330°

Will Sony's Premature PS4 Announcement Pave The Way For Microsoft At E3 2013?

GamingUnion.net: "Sony have recently invited gaming journalists from major online publications to reveal what is believed to be their future plans with regards to the PlayStation brand. It is commonly believed that this will include the announcement of the PlayStation 4, but Sony of course have not commented on this rumour."

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gamingunion.net
GribbleGrunger4097d ago (Edited 4097d ago )

Premature? I'd say it was quite a clever move myself. Get the opposition on the back foot and then hit them hard. Sony play chess with guile and finesse while Microsoft play poker with bluffs and a large pots. And, no, it doesn't pave the way for Microsoft at E3. Do people really think that Sony are going to make all their moves this month?

Abash4097d ago (Edited 4097d ago )

Sony has confidence the PS4 announcement will be a tough act to follow, thats why they are doing it so early

MikeMyers4096d ago

The same can be said about Microsoft and Nintendo. The Wii U is already out and Microsoft said awhile ago bring it on with a countdown to E3.

These systems are years in the making and they don't just make spur of the moment decisions on when to announce things. 2013 could very well be an exciting year with Valve, Microsoft and Sony all going to battle.

We are already seeing things out of the ordinary like Microsoft's early comment, Nintendo Direct announcement, Valve and their openness about Steambox, and now Sony announcing a major event on Feb. 20th. I think they know how much the landscape has changed over the years and you have to adapt or die and try new ways to market your product.

TheGamerDood4096d ago (Edited 4096d ago )

How the hell is it premature to bringing a product to market sooner than expected, especially after this gen has gone on longer than it should have. If it had been MS showing new hardware it would have been considered a brilliant strategic move.
-_-

miyamoto4096d ago

Sony PlayStation has never been late or too early to the party.

bangshi4096d ago

@TheGamerDood bringing something sooner than expected is pretty much the definition of premature.

Don't panic, though I see what you mean and I agree with you.

This is not premature. We all know consoles are coming 2013.

This event will show the PS4 and we will get more gaming news and pricing at E3 followed by I think an October launch.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4096d ago
mephman4097d ago (Edited 4097d ago )

You say that, but the whole NGP reveal followed by the Vita reveal at E3... wasn't so great. If they'd have just done a reveal at E3, the hype would have been better.

wishingW3L4097d ago

the hype was incredible the problem is that Nintendo did a desperate price-cut and the masses flocked to it.

ILive4097d ago

The ps4 and the vita are 2 different things. I dont see the announcement as premature. These article needs a title change. If the ps4 was backwards compatible, would it still be premature?

NatureOfLogic4096d ago

The only reason the 360 is even relevant right now is because it was first to launch. I can't wait to see how ms do against sony head to head. I think ms should be worried big time.

UnholyLight4096d ago

KingElixer..

Are you serious man? Both companies are going to have some revolutionary stuff. I highly doubt Microsoft is even worried about Sony. They've been working really hard and secretively for how long now? I find it incredibly stupid to say such things that Microsoft is in trouble when neither has tipped their hand yet.

Incredibly stupid...Both companies are going to blow us away with what they have to offer. Just look at the types of positions and whatnot they have been hiring for.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4096d ago
LOGICWINS4097d ago

"Sony play chess with guile and finesse while Microsoft play poker with bluffs and a large pots."

Seems you have some inside information on Microsoft's next console to say that they're "bluffing". Care to share, or are you under some sort of contract?

Saigon4097d ago

I think he is referring more to how each company handles their business transactions. In reality its pretty much close to spot on...

Ron_Danger4096d ago

Bluffing: see Kinect advertising

GribbleGrunger4096d ago (Edited 4096d ago )

Well, I wasn't being literal, Logic, I was waxing lyrical, but I'd say there's more than a thread of truth in my analogy. The two posters above me and below you understood where I was coming from.

LOGICWINS4096d ago

Oh thats a shame. Was hoping for some solid info on the 720. Either way, we'll see if Sony's bluffing on the 20th :)

Gazondaily4096d ago

Sony don't bluff? What about the E3 where they unveiled the so-called in-game tech demos? That was finesse was it?

Blind fanboyism ftw!

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4096d ago
Merrill4097d ago

It's not like E3 is the place to make formal console announcements.

Saigon4096d ago

I am starting to agree with that because didn't MS announce the XBox 360 at an MTV event and Sony first announced the first concept of the PS3 at the Tokyo Game Show...

rainslacker4096d ago

Better to announce it before E3 with some information trickling out to get hype going. At E3 they're going to want more than just the PS4 to have some of the spotlight. E3 is a place to show off the features announced along with games and other features not mentioned to keep the hype going. All that gives people something exciting to look forward to at E3.

GalacticEmpire4097d ago

PS4 is a wizard and as we all know...

A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.

ZoyosJD4096d ago

E3...LOL. If Sony only announces the PS4 and leave the price and release date for E3 all we will hear about is E3 hype for all these next gen games that are currently slated "only for PS4" or "next gen consoles" for the next 4 months. I don't think so. I wouldn't be surprised is MS has their teaser(not announcement) ready before Feb 20th just to stir the pot.

Skate-AK4096d ago

Bubs. That was an awesome comparison.

Mounce4096d ago

My thinking, or hope...is that Sony makes it seem like they're going to take it slow and take their time. They said quite soundly that they're not going to be 'last in the race' again after PS3. Then all of a sudden a few months ago they're like "Go ahead Microsoft..."... It's either a clever bluff to make Microsoft think they have more time to tweak things out similar to the 360 and its hardware being poorly overlooked and rushed out. Or, Sony just is showing PS4 but actually do intent to be 'last' but thought of a way not to get screwed as hard as launch aka Price point.

I'd expect Sony to rush Microsoft again if they were bluffing, which I'm more inclined to believe is what they're doing....starting the hype though, will they follow through and continue the hype and make a big launch earlier than most expect?....

I'd be hard pressed....if any MGS game or, FF13Versus....the Last Guardian....Agency....all those games lost and more became launch titles? (MGS wise, Ground Zeroes is possible)... Well, I'd probably buy it at launch. Easy.

AngelicIceDiamond4096d ago

@Grunge Bluffs? As far as I'm concerned MS out of the two deliver on their announcements at E3. And I don't mean their recent E3's (though they delivered on those) I'm talking about MS's early E3's when they were actually good.

Nintendo's Vitality sensor still doesn't exist. Wii U's third party exclusivity. Ninja Gaiden Razors Edge is now multiplat.

Sony's Agent and Last Guardian aren't around.

I'm just trying to make a point. So far MS usually delivers on their announcements at E3.

DOMination-4096d ago

Actually the last few years Sony have announced everything before e3 and not had anything new to show at their conference. I hope they don't do that this year.

lonix4096d ago

it really comes down to who releases first.

hopefully sony wont miss the boat this time.

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 4096d ago
fluffydelusions4097d ago

We know nothing of any next gen consoles yet. Let's wait and see.

PirateThom4097d ago

Sony, if they announce the PS4 at this event, have their entire E3 conference to focus on games.

If Microsoft announce at E3, they have to split their time between the console, features and games.

It's really no odds, they're still going to be hyped up to max and, when it comes down to it, sales of the next Microsoft console will be higher in the US, sales of the next Sony console will be higher in Europe and Japan. Hype won't change that.

Eskimo Keith4097d ago

I agree, Sony will have more time for their games and if they have an impressive line up like I'm hoping it will, it'll be a spectacular show. However, if Microsoft announce a console at the same show, the gaming press will more likely want to cover their new console along with any games they are showcasing around the same time.

I truly am looking forward to E3 and indeed the 20th because Sony and Microsoft along with their 1st party developers have mostly been keeping quiet, which usually means new games and a reason to get excited.

rainslacker4096d ago

Both would get coverage either way. One of the nice things of the internet is there is not limited space to cover everything. One may overshadow the other. Given MS E3 shows of the past few years it's hard to see them overshadowing Sony who focus primarily on games at E3.

DOMination-4096d ago

Don't forget the four montages set to euro dance music Sony always bring to e3!

But yeah true. If they do a full recall now of the hardware they don't need to repeat it all at e3 freeing up time to talk about games or sales numbers

Gamer19824096d ago

Indeed it depends whats more important to you, games or new console announcement. To Xbox fans it will be the console as they have been waiting but gamers in general it will be games. So very clever for Sony.

LOL_WUT4097d ago

Premature? Seems like someones bitter that Sony beat them to the punch. ;)

Eskimo Keith4097d ago

Not particularly, Microsoft beat them out of the gate last time and Sony benefited from the extra time by beefing up their console. Not to mention their lucky break that Xbox's were red ringing all over the place around the one year mark.

And as for bitterness, I only feel that way toward Microsoft when I came to the realisation that I was paying a gold subscription for what I could do on the PS3 and PC all along for free. Not to mention their constant renovations to the now barely recognisable home screen. Seriously, how many menus do I have to go through to get to my downloaded demos?

ILive4096d ago (Edited 4096d ago )

Why do people make such comments: "microsoft beat them out of the gate last time and Sony benefited from extra time by beefing up their console." Tell me, how could they beef up an already completed console? Did you even know why they delayed the ps3? Its just like people quoting kaz about letting ms make the first move before revealing their console. Sony just csnt change the specs of a console that as been in development for years after seeing what ms has to offer. Its nonsensical, and many eat it up. I would say that sony is better prepared, and that is why they are ready to reveal the console by avoiding the mistakes with the ps3.

kneon4096d ago

It's obvious why the PS3 didn't launch earlier, Bluray wasn't ready. They wanted to launch with Bluray and HDMI 1.3 both of which were only finalized in the first half of 2006.

They had no option but to wait.

Walker4097d ago

Premature?! lol . This is absolutely a clever move !

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240°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

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theverge.com
darthv7220h ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle7h ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic18814h ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio4h ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Cacabunga6h ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

shinoff21836h ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga4h ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan45m ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

purple1019h ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos9h ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

XBManiac8h ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad8h ago(Edited 8h ago)

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple1017h ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos7h ago(Edited 7h ago)

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic6h ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

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150°

Sony Patents To Prevent You From In-Game Harassment By Reading Your Emotions

A new patent recently published by Sony wants to gather biometric data of gamers to track whether one is being harassed using AI tools.

Profchaos1d 9h ago (Edited 1d 9h ago )

I hope this is one of those patents that never comes to fruition.

I already dislike the fact you can pay a significant amount for a online service buy associated games and content on said service and get banned from that service over potentially a misunderstanding the bans are already handed out for flimsy reasons

I'd rather see money invested in a ban that simply removes the offensive players ability to communicate with unknown players allow them to continue party chats with friends but not with Joe blow on cod.

exputers1d 5h ago

Agreed. Blizzard recently banned a college Overwatch 2 player who's dependent for saying "shit." Pretty harsh.

Profchaos14h ago(Edited 14h ago)

How rediculas really. You can't say a word that's allowed in most PG films and prime time TV but the game is based around killing the enemy team using guns, explosives etc.

It's just backwards.

just_looken16h ago

What your talking about is called block list

In 2006 a spaceship dropped of the playstation 3/xbox 360 i say that that generation was the last great gen with game functions/tech that has yet to comeback

Anyhow the playstation 3 if you block listed a id they could not talk to you in chatroom with either text or voice. But that was pre mind fucked 2018 when people were more human than sheep.

But hey gta 6 is coming out billion dollar budget without a single player custom character creator and without singeplayer coop off/online something saints row 1-3 had on the xbox 360.

z2g1d 1h ago

Take my social security and bank account numbers too! Here’s a picture of my wife and our address.

phoenixwing1d 1h ago

Cmon where's the pictures of your children. Don't hold out on them.

H91d 1h ago

At this rate I feel Sony will eventually sell a room to play games in it where they can monitor your every breath

jambola22h ago

I genuinely get a bit worried sometimes when a friend says something that could be offensive In a party
Because I have no trouble believing some bans would happen when in a private party for saying something wrong

SegaSaturn6691d ago

I want them to censor erotic content by measuring my groin temperature so i dont get too distracted while playing black ops 2.

Popsicle1d ago

Terrible idea. Not only do I not consent to providing my biometric data, the potential for mishandling biometric data is almost a certainty. Positive stress and negative stress can produce similar changes in biometrics. Interpreting the precise emotion a person is feeling is not only invasive but could be easily misconstrued. I hope this never comes to fruition.

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300°

Microsoft Seemingly Closes Bethesda France

As part of its plans to cut 1,900 jobs, Microsoft has reportedly shut down operations at Bethesda France, letting go roughly 15 people

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insider-gaming.com
Hereandthere1d 16h ago

Microsoft should have left them stay 3rd party

GamerRN1d 14h ago

If they are let go, they can be whatever they want. They ARE 3rd party now... 🤦

Barlos1d 11h ago

Yeah, they're also jobless.

GamerRN1d 4h ago

They can form a company if they want, they are just as jobless as if "Microsoft had left them as 3rd party".

peppeaccardo1d 6h ago

"MIcrosoft leaves Bethesda do what they know how to do best" ... close! Oh the irony ....
(Citation from a week old article)

ChasterMies1d 2h ago

I think Microsoft and other game publishers are letting people go because they think ai will replace them. Doesn’t matter how much profit they make. They were always going to be let go.

PassNextquestion1d 16h ago (Edited 1d 16h ago )

Bethesda France was made up of roughly 15 people... they couldn't of being doing much

Bethesda France mainly did publishing and marketing within the region

blacktiger1d 14h ago

that's a shame for you to say that, i'm sure Elite loves hearing what you just said.

Mr Logic1d ago

What a stupid thing to say. The elites give 0 fucks what we say on an obscure website in the comments section.

Crows9023h ago

You can always reach out and give them jobs at your company man. Don't wait

Profchaos1d 16h ago (Edited 1d 16h ago )

Bethesda France focused on publishing and marketing in the region. And 15 people lost their jobs as part of the closure.

I wonder if this is part of Microsoft's strategy to abandoned physical media or possibly gamepass advertising makes their roles redundant you don't need to market a game as hard when the majority of players get the game as part of a sub which already promoted upcoming games

Tacoboto1d 16h ago

It's France too, there's a high likelihood only 1-2 people on the team even had an Xbox.

Profchaos1d 15h ago

Possibly guven all the leaks we know the Xbox brand is really struggling in the region.

Yi-Long1d 12h ago

Well, if your consoles and games are barely found in any stores any more, of course you're gonna struggle finding consumers ...

XiNatsuDragnel1d 15h ago

Tbh Microsoft I think Bethesda being 3rd party same with Activision would probably more competitive than thus scenario imo

Profchaos1d 13h ago (Edited 1d 13h ago )

I think it would have been better for all parties really especially gamers

TheColbertinator1d 14h ago

The recently purchased Activision French offices might take over all the licensing and marketing for Microsoft in France from now on.

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