for us or the mainstream less attentive ones he just spoke of? ????

[BLAKHOODe]

I'm willing to bet this Yusuf Mehdi person has never played a video game in his life.

[PSVita]

I think the only game MS employees are able to play is Monoploy.

[LeCreuset]

First he says:

"This is a big change, consumers don't always love change, and there's a lot of education we have to provide to make sure that people understand."

Then he says:

"I think it's fair to say there's a segment of consumers at this show in particular who really pay attention, who are very passionate about all aspects of gaming, and that we listen to closely. In a broader set of community, people don't pay attention to a lot of the details. We've seen it in the research, we've seen it in a lot of the data points."

So when asked about the overwhelming negative response to MS restrictions from core gamers his response is pretty much that we are ignorant and need to be educated on the greatness of their anti-consumer policies. However, when asked whether the wider market of mainstream consumers would have the same reaction as the core gamers his reaction was basically a political way of saying that mainstream consumers will have a different reaction because they aren't as informed as the core gamers he previously stated need to be educated.

[cell989]

The audacity of this guy lol, basically he is saying the general public will be too stupid to know all the hurdles they'll be experiencing once they buy an xbone, and we core gamers are too smart to fall for that shit, so it's their job to try and brainwash us with bells and whistles

[ErcanDaBeast]

Microsoft why would you do that? this is fraud no way i will pay to play pre-owned games you have lost me.

[Edface]

I don't like the way that Microsoft call it 'change'. 'Change' normally means for the better, and for the consumer's benefit.

[tiffac008]

The guy is saying we need the restrictions to move forward into the digital age. Which I find funny since the industry will move forward towards the digital age anyway making all this mandatory DRM on the physical media kind of pointless.

[Kingthrash360]

MS is showing why they could never be trusted. smh educate me? educate this ** raises middle finger**

[ger2396]

Digital distribution may very well be the future. But not this gen.

[iliimaster]

wow i could only imagine how long it would take to download a over 20 gig game ...... plus my internet disconnects ALOT can digital downloads although good for a FEW people with very fast internet id imagine gamers want the physical media disc and case for their collection. I take great pride in displaying my resistance 1 2 and 3 collection etc.. digital downloads is good for dlc not whole games

[alan001]

Since alot of retailers have intranets which is an internal internet connection.
Im guessing retailers with no outside internet connection will be given special "demo" boxes that don't require online checks or else they wont be able to play any games!?

[Enigma_2099]

Oh my d****... THIS is how you're going to counter SONY? By defending the actions that you've taken that have pissed off your user base?!?!?!
*FACEPALM*

[airgangstarr]

by the time if u buy the ps move ur bascally around the same price so price isnt the issue standing up for your rights is... an sadly everyone preordered the xbox 1 be it on amazon were probably more then half will cancel before launch .. its free to preorder on amazon they dont take ur money till it launches... so why not preorder one but if no one was preordering ud see a different stance by ms but even if they did try an change there policy its too late we seen there true colors...

my problem is i wanna play titan fall an halo when they come out so what do i do? buy both an only plug in my xbox when i wanna use it cause i dont want obama staring at my balls while im gettin dressed out of the shower.. what ms fails to realize is for alot of gamers there consoles are in there bedrooms not the living room so privacy matters i dont see how i can support the xbox 1 an ive been a xbox fan boy for 10 years

[Grindlefly]

I agree ultimately we will have consoles with no discs and if that is their focus why not at least a 1tb hard drive?

[Goldenarmz]

The only way i see myself buying a Xbox One is if they announce all Digital Titles will be 19.99-29.99. But other than that, i really have no desire to buy a xbone. All their titles come to PC anyways so ill just grab it there if i just need to play em.

[SpinalRemains]

wow.

They're truly obnoxious, spoiled and entitled to do whatever they wish, aren't they?

Xbox was a really great platform too. What a dam shame.

[optimus]

So he's basing their strategy on the mobile gaming market?? that guy should be fired; the reason that market works is because people aren't up to walking around with 5-6 cd's, dvd's, mini disks, or whatever they use just to play a game. this was proven with the 1st psp... the problem lies that these are NOT mobile devices they are HOME consoles.

If they wanted to go with this all digital strategy they could have made it OPTIONAL...let me buy and play my game disk and let me CHOOSE to upload it into the cloud and from there implement their sharing and accessing gameplan...if they did that (plus remove the restrictions) they would have more than a fighting chance next generation.

[mac_sparrow]

If they truly believe that digital is the future (something they started saying once HD-DVD died)then why do they have a Blu-Ray drive in the one?

If digital is good enough for games then why not movies? It's because they're hedging their bets. If you believe it that strongly then have the conviction to follow through, make all content download/cloud only, don't have two options.

All in one. Input one, except when we have two ways of getting data in there and any other circumstances we may not have thought of yet but reserve the right to implement at a later date if we so desire.

Catchy...

[SpinalRemains]

MS would actually try to defend torturing puppies.

This type of stuff is SOP and while disgusting, what did you expect them to do?

This is their baby and they are all in.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Regardless of what side of the fence you fall...this is a good read.

[Hicken]

What, would you say, are the merits of reading the article?

[OC_MurphysLaw]

I happen to like arstechnica articles.... they seem pretty even handed I their approach.

[quenomamen]

Lol at the MS defenders, if this was a car, computer, phone, TV you name it, that stopped doing a big portion of what it was designed to do if you didnt connect it to the internet every 24 hrs would you buy it ? Would you buy a car that woukd not start and all you could do is sit in it and listen the radio and maybe play with windshield wipers if you didnt call Ford every 24 hrs ? Damn right you wouldn't. So why are you eager to let MS walk all over your rights as a consumer ? What cuz you want to play Killer Instinct ?

[kenshiro100]

This train wreck just keeps getting worse.

[justiceot]

Why is everyone missing the point in the article that we are able to share our games to up to 10 friends? Only one person would be able to play at a single time. Essentially. it's analogous to disc exchanging: the quintessential aspect of console gaming. If it's true, it'd be really awesome to just build a game library with a group of friends right from the very beginning.

But one thing I noticed is that with this system, the "used game" loop would be closed just after the tenth person. A copy of the game is kept only among ten people, that is until the license is transferred to another friend with other nine friends.

[lucidity]

They really should be making a case for this that isn't either "you'll understand once you've bought and paid for the box" or "b-but things you can do anyway!". You can't count on suckering the mainstream with a box so expensive - you need to win the early adopters over first, and they are emphatically not sold.

[Britainz-Fin3st]

Ofcourse they will defend it, they see $$$$ !

They might make more money for the single game sales however i think many people will avoid used game sales if it will cost whatever the retailer charge and then a full price license... pay more for 2nd hand?

[BlacBox]

Go ahead and disagree with what about to post. Not buying the xbox one because of the online policy and used games issue? is beyond me. Ill give it a few years till microsoft will lead the new era console gaming by going digital before sony. It all doesnt make sense now but it will come into play. Pc can have steam based games, why cant sony and microsoft? This is Microsoft's plan. Buying discs for games is getting old. For the most part soon as i get home from the gym, school and work im on xbox live. The online part doesnt bother me, well till of course if i dont pay for my internet or there is an outage, then i have 360 to play. I totally feel for people who dont have the internet to play these amazing games. Either Microsoft didnt explain well or people are taking it the wrong way. The Gaming community is most definitely afraid of change tho. We are all just consumers, but probably only half of us dont know the business part of gaming. There was a negative feedback about the tablet and Android phones now look at it. Sells thousands, if not millions. *drops Mic* Not a fanboy, proud owner of both 360 and Ps3.

[BlacBox]

Microsoft wants more $$$? Listen, Every Corporation in AMERICA wants more $$$$. Smh...

[turgore]

These are the advantages of PS4.

1) Used games are ok
2) No always online daily
3) It is stronger (GDDR)
4) It is smaller
5) It is cheaper by 100 bucks
6) Gaikai. In a few years Sony made cloud gaming a reality for the masses. At least in the US.

They both have some great exclusives, but really since 90% of games will be multiplatform the ps4 seems a better choice.

[KaBaW]

I don't really mind the DRM, or 'check in,' as my internet is pretty stable..
Also, though, if something does happen to my internet.. I'll have a 360, PS3, and PS4.
Regardless, I'll be set, so it's not really a huge problem to me, although it is annoying.

[KaBaW]

I don't really mind the DRM, or 'check in,' as my internet is pretty stable..
Also, though, if something does happen to my internet.. I'll have a 360, PS3, and PS4.
Regardless, I'll be set, so it's not really a huge problem to me, although it is annoying.
The biggest problem, however, is the no sharing and the fees for activation..

I wouldn't mind, though, if I let my buddy borrow a game and the xbox would have an option, for him, that's either "Borrowed" or "Bought." If "Bought" you have to go thru the activation stuff. If "Borrowed" it would send a message of confirmation to the owner of that copy, that the owner would have to accept... Or something similar to this.

[belac09]

to say a lot of educating need to be done is just a sly way of saying brainwashing. idiots.

[cyhm3112]

next gen sales

PS4>Wii U>xbone

[BallsEye]

Whatever, I'm still gonna get it, games looked awesome and I have no idea how can anyone call himself gamer and not see the awesomeness in the titles they've shown this e3. It was best conference they ever had. As I always buy new games and I always am online on pc or console, I just don't care. Price? I think next gen console + next gen tech like kinect 2 (yes it is way better this time, first one sucked! Just check tech demos) and 1 year xbox live for 499$ is not that bad. I mean COME ON I was living in a country where you earn 10x less than in USA and still could afford all the games and consoles. I guess 99% of people on n4g are in high school or jobless.

And if you read the article THE FAMILY thing is pretty awesome. I can let 10 of my buds play my games without even going to their house, only limitation is we can't play same copy of the game at once. If you ask me thats just better. Hell, I can let my friend play my single player game while I go offline for 24 hours and play it at the same time as he does (saving one of us from purchasing the game at all) log back in in 24h and again off, so we can both play single player game at cost of 1 copy. You guys gotta start looking at the bright side and stop whining.

[C-Thunder]

Found one on the MS payroll right here folks.

Come one, come all, check out the soon to be extinct MS shill.

[GraveLord]

It's amazing how Sony is getting all this good press for basically keeping things as they are on PS3. LOL

Just goes to show how bad Microsoft messed up. It's a PR nightmare for them.

[Grindlefly]

The reason digital on iOS and steam works is that when offline you can still play your games. They seem to be missing this crucial point

[MRMagoo123]

and the games are about $5 lol not $60

[Adityac]

One of my friends pointed out that Xbox has Skype, Windows 8 kernels, Twitch etc. saying it was the better console. PS4 has, no restriction to DRM but that's about it isn't it?

[vigilante_man]

I'm assuming you are being sarcastic..

My phone has skype.
My PC & Laptop have Windows.
My PS4 will have GAMES (unrestricted).

Some people are an advertiser's dream. I swear!

[ShwankyShpanky]

Xbone also has:
Mandatory Kinect
Mandatory net connection
Non-upgradeable hard drive
Lesser GPU
Slower memory
Less useable memory (5GB vs 7GB)
Proprietary headphone jack
"Advertising! Advertising! Advertising!" (channeling Balmer)
$100 higher base price
$10 higher online service

BTW, PS4 has similar video cap as the Xbone has with Twitch.

And I'd be pretty apprehensive about buying early models of the Xbone, given their history with the 360.

[RandomDude655]

lol Microsoft thinks if they say something enough it becomes true or makes you excited..
"developers developers developers"
"tv tv tv tv tv tv tv"

It's like some kind of damn subliminal messaging that just makes people angry at Microsoft.

[ShwankyShpanky]

"We believe the digital world is the future, and we believe digital is better."

I'm confused... did the 360 actually take miniature vinyl or something? CDs/DVDs/BluRays ARE DIGITAL.

As so many have already said... you want to phase out the disc, you need to make the download version cheaper. Make it so you need the disc in the drive to play if the disc is installed to the HDD. As so many have already said... give consumers a real incentive to go direct download. Heavy-handed baked-in DRM dictats are NOT the way to win fans or transition to a new distribution model.

[maniacmayhem]

"We're trying to do something pretty big in terms of moving the industry forward for console gaming into the digital world. We believe the digital world is the future, and we believe digital is better."

Then in all honesty they should have made the console with no disc drive. Having all these restrictions just makes the whole system pointless. They keep comparing their model to Apple saying how all digital works for the iOS, but in all honesty that is a whole other type of audience.

The gaming community (especially the console gaming community) are not yet ready for an all digital experience. especially since most parts of the world isn't fully connected to the net.

[cell989]

I'm not ready to go digital just yet, corporations would love that, now they could have full control, and sell for the same price as physical with out paying for manufacturing and distribution. No, I still want my physical copy of a game I can resell whenever I want

[SilentGuard]

After reading this it became clear to me MS's DRM vision. It sounds like it started as a digital distribution only model, but realizing the transition would be too blunt in the console world, kept disc's as an option for distribution. From MS's point of view, it's an added bonus that you can give a disc based game to a friend, even if once, because that's a step up from a digital download which you can't. So MS wanted a digital distribution only model, like Steam, but included disc's as an option to help make the transition. I get all that, but what I still don't understand is the need to connect to live every 24 hours. The sytem they currently have in place would seem to only need to be connected during game installs, whether digital or disc based. If there are other legit reasons for check-ins every 24 hours I'd like to hear them.

[kingPoS]

[Quote] "This is a big change, consumers don't always love change, and there's a lot of education we have to provide to make sure that people understand"

Be online or get off the bus... OK Gotcha!

[Quote] Implementing that kind of disc-free system on the Xbox One "may not [have been] the best thing for consumers, and it may not [have been] the thing they [would have] wanted...

Are ther trying reverse 'the customers is always right' into we know whats right for the customer?

Let me see here... how about asking what consumers want instead of brushing off their options as if they were inconsequential.

[Groo]

Its called Communism

[JohnS1313]

What a load of crap Microsoft. No matter what you say gamers aren't going to be fooled by your nonsense. You're just greedy like always.

[IlluminatusV]

It is interesting that nobody has thought about the implications of Microsofts model.
On that model you can sell your digital-only game. This is something the current generation is not able to or as I understand it to this point is also not possible on a PS4. I don't think this is a bad message after all. I know that 24hrs check is annoying, but for some gamers like me this is not a problem because I am always online for example to play Dark Souls coop or PvP.

[Cherchez La Ghost]

I understand MS want to go into a new direction when it comes to technology, but damn......!! You should see the anger at the post on Majornelson.com blog.

Fact is I'm not calling no one a Xbot over there. They are gamers that love the 360 that feels betrayed and disappointed towards MS. And majority of the masses are looking towards the PS4. I don't share my games with no one. But if my internet goes black because of an outage more than 24hrs., I cannot game?!!

Fact is it's fcuked up for for MS loyalist going thru this crap. We are all gamers and we have our brand. But in all, the gaming community is not accepting what's being offered. And for MS to hear their fanbase and cannot say a word to address it is fcuked up. Period!

[V0LT]

They should lease this console because you sure don't own it in any form...

[Gravitic]

So I can share with friends digitally without having to get their finger-prints on the disc. This is excellent for me. I'm quite serious. I never buy discs anymore on PC, I won't now on console :D!

[Groo]

if digital downloads etc are the future.. then how come xbone doesnt allow anyone to upgrade the console hard drive? what is MS gonna say then? "oh just keep the first xbone console you purchased and buy another one if you need more hard drive space" the sheep will follow blindly im sure...

[IlluminatusV]

This is easy answered, they allow you to extend the size of your harddrive trough external harddrives you can plug into the usb port. In my mind a better and more flexible solution. As I know the size of the external drives in not restricted as it is with the XBox 360.

[Hicken]

... why not just have the size of the INTERNAL not restricted, and allow it to be swappable?

Then there's one less device to buy, one less thing to plug up. Less cables running around, less clutter from even more devices.

I don't see how it's more flexible. Especially more flexible than having external HDD support AND an upgradeable internal HDD. Isn't that FAR more flexible?

[Groo]

so I guess the Xbox One isn't the all in One console they claim it to be..

[DxTrixterz]

So why did the Microsoft even bother to put blu-ray drive for X1 if they only want games to be downloaded?

[IlluminatusV]

If you want to be THE media hub in the living room, you should have the ability to play BluRays, DVDs and CDs I suppose. Or somebody gifts you a game disk that you then can install and play. Makes any sense?

[zugdar]

More fuel for the fire.

[InTheZoneAC]

unless M$ changes their stance on a GAME console, this will be their last game console released.

[JT88]

Microsoft sent me an email about being with them from the beginning and to pre order a Feeboxone to get a controler and a special achievement. I have almost 60,000 gamer points im done ,gonna buy PS4, they can take their garbage new policies and wave goodbye to a lot of gamers.

[Akira2020]

Hey Microsoft, Denile is not just a river in New Jersey.

[Jag-T1000]

The Xbox One's first firmware update will remove online connectivity and used sales restrictions. That's what I think will happen 3-6 months after super low sales.

[Hozi]

My question to M$.

"Why would you create a console that's basically needs to be connected to the net at least once every 24 hours when a lot of countries around the world have A. Very slow Internet and B. No internet at all.Also since you do not yourself provide internet services...what happens when the net is down....for more than 24 hours?"

[ArtificiallyYours]

Being an avid Halo fan, Don Mattrick is seriously the worst thing to happen on both Microsofts PR and Gaming studios.

Ugh people like him break our economy down month by month.

[Pain70]

This holiday I'll be getting an XboxIDontWantOne! I loved the original. I love the 360. This is not in my budget. Guess I'll be playing GTA V and BF4 on the 360. I can live with that.

[Donnywho]

Microsoft doesn't want to just punch you in the face. They want you to study the footage of that punch, to fully understand why they had to punch you in the face and why you might want to be punched in the face more frequently in the future.

[Master of Unlocking]

dedicatedtogamers
If Microsoft is defending it now, there's zero chance they'll be reversing the Xbox One policies any time soon

True. They absolutely can't change the way the XBOX ONE works now, it's too late. They would have to start the (re)development of the system (almost) from scratch, and then wouldn'ty be able to keep their word about the release date, and then would give Sony the advantage of being alone on the market for quite some time, which is of course something they don't want.

They can't remove the 3 OSs that have to manage the TV programs and everything else, nor can they change the size of the box now, or anything else.

They're screwed. Sony has screwed them big time this time.

Sly Sony.

[LordHiggens]

Finally able to comment again, sweet God. Weird, never got a restriction until this new bubble system came up. Been on N4G for a while always my same old Sony fanboy self. No restrictions...until now...*scowl*

Anyway, to weigh in on this issue. Microsoft had a really great conference. I'm actually quite envious of all the great titles that were shown, the Xbox One is a great machine. It's this licensing and DRM bullcrap that is holding it back though. I'm hoping with Nintendo and Sony not following suit it might make Microsoft rethink their business model. I really hope they do...because the Xbox One if you take into account it's hardware and capabilities is a great machine. Not better than the PS4...but still great and capable of putting out some great titles. Only time will tell.

It's going to be a great generation :D

[buynit]

The guy pretty much said... We will take advantage of those not paying attention.

Wow! Im just lost for word.. All i had a problem with was not being able to play at all if not checked in 24hrs. I figured ms will fix that dumb shit then i will get it to enjoy killer instinct but after a comment like that, thats how i took it anyway, i dont think i can support them at all this gen...

I dont think ms has the legs to stand toe to toe with sony starting the new gen off like this.. Ms you just started getting good and getting a foot hold, how could you fuck it up so bad..

I really think ms wasnt ready to release one, i think they thought they had another yr but sony one up'd them. I mean 2 confrences and ppl are still confused and the ones that get it clearly wont get the console, all while ms just keeps it going..

[bparks1987]

The future of gaming is what? If you say SP your completely wrong. Answer = MP gaming. The only thing that holds back games like skyrim and fallout is the fact that there SP. If you were to just add 1 other player for either of those 2 games it would be leaps and bounds better and thats just adding 1 person. Sony see's now that it is necessary to profit from multiplayer just like xbox did. If you payed 60$ to play single player I feel sorry for you because at that price you could get internet. So enough whining about 24 hour checkup lets face the fact that most gamers play games for multiplayer or co-op not singleplayer. As for all the haters of xbox because of authentication, 24 hour checkup, and not being able to borrow friend game how many times have you actually borrowed a game to a friend? I bet you not more then 10 times. Which is exactly why microsoft will let you borrow to 10 people and if you read they didnt mean just family. As for the 24 hour authentication if you have internet that is no problem for you and as for the speed of internet required 1.5 mb that's maybe 20$ a month. http://www.kotaku.com.au/20... Used game policy is same on ps4 as on xbox one. PS4 has no control over 3rd party but has control over 1st party. Same as microsoft. Fact is that sony actually lied and acted like they have control over all games when in reality they dont. As for authentication I hate game pirates so if they want to authenticate my game is 100% legit go ahead. As for you being afraid of kinect theres a easy fix. TURN IT AROUND SO THE CAM IS FACED TOWARDS A WALL IF YOUR A PARANOID FREAK ! I will be buying ps4 at launch xbox one on price drop enough stupidity it gets old.

[TBONEJF]

M$ LOOSE 50% of its consumers gamers that are moving too the PS4.

[cell989]

The stupid, it hurts!! How can this moron say all videOgame policies will be that same?

[TheHardware]

"and consumers are saying 'Hey, if I can't resell the title, provide me a different way to get value to get into your game.'"

I have never said this......

[mikeyphi]

Wow, these guys are so pompous and arrogant that they keep trying to influence people's opinions! STFU Microsoft! Ur not gonna change people's minds!

[batbatz]

educate? fuck you mS

[ta1snake]

Got both Xbox and the 360, but i think i wont get Xbox1 this time to be honest.

[Hayabusa 117]

For Christ's sake, I wish people would stop going on about "gamers are afraid of change", "they're paranoid", "it's going to happen anyway" blah, blah, blah...

Minority or majority, a certain demographic of gamers don't like Microsoft's "features", they were vocal about it, and have decided not to buy the console. Simple as. I don't care how many idiots buy the Xbox One, I won't because I have no interest in licensing games for £50. Why do they care whether I defect to Sony or not anyway?

So Microsoft's reason for imposing online/DRM is to bridge the gap between digital and physical distribution by adding digital limitations to physical media...I don't get it. I can understand adding DRM to prevent piracy and make more money, but how does having DRM on a disc encourage people to download more? Maybe because they've reduced the value of physical medium?

I almost felt sorry for them watching poor Don Matrick doing damage control in a Game Trailers interview. Not anymore though, now my hatred towards them has been distilled to it's purest form.

Keep digging that hole Microsoft. Keep digging.

EDIT: Oh yes, by the way Mehdi, it's developers that make games, not publishers.

Microf*ckoff.

[Lookbehind]

Microsoft's thought process is like"your opinion counts,it just doesn't matter"

[Benjamin101]

MS just forcing the change on us man...I say the same thing sometimes too

[JT88]

No Sony fanboy here dont own a PS3, ONLY SYSTEMS I OWN XBOX, XBOX360 GAMER TAG Veni1Vidi1Vici ( I came, I saw, I conquered) for those who dont know what it means. And no their drm policy isn't that same sorry ... Microsoft Fan boys.

[Ragthorn]

Not trying to defend Microsoft or anything, but I feel bad for them and they way there next-gen console has turned out. I know I love my PS3, but PS3 would not have gotten as far as it did without the competition that Microsoft with its XBox 360. They did have the better online service at the beginning, but they then got overshadowed by PS Plus and its awesome benefits. Sad way to end for them, now PS4's competition will be the Wii U if they keep this going. Disagree if you must, just wanted to say it out loud, because it truly is sad in my opinion.

[JT88]

I've been a fan sinced halo came out on thr original console, sold my ps2 and all my games to buy it. They really aren't listening nore care wut we say so i say speak with ur wallets. I really dont care wut people say, my friends faith is gone in Microsoft too, he has over 70,000 gamer points. Sad day for sure.

[DivineAssault]

Defend it all u want.. All my die hard xbox loving friends are jumping ship because of this.. I know for a fact others will too.. DRM was a stupid move & so was forcing kinect on ppl making the price go up

[Themba76]

what's that old saying "pride cometh before the fall".

[Benjamin101]

I get where MS is coming from a classic entrepreneur story they're willing to make that recess for a better future in gaming however I think it's too soon. Hear me out for sec, no more waiting in lines for games and the sad moment where the only store u can get it from is sold out in addition to better match quality and quantity.

Like I said tho I don't see this working now it would need more time...(test drive) that's how I look at to see if they can truly handle what they themselves are giving out.

I'm in the Caribbean a little island called Virgin gorda(google if u don't believe) our net sucks bad we would kill for what even u guys called slow connection Cuz it's still way better than ours.....been an Xbox fan from 11yrs. I'm 19 now from the first Xbox playing sonic heroes and nfs hot pursuit...but this change doesn't support me so I'm passing...stick with my xb360..or maybe buy an ps4

[opinska]

God dam you MS! I want both consoles, I really do, but if you feed us this BS you will fail flat on your sale! Change your BS policy about used games and Internet requirement every 24hrs. And I shit you not: when MS do that I'll buy the Xbox one in a heart beat..
For now: Xbox go home, sorry but I won't bite MS BS. Ps4 for me it is...

[AlphaJunk]

Wow, awesome that I can loan a game digitally to my friends - much like Amazon Kindle and loaning digital books;this is going to be awesome!

[H3ADWOUND81]

Microsoft is still standing by everything they've proposed through arrogance & greed, they'll never back down due to the fact they know there are foolish people out there who will purchase what ever they try peddling.. That's the problem right there, like it or not it's the truth..

[vlonjati77vlonjati]

really microsoft?I already preordered 2 PS4's .Just to dispice you Im gonna preorder another one.

[opinska]

Dumbass... :) Just don't buy the Xbox one... I think you forgot the /s at the end?

[vlonjati77vlonjati]

I was being serious.I preordered 2 PS4,s.And I will preorder another one .Probably Im gonna gift it to my nephew.Never had xbox never will.I dont recall to have ever commentted in a negative way in xbox articles.But in xbone case it was about us the consumers cause didnt want my fav Sony to follow suit.Im glad Sony cared about gamers.peace

[sak500]

I'm sensing windows vista level fail for xbox1. I dont understand what goes on in the minds of engineers and designers in MS. They just need to finger something which is doing well and turn it into a turd for the next version, especially in their OS dept. In console it's the other way round. First one they tried and then dumped because of low sales, 2nd one was success and for 3rd instead of making it even better experience they put in so much anti consumer stuff that most loyal fans / users have aired their hate towards it.

To MS, listen XB1 is not a software which you can fix like a patch for Win 8 to bring back start button since consumers really showed you they didn't like it even from a year earlier testing the beta, this is a hardware and if you dont listen to your audience then you CAN and Will fail. So better have a plan B realy for xb1 in case it goes the way of windows ME, Vista, Win 8.

[jez77]

Guys what about this from the article. Yoh can have 10 "family members" anywhere have access youyour shared games. Better than just sharing locally with disc copies.

Xbox just needs to show how all this crap works, talking about it is apparently not working.

"It’s a “family” affair

Since its announcement, there has been some confusion over the details of sharing your Xbox One game library with up to ten "family members." Mehdi couldn't give comprehensive details, but he did clarify some things.For one, a family member doesn't have to be a "blood relative," he said, eliminating the extremely unlikely possibility that the Xbox One would include a built-in blood testing kit. For another, they don't have to live in the primary owner's house—I could name a friend that lives 3,000 miles away as one of my "family members" Mehdi said.You'll be able to link other Xbox Live accounts as having shared access to your library when you first set up a system and will also be able to add them later on (though specific details of how you manage these relationships is still not being discussed). The only limitation, it seems, is that only one person can be playing the shared copy of a single game at any given time. All in all, this does sound like a pretty convenient feature that's more workable than simply passing discs around amongst friends who are actually in your area.

[Protagonist]

If this link has any truth to it, then It makes me wonder how Microsoft gonna defend this new issue.

http://gimmegimmegames.com/...

[Valenka]

What's there to defend, Microsoft? There's no need for any fees to be charged, whatsoever.

[Kidmyst]

He tries to justify the market going all digital? Renting Movies is fine for all digital, but when I buy something I prefer physical. I have something to show for it for the long run. Hard drives can die, servers don't support services, hardware fails. Over the last 30 plus years I have been gaming and collecting, I will be able to show my Son what I grew up playing and he'll be able to hold the boxes, cartridges, etc. and look at them hookup systems and turn them on to play. I find it hard to pay 60 bucks for a full digital copy when for the same price I have the physical game. Since neither the Xbone and PS4 are backwards compatible, if their games were to become all digital, will the future consoles or hardware support backwards compatible digital games? Nope, willing to bet no. Console stops working and you lost Thousands in games and no servers means you can't re-download them if tied to a system.

[Knightofelemia]

For Microsofts policy on games its stupid I buy the game I own the game I can do whatever I want with it. But according to their policy its more like a permanent rental when I pay $60 for the game. After the game has ran its course the game is virtually worthless and useless making it an expensive beer coaster or an expensive waste of plastic that could be recycled or will end up in the dump.

At least with Sonys policy games are still worth something and the plastic they are printed on. After the game is recycled I can trade it in and some kid can have a smile and enjoy the game the way I did. Plus developers still make cash on the game. Microsofts policy will screw them in the end I won't get an XboxOne unless they change their stupid policy. I always thought Apple has the stupid rules but Microsoft has them beat so far.

[strigoi814]

After two years of waiting PS4 slim might be released lolz

[MikeyDucati1]

This comes as no surprise because this is MS. They have been like this for quite some time. Microsoft works, lives and plays in MS world.

[darkness625]

Man why are xbox fanboys still even trolling ps4 and defending xbox one. Why should microsoft be supported, when they are screwing their fanbase. While sony is doing everything they can, to satisfy their fanbase.

[MasterD919]

Foreign markets will absolutely favor Sony. With a $100 price tag difference and the economy being the way it is, Sony is already in the lead, impressive hardware aside.

Xbox One $499 + tax + cost of extra controller + cost of Xbox Live + 1 game = PS4

[HetaKuso]

I'm getting a PS4 for sure!!! but I still can't stand you PS fanboys!

[meplaygames]

Same here.. PS cheerleaders are the worst of the worst.

[MikeyDucati1]

Funny...the same can be said about crazy fanatical 360 gamers who suddenly realized all their praising of their beloved MS were all for nothing. MS just basically gave yall the middle finger after all your MS points and XBL payments. Just terrible. PS gamers are actually cooler than most of the 360 gamers...that's just a fact. We are more...mature.

[swice]

You are trying to take my childhood from me Microsoft. Go **** yourself. Stay away from my industry

[bparks1987]

I gotta say that sharing a game with 10 people is impressive. Can you split your physical game cd into 10 copies? no

[meplaygames]

The best thing is you short sighted fools are so insignificant that your constant bashing of the xbox one doesn't really matter lol. There are millions upon millions of casual gamers out there that will buy the xbox one and just game instead of crying over these none issues. I love it how most of you on here think n4g is the centre of the world.

[Garbanjo001]

"Mehdi made a comparison to the world of home movie viewing, where inconvenient trips to Blockbuster Video have been replaced with Netflix streaming on practically every TV-connected device."

Because leaving the house is a bad thing . . . wow, apparently going shopping is inconvenient. Let's just let everyone do everything for us and let the obesity in America get even worse. Looks like Mehdi is a pretty thin guy, pretty energetic maybe. Looks like he does his own shopping, and doesn't inconvenience himself with "convenience."

[Garbanjo001]

"While the Internet is decidedly up in arms about the way the Xbox One handles game ownership and online check-ins, Mehdi said it was "hard to say" what the larger reaction from the less attentive mainstream consumers would be. "

Wow, so the uninformed are just retards buying shit because of the brand . . . Rednecks are going to have a field day at Best Buy.

[Garbanjo001]

(Amazon is saying it's one of their best-selling consumer products). NEXT TO PS4. (We're seeing the same thing from other retailers." To be fair, PlayStation 4 pre-orders were also a quick sell-out on Amazon after the company's press conference on Monday.)

Amazon sold out of PS4, Xbox is a best seller (number 3, next to PS4 in first and The Last of Us in 2nd).

[Garbanjo001]

"We want to have our offering be differentiated relative to all others," he said. "It has value that is in so many areas that is not in competing systems… That is a thing that each consumer will choose… and ultimately consumers will decide which is better. It's a big market."

PS4/XBO
Both have disk based games.
Both have digital downloaded games.
Both charge for Online.
Both have free games via online.
Both are Next Gen.
Both access the internet.
Both have netflix.
Both have cameras.
Both have similar controllers.
Both stream media/music.

PS4 doesn't require Internet to play games.
XBO plays TV when offline, and is a hundred dollars more.

[b-real]

DRM is the best thing about the Xbox One! I don't even know more than 10 gamers, and if we all form a family group we can just have each people purchase different games and we will save shitloads of $$?

How does this not out way the lending of disks restrictions?

(lol lending of discs...enjoy your old fashioned PS4...noobs).

[samekratos]

f***n 272 noob's give it a break noob's

[grmbl]

MS has built a HTPC connected to their cloud that can (if you really must) play games and must be fed with $$$ watching you masturbate 24/7... lmao

Bye Microsoft! Hello Sony!

[Iltapalanyymi]

There is no fucking point defending this shit.

[RealtorMDandDC]

While the Internet is decidedly up in arms about the way the Xbox One handles game ownership and online check-ins, Mehdi said it was "hard to say" what the larger reaction from the less attentive mainstream consumers would be. "I think it's fair to say there's a segment of consumers at this show in particular who really pay attention, who are very passionate about all aspects of gaming, and that we listen to closely. In a broader set of community, people don't pay attention to a lot of the details. We've seen it in the research, we've seen it in a lot of the data points."

http://arstechnica.com/gami...

Microsoft is pushing an agenda in hopes that the 'uneducated mainstream" makes it's practice the norm. The fact there're "Data Points" that the less "Uneducated" does not pay enough attention, which enables Microsoft to go a direction they think is better for the masses.

I like thinking for myself. This interview really shows who Microsoft's main focus is on: everyone else but the consumer...

[FlunkinMonkey]

Very true.. Although i think MS will struggle more and more now.. All the newspapers here in the UK are saying how ps4 is the way to go, and offering a much better deal, this kinda thing will help to convert the blind uneducated loyalists.

[iistuii]

If what im trying to understand is true, you can have 10 people from anywhere in the world linked to a family account & all share the same library with only one person playing one particular game at a time, but can all 10 be playing 10 different games from the same library ?? If so pretty cool.

[baodeus]

then i'll buy ALL GAME used on ps4 since Sony give me that consumer rights, why pay more when you can get it cheaper? And I can even lend or give those used game to my group of friends so they can share among themselves as well. Now, I can see why gamers supported Sony. Sony FTW.

[RealtorMDandDC]

Going down. If a business knows they have a monopoly on a segment they will take full advantage of it.

I would have thought prices for CDs and Digital copies of said CD's would have gone down since the digital age. But CD's are still expansive and DVD's are really not as cheap as they should be and Blu-rays seems like the prices has raised.

Business are in it to make money at the end of the day which I understand. But Microsoft stance with the Xbox One really looks like they are out to rape the "Unattentive" consumer....

[EzioFan]

Microsoft has lost it.. Probably that's the reason..

[CGLegiion]

Ever wondered why they called it Xbox 1? Because it took 359 steps backwards.

[D-riders]

no PR is going to help them

[ShiranaiJittai]

This was a good read. He made some really interesting points, until he admits

"While the Internet is decidedly up in arms about the way the Xbox One handles game ownership and online check-ins, Mehdi said it was "hard to say" what the larger reaction from the less attentive mainstream consumers would be. "I think it's fair to say there's a segment of consumers at this show in particular who really pay attention, who are very passionate about all aspects of gaming, and that we listen to closely. In a broader set of community, people don't pay attention to a lot of the details. We've seen it in the research, we've seen it in a lot of the data points."

Which more or less amounts to "we understand hardcore gamers know about the policies but casual gamers aren't going to look into that"

Had he not said that all of his points would have been understandable and though we may not agree with him we would understand them better. Once he said that though he just became a snake oil salesman.

[etownone]

Reminds me of Sonys arrogance and PS3 debut.

I know I'm definitely turned off by Microsoft.
High price point.
Forcing Kinect down our throats.
DrM policy.
Always online.

I think this might be first time I might not get a next gen at launch.

[Shankapatomas]

Im going to to voice my opinion and im sure most will disagree with me but im honestly going to share how I feel.

1st: As to the concern of being connected to the internet to be able to play, I personally almost always have reliable wifi at my house so that doesnt really bother me

2nd: As to the concern of used games, I dont buy or sell used games. The tradeback value is so low id rather just keep my games and the games i do buy i buy on day one but only if i feel they are worth the 60 bucks. And my take on the used game market its a two way street. Consumer want bigger and better games and as expectations for a better game so does the cost. Companies like EA and Ubisoft have to hire more and more people to meet the demand of these "next gen games" which ultimately raises the cost to make the game yet at the same time consumers want a game thats cheap which is impossible to meet both demands.

3rd: I honestly like the games for MS better. You can call me a fanboy but with the strong lineup they showed at E3 they really sold me. Notice this is more my personal preference of what games i like. ON A SIDE NOTE: Where were the vita games at the ps conference i was disappointed at how many titles they were showing. ALSO ON A SIDE NOTE: The fact the Sony got Diablo is incredible but not enough to swing me over

4th:ive been saving up for these next gen consoles for about a year now and with everything shown at E3 i personally liked the X1 better and as to the price is was something I was preparing for but notice i definitely took into account considering the PS4 is $100 cheaper.

In conclusion: This is honestly what my thought process was and i i personally view my decision to pre-order the X1. I know ill probably get a lot of negative reaction but hey i thought I might as well voice how i feel and be honest even if its not what everyone else believes