Microsoft defends Xbox One: 'Digital is better'

Microsoft Xbox Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer Yusuf Mehdi said he is not surprised the way people have reacted to Microsoft's moves with the Xbox one: "kind of as we expected"...

[Moonman]

These dudes are insane...i'm convinced! :)

[Relientk77]

Only logical thing I can think of lol

They lost their minds

edit @ below: yeah, I guess secret agent Phil's doing a pretty good job lol

[Shadow Flare]

I can think of another

The name's Harrison. Agent Phil Harrison

[LightofDarkness]

That's why we haven't heard anything about Rockstar's Agent: it's based on a true story, and the ending is right around the corner...

[darthv72]

but then there is the disadvantage of you cant look at a collection of digital purchases on a shelf.

On the flip side, you cant look at a collection of digital albums or movies on the shelf either. No doubt the future is digital but the way MS is pushing is not the right way to motivate people to accept it.

they have to be woooed, courted...slowly (george takei voice)

[from the beach]

Day one downloads - all your games on your Xbox One - and the killer feature: share your entire game library with 10 other people.

Better is putting it mildly.

[HammadTheBeast]

"We're not surprised"

OK then....

[pompombrum]

"Day one downloads - all your games on your Xbox One - and the killer feature: share your entire game library with 10 other people. "

Or buy the psychical product on the ps4 and get this... share it with an infinite number of people *gasp*

[darthv72]

I think the term you are looking for is "loan" not share. sharing implies both you and another party can partake of what is being shared.

If you buy the physical game then you can only loan it to that infinite number of people and when you do....you no longer have it in your possession.

and you would be waiting a long time before you got it back considering you just loaned it to an infinite number of people.

Maybe you are better off telling them to go buy their own copy instead?

[Army_of_Darkness]

So sweet of you to support and share your games with 10 other people... I on the otherhand am kinda selfish and will only share with a couple people, then sell the game after I'm bored with it! Heheh!

[pompombrum]

@darth
Well I've been doing it that way for so many years now that I've lost count, I don't think "loaning" them my disc really bothers me much. Just like I'm going to loan my ps3 to my friend next week once I've completed The Last of Us.. in fact I actually have a waiting list of friends who want to borrow my ps3 so they can play that game.

I see what you're getting at though and what Microsoft are doing is pretty cool but wouldn't it be a lot cooler if I could share my game both digitally and psychically? So that way my friends who have more important priorities in life than getting their consoles connected (yes they do exist and no they don't live under a rock on Mars) could enjoy the games too? That way everyone wins.

[indysurfn]

Am I the only person that noticed that he is basically substituting his marketing term 'digital world' with cloud based. Isn't cloud based catch phrase enough for him? Of course it is, he does not want us to think of it as cloud because we realize instantly that we don't have control over cloud based.

I'm on to you Marketing vp!

Everything is digital!!! Hello, we have not been analog since cassette tapes!! (don't worry if you don't know what those are it was before you where born, but after the dinosaurs where extinct).

We are not MISSING the 'digital world'
and taking ownership away from us does not make us miss a iota of the 'digital world'. In fact PSN and xbox arcade right NOW are what his digital world is, not to mention steam and online app stores. So I call BS once again.
stop insulting our intelligence, your audience is of geeks not of grandma buying a laptop for her grandchildren.

[badz149]

but still selling games on discs! smh

we need a meme for this quick!

[WengYong]

To say that digital is better isn't necessarily true. A physical photo album is something you cherish in a way that digital photos on a hardrive can't provide. Look at resale value of FF7 on the PS1, genuine ownership is something digital can never provide. Digital maybe the future, but why did MS just make the XB1 completely online? Cause it doesnt work

[Divine]

like i've been saying before,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" also when it comes to entertainment, like netflix, watching blu-ray movies, listening to music, ps3 and ps4 can do all of that the only difference is that xbox has voice commands and kinect which is gimmicky to me

[SilentNegotiator]

If Digital is better, then why isn't Xbox One all digital?

[dedicatedtogamers]

Well, at least I know Microsoft is going to keep their policies. I really hope the Xbox One dies, and attitudes like this within Microsoft will ensure that happens.

[darthv72]

you can kill the platform but you cant kill the idea. Its always been looming and if MS fails at making this an adopted practice then another company will try. Maybe a more respected company at that.

the digital age is inevitable.

[blackbeld]

@darthv72

True you can not kill the idea but you can stop it spreading.

Look at communism the idea you can not kill.
But you can stop it spreading and slowly no longer interesting to be there in this world.

We are gamers and we should fight this DRM sh!tting practices. If we all buy the Xbone then we giving them exactly what they want.

Freedom! Only on Playstation.

[xxBiG_BoSSxx]

@darth

of course the digital age is approaching. I'd have no problem with it happening now but not like this. I, and I assume other gamers have certain expectations.

The savings publishers make from the lack of manufacturing and shipping costs (which can be quite high) should be passed on to us, making the product cheaper. The console these games are played on should still play these games without checking in, or being constantly connected.
If Micro or Sony had pushed digital only in this manner, I think most people would be cool with it.

[maniacmayhem]

It already happened with music. It's happening with movies and soon (probably sooner than movies) it will happen with games.

I would be more incline to except digital IF the games sold digitally were actually cheaper than the retail. But looking at the prices for the new games they are still 60 bux! That to me is a huge rip off, what happened to the cut manufacturing cost?

[whoyouwit04]

If you read the article on how ten people can share one game on Xbox One, you would agree that digital is better; hell it's a lot better.

[FITgamer]

Better? Convenient would be a better choice. Downfall you're paying full price to rent a game. When X1 servers get shut down, the games and system are completely useless. You'll essentially have a bunch of "blank" discs and shiny box you can't sell or trade in.

[rainslacker]

If I could sell that game after sharing it with 10 people without having to jump through hoops...then it would be better.

It's kinda hard to take arguments such as yours seriously when you tout one advantage of DD while you ignore all the downsides of it. DD is not ownership, and there is no way to spin that fact into a positive.

MS is doing a good thing with this. I think it's a nice feature, and even said so when they put it on their webpage. At the same time I said it's about the only good feature to come from all this besides being able to play your game from anywhere. All the current and forthcoming negative aspects are not wiped away because of one or two positives though.

I do have to admit though. I am getting a kick out of the renewed energy among xbox fan boys now that they have a single positive thing to brag about. Anything negative that's said, this feature is now invariably brought up to dismiss any and all negative "features" of the xbox one.

[Thomper]

I like this feature. Many of my "friends" live hundreds, and sometimes thousands of miles away. How am I supposed to share a physical copy of a game with them? Now I'll be able to.

I also really like that XB1 has an HDMI in....lots of possibilities there!!

[TheEvilWithin]

ITS TEN FAMILY MEMBERS NOT JUST RENDOM PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. God! Sick of Xbox fan boys throwing that out there like it means something. I'm the ONLY one in my house who games the rest of my family could give a crap about gaming. I'm sure its like this in most house holds.

[BattleTorn]

Check out this article:

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

Read the "It's a "family" affair" box. (I'll post it below)
-----------------------------
"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."
-----------------------------
IOW, any 10 friends can play any of your games, from anywhere, as long as you're not currently playing them. Isn't that better that physically sharing a disc!!?

You can "loan" a game to a friend across the country - and then come home and play that same game yourself!

---------------------------
I'd love to hear the disagree-ers explain how physically sharing a disc could be superior to digitally sharing a game. With digital sharing, a friend in New York can play 3-6pm EST, then your neighbor (in say California) could play from 3-6 PST, and then you also cn from 6-10 PST once you're home - simply not possible with physical sharing.

[whoyouwit04]

"You can "loan" a game to a friend across the country - and then come home and play that same game yourself!"

Yes it is it's only a negative if you are a sony fan boy there is no way you can honestly say that a physical copy is better then this. Assuming microsoft don't screw it up. this will make a always on console well worth it.

[DragonKnight]

Quite simple. With a disc, if your internet connection goes down, the disc still works. You can't say that about the X1's situation at all.

[from the beach]

Yeah, and like, what if you're like, working in a nuclear submarine? Or living in a tree, man? Or on vacation to Jupiter?

[BattleTorn]

Is that seriously your rebuttal?

"What if I'm on a vacation to Jupiter?"

@DragonKnight
Microsoft knows that we primarily play mulitplayer.

And being able to share a multliplayer game with 10 people, far distances apart, all in the same day makes the connection worth while.

Not to mention, the connection may be able to be done via a smartphone using SmartGlass with an e-mail amount of data. (for singleplayer offline, of course)

[vector415]

This is more about the fact that sometimes you just don't have an internet connection and want to play some games. What is so tough to understand about that? Not everyone has a 24 hour internet connection at all times.

[DragonKnight]

@BattleTorn: Your rebuttal is subjective.

"Microsoft knows that we primarily play mulitplayer."

Define "we." And just because people like to play multiplayer is in no way an indication that it is right to force digital and remove ownership.

"And being able to share a multliplayer game with 10 people, far distances apart, all in the same day makes the connection worth while."

Not for people who live in nations that don't have the infrastructure, or soldiers. It's actually a disadvantage for them.

"Not to mention, the connection may be able to be done via a smartphone using SmartGlass with an e-mail amount of data. (for singleplayer offline, of course)"

Who cares? These are gaming consoles, not phones. The relevancy of using a phone for your gaming console is non-existent.

[pompombrum]

If that actually means I can buy a game, then let one of my North American friends play it when I go to bed, that is pretty cool. Very cool in fact.. however it's the fact these come at a fairly steep cost.

Microsoft only have themselves to blame tbh, if they offered this without requiring internet connection checks, DRM (the word alone conjures up terrible memories for gamers) and forcing kinect onto us, many people would be far more supportive. Maybe after this whole ordeal, they'll drop their arrogant "we don't comment on rumours stance" because it's seriously cost them a lot of face with gamers.

[MysticStrummer]

That they even have to clarify this issue is ridiculous. The fact is they made loaning and selling games more convoluted than it needs to be. They are essentially punishing consumers because they don't like GameStop making so much money on used games.

"kind of as we expected"

No company spends years and millions developing a product, and then expects this kind of response.

[bviperz]

Here's my rebuttal:

This sharing stuff, is going to bite them in the ass when it comes to game sales. Why? Why would I buy a games if we can just share libraries? Imagine, only one game needs to be bought, then everyone can play it, no need to buy more copies. So instead of 10 folks buying the same game, only one needs to. That's the downside to this digital sharing. Sure, you can long distance share, but they'll see their bottom line won't be what it used to, especially for single-player games. Then Microsoft will change their policy real quick.

[StoutBEER]

What about Steam? Same thing but no one freaks. Whats the difference?

[darx]

I can't play someone elses library.

[DEEBO]

he has no choice but to say this.psp go was cool but it was ahead of it's time and died a horrible death but that's a portable gaming machine.but we will see.they like digital so much way use a bluray disc?

[s8anicslayer]

Sure Microsoft tell me what to eat for dinner.

[darthv72]

it's whats for dinner.

[s8anicslayer]

More like boloney is what their feeding us.

[cannon8800]

Digital Shmigital

[nypifisel]

Haha!

These people though doesn't seem to acknowledge what the problem is. Digital is great! But you know what? Sony's PS4 digital policy is no less expansive than the X1s, STILL THEY DON'T UTILIZE DRM HMMM HAO IS DAT POSSIBL? D:

You can be digital and still give the consumer options without taking away any rights.

[JeffGUNZ]

I honestly think we all know digital download is the way of the future. The thing I disagree with is MS pushing it right now. I could see them doing this years down the road in the heart of next gen, slowly getting away from discs and moving more towards digital download. I feel like that would be a more gradual and eased transition then coming out the gates with a required internet connection and DRM checks. For me personally, I will be getting both consoles, I have great internet, so it won't effect me too much, but I know there are a lot of people out there who don't have internet and this will effect them.

[GamersHeaven]

Why didn't they just go all digital lol

[Blackdeath_663]

i was going to say that too you don't need an always on connection or drm AND people can't sell trade or share digital copies problem instantly solved. i'm expecting sony to shift the focus towards digital with psplus now that it's needed for some multiplayer games that way in the future they wouldn't have an issue with used game sales and they wouldn't cause inconvenience to the consumer all the while avoiding the inevitable shitstorm of raging fans by implementing drm

[GamersHeaven]

Exactly would of been smarter thing for microsoft to do now gamers are pissed about the whole DRM situation also you have to install all your games on the HDD anyways.

[Jazz4108]

You can still sell your games at gamestop on the xboxone and ps4 as I clarified it with gamestop. Ps4 and ms have the exact same policy on used games. First partys are free to trade but third partys are up to them. Here is an official ms link thag explains it for anyone whos been reading the lies being told to bad mouth the one.....let me get the link.

[Jazz4108]

Microsoft also spelled out its policies on game lending, trade-ins and rentals. "In our role as a game publisher, Microsoft Studios will enable you to give your games to friends or trade in your Xbox One games at participating retailers. Third party publishers may opt in or out of supporting game resale and may set up business terms or transfer fees with retailers. Microsoft does not receive any compensation as part of this. In addition, third party publishers can enable you to give games to friends." Ms is just being more upfront about it and should be given credit as the same thing goes with third party ps4 games.

[Viper7]

Just thinking about all digital console sends shivers down my spine. That would give it's consumers, exactly one channel to buy their games from.

One game, one price no exceptions. Everything goes trough the platform holder and they get the final say on what gets sold and at what price and with restrictions.

what if, game is not available in your region?
What if your region get's censored, dubbed or just somehow shittier version of the game?
What if games in your region cost the double of what they cost in let's say US?
What if game you want get's removed from the store, for no apparent reason?
Answer: tough luck.

What people need to realize is that PC is different from consoles. It's an open platform where anyone can but up a digital store to sell games. Steam has no monopoly on pc, which is why they can't just start abusing their position.

[rainslacker]

In another interview, one of their executives admitted that the retail disc is still vital to the success of the console. That alone should have been a good indicator that digital licensing isn't better, and that the consumer isn't ready for it.

[komp]

LOL even though CNN ratings are going down the pan they think they can use this XBOX one doom as a way of gaining hits..

GTFO

[vector415]

Edited: I originally thought you meant they are posting on n4g, haha, sorry I misunderstood. I'm no fan of CNN

[komp]

Heh,

I did not mean to make it sound like getting a link from n4g was looking for hits... I meant it in the way of them just running the story in general, riding on the back of xbox doom news.

nothing against you posting it etc.....

[vector415]

Oh I'm sorry I misunderstood...

[Hicken]

Believe it or not, new consoles are big news, even outside of the gaming industry.

And this one? Well, it'd already made headlines by being criticized by governments in Germany and Australia. Since then, even more info has come out about the console; why shouldn't a news outlet cover the console, and what its company has to say about it?

Oh, did we forget about how MS was involved in the recent NSA spying debacle?

Yeah, I think it's a perfectly valid article.

[Majin-vegeta]

And you guys leaving the gaming industry would be even better.

Although i would miss making fun of them and their retarded decisions :/

[Shadow Flare]

Microsoft in some ways have been a blessing to gamers. For once a year, every year, gamers of all consoles can gather together, put their differences aside, and laugh at Microsoft.

[GamersHeaven]

Lol never thought of it that way :D

[kenshiro100]

Lol, that is so true Shadow Flare.

[Snookies12]

Perfect, if that's the way they think, I don't want any part of it. Which is great since I pre-ordered the PS4. :]

Sorry, I don't want only digital.

[Garbanjo001]

That's my main argument, I don't trust SkyNet, cause my name is John Connor.

[Relientk77]

Physical copies of games are better, in my opinion and always will. Hey you know my game collection sitting right in front of me all those cartridges and cases with discs, they are actually worth money. Digital copies, not so much.

[DxTrixterz]

Not to mention the fact that you can just put a YOUR game disc into YOUR console and play it no problem instead of waiting hours for the game to download.

[Relientk77]

Yea, seems pretty easy doesn't it

:)

[xPhearR3dx]

Do you live in the stone age? Ever heard of Steam or pre-loading? You can download the actual game up to week before release. That way, right at midnight you can click play. Which is better than waiting in line at Gamespot then going home and popping in the disc.

Digital has it's advantages. At least on PC. Cheaper, pre-loading, no disc changing and all in one place.

[Narutone66]

I lived in Asia, guess what gaming console I'll be buying comes Holiday season? The one I can play without restrictions or stupid region lock.

[whoyouwit04]

But the problem with discs is if you loan it out you can't play what you don't have. if Microsoft doesn't fuck up the family feature where ten people can share one game then that hands down would gives them a advantage over sony. internet connection required or not. that alone makes a digital copy worth 60 bucks that's 6 bucks per person. Besides, you have the option of digital or disc so you don't have to wait for downloads.

[MysticStrummer]

"Besides, you have the option of digital or disc so you don't have to wait for downloads."

The whole game isn't on the disc so you have to download and fully install either way.

[tiffac008]

That would depend on where you live bro, the news of the X1 only working on specific regions already gives a plus to the old and tested physical media approach because it will work, no matter where you are and if your connected or not.

[bronxsta]

"Digital is better"

That's. Not. The. Point

[SpideySpeakz]

What's that? MS telling the consumer what's best for them?
HAHAHA - No, only the consumer knows what's best for them.
The basic rule is all business: The consumer is always right.

[Lovable]

I give this guy 1 000 000 million internet points.

[Narutone66]

That's the first rule in Marketing class according to our professor. "The customer is always right".

[yesmynameissumo]

I'm a collector, so...no, it's not.

[Relientk77]

Yea same

when you go into a game store and be like.. oh hey do you got and digital copies of Atari 2600 games?

doesn't really work out lol

[cleft5]

Typical Microsoft. Instead of listening to the community they think they are smarter than everyone else and they are the ones who knows what is good for everyone. How about you just listen to the community that you claim to care about and give us what we asked for and not what you think we want.

[vitullo31]

maybe they do know whats best for us LOL.. considering there are people still pre ordering this thing.. I sure as hell wont be buying one and before anyone can call me a fanboy i have a 360 and an original xbox..

[jay2]

The Internet's not ready.

[DragonKnight]

"Digital is Better"

For whom? In what way? Why should your opinion on digital being better equate to forcing it on people who may not share that opinion?

[DeathofSouls]

Their not forcing it, if you don't like digital buy a PS4 if you except change and digital buy an Xbox one. Nobody is forcing you to spend money on something you don't want to.

Me I'm loving the Xbox One idea, not perfect as I'm not a fanboy....but I think this change is mostly good, just waiting for all the info before I decide.

[DragonKnight]

Yes, because making a disc based copy of a game require a mandatory installation to the harddrive and cloud, while requiring a network connection to allow for a check every 24 hours that will turn your system into a brick (if you want to play games that is) if you miss the check (which is every hour if you're playing your games on a friends console) is in NO WAY forcing digital.

Yes, you have so many choices on the X1 to not use digital at all. You can disconnect and play your games... unless they are cloud powered... and only if you've already gone through the 24 hour check... Oh wait... you have NO CHOICE in the matter.

Lack of choice = Force.

Basic sh*t that apologists don't care to grasp.

[xPhearR3dx]

@DragonKnight

You always have a choice. It's called don't buy it. You can't blame the Xbone for those faults if you CHOOSE to purchase it.

[DragonKnight]

@xPhearR3dx: Just because I have the choice not to buy it, doesn't mean it doesn't have faults. That's a poor line of reasoning.

[kenshiro100]

Excuse me DeathofSouls but Microsoft should give you a choice between the two. Microsoft should not automatically assume that everyone will go along with their plans of digital copies.

They forgot the basics of how to run a business and that will cost them in the end.

[Welcome2Die]

Here is the choice, give up your basic freedoms as a gamer, or buy a PS4.

[Lvl_up_gamer]

I'm still buying an XB1 day one. DRM doesn't bother me in any shape or form and if I can pay $599 for a PS3 that seldom gets used...$499 with Kinect 2.0 is nothing.

All this MS bashing is just fanboy drivel. Even from ppl that will have their current consoles and PS4 always connected to the internet.

Yawn.

HALO4EVER

[Majin-vegeta]

Working overtime i see ehh?

Fanboy drivel??jeezus you xbots are in so much denial.So you're saying the whole world is a big fanboy drivel for hating it??*facepalm*

[Hicken]

Is that why even most of the form MS-only guys are against the XBOne?

Honestly, the only fanboy drivel I see is from people SUPPORTING Microsoft at this point.

[Lvl_up_gamer]

Really? So you have managed to hunt down and talk to "most" of the millions "MS-only" guys who have told you this huh?

No, all you have done is gone onto forums and took a VERY VERY small portion of an entire community and chose that little example to represent an entire fanbase....

Pathetic really, show desperation.

I am getting an XB1 day 1 and no Sony fanboy on this site is going to convince me otherwise. I know what MS is offerings, I have read the articles, read the drivel on here, spoken with my friends and family about it, and there is NOTHING MS is doing that will affect me in any way.

I have my PS3 and 360 constantly connected to the internet via hardwired so a constant connection isn't a problem, I buy my games new as well as keep them in my library so DRM isn't an issue. I watch more TV then I do game which means the TV/DVR features that MS offers are perfect for me.

So again, there is nothing MS is doing that will impact me...and I don't give a sh1t about other peoples issues...that's their issues, not mine.

[Thomper]

Really? REALLY?

Are you actually reading anything on the Internet? The amount of vitriol, misinformation and fanboyism aimed at XB1 is rife, everywhere.

It's a f**ing piece of electronic kit. Calm the frack down kiddies!!! If you prefer the more traditional gaming experience,buy a PS4. If you can't live without Halo and like how MS is trying to move things forward, buy an XB1. If you love all games, don't feel any compulsion to be "loyal" to either giant multinational, then buy both... I am!

[Welcome2Die]

Lvl_up_gamer

You are the perfect example of this. Its not about you, its about the big picture. Little by little they will keep taking it away.

[Lvl_up_gamer]

Big Picture?

You mean like how Sony is now starting to follow suit with MS's practices such as now a PSN subscription based membership where you HAVE to have it in order to play multiplayer games?

What are you afraid of? That your choice of console manufacture will follow suit in which they see is fit by observing the successes of their competitors?

You people just don't understand that as time goes by, technology gets more advanced and sophisticated. You all want the best graphics and gameplay in next gen games but you are all still stuck in this mindset that companies shouldn't protect themselves with the cost to provide these products to the customers and should be using business practices for their console dating back 2 generations.

We are moving forward and people want the benefits of it but without the cost of it. You can't keep just living in the past....you will get left behind.

[Welcome2Die]

"You mean like how Sony is now starting to follow suit with MS's practices such as now a PSN subscription based membership where you HAVE to have it in order to play multiplayer games?"

A subscription that acts like a Cotsco card on crack that gives you TONS of free games and it does not restrict the use of Netflix and other services if youre not subscribed to it? Yeah that sounds alot like Microsoft, how many free games did MS give you with XBL gold? Also can you use XBL Gold with two people? Because you can do that with PSN plus (Im doing it right now). Try again.

"What are you afraid of? That your choice of console manufacture will follow suit in which they see is fit by observing the successes of their competitors?"

Had a look at the Amazon pre-orders? Yeah it really looks like all the greed and restrictions and the anti-consumerism of the Xboned is really pulling in the cash. 2/10 thats the best I can give you for this one.

"You people just don't understand that as time goes by, technology gets more advanced and sophisticated."

No I understand that, your point?

"You all want the best graphics and gameplay in next gen games but you are all still stuck in this mindset that companies shouldn't protect themselves with the cost to provide these products to the customers and should be using business practices for their console dating back 2 generations. "

Oh so a 40 billion dollar industry needs to restrict people their freedom as a consumer so that we can make prettier games? Okay.

And Also

"So again, there is nothing MS is doing that will impact me...and I don't give a sh1t about other peoples issues...that's their issues, not mine"

And with this, you have proven my point. This is why we cant have nice things, people like you. Keep it up and one day there will be no one to look out for you. Keep supporting this BS and one day they're gonna take away something that actually matters to you.

[Lvl_up_gamer]

"A subscription that acts like a Cotsco card on crack that gives you TONS of free games and it does not restrict the use of Netflix and other services if youre not subscribed to it? Yeah that sounds alot like Microsoft, how many free games did MS give you with XBL gold? Also can you use XBL Gold with two people? Because you can do that with PSN plus (Im doing it right now). Try again."

- This is where bind fanboysim kicks you. Let me put it in caps so you understand. YOU HAVE TO PAY $60 A YEAR TO PLAY THE MULTIPLAYER PORTION OF A GAME THAT IS ALREADY ON THE GAME THAT YOU JUST BOUGHT!!! JUST LIKE HOW MS FORCES YOU TO BUY XBL IN ORDER TO PLAY THE MULTIPLAYER PORTION OF THE GAME THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY BOUGHT.

The features that are offered withing the subscription service is moot, you are still forced to pay a subscription in order to play a portion of the game that is already on the game.

"Had a look at the Amazon pre-orders? Yeah it really looks like all the greed and restrictions and the anti-consumerism of the Xboned is really pulling in the cash. 2/10 thats the best I can give you for this one."

- So you are basing "pre-orders" on a single site to establish your argument that Sony isn't moving forward and taking ideas from MS that help generate MORE revenues? Your argument makes no sense what so ever....

"No I understand that, your point?"

- Instead of nitpicking a single sentence in a paragraph why don't you re-read the whole paragraph...it's only a couple sentences long.

"Oh so a 40 billion dollar industry needs to restrict people their freedom as a consumer so that we can make prettier games? Okay."

- How am I being restricted? MS has stated a game can be used up to 10 times...how many times do you trade in the same game? Most likely once. My PS3 and 360 are ALWAYS connected to the internet so how does DRM or a mandatory online requirement affect me with an XB1 if it's just going to be connected as well?

You have made ZERO points. MS's requirements do NOT affect me in any way, so how are my "freedoms" restricted?

You ppl are just always looking for empty negatives to bark about. Just like your counter argument regarding PSN being better then XBL when they are both now mandatory subscription based to play the multiplayer portion of a game, where in the current gen you were all aboard the XBL Gold mandatory subscription to play multiplayer is EVIL train...now all of a sudden, it's ok because Sony is doing it....

Typical and Pathetic from a major group on this site....

[Welcome2Die]

-"This is where bind fanboysim kicks you. Let me put it in caps so you understand. YOU HAVE TO PAY $60 A YEAR TO PLAY THE MULTIPLAYER PORTION OF A GAME THAT IS ALREADY ON THE GAME THAT YOU JUST BOUGHT!!! JUST LIKE HOW MS FORCES YOU TO BUY XBL IN ORDER TO PLAY THE MULTIPLAYER PORTION OF THE GAME THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY BOUGHT.

The features that are offered withing the subscription service is moot, you are still forced to pay a subscription in order to play a portion of the game that is already on the game. "

First off its only 50 a year, second of all you can share it with a friend so you can split it 25 bucks a year. You also have access to Netflix and anything else besides the multiplayer if you dont have the service, so in many ways it is nothing like XBL. Besides it sounds like you have been doing it for years and yet you dont seem to be bothered by the fact that you dont get free games and I do. Try harder next time though.

- "So you are basing "pre-orders" on a single site to establish your argument that Sony isn't moving forward and taking ideas from MS that help generate MORE revenues? Your argument makes no sense what so ever...."

Oh so people that are absolutely ready to give their hard earned money to Sony and not Microsoft and have shown it on THEE larges online retailer dont count or something? Oh so because Sony is winning in pre-orders by a landslide means that Sony is taking ideas from M$? Right that makes more sense! 2/10

-"How am I being restricted? MS has stated a game can be used up to 10 times...how many times do you trade in the same game? Most likely once. My PS3 and 360 are ALWAYS connected to the internet so how does DRM or a mandatory online requirement affect me with an XB1 if it's just going to be connected as well?

You have made ZERO points. MS's requirements do NOT affect me in any way, so how are my "freedoms" restricted?"

- A game can be used up to 10 times is still worse than being used indefinitely. Thats definitely a restriction, besides the rest of the restriction M$ is forcing on people are much worse. I am also always online but what MS is doing is taking away from gamers and idiot apologizers like you are the ones that are saying "SURE THING MS TAKE ANYTHING AWAY!" You might think its not affecting you but waiit until your internet goes out for a few days and you cant play your games.

-"You ppl are just always looking for empty negatives to bark about. Just like your counter argument regarding PSN being better then XBL when they are both now mandatory subscription based to play the multiplayer portion of a game, where in the current gen you were all aboard the XBL Gold mandatory subscription to play multiplayer is EVIL train...now all of a sudden, it's ok because Sony is doing it....

Typical and Pathetic from a major group on this site...."

First off its not mandatory, nobody is forcing you to buy PSN+ if you dont want it. Personally I dont play multiplayer games much, but at least if I dont have it I can still log in and go on Netflix or whatever I want, you cant. Also it is 10 dollars cheaper than XBLG and I get all that money back in free games, just this month I got XCOM,Uncharted 3 and Deus Ex. What did you get from XBL? Oh nothing thats right!

Stop being a sheep and buy a PS4.

[Lvl_up_gamer]

PS4 just doesn't have the features I expect in a gaming console at this stage in tech history.

Sorry, Keep trying to justify your choice in console.

I prefer my console to do more then just play games.

PS...DRM is now removed from the XB1....now you have no arguments anymore. PS4 is just a regular boring box that plays games....Yawn.

[Welcome2Die]

"PS4 just doesn't have the features I expect in a gaming console at this stage in tech history. "

>features I expect in a gaming console
>I expect in a gaming console
>In a gaming console
>gaming console
>gaming

It plays game, its a gaming console, anything else is extra.

"I prefer my console to do more then just play games."

Right because the PS4 ONLY does games and thats it. /s

"PS...DRM is now removed from the XB1....now you have no arguments anymore. PS4 is just a regular boring box that plays games....Yawn. "

Yeah I do, 100 dollars cheaper and superior 1st party devs as well as superior subscription and tech.
Not to mention the video games, of course you wouldnt know anything about that because you seem like a casual. Enjoy your TV and your fantasy football. Im gonna be playing the PS4 and enjoying amazing games on what is the greatest console of the next generation :)

[sashimi]

They should've went all Digital and see if retailers would stock their console lol. Seriously they have lost their damn minds.

[Mikelarry]

why is that then microsoft uses the words " we want to support our consumers" i picture the devil saying sign your soul away there are more benefits on the dark side

[Smoey]

With a 500GB HDD you're talking our of your arse.

[Bathyj]

They want you to be digital because then the resale issue isnt even a consideration. Its a given that you cant sell a digital copy and if that concept is out of your head then after awhile it will just become standard.

Plus digital copies are always more expensive. The prices on the online store are set in stone and can only be bought in one place. The Playstation or Xbox store. At retail you can shop around and JBHiFi always has games cheaper that the RRP price.

I really dont get that when theyre saving on manufacturing the cover and the manual and distribution to get it out into retail. They should be cheaper and then I may consider going digital, but I doubt it. I would pay the small amount extra to have the game on my shelf forever and possiblly trade it later if I chose to.

[TekoIie]

You say that but I recently went to my local GAME store to buy Skyrim legendary edition expecting to pay £20 as their website stated and yet I find it for £30 in-store...

The current price for it on Steam is £25. More expensive than GAME's online price but it has the slight benefit of being playable instantly (virtually).

If retailers want me to buy games in their store, then they should at least make the effort to offer decent prices. If you cant compete there's no place for you in the market.

[Bathyj]

I know steam has good prices all the time, but I'm talking about the console stores. They dont. Theyre a rip off and I always get better prices at retail.

[RiPPn]

They do realize that Sony offers digital as well? Right? Sony can match anything they do with the digital side and still offer all the benefits of the legacy business on the physical side. Microsoft has lost the plot!!

[Thomper]

Ps4 has no HDMI in, so it can't match that

[RiPPn]

Explain what that has to do with gaming?

[Thomper]

@RiPPN

Erm mm.. When did I say it was gaming related? It's a tech related point. But who knows how an HDMI in might be used in the future (for gaming)

[Vip3r]

There are sevel problems with digital games on consoles.

1. How do I back my games up? If and when I run out of space or my HDD breaks or gets corrupted?

2. Like the last point above, the HDD could break and you lose all your games.

3. Now everyone has the speed, bandwidth and time to download 30GB+ games.

4. Similar to point one again, how do I take a new game around to a friends house without having it back it up?

5. Are X1 users supposed to buy over priced, low capacity HDDs to which can only be limited to what ever size MS chooses?

And with that you can only have one other HDD attached to the console as quoted below.

"While users will be unable to service the Xbox One's internal hard drive or replace it with a larger-capacity device, Penello notes that external storage devices can be connected via one of the console's three included USB 3.0 ports. Connected USB devices will be capable of storing all content supported by the Xbox One's hard drive, including installed game data and downloaded software."

http://www.joystiq.com/2013...

So that'll mean 1.5TB at the absolute maximum? I can tell you now that's not a lot of space for next gen especially when you include full HD films and other DLC and content.

Even with Steam, I'm beginning to go back to buying retail because I'm put off having to download 20GB+ games. Then having to back them up.

Remember, what ever Microsoft does with this Sony can still to the same or similar but always have DRM free disk option too.

[turnerdc]

"On Xbox One...loaning games to up to ten "family members" digitally and remotely.
Those digital "benefits" will be available at launch.
He wouldn't get drawn into details, but when I suggested ideas like an "all-you-can-play" Netflix for games or purely digital game rentals, he didn't shoot me down. "Sure. It could be a variety of ways."

This sounds awesome. I've been reading up on it and it seems you can share your game with up to 10 "family" members. You can play any of your games however no two family members (only one) can be playing the same game at a time. Basically you have a universally shared library. Also I would LOVE to have some kind of digital rental service like Gamefly. Instant game rentals!

[Riderz1337]

"Also I would LOVE to have some kind of digital rental service like Gamefly".

You do, it's called Gamefly.

[turnerdc]

Gamefly is digital?!

EDIT: I guess you're right. Discs are basically digital media. I was thinking more so that once you add a game to your Q you instantly can play it (not wait for it in the mail like Gamefly). Also you could remove it from your Q and instantly rent another game.

[gano]

Good job riderz.
Get that check turnerdc.

[turnerdc]

Lol, liking a feature makes me a shill. I guess I'm a Sony shill too since I absolutely love their idea of gameplay recording and spectating. Maybe they should also pay me for being so excited for the Last of Us.

[Neko_Mega]

Really? So why did I get a Gears Of War 3 360? Why buy a Halo 3 with Helmet?

See theirs things you don't get, plus I love having a case to show the games I have. Heck alot of the free games I got on my PS3, I want cases for them to show that I have them.

Plus when something go's wrong, haven't a real copy beats a download one any day (mean if your account gets hacked, guess what? Your games are gone).

[WeaseL]

If they think its better just release a Xbox service on pc like steam.

[plaZeHD]

Totally, I can see it.

[Roccetarius]

No, digital is not better. Physical, with digital as an optional thing is good.

[Patrick]

We don't need MS dictating whats best for us. They are seriously trying to tell us what we do or don't like, like some sort of sleazy drug pusher... "GO on, try it, you'll love it, Everybody is doing it... your not cool if your not doing it our way. You just don't know whats best for you... But we do, were MS... we have the money and power to make you do it and like it."

NO Microsoft! I like physical media, I also like digital media. I will buy which ever I want and will do what I want with the physical media I buy. If you want to go purely digital then do it. But you cant make us like it, or buy into it. If your not ready to go purely digital yet, then why are you trying to push it on us? Its your xbox, do what you want with it, but we dont have to buy it, and you cant tell us what we like and dont like. So back off.

PS, I hope the PS4, kills your Xbone. Maybe that will teach you to respect your customers.

[NateCole]

I dont have anything against digital. What i am against is not having the option to not pick digital only.

Is this really hard to understand MS?.

No every gamer is the same. Do no assume every gamer is in the same situation as others. Do not assume you know what is best for every single gamer out there.

[YourGreatUncle]

Having options is better and that's something the Xbox One doesn't offer at all.

[Mikeyy]

Ps4 also offered its entire library
Digitally . try again ms fanboys.

[Gravitic]

Can I share a game like DR3 and have me and one other friend playing on it at the same time, no I didn't think so :D

[XabiDaChosenOne]

I have not seen this feature listed on any fact sheets for the Xbox one, do you mind providing a link?

[ThatsGaming]

MS says when you buy a disc game you own the disc and a cloud version.

I don't have to buy the digital one because the disc one gives me those rights.

Sony will force you to buy both the disc and cloud version. Charging you twice.

[XabiDaChosenOne]

Lol Uh... no technically you have no disk version since once you install the game your disk is pretty much useless. And once you "trade" in your "disk" you lose the access to the digital version (which is the only version you technically get in the first place).

[SpinalRemains]

No

Gamefly is better.

I don't have to check in to Gamefly either. They leave me alone and send me 3 disks a month to beat for 17 bucks.

MS, you can't compete with that.

[jmc8888]

What does digital have anything to do with all the limitations and a spying kinect?

Nothing.

Only in microsoft world do they somehow need to link it all together and say you can't have one without the other.

[iistuii]

Digital is fine by me. I Pre order a game off Steam, I don't have to go to the shop or wait for the post, it's Pre loaded & unlocks at midnight. I can see Microsofts point in the family members, & it'll be cool. I buy Dead Island 3, I play it until I've had enough, then I put it in my family library & my pal from the US can play it without buying it or renting it etc as long as he is one of my 10.

How's this sound for people with disks who want to trade in after completion....

So you have a PS4 game, you paid £40 for, you complete it & trade it in for £15 on another game which is £40 so far you've payed £65 to play two games. On Xbox one I buy one game for £40 my family member buys a game for £40 we don't trade them, we put them in the library. So I've paid £40 to play 2 games, I'm already £25 up & that's on one trade, imagine having five in the family all buying a game ....over a console cycle you'd save a fortune. Now if that's how it's going to work, I'd say it was a great idea.

[Vip3r]

Doesn't the family library feature only work for those in the same region?

[ufo8mycat]

Physical is FAR superior to digital.

Firstly it actually felt like you bought something
Secondly there is something nice having a physical copy of an awesome game just sitting on your game shelf.

Only benefit I see with digital is if you can't be bothered going out to buy it, or it's sold out.

Only time I've bought digital is when I heard about a game and it was around midnight (shops are closed), so I decided to just download it.

Wish I had waited, feels better and looks more awesome having a physical copy.

Aslong as the they don't phase out physical copies and just have both options, I'll be happy.

[Dape]

Let's say Microsoft one day decides to scrap the xbox division. What are you going to do with your xbox one and it's games? For example Sega doesn't make consoles but I can still play Megadrive, Sega Saturn and so on...If that happened Xbox one would be worthless, no future value what's so ever!!Wont be able to show your kids or grandkids, how gaming was back in the day.

[iistuii]

Yep, same as apple iTunes we'd all lose our music, but it's not gonna happen is it.

[Dape]

How do you know? For your information Microsoft has been thinking about it. Apple is as bad as Microsoft!! There's other ways to own music. You can buy digital copies and have on your computer which is totally different from Xbone. If you don't check online for a day no one can access your library and all your games will be unplayable!!Even if you have the physical copy in your Xbone. Get the difference now???

[Themba76]

I think they have been watchin apple too much they need to stop doin that before it's too late. itunes doesn't = videogames.

[mochachino]

On Steam or PSN Plus where the games are cheaper.

[buynit]

I think i read this the other day?!

Anyway did you guys read the part when he said the ppl at e3 pay more attention than the general public? Imo the damn guy pretty much said fuck the ones that dont look for details... We will just go after the other idiots that dont know better..

Ms is all fucked up. Good luck with the other ones that dont care, this will be my first gen that i dont buy all the consoles i planned on getting xbone but after all this bs i wont... They started off much more arrogant than sony when they launched the ps3 and i really dont think ms has the legs like sony to turn shit around when it all hits the fan..

[ger2396]

Wow, how are publishers ok with this? They stand to lose millions of dollars. 10 people and you only have to buy one game? I think this will only apply to Microsoft first party games.

[quenomamen]

Nothing wrong with digital, its all around us everyday. But enforcing upon your consumer base is another thing. They're really just using it as an excuse more than anything, cuz if they really, really wanted to go all digital. They would have made it so all games are download only but they know damn sure that would be the end of their XB1.

[LAZL0-Panaflex]

Not at $60.

[Goodfella78]

m$ xbone with its spying regime and lockdowns on the console and the customer(without even mentioning the terrible price) have backfired big time,talk about shooting yourself in the foot makes me wonder how the people at the top of m$ ever got there shows how out of touch and how surreal their world is when they think the gaming community will buy this $hit,me personally ive got a amd pc recently built with next gen consoles in mind because of the fact all the big three are running amd for next gen,so for me personally p.c for multiplats and ps4 for exclusives......

[ArtificiallyYours]

Way to ditch those on a tight budget, M$.

[Clarence]

Then why get bluray. Should have left the bluray out Xbox one would have been cheaper.

[Grindlefly]

The whole thing is a scam to bring in more money. If it was about digital why have they put a blu ray drive in? Ms are trying to turn this into a digital argument thereby side stepping the real problems with the box which is the restrictions. I have no problems with a pure digital console, I would know exactly the limitations but don't try to dress this up as the issue. We are back nearly to a "well what are Sony doing about drm" situation whereby a lot of questions were diverted to the opposition. Just be real, they want the illusion of all digital while retaining the physical as it gives them another avenue to screw over the consumer

[kingPoS]

People don't like being force feed MS.
Your giving us a serious case of digestion.

[Baaaaaarrrrrrffffffff.....uu ungghhh]
[in a weak voice] Yer killin us here Microsft... yer killin us!

[Sometimes]

I think people will be buying more digital then physical copy's of game's this year. The reason i say this is because if you pay close attention to both Sony and Microsoft they have had some pretty good deals recently in psn store and the xbox market place.Sony with there PlayStation plus discounts and free games. Xbox soon will try to compete with that.
They already start to give away some free games if you are a gold member,and they started to give discounts to.

[Sideras]

"education" there you go, what a condescending word too use. Microsoft go home. That about tells you how low they think of their consumers.

[purpleblau]

digital better my ass. typical loser's excuse.

[Kran]

So why is it 95% of the community disagree?

[EffectO]

Digital ftw.

99.99% digital for the past 10 years,discs belong in a museum

[ALLWRONG]

"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.

I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I believe you will buy our games and we take your money and fly away

[Tzuno]

Digital is better of course because lower cost to make games(aka no more disc,case, manual etc.) while still be able to sell at the same price 60$. In short cheaper to make, same price to sell. Go home Ms you are greedy drunk, i hope you fail with your box. I need to change my avatar.

[DivineAssault]

They can defend whatever the hell they want.. Its not going to help them & the damage is done.. They better get ready to accept defeat cuz its over.. They lost the US & that was their only advantage

[MadMen]

Its obvious MS understands we are completely digital yet, and they dont have a real "good" answers for pushing the restrictions they are yet.

So the way to fight this is to keep saying "everything will be digital anyways eventually" argument

[cell989]

The arrogance is strong with this one

[AceofStaves]

I wouldn't say digital is better. It's simply another way of content delivery. I purchase digital copies of casual games, which I can share with others by simply installing my Game Manager account on their machines. The vast majority of games I've purchased for Vita are digital, too.

There's something to be said for physical ownership, though. My game collection is the map of my life as a gamer over the past few decades. And the growth of retro gaming proves there will always be a market for physical copies.

It will definitely come in the future, but it's not going to happen overnight.

[vigilante_man]

You have to give people the choice. Evolution takes time.

The great thing about a physical copy? I can sell it once I'm done with it and get funds towards another game or anything else I choose to buy in my life. It gives me power over my money and spending.

"They'll never take our FREEDOM!".

[Deadpool101]

I tell you what MS, if you do day one digital releases at a reflective price (so less the (20-25% for the retailers and manufacturing costs) then maybe you'd get more customers to buy into this. At the moment most xbox " games on demand" are more expensive than in the shops, which makes mo sense at all.