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Phil Spencer: We shouldn't have sugar-coated the Xbox One controversy

Speaking at the SXSW Gaming Expo 2014 in Austin, Texas, Microsoft's Phil Spencer has conceded that Microsoft's Xbox One messaging across the May 2013 reveal event and E3 2013 could have been handled better. Spencer is adamant, however, that all of it came from a good place - Totalxbox

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stuna13686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

Woof tickets being sold! An apology after the fact is not my idea of owning up to a mistake! The fact that a truth comes out before an acknowledgement is in all case in point leaving the person or entity withholding the truth, no other course of action!

To put it simply; Microsoft has been forced to tell the truth.

MightyNoX3686d ago

I don't consider it an apology more of a 'sleight of hand'. I don't consider telling people that they were 'too primitive' for Microsoft's vision to be sugar-coating. It was straight up offensive.

Phil's just trying to repair the damage. The market's rejected their vision and tonight's NPD should be proof of that.

White-Knight3686d ago

They should just fix the problems they have with their console.
I don't want publicity on my console.

-Foxtrot3686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

The thing about Phil, is that most people are praising what he's saying lately but all he's doing is telling people what they WANT to hear because, as you've already said, to repair the damage....it's his job.

I've never know Phil to be like this before the Xbox One reveal. Every article it's the same thing, at least when you have someone like Iwata, Mark Cerny or a developer in general talking it's because they are either talking about something relevant or because articles have spilt up the interview into tiny bits.

Charybdis3686d ago

@MightyNoX: wow did Microsoft really said that people were just 'too primitive', that just offensive. They really should act more professional.

Don't believe that name-calling should be part of what he said: "It's better to just be direct and honest."

darthv723686d ago

The road to redemption starts with a first step. The admission of a problem.

The next step is fixing the problem.

If there is genuine effort made to right the wrong then it certainly helps as well.

Gazondaily3686d ago

Firstly, this is old news and we already have this interview up the other day.

Secondly, he was quite frank and admitted that what they did was wrong. So yes he is trying to 'repair the damage'. What do you want him to do? Let the wound get bigger and bigger?

"at least when you have someone like Iwata, Mark Cerny or a developer in general talking it's because they are either talking about something relevant"

You think Sony don't pander to the masses with hyperbole? Let's all burn Spencer at the stake before letting him deliver on what he's saying. Also, he was responding to a question posed by him. You want him to sit there and just be quiet?

"To put it simply; Microsoft has been forced to tell the truth."

You guys here are talking about woof tickets being sold but the kind of sensationalist nonsense you're putting out is of less substance than his response.

Phil Spencer says:

**when you're going to say something to a consumer that might put them off, it's better to just be direct and honest, rather than trying to sugar-coat something that might be controversial.**

Yet somehow, you lot have turn this into a negative whilst simultaneously lapping up every bit of hyperbole that comes out of 'your' camp.

TheTwelve3686d ago

Phil has been all about damage control 24/7

darthv723686d ago

God DAMN Im old. I actually had to wiki "woof tickets" to understand the reference.

What the hell happened to speaking with clarity?

-Foxtrot3686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

@Septic

"Secondly, he was quite frank and admitted that what they did was wrong. So yes he is trying to 'repair the damage'. What do you want him to do? Let the wound get bigger and bigger?"

The problem is it's took him, just him by the way, until NOW to "admit" it which comes across as him ONLY saying it because of the lower sales the Xbox One has and because of more people jumping onto the PS4 boat. As I've said it's what people "want" to hear.

"You think Sony don't pander to the masses with hyperbole?"

Not as bad as MS, hell even Nintendo can admit some mistakes when they want to.

"Let's all burn Spencer at the stake before letting him deliver on what he's saying"

We aren't "burning him at the stake", stop being so bloody dramatic all the time. We're just pointing out how he's only saying crap like this to sucker up to the "gaming" community the company he works for tried to screw over. It's his job...that's all. As I've said it's taken him until NOW to admit Microsoft s mistakes which comes across as he's only saying it because he has to.

When you had the PS3 hack did it take Sony almost a year to get on a conference stage, bow and apologize...no it didn't. What about when the PS3 had a rough start and they were a little arrogant, they bucked up their ideas, turned things around and it's why each year with the PS3 got better for them.

"Yet somehow, you lot have turn this into a negative whilst simultaneously lapping up every bit of hyperbole that comes out of 'your' camp"

<sigh>

ONCE MORE

It's only being turned into a negative because we can see right through him, he's doing it because it's HIS JOB. Where was this sort of "for the gamers" attitude last year.....oh yeah it's because Microsoft didn't see the sales numbers for the Xbox One.

What will happen is that they'll do this sort of crap until they've sold more Xbox Ones, it will look like they've turned things around and then BAM...they are right back to what they were like...all because they've gained more sales/money and got a larger install base.

'your' camp"

Oh here we go...because we are all in a camp. If you are going to call people fanboys just bloody say it.

Some people are, some aren't...don't group everyone criticizing a fanboy. I'm a gamer at heart, I like the Xbox games, I just don't like Microsoft's slimy attitude which comes off anti consumer. Are people in the wrong for being like that after what they did?

lolCHILLbro3686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

protip if your gonna do something like always online dont spend most of your time telling people what they cant do, (lend, trade in) and tell them what they can do (no need to swap discs, FAMILY SHARING Etc.)

FITgamer3686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

@lolChillbro Did you seriously just copy and paste someone else's comment?

OT: At least he realizes their error, hopefully this means less BS and more being straight forward with consumers in the future.

DevilOgreFish3686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

darthv72 - "The road to redemption starts with a first step. The admission of a problem.

The next step is fixing the problem.
"

Games, that's how you fix a problem with any console. the number one reason why you buy a console is for the exclusives.

more exclusive deals please.

UnholyLight3686d ago

@Septic

It's no use, the people of N4G will never listen to sense.

@-Foxtrot

Actually Phil has been saying this in many interviews a long time ago. The interview with Adam Sessler? Wasn't that like 2 months ago?

Gazondaily3686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

"As I've said it's what people "want" to hear"

People want to hear that and he's saying it. Does it make it any less true? Or disingenuous even? It doesn't, not at this stage anyway. That's my point.

""You think Sony don't pander to the masses with hyperbole?"

**Not as bad as MS, hell even Nintendo can admit some mistakes when they want to.**

I disagree. I think Sony have, through their dire financial straits struck the magic chord with gamers (for obviously getting things right plus the dynamics within the core gaming community manifesting themselves as they have this gen) but also jumping on the fanboy glory bandwagon, as they get carried by them. Look at Andrew House and his cheap jab at MS as he smirked away at Gamescom, pandering to the masses. Everyone lapped it up. He was right, of course in what he said. But it was essentially just a transparent attempt at emotionally masturbating the gaming community.

" stop being so bloody dramatic all the time."

I cannot believe YOU have said this to me lol. Any dramatics on my part are a reflection of the responses of others. Overly dramatic, instantly dismissive, negative conflict approach mentality that has become a precedent among those who spew out the same vitriol over and over again.

"Where was this sort of "for the gamers" attitude last year....."

Maybe its down to what he Spencer said here:

" where I thought our messaging around what we believed in was confused"

"If you are going to call people fanboys just bloody say it. "

Yeah I can't as much as I want to (for reasons I can let you hazard a guess at).

"Some people are, some aren't...don't group everyone criticizing a fanboy".

Yeah but look at the people commenting on here. Their comment history doesn't exactly show rationale or objectivity or constructive criticism.

"I've never know Phil to be like this before the Xbox One reveal".

What about immediately afterwards at last year's E3. He seemed to be very passionate about studios and the games. Is that all an act too? If you're going to say yes, then the same should be said about Shahid Ahmad.

xHeavYx3686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

The more MS talks about the issue, the more fuel they add to the fire

@Below
I would stop talking about what happened months ago. We all know how "sorry" they are by now, time to leave what happened in the past and move forward

Nocando3686d ago

So if you were in MS's shoes, how would you handle their situation from here?

DigitalRaptor3686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

I agree with Foxtrot, in response to Septic.

Does my really looking forward to Quantum Break make me a fanboy?

I like and have enjoyed playing Xbox games, but that doesn't stop Microsoft from being a slimy, despicable corporation that has made far too many anti-consumer decisions for me to even think about supporting them. Me enjoying some of the games they have put out doesn't stop me from exposing their BS and their continued deception. Microsoft NEEDED this boot up their backside, and still need it, cause like Foxtrot said, Microsoft were ready and willing to screw over every single one of us, damage the industry as we know it, and if people weren't so receptive to it, gaming would be F**KED. Years and years of conscious planning went into something that damaging. Them making disguised apologies, a year later from a single person in the company means nothing, because Phil would still be right behind it all, if consumers hadn't spoken out and told THEM what we want, rather than them telling US. http://www.theguardian.com/...

Just because you are able to get past anti-consumerism Septic, doesn't mean we all can also support such disgraceful policies, attitudes, and decisions, all in the name of $$$.

Gazondaily3686d ago

@Digital

"Just because you are able to get past anti-consumerism Septic, doesn't mean we all can also support such disgraceful policies, attitudes, and decisions, all in the name of $$$."

What? Man, how does that even come into what I'm saying here. I'm just saying that, he's responding to a question posed by him and he's acknowledging the mistakes MS made.

Anyway, never mind. Let's agree to disagree. There's no point arguing over this. I just think people need to chill and be level-headed.

Gozer3686d ago

I don't think Phil Spencer should have to apologize for the mistakes Don Mattrick made. As for fixing their mistake, MS has already gotten rid of the guy who wanted the DRM issues, and completely gotten rid of the DRM policy. I don't think MS needs to do anything else. Sony had the same situation last gen with Ken Kutaragi and the ps3. If the ps3 can overcome its bad image at the start, the X1 can overcome its bad press. The product will sell itself, all MS needs to do is keep the games coming, and market the X1 as an all in one device, and once people see how useful the X1 is it will sell fine.

RumbleFish3686d ago

"gamers buy consoles for games, not press events."

He is absolutely right, and he can now witness, what console customers buy for games.

Pogmathoin3686d ago

Foxtrot, I agree... Too little too late I guess will sum it up. The damage is done, self inflicted, and I do not like how MS turned Xbox into a negative brand. However I do like X1, the games and its multimedia features. What happened was wrong, but the reaction of some people has gone way beyond reasonable. The constant push of hatred, and please do not go back in the PS3 launch was the same, 2 wrongs do not make a right, this place has become very toxic. Fpx, you know yourself, you have made some very good commentss, valid and got slaughtered for them. People here need tp step back, and hope to see Nintendo, MS and Sony to succeed, and do it really good. Its the best way to see them push the envelope, and innovate. Otherwise, a dominant console would just sit back and watch the mone roll in.... Which MS assumed would happen, and Sony after PS2, Wii after a few years....

Darrius Cole3686d ago

What's the "right way" for you wife to tell you she is screwing somebody else?

Would it be any better if she just came right out and told you that your 5 year-old son was fathered by someone else and wasn't really your son at all?

Some things are not about how they were said. They are about the underlying fact, period.

The way the Xbone was received had nothing to do with the way Microsoft communicated with the fans. It was all about the underlying truth. Microsoft was going to take our money and give us nothing in return; on top of that, they were going to charge us $100 more than the competition.

They could have said that directly or they could have had angels whisper it to us in our sleep...the reaction would have been the same.

UltraNova3686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

I believe its too late for MS to remove the bad stigma from the xb1.

No matter how many apologies and consumer friendly decisions they make this round people will always see MS's products as Trojan horses to their real goals and mindset.

Its really sad cause I know so many people who had/have so many great times with the XBox (me included)being so alienated because of corporate megalomaniac greed.

jebabcock3686d ago

another Phil Says article. yay...

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SteamPowered3686d ago

*Wolf tickets, there chief. Dont make the 209 come down on ya.

malokevi3686d ago

I didn't hear an apology. I heard an admission of error. Don't see a problem with it, personally. But, I never did.

I'm in this for the games, not the controversy.

Mr Pumblechook3686d ago

Is it Phil Spencer week on N4G?

gamertk4213686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

@stuna. Why would someone apologize before the fact? The whole premise of an apology is resolving turmoil brought about by one's words or actions. Is it conceivable that, hindsight being 20/20, MS would have done things totally different if they could rewind? Methinks you take things a bit personal.

stuna13686d ago

Example: You break your mothers Vase, there are two actions you can take!

1) After breaking the Vase, you sweep it up and throw it in the trash, but with the explicit knowledge that you broke it and, at some point your mother is going to notice it's missing!

Or

2) After breaking your mothers Vase, you are forthcoming and apologetic and, you come right out and tell her, before she even realizes that you broke it!

The situation speaks of a persons/business ethics!

In response of your question; which out of those examples was the course of action Microsoft took!?

r2oB3686d ago

@ gamertk421

I'm sorry for what I'm about to say... But you are wrong. See what I did there?

TheRedButterfly3686d ago

So, by your definition, the only apology that owns up to a mistake is one that is presented before the mistake takes place?

Hicken3686d ago

No, it's one that doesn't have to be forced out of a person, as this is, in essence.

The original mistake was at the reveal, or at least started then. Rather than own up to it, they perpetuated it, trying to justify it in whatever means they thought people would accept. Phil's really the only person I've heard apologize for what was said and done prior to all that, and it IS a little late, at this point.

ebreda3686d ago

So, exactly like Sony's suits apologizing for the PSN hack 3 years ago?

r2oB3686d ago

Is apologizing a month after a mistake exactly like apologizing several months afterwards? Is a mistake caused by others (PSN getting hacked by others) exactly like a mistake cause by yourself (willful intent to release anti consumer policies despite consumer backlash, only to backpedal after seeing lopsided pre order figures)? Do you know what exactly means?

nukeitall3686d ago

No, the difference is MS through their ignorance didn't realize what consumers wanted and assumed everybody would understand their vision.

Sony on the other hand willfully ignored lax security, using unpatched software that is common to fix security issues and had more than 70 million people's information get into the hands of hackers.

For all of that, they said sorry and gave you a free month of PS+. Gamers rejoice!

rdgneoz33686d ago

"For all of that, they said sorry and gave you a free month of PS+. Gamers rejoice!"

And I believe a free year of credit checks.

Rhythmattic3686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

-nukeitall-

And a few free games....

Little Big Planet
inFAMOUS
Dead Nation
Wipeout HD + Fury
Super Stardust HD
Yes?

And to add, I wasn't originally interested in the inFAMOUS IP...
Then I got the first instalment as a freebie.... Funny as I would of missed it otherwise....

A Brilliant Franchise....
Ah .... Mysterious ways..........
----------------------------- -----
Now Back to the point at hand.

Its early days, MS have not forgotten and its gaming audience has not Forgiven....
Its a work in progress.... Nothing wrong with that....
As for me, Im going to wait out the poo-storm and comment when sober........

r2oB3686d ago

@ nukeitall

Your full of BS. You are going to sit here and say Microsoft did not realize what everyone wanted when before they officially announce the policies there was so much backlash from consumers. When it was leaked and when the whole Adam Orth fiasco happened, Microsoft could have taken that opportunity to realize what gamers wanted and back pedal before the official announcement. But they saw fit to continue to try and shaft gamers with backward policies, and only when they where getting obliterated in pre order figures did they decide to back pedal. And even when they back pedal they spun it as if consumers weren't ready for their vision, not that we did not want it, but we were not ready. Only a fool could not see that their back handed apology was more like an insult.

Oh, your hyperbole regarding the PSN hack is laughable. "Willfully ignored lax security" lol. Do you not get tired at grasping for straws? Please tell me of all the information that was stolen from the PSN hack, how many known accounts of malicious acts are there? I'll wait for the links.

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ITPython3686d ago

This is essentially the same thing as a criminal who got caught and is only apologizing because they fear going to jail, not because they are sorry for what they did.

MS is only sorry for their lack of success, they don't care one bit about how they were trying to screw over their customers and the gaming industry as a whole.

gamerz3686d ago

Exactly. They arrogantly ignored everyone who disagreed with their horrible 'vision' and treated us with disrespect and disdain.

*Nothing* changed until the Amazon pre-orders showed we weren't fooled by their money-grabbing attempt raise prices and take a cut of everything.

They still don't give a rats ass about games or gamers and wish we all would just shut up and let them raise prices, spy and market us to death.

We didn't buy it then and we certainly don't now.

MaxwellBuddha3686d ago

I'm still waiting for an apology for the Forza downgrade.

AgitatedOcelot3685d ago

Pretty soon you'll have brand new fake E3 demos to anticipate waiting for an apology for!

Are you excited yet? I know I am.

Azzanation3686d ago

Don't know where your getting Truth from. MS never lied in fact they tell there consumers everything. Unlike Sony who have the same plans yet hide and don't tell anybody. Don't be Thick and Blind. Sony now charge for 2 subscriptions, They had the PS Camera included with every PS4 box, They stated Killzone SF was 1080p/60 frames, They have future DRM, They haven't told us why they got rid of Amy Hennig from NG. There's a lot Sony are hiding from there consumers.

If there's any company I trust its Microsoft, because there out-front with everything.

kenshiro1003686d ago

They're out front?

Really?

Then what about the XB360 fiasco? What about now?

Azzanation3686d ago

Kenshiro100

What are you talking about 360? Please explain so I can understand and reply to your comment?

rdgneoz33686d ago

@ Azzanation Probably talking about all the RROD crap at the beginning.

Kivespussi3686d ago

There's more to MS than what they've done with the Xbox division. Remember what they did to Nokia? It cost 15k jobs and the 'national pride' to Finland. (which is a HUGE amount for a country so small)

It's true that Sony could've had DRM at the beginning. But there's no proof to that so so far it's only fanboy speculation.
Point being even though sony and MS both have done some questionable moves, it's still way more obvious that MS is in the industry for the money and nothing else. And to get that money they are willing to do fairly much anything. Even including super accurate kinect only because that way they can milk some more cash through ads. (Say five great AAA games that even use kinect aside from voice recognition)

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N2NOther3686d ago

Uhm, an apology can only be given after the fact and it pretty much is exactly owning up to a mistake.

Not arguing any of your other points though.

rdgneoz33686d ago

So apologizing almost a year later is the same as apologizing right after the fact? Try that on a gf/wife and see how that goes...

r2oB3686d ago

Not sure why there are so many people in this thread saying that an apology can only be given after the fact, when in fact that is false. An apology can be given before the fact, its usually lead with... "I'm sorry for what I'm about to do".

N2NOther3686d ago

@rdgneoz

Who said "right" after the fact?

TheSaint3686d ago

And you're just learning this now MS?

asmith23063686d ago

Yeah, f**k MS. After all that anti consumer bullsh!t at E3 they are never getting my money again.

Mister_Dawg3686d ago

Hold on there pal.
Forced to tell the truth. They didn't lie!
They told us what was going to happen with XB1 at the reveal and then loads of people complained. I not being one of them!

So he's acknowledged that the direction they wanted to take wasn't what many consumers wanted. He's acknowledged that MS message was very confusing and people, quite rightly, got uptight and didn't like what they were hearing.

So he has apologised for that and is trying his best to make amends for the poor showing last year.

So please, quit the amateur dramatics and play the games.

r2oB3686d ago

When you say they didn't lie, do you mean about something specific or in general? Because I recall them lying about always on not being able to be "switched off". They also lied about Kinect being necessary for the console to function. They also lied about the power difference prior to launch (stating the One is as powerful as the PS4). Did they lie about the cloud increasing the power of the console?

Mister_Dawg3685d ago

@r2oB

The always online as they wanted it run, required the checking in with MS every 24 hours, not being always online. For what they were trying to do with digital sharing, I fully understand this need to counter any piracy.

Kinect being necessary is to make developers know they have the same system to work with and produce experiences that you will NEVER see on PS4.

Power difference you say. I have yet to see a better console game than Ryse. Which is on the weaker system. So tell me. On paper, the PS4 is more powerful. Yet why do the games not show this?

And your last sentence is a waste of space.

Good day.

AgitatedOcelot3685d ago (Edited 3685d ago )

They told you the Xbox was going to be 10x more powerful with the all mystical and amazing cloud. Would you characterize that as a fib? exaggeration? Or do you still believe a 10Mbps capped comcast connection is going to take you to a level above a $6000 gaming pc very soon?

They also told you it was the most powerful console known to man, that kinect would work butter smooth and flawless all the time, and that they used esram for balance rather than because they wanted to use cheap ddr3 ram.

If they want to stop sugar coating things for real, they are going to have to come out and say look, we have the slower, clunkier, more expensive console, and we plan to try to make you buy it by paying off game developers for exclusives, and dangling halo over your heads. And realistically we know you're going to buy it because so many of you bought 6 consoles in a row that stacked up like dominoes as they all keeled over from the RROD.

Oh and by the way we plan to keep making you pay a monthly fee for basic features like netflix.

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christocolus3686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

Yeah, they probably shouldnt have sugar coated anything, the mixed messaging and bad pr didnt help either, but i believe the path Phils taking now will help get them back on the right track.sony may be their competition but theres no doubt ms could learn a few things from their approach to games and their audience.Im actually happy with the fact that they seem to have realised this sooner rather than later..signs of good things to come...

Great job Phil.

WeAreLegion3686d ago

Agreed. Humility goes a long way. Everyone needs a good shake-up every once in awhile. Oh, man... I'm about to go to lunch. I wonder if anyone around here makes shake-ups.

Rainstorm813686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

Honestly.........do u agree with ANYTHING Microsoft guys say?

Good or Bad you are always championing what they say....sad to see

OT: Nearly a year later and NOW they are feeling regrets? PS4 sales must be getting to them

cleft53686d ago

They are getting outsold like 2 to 1 I believe. So yeah, they are all apologetic now, but had they got away with what they planned they would not be apologizing for anything. This is just more damage control.

hankmoody3686d ago

How is five months nearly a year? And why is it that you can't give the guy credit for admitting that they screwed up in terms of communication? If anything, I think it's more sad that you can't give the guy a benefit of a doubt when he's out there in public making (or at least trying to) amends. Hell, even I can't deny that they came off like jerks at first so it's not like I'm here defending their words but to me, it looks like they're making a sincere effort to right their wrongs so in that respect, I can give the guy a little credit.

stuna13686d ago

What's really quite funny to think about is the fact that if 1) Microsoft hadn't changed their policies I don't think the Xbox1 would have crossed the 3 million consoles sold threshold yet and 2) If Microsoft had come out the gate slaughtering the PS4 sales what would Microsoft be saying they had handle wrong!?

If anything Microsoft supporter would be feeling the sting of Microsoft whips across their backsides.

christocolus3686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

I agree with Phil. Yeah i do.i respect the guy too.He is always on point and besides i dont see anything wrong with his comment here. He commends sony and N on their approach to gaming, admits the problems which other execs wouldnt admit and he communicates more with xbx fans via social media now and actively working on securing content for the console.. He is honestly doing his best whats there not to like about the guy?i follow him on twitter, he always replies my tweets and that of others i know. His responses arent just for PR the guy is turning things around...i.e his interview with GK has been getting real positive feedback online and this is mostly due to his straightforward and candid answers to the questions he was asked by GK.

Dude i dont hold grudges or carry fanboy bias with me where ever i go...its a narrow minded approach and i cant help it if a certain faction of gamers do that..its your own way of thinking. Im happy with the guy and his direction, im happy with the xbox one too. i'll agree with him as long as what he says and does remains on point.

spicelicka3686d ago

Umm I don't know if u r reading the same thing as me but he clearly disagreed with MS in half of his paragraph, seems like u only picked up things that could support your comment.

Rainstorm813686d ago

Uh @hank did u read the article....Spencer is referring to the May 2013 x1 unveil.... Hence nearly a year

Also why give credit when this could've been said in May...or in June after E3.....or prior to the X1 launch.......Not after they see themselves behind in territories they owned last gen, that makes it seem a bit disingenous.

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XiSasukeUchiha3686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

Sugar coating would of have made the difference in the first place after all these ideas that they put on last year it's was dude for controversy.

WeAreLegion3686d ago

I think it's a step in the right direction. I still don't fully understand it though. If you're going all-digital, why do you need to check up on us every 24 hours, even for single-player games? Steam doesn't do this. It makes no sense.

3686d ago
AnEwGuY3686d ago

Can you even play Steam games without signing in (online)?? I've never looked into offline play, simply because I'm very literally "always online". There have been a few instances where my router connection was cycling right as I tried to open Steam, and it wouldn't open, because it couldn't detect a connection to the internet.

HammockGames3686d ago

Yup, Steam has an offline mode.

I don't think it's permanent (eventually you have to sign in - matter of days I believe). But I thought valve was working on a permanent/long-term offline option too.

AnEwGuY3686d ago Show
-Foxtrot3686d ago (Edited 3686d ago )

They didn't even sugar coat it, they bluntly and arrogantly stated things about the Xbox One when it was revealed, right up to E3.....even after in some parts.

"we have a product for people who can't get online, it's called Xbox 360"

"We can't just flip a switch" - NEXT DAY <FLIPS SWITCH>

"I mean we’re really not going to change anything we’ve done with Xbox One.” – Major Nelson"

"We’re over-delivering value against other choices I think consumers can get."

Then you have Adam Orth's "deal with it". I mean thats as blunt as you can get.

cleft53686d ago

Yep, they treated gamers like they treat people who buy their Windows OS. Basically, they said here is how things are and if you don't like it too bad for you. Unlike the PC market, there is a real alternative to Microsoft in the console market. Because of this and Sony taking the opposite stance Microsoft shot themselves in the foot and now are being heavily outsold.

If people overlook this fact because of a few empty words and Phil Spencer telling folks what they want to hear now then Microsoft will be back in a situation to screw over gamers yet again. You need only look at the PC Market and Windows 8 too see what happens when Microsoft has the majority share. I hope people aren't gullible enough to start thinking Microsoft is different because they are telling them what they want to hear.

Words are cheap, free, and can change on a dime. Lets see some real actions on Microsoft part that show that they get it before we all jump on the Microsoft is cool now wagon.

Manic20143686d ago

To be fair the first statement was from Don Mattrick, and we all know how big of a dick that guy is.

BX813686d ago

@ foxtrot be real man it took time for them to fix things. It wasn't a flip of a switch. They put years into the xb1 so of course they weren't gonna say if you don't like it let us know we can change years of development in one day. That's why some of the features we see as basic were missing at launch. They had a vision and told the world about it. Most didn't see that the time was right to head down that road so they changed it. As for over delivering in value. I think as of now the xb1 has more value than the ps4 in game line ups. As for the product for people who can't get online. Yeah it's called a 360. I don't see anything wrong with stating that. Off line wasn't in their plan.

Show all comments (157)
280°

Xbox's Preservation Step Sets A Much-Needed Example, Especially For Nintendo

Hanzla from eXputer inquires: "If Xbox can care about preserving its games and legacy, what exactly is wrong with Nintendo, trying to kill game preservation single-handedly?"

purple1012d ago

Ahh yes the good old game preservation of saving all your games to a removable hhd on the Xbox 360, taking it round your mates house, setting up multiple tvs to
Be met with “save data corrupted, please re download”

Or how about removing 360 games
From the store
, download them now or else, and, better hope to god that save data doesn’t corrupt, or it’s lost for ever

Nice one ☝️

Zeref1d 20h ago

It's better than what Nintendo and Playstation is doing. It might not be perfect but at least they are TRYING. Unlike the others.

DarXyde1d 18h ago

Trying? Take off the blinders for a moment, mate.

1. A failure to preserve games is just that: a failure to preserve games. Don't try to sugarcoat it: NO ONE is doing it properly. Better than awful is nothing to write home about.

2. At the time of this comment, isn't it the case that you need an internet connection to play Xbox games even if you buy physical discs that are hardly in circulation anymore? I don't have a Series X and I can't verify, but I think that is correct. I'm fairly certain you can at least play PS5 games at version 1.0 (not much of a win really when many games require day one patches). I think Microsoft's all digital, licensing approach is by far more aggressive than anyone else's. They really try to push you to game pass where you lose your entire library by umm.... Skipping a month of payments.

I don't think anyone is doing it right whatsoever. Don't get me started on Nintendo, who goes after anyone looking to preserve their games better than they ever would with extreme litigation.

Don't be a simp for any of these companies. Get it together.

PhillyDonJawn1d 18h ago (Edited 1d 18h ago )

@DarX never speak on Xbox again. You lost all credibility with your internet connection comment. Smh you have 0 clue and misinformed yet speaking on something you don't no squat about.

Einhander19721d 17h ago

What has Sony done exactly? You guys keep deflecting to Sony but I am not actually seeing any results, and ai am certain nothing that you can come up with even comes close to what Microsoft has done and what they have tried and failed to do, like tie all your disks to your account on xbone.

Microsoft removed their whole indie section when they moved to the xbone because they were going to only allow games on the service that came from a publisher, id@xbox started after xbone launched and it only exists because Sony embraced indie and Microsoft was forced to cancel their plans and reverse course.

And every single game that was part of games for windows live including disk games (I have gta 4 on disk that won't work) so hundreds of games that use that DRM no longer work unless the company themselves patched it out which of course very few did.

MrBaskerville1d 16h ago

Not trying. Tried. they killed of the backcomp program years ago. They set something up again, but sounds like it's more of an attempt to save the current library on whatever they are planning next. With luck they save everything and more, but let's see. I could see them killing off parts of the OG xbox and 360 libraries. Can't imagine that they would allow us to play Forza 5-7 in the future.

With that said, I do like what they've done and really wish they could have done more.

shinoff21831d 8h ago

Zeref

So killing off physical media is trying what exactly. Ms don't really give a fk if you think they do your kidding yourself.

Profchaos1d 7h ago

They are not trying this team is established for forward compatability the team is. It interested in preserving Xbox or 360 games.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 1d 7h ago
isarai2d ago

Is that why Hellblade 2 is digital only?

Zeref1d 20h ago

Just because it's digital only doesn't mean you can't preserve it. Just put it on an external and you have the exact same functionality of what a disc does.

MrNinosan1d 19h ago

Guess you're trolling, but if you actually think that's how it works, I'd recommend buying some braincells.

mkis00723h ago(Edited 23h ago)

Volitile vs nonvolitile data. A disc will not corrupt either. A drive can be corrupted.

Einhander19722d ago

This is just a scammy PR move to distract from the fact they are going digital only and trying to push streaming and subscriptions only.

No gaming company has pushed harder to remove ownership than Microsoft.

Without discs there is no preservation, preservation can't be done by the rights holders it can only be done by the consumers, anything else is a lie.

2d ago Replies(3)
Einhander19722d ago

Anyone remember xblig which Microsoft removed their whole 360 indie section removing hundreds of games from people?

2d ago
2d ago
Zeref1d 20h ago

Do you know you can put your games on an external and preserve them that way? There are no benefits to discs. ZERO. Idk why some of you are still obsessed with them.

DarXyde1d 18h ago

Because games like Persona 5 exist. It's STILL V1.00. On Playstation, that's a win because 1.00 is installed on the disc—no need to download anything.

If a game does not require any updates, it's all on the disc.

Extremely low bar in the modern era, of course. It's not much of a win by any stretch.

But for now, physical media does have a purpose, at least on Playstation.

Einhander19721d 18h ago

That is factually not how game licensing works, try plugging your hard drive into someone else xbox, It's not going to work, and it won't work if the licensing servers ever go down.

Einhander19721d 18h ago

Anyone remember games for windows live.

I have around a dozen games, some on Steam itself that will not work because Microsoft shut off the licensing servers.

BehindTheRows1d 17h ago (Edited 1d 17h ago )

I do. I STILL have games (Gears of War being the big one) I cannot access because Games for Windows LIVE is total garbage and no one has held Microsoft accountable.

Zeref1d 16h ago (Edited 1d 16h ago )

You don't have an Xbox apparently. Because you can 100 percent plug in your external and play games from it on any Xbox console lol. You just have to be logged in to prove ownership.

Chevalier1d 15h ago

"You don't have an Xbox apparently. Because you can 100 percent plug in your external and play games from it on any Xbox console lol. You just have to be logged in to prove ownership."

Damn how many times do people got to explain your idiocy to you? You can take a copy of Persona 5 like someone used as an example and play that game on ANY console WITHOUT logging in which means I can lend the game to a friend without internet and they can play my game. Can you lend your hard drive to anyone without logging in for them to play? NOPE. That is a huge difference and if you think otherwise then sorry you're an idiot.

Tacoboto1d 16h ago

"No gaming company has pushed harder to remove ownership than Microsoft."

Ubisoft is literally erasing games people bought from their libraries... My PS1-3 discs are useless on modern hardware. Nintendo's re-published and resold almost their entire Wii U library, and the eShop is completely dead with no BC mechanism in the Switch software. Microsoft publishes everything they make today day one on Steam and Xbox/Windows. Sony only brings to PC the titles they think you might want some years later and Nintendo won't even design a functional long-lasting joystick.

You're absolutely trolling and not serious if you think Microsoft today is the worst offender.

shinoff21831d 8h ago

Yay steam

Not everyone fks with computers though. The disc is still the best way as a console player. Period.

Tacoboto1d 6h ago

How do Sony and Nintendo feel about these discs from 2001-2013?

Don't be stupid, you know Xbox is the best at this today.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 1d 6h ago
Hofstaderman1d 21h ago

Nobody wants this. Sales or the lack of it in the case of XBOX is very telling. I wonder how the adorably all digital series X will fare. Adorably dismal perhaps?

crazyCoconuts1d 17h ago

Only time will tell, but for from someone like me suspecting that Xbox is trying to gracefully exit the console market, that "forward compatibility" team is trying to get Xbox games playing on Windows PCs. I mean, it's nice that they're not planning on exiting with a "enjoy your games while the hardware still works" message, so that's nice. They still have a brand to protect via Microsoft so probably feel obligated to have a better exit strategy.

Xeofate1d 13h ago (Edited 1d 13h ago )

That is not their plan, their plan is to transfer users accounts to the cloud.

Phil Spencer himself said as much a few months back, plans could have changed but I think people are reading way too much into one statement where Phil said he would allow Epic on xbox because he wants to be able to sell xbox games directly on other platforms. Aka, instead of selling Sea of Thives through PSN he wants to have an xbox store to sell his games on PlayStation without giving PlayStation any money.

Again, it's extremely unlikely that Phil plans to put PC on xbox and licensing would prevent them from just giving out other publishers games purchased on xbox copies of thier games on PC, Microsoft does not own their games.

crazyCoconuts18h ago

The thing that doesn't align with the cloud strategy is the giving up on exclusives. You'd still need strong exclusives for cloud streaming - it's still a "platform" , just with a lower upfront hardware investment. I feel like they've learned what PS learned with PSNow long ago. We're not ready to stream games and it's only gonna lose them money to try at this point

FinalFantasyFanatic1d 2h ago

I would love that, I'd buy up some of the Xbox games if they could run on PC, like the Rare Replay, Lost Odyssey and Dead or Alive Ultimate, probably a pipe dream though.

Show all comments (43)
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
isarai10d ago (Edited 10d ago )

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

shinoff218310d 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

VenomUK10d ago (Edited 10d ago )

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

_SilverHawk_10d ago

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

I thought that was supposed to be a decade ago

Ironmike9d ago

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

Obscure_Observer10d 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.

VersusDMC10d 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...

lodossrage10d 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_Observer10d 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...

Markusb3310d 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.

badz14910d 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?

InUrFoxHole10d 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!

Skuletor10d ago

Are they still counted as first party though?

fr0sty10d 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.

northpaws10d ago

@Obscure_Observer

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

rpvenom10d ago

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

wiz719110d 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

wiz719110d 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

Crows9010d 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....

andy8510d ago

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

Profchaos10d 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

TheTony31610d ago

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

mkis0079d ago (Edited 9d 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.

1Victor9d ago (Edited 9d 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 🤷🏿

S2Killinit9d ago (Edited 9d 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 9d ago
darthv7210d ago

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

isarai10d ago (Edited 10d 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

darthv7210d 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.

isarai10d ago (Edited 10d 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.

darthv7210d 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.

neomahi10d 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

S2Killinit9d ago (Edited 9d 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 9d ago
Markusb3310d 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

JackBNimble10d ago

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

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 9d ago
-Foxtrot10d ago

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

RaidenBlack10d ago (Edited 10d 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.)

staticall10d 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.

rippermcrip10d 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.

isarai10d 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

Chevalier10d 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 10d ago
Silly Mammo10d 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

Chocoburger9d ago (Edited 9d 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.

Rols10d ago

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

Brazz10d ago (Edited 10d ago )

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

Skuletor10d ago

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

LG_Fox_Brazil10d ago

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

lodossrage10d ago

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

Hofstaderman10d ago (Edited 10d ago )

#wait till e3 2024

Aloymetal10d 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)
370°

Could Xbox Soon Become The Next Dreamcast?

Microsoft's future in the video game space is murky right now, so let's break it all down.

Read Full Story >>
thegamer.com
ApocalypseShadow14d ago (Edited 14d ago )

Not anytime soon. But they're on that path.

One thing not mentioned in the article is Microsoft's money bags. If Sega had Microsoft's money, they would have still been around as a hardware manufacturer. Xbox as a platform only survives because of the money bags. They can continue making consoles for the core and port to PC.

The multiplatform strategy is only the result of arrogance and misguided leadership that blew up in their face. They thought gamers would jump on Xbox in droves if they knew that many of their favorite games would be only on Xbox. But that's not happening at all. Sales didn't increase. They decreased. Why? Because the dumb asses thought giving away these expensively made games in a cheap service would also turn the tide.

Gamers on other platforms are willing to buy quality. They don't need to be handed nearly free games in a service that aren't even finished and sometimes average in their development. Gamers buy Nintendo games. They buy Sony games. Microsoft groomed their base to not buy games. Even the quality ones. It has always been their plan to go digital. But most gamers still like single player gaming. Still like physical releases.

Microsoft's problem has always been that they don't produce high quality games at the same output as Nintendo and Sony. Actually, they should be producing quite a lot more because they're worth over 2 TRILLION. How they don't have more is ridiculous and no excuse. Buying publishers to take away from competition only backfired. Because it still takes millions of dollars to continue to make those games from the publishers they snatched. Their only choice was to crawl back to their competitors to help sustain those developers because Nintendo and Sony platforms were the ones buying games.

Am I sorry for Microsoft? Hell no! They deserved last place for putting in the least effort. They deserved the fallout for buying up the industry and didn't make a single blip on the radar against their competitors where they now need those same gamers they took away games from to support them. Part of it may have been to cash in on their competition. But the result is the slow death of their platform. They may go 3rd party. They may keep making hardware. I don't give a shit about them to worry about it. I only give a shit about the destructive nature of their industry moves that only negatively affect gamers. They could sell and drop out of the industry and I wouldn't blink. Probably laugh. But not blink. They deserve whatever comes to them. At least Sega put in the effort when it came to games. They just had poor leadership. Microsoft has poor leadership and barely makes memorable games. That's a killer combination. And not in a good way.

Cacabunga14d ago

That would be an insult to Dreamcast.. it had a crazy line up of legendary critically acclaimed games.

Crows9014d ago

I was thinking the same. Dreamcast had incredible games in such a short amount of time. It was truly exceptional.

darthv7213d ago

...and yet all those great games were not enough to sway people from the looming release of the PS2 at the time. Sony just has that kind of brand loyalty.

Cacabunga13d ago

Darth

I do not agree.. Sony had even better games thanks to an unprecedented 3rd party support..
DC had amazing lineup but 90% were arcade games..

88313d ago

@darth:
And Sony showed off "The Emotion Engine" and their real time demos that made everyone think they would miss out on REAL next gen 128bit magic if they jumped in before PS2s polygon pushing monster (and early lack of anti-aliasing with a healthy heap of shimmer + DVD playback) stepped up. PS2 was a fantastic system though with amazing games.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 13d ago
blacktiger14d ago

That's not true. Just because Microsoft has the money doesn't mean Microsoft can allow xbox to bleed entire Microsoft money. It doesn't work like they. Also SEC will be watching and investor won't allow it. Lot of reasons why Microsoft can not continue even if they wanted to. SEC regulations is expensive.

fr0sty14d ago (Edited 14d ago )

Exactly this... Microsoft is a publicly traded company, mostly owned by their shareholders (Approximately 59.24% of the company's stock is owned by Institutional Investors, 7.73% is owned by Insiders and 33.03% is owned by Public Companies and Individual Investors.). Their shareholders call the shots on the business decisions, and their shareholders want one thing and one thing only, for their stock price to go up. Losses do not make stock prices go up... so if the division continually posts losses on hardware, but shows profits on software and services (which has been the case with Xbox its entire lifespan, for over 20 years now), the shareholders are going to grow impatient and demand they stop making hardware and focus on the only thing that has ever made them money, software and services.

When Microsoft bought Blizzard and Activision for almost 100 billion, I knew that was the nail in the coffin for Xbox as a console... as the shareholders were going to expect a quick return on that investment, and when it didn't materialize, they were going to be out for blood... out to force Xbox to sell those games on as many consoles as possible, "and while you're at it, sell those first party exclusives that aren't selling well on other consoles as well... hell, just stop making consoles and sell games."

If there is another Xbox console generation, it will definitely be the last, but I doubt there even will be one at this point. I think the Xbox division planning on it just in case, but I don't think the project has been greenlit from Microsoft itself. The rumors that they have not yet even secured the chips needed from the chip fabrication facilities ties into this.

shinoff218314d ago

While I usually agree with you . Alot of what was said can just also be asked before any of that.

How long will the shareholders wait? It doesn't appear long at all

Babadook713d ago

I think I get your point. Like just because MS has money does not mean they are content to throw it away on a dying ecosystem. Xbox has to be profitable or “what’s the point?”

ifinitygamer13d ago

Money bags, yes, but are we ignoring that Xbox actually makes a profit on games and GamePass? Hardware is often a loss leader, and they're probably making profit 4 years into the life cycle, but games and services revenue have been very profitable while other parts of Microsoft's business is struggling. Say what you will about the quality of those games, of course, but this is kind of a reverse Dreamcast situation, where the console was dragging down the company and put it at risk of shuttering entirely. Killing that console saved the business and allowed it to continue to make games on multiple platforms. In this case, the service is very profitable, as are the games, and they're also double-dipping into Multiplatform to extend this further, while their hardware is just sort of what they believe to be the best for gamers and their own titles (whether that is the case or not...)

fr0sty13d ago (Edited 13d ago )

The issue is, they aren't selling enough hardware to make their exclusives profitable, and now that they've bought half the gaming publisher/dev industry, they have no choice but to go third party to make a profit... and that is making their shareholders take a real close look at their hardware division under the microscope... why keep making the hardware if the software is all that is making them money, and they continually, generation after generation come in dead last with hardware sales?

Look at a game like Spiderman 2... if it had been an Xbox exclusive, with the amount it cost to develop, it would have been a huge failure... simply not enough consoles out there to sell it on. They would have been lucky to break even.

ifinitygamer13d ago

@fr0sty agreed completely, which is why they're hedging by releasing other games to multiplatform, plus they have PC to make up for the difference in a lot of ways, which is why their games are not complete money pits. It brings up the question of whether or not those exclusives would drive sales of consoles, though. Let's say Spiderman 2 was an Xbox exclusive, it would certainly have pushed console sales, though who's to say how much is anyone's guess.

fr0sty13d ago

That's why you can't rely on just one exclusive, Sony has always delivered on a wide range of solid exclusives, even this generation (even if they haven't been strong on the first party exclusives, they've made up for it with third party). They don't rely on just one "system seller", they have a portfolio of them.

13d ago
JBlaze22613d ago

ApocalypseShadow To be honest Sony has more of a chance to go 3rd party because like you said Microsoft has money, Sony does not. Sony does not have games, Only games they have come from 3rd party. Sony has been losing money for years and you. Saying Microsoft has been putting the least effort just proves you have no idea what's been going on. All Sony has done is repeat and recycle, never innovating or doing something new. All Sony has is brand loyalty nothing else and it shows.

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LG_Fox_Brazil14d ago

Not sure about that. It's been two decades and I still think about Power Stone, Shenmue, Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Seaman and others, but I'm not sure I'll remember Xbox Series X/S games in a few years from now... Maybe I'll remember about the franchises that the Xbox brand spawned, but I don't believe that the Xbox Series lives up to the late Dreamcast or even to the Xbox name itself. I do have great memories about the 360 with Blue Dragon, Gears 2 and Lost Odyssey though

isarai14d ago

Nah, sega actually makes good games

Becuzisaid14d ago

No, Dreamcast was ahead of it's time and most still have very fond memories of it that had one. It also had some good games on it even in it's short lifespan. Xbox has none of these qualities.

Profchaos14d ago

I remember it coming out at the time in a really bad place they hit the market before the PS2 but it was during this transitional time when Sony was promoting the power of the PS2 and so many of the Dreamcast games were awesome but often third parties simply ported the PS1 version increased resolution and performance but rarely fully utilise the capabilities of the console.

I think in the end bad marketing done it in and like the GameCube so many people are fond of it now but at the time it was looked at in the lense of the day and it didn't stack up.

Personally I miss Sega in hardware they took risks that many companies won't

Becuzisaid14d ago

I never owned it, and got the PS2 right when it launched. But there were certain games it had that I was always jealous of that I didn't have access to - Sonic adventure, crazy taxi, power Stone, code Veronica, shenmue, skies of Arcadia. I always thought it was a really cool machine though. I've never heard a bad thing about it though from those that had it.

FinalFantasyFanatic13d ago

I only ever saw one Dreamcast, and that was one my friend owned, pity I never got to play it, I wonder what games he had for it?

It would be nice if some of those games got ported to modern systems.

Profchaos14d ago

Oh man sonic adventure on the Dreamcast made me so jealous as a huge sonic fan on the mega drive who also moved to PlayStation 2 I never got the chance to play it back in the day either. The Dreamcast in Australia where I am was always relegated to the smallest corner of EB Games it was kind of a strong first indicator that things were not going well at the time.

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