290°

Microsoft's Backtracking Might Not Have Been For Us

No longer will Xbox fans have to suffer through online check ins or restrictions on used games in order to play their games

However, the backtracking might not have been done with gamers in mind. Rather, publishers may have been the reason for the change in the Xbox One's policies.

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unigamesity.com
pompombrum3973d ago (Edited 3973d ago )

It was to stop all the bad press they were getting. Didn't funny boy Don already come out and say they expected this reaction from vocal gamers over the internet and that the slightly uninformed wouldn't be effected? They probably didn't expect all the hate to spew out all over the media though and the Jimmy Fallon thing was probably the last straw. If the uninformed suddenly become informed, then they were always going to be in trouble.

Either that or Mattrick was dumb enough to believe that a great E3 focused entirely on games would be enough to have gamers bending over for their restrictions.

Either way, this whole fiasco imho means Microsoft need to change to or add to it's Xbox division because the current execs are clearly out of touch with gamers.

RyuCloudStrife3973d ago

I find funny that people are screaming that the gamers made it happen LOL I'm sorry gamers played no role in this decision, but that's how they have to sell it to you:

"Oh we, have listened to you. That's why these changes were made to please you"

Please people M$ ain't making decisions with your benefit in mind, they doing it to stay competitive with, Sony, the company who they claim is not their competitor.

M$ IS LAUGHABLE.

pompombrum3973d ago

Exactly, anyone with half a brain can pick apart their update and smell the BS spewing from it. It was the only way they could play it though, I just hope after such an embarrassment they will look to shake up their Xbox division with some people who actually understand gamers.

Sitdown3973d ago

What are you talking about? The competition with Sony is about what?....selling consoles. Who is the target audience for video game consoles? Gamers. So how can you say gamers played no part in this...when making money off them is the end goal. While you make the claim about directly, you can not discount the indirect impact.

pompombrum3972d ago (Edited 3972d ago )

Microsoft's target is "entertainment consumers" not gamers specifically. If gamers are what changed Microsoft's mind, they'd have known people's reaction back when everyone was complaining about Sim City. If gamers were what swayed them, they'd have done the logical thing and announced they were dropping internet checks and drm back at E3 to huge REAL applause from the audience instead of the cringe worthy fake wooers. Actually, if they had done that, they'd have probably taken E3 after such a solid showing of games instead of leaving E3 with their head inbetween their legs.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3972d ago
iamtehpwn3973d ago

It's simple as this: Publishers were concerned with Xbox One Sales decline due to the controversy. They want More Xbox One solds so their mutliplatform games will have bigger install bases and sell more. It's that simple.

Gamer19823973d ago

That and pre-orders were 1-8 to Sony in USA alone where Xbox dominated last gen and only the night before the change Jimmy Fallon brought up the fact you can only play used games on PS4 to a cheer from the audience. That was national TV that was the audience MS was going for not the gaming audience. They ignored the bad press of E3 as they have lost interest in gamers believing they are only a small part in there future but a hit on national TV? That's a killer for them as that's where there future market lies so they went and changed it. The crazy thing is non gamers won't be buying xbox ones when they buy rokus etc.. in US for there non TV needs which are a 1/4 of the price and no TV's are starting to come with voice control built in and no doubt there will be a cable box with it in the near future.

Aceman183973d ago

it was for their shareholders who saw the low number of preorders.

dedicatedtogamers3973d ago (Edited 3973d ago )

"Microsoft's Backtracking Might Not Have Been For Us"

Hmmm, what leads you to make that conclusion?

Was it the full month they kept telling gamers that this is the future, that they're sticking with their plan, that we need to see it for ourselves before judging it?

Or was it the near-instantaneous flip-flop after this news started hitting mass-market media like Jimmy Fallon? Or was it after seeing the pre-orders lagging behind PS4?

Yeah, I'm sure it was for us, Microsoft. Because you were listening back in May, weren't you? And you totally announced the changes at E3, right? (link http://www.escapistmagazine... )

NameRemoved00173973d ago

My guess is Game Publishers told them to drop it so they could make more $.

Ray1863973d ago

I think that they saw this and said Oh Oh, I think their talking about us.

http://thehill.com/blogs/hi...

pr0t0typeknuckles3973d ago

of course it wasnt for us,it seems like they were saying,oh crap sonys gonna kill us on relese day,all because they support used games and no drm,what do we do?,we have to change our policy,we cant afford to lose to sony,were Micro$$$oft we need Money.

Tainted Gene3973d ago

"Microsoft's Backtracking Might Not Have Been For Us"

http://images.wikia.com/dra...

Kingthrash3603973d ago

M$ was always about the $$$$$$$$$$......they did it for the $$$$$$$$$$$$.....the only thing they ever liked about humans was we give them$$$$$$$$$$$$ and since we started giving sony $$$$$$$$$$$$$ and giving them ¢¢¢¢¢ ¢¢¢¢¢& #162;¢ they felt they had to do something to get our $$$$$$$$$$$$ back so they did what they should have did in the first place. still even after this they will get ¢¢¢¢¢ ¢¢¢¢¢& #162;¢ because once you cross most gamers you've lost them for a generation....plus that kinect is still a trash gimmick and 499 is asking too much for a inferior console...99$for the kinect...smh.....ms youve already lost.

unchartedxplorer3973d ago

that's a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Bzone243972d ago

I know that some people won't believe this but Sony isnt a charity. They are in it for the money. If there was no money in it there would be no playstation. But Sony cares about us. Yes they do. They want your money.

Morpheuzpr3972d ago

Yeah but the difference is that while MS is trying to milk the cow till it drops dead, Sony is milking it but also feeding it so that it's able to keep producing.

MS is nothing but a leach in the video games industry IMO.

Convas3972d ago

"They did it for the $"

BUSINESSES, HOW DO THEY WORK.

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300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

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

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twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest5d ago

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

GamerRN5d ago

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

Number1TailzFan5d ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor4d ago

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

Kosic4d ago

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

darthv724d ago

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

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts4d ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares5d ago

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

darthv725d ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka5d ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion5d ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer5d ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow15d ago (Edited 5d ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer5d ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

Read Full Story >>
news.xbox.com
bionicstar5d ago

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

PhillyDonJawn5d ago

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

RaidenBlack5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

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

Sonic18815d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast5d ago

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

5d ago
Lightning775d ago

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

Make smarter comments for once.

anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole4d ago

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

5d ago
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5d ago Replies(1)
Lightning775d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

5d ago
anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

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

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning775d ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast5d ago

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

Lightning775d ago

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

Again make smart comments for once.

anast4d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 4d ago
darthv725d ago

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

jimb0j0nes5d ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

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290°

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

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

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv7210d ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle9d ago

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

Sonic18819d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio9d ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning779d ago

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

Cacabunga9d ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

darthv729d ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

neutralgamer19929d ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff21839d ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga9d ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan9d ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit9d ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus239d ago

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

darthv729d ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

Chevalier9d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan8d ago

@chevalier

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

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 8d ago
purple1019d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos9d ago

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

DOMination-9d ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac9d ago

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

SimpleDad9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple1019d ago

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

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic9d ago

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

MrDead9d ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 9d ago
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