Jonathan Blow Mocks Xbox One Again, Terms One-Off Online Activation As "Bad"

"Microsoft's reversal of policies for the Xbox One is common knowledge by now, but for those who don't know: After announcing that the next generation console would restrict used game sales, require periodic check-ins and be region-locked, it now seems there will be none of these features present when the console launches in November."

[GamersRulz]

He hates MS with passion. it can't be for nothing.

[ThatCanadianGuy514]

They probably ripped him off at some point.
He seems to hold a grudge, that's for sure.

[dedicatedtogamers]

He made one of XBLA's most popular and highly-rated games, Braid.

There are other indies like Phil Fish, the folks who did Limbo, and plenty of lesser-known indies who also hate Microsoft with a burning passion.

And since the indie community is exactly that - a community - a lot of upcoming indie devs avoid XBLA like the plague simply because other indies do. It's a snowball effect.

[da_2pacalypse]

without Johnathan Blow, no way XBLA would be as big as it is now. he was the first to make something that could for a download only on the xbox. He should be mad, because he got ripped off.

[SilentNegotiator]

But to be fair...they have several months to patch it BEFORE shipping.

[YNWA96]

Xbox live arcade started this indie wave, gave them a chance, but they all wanted to be treated like superstars, rush out games quickly... People complain about patches, but what MS did what to prevent dodgy code being released.... Damned if you do, dammed if you dont....

[wastedcells]

Watch Indie Game the movie

[indysurfn]

Okay at the start of this Microsoft fooled people by using terms. Like LEND/family/friends. Now they are being successful by using the term:
"offline game". Did you catch that, if you install a "off line game" then you will not be have restrictions. Watch defins a "offline game" What of only one game has the label of offline game on it? Heck what percent of games don't have a component of online to even the 360 games right now? Microsoft almost required it with few exceptions. If there is a term "offline game" as a condition. Then that is a out! Don't trust a company that keeeeeeeeeps making pot shots at your rights. Fooled you twice! Are you going to let that happen?

[Redempteur]

@Gman0174

Good job rewriting history.

Prevent dodgy code being released ?Loool

What about microsoft:
-preventing indies from giving free stuff
-charging a lot for any kind of update of content ?
-ripping off properties ( like the braid avatar theme for 360 dashboard ) where the braid creator didn't receive 1 cent ?

Trully microsoft did nothing bad ... /s

[dantesparda]

Dont you still have to go online to activate the game? So then what happens if you dont have a internet connection? you cant play the game til its activated online? Why would you even have to do this? WTF is going on with MS, f-ing retards! And the fanboys are even bigger retards! I gaurante you fanboys will come up with a way to explain how this is such a great next gen feature too!

[DOMination-]

You don't need to activate each game online. You just need to connect the console once to download the firmware tuat allows you to play offline. I imagine down the road you won't need to do that but clearly MS is rushing out the launch day models and this is their solution.

[SilentNegotiator]

To clarify, I meant that, in Blow's defense, his argument is pretty valid because Microsoft SHOULD be able to get this patch onto Xbox's before shipping them (because that is many months away)...but they aren't.

[Dir_en_grey]

It's not just this guy, Phil Fish the creator of Fez says "Fez 2 will not appear on a Microsoft console".

Source: http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

All the indies are going to PS4 thanks to Microsoft's greedy tactics on screwing the indies developers over.

[OlgerO]

This man is becoming the playstation version of that idiot cliffy B

[HammadTheBeast]

I don't mind this guy, at least he's not pushing for completely anti-consumer actions.

[Mystogan]

You don't mind because he supports your platform.

just as I don't mind cliffy B.

[PerryCaravello]

that might be true... I still don't know why I'm seeing his name lol

"Random developer who works for Sony hates microosft."

Sounds like the gears of war guy

[creatchee]

He wants to be David Jaffe. Unfortunately for Blow, there is only one David Jaffe.

[ShinMaster]

"If you don't support Microsoft, then one is clearly a Sony fanboy."

Nice, Xbox fans.

[darkslayer208]

@ShinMaster
In other words:
"If you don't support Sony, then one is clearly a Xbox fanboy."

Epic,Remedy =microsoft Fanboys..

[ShinMaster]

I never claimed they were.

[FamilyGuy]

He's just very vocal and with his game being showcased at Sonys first event he's become so popular that all his tweets are being made into articles.

Blame the gaming site for not having something news worthy to say and resorting to tweet grabs.

[Ausbo]

This guy is stupid. He has made what? One good game? A lot of people dont like his new game witness. It looks to say the least, very odd.

[Dancinsolo]

Totally right. If his new game isn't the holy grail , the way he's hyping it up, he's gonna look like even a bigger prick

[fermcr]

Seriously... Jonathan Blow is starting to sound like a moron already. The best thing he could is STFU and finish/release his game... and let's hope it's good.

I dislike developers that talk to much.

[Dancinsolo]

Exactly. Its funny how even logical statements get disagrees

[lukeb4dunk]

I agree. The only exemption for me would be Jaffe...though there are times I wish he would shut up too.

[ElitaStorm]

wtf is wrong with ppl making an articel about a twitter tweet?

Looks like he has nowhere to hide, whatever he tweets is somewhere here on N4G.

Leave Jonathan Blow alone

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

[crazysammy]

I had somehow, in all of my infinite web browsing had never seen this video. I was better off for it and now you have shattered that. You have taken my innocence. You monster.

[_FantasmA_]

I hate them too. They are a corporation who needed to make extra money so they created their ugly Xbox line just to take real gaming customers away from Sony and Nintendo but they don't give a rats ass about games, gamers, or their mothers. And how can anyone just change their mind about the Xbox 1? They just tried to force something on you, then they said they were lying? Really? Have the decency to commit to your ideas because it instills distrust in the customers and reeks of desperation. Not too mention what happens in the future. I still think this Mountain Dew Cable Box is a trojan. I think M$ will try pinching more money from people several years down the line when all the dudebros and fake gamers have been suckered into buying more Red Ring of Death Cable Box 2.0.

[Dancinsolo]

Yeah cause Sonys not a corporation either, eh? Kool aid shades

[JamieL]

You know you're so against MS because of what an evil company they are, while sucking off Sony, but you do realize is Sony's just taking the 360's successful formula and applying it to the PS4. I just don't get it. Folks like you spent this whole gen bashing MS for charging for MP, and no exclusives. Now Sony is charging for MP it's ok because you can still watch Netflix without it, and MS only announced exclusives at E3, a lot more than Sony, yet no one mentions that. Spent all ya'lls time bitching about the DMR, and now say they suck for changing their minds. I don't get the childish hate for a company. Get lives fanboy's, and stop spewing hate just to spew hate.
This site was a joke before, but since the reveals it's become almost unbearable.

[_FantasmA_]

Sony is a corporation, and I get pissed at them too when they mess up. Unfortunately, they haven't really messed up with me. I wasn't hacked, I've never had hardware problems, etc. So until Sony starts trying to get me from behind, I have no reason to hate. M$ has given the finger to real gamers everywhere for two generations now. How stupid are you if you guy buy their 3rd box? They don't support their systems and flip flop more than Mitt Romney. Mitt Rommney One?

[Riderz1337]

Do I detect a Last of Us reference? =P

[YNWA96]

I never played his games, so he does not matter to me , but if he represents the industry that is sad. 1 game and these people think they are gods. Yet you people hammer cliffy b, a legend. Your a phucked up lot. I can only guess MS told him to stop crying like a baby so he ran to Sony...

[madpuppy]

cliffy b. a legend...in his own mind.

[miDnIghtEr20C_SfF]

This guy is a cry baby and Braid was overrated imo. Game got boring. Limbo was better.

[yeahokchief]

This is why I unsubscribed from David Jaffe telling people to "deal with it" and that they're "gonna get ****d". Such a condescending douchebag. Never touching his games again.

Sony supporting indies FTW.

@createchee Jaffe is a one hit wonder. His indie game did horribly. When placed on a level playing field he isn't anything special. Just an annoying big mouth.

[3-4-5]

Solution:

Ship a disk with the patch included.

This way, even people without online connection can install the patch and use their XB1.

^ Why can't I be in the room with the Deciders at Microsoft.

Am I to believe I'm the first person to think of this ? I doubt it, as it's common sense so thousands of others have this same idea..

Yet not one of those people work for Microsoft.

We solved your problem but your not listening to us Microsoft.

We are smarter than you can fix this fiasco within a week.

We are humans and we are smart as F*** when we are passionate about something. We love gaming so just listen to us please.

Ship the disk and problem solved.

I'm either the smartest person alive or Microsoft is not as smart as they think they are.

I don't think I'm the smartest person alive, so that leave one other option.

[SpinalRemains]

They obviously don't want the problem solved. This is their big Vision.

They are mandating the one time data connection because those who use it will be able to have it taken away and altered in the future.

For some reason MS needs to have this policy in place. They may have delayed it now, but I wouldn't trust them.

Do you honestly believe that they haven't thought about the disk? Of course they have. There's a very logical and Conniving reason they're leaving it up to a data patch.

Never make the mistake of assuming they're stupid. They're far from it. They're opportunists and everything they do is very well thought out.

[KarrBOMB]

Funny, because Bungie wanted to be separated from M$ as well. I think that is a common factor. I'd love to hear what Cliffy B has to say since he said M$' new restrictions were the future. I guess that douche-bag just has to wait for the future now.

Honestly, M$ has been so cocky and avoiding so much, that I believe a ton of the damage is going to hit them regardless. I know I'm going Sony only this time around. Although the reversal M$ has done is better, I'm still not on-board with a camera that spies on you. If people who don't care about rights or even understand them still get the Xbox, that's their choice. I'm just not that naïve.

[ramiuk1]

the one off online activation is for it to download an update to remove DRM etc,they will say it isnt but who believes these clowns now.

[nosferatuzodd]

He hates MS with passion. it can't be for nothing.

Yes he does, you of to understand ppl just dont hate a company for no specific reason.
It has to do with something for me that something was Windows ME and gears of war i have 2copies of every gears of war one for play and one for keeps this isn't about bieng a fanboy its deeper than that they ban me from live for no specific reason when i called them all i get is the run around well screw you Microsoft screw you

[Urusernamesucks]

"he hates ms with passion, but it cant be for nothing"

Oh, but it usualy is...

[RenegadeRocks]

After all we have done...it can't be for nothing !

:P
Sorry, couldn't help it ! Last of Us Rules baby !

[Vip3r]

This must mean that the Xbone is currently in production and they can't alter the production lines to apply the new "update" in the consoles before launch.

[loulou]

agreed. most probably the new firmware.

it would not surprise me to see this included in some lauch titles disc either.

just bring on these new consoles

[devwan]

Well that would be the best way to do it, but the one-time check in suggests there's probably a little bit more to it.

[pompombrum]

I hope that's correct however there is a nagging paranoid feeling in the back of my head that it's done so that they can make you agree to a terms of usage agreement.

[SpinalRemains]

Ding ding ding ding.

Yes. I strongly suggest ppl read every word of that agreement too.

[LackTrue4K]

Wait I have not had an Xbox 360 in years...but.

Do you still have to be a Xbox live member (have an active account) to get updates...?!
In other words..."will they ask you to pay the 3 something dollars for that update..?!?!"

"Thanks goldenmonkey"
:)

[kennyg3739]

This is guy is a joke, i'm defending Microsoft I didn't like policy before yesterday either. But you don't see any other develpers bashing Microsoft as much as this guy. And from what I read around the internet his new game on the PS4 is not very impressive.

[HammadTheBeast]

Every developer not under MS' payroll has bashed it, and those that haven't were counting on the DRM so they'd get more money.

MS has f***** indie developers and they don't like the One cause of that.

And the Witness is interesting, haven't heard much of it.

Edit:
True Kenny.

@Testerg35

Jonathan Blow's last massive game Braid was exclusively on Xbox. When he talks s*** about it now, he probably holds credibility. Please, show the other side of the coin if you have a link or something.

[kennyg3739]

@hammand
I just think guy should focus more on developing his game and not tweeting about Microsoft everyday.

[The_Batman]

Jonathan Blow developed Braid which was a very popular indie game. So, Witness might be pretty good as well.

[testerg35]

Hammad, of course when a former PS3 dev talks about Sony or now caters to MS, they are idiots and liars right?

When anyone gives MS praise they're on MS' payroll.

Love the way you think.

[No_Limit]

The guy is literally a One Hit wonder like the musical group Midnight Oil: “Beds Are Burning” in the 80s.

Oh, a one time day one patch , big freaking deal. The Wii U had a HUGE Day one patch on Day one and where was he then?

This guy is a troll nothing more.

[YNWA96]

Midnight oil went on to do good things in life... This guy cries...

[Cueil]

JOnathan Blow is a giant self-entitled douche bag... if you watched indie game the movie you can clearly see that...

[Why o why]

Sometimes some people just have a hardon that wont go down... I can only listen to those types for so long even if I agree with things they've said.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

From what you read around..the internet, his game that is 3/4 of a year away from release, isn't very impressive?

[Urusernamesucks]

Lol isnt Obvious Why he is better at ranting than making games? He is under sonys payroll to do shit like that .

See hammadthebeast, i can do The same thing you did, but with more common sense.

[Spontogical]

Does everything he says HAVE to be a news story? I like him just as much as the next guy for The Witness (looks interesting), but he's just talking about the system..

How is that 'mocking'!?

[Loki86]

This guy has been a tool since he decided to go exclusively with Sony. He is the biggest kind of troll right now. Even if I decide to go with the PS4 this guy gets no support from me.

[HammadTheBeast]

Well, same with Cliffy B and Peter Molyneux.

[Haules]

@Loki86

Telling the truth =/= a tool...

He deslikes M$ because of this (see link) (and his absolutely right)
http://www.dualshockers.com...

Yes this is how MS treats artists. They deserve success Sony is offering them a place to start.

He went with Sony, Because Sony actually support indie dev and they (Indie dev) can self publish thier games on the PS4 for free. Also Sony who actually invests in quality studios and nutures great games from within.

And by supporting a C*** company like MS (buying their products) your actually destroying good and poor developers who have great ideas but don't have the money to publish their game...

Being an ignorant fanboy = a tool... Sorry to say this but MS fanboys are becoming so ignorant...

[MasterCornholio]

I found this interesting.

"Provinciano explains that if you want to publish on other platforms, Microsoft will ask for a cut of the revenue not only on Xbox Live Arcade, but on all the platforms the game is published on."

WTF

Now thats low real low.....

[Cryptcuzz]

I agree with this statement.

He is just telling it how he sees it, nothing is wrong with that. What he has been saying about the Xbox One is not bashing when it makes sense from a consumer point of view.

He has been vocal about all the restrictions and DRM. 300k servers of MS being more of a marketing thing to further push the restrictions and DRM, then being a viable source for making their games look any better then what could be done locally, etc.

All that is not an opinion but a valid concern a consumer would be worried about as well.

Being vocal and critical about those things ARE important. Look at the #NOPS4DRM campaign and how successful that was. Whether Sony did not impose DRM and restrictions like on the Xbox One because of that or not, one cannot disagree that it could very well be the one of the deciding factors.

If anything, Xbox fans should be proud that he has been so vocal about those things. I am sure MS has seen and heard the frustrations and concerns from a lot of the developers as well about these things. That and the outcry of their own fanbase and the media is what I believe pushed MS to do a 180 on what they have designed the whole console to be in the first place.

Now Cliffy B and Molyneux, that is a different story. Them I can understand how a lot of people would be sick and tired of them. The difference is, these guys go from agreeing to DRM and restrictions, to later on saying it was a bad idea and now such and such will be more expensive and blah blah blah. Not pro consumers and gamers I would say and I hope a lot will see my point of view as well.

[Knightofelemia]

Everybody knows its Microsoft's way or the Highway. No differant than with the Windows phones. Microsoft states what hardware can be in the Windows Phone and you have to listen to them. Thats why alot of hardware developers shy away from making a Windows Phone its either make it the way Microsoft wants or don't make one at all. Quite honestly Microsoft needs to lighten up and quit being strict about everything from a Windows Phone to indie games.

[ballisticvoodoo]

You're a tool for for thinking he's a tool for going exclusively with sony. How about that M$ FANBOY! Go Troll elsewhere.

[Loki86]

Right, even though I flat out stated I was still trying to decide what console to buy. I am an unbiased person who just won't tolerate people spouting off whatever nonsense they think is right. I want to tell people the facts and say my piece without labels something this site and it's army of biased individuals know nothing about.

[Sarobi]

He really dislikes Microsoft.. given a lot of these indie guys don't like them either, but he dislikes them to a new level I suppose.

[Angeljuice]

I think the media just jumps on everything he tweets. Its not his fault if every time he says hello it gets turned into a news story.

[HALOisKING]

i really dont like this guy

[torchic]

of course you don't.

[WeAreLegion]

He really doesn't like Halo, so you're even.

[Urusernamesucks]

Thats great because awfull lot of people like it.

[panbit86]

If someone doesn't have an internet connection in the first place and he can't do this only once login/patch thing isn't he stuck with all the DRM crap?!

[WeAreLegion]

Yes. That will exclude many inner-city consumers. They are a massive demographic at my store.

[No_Limit]

Com on pal, do you think a person or family purchasing a $500 game system don't have internet service somewhere in their basement somewhere? Worst case scenario, tether it to cell phone with an Android app and download the update if it comes to that. smh

[Urusernamesucks]

I agree Completely. A family or individual that can afford a 500$ console most likely has an internet connection. This is Totally different than Always being online.
fanboys are just grasping for more and more Straws, its pathetic.

[WeAreLegion]

You guys really don't know people, do you?

[pompombrum]

Think of all the positives though... if he doesn't have an internet connection, he'll have a nice big black box that looks heavy to lob at Mattrick's head!

[testerg35]

So updates will not be on the game discs?

[MasterCornholio]

Microsoft could easily solve this by including the patch with every XBOX One game that way consumers without internet connections wont have any problems at all.

Just a suggestion.

[Cryptcuzz]

That seems like a pretty legit way of solving this.

Very smart idea man, now the key is whether they would do that or not and if they don't, one has to wonder is their a hidden agenda why they won't simply do that.

[EverydayGuy]

Now I have a question, if you are trying to import a XB1 into a country with terrible internet connection, does that mean you still can't use the XB1 to play games?

[Cryptcuzz]

From what I understand then yes that is the case. Unless all you had to do was take the actual console to a place that does have solid internet to download the new patch. That is my best educated guess for now, but at this point, anything can happen and change before the console is even released.

[BitbyDeath]

Or I know it sounds crazy but how bout making it available on the OS without a patch!!?

[ThatOneGuyThere]

PS3 games used to come with required system updates on the disk. FYI.

[gamertk421]

He sounds like a jealous ex, and will tell anyone who listens.

[DOOMZ]

That guys a tard!

[whoyouwit04]

I normally don't hope people fail in their occupation, but this guy I'm really hoping his next game will do nothing simply because of the fact hat he is acting so unprofessional.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Blow has his axe to grind... so be it. I am not a fan of his work (Braid didn't do it for me) nor a fan of his mentality.

[ThatsGaming]

Real big surprise Jonathan Blow says something bad about Xbox. What an unprofessional idiot.

[nightfallfilms]

Who does this guy think he is, he makes one mediocre game and thinks he's some gaming god or something. I will not be getting your game, way better games out there anyway.

[Thomper]

Jonathan....... Blow........me

[FrigidDARKNESS]

Jonathan Blow is a well known Microsoft hater doesnt shock me what he says. Exactly what has this guy done for the industry.

[WeAreLegion]

1)He used to like Microsoft. That's why he released Braid on the Xbox 360 long before he did on the PS3. Microsoft screwed him over. So, he dislikes them now.

2) He created Braid and is about to create The Witness. What have you done for the industry?

[oof46]

Has anyone read the article? The title is misleading. He didn't mock Microsoft. Everything he stated was factually correct and presented in a civil manner.

[Crazay]

Jonathan Blow is fast becoming the next Cliffy B style loud mouth douche in the Sony Camp who can also (Surname) Me.

[buynit]

Is it me or does that pic look like a nerd version of cliffy b.

This guy needs to calm down though, yea braid was good but can you make another good game? Or will you be a one hit loud mouth wonder?

I guess we will find out with the witness.

[defyenz]

Jonathan blows what?

[sAVAge_bEaST]

Microsoft's -Reputation Management Team- is thick on every gaming website today.. and as usual , Un-classy as ever.

[BlackRiderRazil]

Ok, I liked Braid, but I didn't like it enough to constantly hear about his bitching. The dude makes one game, becomes a critical darling, and has spent the last six years working on his follow up. And then he spends most of that time trashing the company that helped him to get his break? Sounds like a real class act.

He, and Phil Fish, should shut the fuck up and keep their opinions on how MS is running their business to themselves. Hell, after some of the shit Fish has said, I've come to regret supporting the arrogant shit by purchasing his game. I'm starting to feel the same about Blow.

[Gigaguy777]

I'd care more if this guy wasn't a jackass all the time. Seriously Blow, lay off. I doubt you know what you're talking about.

[NightStalker33]

He's an Indie Developer who made an exclusive game for Xbox 360. With the lack of self publishing, "Microsoft" and "Indie" No longer go together. Can you blame the guy?

Besides, if you actually read his posts, he doesn't act anything like a jackass.

[gamer2013]

He's a butthurt bitch

[FantasyStar]

Don't burn bridges.

[busytoad]

PS4 destroys xbone in so many ways.

Gpu winner Ps4
Memory winner ps4
Games winner ps4
Online/sharing winner ps4

Glad i pre ordered my ps4 b4 it sold out :)

[FantasyStar]

Someone give this man some bubbles!

[zaz12]

the fact is you still need to have internet connection for first setup to play xbone

[NameRemoved0017]

If the indie devs make their game and do find a publisher than they are not a real indie dev.

[gamer2013]

A lot of people bashing MS here for its supposedly bad treatment of indie devs, but its obvious that Microsoft has standards which Sony doesn't. Have fun sifting through a megaton of really shitty indie games on PSN just to find one decent game worth playing.

[Dancinsolo]

Yes that why the App Store is such a mess. No standards or quality control. Xbla has always had the best indie games for the quality/crap ratio

[bobtheimpaler]

You're completeley oblivious to the purpose and benefits of self publishing. It isn't due to a lack of standards or whatever you want to hear/ tell yourself to convince your BS fanboyism.

It's about having an open platform (much like steam) for indie developers to release games. Critics and consumers will vote with their wallets and reward the devs that come up with compelling and innovative software.

It's a truly brilliant way for encouraging and fostering innovative software which is difficult with the AAA model, and finding the next big talent. Look around at other game distribution platforms and you will see that MS is behind.

[gamer2013]

You keep telling yourself that.

[SpinalRemains]

Standards?

Stealing is a standard?

[fsfsxii]

LOL, XBL indie section is the home of shit titles. Anybody knows that

[busytoad]

Ms is filled with greedy scumbags but they have brainwashed idiot loyals,if i wanted another cable box i still wouldnt get xbone.

[Dancinsolo]

No need for name calling. Go back to your COD for that.

[defyenz]

All these "ps whores" ooopps!, i mean ps4 fanboys just keeps on tooting their horns.Kids, it's too early in the game.Don't write it off yet.

[defyenz]

@busytoad
wow,you definitely got alot to say about MS and their idiot loyals coz i definitely hear what your saying and it's " waa!waa!waa!go change your diaper.

[BozoLoco]

I love how everyone hangs on this guy's word like as if he's God.

[CRAIG667]

The X1 is ahead of PS4 in pre-orders on Amazon for (I think) the first time UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/...

[meplaygames]

I wonder how many so fanboys are planning to buy a ps4 without having an internet connection? Because it seems like most of these fanboys some how don't have internet, since the xbone is such a major issue for them lol.

[batbatz]

The only people MS care less about than their customers are indie developers

[Jdoki]

Just watch Indie Game The Movie to know why some Indie devs have started to hate on MS.

[devilhunterx]

Looks like someone took the RED pill.

[despair]

The Witness better be an amazing game (though some previews are saying otherwise) because this guy is as bad as CliffyB and Jaffe but without their charisma or game development Pedigree.

[isyourhouseonfire]

Jonathan Blow needs to leave the 1970s and enter 2013. Always-on is the next step in revolutionizing this industry.

[wtopez]

Every time this man opens his mouth, I like him less and less.

[Marugo]

Lol these indie devs surely hate m$ :D

[isyourhouseonfire]

His last name is Blow. Haha. Instantly ruined credibility.

[WorldGamer]

This guy's blood is really angered up, I love his spirit of controversy. Carry on sir, carry on.