150°

Microtransactions in Console Games: Does a Dark Future Await?

With the just-announced price drop of the Xbox One, the removal of the Kinect, and the recent hiring of the games-focused Phil Spencer as new head of the Xbox division, Microsoft is backing off extremely hard from their initial branding as an always-on living room service and joining the Playstation 4’s price as more of a classic console. This might be good news for the future of consoles, but it’s also indicative of how perilous the console market is right now.

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hardcoredroid.com
madpuppy4048d ago

microtransactions would be fine...if all games with microtransactions were free. I'm not forking over 60.00 for a game I cannot complete without being nickel and dimed, and if microtransactions effect gameplay at all they should be banned.

ZodTheRipper4047d ago

What's with complicated examples like Driveclub where it's basically half-free? I think that it depends on the game itself and on the content you can buy ...let me start with saying that I never bought any ingame stuff and I'll probably never do - but if the game itself is build without microtransactions in mind and you can progress through it without them, then I can live with microtransactions added in for people who would like to speed things up. It's just extremely important that games are not being designed around microtransactions AT ALL. I think that Microtransactions can be a good thing (as a CHOICE) for developers and consumers alike just as long as nobody feels shortchanged.

ziggurcat4047d ago

well luckily for you there hasn't been a single instance where micro transactions have affected anything in any of the games they've been implemented, nor have they prevented anyone from acquiring the same items through natural progression that have been made available via micro transaction.

Jrmy844047d ago (Edited 4047d ago )

Was going to say the same thing. We pay enough for games already $60 plus if you buy collector editions.

slivery4047d ago (Edited 4047d ago )

Good luck with that, it's one rare situation that people actually give enough of a shit to work together on such a large scale to make a change for a slightly better world.

I could say the same about fossil fuels, something we shouldn't even be using anymore or things like paying for electricity that can be made for free but people pay out the ass for it regardless of knowing that. It is easier for people to just take it rather than deal with the struggle of fighting against it.

Just like people will continue to pay for microtransactions regardless of how it affects the industry.

People have been screwing up the world like this for centuries, it will never change as history runs in a continual loop, many don't have the intelligence or ambitions to want more out of life. A better future for others or even their children. They could not care as long as they drag by in their own little bubble, they are okay with it.

It will only get worse as time goes by, just about everyone these days is ripping us off but barely anyone cares and that is why these companies and practices will continue till the day every human is dead. The world is definitely a lost cause, there is no turning back now, we passed the point of no return ages ago.

Omnisonne4047d ago

Well explained, I sometimes really wonder what the future will hold (10-20y from now) should things keep going like this.

I dont really worry about gaming though, sure the big companies might try screw us over (and some will bend over).
But for the ones that refuse to, theres more than enough upcoming devs and devs with common sense (CD Projekt) that will continu to breathe life into gaming.

More than anything I see the community dividing in 2 sides: dumbasses and real gamers. Real gamers who have been there long before and will always be there to create and enjoy. And most importantly care about their fellow gamers, as opposed to random ex-lawyers and managers that just jumped into the industry to make $$$.

Apologies for the long post

randomass1714047d ago

Kingthrash360 speaks words of truth.

clonerz4048d ago (Edited 4048d ago )

Its coming but its up to us as consumers as to how much we are willing to be hosed

Mega244048d ago

its coming... it has been here for the last 8 years, microtrans have been a part of consoles since Guitar Hero 2 or 3 I think.

4048d ago
clonerz4048d ago

I was talking about dark future of microtransactions not microtransaction itself I myself have spent alot of money on dlc

s45gr324047d ago

Nope started last generation with Dead Space 3 were the gamer needed real money to modify and improve his/her weapons. What Guitar Hero offered was DLC. In contrast Dead Space 3 had both DLC and micro transactions and the game still cost $60.00 plus tax. The point is to not allow micro transactions for $60.00 games. Free to play solution can be found in extra creditz youtube channel.

pompombrum4048d ago (Edited 4048d ago )

Microtransactions can be a good thing, it's just a real shame that companies feel the need to ruin it and be greedy. If developers/publishers want to extend a game's life by adding in new content down the line, I don't see how that is a bad thing for fans of the game.

It's things like digital currency that bother me though. Letting people take shortcuts which can have a drastic effect to online modes by letting them buy the best stuff with real cash. Worse still, you then get games like GTA Online which (on the first few weeks at least) was clearly designed around trying to encourage people to buy ingame currency for real money by charging ridiculous amounts for dying and guns + ammo.

When games get designed around microtranactions is where the real problem lays. I don't see anything wrong with map packs and even funky weapon skins (providing they're not included on the disc then "unlocked" by buying them separately.

SegaGamer4048d ago (Edited 4048d ago )

I despise these things.

It's bad enough when they rip pieces out of games and then release them as DLC and call them "extra content" what a load of BS. It's very very rare that it is indeed extra content. Now we see this crap coming into gaming more and more. It will get to the point where i am playing an RPG and if i want to upgrade my armor or weapons i will need to pay REAL money for it.

DLC like i was talking about above and Microtransactions don't do the gaming world any good, it takes the fun out of it and ruins it.

s45gr324047d ago

Best statement ever, now I see why game developers got rid off map editors and free unlock ables to nickel and dime the consumer. What is the point of 50gb discs when map editors or free unlockables are available.

ajaxmoroni4048d ago

Join the boycott by igniting the petition.

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240°

‘I think Xbox hardware is dead’, says Microsoft gaming veteran

One of the founding members of the Xbox team has questioned Microsoft’s multiplatform gaming strategy, and said they believe the Xbox hardware business is effectively “dead"

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videogameschronicle.com
1d 6h ago Replies(3)
Goodguy011d 5h ago

Think that rumor that they'll still make a new console but at a profit at $1000 will be true though. The series consoles will remain their cheap alternative throughout next gen I would say. Keep in mind that game pass and pretty much going 3rd party is their main focus. They want to bring xbox everywhere.

1d 5h ago
GamerRN8h ago

If they don't maintain some kind of console presence, I think they will lose gamepass subscribers and just become a 3rd party publisher who eventually sells everything off

Cacabunga7h ago

Xbox games are releasing on all platforms. Who needs this hardware? PS or PC is all you need

Flewid6386h ago

I've never owned an Xbox in my life and I have GamePass.

thorstein5h ago

The only Xbox I owned was the 360. I have gamepass for my PC.

GamerRN20m ago

Majority of Gamepass users are currently on console...

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 20m ago
crazyCoconuts6h ago

Even if they could get it down to $800 for a box that can run with comparable performance to a PS6 (at, say $200 cheaper) the population of people willing to buy such a thing would be so limited.
It would be the worst of both worlds.

1d 2h ago
Futureshark17h ago

A slow, painful and public death too.

Show all comments (62)
300°

Looming Xbox layoffs threaten Microsoft's reputation

Even as the company sets out to overhaul the very definition of Xbox, cuts at its studios risk creating a negative image reminiscent of EA's worst era

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gamesindustry.biz
Jingsing3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

I appreciate the article but this guy must be living in a delayed universe, The reputation was ruined 10+ years ago and hasn't recovered since. As such people have voted with their wallets and stopped buying Xbox products in large amounts.

YourMommySpoils2d ago

Their reputation was lost way before that. From the moment Microsoft said they entering the console business, we all knew it would be a downgrade.

Bathyj1d 13h ago (Edited 1d 13h ago )

That's not true at all the OG Xbox had drive and they had hunger and they wanted to accomplish something. It was a great console.

they didn't quite reach their goals and they gave up prematurely because they couldn't win. It was halfway through the Xbox 360 when kinect released and that was when they lost their way and we're a rudderless ship ever since

Agent751d 11h ago

In all fairness, Xbox had some great games with online play, Xbox 360 even better. Xbox consoles started to die with the Xbox One. Ditch consoles for the PC and PS.

YourMommySpoils1d 2h ago

@Bathyj hard to compute ay. Xbox was never better than a PC and that's all they ever were. A demo box. Doesn't get more true than that.

3d ago Replies(1)
isarai3d ago

What reputation is this threatening exactly? 😂

Lightning773d ago

Rumors of Turn 10 being either shut down or hit with massive lay offs is on the horizon.

The issue is MS will do something right only to do something very, very wrong. And they do this what seems calculative at this point. Doesn't matter what they do the Investors and leadership want more and more money an endless bottomless pit of purr insatiable greed. A company that acts like it's broke or hurting is what really, really infuriates me. They've surpassed apple again well over 3 trillion who acts like they're a million dollar company is fk stupid. Pivots and changes for no reason and can't do things for more than a year with out a pivot or changing their metrics.

Christopher2d ago

That would be really bad since Phil just hyped up next year as a big Forza year at Summer Game Fest.

1Victor2d ago

@christopher: “ That would be really bad since Phil just hyped up next year as a big Forza year at Summer Game Fest”
The key word big can be ether good or bad 🤷🏿only time can tell

DarXyde2d ago

First Forza being generated entirely via AI?

If any company would do it, it'd be them.

Nacho_Z1d 18h ago

Isn't the point that it's irrelevant how profitable MS is, the suits have decided it's time that the Xbox division started making them money. Hence the layoffs, the pivots.

hennessey861d 14h ago

That wouldn't surprise me, as motorsport has been heading down hill since the great number 4. Where as playground have consistently put out better games. I think the two studios will be merged under playground games banner.

2d ago Replies(2)
Show all comments (63)
660°

Microsoft planning “major” Xbox layoffs next week

The cuts are expected to be announced next week.

Microsoft is also planning thousands of job cuts that will impact other parts of it businesses

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theverge.com
6d ago Replies(1)
6d ago Replies(1)
Obscure_Observer6d ago

MFs has been beating their chests over great quarterly results and big profits to shareholders while firing people by the thousands just like Sony.

I wonder if at the top of those rumored layoffs they´ll also cancel upcoming or unannounced games while shutting down more studios as well.

6d ago
pwnmaster30006d ago

Always got to throw shade at Sony smh.
Yes we get it,
MS good Sony bad
MS bad Sony is also bad lmao

6d ago
Obscure_Observer6d ago

F* them both!

Just for the record, I don´t care about your victim complex crap either. Find someone else who cares.

blacktiger6d ago

He was talking about both. Why you getting offended when he's using both names

pwnmaster30006d ago (Edited 6d ago )

@Blacktiger

Im not offended , that’s just his formula lol
He can’t help help himself, he needs to bring Sony down when the topic involves MS.
Whether is good news for MS or bad, it some how leads to Sony doing bad lmao.
It’s actually hilarious.

InUrFoxHole6d ago

He's not wrong but im tracking what youre saying. In this case is should just be MS bad. Thats a lot of people fired

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 6d ago
Tacoboto6d ago

"just like Sony"

Gosh you're insufferable, not everything needs to be both-sides'd. Sony's had layoffs, but nothing like what Microsoft has been doing and is continuing to do.

CrimsonWing696d ago (Edited 6d ago )

I mean, no offense, but this is why you’re not some corporate business person running a major corporation. Big profits don’t mean jobs are safe. Do you understand why things like this happen:

Cutting jobs to maintain or increase profitability, especially in underperforming divisions like parts of Xbox like other gaming divisions.

Corporate restructuring and relocating resources for strategic stability in ever changing markets and consumer behaviors.

Investor expectations and optimizing operations to maintain investor confidence. Whatever boosts stock prices and improves future margins.

And there’s many other factors at play. It’s never as simple as business doing well, everyone’s safe. That’s just you not understanding at all how corporations work and have been working since the beginning. This isn’t something that’s specific to Xbox, you can bet your ass Sony and Nintendo do this and if it’s not clear by now, game development is not a stable job nor has it ever been for many. A lot of developers are contractors and guess what happens when a project is done?

Ganif6d ago

Nintendo said they have no plans for layoffs, and you can't seriously claim that the scale of Sony's layoffs most of which involved Bungie which is self managed as even close to the same scale as what Microsoft has done since they purchased Zenimax. And that significantly less layoffs would have happened if those publishers had stayed independent. Keep in mind that much of these layoffs have been due to redundancies specifically related to these buyouts.

CrimsonWing696d ago (Edited 6d ago )

@Ganif

Nintendo:

https://gamerant.com/ninten...

Sony:

https://gamerant.com/playst...

https://techxplore.com/news...

I don’t think it’s realistic to treat Sony’s layoffs as somehow outside the norm for the industry right now. Even if Bungie is self-managed, Sony’s cuts went far beyond that like Naughty Dog, Insomniac, London Studio being shut down completely, and multiple teams across the globe took hits. These weren’t just minor adjustments.

Nintendo, I had to look up and you’re right. They seem to be an outlier, but rest assured at some point it happens. And even then there’s been layoffs, albeit a smaller amount and contractors.

Would fewer layoffs have happened if studios from acquisitions stayed independent? Maybe. But even independents have been hit hard and look at what’s happened with Embracer’s fallout, or smaller devs like Digic, Roll7, or Volition. This isn’t just a “Microsoft problem” or strictly tied to acquisitions; it’s a broader correction happening across the whole industry, and unfortunately, layoffs are a big part of that process right now.

Ganif6d ago

From your article:

"According to reports, Nintendo of America restructured its testing operations, leading to layoffs of about 120 contractors, part of a strategy for global integration.

Nintendo of America, publisher of iconic franchises like Mario and Zelda, is shifting some contractors to full-time roles for better development integration."

Contractors are not employees, and even if you want to count them as that, it's 120 people vs around 7500 since Microsoft purchased Zenimax.

In an era of game industry layoffs, Nintendo is hiring more people
https://automaton-media.com...

Nintendo Announces 10 Percent Pay Raise For Devs Despite Lower Profits
https://kotaku.com/nintendo...

Nintendo CEO’s refusal to layoff staff goes viral following industry-wide cuts
"Satoru Iwata took pay cuts to ensure staff didn’t have to be let go"
https://www.nme.com/news/ga...

And as for Sony you're comparing less than 1000 total jobs to an estimated7500

Has the industry faced layoffs, yes, but that still doesn't account for the mass layoffs due to redundancies that was easily predictable, or that fact that at least 1/3 of Microsoft's layoffs and studio closures happened before the industry downturn.

thorstein6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

Take the L, Crimson.

People hate Nintendo, but Ganif proved why they deserve support.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 6d ago
-Foxtrot6d ago

It's like banging your head off a wall, he just can't help himself.

Microsoft can do no wrong, Sony sucks at everything and Nintendo is bigged up because it's less hassle than trying to defend Microsoft all the time

What's going to happen when Microsoft finally turn completely third party, then what?

anast6d ago

I enjoy Obscure. Obscure does good work.

crazyCoconuts6d ago

Did you know that the first n4g was designed to be a perfect human world? Where none suffered, where everyone would be happy. It was a disaster. No one would accept the program.

Tacoboto6d ago

I wouldn't be surprised at this point if anast and osbcure were both alts for the Admin.

We know how Obscure especially drums up additional comments and clicks with his spam-worthy remarks that somehow never get moderated

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 6d ago
Profchaos6d ago

Thats business present a strong front to your shareholders while your company burns around you.

Keep shareholders happy at all costs andnif not happy keep them numb to the reality of you organisation

Angyobangyo5d ago

" Just for the record, I don´t care about your victim complex crap either. Find someone else who cares. "

Just for the record, you clearly you do if you have to vent this hard.

TheExecutioner5d ago

Basically you think like kids when it come to choose between candy or chocolate.

Sonic18815d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Are you and Anast the same person?

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 5d ago
6d ago
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