Xbox One Parity Clause a 'Shame' Says Stealth Inc. Dev "

The developer of Stealth Inc. 2 has discussed Microsoft's controversial parity clause, saying most of the games industry wants it gone.

[xHeavYx]

Shouldn't be long till the parity clause is axed. We'll see what Mr Spencer does about it

[ziggurcat]

if he's as smart as everyone says he is, it'll be gone soon. might even be an E3 announcement.

[alexkoepp]

"For those not in the know, the Xbox One parity clause means developers can only release their titles on Xbox One if they haven't already been released on other consoles first."

Lol, this is why Tomb Raider, Spartan Assault, and Mass Effect trilogy are coming to Xbox One.

Just a bunch of lies, nice reporting IGN

[Avernus]

@ alexkoepp

Ah?

Just to clarify my confusion. Didn't Tomb Raider release the same time on both consoles? Wouldn't Mass Effect release the same time also? I don't understand, you're stating the obvious, or something that I'm not getting?

[Mr Pumblechook]

As long as Microsoft keeps the parity clause then it is a sign that they are the same old Microsoft from last year who wanted DRM for second hand games and 24 hour check in.

Leaks suggest Microsoft will be doing what Sony did last year at E3 and have a ton of indies on stage - but don't be fooled! if Microsoft don't reverse their parity clause then they are the same anti-gamer anti-capitalism company.

[raWfodog]

@ alexkoepp

You do know that those three games that you mentioned all debuted on MS platforms when they were first released, right?

Obviously, MS is not including their own systems/platforms in that clause.

[DemonChicken]

It be good if this is gone, but imho I don't think so.

As this is just business, it's Microsoft trying to get ahead of it's competition but they are doing it in a way in which disadvantages competition but also themselves on a reputation basis between consumers and developers.

Whereas Sony seems to be more consumer and developer focused. At present it seems Microsoft is following Sony's lead more than anything with it's famed 180s =p

[tgunzz]

Ms can remove the clause, and still decide on the release, or non-release of any game (indie included), yes?

[4Sh0w]

I think the hate comes from misinformation. What's wrong from a business perspective to say we want equal or fair treatment from a dev for our platform WE OWN. If you choose to make a game for ps4 and can't take the time to make a xbox version then so be it, but don't get mad because we don't want old content on our platform sometimes years after its been on other platforms, we want premium/parity for release. Business is about protecting the health of your brand and it doesn't help if indies or any devs come to your platform late after sales dried up on other platforms, better just to pass sometimes.

[tgunzz]

I will say that this is very interesting.... Ok, I really don't care about this clause due to owning all consoles, but If I only owned 1 then yes it could be a issue (but that goes for 3rd/1st party exclusives to any console). Last gen no one brought this up, and I want to from this dev, and any other as to why? If they say because ms was lead platform, then my take is that money was/is the devs #1 priority just the way many feel about ms. If this was always about the gamers, then this protocol would have been challenged at it's birth no matter what. I can assume that if xb was in lead again this early gen, we wouldn't here about this... Even with this clause in place, there were a ton of indie games launched on xb360, more so than ps3, and that didn't keep me from owning a ps3...

[bessy67]

Parity clause needs to stay. They just need to implement their own version of Sony's pub fund to go along with it.

[UltimateMaster]

@xHeavYx
This parity clause came from Phil Spencer himself.
He's the one that changed the previous rules onto these newer rules and talked about the changes he made during last year's Gamescon.

[ocelot07]

@Alexkoepp I think the Priority clause is for indie devs. For example if a indie devs wants to make a indie title for say PS4 and Xbox One. He would have to release it on both consoles the same time. Now if the dev wanted to release the title on PS4 first then move onto the XB1 version and release it at a later date. Microsoft does not allow that.

[darthv72]

From what i understand. This "parity" clause relates to release not quality. If a dev is having trouble with getting an xb version up to speed in order to release at the same time as another platform then perhaps MS should step in with some assistance????

sony has done that with devs who were struggling to meet deadlines before. MS can do the same thing.

Or would that be a bad thing in gamers eyes???

[AceBlazer13]

How can anyone say this clause is a good thing?

There are only 2 outcomes with this clause Xbox gets less games or other platforms have to wait longer just because of Xbox.

How is that a good thing?

What's even more messed up to me is that these are the same guys that pay to keep dlc off other platforms for a whole extra month.Where's the freakin parity in that?

No one can say I'm wrong for hating Microsoft and the Xbox and even their fanboys.

[miyamoto]

And many many many ignorant gamers on the internet say " competition is good for the industry" BS! If you are competing with a dirty fighter like M$ are you gonna enjoy the fight¿ Low blows , head butting, ear biting fighter M$ is! and many morons justify such a contender?! The stupidity of many commenters never cease to astonish me. Fanboys and bloggers really need some senses injected on them.
They will defend a monster like M$ with no sense of moeality and responsibility to the gaming society.
7 milliion gamers already voiced their opinion and voted on the matter and Sony needs to make more ballots called the PS4 so the world can see more votes against the back stabbers that caused all this trouble to the gaming industry.

[cyclindk]

I cannot imagine beyond blind ignorance why so many people are loyal to this company of ALL companies! I say any company loyalty as a customer is retarded, but ESPECIALLY to one has universally reviled as monopolistic, anti-consumer, et cetera... The only allegience one should have is to the lowest price for the best quality.

I've unfortunately only ever met such people here or elsewhere in and under the great anonymity blanket known as the world wide interwebnets.. Where no one is accountable for what they say :)

[Charybdis]

@miyamoto
Competition is good for the gaming industry without competition developers and publishers would be dependent and at the mercy of in this case Sony. They might play nice now untill shareholders decide that their CEO's can or need to make more money.

For argument sake don't take everything too personal, sometimes people can disagree but try to play nice and contribute to discussion without calling people with other opinions morons or ignorant. Can see why you would call Microsoft a monster as it is a big corporation but seriously it is one of the best rated companies in social responsibilities. I am sure that there are some employees that might bite ears but I am sure most are nice people. P. Spencer seems like a nice guy capable of complementing the competition and not throwing with mud at them.

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

Loyalty to a MNC is somewhat laughable at least on any emotional level. But having a company that is reliable and responsive is a special thing, and I reward SCE with my patronage.

[jerjef]

Morality and responsibility to the gaming society? I hope you're not referring to Sony. The big difference between MS and Sony is that MS is not the lead platform this gen so now devs are getting whiney about these policies that have been around for quite a while. Sony is not better than MS. Have a look at these articles.

Sony's plan for DRM restriction to prevent used games:
http://www.ibtimes.com/sony...

Sony's ToS states that you cannot resell your games and also they reserve the right to spy on you whenever they want.
http://www.insidegamingdail...

So don't go waving your morality flag at us saying MS is evil when Sony is just as bad, but keep flying under the radar for some reason. Maybe it's biased journalism. Maybe it's because they're the lead platform now so devs will do whatever they say. Who knows.

[DragonKnight]

moeality?

https://1-media-cdn.foolz.u...

@jerjef: Filing a patent is irrelevant. Patents are filed every day with the sole purpose of preventing someone else from using an idea without paying for it first. Sony could have a patent on how to kill babies with spaghetti and it wouldn't mean that they're actually going to go and kill babies with spaghetti. Microsoft were actually going through with their plans, Sony was just trying to cash in on a specific idea.

As for the ToS, it's also irrelevant due to the fact that several Sony executives have publicly stated that you can resell your games, this renders that aspect of the ToS completely void as all it would take is even one Tweet, article, or public appearance to destroy Sony or any third party's position should they try to enforce that clause. That term in the ToS likely has more to do with Sony's legal department getting edgy about unused copyright laws than it is Sony actually wanting to enforce such a clause.

Unless you have proof that Sony has taken anyone to court, or has prevented them from using their PS4's due to reselling games.

You don't? Didn't think so.

[jerjef]

@DragonKnight Oh come on really? This is what you're going to hand to me. You really don't think the public backlash against MS is what stalled Sony from using their own brand of DRM to prevent used games. This was planned as far back as March of 2012 here http://kotaku.com/5896996/t...

When MS got blasted they spun it around to make them look good.

Oh and way to go dodging the spying in their ToS agreement. And just because an executive says they won't enforce something doesn't mean squat. Is that executive always going to be there? That's an ace in the hole if they ever need to use it.

[DragonKnight]

@jerjef: "Oh come on really? This is what you're going to hand to me. You really don't think the public backlash against MS is what stalled Sony from using their own brand of DRM to prevent used games. This was planned as far back as March of 2012 here..."

No, I don't. Two reasons. For starters, the kraptaku article you linked to is for a work in progress console still operating under its codename. To say nothing is final is an understatement under those condtions. And then there's this...

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

Feb.21/2013. The backlash against Microsoft didn't happen for AT LEAST a month after that, but not actually until E3, which was months after. Plus, if you know anything about business, you know that Sony couldn't make a last minute decision like this at E3 because that's illegal. Shareholders have to be notified of such changes well beforehand. Then there's also the logistics issue involved. Plus, there's the technical fact that there is no built-in DRM on the PS4 while there is on the Xbox One, it's just circumvented by the initial firmware update you have to install upon turning the XB1 on.

All of these factors culminate to one incontrovertible conclusion that only anti-Playstion, anti-Sony fanboys will ever deny. That being that there was never any DRM against used games that was going to be implemented on the PS4. A single patent is proof of nothing other than Sony wants to copyright an idea so that they make the money off of it, no one else.

I'm not dodging anything. That specific term in the ToS is in ALL ToS' and is due to law enforcement. This isn't like Microsoft being in bed with the NSA, this is Sony saying that if there is a police investigation, all their stored records of your communications will be turned over. This isn't Sony using a camera to read biometric data, funneling it to advertisement and government secret service agencies. And it doesn't matter if the executive leaves the company or not, all that matters is there is a public record of a policy maker saying something will not happen. That's enough evidence to use in court.

Paint your conspiracies however you like, they fail in the face of facts.

[jerjef]

All legal documents including the ToS are open to interpretation and just because you read it this way doesn't mean it's not an open door to do whatever they want. They say they're only recording voice conversations and messages and game behaviour for legal authorities, but the fact they say other appropriate authorities can also be considered the government, FBI and NSA depending on the situation. Sure the camera and mic for the PS4 are optional, but can anyone prove that they won't be included if someone uses them? Does MS say in their ToS that they report to the NSA? No so just because it's not in the ToS doesn't mean it's not happening.

MS unveiled their DRM plans May 21st. E3 was June 11. That's 19 days where alot can happen including Sony making a DRM 180. Considering no one even saw the console until E3 tells me they could've had 2 prototypes ready for production since production didn't start until August.

[DragonKnight]

So now we're going the "interpretation" route? That's a non-argument that you drummed up so that you didn't have to admit that you are wrong.

Sony said in Feb 2013 that there was no used games DRM on the PS4, are you trying to say they have precognition and knew what Microsoft were going to do in May now?

Just stop. You have been proven wrong on all fronts.

[Pogmathoin]

Another article where someone is being cheap looking for publicity...... Now 2 a week....

[Magicite]

If MS will keep parity rules, then certain developers/publishers will stop releasing games for X1.

[esemce]

Many indie devs can only afford to release for one platform at a time so what Microsoft is doing here is quite disgustion in forcing those devs to release on Xbox first or not at all.

So what happens is if the title is a big hit it becomes known as an Xbox game and MS get the most profit as the game is new. If it does not sell that well and they cannot afford to make other versions then Microsoft gets an exclusive.

So it's bribery and bullying from MS, 'make it for us first or get lost and lose income'.

Dirty tricks from Microsft again that still
continues.

Oh I nearly forgot.........F**ck you Microshaft!

[khan_saab]

it would be illogical for them to remove this clause. If you are a small developer and you wish to release the game on xbox and playstation but you have enough resources to develop it for one console then you would feel the need to do so on the xbox. the reason is because this clause incentives doing so. You have an unlimited window releasing on the playstation but a limited one for the xbox. Microsoft has always believed that timed exclusives are just as valuable as true exclusives and this clause helps secure that the playstation is not awarded such timed exclusives.

[DragonKnight]

And that's exactly why no one wants to follow that clause. It is a pressure tactic used by Microsoft that simply pushes developers in the direction of Sony, who aren't pressuring the developers to do anything. This makes them feel like Sony cares about their concerns and/or limited resources and simply want the game on their console. Sony, however, has a better approach than MS. Sony will allow you to publish your game on any other platform first, but if you take your time releasing it on the PS console then you have to include extra content to make it worth the time consumers had to wait for it. This is much more reasonable than MS' approach.

[MoonConquistador]

Khan, try re reading what you wrote, but try seeing it from the point of view of the indie developer rather than from Microsoft's point of view.

Last gen, if an indie developer wanted to release on both but only had the resources to develop for one platform at a time, nobody would argue if they went with x box first. It was easier to develop for, had just as many users, and you could actually argue that they were providing games that MS weren't so had better chances of selling. Sony never punished them for it by refusing their place on a PlayStation platform.

Now look at this gen. Same situation, but now Sony can provide double the amount of potential customers and an easier to develop platform, so common sense would say PlayStation first. But in this case, MS throw the toys out the pram and actually cut off their own noses to spite the bitter twisted faces that they sport. The developer loses out, XBone owners lose out, and nobody actually wins or benefits from the situation.

Nobody ever went out and bought an x box cos it had indie games on it that PlayStation didn't. These aren't system selling games we're talking about here.

But if you wanna sing the praises of this backward thinking, completely irrational policy, then it seems you and MS are perfectly matched with each other.

Enjoy your limited game selection this gen, whilst I can still enjoy some indie gems for my PS4, whilst also having the option to play Fez and any other games that released on x box first on my PS3 or Vita.

It doesn't bother me that you got the chance to play it before me. I moved out of the playground when I grew up, I'd suggest you, and MS, do the same

[khan_saab]

I want to make one thing clear. I am not supportive of this policy. I do not own any of Microsoft's consoles, in fact i have been gaming exclusively on the PS3 last gen and have begun gaming on the PC a little while ago.

The point that I was trying to get across was not in support of the policy but to point out that Microsoft would not remove this policy unless there is an incentive to do so. Look how long it took for them to get rid of the DRM for XBOX one. it was only after all of the negative public opinion that they decided not to introduce it. That was a policy that everyone was talking about and did not like it. This policy is not as prominent. the point i wanted to get across was that indie developers pleading the removal of this policy is not incentivizing enough for Microsoft to remove this.

I do not like it, but I see why Microsoft does.

[MoonConquistador]

OK, I take your point that you're not supportive of it, if only MS would wake up and smell the s*** they are shovelling, then they might change it and the gaming landscape will be all the better for it.

It worked for them last gen for the reasons I listed above. Its not going to work this gen again for the reasons I listed. So they either drop the policy or face indies not releasing games on their platform. Again, the Indies will lose out, xbone owners lose out and MS loses out not having as diverse a gaming catalogue.

This is the results of half arsed policies dreamt up with only bad intentions and greed in mind.

[akaFullMetal]

Hopefully Spencer will be a smart man and get rid of it!

[choujij]

I hope someone asks him about it in an interview. Would love to see what he has to say on the subject.

[incendy35]

I don't get that clause at all. They need to get rid of it. Would be nice if they would just open the store for self publishing and get out of the way "except for testing that the games don't break things". Curate, don't dictate :D

[Jazz4108]

You do realize ms has no parity clause if you buy your software and dev kits like you do on the ps4? The parity clause comes in when you accept there two free dev kits, free unity engine and servers and support help. How is ms in the wrong here. If you want it like the ps4 then buy your stuff like the ps4 or quit whining over free stuff.

[SpiralTear]

It's ironic that the clause was put in place to keep paces with Microsoft's rivals, but instead is convincing indie developers to pass on Xbox One, keeping awesome releases off the system and on other platforms.

[CYCLEGAMER]

I think its also has something to do with quality control, 360 owners know how messy the indie section can get. I would rather have good quality indies instead of a bunch of crap to sort through to find a good game.

[DigitalRaptor]

360 owners know how messy the indie section can get because the indie section has file size restrictions of 50MB.. yep.

And anyone with XNA tools could publish a game to that marketplace.

If you'd actually been paying attention, there IS quality control as every developer has to go through Sony. If a game is broken or plays terribly, it won't pass QA. How many indies have been trash so far? The vast, vast minority. Standards are simply getting better, and devs don't have restrictions to work with, they have freedom, assistance and true independence.

What you said is simply another excuse to justify a crappy, restrictive policy that benefits no one but Microsoft. But in the end, it doesn't even benefit them, cause they will have less unique and creative games on their system.

[GameSpawn]

That's because the "parity" clause is only beneficial to the console manufacturer that tends to be the lead platform (aka the one who holds the cards). They had the advantage in the 360/PS3 gen because they launched first and set the standard and got away with having the clause in place. Microsoft doesn't hold the cards at the start of this gen, so their clause is a double edged sword that is coming back to bite them in the butt.

The "parity" concept is really just a load of anti-competitive bull that does not deserve to be part of ANY industry.

@MELMAN
On the surface it may look like quality control, but it is not. There are other publishing policies in place to prevent truly broken indie games from flooding the marketplace. Parity is all about making one manufacturer's console first over the others or never at all as well as "dumbing" down competitors' versions to be "equal" even though they could be capable of more (quality or features).

[hello12]

Its only for indies not other games. Microsoft believes indies games, should be out on both platforms at the same time.

There is no real excuse for an indie game looking better on either console.

incendy@
You don't get the same results, even if they code the same way. I get what your saying though.

[incendy35]

This might come as a surprise to you, but Indie developers optimize code just the same as developers getting paid by someone. The only difference between an indie studio and a published studio is that independent studios fund their own development.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

I have no doubt the parity clause is going to be modified down the road.

[colonel179]

EDITED:

The parity clause is BS, but I think it affects Microsoft more than anyone else. (And obviously Xbox consumers).

[aragon]

i think the only thing it means is that they have to be released on all consoles at the same time

[hello12]

Seems i am wrong, in a way.

Speaking to Edge, VP of Xbox Phil Harrison explained that the ID@Xbox requirement, which means developers can only release their titles on Xbox One if they haven't already been released on other consoles.

So essentially if an indie game releases on PS4 first and not the same time on xb1. Microsoft may refuse that indie?

It may not suit the devs, not sure why? I think Microsoft doesn't want unbalance and i can't blame them really. You make an indie release on both platforms the same time, whats the big deal?

[BlackTar187]

The big deal is the Restriction.

it's a stupid restriction you should be happy to get the game at all really. Mandating stuff like that is stupid.

[DigitalRaptor]

@ KNWS

How can you not know this?

Do you think indie devs have the resources to always ensure both games are available on both consoles at the same time, and keep with the quality that they are aiming for?

Do you not think there are many indies out there who will have a strategy of focusing their creativity and their budget on a single platform to best optimise it and ensure quality, and then have the profits for that fund the game for other platforms?

That is how is has been done for many many years, it has harmed no-one, yet MS is going for their anti-competitive stance on small indie developers of all the people they could've chosen. It affects those guys more than anyone else, and it's a backwards, restrictive and unreasonable policy.

[BlackTar187]

Not sure it's about graphics. I really don't knwo that part what i do know is You have to release at the same time or first on xbox otherwise they blacklist your game. Also has to have the same or more content.

[Lucreto]

This clause is the school yard comparison of play with me or I am taking the ball and going home.

Microsoft does not have the advantage of biggest install base anymore and this clause has become a problem.

[Muzikguy]

Nice analogy, I like that

[RosweeSon]

If they wanted it done they'd do it, just like they were gonna try lower prices on the digital store Microsoft does stuff when it wants to not when we the paying public ask for it, good luck.

[RosweeSon]

Strangers Wrath... That is all.

[bligmerk]

So, it's confirmed the "resolution parity" clause comes from Microsoft. Remember this as another thing MS brought to video gaming.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Do you have any idea what you are talking about? The parity clause for ID@xbox games has nothing to do with resolution.

[KinjoTakemura]

Xbox one's loss is ps4's gain.

[thehobbyist]

Or Nintendo, as the next Stealth Inc is coming to Wii U Exclusively.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

As far as indie games go there is far too much garbage and just a few gems. If this keeps the crap off the marketplace then I don't mind. As 360 gamers know when MS had the flood gates open last gen to indie developers and all the XNA stuff that there was %90 percent crap and %10 worth a play.

Indie stuff is just the flavor of the month talking point. My guess many won't even bother to purchase or play most of it. Microsoft has already been through this and Sony is about to find out the same.

But if there is a hot indie title you can bet these rules are changed.

[jnemesh]

Personally, I hope MS keeps the parity clause...it's just one more nail in their coffin.

[ShowGun901]

only if people educate themselves and realise how anti-consumer it actually is.

[jnemesh]

The developers know...and by making it tougher to develop for the Xbox, developers will naturally gravitate towards the PS4. Consumers will notice that more games are available on the PS4, and less people will buy the Xbox One. It's already happening.

[Kingoftherodeo]

wait i don't see an issue for me. taking this from Microsofts view if a dev wants to release a game on my system fine. but you will have to release at the same time as every other consoles. why is this so hard? sounds like devs want to make a little money on the side from other companies who want them to release with them first and are being cut off from doing that. Microsoft wants to make sure they get games first or at the same time as the competition which is good for xbox consumers. while all indie devs could say fuck ms we are going to ps they know theres money to be made on both sides. this is only an issue for small indie studios who don't have a large team to program for all consoles. there for they have to make the choice on which to launch first. ms being ms wants the game first on their system don't care if it later goes to psn. this sounds like some devs want to have their care and eat it too

[snarls200]

the issue is that the indies don't have the resorces to make multiple versions at the same time.

[Kingoftherodeo]

right which i pointed out. they don't have the huge team or the money to hire more devs to program for all systems at the same time. there for leaving them with a tough choice to either dev for xbox first to ps4. which once again isn't an issue if you are a consumer ms wants the games first for its console they want that content first for their costumers. in no shape of form is xbox saying the game is exclusive to xbox. so if I'm a developer my purpose is to make games and make profit. why not develop for xbox first and then sony i mean sony doesn't care about parity. this seems like an issue for devs who favor one company over the other. this is a bussiness ms wants the games first if you own only an xbox why have an issue with this. if you are a developer i just gave you the answer to the problem, you want money from both sides develop for one first then the other. if not just develop for sony if you are okay with letting more money walk away

[n4rc]

I believe its very safe to say most devs wwant it gone..

I understand the reasoning behind it tho..

[Jazz4108]

Why are devs whining? They dont have to take the free equipment and then they can release just like the ps4. If they want in the program which gives them two free kits and a engine Nd servers ms wants to make sure they protect there investment. They should be thanking ms not complaining. Unreal that people think they are entitled to everything. The free equipment is a much better deal and they know it.

[DigitalRaptor]

We always have the one-sided person ignoring the real-world facts.

Which indie dev is going to ignore putting out their game, on a console with almost double the install base of the other, and working with a company that has shown passion, willing and real-world support for these kind of developers making these budget games?

You love to talk about free equipment, when Sony has a scheme for loaning dev kits, offering tons of support, marketing and technical expertise for the indie devs, and have shown an attitude of actively going out and looking for these people, rather than the other way around.

Indie devs are complaining about a STUPID, a literally STUPID policy that benefits no-one but MS trying to be anti-competitive. It's at the expense of everybody else. Indie devs cannot always have the resources to release on both platforms, so they decide to go for the larger install base to establish themselves, and use profits from PS4 to make their game available to Xbone gamers, but MS refuses them cause of a redundant, unreasonable, STUPID policy?

Get out.

[Jazz4108]

No need to get personal I did not aim my comment at you but simply stayed on topic. I am sorry you do not like my opinion but in the scheme of things it just does not matter.

[diesoft]

I really hope with the new xbox head there will be a new golden era for xbox. I prefer a company win by being better, not by attempting to cripple the competitors. So much more respect for that.

[ElementX]

I'm not sure how I feel about this clause. MS wants games released on their console first or at the game time. Couldn't developers release an Xbox version and then work on a PS4 version? MS is basically going to be giving everybody a devkit once that feature launches on the Xbox One.

[Tross]

I guess that could be one reason why the ps4 has 10X more indie support than the xb1. I highly doubt that's the only reason, but it could be one reason why lots of devs aren't releasing their games on the xb1, and I can't say I blame them. If I were in the position of an indie dev, and wanted to release a title on both the ps4 and xb1, but wanted to release on the ps4 first for whatever reason, I guess I'd just release the game on the ps4, and simply say that MS didn't want my game, which wouldn't be lying, since I would be open to letting them have it at a later time, if they wanted it. It's stuff like this that makes me hate MS and the xbox brand, and glad I invested in a ps4 instead of a xb1.

[Gamer666]

Who cares what the devts think.

As a gamer who owns an XB this clause ensures I get the games at the same time as other console owners. If the game does not ship the same time as a PS4 game I don't expect it on XB with this clause in place. I am fine with that.

What it does do is ensure that if devts give equal attention to XB if they want to ship on that platform. MS is acting on my behalf and (in this case) I like what they are doing.

Without having this clause we would probably see a lot more timed exclusives and staggered release dates. As a consumer I think both are bad.

[DigitalRaptor]

"Who cares what the devts think."

Who cares that what has been common practice for many years and not been an issue before, has now been brick-walled by a redundant, anti-competitive policy? Who cares that this affects devs for no good reason? What an attitude to have... really.

For years, indie devs have released a game on a platform they thought was best to make a profit for their work, because believe it or not, indie devs don't always have the resources to release their games simultaneously. The profit made from this was then used to put their games on other platforms. So you're asking who cares that MS is basically killing potential business for these developers. Business that has been good for them for many years.
---------

"As a consumer I think both are bad."

It has not been an issue for the many many years it has been happening. Games are released on Steam - no console gamer complains that the game was released on Steam early, once it hits their console of choice.

You never saw PlayStation gamers complaining when games like Castle Crashers, Braid and Limbo came to PS3 after quite some time after the 360/PC versions.

But now.... now it's a problem, because these developers are catering to the console with a larger install base first, because that is all they have the resources for? wow.
---------

"As an Xbox consumer, I think both are bad".

That is what you really meant to say.

[Silver360]

It is not a developer's right to publish on any platform. The platform holder gets to decide what gets put on their platform and when. If id@xobx is giving 2 development kits and free licenses to unity and unreal 4, parity is not much to ask. If they don't want parity just shoulder the cost of buying a dev kit and game engine and be on with their timed release. Just don't ask for having it both ways.

[Gamer666]

Honestly, I am not big on indies devts and couldn't care less for 90% of the indie games. Essentially, I log into my PS4 and see nothing but recycled games I have already played on PC thru steam.

Too much attention is being given to Indies now-a-days. I do agree they add innovation to the games industry, but that innovation is driven from the PC not consoles. They have survived using the PC for years.

If X1 never gets 90% of the indie games on PS4, I don't think that would be a bad thing... I prefer to see quality over quantity.

As for the blights of indie devts without resources fo multi-platform. I honestly don't care. If they don't have the resources to do a game right, they shouldn't. Every business has a get in cost, if they are unable or unwilling to pay it, then maybe they should consider a different business.

I know this sounds harsh, but it is a reality that a lot of people face everyday. Maybe indies should start facing reality more. And have to work hard and sacrifice like the rest of us.

[MegaDan]

Parity Clause is just a way of M$ covering their inferiority, too bad they cant get away with it this Gen, as the PS4 has been proven to be easier to develop, more powerful and has the largest install base. Karma is a B*tch.

[bornsinner]

if xbone wasn't weaker & expensive then ps4 would be pointless, sony should thank ms for being idiots for sacrificing power & price for that perv cam kinect.

[larrysdirtydrawss]

more ms f-en up again,hurt your dismal sales even more,jesus how dumb is this company when it comes to their xbox division

[Veneno]

MS arrogance this gen far exceeds Sonys last gen. Sony was able to realize it and turn it around. Honestly I don't think MS can turn it around in the same way. Sony honestly wants to be the gamers choice through hard work whereas MS only wants to do things the easiest way possible, by buying everyone out and flat out lying to consumers.

[KontryBoy706]

they just need to pass on XB1. Keep releasing stuff on PS4 and PC.

[n4rc]

Correct me if I'm wrong (if you have proof)

But id@xbox grants you a license for unity and UE as a developer.. Could you not also use those for your ps4 versions?

If so.. It becomes pretty obvious why this clause exists..

[Machiavellian]

Am I missing something. This parity clause only comes into play if you accept MS giving you 2 dev kits, Unity and Unreal license. In other words you get to keep your stuff that is a cost to MS as a business and they ask that you release your game at the same time you would release on any other console.

I really do not see a problem here. If you want to release on the X1 last then do not accept the things MS is giving for the program and just release your game. You purchase your own license for the game engine, Xbox dev kit etc. Seems pretty fair to me.

[lemoncake]

Exactly its business, people dont give stuff away for nothing no matter how big they are. If your game is a success on another system i really dont see microsoft turning you away, if your game has been mediocre at best and you are then wanting the "free" stuff then its going to be difficult.

If your game was already a big success on another system you probably wouldn't even need this "free" stuff anyway, so this clause wouldn't effect you.

[ozstar]

Microsoft are fu**ed without it, and now you're gonna see even more devs jumping ship.

It'll be an interesting year ahead.

[My_Name_BTW_Is_Dante]

I see nothing wrong with it. It gives Xbox gamers the best games while filtering out all of the garbage indie games. If they didn't have this in place then it would be nothing but a bunch of shovelware from indies that you see on PS4.

[Jack_Reacher]

what shovelware is that then. Just because you dont like a game does not mean that the rest of us dont. Your opinion is not the be all and end all of it. Just like mine is not. Which is why you only have one bubble. I only have two. But its still double the amount you have. does that make me better than you?

Guess so with your logic.