290°

Why Cliff Bleszinski Should Calm Down Over the Xbox One

The reversal of the Xbox One's DRM policies have not been met with praise by everyone, particularly Cliff Bleszinski. Is he overreacting?

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thegamefanatics.com
Chuk53971d ago

CliffyB just sounds like a cantankerous, 1% gamer who seems out of touch with the common gamer. His views are affected by his situation which is so clearly privileged.

NYC_Gamer3971d ago

The dude only views gaming industry issues from one side of the coin

Gazondaily3971d ago (Edited 3971d ago )

That one side of the coin is far more involved than most of us on these comments section. He has been a part of the industry and constantly delivered so I really don't understand the complete hatred from him on here.

I know I appear to be the only one coming to his defence. Sometimes I sit back and think hold up, maybe I am just not getting it but then I read the pointless vitriol that is less-rooted in constructive criticism and mostly just childish insults against him that make up 90% of the comments on articles concerning him and think, okay maybe I am the only one getting it.

SMH...I don't know man. Cliffy B, if you're reading this, you owe me one.

tarbis3971d ago

And I'm sure that coin is exclusively his.

creatchee3971d ago

@Septic

I agree with you and CliffyB. We the console gamers, as a group, whine incessantly over paid DLC and microtransactions - perhaps rightfully so. The reason that PC gamers do not deal with those as much is because of DRM. They also get lower prices and frequent sales.

With disc based gaming on consoles here to stay (for now), does anybody think that things will get better? Productions costs are going to be even higher this generation due to the higher end hardware, yet the game prices are going to remain the same. Trust me - publishers are about to open the flood gates on paid DLC and microtransactions.

Ashunderfire863971d ago

#Septic

"That one side of the coin is far more involved than most of us on these comments section. He has been a part of the industry and constantly delivered so I really don't understand the complete hatred from him on here."

Even if Microsoft still went with this DRM policy, it still would not help the gaming industry. Companies would face customer backlash from around the world, who don't have an always online connection. It would help if more servers were built around the world to make this happen, but for now keep it the way it is. What Microsoft and Sony need to do is adopt the Steam concept(What Valve is doing). In Steam you can still play offline after download, and games eventually get huge discounts after 6 months to a year, heck even in 2 months(Dead Island $10). If Microsoft and Sony does this with their game consoles, then not only would people be allowed to play games on disc, they also have the option to play downloaded games Steam style!!! Giving more options to gamers is a win win strategy. People will slowly go for an always online using the Steam concept. Eventually this will happen, give them time.

redwin3971d ago

Of course he does, he is a developer. I happen to agree with him. Go have your own business and every time you turn a profit give your workers a raise. Lets see how long you last in business. The only winer here is SONY, they stagnated the tech industry and they will still make some money in the inevitable death of the DVD, cd and blue ray format. Thanks, you ll got played.

humbleopinion3970d ago

I seriously don't get this backlash: Since he's both an avid gamer, as well as a famed game designer, so unlike most people he actually sees both side of the coin.

rainslacker3970d ago

@Septic

While he does make games, and for that he is perfectly right to express his opinions, to say that he is more involved is kind of insulting to us that actually support the industry itself. It's a two way street. He makes games. We buy games. Without us buying games there would be no industry. Without people like him making games, we would have nothing to buy.

I used to like Cliffy B. He was always passionate about the games he made. I didn't agree with him on everything, but I believed he had every right to express his opinion.

Unfortunately, lately, he's been talking down to gamers. Treating them like ingrates who only whine about things. Talking like we should just accept whatever the dev community is willing to push onto the user. Basically saying "Deal with it" all while laughing at how pathetic we all are.

The man has talent. But he takes a very myopic view of the industry, and never once have I seen him try to look at the opposing sides views on an issue. I'd love for him to make a game, release it only digital with all these restrictions he seems to say is the future, and then see how well it sells. Even he knows, given his status and experience, that it would be a tough sell. He just doesn't want to admit that to the public.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 3970d ago
Anon19743971d ago

It's funny that he thought out of this whole mess, it would be Sony that would cave and start restricting games as well despite Sony's clear stance on these actions being "anti-consumer"

Now that he was proven wrong, rather then sacking up and admitting it, he's throwing a pointless tantrum. You were wrong. Used game sales isn't what's hurting the industry, it's developers that can't control their damn spending and then plead poverty while indies are creating some of the best, most creative games out there with a fraction of the budget the big boys play with. You want to secure the future for big developers it starts with cleaning your own house, not forcing consumers to pay for your failures and overspending habits.

FriedGoat3970d ago

You're right. Those developers need to cut down on the caviar on their lunch-breaks.

palaeomerus3970d ago (Edited 3970d ago )

Well the other problem is wildcatting/gambling publishers trying to pay for 8 flops with 2 hits, who don't care about games that break even. They force a dev to pitch them with a demo that might cost $2 million to make. That's $2 million from the dev JUST TO PLAY with no profit or anything on it. Just CoDB. Then if the publishers like the pitch they demand $25 million worth of work in exchange for a promise to fund $15 million and they own the IP. Then they try to get by with paying only around $10 million of what they agreed to and attempt to shorten the schedule and demand more features. THEN they often refuse to pay royalties and bonuses based on metacritic scores if the devs succeed, or get another dev to finish the game they now OWN for $3.5 million, if they don't. Then they decide whether to spend a lot on marketing or not. If they don't the game fails and they blame the dev. Meanwhile their investors are constantly screaming about piracy and flops and demanding that they fund more hits.

It's nonsense.

Mikey322303971d ago (Edited 3971d ago )

Who cares about this guy.. he's just another person with an opinion that doesn't matter.

creatchee3971d ago

From his tweets:

"I find it funny how people are saying that I “lost” when I don’t have a job or an allegiance now.

What I do have is 20 years of experience making games and seeing how the sausage is made."

I'd say his opinion matters because it's one of somebody who has been directly involved in developing and publishing games. He has had a view of the industry that no gamer will ever see. Or probably want to see.

Joe9133970d ago

His opinion only matters if you agree with him everyone says he is this great game designer well what if you don't like a single game he makes I don't care about any of this but reading the comments it's funny how many ppl feel that everyone should feel the same way and if you disagree then something is wrong with you lol.

BlitzKriegBOOM3971d ago

Just an Annoying has-been who should develop games instead of whining his unimportant opinion that he believes us to take as gospel. absolute idiot.

PSN-JeRzYzFyNeSt3971d ago ShowReplies(4)
franko3971d ago Show
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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
EasilyTheBest3d ago

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

GamerRN3d ago

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

Number1TailzFan3d 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.

1Victor2d ago

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

Kosic2d ago

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

darthv722d ago

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

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts2d 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.

KicksnSnares3d ago

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

darthv723d 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.

mudakoshaka3d 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.

PassNextquestion3d 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.

TiredGamer3d 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?

rlow13d ago (Edited 3d 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.

Traecy3d ago (Edited 3d 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.

TiredGamer3d 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.

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news.xbox.com
bionicstar3d ago

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

PhillyDonJawn3d ago

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

RaidenBlack3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

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

Sonic18813d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast3d ago

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

3d ago
Lightning773d ago

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

Make smarter comments for once.

anast3d ago (Edited 3d 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.

InUrFoxHole2d ago

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

3d ago
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3d ago Replies(1)
Lightning773d ago (Edited 3d 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.

3d ago
anast3d ago (Edited 3d 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.

Lightning773d 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.

anast3d ago

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

Lightning773d ago

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

Again make smart comments for once.

anast2d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 2d ago
darthv723d ago

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

jimb0j0nes3d 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
darthv728d 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.

solideagle8d ago

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

Sonic18817d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio7d 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:

Lightning777d ago

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

Cacabunga8d 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.

darthv727d 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.

neutralgamer19927d 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

shinoff21837d 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.

Cacabunga7d 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

itsmebryan7d 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

S2Killinit7d 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.

romulus237d ago

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

darthv727d 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.

TheEroica7d ago (Edited 7d 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.

Chevalier7d 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/...

itsmebryan6d ago

@chevalier

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

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 6d ago
purple1018d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos8d ago

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

DOMination-7d 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.

XBManiac8d ago

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

SimpleDad8d ago (Edited 8d 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.

purple1018d ago

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

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos8d ago (Edited 8d 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

Kornholic7d ago

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

MrDead7d ago

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

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