410°

Xbox One drops the Xbox Guide

Xbox One is dropping the Xbox 360's 'Guide' interface, Microsoft has confirmed.

Instead, pressing the Xbox button on the Xbox One controller will now take players directly to the dashboard, shrinking down whatever content they're currently running to the background.

Xbox LIVE's Larry Hryb and corporate VP Marc Whitten discussed the changes to the Xbox interface on this week's Major Nelson podcast.

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videogamer.com
mewhy323933d ago

Oh that's great. This was one of the most things that I used most on the 360 UI. I don't care about all that crap on the dashboard. I want to push the xbox button and get my guide and bam, bam, I'm write to the frieds, message, preferences, active download, etc. What ever I want or need is quick and easy to get to. Just another reason that I've preordered the PS4/Killzone combo with extra Dualshock 4 controller.

Ksar3933d ago

don't cry, they juste renamed it. Now, it's the "Xbox button" and you can snap programs and applications.

sobotz3933d ago

"MS abandoned the Xbox Guide? No buy! I'm buying PS4!!"

some fanboy here are taking troll to a whole new level

malokevi3933d ago

I just want the paperclip back.

MarkusMcNugen3933d ago

@malokevi

His name was Clippy, and dont you ever forget it! lol

Pro Racer3933d ago

I never had a problem with the 360 guide - it had everything you needed in a relatively hassle-free form with NO ADS. If the new 'guide' is now just a shortcut to an ad-ridden dashboard like that of the 360, this marks a step backwards in my books.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3933d ago
JBSleek3933d ago

That is some serious insecurity issues huh?

mcstorm3933d ago

@mewhy32 I don't think its as bad as it sounds as the reason why the 360 has this menu is because it could not multi task so im sure there will be an option to snap message downloads ect instead of having the menu in the middle of the screen. Also the One is a quick switching machine to where the 360 was not so you can go to the dash do what you want and go right back to your game very quick and easy so this is really not a big deal at all when you think about it.

zekk3933d ago

that may be true but people like thing that they r comfortable and familiar with. it would be nice to have something similar

StoutBEER3933d ago

Zekk I like change and am not afraid to try new things, Which (if comments on n4g are to be believed) most gamers are scared of change. XD

mcstorm3933d ago

@zekk that is the problem with the tech world in general they don't like change. Windows 8 gets a lot of stick because it is a big change. People buy a new iphone every year because it dose not change the same with the iPad and the same with the new Samsung mobiles now.

Change is not always a bad thing and there was a reason for the quick menu on the 360 where there is no need for this menu on the one. The ps3 did not have this menu and the ps4 won't have it too.

Electric-flamingo3933d ago

Really?

You had nothing better to do with your time, but go into a ms thread and write that?

You might need to do some life evaluations bud.

blackmanone3933d ago (Edited 3933d ago )

Really, you had nothing better to do with your time but go into a ms threat and write that?

You might need to do some life evaluations bud.

It goes both ways, man.

Peckyyy3933d ago (Edited 3933d ago )

why the fuck r u complaining.When you press the xbox button it will take you to the xbox dashboard and you can resume your game straight away which is basically the same way the ps3 UI works and almost definitely going to be the same with the ps4 UI and you are clearly a sony fanboy so u are basically slagging of your own console.

LAZL0-Panaflex3933d ago

Sounds cool. One giant guide. I trust Ms with the interface. That's one of the things they're really good at.

3-4-53933d ago

Yea the xbox 360 guide button was fast, efficient, simple and it worked.

Makes sense then that Microsoft would get rid of one of the flawless things about their previous console.

Face palm.

Jumper093932d ago (Edited 3932d ago )

Yeah i really dont like that idea. If i want to invite a friend to a game or party, i dont need the entire Dashboard :/

bigfish3933d ago

The only guide Xbox needs to drop is a "How to Prevent Your Xbox One from Overheating" guide

TomShoe3933d ago

I'm a PS4 fan, but your avatar makes it pretty obvious...

3933d ago
+ Show (10) more repliesLast reply 3932d ago
THamm3933d ago (Edited 3933d ago )

if you press guide it will instantly minimize your game screen and take u straight to the dash, actually a good thing especially if you always tinker with different system settings like me and don't want to leave the game, but I also ordered the KZ bundle, and won't get an X1 until Kinect is separate.

dazzrazz3933d ago

Me 2 which basically means never :)

Animal Mutha 763933d ago

You might be waiting a while :-0

Loki863933d ago

I like this, makes it akin the Vita Hyper V, which I absolutely love. I think next gen is going more to an integrated friends list in the games, my guess anyways.

Elit3Nick3933d ago

Hyper V is a specific Microsoft built hypervisor, the Hyper V wouldn't be on a Vita, but a different hypervisor. Sorry, just wanted to clear that up :)

Loki863933d ago

I understand that, just referring to all hypervisors in general.

hankmoody3933d ago

If MS getting rid of the Xbox Guide is enough to make you run to the PS4, please hurry up and go, that way I run less of a risk of playing online with your neurotic self.

jamsam3603933d ago

People If you want SH*T the same then buy or keep your Xbox 360. You need to realize this is a new hardware launch it means new better interface and ui everything all NEW! If we keep Things the same things would get dull after a while.
I on the other hand embrace change! Thats the only way for things to progress!
I am very Excited for the new Generation! Please stop belly aching over oh no this is different! I appreciate that some people like what they like but change is sometimes good!Peace out!

Jumper093932d ago

Woa how do you knot that its better? The old Guide worked fine. I dont need the entire fucking dashboard.

Show all comments (50)
160°

Xbox, do you even have a plan anymore?

TSA asks what is the future for Xbox.

Read Full Story >>
thesixthaxis.com
Chocoburger4h ago

They clearly never did, hence why they spent so many BILLIONS on other publishers as a last resort.

anast4h ago

They have a plan. It's to move everything toward streaming and mobile. This is just the next step.

Cacabunga3h ago(Edited 3h ago)

With half of the money they spent, they could have been on the very top and the gaming industry would be way bigger than it is.. encourage developers, indies, make them grow trust them and they will deliver.

Tody_za2h ago(Edited 2h ago)

What are you talking about Cacabunga? The Xbox faithful insisted that Microsoft has infinite money, and after Activision they should buy Square Enix and Capcom before Sony does. There was no chance ever that Microsoft would do this. They would use their infinite millions and Bitcoins to invest in 50 new IP and beat everyone.

Tody_za19m ago

Did I really need to add a /s to my comment...

andy853h ago

To ruin great studios it's looking like

Skuletor3h ago

Sure, a plan to be a more hated game company than EA. Ubisoft were recently giving them a run for their money but I think Xbox have really knocked it out the park with their latest stunt.

neutralgamer19923h ago

Absolutely not, their whole plan is at odd with what MS wants

Phil wants GP to become big
MS wants to sell games and make billions

GP can’t be sustained with AAA games which take 3-5 years and 7 figure budgets. Only go put those games on GP day one. Why do you think games are coming out on other platforms?

People want a change and want Phil gone without realizing if someone new comes along they may want to change everything again so we just keep going in circles. Phil has to realize that and give clear message on the direction of Xbox

Show all comments (19)
330°

Brad Hilderbrand explains the reason behind the recent Xbox studio closures

There are two reasons why all those Bethesda studios closed, and neither of them have anything to do with Bethesda (directly)...

Game Pass and Activision.

Read Full Story >>
linkedin.com
Christopher8h ago(Edited 8h ago)

The guy confirming what we've all (well, most of us) been saying since the latest purchase.

crazyCoconuts5h ago

Remember the relatively common counter that went something like "I'm sure you arm-chair CEOs know better how to run a company than the biggest company in the world"?

I mean - there's a lot to running a company for sure, but on this topic it's hard to understand how Phil and team didn't see this coming.

Tody_za5h ago(Edited 5h ago)

Phil and team knew it was coming and planned for it. It's not even a conspiracy, it's simply the business of cutting costs and superfluous studios after a major acquisition. They don't give a damn about Tango Gameworks or other small creative studios that won't recoup their losses. They don't care about investing in this industry. They have no interest in risky and expensive new IP. They are only interested in profiting off ownership of Bethesda IP, Call of Duty and Candy Crush.

I guarantee you that not one single game under their banner will improve or become bigger and better.

Welcome to the Xbox family, what a pathetic joke.

Anyone who continues to support this, enjoy your future, because this is it. Ninja Theory is next, and Perfect Dark after that.

Christopher3h ago

Especially not with the evidence of tons of existing movie streaming subs out there and how they fail to make a profit with over 100m users each quarter.

Lightning772h ago

Apparently they're debating if they wanna put the new Cod on Gamepass or not.

Either grow GP with Cod or don't put it on GP and grow the revenue the traditional way while GP will suffer.

The mess that MS puts themselves in.

XiNatsuDragnel7h ago

I'm not surprised Microsoft guys are crock nuff said

isarai7h ago(Edited 7h ago)

Honestly i think Bethesda needs to buy themselves out of zenimax/MSs hands and do their own thing, i honestly think that would fix a lot of issues and save them from a potential closure.

Zeref7h ago

There's a reason they sold in the first place. And Bethesda is not closing anytime soon lol. As much as I hate the studio closures. They were all small studios 2 of them were mobile studios.

I think these are growing pains and Xbox will get back on track. But they're not getting any more passes.

jwillj2k46h ago(Edited 6h ago)

I’d like to see your reaction to being growing pained out of your job after the launch of a successful product.

Mr_cheese4h ago

Excuses, Excuses, excuses.

If growing pains have been happening for the best part of a decade, they're not growth.

XiNatsuDragnel3h ago

Zeref nii San
I'm sorry but xbox has been rightfully bashed due to constant incompetence

romulus233h ago

Yet you literally just gave them a pass, being "small studios" or "mobile studios" is irrelevant. There's no excsue for closing Tango, none. They praise the game, they PR talk about it's the kind of game the company needs and yet they shutter the developer, that's foul on every level.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3h ago
Tacoboto3h ago

Bethesda greenlit Redfall, launched Fallout 76 in the condition it was in (and the fiasco with the bonus bag), and spent all that time on Starfield finishing it as it was with that same engine. Wolfenstein Youngblood exists because of them too, not Microsoft.

Are you *sure* leaving them alone would actually result in a better outcome, not just a different one?

isarai2h ago(Edited 2h ago)

A lot of this excessive monetization, and GAAS crap started when Zenimax decided to start looking for a buyer. Not a coincidence that there was a sudden shift in prioritizing profits above quality or even coherence at the same time. They wanted big numbers to attract buyers, now that they've been bought, MS wants exactly what they were baited with.

However even under Zenimax they made enough to self publish sometimes, so i would imagine it's not too far fetched that they could pay their way into independence if they REALLY wanted to.

Also even people at Bethesda and Arkane were hoping MS would cancel the game as again, they were forced to make something they didn't want to make.

Einhander19727h ago

Ah, we can see how the Microsoft media machine works.

Every article I read now is some kind of attempt to shift the blame off Microsoft and paint them as the victims or convince people that Microsoft mistakes were just some kind unforeseeable unfortunate twist of fate.

The shills are out in full force today.

Christopher7h ago

This is not at all what this article is saying. It's saying that honest and useful studios are getting closed because of big money deals elsewhere and the faults with game pass as a model.

Einhander19727h ago

I understand what the article is about.

It's a deflection, it's a putting the cart before the horse article.

Let me tell you how this problem wouldn't have existed in the first place.

Microsoft not creating a service funded by subsidization and having the foresight to see that it would disrupt consumer spending habit to begin with. Then not buying Bethesda and undertaking costs for a service that was already failing to pay for itself because their own expectations of Game Pass having "billions" of subscribers was unobtainable from the very start.

And if you don't think that was the case go back to the article on the day Game Pass launched and read the comments from people from day one who foresaw that this would be an unsustainable model and would cause people to stop spending in the same way.

Christopher6h ago

***Microsoft not creating a service funded by subsidization and having the foresight to see that it would disrupt consumer spending habit to begin with.***

This article literally supports this opinion. He's not praising Game Pass or the ABK purchase.

Einhander19726h ago(Edited 6h ago)

This is an explanation of why it failed, there is zero blame put onto Microsoft itself.

Yes, it talks about what went wrong, but it doesn't say Microsoft shouldn't have done it. It doesn't say Phil should have foreseen this outcome and stopped before it got to this point.

"convince people that Microsoft mistakes were just some kind unforeseeable unfortunate twist of fate"

Christopher6h ago(Edited 6h ago)

***but you're seeing the impact; all those smaller studios making really interesting games are going to fall away, simply because as good as games like Hi-Fi Rush are, they're never going to make enough money to make up that $70B hole that Xbox now has to dig itself out of.***

If you see that as support or you explicitly just want people to end their argument with "and, in conclusion, Microsoft bad" then that's on you. This article does not support Microsoft's choices and highlights the faults. Nothing it says is good about these choices, even saying that putting CoD on Game Pass would be money losing for them because they've set themselves up for failure (and not putting it on there will drop subscriber numbers like crazy, meaning their Game Pass plans were shit to begin with).

No matter how you look at it, they're saying Microsoft made decisions that hurt the bottom line, force closures, and leave Game Pass in a situation where they lose no matter what they do. It's all negative.

Einhander19726h ago

Christopher, if Microsoft hadn't made Game Pass and bought a bunch of publishers would this article even need to exist?

Christopher5h ago

***Christopher, if Microsoft hadn't made Game Pass and bought a bunch of publishers would this article even need to exist? ***

How is this an argument to anything being discussed? This is just as valuable of an argument as "if fish had stayed in deeper waters, they wouldn't have evolved to tetrapods, adapted to shallow water and then to land, and we wouldn't even exist and have to worry about game pass at all."

You're bringing nothing to this argument and then complaining that other people are highlighting the issues with Game Pass and spending tens of billions on studios because what we should be discussing is what it would be like if Microsoft hadn't done any of that.

Well, they did do it. Now pull up your big boy pants and join in on the discussion of what that has meant for the industry since then and, especially right now, how that is affecting the industry and game studios under Microsoft. None of us are able to go back in time and change what was done.

Einhander19725h ago(Edited 5h ago)

Christopher, this isn't me not understanding what the article is about, it's you not understanding what I am saying.

If you want me to make excuses for Microsoft's bad decisions you're not going to get that or just agree with people who are doing that, it's not going to happen, nor are you going to convert me into thinking xbox "needs to exist".

Ya know what, maybe "Microsoft bad".... maybe their decisions ARE having a negative effect on the industry, and instead of deflecting from their actual actions and making excuses for them we stand up and say "no" "Microsoft is hurting the industry"

And maybe, just maybe, it was so obvious that this was going to be the outcome that even nobodies in comment sections on websites were able to easily predict this outcome, yet Microsoft did it anyway then kept doing and even when it became undeniable that it was having a negative impact on their business and and the industry itself, then they knowingly made even bigger purchases and caused more problems.

And the one thing you're right about is that I can't go back in time, but I CAN speak up and try to keep it from happening again...

Maybe if the people who were speaking up 7 years ago were listened too we wouldn't be having this discussion and Tango and Arkane would still be in business along with all the other people who have lost their jobs due to Microsoft's actions.

Do you like analogies?

What you're saying is like an alcoholic crashing their car then trying to explain it by saying it was caused by everything except the fact that they were dunk because they are an alcoholic and don't want to stop drinking.

TiredGamer5h ago

The article is essentially focusing the blame on MS. GamePass was a hail mary play to change the gaming paradigm and carve out a special niche for themselves, emulating the Netflix model, that might have led to MS becoming the leader in the long-term. Unfortunately, the subscriber growth isn't really there, and the model isn't really built to weather that lack of revenue. MS is now in a restructure mindset to figure out how they balance out their model in a way that can still make them money.

've always believed that GamePass was a high risk shot that had a very low chance of long-term success. But the problem with it, whether it succeeded or not, is that it accelerated the proverbial "race to zero" consumer expectation that ran its course in the mobile gaming industry in the late 2000s. When consumers start thinking that games should be "cheap" (as in through a $10/month all-you-can-eat subscription model), it turns the narrative against games being priced at realistic levels. So with the GamePass failure, they've not only sabotaged their market share, but they've impacted the entire industry and devalued the cost of game development to the average consumer. So now it's harder to develop mega-big budget games and to earn the revenue needed to pay for them.

XiNatsuDragnel3h ago

Again terrible excuses in the 1st place

Christopher4h ago

***If you want me to make excuses for Microsoft's bad decisions you're not going to get that or just agree with people who are doing that, it's not going to happen, nor are you going to convert me into thinking xbox "needs to exist". ***

No one is asking you to make excuses for Microsoft's bad decisions nor is anyone asking you to convert to anything.

***Ya know what, maybe "Microsoft bad".... maybe their decisions ARE having a negative effect on the industry, and instead of deflecting from their actual actions and making excuses for them we stand up and say "no" "Microsoft is hurting the industry" ***

Literally no one here is doing this. They're literally discussing how Microsoft's decisions have hurt the industry. Except you. You're rambling about why people aren't complaining about Microsoft when people are in fact complaining about Microsoft.

*** And the one thing you're right about is that I can't go back in time, but I CAN speak up and try to keep it from happening again... ***

Then perhaps actually add something to the conversation other than calling people shills when people are complaining about the decisions and repercussions of Microsoft's actions.

Tacoboto3h ago

Christopher, you're fighting a block wall here - Ein will continue twisting and contorting any remark to fit his self-created narrative.

Einhander19723h ago(Edited 3h ago)

"Then perhaps actually add something to the conversation other than calling people shills when people are complaining about the decisions and repercussions of Microsoft's actions."

Cristopher, in no way is the author of this article complaining, they are explaining what happened it's literally the title. They never once say that Microsoft shouldn't have bought Zenimax or Activision or that Game Pass was a bad idea to begin with. They think the problem with Game Pass is that it didn't grow fast enough, not that it was a bad idea from the get go.

BTW this is his job title.

"Public Relations and Communications Leader"

What do you think a Public Relations and Communications Leader does to make money?

Edit: I have read a dozen of these articles that just started coming out in the last 24 hours that are trying to shift the conversation away from blaming Microsoft, the shift here and in several other articles is trying to say it just didn't gain subscribers fast enough, not that it was a bad idea to begin with that was doomed to fail or placing the blame on anyone.

It was all just an unforeseeable outcome, no one should be held responsible it was just a billion dollar oopsie that's costing thousands of people their jobs and has caused a downturn in the entire industries sustainability.

Oopsie!

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3h ago
MrDead6h ago

It's greed. MS has the IP's it wants now it's dumping the studios that it's raided, MS will still make money from Tango's games unlike the people that made them. If anyone follows MS outside of gaming you'll see this is what they do, buy companies take what they want consolidate some of the workforce and shut them down. I don't know why people are acting so surprised when this is Microsoft being Microsoft.

MS is a three trillion dollar company, if it enters a market it has no need to compete, they take what they want and with the financial influence it can bypass laws that are meant to protect the consumer and the workforce. Just look at how they are cornering the AI market right now with buyups and investments.

Show all comments (35)
320°

Microsoft Is Finally Ending Its Focus On Big Budget Gaming Nonsense

Back when the Xbox 360 launched, Microsoft pushed the big budget game as a differentiator. Following all the recent layoffs, it’s clear this strategy has run its course.

Einhander19728h ago(Edited 8h ago)

The Microsoft shill take on the Microsoft causing the death of big budget gaming...

The whole driving force for growth in gaming both technologically, creatively and financially was all nonsense, and it was definitely not because Microsoft ran the industry into the ground with obviously bad decisions and creating an unprofitable business model that massively disrupted consumer spending habits. /s

RpgSama7h ago

First, F**** Forbes and their shill take, I hope the money cleared by now.

Second, Which big budget games I might ask? Microsoft has been in a rut for like a decade now, with no big publisher and developers puechases they would have not released anything in the last 5 years but the new Halo and Forza.

Eonjay4h ago

Fortunately for us, since we know this message is basically coming from Microsoft, we can read into their motives. Why are they trying to turn people against big budget games and who would it help.... hmmm.

neutralgamer19923h ago

GP is like any content service it needs new content. AAA games take 100 plus million (low end estimates since most AAA games take double that) and it 4-5 years to develop. That’s why there were 2 god of war games instead of 3 because Cory felt like it would take too long

I am not defending MS. That’s just the reality when you put all your eggs in one basket (gamepass) and now they need content. Sadly that’s what we all said would happen and is happening. GP will be a service for AA games with 1-2 AAA games on yearly basis. And I am all for AA games because to me that’s where developers can take chances on smaller budgets but MS has mismanaged this whole situation from the beginning. Their messaging needs to be clear and it’s not

They own so many studios and IP’s they just need to get everyone on schedule so that there are games releasing every few months on GP. But I don’t even think Phil knows what he wants. It seems his goals change constantly

Game pass is not a sustainable and take two ceo was right when he said that it doesn’t make any business sense to release huge AAA games day one on GP. Just like call of duty shouldn’t be on GP because why give up on 15-20 million sales

Einhander19721h ago

"And I am all for AA games because to me that’s where developers can take chances on smaller budgets"

How'd that work out for Tango?

Do you think less AAA games will increase game pass revenue or decrease it when it has less value? What if they also have to increase the costs?

S2Killinit3h ago(Edited 3h ago)

Right on.

Hahaha MS has ended “focus” on games? Lol when? 3 generations ago maybe?

Hofstaderman8h ago

Ah Forbes. One of the prominent MS mouthpieces....

Luc208h ago

Microsoft is finally... ahhh I've never heard this one before!

Petebloodyonion8h ago

LOL, this article is a big pile of dog crap...
Spencer has been constantly telling ppl that NO they would not go the route of having games like TLOU, Uncharted, etc because Playstation exists and prefers to focus on a diverse portfolio.

How many years have we seen Xbox as no game and we don't want small games like ORI, Pentiment, Grounded, etc.?

That's the real tragedy and why lots of gamers are mad at MS right now
because they have been championing smaller titles and yet fired the ppl delivering exactly what they were proning about.

So no the only nonsense is that MS seems now to be going BACK to AAA popular titles..sorry, I meant refocusing effort on core established IP where broken GAAS might be rewarded versus praised and rewarded work.

Einhander19727h ago(Edited 7h ago)

https://media1.tenor.com/m/...

You read an article cheerleading the end of big budget games and all the other articles about problems and this is what you have to say? That's what you think "the real tragedy" is?

I thought that xbox fans might finally "get it", but no, it seems they don't even understand what is happening and what is at stake.

Petebloodyonion5h ago

Please tell me what's happening and what is at stake

Since it's not big companies closing small studios, killing innovation while refocusing assets on big ongoing projects and core IP?

Let's See MS Close Tango Studio mentions that they are too thin on key project
Sony Close London Studio and make massive cuts in Firespite will reallocate resources to core project
EA will focus on Core project
Square will focus on big established IP
.....
.....

crazyCoconuts8h ago

Hurray! No more big gam.... wait... what??

Show all comments (39)