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Microsoft Responds To 'Games With Gold' Not Being As Good As 'Playstation Plus'

Microsoft Responds To 'Games With Gold' Not Being As Good As 'Playstation Plus'

Neonridr3739d ago

lol... Phil feels good about the first half of '14. So expect some earth shattering title like Halo: Reach or Gears of War 3 to be free.. :P

pompombrum3739d ago

I'd take Gears of War 3. Still, they should try and find a way to release Shadowrun. That game was so ahead of it's time and is one of the most fun MP games I've ever played. They NEED to revive it and bring back that awesome experience.

Neonridr3739d ago

lol, I am sure we would basically take anything at this point. I was merely poking fun. If they wanted to be competitive in that regards, then give away Halo 4 or GoW Judgement instead.

I mean look at PS+ giving away Bioshock Infinite for free. Metro Last Light too.

MS needs to step it up and not release games that are 5+ years old. Give gamers something that is actually within the past year or so..

3739d ago
jmac533739d ago

Are the servers still up for this game? That was a long time ago.

Lowsnamebrand3739d ago (Edited 3739d ago )

Disagree simply because shadowrun made a mochary of what previous shadowrun games were all about, thank god the original creators of the video games got the rights back, maybe one day they'll release an actually 3d open world game instead of top down shooters like shadowrun returns

GameNameFame3739d ago

Good ol phil with his dodge, deflect, avoid and spin tactic.

Only pure fanboys would turn to him to listen to what they already know as PR.

amiga-man3739d ago (Edited 3739d ago )

M$ giving stuff away for free reminds me of this scene from ghost, Sony and PS+ are like Sam Wheat forcing them to give stuff away through gritted teeth lol

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

PS+ is just amazing value pure and simple

FamilyGuy3739d ago

It's funny how he mentioned Brothers but ignored the big titles like Bioshock, Devil May Cry and Borderlands 2.

It is a different ball game for them though. They have to grab old titles that aren't selling anymore because they give the games away for keeps. PS+ can have MUCH newer games because grabbing them is a limited time offer and if you (for some unfortunate reason) don't resubscribe you lose them.

I think MS should completely copy Sonys route if they wish to compete. They need to make their games subscription bound so game makers are more comfortable about having their games on the list. I know if I was a dev I wouldn't want my game being given away forever without some really big bucks coming my way. Especially if my game was only a year old like a few of the PS+ games have been.

ShinMaster3739d ago (Edited 3739d ago )

Typical haters will call it "renting", but there's no good reason for me to stop the service in the first place.

http://i.imgur.com/tkRA0e6....

http://i.imgur.com/AVE7isO....

http://i.imgur.com/deAHsQI.... (great since year one)

I'll gladly trade $50 a year for $1000 worth of free content and discounts.
I have more games than time to play :D

thegreatklemba3739d ago

@familyguy if you dont keep sub and lose it when you re sub you get every free game back you had before just to let you know and anyone that might have thought you lose them forever if you dont keep sub for good.
OT: Sure phil what every say ill believe it when i see it .I wish Microsoft could bring back the people that made the OG xbox cause i though it was great but just didnt have the mass appeal

Cueil3739d ago

it's not hating to call it renting... it's renting a game if you don't keep it after the subscription period ends... GwG you keep the game even if you stop subscribing to XBLG... for a new Xbox 360 owner the deal is worth every penny

Unspoken3739d ago

@FamilyGuy

How does requiring the gamer to pay Sony for a PS+ to play the free games guarantee the developer is seeing any extra money? Any idea what contracts are being made between the devs and either company, Sony or Microsoft?

Keeping the game for life, as long as you grab it during the download period, seems to be a much better deal for the gamer. If for some reason you take a break from Live and have the game on your console, you can still play it.

The question is, do you need a Live sub in order to access your download history in case you ever delete the game?

With PlayStation you are stuck paying the subscription fee to access any free PS+ game. Also, what happens if you don't have an internet connection to verify your PS+ sub? Is this the same type of DRM people were whining about with the XB1 and are now blind because it has a Sony label on the side?

da_2pacalypse3739d ago

Gears 3 > GowJ. I get that you're trying to say they should give us newer stuff, but just about anyone will tell you the same thing about GowJ. It was terrible.

FamilyGuy3738d ago (Edited 3738d ago )

@ Unspoken

Say someone REALLY likes a game that they got through PS+ but they don't plan on resubscribing for some reason. In that instance they might decide to actually purchase the game they liked so much. If they got the game free and clear like through GwG they wouldn't ever buy a copy, they'd still have it so there would be no incentive to pay for it.

"Also, what happens if you don't have an internet connection to verify your PS+ sub?"

PS+ games have an expiration date. When you play a game the date is updated based on when your subscription is set to end. If you increase your subscription the date gets updated once you launch the game while connected to the internet. Once updated, that date remains valid whether you connect to the internet or not. It doesn't require some daily check in. If my sub end in August 2014 then I can play my PS+ games till aug 2014 without ever connecting to the internet or psn. It's funny to see people try to force a comparison with MSs notorious DRM policy at every chance they get though lol.

@ thegreatklemba

I'm well aware of PS+ policies and how the service works. I've been telling people the exact same thing you just said for a while now. Just reactivate it or go to your downloads list and download it again if you deleted it. As long as your sub is current you have access to everything you've ever gotten. In MY scenario I'm basing it off someone that doesn't plan on re-subscribing.

My overall point is that MS would be better off if they did what Sonys doing. Both gamers and devs would appreciate it more. Gamers for the newer/more recently released game titles and devs for the ability to still make a profit off their game through actual game purchases.

P_Bomb3738d ago (Edited 3738d ago )

@unspoken
I'd rather "rent" a game I like than "own" a game I don't like. There's no joy in me getting to keep stuff on GWG that I don't want in the first place. All I wound up getting that I actually wanted was Crackdown, and after I beat it in a week and orb-collected it out, that was it. I haven't touched Crackdown since. Why would I with my backlog?

For me It's about playing new games, not collecting digital dust. That's why I let my gold subscription expire last august and renewed plus for another year in October. GWG is getting better with titles like Sleeping Dogs, but again, I don't need to own it on 360 when I already platinumed it through PSPlus 9 months earlier. Ditto with Assassins Creed 2 and Dead Rising 2, *years* earlier. Letting me keep stuff I already own isnt much of a hook.

There's no offline DRM either with Plus. You can't at ALL compare this to XBone's early policies. PS Plus games have expiration dates, but they stack. Even on my PSP, which hasn't been online in months. My Tekken still works as does GTA Liberty City Stories. My free XBL Doritos Crash Course 2 however hasn't worked since I went Silver. I guess blindness is in the eye of the beholder.

GravelerMagnitude93738d ago (Edited 3738d ago )

man, shadowrun is my favorite game of all time. i always had a katana and loved when you cut somebody in the back and they be like

"Im bleeeeeding ooooouuuuttt"

it was fun. i hate games that cares more of competitiveness than fun.

we need that shadowrun on ps4

bennissimo3738d ago

XBL has superior functionality. I don't care about the expense and no longer game on a 360, so the fact that XBL doesn't supply me with free games doesn't matter at all.

I don't think MS has to feel insecure about XBL or games with gold. GWG is icing on an already awesome cake -- free games with PS+ make up for the fact that the PSN is shit compared to MS's online functionality.

mananimal3738d ago

@ aibreeze

SHADOWRUN!! SHADOWRUN!! SHADOWRUN!!

Well said, best MP ive ever played ,the only MP shooter i play now....id say say id be pretty tempted to buy an Xbox One if a sequel was released. wouldnt change my gut wrenching feelings about a Corp like Microsoft, its too late for that but id would purchase XB1 for shadowrun, no doubt.

Monster_Tard3738d ago

@FamilyGuy I don't know if that's entirely how Microsoft does it, they could be giving us some of the slightly newer games that they own the rights to, but they don't. Instead of giving away Halo reach or Halo 5, they give out Halo 3(not even ODST) instead. I believe they try to put as little money as possible in the deals they strike with the publishers of these games and most of the games they have given us have been games that have had a few sequels come out all ready, so basically the publishers are using them as advertisement and Microsoft may not be paying anything at all to give some of these away.

FamilyGuy3738d ago

Well I know they're being cheap but the last part of what you said is an interesting thought. Giving out their old games for free as a form of advertisement. That's actually part of Sonys deal with PS+ and PS+ discount promotions, the publicity, but Sony pays them money on top of that.

I don't know why MS is being so stingy with the cash flow, they could make a lot of their fans happier if they up'd the ante with some current and therefore more relevant titles.

P_Bomb3738d ago

@ bennissimo

That "superior functionality" cake is missing a few ingredients. For starters it won't let me compare achievements/games with my XB1 friends. When I log onto my 360, every XB1 game is compiled into one generic gamerscore with a tab I can't even click on. No idea who's playing what anymore. PSN however lets me compare PS3/PS4/Vita trophies and games on any system, in the same list. Even on my iPhone app. I don't feel as disconnected from my friends.

wsoutlaw873738d ago (Edited 3738d ago )

this whole renting vs owning is so stupid to even be talking about. sony is saying if you subscribe to plus you can play online and play all these games at no additional cost. If you think thats a good deal, which most do, then you get it. obviously you cant pay for one month and get the instant game collection forever. Its a service, its not buying games so theres no point in discussing it. If you think its a good value then you get it. There's no reason to get rid of it, and even if you do, you probably beat the game already, and you're not going to buy the game just so you dont need to pay for plus. For most people the distinction between owning it and renting it makes no difference because they dont want to stop their plus sub.
MS and Sony have to pay money for the games on the service so the games they get are related to that more than anything. The only difference is that sony doesnt have to worry about people paying for only one month and grabbing the 20 great games they have available for less than 20$

abzdine3738d ago

PSN+?? smh...
how can he compete with something he cant even quote correctly?

Seafort3738d ago

@Lowsnamebrand You really have no idea what Shadowrun was do you?
The original on SNES and Megadrive was a isometric RPG which was based on the tabletop RPG.
I hope Shadowrun is never turned into another FPS like the one on PC and X360. It was pathetic and made a mockery of the franchise.
A bit like what EA did to Syndicate.

Shadowrun Returns is a strategy RPG with turn based combat and is true to the original and the tabletop game. It was not a top down shooter.

sentury1113738d ago

Shadowrun on 360 was great

snipes1013738d ago

Hey at least I get to keep the games if I cancel my gold account. I just feel like I'm borrowing the games with PS+. That's not really "free."

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Ashunderfire863739d ago (Edited 3739d ago )

The problem with Games with Gold is that free games for the 360 being release are 3 years(Fable 3)old, and older(Halo 3) compare to PS Plus games. The PS Plus games are free after 1 year, and even within 10 months(BioShock Infinite) or right at launch(Resogun). Xbox Live advantage over this is that the games are free forever with or without Gold subscription, but in order to get the free game you have to sign up anyway.

kreate3739d ago

'in order to get the free game you have to sign up anyway'

lol

UltraAtomic3739d ago

its true, but when sony first started ps+ there game line up wasn't really that good. microsoft kinda just started this (games with gold) so not bad, if you think about it.

MRMagoo1233739d ago

@ultraatomic

The thing is "microsoft kinda just started this (games with gold) so not bad, if you think about it" doesnt cut it, every xbox fanboy on this site (im not saying that you are one) says MS pretty much has an infinite money cheat on, with allllllll the money MS has why do they give you games that cost $4 in the shop second hand? they cant use the excuse that they only just started doing it, they have PS plus as a reference for how to do it well.

Larry L3739d ago

It's kinda funny how many people say "Plus didn't start off great at first either, so Game with Gold will get better just like Plus.". My memory may not be perfect, but I seem to remember Plus coming out hot right out of the gate, which is why I subscribed by month 2.....the only reason I didn't sub month 1 was because I already had WipeOut HD and the WipeOut HD Fury expansion. The 2nd PS3 game was LBP, which was like 7 or 8 months old. The PS1 games were like Destruction Derby and I know MedEvil since I had never played it before then, and FFV I think. One of the minis was like the best one, FieldRunners and Age of Zombies. I also got the Killzone 2 DLC and the Motorstorm Pacific Rift DLC for free. I recall good discounts right off the bat too. I think it was month 2 or 3 that had every PS1 FF for $2.50 each, which I bought every one to have them on my PSP (they now reside on my Vita).

I don't really think Plus started off that slow. ANd it continued to get even better at a very quick pace. So people should really stop using that as a defense for MS's unimpressive version of Plus.

Jughead34163739d ago

Yea, being able to play games like LBP2, Uncharted 3, Bioshock, Borderlands 2, etc. for free is well worth the subscription fee. Gold would be cool if not for PS+. Gold's games are too dated for anyone to care much. PS+ allows you to play Driveclub, Warframe, War Thunder, Resogun, Planetside 2, etc. at launch.

Rainstorm813739d ago

I remember when PS+ was scoffed at as a rental service......ive gotten so many games off of it its more than worth the price especially if you just picked up a PS system.

From Infamous 2,LBP2, the entire RE PS1 collection, countless PSN gems like Shank 2, PacMan, Galaga, and newer games like Bioshock Infinite or GotY stuff like RDR or Uncharted 3....PS+ has turned into a go to service for console gamers without question, if Sony can keep this up with the PS4 itll make XBL and Games with Gold look more laughable than it is.

Im loving Dont Starve and Resogun right now....cant wait for Drive Club and Secret Ponchos

ShinMaster3739d ago

@ UtraAtomic

""when sony first started ps+ there game line up wasn't really that good""

Not true at all

http://i.imgur.com/deAHsQI....

PS Plus has been great since its first year^

wsoutlaw873738d ago

@ultra plus started of good as stated above but wasnt always good. Plus was new business for sony. XB LIVE is not new at all. They have been making revenue off of it for years so there is no reason the infancy of the concept to start slow. They just want too seem as if they match sony in features for as cheap as they can.

Knushwood Butt3738d ago

@ Larry

PS+ started off pretty poorly in Japan, but it's been much better since about a year ago.

It's probably still not as good as it is in NA/EU, but I'm happy with it.

LoveOfTheGame3738d ago

@Everyone listing "year one" games PS+ gave

Those are what you got YOUR first year, PS+ wasn't great starting out in 2010.

@LarryL
LBP was never given on PS+, and games were not getting good until about early 2012. The only decent ones before that were games 15+ yrs old, which I'm sad I missed out on(started early 2013).

@Shin Master
You're drunk, that was not PS+'s first year. The only decent games in PS+ first year were Sonic and Spyro.

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Eonjay3739d ago

The problem with "games with gold" is that you have to pay developers to have the content available to your subscribers. Xbox Live was intended to be a cash cow. It was never set up a service that paid anything out. PS+ is basically a discount club service where the sub fees are pooled together to get large volume licences from developers.

Cueil3739d ago

I think you are mistaken... Sony does indeed fork over money for the games... as for discounts the XBLG discounts are sizable and for very good games... Tales of Vesperia is like 5 bucks right now

_FantasmA_3739d ago

Gears 3 came out in Sept 2011, so it doesn't qualify to be free yet. Wait until 2018 at least.

YodaCracker3739d ago

Sleeping Dogs came out in 2012 and it was free earlier this month. How do you explain that, sir?

P_Bomb3738d ago

Uncharted 3 came out the *same time* as Gears 3 and has been free on PS Plus since E3 2013. It's up right now. Gears 3 should MORE than qualify. 2018 is halfway through the next gen!

3739d ago
otherZinc3739d ago

Look, I don't give 1 S&*+ about cheap Indie Games, Free to play Games, or Old@ss games I've already played, when I pay $500 for a damn console!

However, I do care about the games for that $500 console to continue to rollout. Following: Forza 5, Ryse, Killer Instinct, & Dead Rising 3.....Phil is right! This 1st Quarter 2014 XBOX ONE:
Fable Legends
Plants vs Zombies
Kinect Sports Rivals
TitanFall
So yeah, that's a Quarter!

Having free old games is a cover-up for having no new next-gen games.

Chevalier3738d ago

Fable Legends is not dated for the first quarter of 2014, you are getting confused with Fables Anniversary which is due February 4th, 2014. Kinect sports rivals is not coming out first quarter either. I work at an EB games and neither is even available for preorders, sorry to burst your bubble, but, if it's not listed by now it's NOT coming first quarter.

So your list is now corrected to the following

Plants vs. Zombies February 25th, 2014
Titanfall March 11th, 2014

Also 'old' free games of the caliber of Bioshock Infinite, Borderlands 2, Dragons Dogma Dark Arisen and Sleeping Dogs to name a few are excellent regardless of how you want to try to lessen the awesomeness that is PS Plus doesn't change the fact that Games with Gold pales in comparison. Funny how only the next gen matters now right? Guess not having exclusives on 360 over the last 3 years must have been painful. But fear not you now can play plants vs. zombies and Titanfall, you should be proud, it only cost $500.

dwlwoolers3738d ago

@otherzink
buddy ur destined for disappointment, how can u say indies are cheap. Do urself a favor and explore the indie game scene. Seriously some our a blast! Ive had some really good times rocking indies on my psvita(admittedly I was desperate for games) I now consider indies some of my top gaming choices. And
My vita is easily my 2 favorite console ever. Please from a gamer to another gamer, dont count out indies

xtremeimport3738d ago

Yeah..

Games with gold doesn't even touch Ps+
If you have it, you know its amazing. If you dont...you probably talk shit because you want it.

anyone who complains about the discounts and free games as being a "well you still have to pay $50 for it and the free games arent even yours."

thats $10 less than xbl and within the first month you actually make that back. Ps+ is an investment that actually pays off.
borderlands 2, bioshock:infinite, DMC, grid2, uncharted, xcom. and thats just a few.

H0RSE3738d ago (Edited 3738d ago )

Of all the games released with GWG, there's a bunch I haven't played, and not just arcade titles. Many argue that the games they offer are "old" or "poor quality," like only new games are worth playing. The fact is, the core audience is likely to have played all the big releases they were interested in, regardless of their age or budget.

I don't care how old the games are if they are AAA releases or arcade titles - I care that they offer me games I actually want to play, that I haven't experienced yet, and they have offered a quite a bunch that meet those requirements, and I'm not rushed to play them, since they are mine to keep.

Would it be nice if every single game offered was one that I was really interested in? Yes, but my mindset is, they're free games and I'm not going to complain or demand that they offer me better free stuff - they don't have to offer me anything. I have a gamefly account, which is essentially what PS+ has with it's games, so I'm not interested in a format like that. I like getting games I can keep and play without a subscription, so I can rent any game I want with Gamefly, while building a collection of games to play on my 360, and later,my X1.

yesmynameissumo3738d ago

That's "shattering"? Granted, PS+ had shit titles it's first 8-10 months, but that has turned around in a big way. Give MS time (and assume they are willing to do it) and Games for Gold should step it up too.

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dedicatedtogamers3739d ago (Edited 3739d ago )

There is nothing - nothing at all - bad about PS+ encouraging Gold to raise its level of quality content. And if we're comparing the free GwG to PS+, the first year of PS+ was pretty sparse, too. It's only fair to let GwG a chance to get rolling with its own set of free games.

That said, I think the big advantage PS+ has over GwG is that Sony is able to offer discounts, not just free games. Do Gold members get discounts on games (even brand-new games) just because they're Gold members? Genuine question. That would be the next step. Additionally, Sony has more platforms and a bigger back-catalog. I've gotten PS3, Vita, PSP, PSN, and PS1 games for free or with a big discount with PS+. If you've bought into the "Sony ecosystem" and you own multiple Sony platforms, there's a ton of games that you get for free. Right now, GwG is only offering free "retail" (although they're digital) 360 games (? Again, genuine question).

EDIT: Anyone know the answer to my two questions? Do Gold members also get discounts for being Gold? And are their XBLA games or other non-retail games being offered by GwG?

GarrusVakarian3739d ago (Edited 3739d ago )

"There is nothing - nothing at all - bad about PS+ encouraging Gold to raise its level of quality content"

Yep, it's win win, PS users carry on getting great value, Xbox users get better and better offerings due to MS wanting to compete with PS plus.

I don't think non-PS3 owners understand just how great PS plus is, the moment you go to the PS store and see the 'instant game collection' section it's like... http://memecrunch.com/meme/...

Neonridr3739d ago

I can't begin to fully appreciate PS+ yet as I am only a PS4 owner so I am missing out on the PS3 and Vita games.

That being said, Resogun, Contrast, Don't Starve and Outlast isn't too bad of a start either.

Ultimately neither of these companies are obligated to give us anything for free, so the fact that Sony (and even MS - though less generous) is giving us these games speaks volumes of the company.

il-JumperMT3739d ago

I'm PS3 + PS Vita + PS4 Owner.

I get free games on 3 platforms with 1 PS Plus Subcription

I actually have too much games to play!

beerzombie3739d ago

Could bad if gamers don't buy games because of the great service. This could hurt small developers trying earn money selling games.

Arkardo3739d ago

@il-JumperMt

Im actually on the same boat as you! I have vita-ps3-ps4 and i can't play everything they throw at me!

It's amazing at least i download every game and cancel it so it stays in my downloads list ... pheeewww

3739d ago
GarrusVakarian3739d ago

@jumpman

" xbox live is still the better server and infrastructure for online gaming"

I used Xbox live for years, and while i haven't used PSN as long as i have XBL, ive never had any problems with either. Each service has been exactly the same for me when it comes to multiplayer.....not so sure why everyone always says xbox live is "better".

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JohnnyTower3739d ago

Ive never had a discount for being a member, but they do have monthly deals on XBL. Their GwG offerings have ranged from XBL games to full retail games. But the retail games are usually dusted off oldies that people have played up and down.
Im no hater, but it is what it is....
I hope that they can do the same with X1 in the near future as well because their GwG is severely lacking.

dedicatedtogamers3739d ago (Edited 3739d ago )

Thank for for the answer to both of my questions.

So you get deals, but it's not like "15% off this game, but 30% off the same game if you're Gold", correct?

JohnnyTower3739d ago

@dedicated
Yep, that's about right. Same discount whether you are a Gold Member or not.

BoriboyShoGUN3739d ago

No dude the Xbox deals are terrible!!! it will be like save 50% on some old useless trash!!!

****Best decision I made was to keep my PS3 around, the past two months have been awesome! GRID 2, Borderlands 2, Devil May Cry, and Bio shock Infinite!

Bzone243739d ago

Must be that you haven't taken advantage of them then. Xbox has deals every week that are exclusive to Xbox Live Gold members.

Cueil3739d ago

Clearly you have no idea wtf is going on in the marketplace...

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user95970823739d ago

Correct me if I'm wrong (I probably am) but didn't ps + only offer discounts and avatars at first?

GryestOfBluSkies3739d ago

it offered games too. wipeout hd was one of the first games on ps+

Jeebus3739d ago

They added a handful of other features, and did some (pretty average and forgettable) games for free.

But honestly, after the PSN downtime they struck with a vengeance with plus.

user95970823739d ago

Ok. I just remember initially not seeing any point in the service when it started with ps3 online being free.

Rainstorm813739d ago (Edited 3739d ago )

Heres the first year offerings of PS+ remember it started after their 2012 E3 presser.

http://cdn2-www.playstation...

While it did offer discounts and avatars Infamous 2 and LBP 2 was there day 1....the first three columns are just June 2012!!

Actually looking at this list Im glad i got PS+ day 1 i can always go back and redownload any of these games.....I said it before and ill say it again PS+ is Sony's ace in the hole, once it gets mainstream popularity of whats offered skys the limit

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Volkama3739d ago (Edited 3739d ago )

Yes, gold also gets sales on games. Don't know if they compare to the PSN discounts or not, haven't really done any comparisons.

Microsoft's "problem" with gold is they're selling this big behind the scenes infrastructure, and benefits to that are nowhere near as tangible as Sony's instant game collection.

So now Microsoft have to offer games on top of what they had. It really is probably the single best example I can think of to show competition can lead to nice things.

BoriboyShoGUN3739d ago

The first thing I noticed years ago on the 360. Was that all the games that were 400 points slowly vanished. Now everything is 800 minimum and even mediocre games they're asking $15 for now.

Gozer3739d ago

They run discounts on games for gold members pretty much weekly.Here is a link to this weeks deals just as proof.
http://majornelson.com/2014...

This past GWG was ok, Sleeping Dogs and Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. Both good games.

BoriboyShoGUN3739d ago

Yeah Gozer thats now, after PS+ has been wiping the floor with them for a while now. If they keep offering games of that value good on them its about time. Because the previous games were just embarrassing and made Xbox look even worse.

il-JumperMT3739d ago

Both Sleeping Dogs and Lara Croft the Guardain of Light have been on PS Plus nearly a year ago

zerog3739d ago

Sleeping dogs has already been free on plus a while back, my brother downloaded it.

SonyAddict3738d ago (Edited 3738d ago )

Dude I played guardian of light a long long time ago on PS plus!.

NoLongerHereCBA3738d ago

That it has been on PS+ before doesn't make it a bad thing for GWG now. The games don't instantly become less fun people.

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jacksons983739d ago

The first year of PS+ was valued at around $1800, not "sparse" at all
http://www.gamerevolution.c...

Mystogan3739d ago

Gold members also get discounts. On both DLC and Games. And also movies.

MRMagoo1233739d ago

Like i said above tho, surely with MS' infinite cash as xbox fanboys say MS has, they could buy any games at all to give away for free, i mean they basically bought everyone a copy of fifa for the xbone, yet they cant afford any games that arent pretty much retro now to give away on gold ?? seems odd to me.

JasonKCK3739d ago

"Anyone know the answer to my two questions? Do Gold members also get discounts for being Gold?"

Yes

ion533738d ago

PS+ also gives you discounts on games and stuff....

JasonKCK3738d ago (Edited 3738d ago )

"Do Gold members also get discounts for being Gold?"

Keyword in that is "also" so stop being defensive. His question was about Live, not PSN.

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Mikelarry3739d ago (Edited 3739d ago )

Cool hopefully they can stop offering the really, REALLY old games (crackdown i mean are you serious, although it was a good game back in its day) ill go out on a limb and say i am not alone in thinking noone ever looks forward to the games with gold offering.

SpiralTear3739d ago

You're not. Some newer titles for Games with Gold would be fantastic, especially if they're exclusives.

TheoreticalParticle3739d ago

I look forward to it, I just haven't ever really been all that thrilled by it. Some of the XBLA games have been decent time killers, though.

Kingthrash3603739d ago

yeah and the felt good about halo 3 and ac2...smh they might give out fable 2 this year.

Mikelarry3739d ago (Edited 3739d ago )

fable two now your just reaching.. take kameo or nothing for you :)

@ below: i wasn't talking about the quality of the game more about how old the game was side note i really enjoyed Kameo

GusBricker3739d ago

Bite your tongue! Kameo rocks!

snookiegamer3739d ago (Edited 3739d ago )

Are there any free games offered to Xbox One owners too, or just Xbox 360?

*Edit

Instead of hitting the disagree, it would be more helpful if you could just answer the question?

So, I take it that's a No then?

Volkama3739d ago

Nothing yet. Supposedly it will be extended to the One in some form during 2014.

By "in some form" I expect they mean "technically rentals, inline with Sony".

snookiegamer3739d ago (Edited 3739d ago )

Thank You Volkama....

I only ask because MS need 360 owners to migrate to Xbox One, and gain some new customers too...so one would think that Xbox One Games With Gold would be the focus. If it's happening this year, then that's a good thing :)

Show all comments (193)
340°

2024 Is A Chance At Redemption For Xbox & Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer

Xbox has been lagging behind PlayStation in terms of 1st party content, but 2024 offers the platform and Phil Spencer a chance at redemption.

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
isarai13d ago (Edited 13d ago )

Nah, that time has passed for many, and with their words on future plans, i really don't see it ever happening.

shinoff218313d ago

It's a wrap. Now is the time they are slowly going to move on as to not to kill the base as is. Titles will slowly drip onto ps and Nintendo consoles, etc. Those 4 already had to of been in development for awhile already cause two of them released really soon after the announcement

VenomUK12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

There is no ‘last chance redemption’ for Phil Spencer - he’s going straight to hell for tanking the Xbox console platform.

_SilverHawk_12d ago

"2024 Is A Chance At Redemption For Xbox & Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer"

I thought that was supposed to be a decade ago

Ironmike12d ago

U do rel7se ps5 is at thr moment only getting g those titles that were mentioned nothing else as of yet

Obscure_Observer13d ago

"Nah, that time has passed for many, and with their words on future plans, i really don't see it ever happening."

Xbox has PLENTY of first party games this year while Playstation has none!

There´s more first party games from Xbox Games Studios on PS5 this year than Playstation Studios own games.

Those are the *facts* and if those facts is not something to Sony be ashamed of, they can´t feel shame at all.

VersusDMC13d ago

Granblue Fantasy versus, FF7REBIRTH, Helldivers 2, Rise of the Ronin and Stellar Blade will have launched on PS5 and not on Xbox by the time Hellblade 2 launches.

This only first party games count is cope.

And as a bonus meme...Microsoft will have published 3 first party games on PS5 (Hifi rush, Grounded and sea of thieves) before their first for the year on Xbox(hellblade 2). Glad they have their priorities straight...

lodossrage13d ago

It's funny when people like to say xbox has more games coming to playstation this year than sony does.

YET, they leave out the context that Microsoft literally bought the biggest (Activision) third party publisher and Bethesday (another big one). So congrats on having to buy giants in order to compete?

On topic, wasn't Starfield the "last chance" for redemption?

Am I to assume that if the games they have coming this year don't get positive, feedback then 2025 will be the year of redemption?

Obscure_Observer13d ago

@VersusDMC

"Granblue Fantasy versus, FF7REBIRTH, Helldivers 2, Rise of the Ronin and Stellar Blade will have launched on PS5 and not on Xbox by the time Hellblade 2 launches."

None of the games you mentioned are first party. None. There´re more Xbox first party games on PS5 this year then Playstation´s own first party games, undeniable fact!

The real bonus meme is Sea of Thieves a game which PS fanboys used to sh!t on

"And as a bonus meme...Microsoft will have published 3 first party games on PS5 (Hifi rush, Grounded and sea of thieves) before their first for the year on Xbox(hellblade 2). Glad they have their priorities straight..."

Imo, the real meme is Sea of Thieves, a 6 year Xbox first party game which diehard fanboys used to mock and sh!t on, making to the top of the most pre-ordered game at PS Store in a year where Playstation has zero first party games.

https://twitter.com/BenjiSa...

Markusb3313d ago

and all will end up on playstation, and nintendo, if xbox was doing amazing they would not need ps or nintendo, if gp was amazing they wouldnt need pc. PS has multiple first party games in development that we dont know about. Look at how halo was treated, look at redfall, and look at starfield. Its fine to be loyal and prefer one platoform but to be wilfully ignorant about it just ridiculas.

badz14913d ago

LOL se we are moving from "exclusives" to "console exclusives" to now only "1st party exclusives" matters just after MS has bought 2 publishers for $77B??

Moving goalpost to always favor MS i. Your argument is getting tiring! Exclusives are exclusives! 1st or 3rd party, they are still exclusives. You do remember the PS2 literally killed the Dreamcast, Gamecube and the first xbox due to mostly 3rd party exclusives, right?

InUrFoxHole13d ago

Observe is actually correct. Sony paid to play. But we don't mention when they do it. When they do it we're totally cool with it. N4G 4lyfe!

Skuletor13d ago

Are they still counted as first party though?

fr0sty13d ago

“This notion that Xbox can only be this one device that plugs into a television isn’t something we see in the Gen Z research. Because nothing else is like that for them.

Some of them will have an iPhone, some will have an Android, but all the games and everything is the same. I can still get to TikTok on both of them, at least for now." - Phil Spencer

Read it and weep... all Xbox games are coming to as many platforms as they can put them on, and this is the first step towards them getting out of hardware entirely, just like Sega did.

Xbox has been Dreamcast out of the industry. You can deny it all you like, but it's happening.

northpaws13d ago

@Obscure_Observer

You certainly have more faith in Xbox than Phil Spencer does, I will give you that.

rpvenom13d ago

It's actually quite impressive watching you defend xbox. I respect the loyalty

wiz719112d ago

@VersusDMC here yall Sony fans go moving the goalpost again lol now this only first party things is a cope when yall was the one who started that crap in the first place. When Sony had all the first party games and Xbox was relying on third party , yall was shouting they had no first party games. Now the tables turn and suddenly it’s a cope. lol

wiz719112d ago

@lodossrage and so it’s also funny that the majority of Xbox first party games this year aren’t coming from any of those big studios lol except for Indy .. the biggest one this year is coming from a studio that Sony left and almost let that studio die after releasing two big exclusives on their console first. Now MS swoop in and saved them , then here they are with the best looking game this generation. Now that’s ironic , but you mention buying studios like Sony biggest studios weren’t BOUGHT my brother.

Yall need to be more worried about Sony closing studio after studio , the PSVR 2 dying , Sony losing billions , and the fact that yall biggest game this year as in Stellar Blade was once being developed as a multi platform game until Sony paid for them to be a second party studio. lol but you want to mention things being bought , your delusional

Crows9012d ago

Shame in the competitor buying up tons of dev teams in order to make that a reality? Yeah...there's no shame in that on the PlayStation side....

andy8512d ago

So now you're shifting the goal posts so only first party exclusives count. Amazing 😂

Profchaos12d ago

There's probably tons of games exclusive to Xbox that won't be on PS because of their early access clause.

However list the games that count helldivers 2 I'd argue has done more for gaming this year than any other title will.
It could be their only game and it would still be a great year because it was that unexpectedly good even haters of love service games are playing it

TheTony31612d ago

Still at it? Doesn't matter at this point. The games will eventually launch on PS5.

mkis00712d ago (Edited 12d ago )

I see you ignored his" only first party games count" line as if preordained. Is it on xbox? No...then it is ammunition. Meanwhile sony gets to passively soak up 30% of all ms game studios sales.

1Victor12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

@obscured: “There´s more first party games from Xbox Games Studios on PS5 this year than Playstation Studios own games.

Those are the *facts* and if those facts is not something to Sony be ashamed of, they can´t feel shame at all.”
That says more about Xbox than PlayStation that they have to release games on rival consoles to stay afloat, Microsoft and YOU SHOULD NOT BE ASHAMED OF THAT FACT.

Edit After thought: it took Microsoft 6 years to finally fix their sea of bugs just in time to release it on PlayStation 🤷🏿

S2Killinit12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

On topic:
MS’s last chance was Starfield…
How many last chances are there?

@Osbscure
You’re moving the goal posts into places that have no basis in reality anymore.

+ Show (17) more repliesLast reply 12d ago
darthv7213d ago

Life is too short to hold onto grudges. Grudges against a console, game or company is just petty.

isarai13d ago (Edited 13d ago )

Has nothing to do with a grudge. Ive been waiting 12yrs for them to get back to their greatness, im done waiting and have moved onto just watching that ship sink as i play on literally every other platform

darthv7213d ago

^^... I still play on it, as well as the other platforms. Which is why I am not someone who dwells on the negativity like others do. there is always something for me to enjoy in this hobby.

isarai13d ago (Edited 13d ago )

@darth

Again, not dwelling on negativity, they legit haven't made anything i want to play since like gears 3 and halo reach. I did play Crackdown 3 and gears 5 cause i had hope given i was a huge fan of the older games, but that was a dud on both cases.

You're thinking it's way deeper than it is 🤣 make something worth playing and ill play it, i was hoping starfield would be that but again, dud.

darthv7213d ago

^^...I never said YOU were doing that... but its obvious others (here) do. Its all they seem to do is dwell on negativity, especially if its XB related. all im saying is there is more to enjoy than there is to complain about. And this is exactly why I play all the platforms instead of just one. You say you do the same... so just enjoy it.

neomahi12d ago

It's fanbots making their last stand in an attempt to save the Xbox, what more can one expect that the most optimism they've ever had. Xbox can't get a lock in Japan, still, and Europe is about to abandon it as well. What're you gonna do? And what happens IF Japanese generates interest? They'll see Europe losing interest and decide it's not worth it either. And it's not just Xbox, Microsoft as a whole is losing their footing. They've backed on subscriptions with everything they have to offer and it's tanking. Xbox needs to port to PlayStation and Nintendo while they can stay relevant and try to stay relevant, the longer they delay, we could see a complete Microsoft nose dive

S2Killinit12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

And you think MS fans are just dandy? Besides, is it a grudge if MS continues to give reasons for people to despise them?

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 12d ago
Markusb3313d ago

when you cant make enough from your own platform and pc and you have to go to ps and nintendo you know its a slow transition to 3rd party publishing, and that is fine. Xb never had the thurst or ambition after the 360

JackBNimble12d ago

The second they decided to put exclusives on the ps5 they blew any chance of redemption

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 12d ago
-Foxtrot13d ago

Even if they managed to get a win this year it dosent overthrow 10 years of mostly disappointments from Phil’s leadership.

RaidenBlack13d ago (Edited 13d ago )

Then this way, no company can redeem themselves. The very concept of redemption arc becomes impossible if the past is refused to be forgiven, even if the company manages to better themselves.
Then the now popular redemption arc of No Mans Sky or Phantom Liberty wouldn't exist in the gaming community if the same logic is also applied there.
Not defending anyone here but I want gaming to improve, companies to better themselves and most importantly competition to exist so that we get offered the best products to enjoy.
(I know in typical N4G fashion, this comment will be downvoted to oblivion, but I want good games offered from every studios irrespective of publishers.)

staticall13d ago

@RaidenBlack
IMO, what @-Foxtrot means, one years doesn't mean much. It's a start, yes, but they need more, much more.

Look at your own example, No Mans Sky - they didn't just release one patch and everyone started praising them, no. They've been doing this consistently. If Microsoft will start releasing good games consistently, that'll be great, no ifs and/or buts! But hyping them up in advance (no worthy releases yet is what i mean) - dunno, i might be wrong, but i don't think it's healthy or helps anyone.

rippermcrip13d ago

Your analogies are terrible. A company releasing a single game that failed to meet expectations.

Isn't the same as Phil Spencer making mistake after mistake after mistake after mistake, telling lie after lie after lie after lie for 10+ years.

isarai13d ago

Your whole comparison makes no sense. It literally took years for both of those to "redeem" themselves in the container of a single game. MS has been lacking for 12yrs starting with the halo/gears/forza criticism begining in the latter half of the 360. So even by YOUR logic, he's right, it's gonna take a lot more than one game to be redeemed ESPECIALLY after fumbling what many were already holding as their chance at redemption with starfield

Chevalier12d ago

It's not Playstation or Nintendos fault that Xbox poses no competition. They've had more support and more money behind them than Playstation and Nintendo combined!

You say you aren't defending Xbox, but, you kind of are. Xbox has been completely mediocre for decades. The last time Xbox was competitive was the 360 era. My 360 collection absolutely demolishes my Xbox One collection and so far Series X hasn't had much reason for me to jump to a purchase.

Can you honestly say Xbox is 'competitive'?! I would say not even close.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 12d ago
Silly Mammo12d ago

With the gaming media, Xbox is always just one game away from redemption and success. It's willful ignorance that they think there's a 'magic bullet' that will somehow erase all the moves by Phil & the gang of the last 2 console generations.

"Well there's always next year!" Should be the official Xbox slogan

Chocoburger12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

100% this Mammo!

They've been screwing up for over a decade! Even if they release a game that's of the highest quality, that's nothing in the grand scheme things.

It also doesn't un-do Kinect (with lies based advertising).

Or Kinect 2 (forcing people to spend $100 extra for something they didn't even want!).

Or releasing two consoles with nothing noteworthy twice in a row (One X, Series S|X).

Or releasing unpolished games such as Re:Core, Sea of Thieves, Halo: MCC, Halo Infinite, Redfall, and Starfield.

Let's not forget canceling games as well such as Scalebound,Project Spark, and the Phantom Dust remake.

Finally let's remember the broken promises of vaporware games, languishing in development Hell, such as Perfect Dark, Fable, Everwild, what else am I forgetting?

Redemption is far far FAR AWAY for Microsoft. It'll take a full decade of only making smart pro-consumer decisions and releasing plenty of amazing games in order to make up for it all.

2024? It ain't gonna do squat on its own.

Rols13d ago

It was the same old story in 2020, 2021,2022 and 2023. XBox has never delivered this gen.

Brazz13d ago (Edited 13d ago )

Xbox360, the last time they delivered the goods, over 10 years Ago.

Skuletor13d ago

This headline just reminds me of the "wait 'til E3" comments we'd hear every year, before it was cancelled.

LG_Fox_Brazil13d ago

I wonder if the 2025's version of this article is already written, probably I would say

lodossrage13d ago

That's the same point I was trying to convey when I replied to Obscure

Hofstaderman13d ago (Edited 13d ago )

#wait till e3 2024

Aloymetal13d ago

''2024 Is A Chance At Redemption For Xbox & Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer''
We've been hearing and reading the same crap since the xbone launch, these shills/journos need to come up with something new. Good thing is most gamers know this is all BS, they all read ''"Step right up folks and hold out your money or sub to our service. You don't know what you are going to get, but like always, take our word for it" Signed Lord Phil.

Show all comments (88)
580°

Phil Spencer blames capitalism for games industry woes.

Spencer said publicly traded companies have to show constant growth or else nobody will give them money. "I don't get [the] luxury of not having to run a profitable growing business"

LG_Fox_Brazil18d ago

I don't know Phil... You've being running, and some will say ruining, the Xbox brand for 10 years now, you know?

Profchaos17d ago

I'd say he'sade the best out of a tremendous cluster fk of a situation he was thrown into after Don tanked the Xbox brand from Kinect to the launch of the X1.

The only reason Xbox isn't in the Ms graveyard right now is because of Phil.

So I don't agree with everything he's done but I can see why these drastic pivots and moves have been made

VenomUK17d ago (Edited 17d ago )

You don’t hear Nintendo CEO Shuntaro Furukawa blame capitalism for the phenomenal success of the Switch.

You don’t hear now-departed PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan blame capitalism for the roaring success of the PS5.

Cockney17d ago

He was head of games back in don mattricks day so he should be held accountable for his involvement, the back half of the 360 gen and start of xbone lack of games was all him

Rynxie17d ago

The reason Xbox is not in the Ms graveyard is because of the money they are throwing around to keep the brand alive. Don was just a yes man, the stupidity of the Xbox one was MS doing.

romulus2317d ago

We are well past Don Mattrick at this point, people need to stop using that tired excsue. The issues with xbox for nearly the last ten years have been solely on Phil.

Plague-Doctor2717d ago

The PS3 tanked Sony and they recovered during the same generation. The Wii U tanked Nintendo and they delivered a record setting console only a few years later. At the launch of X1 it was keeping pace with the PS4 and in the US was occasionally beating it.

jwillj2k417d ago (Edited 17d ago )

All he had to do was say “the way forward is to make great games.”, drop the mic and make it happen by any means necessary. If you listen to the interview he gave after redfall came out, you’ll hear him say he thought the game was good to go and the internal team rated the game 85 out of 100. 85!! This shows how out of touch he is. He’s literally an empty vessel just collecting his check, running the division off of data-driven analytics, he doesn’t care about xbox and now pulls a Trump, blaming the clouds for his failures.

Cacabunga17d ago

Says the biggest capitalist company.. this moron should stop talking

sinspirit17d ago (Edited 17d ago )

No.. Phil was in charge of European studios and Kinect implementation since 2008. Those European studios he was in charge of were then full time Kinect developers as he was now in charge of all XBox game studios in 2010. This is why game quality has sucked ever since he was in charge and directly why the legendary Lionhead and the actual Rare devs are not there anymore. Phil is actually more to blame than anyone for the bad game quality and the Kinect push. And especially for the terrible XBox One launch.

He was the spearhead implemented employee for Kinect and Microsoft's new vision. The others were the talking heads appointed by XBox. And, honestly watching some of those old interviews it seemed like those XBox employees were possibly maliciously complient by telling exactly what Microsoft's new agenda was with Kinect and always online without dressing it up.

And directly on topic. No, Phil. Capitalism is voting with your wallet. XBox doing bad financially is in fact because of bad products, disappointments, failed deadlines, and especially lying, misleading, and broken promises for products. If you just released really good games and tried to innovate then you'd had a lot of sales.. oh and GamePass is losing out on a ton of sales which can not be recovered from a few microtransaction purchases, monthly sub costs, or even whales. The math is simple when you could have sold a $70 game 5 million times but instead maybe sold 1 million tops and now have to recoup a quarter billion of revenue from lost sales potential of the one title alone. But now you also don't want to release a lot of first party titles because of the direct loss in sales revenue from day 1 GamePass, and you don't want them to release really good games that take a little more time and money to make because you want them to be cost effective for GamePass release. So you intentionally plan to release a lot of AAA shortcomings at this point because the AAA badge is needed but you can't do it too well or GamePass will never actually profit. Even though they had said GamePass is profitable, it is absolutely not by much and never will be. And, they said that Zune was profitable a long time ago but they combined it with an entire category of products when Zune itself was bleeding money. They lose far too many direct sales that even the most generous math can not see how they could be making much money if any at all to make up for this business practice. This is what happens when marketing and trend chasing fool a business into pursuing the wrong thing to stay relevant when the clear answer all along was that they always did good when they just supported developers making genuinely full and good games.

Babadook717d ago (Edited 17d ago )

I kind of agree with you, but Phil is partly to blame.

I blame Peter Moore (for leaving). Everything went to pot soon after.

PapaBop16d ago

How many years ago was this now? I'll give him some credit for what he inherited but lets be honest, he hasn't exactly done anything praise worthy and has done a terrible job managing the studios Microsoft owns.

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 16d ago
Eonjay17d ago

I thought he said it was Gen Z. I can't keep up.

Hofstaderman17d ago

Its Gen Z who are extremely capitilist. Lol, Phil is a clown of note.

17d ago
fr0sty17d ago (Edited 17d ago )

He's kinda right, shareholders expect constant growth, which is unsustainable, but it is what they expect nonetheless. That's why, even though the games industry is healthy as it has ever been, because it isn't growing, everyone in the industry is panicking. Even though we're still selling just as many consoles as ever, they expect each generation to just keep on growing and growing, and when that doesn't happen, they start to freak out.

This is true of any industry, and it's why anytime a company goes public, their products usually end up going to shit. The shareholders expect more and more and more growth, cuz they want that stock price to keep climbing, and so eventually corners start getting cut, wages start getting cut, employees start getting cut, they start cutting away everywhere they can to try to squeeze a little bit more money out of the product, until they ruin it, and then they move on to the next product.

buffig17d ago

Yeah, but everyone knows how capitalism works. This part didn't need explaining. The problem is that they bought massive plublishers for a gazillion dollars, to the detriment of the industry and now he's acting like he has no choice but to fire thousands of people because he just found out about nasty capitalism

TheEnigma31317d ago

Why I'm glad companies like Valve stayed private.

SyntheticForm16d ago

He'd never blame himself, so he's trying to score points with the kids by blaming capitalism. One of the biggest capitalists is blaming capitalism for his and Xbox's failure.

fr0sty16d ago

I agree with you, which is why I said he's "kinda" right... he's right in the fact that capitalism is behind a lot of investors freaking out that the games industry, while still healthy, is not continually growing unsustainably, but he's also being hypocritical in the same breath after buying half the industry and then laying off thousands of them, and using his own business practices as an excuse to cover for his failures.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 16d ago
mandf18d ago

It won't be until halo and gears are on playstation that xbox fans see phil for who he is. A snake fighting only for himself. The video game industry means nothing to him just his paycheck to those who believe phil is passionate and loves video games you are part of the problem. You never hold ms accountable.

Minute Man 72118d ago

Halo and Gears only when Microsoft drops outta the console market

-Foxtrot18d ago

They don't need to drop out of the market for that to happen

They will always have some kind of console going forward but Halo and Gears could only be a few years away at this rate.

Next gen might look completely different

Tacoboto17d ago

I'd actually hope for Halo to come to PS and Nintendo at this point.

The community rejected a mictotransaction option so MCC is no longer maintained - no new revenue streams and Microsoft listened. Infinite is on Content Updates now instead of Seasons - dwindling playerbase and less excitement. If MS wants the franchise to thrive, that's free money and the same could essentially be said for Gears bringing them abroad.

FinalFantasyFanatic17d ago

@Tacoboto,
To be fair, Halo Infinite had a rocky start to begin with, I think they improved for a while, but fell behind again.

shinoff218317d ago

The writings on the all in huge fking letters. Just read it.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 17d ago
phoenixwing18d ago

I don't blame Phil for that in the slightest. If you were offered to be an executive of a company 9 out of 10 ppl would take the job for the salary and give little crap about how they feel about any given product they sell. He's not wrong that capitalism drives greedy companies but you have to take the good with the bad.

staticall17d ago

@phoenixwing
But the person is doing a bad job and the company (including customers) are suffering because of that, how can you not blame him? The reason for high paying is the decisions you make and the responsibility you take for your actions steering the company in the right direction (if company is doing bad, it's your fault; if company is doing good, it's because of your decisions).

It reminds me of that South Park Bill Owens parody ("Follow that egg" episode), a governor who wants all the money and recognition/respect, but doesn't want to take any responsibility, how backwards is that?!

Petebloodyonion17d ago

@Staticall
Agree but what are your metrics for doing a bad job?
Is Microsoft's share value tanking due to its decision?
Is brand awareness worse than in 2016?

As someone who works in investment, this is how I see it and why Spencer's still around.
1) Grow the Xbox brand awareness by including PC and Gamepass making it a stronger brand by name versus 2015.
2) Showed a plan to evolve profitability by having multiple sources of recurrent income with Gamepass, PC gaming, streaming, and now other platforms
3) made new market integration possible via PC and cloud.
4) Can make hard decisions for the good of the company like cutting jobs.

staticall16d ago

@Petebloodyonion
I would say, we shouldn't look at Microsoft themselves, they have a ton of revenue streams - Windows sales, hardware sales, Office sales, Azure, government contracts, certification programs, etc. We need to look at Xbox - hardware sales are in decline (Xbox 360 > Xbox One > Xbox Series S + X combined). GamePass subscribers aren't growing enough and, according to the Microsoft docs, are at plateau. Games sales are abysmal (both physical and digital, thanks to "Day one on GamePass"). Xbox exclusives doesn't exist anymore (every game is coming to PC). And it didn't start yesterday, this was happening for a long-long time.

In my eyes, brand recognition doesn't mean much, if it doesn't translate to console sales, because Phil took away every reason to buy Xbox console for a regular customer (i used to own Xbox 360 and saw 0 reasons to own Xbox One or Xbox Series).

I would also argue that he didn't make any hard decisions, at least when it comes to games: Crackdown 3, Redfall, Halo Infinite - he was saying that those games are looking fine only to be laughed at on presentation/release. But i would consider that a low blow, because he did cut some jobs. But not from top management (who are responsible for the decisions).

In my eyes, as a console owner/gamer, doing good job as a platform holder = supporting your console with high quality exclusive games (like Nintendo and Sony are doing). I'm fine with releasing the games afterwards on PC, but not right away (otherwise, what's the point of a console?!). Extra services are fine (like PS+ or GamePass, or cloud stuff), but they wouldn't be a reason to buy a console for me. Phil is overfocusing on extra services, not on games. And it doesn't work out and haven't worked out for what, 10 years already? Sorry, i feel like i'm rambling at this point.

Nooderus17d ago

He's a Microsoft executive. Duh

S2Killinit17d ago (Edited 17d ago )

Agree except I think the real snake is MS itself. They are a terrible company. This clown is just the hired man for the job.

phoenixwing17d ago (Edited 17d ago )

Thats basically what I'm trying to say and if you really want to get down to it. It's the board of directors for the company who makes this stuff happen.

jznrpg17d ago (Edited 17d ago )

@Phoenixeing it’s his job as the head of the division to tell those people I think you are wrong and for success we need to this - that’s literally his job. MS motto is a big problem and Phil going a long with it is also his fault. He’s the one guy who can say something.

Abear2117d ago

Agreed they are the problem.

M$ doesn’t care about the quality of the game, they care about the profitability of the game.

When you work for a Co. like M$ you know this. It’s all about money—not the “art” or what’s healthy in the industry for devs and/or the consumers.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 16d ago
M3talDiamond18d ago

First its Gen Z now its capitalism but we can all agree that it definitely isn't Phil

JackBNimble17d ago (Edited 17d ago )

If it wasn't for capitalism there would be no xbox or Microsoft for that matter. But as the head of xbox division it is his responsibility no matter good or bad .... that's what it means to be the boss. If that's to much for him, then he needs to resign.

-Foxtrot18d ago

Kind of funny because when it comes to capitalism Microsoft is one of those great big American companies that just screams it.

They spent billions on Minecraft, Zenimax and Activision yet couldn't afford to save all those jobs they cut. With the money they make within a year they could have, someway.

PhillyDonJawn17d ago ShowReplies(3)
FinalFantasyFanatic17d ago

They've been swallowing up a lot of AI companies too and spending big on that area.

S2Killinit17d ago

If MS gets into AI they will cause the end of humanity the way they are causing the end of console gaming.

FinalFantasyFanatic16d ago

@S2Killinit,

It's between Microsoft and Google, the chances are one of those two will take the AI crown considering the amount of cash they're throwing at that sector. I suppose Microsoft might be the worst out of the two, but Google hasn't been exactly great compared to the old days when they threw around their old adage of "do no evil".

Silly Mammo17d ago

MS is making millions of dollars annually with the Xbox brand. Unfortunately, they're spending billions on acquisitions too

8bitAssassin17d ago

Game Pass games are not free.

Christopher17d ago

He also blames his bank account balance on capitalism.

PhillyDonJawn17d ago

I don't think it work like that. MS is the parent company. The branch has its own budget to maintain.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 16d ago
thorstein18d ago

Making millions, taking million dollar salaries and bonuses but it's the dev in the chair that's preventing profit?

Yeah okay, Phil.

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320°

Phil Spencer, long cast as Xbox's saviour, may be remembered as the man who killed it

Nathan Brown: "Phil Spencer spoke to the press at GDC last week, offering some context/spin on Microsoft’s recent manoeuvres, while dropping a few now-customary hints about the Xbox division’s future plans. I take one issue with this: I am no longer sure Xbox has much of a future to speak of. Moreover: I think Phil Spencer, for so long cast as Xbox’s saviour, may ultimately be remembered as the man who killed it."

Read Full Story >>
videogameschronicle.com
19d ago
gold_drake19d ago

his decisions over the years were definitely questionable at best.

but MS let him be the head of xbox for this long, so they either dont have anyone else for the job or .. we'll i dont rly know any other reason haha.

-Foxtrot19d ago (Edited 19d ago )

Basically when we had that awful Xbox One reveal in 2013 and Don Mattrick was thrown under the bus as the companies scape goat Phil was pretty much the only one they had who wasn't a typical looking "corporate suit".

Despite the fact him being the head of Microsoft Game Studios and gladly going along with the lack of games nearing the end of the Xbox 360 life where it was basically Kinect, Sports, TV along with the same 3-4 IPs like Halo or Gears he was the best person they had for the job.

They didn't have anyone else basically and from that day onward he was seen as good guy Phil turning the studio around when all he was doing was reversing the silly decisions made and going along with whatever the higher ups or the board wanted for Xbox. Didn't make a difference in the end because everything they "reversed" with the awful Xbox One reveal ended up being implemented in small different ways surgically in recent years with Gamepass.

The guy apparently is such a huge gamer yet played Crackdown 3 and Redfall, thought they were good and released them anyway in those states.

PapaBop19d ago (Edited 19d ago )

Not a typical looking corporate suit? The guy straight up looks like a used car salesman lol. To be fair, after Mattrick, I think anyone with half a brain could succeed him and look semi decent, whenever I think of his name, I immediately remember that "this is how to share your games" video from Sony.

S2Killinit19d ago

when I look at him, its cringe. The guy dresses casually to fool people. But he is as corporate as it gets.

fr0sty19d ago

His cocky smirk I've always found to be incredibly annoying...

MrDead19d ago

I would say his "why bother making games when others are already" decision is what has lead them here. MS does this, but they just buy companies that they want to do a thing then asset strip it and dump it, you can't do that in gaming.

Tody_ZA19d ago

He's the head of Xbox because Microsoft isn't a gaming company and they haven't done anything for gaming in more than a decade. They're a parent company looking to buy more kids to raise as investments. They will profit off ownership, off their games releasing on other platforms, because they can't create anything themselves. Slowly they'll make Xbox as a console completely irrelevant under the mantra of play anywhere. That's why Phil is still there. He shares their corporate vision of making bucks and doing nothing for the gaming industry.

SubtilizZer19d ago

“If they don’t have a story these days they’ll make one”
Drake.

RhinoGamer8819d ago

Phil's top skill is keeping his job, growing his net worth to over $25million, all while underperforming...

SeTTriP19d ago

Gotta respect it, he went from a gaming studio head to making 70billion dollar deals...he is the main character I gotta admit.he looks fun to hang around too.

MrDead19d ago

...why do I feel like I need a shower after reading that? One of the grossest thing I've heard, S tier blowing bubbles grovelling.

jznrpg19d ago (Edited 19d ago )

I don’t respect moves that make gaming worse long term

XBManiac19d ago (Edited 19d ago )

(Phil 'wait for next year' Spencer)
Microsoft made the 71,933 millions deal because it was already started and, with Microsoft, it is not possible to go back and stop it. Does anybody think that deal would be an option in 2023 or 2024, with the nowadays sitiation of the industry? And in 2022? No, nobody would pay that money for Activision-blizzard-king... because it would not be recovered in more than 20 years of really hard and good work. Everybody are selling for less, not buying for more (Embracer, Tencent...). But bad decisions in a company like Microsoft are impossible to fix. It is like a very big Ministery, where if something starts, it can't be stopped. It happened before and Microsoft will do the same again, as they have enough money to burn... well... I hope, because if Microsoft dies... it will be the end of our known world. What could substitute it?

_Decadent_Descent19d ago

I mean, that does take a certain skill. lol

FinalFantasyFanatic19d ago

I guess he has skill as a salesman, look how long he managed to get people to wait on Xbox.

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