230°

Podcast Unlocked Episode 102: Smarticulate

IGN - Editors explore the latest in Xbox news, including an exec out the door, headset adapters, and Kinect's new features.

dedicatedtogamers3959d ago (Edited 3959d ago )

I know the canned answer is "LOL jumping out of the sinking ship amirite?"

But a more realistic reason is that Microsoft is currently undergoing a massive reorg and the Xbox division is likely getting split between two divisions or at least tucked deeper into a larger division.

Mattrick once reported directly to Ballmer. After the reorg, the new Xbox boss will likely have one or two bosses between him/her and Ballmer. Maybe he didn't want to deal with that.

Lovable3959d ago

LOL jumping out of the sinking ship amirite?

pompombrum3959d ago (Edited 3959d ago )

I think the more logical answer being that he was the scapegoat in the xbox 180. Someone's head had to roll after that shambolic unveiling and embarrassing backtrack. Who knows and who cares though, he's gone and is now working for a company I have no interest nor need to have an interest in.. it's a win win situation as an Xbox gamer.

Aaroncls73959d ago

I agree he was the scapegoat MS needed to initialize the facelift of the Xbone.

We can only assume, of course; but either Matrick was smart enough to immediately look for a back up plan, or he had an offer already, or MS gave him the chance to be honorable discharged.

Either way, I don't think all the wrong things about the Xbone's deplorable reveal and subsequent fails were entirely the responsability of Don Matrick.

In fact, what MS really revealed was a lack of real connection to the modern consumer mindset; and a scary, tyrannical ambition.

PFFT3959d ago

Sinking......nope not really.

MariaHelFutura3959d ago (Edited 3959d ago )

Because the Xbox One is going to fail to outsell the Playstation for a 3rd time in a row. They needed someone to blame and Don is perfect candidate because he has a been a PR nightmare. They're getting crushed by the media, online polls, preorders, pricing and specs comparisons. Things aren't looking good, considering they could even outsell the PS3 w/ a year head start, crazy advertising budgets and the media backing them.

dedicatedtogamers3959d ago

To be fair, Microsoft aims to beat Apple and Google to the punch. They're not necessarily competing with Sony or Nintendo.

NihonjinChick3959d ago (Edited 3959d ago )

Do you think Microsoft can actually compete with Google?

Omran3959d ago

if they are not compete with
sony and nintendo why they made
a console ?!

mcstorm3959d ago

@IncredibleGamerChick Microsoft walk all over Google in every area but Mobile and Search and Youtube.

What I find funny is people seem to forget sony had a slow start with the PS3 and if MS have one with the xbox one then it is not over they can turn things around just like sony did plus I am not expecting the PS3 and xbox one to have massive sales like the Wii did when they come out as times have changes since then and the 360 and PS3 are still selling well with big name games like BF, COD, Fifa, GT ect.

dedicatedtogamers3959d ago

@ mcstorm

"people seem to forget sony had a slow start with the PS3 and if MS have one with the xbox one then it is not over they can turn things around"

Sure, they CAN turn things around, but it's a different situation. You can't say "PS3 had a slow start too" as if that means - automatically - XBox One can recover. PS3's recover took years of devoted effort from Sony plus several price cuts.

tehpees33959d ago

"They're not necessarily competing with Sony or Nintendo."

Xbox is a game console so they are competing with Sony and Nintendo first and foremost. If they forget that then gamers will jump out and never look back.

Saksoy3959d ago

lol that's like, M.City saying they are not competing with M.United for the EPL title.

Enigma_20993959d ago (Edited 3959d ago )

@dedicatedtogamers

... so they are in the gaming business because?

3959d ago
+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 3959d ago
MariaHelFutura3959d ago (Edited 3959d ago )

Don was the head of the Xbox division. But I agree, they would have actually beat them (once) for it to considered a competition.

http://i.imgur.com/amn36.gi...

Kanzes3959d ago (Edited 3959d ago )

Xbox One is like the PS3 back then, high prices and the whole internet hates it. But, that doesn't stop PS3 to become successful like right now.

NatureOfLogic3959d ago

The Xbox brand doesn't have as much pull as the Playstation brand. Name me one Xbox that has sold 100m. I can name two Playstations and soon maybe three. Xbox original failed. No Playstation console has ever failed. Xbox is simply not on the same level of successful recognition as the Playstation. When MS smokes the competition twice like Sony did, then we can consider them possibly making a comeback after a bad start, until then, I don't think the Xbox name is strong enough now.

Kanzes3959d ago (Edited 3959d ago )

^so you're saying that the PlayStation 3 is saved by merely because the PlayStation "brand"?

I think brand is not the problem, the problem is the quality of exclusivity and services..

PS3 is become more and more successful when games like Uncharted 2 and MGS4 are released only on PS3, and with the help of PS+ feature too.

NatureOfLogic3959d ago (Edited 3959d ago )

@ Kanzes, OK..... My point still stands, which is, MS has yet to prove themselves. If we go by MS's track record, we can all clearly see where MS is headed when comes to exclusives. They simply can't compete with Sony by buying third party timed exclusives and content. They tried it last gen and still failed to out sale their competition. From E3 it's clear that they're taking the same approach with the X1 and no one is impressed. So why go this same route? Everyone comparing PS3 bad start to Xbox one is just wrong. PS2 dominated, Xbox 360 not even close, and even with the one year headstart, Playstation 3 has sold more at faster rate than Xbox 360. With PS3 out selling Xbox 360, It shows that Xbox is not strong enough to withstand a bad start like Sony's Playstation. Lets not forget that PS3 also introduced blu-ray.

dedicatedtogamers3959d ago

That's a (mostly) false equivalence.

PS3 was the follow-up to the two highest-selling consoles of all time. Xbox One is not.

PS3 had a high price but a lot of goodwill. PS2 was still loved and games were still coming out for it. Not so when it comes to the 360 for a lot of people.

And lastly, Sony had to fight for YEARS to win back consumer trust and respect. Will Microsoft invest the same amount of effort and dedication when they've proven they only stick to gaming in the short-term?

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3959d ago
fermcr3959d ago

Sales only matter for fanboys, bragging rights. What matters to companies is ... did it make money?

Microsoft made quite a lot of money with the X360, in spite of the RROD debacle.

Sony had heavy losses with the PS3.

devwan3959d ago

Microsoft's xbox division is still $3bn in the red over the last 10 years, it hasn't made money, it has haemorrhaged it.

http://www.neowin.net/news/...

Their current idea is to make a box that will appeal well beyond the console gamer crowd, but trouble is they're even failing to hit the spot there and that part has to be in place for the rest to follow. Oh dear...

ThatCanadianGuy5143959d ago

Where do you keep pulling these random bits of imaginary information from?

MS is not making money from xbox.It's their least profitable division by far."Microsoft makes more than 75% of its profits from Windows and Office. Less than 25% comes from its vaunted servers and tools. And Microsoft makes nothing from its xBox/Kinect entertainment division, while losing vast sums in its on-line division (negative $350M-$750M/quarter)."
http://www.forbes.com/sites...

Not only that but they've lost 3 billion in the last 10 years because of it. http://www.neowin.net/news/...

No wonder investors want them out of the gaming biz.

warewolfSS3959d ago

Your a sad dude. You tirelessly go into every single thread that had to do with Microsoft and repeat the same, tired mantra of better graphics, sad Microsoft, pr nightmare, no games , inferior hardware, no exclusives. ALL for a company who could care less about you. Grow up kid. I'm getting both consoles DAY 1, and if you are to than awesome.

Kanzes3959d ago

It's like they're paying for him lol

5eriously3959d ago

Just how is the Xbox360 outselling the PS3. Once an fanboi always an idiot I presume.

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maniac763959d ago (Edited 3959d ago )

Cause ms is gy...doh
Edit lmao

EXVirtual3959d ago

I'm pretty sure this Zynga deal was considered for a while but the bad PR probably influenced his decision. Really, I don't think the Xbox is competing with Sony and Nintendo. I think they're trying to beat Apple and Google. They wouldn't win in either situation though.

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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.

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest6d ago

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

GamerRN6d ago

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

Number1TailzFan6d 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.

1Victor5d ago

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

Kosic5d ago

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

darthv725d ago

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

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts5d 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.

KicksnSnares6d ago

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

darthv726d 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.

mudakoshaka6d 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.

PassNextquestion6d 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.

TiredGamer6d 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?

rlow16d ago (Edited 6d 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.

Traecy6d ago (Edited 6d 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.

TiredGamer6d 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
bionicstar6d ago

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

PhillyDonJawn6d ago

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

RaidenBlack6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

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

Sonic18816d ago (Edited 6d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast6d ago

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

6d ago
Lightning776d ago

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

Make smarter comments for once.

anast6d ago (Edited 6d 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.

InUrFoxHole5d ago

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

6d ago
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6d ago Replies(1)
Lightning776d ago (Edited 6d 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.

6d ago
anast6d ago (Edited 6d 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.

Lightning776d 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.

anast6d ago

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

Lightning776d ago

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

Again make smart comments for once.

anast5d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 5d ago
darthv726d ago

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

jimb0j0nes6d 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
darthv7211d 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.

solideagle10d ago

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

Sonic188110d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio10d 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:

Lightning7710d ago

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

Cacabunga10d 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.

darthv7210d 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.

neutralgamer199210d 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

shinoff218310d 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.

Cacabunga10d 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

itsmebryan10d 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

S2Killinit10d 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.

romulus2310d ago

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

darthv7210d 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.

TheEroica10d ago (Edited 10d 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.

Chevalier10d 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/...

itsmebryan9d ago

@chevalier

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

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purple10110d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos10d ago

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

DOMination-10d 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.

XBManiac10d ago

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

SimpleDad10d ago (Edited 10d 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.

purple10110d ago

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

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos10d ago (Edited 10d 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

Kornholic10d ago

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

MrDead10d 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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