Xbox One to become default console for all online 2K+ Tournaments

MLG would like to announce that all online 2K and 5K Call of Duty: Ghosts Tournaments, run by MLG or UMG, will be moving to Xbox One as the default console.

[98xpresent]

Congrats MS & XBOX

[Eddie20101]

They just moved from Xbox 360 to Xbox One. They got this from being huge sponsors and giving lots of cash to both Activision and MLG (Lots of cash).

Mind you, this is just for Call of Duty Which Microsoft has already bought timed exclusive content for.

[MysticStrummer]

Yup they already had a contract with MS.

[mikeslemonade]

Moneyhatted, confirmed!

[joab777]

Exactly. Its about money. If it were about gamers, it wouldnt be. I personally know 3 ppl who bought a ps4 convinced MLG would shift.

[ZodTheRipper]

The funny thing is, nobody would care on which system these tournaments are on if these companies wouldn't make a big deal out of this. Marketing for amateurs.

[USA007]

MLG can switch between xbox and PS whenever a new Call of Duty comes out. Though it hasn't been ps since black ops. It forces anyone interested in competitive Cod to own a xb1.

[ShinMaster]

Xbox the default COD machine???

NO WAY! This news to me
/s

[FamilyGuy]

Xbox was already the "default", they're just notifying gamers that they're moving from 360 to X1 only.

[DLConspiracy]

You also go where cod servers have 100% dedicated server coverage. Matchmaking and p2p doesn't cut it anymore. Cod has 100% dedicated severs on XBL not hybrid servers. So it makes sense.

http://mp1st.com/2013/11/22...

[Rainstorm81]

@ DLC

“Dedicated servers will be used on current gen, next gen and PC with Ghosts. And, in order to make sure that people have the best possible experience regardless of platform, location or connection, Ghosts will be using a hybrid system of dedicated servers and listen servers. So no matter where you are the game will always be trying to give you the best online performance possible.”

from the article you posted.

[DLConspiracy]

@Rainstorm81

Yep, this is the OFFICIAL STATEMENT too. Directly from the article I posted.

"Here’s the official statement:

Just a reminder that we are using a hybrid system for Ghosts online play to deliver the best possible connection. So sometimes you might be on listen-servers and sometimes you might be on dedicated servers, depending on which offers the better connection. We’re making tweaks every day to improve the experience across all platforms, more updates to come. And yes, with today’s launch of Xbox One, there will be dedicated server support."

They are saying it that way because they don't want people to feel disadvantaged. It's true though. There is FULL dedicated servers for the Xbox One version of the game. It's NOT hybrid on Xbox One.

EDIT: They all have Dedicated servers, but only one platform has 100% dedicated servers. The rest use Dedicated with mostly Listen servers that use Peer 2 Peer matchmaking and use your CONSOLE as the server to run games. FULL dedicated versus HYBRID.

If you want to know what the difference is. Read this link. It breaks it down.

https://answers.yahoo.com/q...

[Eddie20101]

PS3 and PS4 has always had dedicated servers. Xbox 360 did not. The reason COD games are on Xbox is because of contracts not anything else.

MLG are probably using their own servers for their tournaments. or servers that are specific to their use.

[Raziel893]

@alex lol good joke. We all know the real reasons why, and the controller is no where near the top of that list. Most skilled players can adjust to any controller. Heck I could probably outplay alot of people with the N64 pad.

[frostypants]

Wait, people still play CoD competitively? LOLOLOLOLOLOL

[urwifeminder]

Seems the logical choice.

[fr0sty]

Yeah, after all, what professional gamer, that relies on pixel perfect, frame accurate precision, cares about having less resolution and/or framerate?

[supersonicjerry]

resolution doesn't matter that much when it comes to playing competitive you won't be like "oh my god look at the trees." framerate on the other hand matters and cod has a more stable framerate compared to ps4 from my experience playing both. also cod online on xbox live is a lot better than PSN

[fr0sty]

Resolution does matter when you are sniping someone from clear across the map, and their head is only made up of a few pixels.

Also, care to explain how it's better on Live over PSN? Both offer dedicated servers, party systems, cross game chat (that works better on Ps4), etc... so what's the advantage?

[JBSleek]

So you play all your games at 1440p on PC I'd assume?

[Funantic1]

What pro gamer relies on the best ONLINE play with dedicated servers? I assure you that X1 COD players have no problems at all seeing your face across a map and sending you a headshot. You must think we're not playing in HD or something. The X1 has better frame rates for fast gameplay. And when you're playing twitch shooters like COD you don't have time to count unnoticeable pixels. We played just fine on the 360 and PS3, so the X1 version will be more than enough.

[fr0sty]

I don't have a 1440p PC monitor, so that would be pointless. My PC is also often busy encoding video, as that's what I do for a living. but I do play the vast majority of my console games at 1080p native.

Also, PS4 has dedicated servers. So does PS3. Quit parroting bullet points without knowing what you're talking about. The proof that dedicated servers have been used since the PS3 days is in the fact that many older PS3 games (much like many older 360 games) can no longer be played online due to their dedicated servers being shut down (SOCOM, MAG, GT5, certain EA games, etc.).

[JBSleek]

If you use your computer for productivity I think your setup would greatly improve with 1440p by the way. But at this moment save up for an affordable 4K monitor.

I use my PC for coding and financial programs and the added real estate really helps.

[supersonicjerry]

nobody has a problem sniping someone across the map not once i have heard someone say i couldn't hit/see because resolution. party chat on ps4 is a lot quicker but the quality on the xbox party chat is a lot better and psn doesn't have dedicated servers for cod and if they do then its trash compared to xbox one i notice a huge difference between the two online. also PS3 cod online feels just like ps4 cod online.

[urwifeminder]

Was just thinking server stability early content released , plus they are familiar with the service not to mention the controller , imagine how many gamers would accidently hit the PS4 whinge button during a tournament.

[Kayant]

@Funantic1

MLG is mainly LAN based and all platforms use the same hyrid servers for COD:G. So no.

[BG11579]

Can we actually say it's competition when all players are using auto-targeting options?

Calling it competition, is actually quite ridiculous.

[fr0sty]

@tokugawa

The obligatory comment that attacks the poster but not their argument, since the commenter has no ground to stand on when debating the topic.

[jnemesh]

Yup, those headshots are pretty hard to pull off when your console suddenly drops it's framerate into the mid-teens! Sounds to me like the "pro" gaming circuit just lost what little credibility they had!

[Kribwalker]

For someone who apparently hates COD you sure sound butthurt by this decision Frosty. It's cool tho, you make it sound like X1 looks like minecraft when you are sniping, which I can assure you it's not

[Volkama]

The servers thing is interesting. Before COD released MS and Activision were very clear in their message that it was using Live for dedicated servers. Then Activision tried to appease ps4 and PC gamers by saying they got "hybrid dedicated" (which was blatantly not dedicated, as a player hosted the game..).

Then it came out and all attention went towards resolution and the fact that the game was rubbish. Since then people have said all versions use the P2P networking, but I have never seen anything remotely official to confirm that. I have also never played the One version, so all I can confirm is that the PC version sucks...

If it actually does use azure for the xbox version then it is clearly the console COD fans should buy it on. Nobody in their right mind would choose resolution over latency.

[fr0sty]

Azure servers wouldn't be "dedicated servers", as they process a wide range of things that aren't even gaming related... therefore they're not solely dedicated to gaming. Live does likely have its own dedicated servers for certain games, however so do other services. Dedicated servers are not exclusive to Live by any means. Even PC games use them.

I think there's a reason why we haven't heard much of that dedicated server talk since COD released...

As mentioned before, it wouldn't matter anyway since MLG uses LAN.

[Volkama]

Oh and as for competitive gamers needing to see more pixels? That's just funny.

I remember playing quake 3, where everyone in the competitive scene very deliberately modified their graphics settings to be way below the minimum available. Console commands to remove all textures, shaders, and lighting. Why? Because less detail made it easier to see the important things; targets.

Do you think on the xbox version of COD the players have smaller heads because the game runs with a lower pixel count or something?

At the end if the day this announcement has nothin to do with online play or graphics or quality, it is purely about sponsorship. But that doesn't mean you need to go round sticking PS4 bumper stickers all over the comments section.

[Volkama]

Azure servers cannot be dedicated because of the other services Microsoft offer? You understand the concept of virtual servers, yes? If not you prooobably shouldn't comment on cloud articles quite as much as you do...

Dedicated servers are certainly not new or exclusive to MS. Azure enables devs to provide dedicated servers with good locality, without needing to plan and invest to meet estimated demand. It makes it cost effectivee and practical for devs big or small to provide good servers. That's what is new, and that is a genuine advantage for MS.

Hopefully it will prompt Sony to invest in similar, either building their own infrastructure or more likely working with another provider (or possibly even Azure, I suspect MS would happily deal with Sony).

[USA007]

First off, ghosts doesn't have dedicated servers on xb1. It's the same match finding system that all platforms use.

Resolution doesn't matter. Up until MLG Anaheim the comp platform was the 360. Ghost maps are to small for only seeing one pixel of someone to be possible.

Framerate is a solid 60fps at all times in comp. Maps are only Octane, Freight, Strikezone and Sovereign and they don't cause drops. Things like C4 and other explosives that could possibly cause performance issues are also banned. You get 60fps no matter the console.

The xbl vs PSN thing is also biased. Usually it's because someone doesn't realize the nat type is moderate on one of the devices. MLG isn't just LAN though, so your internet does matter.

XB1 got this because of sponsorship. Advanced warfare could very well switch to ps4 if sony wanted. But in the end the console doesn't really make a difference

[Gamer666]

Any real MLG gamer will tell you that resolution is secondary to online service latency, capacity, and removal of host advantage.

[fr0sty]

Neither of which has Xbox One proven to be better at than PC or PS4... esp. with COD. As the poster above mentioned, this was a sponsorship thing. $$$

[JasonKCK]

Lots of confusion here about LAN and online 2k/5k.

Not really the same thing. The goal is the same but the methods are different.

[DLConspiracy]

@frosty

There are some things you have said that are not true. In fact PS users are using hybrid servers to play matches. That means some dedicated and mostly p2p servers aka listen servers. In fact COD is only using full dedicated on Xbox One servers because Xbox One offers them up for free. So you will only find full dedicated server support on XBL. That's very important in MLG games as people are all over the world who play.

This is the official statement from COD:

"Just a reminder that we are using a hybrid system for Ghosts online play to deliver the best possible connection. So sometimes you might be on listen-servers and sometimes you might be on dedicated servers, depending on which offers the better connection. We’re making tweaks every day to improve the experience across all platforms, more updates to come. And yes, with today’s launch of Xbox One, there will be dedicated server support."

http://mp1st.com/2013/11/22...

This isn't about fanboying or anything else. As even PC gamers have been upset about using p2p hosted listen servers too. There is no reason to pass around miss information around. Here are the facts.

[Michiel1989]

LOL frosty, you have no clue what an actual dedicated server is do you?

You give as an argument that its a dedicated server if the service goes offline when publisher closes servers. WRONG!

There are so many non dedicated server games and the online service consists of the matchmaking servers (connecting to eachother not hosting an actual game) and running the online service itself (people being able to log in to their servers). The game itself will then be hosted by the players. If publishers stop their support for the game they pull out mming and online service.

Dedicated server means that when you play the game, the game is not hosted by one of the players. This has no effect on the online service itself which always has to be hosted by developer/publisher.

That by no way is an indication of it being dedicated servers.

Funny you call out people for being clueless while you spread the most random bullcrap on the interwebs.

If you actually thought players host the servers to log into a game online without dedicated servers you should hit 'I'm feeling lucky' after typing in dedicated servers at google.com

and FYI CoD 4 had NO dedicated servers on ps3, why would u think there would be a message online sometimes: switching host or whatever it was when the host dcd

[fr0sty]

I am aware that a dedicated server hosts the match, and there are literally dozens of PS3 games that fit that profile... PS4 games as well. It is nothing MS exclusive by any means. There was never host migration in MAG, Resistance, Warhawk (it used a combo of both, you could choose dedicated or p2p at will), etc.

Also, the above COD quote simply implies dedicated server SUPPORT for Xbox One, it says nothing about Xbox One only using dedicated servers. In fact, the following quote you neglected to posts clarifies...

“Dedicated servers will be used on current gen, next gen (Not just PS4) and PC with Ghosts. And, in order to make sure that people have the best possible experience regardless of platform, location or connection, Ghosts will be using a hybrid system of dedicated servers and listen servers. So no matter where you are the game will always be trying to give you the best online performance possible.”

Even on XO, your connection decides if you get a dedicated server or not.

[DLConspiracy]

@frosty

That is your assumption by the wording. Here is another article from destructoid.

"Jumping into an actual game was straightforward, considering that dedicated servers are now standard practice (although the PS4 runs on a hybrid mix of P2P and dedicated, whereas the Xbox One is entirely dedicated)"

http://www.destructoid.com/...

The reason its "entirely dedicated" is because MS has enough servers to achieve it. They forked up their servers to achieve this. Hence bringing it back to my point which is that this is a huge determining factor in their decision with MLG. Think about it hosting vs dedicated. Dedicated is always going to be the more trusted route.

[AnotherGamersOpinion]

if they cared that much they would be playing on pc

[KwietStorm_BLM]

What does that even mean?

[akaFullMetal]

They had a good relationship last gen, I guess it isn't too much of a suprise that they would work together again. But I do wonder why they didn't go with PS4 this time, since it is the more powerful of the two and have similar online experinces.

[MorePowerOfGreen]

Makes sense due to XBL being a more solid online gaming service. Your opinion on the power of the two consoles makes little difference when XB1 is powered by advanced system software and dedicated cloud compute servers. Probably partners again based on the past relationship and knowing where MSFT will take XB1 through software innovation and their server network.

More shaders in a GPU means nothing in a MLG context, a stronger CPU with DX12 and cloud would provide a superior experience, managing massive amount of things/players on screen without flaw is better for online. You already see the evolutionary difference in game design on XB1 vs PS4(XB1 starting to have high fidelity open world games with co-op)

[Kayant]

And you do know that means jack shit because the main line tournaments are done on LAN.

"More shaders in a GPU means nothing in a MLG context, a stronger CPU with DX12 and cloud would provide a superior experience, managing massive amount of things/players on screen without flaw is better for online. You already see the evolutionary difference in game design on XB1 vs PS4(XB1 starting to have high fidelity open world games with co-op)" - Also http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photo...

[sic_chops]

They use a LAN connection. do you know what that is? I don't think it has anything to do with Xbox live.

[MysticStrummer]

Makes sense due to the existing contract with MS.

[USA007]

I hate to be supporting mpog, but 2ks and 5ks are ONLINE tournaments, not LAN. Most of MLG is online. Only about 6 LAN events a year.

I disagree that xbl is somehow better at matches than PSN. It mostly comes down to how your personal network is set up since ghosts doesn't use dedicated servers on any platform. Black Ops 1 was played on ps3, I had no complaints

And the whole one console will perform better than the other really doesn't matter. Comp play doesn't stress framerate like normal online matches(I can go into reasons if you like). And since games are played on a 22-24" screen resolution doesn't matter either. Most comp players could care less what console they played on, as long as the tournaments keep going.

[Half_Minute_Hero]

If power is the only thing that matters, why don't they all just game on top end PCs then?

[BX81]

@aka
I find that Xbox has easier interface to use plus making a jump from the 360 controller to the xb1 controller is as big as going to the dualshock. If they had a good relationship before I would guess a return would be in order.

[scotmacb]

X1 pads have 40% less delay than x360 pads and if you stick a charge cable in it becomes wired and xlive has so much better chat cd quality psn chat is awful

[hkgamer]

why not make it for pc?

[Majin-vegeta]

Cuz they wouldn't be able to hit anything without aim assist.COD is a game that relies heavily on aim assist.Take it away from these guys and they will look like chumps.

[BG11579]

Exactly, they call it competition but all players are aided by these kind of options...
Really ridiculous!!!

[Half_Minute_Hero]

Meanwhile you look like a chump every single time you post something.

[sungin]

and doritos

[DeadRabbits]

Xbone and COD go together like Hormonal Preteens & Clearasil!

[tokugawa]

or, they go together like n4g and sony fanboys

[danny818]

more like EA and microsoft

[IVanSpinal]

Let me watch the Ghost sales for PS4.....

[truefan1]

XB1 is the console for the premier multiplayer experience, makes sense.

[sic_chops]

They use a LAN connection. Has nothing to do with the "premiere online experience"

[spy117]

Umm the 2k and 5k tournaments are online and the MLG events are on lan so yes it does have to do with the "premiere online experience".

[hkgamer]

care to explain? and dont say zero lag like most 360 fanboys said throughout last gen.

[Malphite]

How is it a better multiplayer experience when all serious tournaments are played on lan?

[scotmacb]

Just small details like x1 pads are 40% less delay than any x360 and ps3 pad and their faster than ps4 pads MLG guys will love that chat quality on x1 is superb cd quality ps3 and 4 chat is awful

[callahan09]

Quoting scotmacb: " x1 pads are 40% less delay than any x360 and ps3 pad and their faster than ps4 pads"

Citation needed.

[BG11579]

No it was the Dreamcast. :/

[Stryfeno2]

Why change something that isn't broken? Makes sense.

[jnemesh]

You don't think the Xbox One is broken???

[SquillieDeeWilliams]

Please explain how Xb1 is broken Jnemesh...

[Team_Litt]

Naturally.

[Ryan741]

Makes sense. Nobody can argue that Microsoft have the online side of things pretty much airtight. The Xbox one pad is also pretty much perfect.

[Kayant]

This isn't about online, or controller superior etc.

The main driving force behind this is that MS sponsors of MLG and COD so it's logical they make the evolution step to XB1.

[zerog]

Its most likely due to the partnership ms has for cod, you know getting dlc and such first. Logically you would use the platform with the bigest install base and most number of users but I guess money trumps logic these days. Personally i think multiplat games should have some sort of cross platform functionality for tounaments at least. It would make things more interesting, just imagine the fanboy wars then lol.

[hkgamer]

wouldnt the sensible choice be picking the platform that has more cod players. maybe wait for the new game to come out and see which one is more active.

if money or sponsership deals is behind the decision then i guess they had no choice.

[zerog]

Yeah. Thats what i was saying. Ghosts sold more copies on ps4 then x1. But still I think the best thing that could happen making it fair for everyone regardless of game or platform would be to have a 3rd party like the mlg host servers that was sponsored by all the big game publishers and console makers specifically for tournaments and to make them cross platform. It shouldn't matter in a tournament weather you're on xbox, ps or wii. Its about whos the best of the best and you can't find that out if you limit the platform.

[chaosx]

The guys that play in these leagues don't care about the console, they care about playing the game and winning. Xbox has been behind the league for a long time , and helped grow it to what it is today , logic dictates that you continue the business model if its working.

[zerog]

Ok but why wouldn't the model I suggested work and why wouldn't it be better? Your kind of logic is of the kind that prevents progress. If competitive players only care about playing and winning and not the console then they should embrace my model because the current model doesn't let them have the claim of being the BEST there is only the best on xbox. I've watched some of these tournaments and feel pretty confident my psn clan could mop the floor with most of these mlg clans.

[chaosx]

@Zerog feel free to grab an xbox and prove yourself ! If you are that sure of yourself then splashing out for your clan to get xbox's should be well worth the Prize money put up at the champs. Ill look for your name in next years championship!
As for your business model , the Best would be a High end PC with a controller attached, sorry to burst your PS4 is the best bubble.

[MCTJim]

I just like watching the tourneys. I dont care which system its on. But I guess its a plus for the X1 community.

[chaosx]

Sony aren't interested in this kind of thing. At least with MS backing the league will continue and hopefully grow. I don't think Sony are in the financial position to fund it anyway.

[Mikeyy]

So what about all those pro players on PC, and Playstation? They either compete with an Xbox controller putting them at a disadvantage or don't compete at all?

I guess I don't recognize MLG as pro then. Congrats to the future winners, it's a hollow victory.

[tommygunzII]

I agree. Might as well make Titanfall the arena.

[Goku781]

great job on spending lots of money to become default console, what would people choose other wise?

[Revengeance]

Moneyhatting of course.

[Flames76]

Got to go with the best

[mrpsychoticstalker]

Simply the Best Place to Play!

[mochachino]

Or MS struck a deal and paid for it.

Smart play by MS, but don't act like it's because the games are better on xone, in fact it's often quite the contrary. And it's bad for MLG and competitive gaming in the long run.

In terms of the best place to play and in the interest of determining who the best players/teams actually are, the best place to play would be having all the tournaments on equal spec PCs with each competitor permitted to use the controller of their choice, which kb & m being in a different tourny.

That is if you care more about seeing who the real champs are....

[Patrick_pk44]

"Call of Duty", I am surprised this is even a competitive game, let alone a popular one.

[neomahi]

And the desperation continues. Let this be a lesson to everyone that this is what happens when you don't tell the truth and get caught. Nobody can trust you and you have to work 20x harder to earn their trust back, if you can even do that. Moral of the story, always be honest.

[tommygunzII]

Having CoD for a shooter competition is like having Tomb Raider for a puzzle competition.

[kewlkat007]

Looking at the 360 + XBL don't see why would it have changed..

[Tedakin]

Seeing as how COD is in MS's pocket this makes sense.

[Funky Town_TX]

OMG, people are butt hurt over this?

[hano]

well
it has a better controller and interface than PS4 so it makes sense to me.

[OUROSMAG]

And in other news, water is wet.

[SH1ELD]

That's not an innovative way to attract gamers.

[MeliMel]

Good for MLG and MS.
I dont know why PS heads are making a big deal out of it. Its just a sponsor deal. MlG didnt have to go with MS, but they are obviously the best sponsors, with deep pockets. What can Sony do for MLG that MS can't? You fanboys think 1080p/60fps make the world go round...lol at the ones crying MS paid big money for this. NO SHIT! Have you never been sponsored for something?

[Hanuman]

Nice to hear some good news for a change after all the bias MS is getting lately.

[cruzngta]

Congrats MS and XB1. I guess it seems the 'underpowered' console is still a good enough machine for some people. People need to get over the whole MS hate already. I have both machines and both are great. Enjoy them for what they are people.

[Edvin1984]

I am not sure where to even watch MLG, but if this is good news yay gamers, and its bad news then...ahh bad microcrap/moneyy devils hurray sony...

Seriously, does this even matter? Like I see no gain for any gamer other then Microsoft having awareness of their console. In any case I am going back to playing guacamole game its really hard and I have no clue whats going on....also any one finish mario 3d world with all green stars and stamps?

[xDHAV0K24x]

use the MLG app on XB1

[Edvin1984]

Cool ill look into it thank you.

[Illusive_Man]

The new COD will be 1080p60 on both PS4 and X1. The resolution stuff is a moot point. It never affected the ability to play competitive multiplayer.

[Spid3r6]

This is actually a big deal, It would have been a big blow if MS would have lost this to Sony.

[CawMasterX]

Besides PC, a lot of gamers who play shooters prefer the Xbox Controller over Sony's but that could change seeing as DS4 had improved since the DS3.

[sk8ofmnd]

Lol good for xbox1. But wasnt there an article stating cod lead platform was switching to ps4. Wonder who mlg will pick then.

[xDHAV0K24x]

LOVING IT!