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The 'X'-Factor That Microsoft Has Over Sony – Phil Spencer

Saleswise Sony has been doing great since the PS4 launched back in 2013 but there are things that Sony can learn from Microsoft - Enter Phil Spencer.

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paradiger.com
Cindy-rella3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

Quotes from article

"Don’t get me wrong I’m a vivid PlayStation gamer and a huge fan of Sony but each time I’m amazed by the amount of support and feedback Spencer are digesting. Where Sony supplies their console with the occasional update (the 2.50 update was an amazing update, thanks), Spencer’s Xbox team keeps implementing user feedbackthrough monthly updates for their console. The implementation of highly requested features for the console shows that Spencer and Microsoft are really listening to their fans".

"With Twitter becoming more and more important for gaming news, Spencer and Xbox’s head of marketing Aaron Greenberg fire up their twitter accounts almost daily to answer questionsfrom fans and do the occasional teasing. This kind of interaction appeals the fans and while Sony does speak out on Twitter now and then, Sony’s key figures Andrew House, Jim Ryan and Shawn Layden don’t appeal to their fans as much as Spencer does".
***************************** *****

Lol. Its a video game console and the writer is giving credit to microsoft for releasing updates for the xbox one to fix its UI and its PR team being more active on social networks. While Sony has been the only one releasing AAA exclusives this year and will continue to release more exclusive titles in first half of 2015, the competition has nothing lined up as exclusive until 3rd quarter of 2015. I guess the writer as well as some other fanatics prefers to get firmware updates and talk to the xbox pr team online instead of getting games to play for Xbox one.

VER1ON3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

Might as well explain why you find this funny, instead of merely trolling

Cindy-rella3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

People throw around the trolling term liberally these days. It seems like when a point differs from someone elses people throw out the trolling term as a way to discredit someone because they havent an argument. Most of what i said are facts but i guess you cant counter it so you say im trolling. Instead of countering what i said by telling me the AAA games Microsoft has been releasing in 2015 or how firmware updates are better than games on a console you say im trolling

VER1ON3305d ago

@Cindy-Rellla

Funny how you just edited your post ((Edited 12m ago) and state that I couldn't counter your facts? Facts that weren't even there when I posted my reply (17m ago).

vishmarx3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

i dont consider f/w updates the x-factor in gaming especially when the list of features on either is near identical.
that would be games for me, but to each his own i guess.i personally would never put dlna over games when purchasing a gaming console

and by that pr, i hope to god he isnt giving points for having aaron greenberg and yusuf mehdi.coz id really rather not have those 2 xfactors associated to any brand at all

Cindy-rella3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

"Funny how you just edited your post ((Edited 12m ago) and state that I couldn't counter your facts? Facts that weren't even there when I posted my reply (17m ago)."
- Verizon.

I didnt edit anything i said and thats why i responded to you in another post because i couldnt respond to you in my first post. You still havent countered what i said and accused me of trolling. Who's trolling now?

People keep talking about features on xbox one and it getting a lot of firmware updates but it hasnt any features like ps now or shareplay on the ps4. Shareplay is one of the best feature on a gaming system now.

Cupid_Viper_33305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

I guess what the article really wanted to say is this:
"The X-factor that Microsoft has over Sony-- PS4"

Microsoft came out with an original for the XBox One, and in the end they basically turned it into a poor man's PS4 by reversing almost every single policy they had in place. And yes, Phil Spencer PLAYED an integral role in those original policies as well. Surely it's more than ok for him to get credit for also being part of the solution. But when you're selling 30,000 XBox One in April-May 2014, it doesn't exactly take a genius to realize that you must drastically depart from such policies.

Now people are praising monthly updates for the XBox One while it has yet to see an update that is as remotely paramount as the SharePlay Update that the PS4 received not too long ago.

This is partly why you guys on the XBox camp almost got shafted with Mandatory Online Checks and Mandatory Kinect. From the minute Project Natal was announced, people called Microsoft out on the BS, but you boys went all out in defending them. Since then, nearly 5-6 years and over 1 Billion dollars has been wasted on Kinect and Kinect 2. http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

Most tech companies comes up with a bunch of ideas of how to try to be innovative and present something different to their consumers. This is where you're supposed to do yourself a favor as a consumer and provide honest feedback for said companies. Kinect SHOULD HAVE NEVER left the prototype stage, and a lot of you guys, and the media are to blame for that.

Microsoft makes the Xbox 360, one of the most defective piece of electronics ever mass marketed and sold, and you guys defended that. They introduced Kinect with a bunch of obvious smoke and mirrors, and even had actors and Cirque Du Soleil people to distract from the actual product, and you guys bashed anyone who dared point out the obvious flaws and deceits. They also raised the priced of XBox Live for P2P servers, and put Netflix, youtube and their web browser behind the pay wall, and again you guys defended them.

At that point, a respectable CEO would be a fool to not try and come out with a system that required mandatory kinect, and mandatory online checks every 24 hours, and all the other draconian policies.... Sheeeeeiiit.... I know would try for sure to see how much I can get away with.

Now you guys are already knee deep into praising Microsoft for giving you guys nothing but "updates" for nearly the first 7-8 months of the year and then overcrowding the last 3-4 months of the year with in-house games.

So far between Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft, there has only been just 3, ONLY 3 significant updates in the past 4-5 years as far as "gamers" are concerned:

#1 Remote Play
#2 SharePlay
#3 Live broadcasting on consoles.

Everything else off of this list is nothing but unnecessary extras that either your smartphone, or smart TV can already do with ease.

Anyone trying to pass off these "extras" as killer features or X-factors are either being paid to do so, or simply delusional.

punctualdork3305d ago

This is a really juvenile discussion.

johndoe112113305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

@vishmarx

Not only that, whenever people like me say that there is a conspiracy against sony and the playstation brand many people on this site call us paranoid and conspiracy theorists and totally ignore any shred of logic to anything we say, yet here we are with this topic. Last gen both xbox supporters AND the media alike absolutely crucified sony for having regular f/w updates. It was the worst thing ever and it showed that the ps3 was a mess that was behind the 360 in features and quality (their opinions, not mine).

Fast forward to this gen, now that things have been completely reversed, having f/w updates every week is a great thing. It shows that microsoft is listening to its user base and that they are actively trying to make the system better. We also get articles from the media like this showing that it's actually a strength to have over the competitor.

I do not give a rat's behind what anyone else says or thinks, or how much disagrees I get, I will say it until my voice goes, the western media is biased towards the xbox brand. And you know what? When you hear stories of microsoft giving an independent gaming website $750,000 to start their business and then that website turns into a microsoft pr company, you know exactly where the bias is coming from. One can only imagine what other under the table deals have been made with other "journalists".

Gazondaily3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

@Cupid

"Anyone trying to pass off these "extras" as killer features or X-factors are either being paid to do so, or simply delusional."

Here's an idea; people are simply praising the updates because they are making the console as a whole become better?

* External HDD support is to be scoffed at?
* Comprehensive Twitch support is to be scoffed at?(should have been day one I know)
* Achievement snapping should be scoffed at?
* Extensive media support should be scoffed at?

Seriously, there are so many improvements that there are too many to list:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

"Now you guys are already knee deep into praising Microsoft for giving you guys nothing but "updates""

Yeah and you guys need to stop making sweeping statements. Who is praising NOTHING but updates? What about the games that Xbox fans have been playing such as Titanfall, Horizon 2, Ori, Sunset OD, Killer Instinct, etc? No? No one is praising these? Of course they are. You 'guys' are in there quick to tell us why those don't matter so surely you know about them right?

"So far between Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft, there has only been just 3, ONLY 3 significant updates in the past 4-5 years as far as "gamers" are concerned:

#1 Remote Play
#2 SharePlay
#3 Live broadcasting on consoles. "

Your opinion and you're entitled to it.

Again:

"Anyone trying to pass off these "extras" as killer features or X-factors are either being paid to do so, or simply delusional."

Anyone jumping at the opportunity to downplay these updates is either a delusional fanboy or someone who simply has no clue about how the Xbox One works and has evolved over the months.

@johndoe
"Not only that, whenever people like me say that there is a conspiracy against sony and the playstation brand many people on this site call us paranoid and conspiracy theorists"

And rightly so.

"Last gen both xbox supporters AND the media alike absolutely crucified sony for having regular f/w updates."

And rightly so.

Did you even own a PS3 I'm starting to wonder. Because what I remember was painfully long updates that didn't install in the background over night, that didn't add the features the community were asking for all the time, and took away Linux. But no, your revisionists want to go back and play the victim act and forget the reality of the situation.

The media is biased against Sony? I read this a lot when the Order came out. Then when the most consistently glowing reviews came out for Bloodborne, everyone was remarkably silent. Reviews now matter. I read people saying "lol waiting for Polygon/ign review lololol" and then high reviews come out...its all bliss.

Its you. You lot are paranoid and your behaviours are toxic. You are the problem.

Godmars2903305d ago

@Septic:

"Here's an idea; people are simply praising the updates because they are making the console as a whole become better?"

Except that they aren't. By the title alone, by what changes MS have made are being held by the author if not fans as advantages over Sony. That's utter delusion.

"Yeah and you guys need to stop making sweeping statements. Who is praising NOTHING but updates? What about the games that Xbox fans have been playing such as Titanfall, Horizon 2, Ori, Sunset OD, Killer Instinct, etc? No? No one is praising these? Of course they are. You 'guys' are in there quick to tell us why those don't matter so surely you know about them right?"

This is a shared fault on both sides: praising titles that "aren't all that". Games that are either on PC, didn't really review and/or sell that well, or are only exclusives because of legal/contractual rather than technical reasons. Just like Titianfall had developmental issues which caused it to be sub or mid par of what it was promised to be and Ori for all you want to talk about it could be on PSN as it is on XBL, Killzone Shadowfall was a "standard" FPS that sort of looked pretty and No Man's Sky is something to talk about that just showing up on PS4 first.

johndoe112113305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

@Septic

"Because what I remember was painfully long updates that didn't install in the background over night, that didn't add the features the community were asking for all the time, and took away Linux."

Updates downloaded automatically but had to be installed manually. I can see why that was a problem for some impatient people but it wasn't for me. What features did they not add? Did you expect them to add every single feature in one update? Has the xbox one done this? Are you criticizing microsoft for only now adding features people were asking for since release? Or are you too much of a hypocrite to notice? As far as I am concerned removing Linux was a pro and a con. It was a great feature to have that I wish they kept it but at he end of the day there are many legitimate reasons for its removal: http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

No, we are not paranoid and we aren't the problem. It's you and your kind. The corrupt journalists who try to fix and manipulate a fanbase and a medium to your own selfish ends. You cover each others back and when anyone brings even a shred of evidence to show said manipulation you turn and paint us as the crazy ones.

Everyone and their mother who is not an xbox fanatic knows that the media is biased towards the xbox brand. Only hypocritical and agenda pushing lackeys like you argue otherwise. HMCC received 8's, 9's and 10's from your kind. A rehashed and completely broken game who's multiplayer was practically unplayable for the first couple months of it's release but some how DC got 4's 5's and 6's for the same exact issues. No, no freaking bias there.

Gaming websites screamed from the top of their lungs about the minor differences in graphics last gen, they used it to show why the xbox was better and some sites even went so far as using that to recommend NOT getting a ps3 and buying a 360 instead. This gen however now that microsoft is behind, it's ridiculous to look at graphics. Now, most sites are saying how stupid it is to compare graphics and anyone who does is a stupid fanboy.

I couldn't care less what the hell you think of me, As long as certain individuals are stuffing their pockets with that microsoft money I know exactly what to expect from your kind.

badz1493305d ago

LOL seriously, who wrote this article? Spencer's personal assistance? He's a nice guy and all but the X-Faxtor over Sony? Correcting mistakes made earlier and reversing unpopular policies are considered as X-factors now? Last time I check, the gap in sales is still widening and the Xbone is still pretty much like the 360 - year end exclusives console with barely anything worth mentioning for the rest of the year! Seriously now, what is this X-Factor thing that is so significant that some people thought we need a whole article just to talk about it?

AngelicIceDiamond3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

@Verion Cindy isn't trolling shes being extremely hypocritical and doesn't even know it. So MS has a dry AAA quarter and NOW you complain but totally forget about the indies line up.

I'm currently playing NeverWinter and I've lost track of time on that game countless times, Child Of Light is free this month might download that. And State Of Decay releases this month as well. SMITE should be out of Beta hopefully soon. Gigantic a new Ip cross PC cross Xbox MOBA releases this year and Elite Dangerous this summer and Space Engineers plus more. http://powerupgaming.co.uk/...

Loads of Indies releasing through out the year so far.

Oh wait a minute lets change it up AGAIN make it about AAA's and not indies now correct?

So what are you talking about? For the last time I agree I would like MS to spread their games out that's true. I get it I understand it. But MS has been consitent in its indie games so far.

But that doesn't matter until Sony has a AAA dryspell then you can re-write what games are NOW important to support your ever changing hypocritical argument.

But that's the only argument you got and your clearly running with it. To you that MS biggest and greatest next big downfall MS has going right now, which is when these games release. That's terrible that's your only comeback because its weak, sad and kinda funny and huge dose of the usual annoying hypocrisy that goes around here...

@Mars "Really not getting what you're trying to say, given that MS's current thing with indies is in direct response and a total reversal of unfriendly indy policies which only helped Sony."

Ok well, Not sure what your trying to say but MS is snagging allot more indies than what they had before. Doesn't matter what MS had to do or did to get the games coming but, they're coming and my point still stands.

Godmars2903305d ago

@AngelicIceDiamond:
Really not getting what you're trying to say, given that MS's current thing with indies is in direct response and a total reversal of unfriendly indy policies which only helped Sony.

Nevermind all of the damage they did to the concept of console personality through the games on them by insisting that exclusives didn't matter last gen. That when they were expecting - buying - 3rd party suppose at the cost of failing to deliver their own in-house resources. Has left the online gaming community in state where non-gaming features are argued over deciding a system's identity and remasters are somehow a thing.

Rachel_Alucard3305d ago

I see some people spouting nonstop that Xbox has indie games galore coming and they use Ori and the blind forest as evidence to support it. Out of the 2 dozen indie games that have released on the Xbox there has only been one decent game released and it's not even anything to set the system apart from the competition.

I believe indie games on the Xbox are like the Boomerang of television. It's a channel that's only there so they can say they have this many stations available on your satellite provider. Sony doesn't actively go out and seek indie devs like MS does, they all just come right to them.

If you want to see the difference this makes just scroll down to digital releases and you can see for yourself those "amazing" indie games released on the Xbox.

http://www.listwar.com/rele...

+ Show (12) more repliesLast reply 3305d ago
daBUSHwhaka3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

"Sony has been the only ones releasing AAA games".WTF you smoking.I'm not even going to humour you by wasting time listing the excellent list of games that have been released for the X1.So far the PS exclusives are nothing to shout about.Can't speak for bloodbourne because I haven't played it and don't plan to.As for the updates the consoles have been getting, Sony fans laughed when Microsoft announced screen shots.." we've had this from day one and that's the Xbox getting it a year later "...the fanboys shouted..... how long did it take the PlayStation to get YouTube,External HDD support,Resume play ......enough said.Back to kingdom to find ure glass slippers Cinderella

ThanatosDMC3305d ago

Wow, talk about salty comment early in the morning.

Everything was working day 1 with the PS4 from all the stuff you mentioned except External HDD. Youtube was accessible via the web browser as well as pornhub and Resume play was there immediately after you open a different app. If you mean, the ability to pause the status of game and continue from where you left off just like the PSPgo, then no.

Gazondaily3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

@Thanatos

"Youtube was accessible via the web browser "

No it didn't work.

"Resume play was there immediately after you open a different app"

That's not what he was talking about.

"If you mean, the ability to pause the status of game and continue from where you left off just like the PSPgo, then no."

Lol yes, he means like the PSPgo. That was obvious no?

Both of you need to simmer it down. @daBUSHwaka- Cindy Rella's comment histroy almost exclusively consists of ripping into the X1 so I wouldn't take anything posted by him seriously.

ger23963305d ago

If you read her comment, she stated exclusives released this year.

RocketScienceLvlStuf3305d ago

This article is rubbish. It was shuhei yoshida who started this twitter thing. At the time it was rare for the president of a company to be interacting with the public on Twitter.

It's yet another page Microsoft have taken from the Sony book.

I actually think that Phil Spencer wants to work for Sony with the amount of things that he has ripped from them.

Games with gold a perfect example. The list goes on and on.

Justjoined1233305d ago

You are just making a fool of yourself, Sony did not invent marketing through twitter, nor did Yoshida.

BG115793305d ago

@Justjoined123, neither did Spencer... So why is Spencer is treated in an article about being an xfactor based on that? If he's doing what ever has been done by other prior before him in other companies.
It doesn't matter if it's an article about Spencer, Yoshida or another guy. They may be nice guys. But writing article based in this trait and make it has it's something exceptional and unique, is quite delusional.

Sonital3305d ago

Games with Gold was a reaction to PS Plus which was a reaction to being hacked. Amazing how everyone forgets this..

Gazondaily3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

"Lol. Its a video game console and the writer is giving credit to microsoft for releasing updates for the xbox one to fix its UI"

You don't think the UI of a console is important? Streamlining services that are integral to your gaming experience? Right...

"Sony has been the only one releasing AAA exclusives this year "

Only one of which is actually good.

"I guess the writer as well as some other fanatics prefers to get firmware updates and talk to the xbox pr team online instead of getting games to play for Xbox one."

I'm sorry but with your comment history, you cannot use the term 'fanatic' and not be called out. The X1 has a slew of great games in its library. Only a fool would deny that unless they have an aversion to the titles released for the console- but even then, objectively you cannot rinse the X1 for having a bad lineup. Only AAA titles matter to you so maybe, you preferred the X1 last year?

@below

Yes BB is excellent. I can't think of the other 'good' game but your taste may differ. But whatever the title is, I'm sure its nothing to shout out about.

OrangePowerz3305d ago

I counted so far for this year one good and one excellent PS4 exclusive.

kneon3305d ago

I spend 15 seconds in the UI and then 2 hours playing a game, so for me the UI is irrelevant as long as I can get into my game in seconds.

Spotie3305d ago

"I'm sure its nothing to shout out about."

Dat stealth trolling, doe.

There are actually three AAA exclusives out for PS4 already this year, and I'm sure you know what all three of them are. How much YOU liked any of them is utterly irrelevant. The point of the comment you quoted is that they are there on PS4, and no answering titles exist on XB1.

A "fanatic" who's talking about games hasn't stooped to the level of one who praises updates instead. It's also not like you've got room to call anybody out on using that term.

As for last year, that's irrelevant for two reasons. First: Both of the consoles in question had plenty of AAA exclusives last year, so you can't really compare it to now, when one has those games and the other doesn't. Second: Even if you DID count last year, the difference in the number was small at the final count, wasn't it?

"objectively you cannot rinse the X1 for having a bad lineup."

Says the guy using subjective arguments to diminish the PS4's games.

Gazondaily3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

@ Spotie

You're like a tail, constantly following me lol (hi there). I returned the favour below no worries ;)

"Dat stealth trolling, doe"

The Order. There you go. The Order is rubbish.

What's the the third AAA title?

"It's also not like you've got room to call anybody out on using that term."

Lmao, please don't start when you were sat on one bubble because of your fanboyism.

Updates shouldn't be praised? Updates have changed the X1 dramatically. These are big updates changing the way the console works, how well it works and the features it has. Simply deriding them as "lol updates" its ridiculous.

Shareplay is a big feature no? Didn't it come via an update? You're so concerned with my so-called stealth trolling, what about Cindy-rella and his blatant attempt (which you no doubt agreed with at the speed of light lmao).

3305d ago
The_Sage3305d ago

Hello, Septic,

I am actually replying about your previous text where you stated that YouTube didn't work in the browser on the PS4. I can tell you that it did here in the US. I was running YouTube from the browser with no problems at all right after launch.

I just wanted to set the record straight.

CaptainObvious8783305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

Yeah, you're one to talk, Septic.

You talk about other people history, yet every time I see you open your mouth you almost always blindly defending MS, regardless of how valid the criticism is.

Your doing it in this very article.

Maybe instead of just getting defensive and putting down Sony games you could actually address the points that have been made.

Spotie3305d ago

The Show, The Order, and Bloodboorne.

No matter what you felt about The Order- and we know it's unabashed, hardly coherent hatred- it's still an exclusive with a AAA budget. And despite your desire to have it be portrayed as garbage, it's widely regarded as above average.

Please learn to read. I mentioned updates being praised in lieu of games. I literally said "praises updates instead."

Cindy- a female, if you'd bothered to pay attention- has a point. Updates to the UI, while appreciated, are nowhere near potent enough to become an "X factor," as the article indicates. Nor is conversing with fans over facebook and twitter, particularly when that is something Sony has been doing for quite some time now.

Far more salient points than your "sly" digs at The Order.

Gazondaily3305d ago

@captainobvious

"you could actually address the points that have been made."

Errr what do you think I have been doing? I've been quoting people on every issue and replying to them. Its not rocket science.

"yet every time I see you open your mouth you almost always blindly defending MS,"

Blindly defend MS? What was the blind element? I defend them against haters such as yourself who seem to have a lot of interest for a console they have no interest in.

@Spotie

"And despite your desire to have it be portrayed as garbage, it's widely regarded as above average. "

Lmfao! Give it a few years and you'll say it was regarded as an excellent game. By your logic, Ryse is an above average game too sitting on a mere 3 points lower than metacritic.

"Cindy- a female, if you'd bothered to pay attention- has a point"

Bothered to pay attention to what? The gender? How was I supposed to ascertain that? From the username? Masterfox is actually a fox? :O

But explain 'her' comment here:

" guess the writer as well as some other fanatics prefers to get firmware updates and talk to the xbox pr team online instead of getting games to play for Xbox one."

Does the article only talk about games coming out at the first half of 2015? Its just talking about the regular updates the X1 benefits from (something that the PS4 doesn't as much) which the author described as the x-factor. That's the point but whatever little praise the X1 gets is so intolerable to you and your ilk.

"The Show, The Order, and Bloodboorne. "

Forgive me for not taking into account a baseball game. Right...

"Far more salient points than your "sly" digs at The Order."

"The Order. There you go. The Order is rubbish. "

Still sly for you?

Let me spell it out for you seeing as you have trouble understanding things that I say.

The Order is not a good game in the eyes of many so when you lump it as one of your almighty AAA exclusives, then prepare for people not to take it seriously (and for good reason...because its rubbish...yes imo...its rubbish. Get it? Not stealthy now is it?).

The Show is a baseball game and outside the US, its not going to set anything on fire. I only recently found out what it was because of people's tenacity to throw lists at others. Again, the big budget doesnt change the fact that....and this might shock you, outside the US..

https://i.imgur.com/CakjE.p...

Bloodborne is indeed amazing. An excellent game and YES, THIS GAME is the strongest point in favour of the PS4. I am not denying that and I never have. I love the game and I sincerely wish it all the success it deserves.

But that's it. One AAA title this year that is relevant. And I'm only talking AAA titles because of Cindy. There it is. ONE game.

Halo 5
Fable Legends
Forza Motorsport 6

Three titles, same old franchises maybe but strong ones at that. You think MLB and The Order are gonna stand up against any of those (different genres I know)?

So yeah, to sum up, updates are good, hence why we have external HDD support, media support (the no.1 most requested feature on Sony forums iirc) and several other improvements.

The X1 has a deficit in the early half of 2015 but not by a massive margin WHATSOEVER like how people on here paint and its not that big an issue (its just a new argument devised by fanboys).

Chevalier3305d ago

Funny thing is I have customers coming into my store to buy PS4 to play Bloodborne and MLB pretty regularly, still no one coming into my store saying I need to buy an Xbox One to play Screamride or tell me they need it because the Xbone update is must have. Weird right?

Same tired games you guys always complain about then you parade out Forza, Halo and Fable.

magiciandude3305d ago

@Spotie

"And despite your desire to have it be portrayed as garbage, it's widely regarded as above average."

Uh, a 63 based on 92 reviews is above average? Scoring systems using letter grades would usually render that as a D, and since when was D is considered above average?

Spotie3305d ago

And since when is the scale using a scoring system rendering letter grades?

gangsta_red3305d ago

@Spotie

"And since when is the scale using a scoring system rendering letter grades?"

Since High School.

3ndulg33304d ago

septic is right,Aleast xbox one updates are actually worthty updates.And something i might as well add, xbox is better then the ps4 we all know it and so do your sony camp.

+ Show (11) more repliesLast reply 3304d ago
OrangePowerz3305d ago

I remember last gen when a lot of people said that it's rubbish to have the frequent FW updates on PS3 and that it's much better to only have them quarterly like on the 360.

Gazondaily3305d ago

"I remember last gen when a lot of people said that it's rubbish to have the frequent FW updates on PS3"

Please don't recycle this complete utter BS point.

The PS3 had cack firmware updates that barely added anything meaningful like the X1 has. The UI has changed drastically already, features adeded like HDD support, Twitch upgrades, etc etc.

What did the PS3 updates do apart from being firmware updates that made no real changes (and remove things like Linux)?

DeadManMMX3305d ago

Are you serious with this comment? The ps3 had constant pain in the arse updates that added no features or much of anything of value. This us completely different and I've never even seen my console update it just does it.

kneon3305d ago

Just because you can't see what an update has added doesn't mean it wasn't important. There are new features being added all the time that you don't know about, but the developers do, and they need them for their next release.

And I don't understand why people complain about updates, most take under 5 minutes to complete.

DeadManMMX3305d ago

@kneon I was talking about my X1 and how it automatically updates as a plus for the console. On ps4 just like on ps3 I gave to go through the same old process. Thankfully much less on ps4 then on ps3.

Joe9133305d ago

Septic I usually agree with you but this comment is BS how can you say PS3 firmware updates did not do anything. Just like the PS4 when the PS3 came out it didn't do much but firmware updates brought stuff like 3d and stuff they brought everything that gamers asked for except party chat yeah in the later years it only became security updates which is what is going to happen with the xbox one at this rate. I am in no way sticking up for Cindy-rella crazy ass just never heard you sound so fanboyish I guess.

Gazondaily3305d ago

@joe

"updates brought stuff like 3d and stuff "

Mate you have to do better than 3D and stuff. The PS3 updates were an absolute headache. THey were so frequent, the updates were annoyingly slow and most of them barely changed anything.

Gilgamesh153305d ago

"I remember last gen when a lot of people said that it's rubbish to have the frequent FW updates on PS3 and that it's much better to only have them quarterly like on the 360."

That was because the PS3 took a very long time to update, and it was an inconvenience. The X1 just does it in the background.

magiciandude3305d ago

The only time I had to go through an update process on the Xbox One was during the setup procedure in November. Ever since, the console just sits there doing the work and all I have to do is to turn it on and have the updated UI right in front of me. Couldn't say the same for the PS3.

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 3305d ago
Lev19033305d ago

But the update were the ideas of the community of the xbox brand. So listening to the community is not important to you?

And your only defense is that sony came with bloodborne and the order in the last 4 months while XBOX didnt bring out any games? Do you even know which game outs on xbox? And what about 2014? Which brand came with more quality games?
And a top of that you get all defensive when somebody tells you that you are a troll?

Btw which great games has sony line up for the rest of the year? Indies not counted;)

Gazondaily3305d ago

Well said. He made a big point about AAA games so I'm genuinely wondering about that too.

Incidentally, my most anticipated game of this year is actually on PS4 (and PC) but, to play devil's advocate, I'll only consider AAA titles.

ifistbrowni3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

"Until Dawn" in just a few months.

guyman3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

O which games has sony lined up? They have a pretty stellar line-up in my opinion. Let's look at AAA strictly since indies apparently dont count.

Already released:
The order 1886
Bloodborne

Coming up:
Ratchet and clank
Persona 5
Until dawn

Xbox
Fable
Forza
Halo 5
(Rise of the tomb raider is not a true exclusive)

Both line ups look decent. Ps4 is on top this year with one of the best games of the generation, bloodborne. Halo will be massive when it comes. But the games im looking forward to most are coming on xbox one such as scale bound, crackdown, quantum break and gears 4. 2016 will be massive for microsoft but 2015 looks like it will be taken by sony in terms of games.

Lev19033305d ago

Rise of the Tomb Raider DOES count seeing its a excsusive for 2015!

3ndulg33304d ago

Agreed,agreed,agreed.Im so sick and tired of sony fans, you get disagree on this suite for defending microsoft.When they get proven wrong you hear crickets from the sony camp.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3304d ago
OB1Biker3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

'don’t appeal to their fans as much as Spencer does'
Sorry but Yoshida appeals not only to fans but to most gamers and not just for his chatting up on twitter and such.
Well not sure if 'appeal' is a proper word since reasonable people are mainly interested in their gaming passion and not in people from these companies

Kiwi663305d ago

Why does it bother you that much that the head of the xbox division responds and is actively involved with the xbox community and working to make the xbox one the console that its fans like plus if you don't like firmware updates then you must hate it when sony releases them for the ps4

corroios3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

Dude, there something they got more exclusives firmwares, lol. Games, who need exclusive games... It much better pr talk, and Dx12, and cloud and then by christmas you get games.

My advice, rent and xbox one for christmas, lol.

You gonna lose your bubbles... some dont like the truth and like marketing tricks.

I would like to see if the PS4 sold 250 units in a big country like Japan, what would people say. If the PS4 sell 20.000 consoles in europe what would people say, if the PS4 had half or less then Xbox One would be told? How many Doomed articles would we get each day?

If the PS4 struggle from day one to get 1080 at 500 what would people say? if you could get the console at 230 or less one year after what would people say?

I really think spencer is good in marketing and nothing else. But i know wait until E3 and then wait until 2016 and then wait until the Xbox TWO.

Wont reply to no one, no bubles.

JeffGUNZ3305d ago

I know you can't reply but I have to say that was the most incomprehensible rubbish I have ever read on this site. I don't even understand your point due to the fact you can't formulate a proper sentence. I am hoping English is not your native language.

OB1Biker3305d ago

Im sure you could put it in ways that dont hurt any feeling but I must admit theres quite some truth in what you said.
Nevertheless gamers want to play on any consoles they feel good to play with and/or for different games of their choice and thats fine

The_Sage3305d ago

I read your post twice, and still have no idea what exactly it is that you are getting at. I know you can't respond, I couldn't if you could, I just wanted to let you know you may want to edit.

LexHazard793305d ago

Its sorta the same thing I say about fanboys on your side of the fence. You spend more time on Xbox forums hating everything. I'm wondering w why, when you have soo many games to play on PS4.

StrayaKNT3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

games worth playing in 2015
Ps4
Bloodborne

XBOX one
Ori
Halo 5
Fable
Tomb raider
Forza 6
State of decay
Smite
Gigantic

Lmaooooooooo wow you are the definition of a delusional fanboy. Please open your eyes and see that sony has nothing else this year it is completely dead compared to the Xbox line up.

And please who the hell uses shareplay I have never in my life used it neither have any of my friends it is the most useless feature on next gen consoles. Snap Is the biggest feature on next gen consoles and I can tell you that more people love and use kinect more than shareplay lol at how you people go around saying it's the best feature when it is so useless

Spotie3305d ago

"Lmaooooooooo wow you are the definition of a delusional fanboy."

Irony.

Gazondaily3305d ago

@Spotie

Irony-ception

@aussie

"sony has nothing else this year it is completely dead compared to the Xbox line up. "

Well it has Bloodborne, the highest rated game of this gen so far. I dont see anything taking that down.

"And please who the hell uses shareplay I have never in my life used it neither have any of my friends it is the most useless feature on next gen consoles. "

Shareplay is the most useless feature? It lets people try most games out for free and is one of the biggest features of the PS4.

BLow3305d ago

If I could hit disagree more times I would. Wow, REALLY? 1 GAME!!!!! Why did I just waste my time typing this? Now indie games count yet you listed none for PS4?!? 0_o If you gonna be a fanboy at least be a good one and do your research for both consoles. Nothing wrong with having a preference but REALLY 1 F@CKING GAME!!!!! Again, I have wasted too much time on you.....

R3ddSaiyan3305d ago

How do you have so many damn bubbles with such a blatant ignorant comment. Good lord.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3305d ago
Magicite3305d ago

This happens when You are behind. X360 was lead platform for a while and MS didnt try much, but now they are losing big time and must try hard or fail harder.

MONOLITHICIDE3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

I just want in on this fiery war thats breaking out right now. Finally its been to long. Xbone sucks. Theres my two cents. Peace

ManOfTheYear13305d ago

Sony only had AAA games at the beginning of this year (2 games where 1 is a 3rd party and the other is a disaster) is because they were delayed from last year and so rolled over into this year.

Sony has NOTHING AAA wise coming for the rest of the year while MS will have a slew of AAA coming in the 2nd half of the year.

Lets not forget, as you easily have, that late last year we had titles like Forza Horizon 2 and Sunset Overdrive that carried over into the 1st quarter of 2015.

MS is in a better position to provide a lot more AAA titles by the end of 2015 then Sony is. You shouldn't act like the 1st half of the year means the year is done.

KiwiViper853305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

Also 4 amazing Halo campaigns at the end of last year.

I only just started Halo1 yesterday.

BallsEye3305d ago Show
gangsta_red3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

Funny that MS came out the gate with a more impressive and diverse line up of games for it's Xbox One launch. Proceeded for the rest of the year with even more diverse games like Titanfall, Forza Horizon and Sunset Overdrive while Sony delayed and pushed two of their 2014 projects The Order and Bloodborne to the beginning of this year.

All through the holidays Sony provided nothing that was hotly anticipated but the broken release of Driveclub.

But all seems to be forgiven and forgotten when Sony just now decides to release The Order to a resounding and critical thud and the next month sweeps that game under the rug and praises the much superior Bloodborne. So much so, that every Sony exec is seen and reported playing that game more than they ever even commented for The Order. Another great Sony PR move to move people's attention away from The Order...in case no one noticed this stunt.

Now all of a sudden some people here like Cindy-rella who lean heavy on the Sony side want to preach that MS has nothing for the first half of the year and Sony is continuing to release triple A exclusives every single month. It's an overblown and way out of touch arguments like these that makes most here shake their heads and it's especially worrisome how many agrees this person's comment is getting.

After Bloodborne what does SONY have lined up for PS4? When is Until Dawn releasing? Is that even anticipated or hyped as a killer excluisve as The Order, Uncharted and Bloodborne is/was?

"the writer is giving credit to microsoft for releasing updates for the xbox one to fix its UI and its PR team being more active on social networks."

Yes, the writer is giving credit to MS for listening and giving the Xbox One UI exactly what their users wanted and praising Phil and others in high exec positions for actually taking the time and talking to their users unlike other companies who stay quiet and answer nothing.

I guess MS could have delayed Sunset and Horizon 2 and pushed them to this year like Sony did their two titles and then Xbox fans could also say that MS is steadily releasing triple A games throughout the year, even though in reality they would have been coming off just as long of a drought as the Sony users did last year.

Christopher3305d ago

Your post would have some weight if it wasn't true that Sony has released and has more exclusives in the pipeline than MS. You seem to focus on just a few items when there are a ton of exclusives to factor into this whole equation that you're ignoring.

gangsta_red3305d ago

The same way Cindy-rella ignored a ton of other factors in his post? Or picked and choose arguments which to expand on?

MS doesn't have any exclusives in pipeline either? MS released a very steady stream of exclusive triple A games last year and have more exclusives plus triple A games for this year. Ori was just released, plus Neverwinter (exclusive for consoles).

It seems a lot of people here in this article are ignoring a lot of factors when commenting.

Automatic793304d ago (Edited 3304d ago )

@gangsta

You nailed it with your comment. What's sad is the agenda some push here stating that MS has no games when they have already published

Screamride
Ori and the blind forest
State of decay soon to be released

I say that is an awesome first half. Heck even more diversity then the competition.

I wonder what they going to say next year when Xbox completes a fantastic holiday and start the New Year by unleashing Quantum break and Crackdown.

Automatic793304d ago

@gangsta

You nailed it with your comment. What's sad is the agenda some push here stating that MS has no games when they have already published

Streamside
Oro and the blind forest
State of decay soon to be released

I say that is an awesome first half. Heck even more diversity then the competition.

I wonder what they going to say next year when MS just came off a fantastic holiday and start the New Year by unleashing Quantum break and Crackdown.

Automatic793304d ago

@gangsta

You nailed it with your comment. What's sad is the agenda some push here stating that MS has no games when they have already published

Screamride
Ori and the blind forest
State of decay soon to be released

I say that is an awesome first half. Heck even more diversity then the competition.

I wonder what they going to say next year when MS just came off a fantastic holiday and start the New Year by unleashing Quantum break and Crackdown.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3304d ago
Trekster_Gamer3305d ago

I would say you are trolling when you spew lies such as "release updates to fix the UI" as if it was broken. The updates add functionality and enhance.

So your statement is trolling!

nosferatuzodd3305d ago

You got this is why I say xbox one eyed fans are the worst in gaming
When the ps3 was dropping updstes after updates with blue ray more media frendly than the 360 could ever be everyone of these clowns were downplayong that every chance they get now its a good thing when kaz and jack was on Twitter everyday talking to people because they are the first one's that started that it was nothing now microsoft doing it its an xfacter lol really boy the xbone defence force really runing out of ideas these day's

KiwiViper853305d ago

A well said? Are you guys crazy...

+ Show (16) more repliesLast reply 3304d ago
Malice-Flare3305d ago

Sony is a Japanese company, they go to rank 'S'. in this case, their 'S' factors are Shuhei Yoshida and Adam Boyes...

_LarZen_3305d ago

What I like and have always liked with Microsoft and their Xbox division is that they listen to their costumers and they let's everyone know that they do.

ThanatosDMC3305d ago

Pretty sure it's the pre-orders and lack of market share.

Gazondaily3305d ago

True to an extent yes. The same applies to all companies. They are driven by profitability and we have seen rather severe examples by almost all companies of them making missteps that prove the above case.

Leaguer3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

ofcourse they "listened" to their customers..i bet the reason they did a 180 degrees on their policies was because the xbone carebears got sad and needed a group hug during the succeeding days after e3, right?....

lol. once in a while you just cant help but wonder are these carebears really that gullible enough, then you read posts like this and just literally make you smile....

speaking of x-factor, yup ms got that thing going for them. they were the only ones stupid enough to attempt to implement those silly policies that got them to their "legendary" status now..

OrangePowerz3305d ago

I haven't seen them listen to the costumers in the last 3-4 years of the 360 before the X1 was announced unless the costumers where demanding to have more crap Kinect games and more NFL and ESPN video streaming and less games.

As Thanatos says so far every change they made to make the X1 better wasn't because of costumer complaints. It was because they are miles behind their competition. If they would have really listened to their costumers they wpuld have axed DRM before E3 and released a non Kinect version at launch.

JeffGUNZ3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

Oh stop.

I am so tired of people crying over DRM. How else do you expect companies to protect copy right violations? What would stop one person from buying a game and then distributing it to everyone else all over the internet for free? We didn't need it back in the day with disc based only consoles because if you didn't have the game disc, you couldn't play the game. Same lies here but digitally. I don't know any grown up who is working that really has any issue with it. Maybe pirates and bootleggers, but F them.

"Oh, but they check it via online and you need an internet connection blah blah blah". So what? Gaming isn't a right, it's a HOBBY, a LEISURE activity people do. If one can't afford internet, they have more important things to worry about then DRM with a console. Yeah, I get it stinks for people without internet access, but who cares about them? Like I said, it's a HOBBY, not some right everyone has here. It's not like everyone is entitled food, water, shelter, and a next gen console.

DRM is the future and Digital Downloading is as well. When I hear people complain about going all digital and that will be when they stop gaming I just laugh. It's like trying to get my grandpa to use an iphone.

Also, you ever use Xbox one, I doubt it. Kinect is AWESOME. I don't use it for games, but to control the entire console by my voice is great. That feature alone makes the X1 feel more futuristic then anything else out in the console field.

Why o why3305d ago

Jeff mate...you forgot about the inability to borrow or sell physical copies....drm on check ins on physical games.

Try not to forget the whole backlash wasnt just about drm. If it was the x1 wouldn't be approximately 10 million units behind

Your whole rant just sound like them myopic apologists that defended the direction ms were heading before they wised up. You act like you still think the backlash was from those you probably feel had no intention of owning an xbox in the first place. Wake up...it was $ h/te and ms would have been even further behind had they listened to guys like you imo.

DeadManMMX3305d ago

They are listening to consumers just like Sony was forced to last gen. What's happening with MS and Xbox is no different. The townspeople came out with their pitchforks after e3 2013 and changes were made. I'm just glad things changed so fast as they did and it didn't take say half a console generation. I'm glad everyone complained because it made the xb1 that much better in the end. I don't care if PS4 sells 100 million more the xb1 as long as it keeps selling well in its main territories and I keep getting games and services because of it. Just curious what the next gen will look like should they make consoles after learning from the mistakes of this gen.

OrangePowerz3305d ago

@Jeff

Are you seriously comparing copyright protection DRM with not being able to trade your game in, lending it to a friend or selling it on eBay without having to be allowed to do so by MS?

@Dead

Fast? The online check in was critized before the E3 and it was even critized before the console was revealed. There had been rumours way before the console was announced that it would have online DRM for disc games and it was always critized already at that point. It was already clear at the end of 2012 when those rumours where flying around that the people would not be happy with such a form of DRM.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3305d ago
TKCMuzzer3305d ago

Really? remember when they first showed the Xbox One and everybody told them they had better not do DRM and online activation, used games etc? They failed to listen in the weeks before E3 and it cost them dearly.

Spencer is a good guy and is doing good but to be honest he has been made to look better by the clowns that preceded him. After the farcical Xbox One announcement he only had one way to go once he took over and that was up.

He is only doing what Microsoft should have been doing in the first place, unfortunately it may be just a little to late.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3305d ago
Fro_xoxo3305d ago

someone said, sony's been the only one releasing AAA titles this year?

ehehehe.

One decent game so far, bloodborne after a long drought. That does not permit you to go full retard.

--

thanhgee3305d ago

AAA refers to budget, reviews have nothing to do with "AAA" status. The order 1886 & Bloodborne are AAA, MLB 15 is too (I think).

"That does not permit you to go full retard."
Lol.

JeffGUNZ3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

What? No it doesn't. Stop spinning things to fit your agenda. AAA games are games that are blockbuster games like Halo, Gears, Uncharted, GTA, God of War, ETC. I can hype up and market Viva Pinata, does that make it a AAA game? Get going. Bloodborne looks great, but outside of that, nothing really impressive. That goes for both consoles. The best game I have played in a while is Ori and the blind forest. Outside that, Titanfall and Destiny have been the best games I have played this Gen. and Titanfall was on X360 and PC and Destiny is Multiplat.

3305d ago
Ron_Danger3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

@ Jeff

http://wikipedia.org/wiki/A...
First line from that link: "In the video game industry, AAA (pronounced "triple A") is a classification term used for games with the highest development budgets and levels of promotion."

You were saying...

You are clearly a product of misinformation and confident ignorance. Just look at your comments down below where you start bringing metacritic scores into AAA talk.

Your argument is basically like saying: Disney World is a bad amusement park because it's concessions stands don't serve great food.

You're using different parts from different arguments and acting like they all come together as a valid point.

Further down on this page you wrote: "Outside of Bloodborne, which looks awesome, I don't classify those as AAA, do you?"

It doesn't matter that you "don't classify those as AAA" since you don't actually understand what AAA actually means.

thanhgee3305d ago

@JeffGUNZ

"AAA games are games that are blockbuster games like Halo, Gears, Uncharted, GTA, God of War, ETC"

You just made my point. Thanks! What do all of those games have in common? They have a high development budget, created by large studios & heavily marketed.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3305d ago
CBaoth3305d ago

MLB the Show doesn't count? Guess you'd rather play RBI Baseball then?

And what, 3rd party software doesn't count? Ironic you bring up the "drought" card since MS has been validating the annual business model of releasing 3-4 retail exclusives and relying on multi-plats for better part of the last decade. Sony already accomplished that in the 1st quarter. The Order 1886 may not have turned out like they hoped but you got to give them credit for trying.

Anywho I like what Phil has done. He's been a breath of fresh air for MS. I expect both companies to give console fantards many more internet squabbles over the next 3 years.

funkybudda3305d ago

@CBaoth

agree with 100%. When an exclusive thats on Sony's conole that many reviewers have said it's the best game in its genre (baseball), Septic can just conveniently excluded from the discussion.

He criticize other people for their personal opinions on this debate yet he's opinion should be considered accepted by the mass.

Now that's gone full retard.

ifistbrowni3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

Long drought?

Little Big Planet 3 and Driveclub in October/November-ish on to The Order in February, Bloodborne in March and Until Dawn in June...

I honestly don't see how any one can consider that a "drought" in the exclusive "AAA" department.

I'm going off memory, so correct me if I'm wrong. Please help me fill in the Blank: Sunset Overdrive (september ?), Forza Horizon 2 (October ?), Halo MCC (November) and "Blank" November 11th, 2014 - Q4 2015. Am I right?

EDIT: I thought I had the ps4 news down and would only need corrected on the Xbox side of things... Turns out I'm wrong. I missed a game release for Sony. MLB: The Show as someone above me has already mentioned it.

I own both XB1 and PS4, I just wanted to jump in and point out how asinine your "drought" comment was.

JeffGUNZ3305d ago

What? Come on. How are people so blind here. How do you even list "AAA" in your comment with the games you listed...

Little Big Planet: 79 on Metacritic.
http://www.metacritic.com/g...

Drive Club: 71 on Metacritic
http://www.metacritic.com/g...

The Order: 63 on Metacritic
http://www.metacritic.com/g...

Bloodborne: 93 on Metacritic
http://www.metacritic.com/g...

Outside of Bloodborne, which looks awesome, I don't classify those as AAA, do you?

I am not arguing games haven't been released, but I do agree the AAA drought was accurate. Bloodborne is really the first game on PS4 that has looked AWESOME.

ifistbrowni3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

Now list the AAA retail games Microsoft has released during those months and I'll accept your argument.

At least I have an option on my Playstation. I haven't even thought about buying an exclusive for my XB1 since MCC. Wanna know why? Because I have no choice.

I've had the opportunity over the past 6 months to weigh the pros and cons of trying games like The Order, DriveClub, Little Big Planet 3 and Bloodborne. With Microsoft there is nothing there to even measure.

If you wanna complain about droughts, you're singling out the wrong system. That's the only point I'm trying to make. You can twist it whichever way you want, but it's the honest truth that Sony at least takes the risk and tries to get new IPs out there. Even if the game only appeals to a "niche" group, at least that "niche" group has something to play (thanks to Sony taking the risk).

Again, correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't XB1 only seen 2 new exclusive IPs so far? I'd say 3, but you can't count Titanfall with the news that it's likely going multiplatform. The 2 new IPs that we've seen released on XB1 are "Ryse" and "Sunset Overdrive." Sony has matched that in the past 2 months.

As an XB1 owner, I would love to see Microsoft take more risks when it comes to IPs. In 10 years I fear people will be talking about MIcrosoft the same way people talk of Nintendo now "still milking the same old franchises from 20 years ago."

According to some people's opinions Knack, DriveClub, The Order, and even Bloodborne have all sucked. Even if that's true, at least it has a base to build upon. You'd be so wrong if you don't think Ready At Dawn cannot improve upon "The Order" for a sequel (if it ever sees one). It already has the awesome premise, now it needs the game-play mechanics that the majority "want" and you have yourself a class A "AAA" game.

Just like Ryse can be improved upon if Microsoft chooses to take the risk and publish a new one. If Microsoft doesn't start taking risks with new IPs, we'll have to continue to play Halo and then Gears on the "off-years." Halo and Gears are both excellent games, but I can't help but to believe that Sony is doing "more" for the gamers.

You may want to label it as "being blind." I label it as being an unbiased opinion.

Why o why3305d ago

ifistbrowni

well said

Im wondering how jeff survived during the last 3 years of the 360's life.......sloppy wrists judging by his comments

MasterCornholio3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

So a game with a metacritic of 93 is decent?

Calling Bloodborne a decent game is insulting to the developers.

Why o why3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

Blinkers....take em off and read up on what aaa means noob. Triple a was never linked to scores...

In regards to phil...ok... i liken him to being something he's supposed to be, like a good parent. Credit is due for his ways and what he seems to have changed but nobody would be so euphoric about him if he wasn't preceded by a klutz. I like phill but ive not fully exonerated his involement in the initial debacle. Definitely the best guy for the job from where I'm standing.

Saying he makes the differences 'over' sony is premature and wishful at best

I mean how will you gauge it.....sales,....public opinion,....what

Chevalier3305d ago

Drought?! Like Screamride being the only exclusive on Xbone since November?! Maybe you should look at just how little Xbone is releasing of note then compare games.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 3305d ago
MonkeyOne3305d ago

80 billion in cash and very large revenue streams from their core businesses = X-Factor

Why o why3305d ago

Same reserves they had last gen or don't the last 3 to 4 years with minimal 1st and 2nd party support count.. .

lol, that cash reserves game was good....thats what I hear anyway

MonkeyOne3305d ago

The large companies that have massive cash hordes like Microsoft, Google, Oracle, Apple, HP and others can dabble in unprofitable ventures and still be fine because they have huge revenue streams from their core businesses and the overall business isn't really affected by losing ventures like Xbox.

Sony isn't in the same situation because their core businesses and cash reserves aren't as healthy as MS.

Why o why3305d ago (Edited 3305d ago )

'Sony isn't in the same situation because their core businesses and cash reserves aren't as healthy as MS.'

....yet 'broke' sony produced and commissioned a lot more games THROUGHOUT the whole gen.... I mean its a win for ms fans if they changed their controllers into calculators but I thought our main thing was gaming not accountancy

http://www.forbes.com/.... try there

Show all comments (152)
340°

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

Xbox has been lagging behind PlayStation in terms of 1st party content, but 2024 offers the platform and Phil Spencer a chance at redemption.

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
isarai21d ago (Edited 21d ago )

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

shinoff218321d ago

It's a wrap. Now is the time they are slowly going to move on as to not to kill the base as is. Titles will slowly drip onto ps and Nintendo consoles, etc. Those 4 already had to of been in development for awhile already cause two of them released really soon after the announcement

VenomUK20d ago (Edited 20d ago )

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

_SilverHawk_20d ago

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

I thought that was supposed to be a decade ago

Ironmike20d ago

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

Obscure_Observer21d ago

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

Xbox has PLENTY of first party games this year while Playstation has none!

There´s more first party games from Xbox Games Studios on PS5 this year than Playstation Studios own games.

Those are the *facts* and if those facts is not something to Sony be ashamed of, they can´t feel shame at all.

VersusDMC21d ago

Granblue Fantasy versus, FF7REBIRTH, Helldivers 2, Rise of the Ronin and Stellar Blade will have launched on PS5 and not on Xbox by the time Hellblade 2 launches.

This only first party games count is cope.

And as a bonus meme...Microsoft will have published 3 first party games on PS5 (Hifi rush, Grounded and sea of thieves) before their first for the year on Xbox(hellblade 2). Glad they have their priorities straight...

lodossrage21d ago

It's funny when people like to say xbox has more games coming to playstation this year than sony does.

YET, they leave out the context that Microsoft literally bought the biggest (Activision) third party publisher and Bethesday (another big one). So congrats on having to buy giants in order to compete?

On topic, wasn't Starfield the "last chance" for redemption?

Am I to assume that if the games they have coming this year don't get positive, feedback then 2025 will be the year of redemption?

Obscure_Observer21d ago

@VersusDMC

"Granblue Fantasy versus, FF7REBIRTH, Helldivers 2, Rise of the Ronin and Stellar Blade will have launched on PS5 and not on Xbox by the time Hellblade 2 launches."

None of the games you mentioned are first party. None. There´re more Xbox first party games on PS5 this year then Playstation´s own first party games, undeniable fact!

The real bonus meme is Sea of Thieves a game which PS fanboys used to sh!t on

"And as a bonus meme...Microsoft will have published 3 first party games on PS5 (Hifi rush, Grounded and sea of thieves) before their first for the year on Xbox(hellblade 2). Glad they have their priorities straight..."

Imo, the real meme is Sea of Thieves, a 6 year Xbox first party game which diehard fanboys used to mock and sh!t on, making to the top of the most pre-ordered game at PS Store in a year where Playstation has zero first party games.

https://twitter.com/BenjiSa...

Markusb3321d ago

and all will end up on playstation, and nintendo, if xbox was doing amazing they would not need ps or nintendo, if gp was amazing they wouldnt need pc. PS has multiple first party games in development that we dont know about. Look at how halo was treated, look at redfall, and look at starfield. Its fine to be loyal and prefer one platoform but to be wilfully ignorant about it just ridiculas.

badz14921d ago

LOL se we are moving from "exclusives" to "console exclusives" to now only "1st party exclusives" matters just after MS has bought 2 publishers for $77B??

Moving goalpost to always favor MS i. Your argument is getting tiring! Exclusives are exclusives! 1st or 3rd party, they are still exclusives. You do remember the PS2 literally killed the Dreamcast, Gamecube and the first xbox due to mostly 3rd party exclusives, right?

InUrFoxHole21d ago

Observe is actually correct. Sony paid to play. But we don't mention when they do it. When they do it we're totally cool with it. N4G 4lyfe!

Skuletor20d ago

Are they still counted as first party though?

fr0sty20d ago

“This notion that Xbox can only be this one device that plugs into a television isn’t something we see in the Gen Z research. Because nothing else is like that for them.

Some of them will have an iPhone, some will have an Android, but all the games and everything is the same. I can still get to TikTok on both of them, at least for now." - Phil Spencer

Read it and weep... all Xbox games are coming to as many platforms as they can put them on, and this is the first step towards them getting out of hardware entirely, just like Sega did.

Xbox has been Dreamcast out of the industry. You can deny it all you like, but it's happening.

northpaws20d ago

@Obscure_Observer

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

rpvenom20d ago

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

wiz719120d ago

@VersusDMC here yall Sony fans go moving the goalpost again lol now this only first party things is a cope when yall was the one who started that crap in the first place. When Sony had all the first party games and Xbox was relying on third party , yall was shouting they had no first party games. Now the tables turn and suddenly it’s a cope. lol

wiz719120d ago

@lodossrage and so it’s also funny that the majority of Xbox first party games this year aren’t coming from any of those big studios lol except for Indy .. the biggest one this year is coming from a studio that Sony left and almost let that studio die after releasing two big exclusives on their console first. Now MS swoop in and saved them , then here they are with the best looking game this generation. Now that’s ironic , but you mention buying studios like Sony biggest studios weren’t BOUGHT my brother.

Yall need to be more worried about Sony closing studio after studio , the PSVR 2 dying , Sony losing billions , and the fact that yall biggest game this year as in Stellar Blade was once being developed as a multi platform game until Sony paid for them to be a second party studio. lol but you want to mention things being bought , your delusional

Crows9020d ago

Shame in the competitor buying up tons of dev teams in order to make that a reality? Yeah...there's no shame in that on the PlayStation side....

andy8520d ago

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

Profchaos20d ago

There's probably tons of games exclusive to Xbox that won't be on PS because of their early access clause.

However list the games that count helldivers 2 I'd argue has done more for gaming this year than any other title will.
It could be their only game and it would still be a great year because it was that unexpectedly good even haters of love service games are playing it

TheTony31620d ago

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

mkis00720d ago (Edited 20d ago )

I see you ignored his" only first party games count" line as if preordained. Is it on xbox? No...then it is ammunition. Meanwhile sony gets to passively soak up 30% of all ms game studios sales.

1Victor20d ago (Edited 20d ago )

@obscured: “There´s more first party games from Xbox Games Studios on PS5 this year than Playstation Studios own games.

Those are the *facts* and if those facts is not something to Sony be ashamed of, they can´t feel shame at all.”
That says more about Xbox than PlayStation that they have to release games on rival consoles to stay afloat, Microsoft and YOU SHOULD NOT BE ASHAMED OF THAT FACT.

Edit After thought: it took Microsoft 6 years to finally fix their sea of bugs just in time to release it on PlayStation 🤷🏿

S2Killinit20d ago (Edited 20d ago )

On topic:
MS’s last chance was Starfield…
How many last chances are there?

@Osbscure
You’re moving the goal posts into places that have no basis in reality anymore.

+ Show (17) more repliesLast reply 20d ago
darthv7221d ago

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

isarai21d ago (Edited 21d ago )

Has nothing to do with a grudge. Ive been waiting 12yrs for them to get back to their greatness, im done waiting and have moved onto just watching that ship sink as i play on literally every other platform

darthv7221d ago

^^... I still play on it, as well as the other platforms. Which is why I am not someone who dwells on the negativity like others do. there is always something for me to enjoy in this hobby.

isarai20d ago (Edited 20d ago )

@darth

Again, not dwelling on negativity, they legit haven't made anything i want to play since like gears 3 and halo reach. I did play Crackdown 3 and gears 5 cause i had hope given i was a huge fan of the older games, but that was a dud on both cases.

You're thinking it's way deeper than it is 🤣 make something worth playing and ill play it, i was hoping starfield would be that but again, dud.

darthv7220d ago

^^...I never said YOU were doing that... but its obvious others (here) do. Its all they seem to do is dwell on negativity, especially if its XB related. all im saying is there is more to enjoy than there is to complain about. And this is exactly why I play all the platforms instead of just one. You say you do the same... so just enjoy it.

neomahi20d ago

It's fanbots making their last stand in an attempt to save the Xbox, what more can one expect that the most optimism they've ever had. Xbox can't get a lock in Japan, still, and Europe is about to abandon it as well. What're you gonna do? And what happens IF Japanese generates interest? They'll see Europe losing interest and decide it's not worth it either. And it's not just Xbox, Microsoft as a whole is losing their footing. They've backed on subscriptions with everything they have to offer and it's tanking. Xbox needs to port to PlayStation and Nintendo while they can stay relevant and try to stay relevant, the longer they delay, we could see a complete Microsoft nose dive

S2Killinit20d ago (Edited 20d ago )

And you think MS fans are just dandy? Besides, is it a grudge if MS continues to give reasons for people to despise them?

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 20d ago
Markusb3321d ago

when you cant make enough from your own platform and pc and you have to go to ps and nintendo you know its a slow transition to 3rd party publishing, and that is fine. Xb never had the thurst or ambition after the 360

JackBNimble20d ago

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

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 20d ago
-Foxtrot21d ago

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

RaidenBlack21d ago (Edited 21d ago )

Then this way, no company can redeem themselves. The very concept of redemption arc becomes impossible if the past is refused to be forgiven, even if the company manages to better themselves.
Then the now popular redemption arc of No Mans Sky or Phantom Liberty wouldn't exist in the gaming community if the same logic is also applied there.
Not defending anyone here but I want gaming to improve, companies to better themselves and most importantly competition to exist so that we get offered the best products to enjoy.
(I know in typical N4G fashion, this comment will be downvoted to oblivion, but I want good games offered from every studios irrespective of publishers.)

staticall21d ago

@RaidenBlack
IMO, what @-Foxtrot means, one years doesn't mean much. It's a start, yes, but they need more, much more.

Look at your own example, No Mans Sky - they didn't just release one patch and everyone started praising them, no. They've been doing this consistently. If Microsoft will start releasing good games consistently, that'll be great, no ifs and/or buts! But hyping them up in advance (no worthy releases yet is what i mean) - dunno, i might be wrong, but i don't think it's healthy or helps anyone.

rippermcrip20d ago

Your analogies are terrible. A company releasing a single game that failed to meet expectations.

Isn't the same as Phil Spencer making mistake after mistake after mistake after mistake, telling lie after lie after lie after lie for 10+ years.

isarai20d ago

Your whole comparison makes no sense. It literally took years for both of those to "redeem" themselves in the container of a single game. MS has been lacking for 12yrs starting with the halo/gears/forza criticism begining in the latter half of the 360. So even by YOUR logic, he's right, it's gonna take a lot more than one game to be redeemed ESPECIALLY after fumbling what many were already holding as their chance at redemption with starfield

Chevalier20d ago

It's not Playstation or Nintendos fault that Xbox poses no competition. They've had more support and more money behind them than Playstation and Nintendo combined!

You say you aren't defending Xbox, but, you kind of are. Xbox has been completely mediocre for decades. The last time Xbox was competitive was the 360 era. My 360 collection absolutely demolishes my Xbox One collection and so far Series X hasn't had much reason for me to jump to a purchase.

Can you honestly say Xbox is 'competitive'?! I would say not even close.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 20d ago
Silly Mammo20d ago

With the gaming media, Xbox is always just one game away from redemption and success. It's willful ignorance that they think there's a 'magic bullet' that will somehow erase all the moves by Phil & the gang of the last 2 console generations.

"Well there's always next year!" Should be the official Xbox slogan

Chocoburger20d ago (Edited 20d ago )

100% this Mammo!

They've been screwing up for over a decade! Even if they release a game that's of the highest quality, that's nothing in the grand scheme things.

It also doesn't un-do Kinect (with lies based advertising).

Or Kinect 2 (forcing people to spend $100 extra for something they didn't even want!).

Or releasing two consoles with nothing noteworthy twice in a row (One X, Series S|X).

Or releasing unpolished games such as Re:Core, Sea of Thieves, Halo: MCC, Halo Infinite, Redfall, and Starfield.

Let's not forget canceling games as well such as Scalebound,Project Spark, and the Phantom Dust remake.

Finally let's remember the broken promises of vaporware games, languishing in development Hell, such as Perfect Dark, Fable, Everwild, what else am I forgetting?

Redemption is far far FAR AWAY for Microsoft. It'll take a full decade of only making smart pro-consumer decisions and releasing plenty of amazing games in order to make up for it all.

2024? It ain't gonna do squat on its own.

Rols21d ago

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

Brazz21d ago (Edited 21d ago )

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

Skuletor20d ago

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

LG_Fox_Brazil21d ago

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

lodossrage21d ago

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

Hofstaderman21d ago (Edited 21d ago )

#wait till e3 2024

Aloymetal20d ago

''2024 Is A Chance At Redemption For Xbox & Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer''
We've been hearing and reading the same crap since the xbone launch, these shills/journos need to come up with something new. Good thing is most gamers know this is all BS, they all read ''"Step right up folks and hold out your money or sub to our service. You don't know what you are going to get, but like always, take our word for it" Signed Lord Phil.

Show all comments (88)
580°

Phil Spencer blames capitalism for games industry woes.

Spencer said publicly traded companies have to show constant growth or else nobody will give them money. "I don't get [the] luxury of not having to run a profitable growing business"

LG_Fox_Brazil25d ago

I don't know Phil... You've being running, and some will say ruining, the Xbox brand for 10 years now, you know?

Profchaos25d ago

I'd say he'sade the best out of a tremendous cluster fk of a situation he was thrown into after Don tanked the Xbox brand from Kinect to the launch of the X1.

The only reason Xbox isn't in the Ms graveyard right now is because of Phil.

So I don't agree with everything he's done but I can see why these drastic pivots and moves have been made

VenomUK25d ago (Edited 25d ago )

You don’t hear Nintendo CEO Shuntaro Furukawa blame capitalism for the phenomenal success of the Switch.

You don’t hear now-departed PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan blame capitalism for the roaring success of the PS5.

Cockney25d ago

He was head of games back in don mattricks day so he should be held accountable for his involvement, the back half of the 360 gen and start of xbone lack of games was all him

Rynxie25d ago

The reason Xbox is not in the Ms graveyard is because of the money they are throwing around to keep the brand alive. Don was just a yes man, the stupidity of the Xbox one was MS doing.

romulus2325d ago

We are well past Don Mattrick at this point, people need to stop using that tired excsue. The issues with xbox for nearly the last ten years have been solely on Phil.

Plague-Doctor2725d ago

The PS3 tanked Sony and they recovered during the same generation. The Wii U tanked Nintendo and they delivered a record setting console only a few years later. At the launch of X1 it was keeping pace with the PS4 and in the US was occasionally beating it.

jwillj2k425d ago (Edited 25d ago )

All he had to do was say “the way forward is to make great games.”, drop the mic and make it happen by any means necessary. If you listen to the interview he gave after redfall came out, you’ll hear him say he thought the game was good to go and the internal team rated the game 85 out of 100. 85!! This shows how out of touch he is. He’s literally an empty vessel just collecting his check, running the division off of data-driven analytics, he doesn’t care about xbox and now pulls a Trump, blaming the clouds for his failures.

Cacabunga25d ago

Says the biggest capitalist company.. this moron should stop talking

sinspirit25d ago (Edited 25d ago )

No.. Phil was in charge of European studios and Kinect implementation since 2008. Those European studios he was in charge of were then full time Kinect developers as he was now in charge of all XBox game studios in 2010. This is why game quality has sucked ever since he was in charge and directly why the legendary Lionhead and the actual Rare devs are not there anymore. Phil is actually more to blame than anyone for the bad game quality and the Kinect push. And especially for the terrible XBox One launch.

He was the spearhead implemented employee for Kinect and Microsoft's new vision. The others were the talking heads appointed by XBox. And, honestly watching some of those old interviews it seemed like those XBox employees were possibly maliciously complient by telling exactly what Microsoft's new agenda was with Kinect and always online without dressing it up.

And directly on topic. No, Phil. Capitalism is voting with your wallet. XBox doing bad financially is in fact because of bad products, disappointments, failed deadlines, and especially lying, misleading, and broken promises for products. If you just released really good games and tried to innovate then you'd had a lot of sales.. oh and GamePass is losing out on a ton of sales which can not be recovered from a few microtransaction purchases, monthly sub costs, or even whales. The math is simple when you could have sold a $70 game 5 million times but instead maybe sold 1 million tops and now have to recoup a quarter billion of revenue from lost sales potential of the one title alone. But now you also don't want to release a lot of first party titles because of the direct loss in sales revenue from day 1 GamePass, and you don't want them to release really good games that take a little more time and money to make because you want them to be cost effective for GamePass release. So you intentionally plan to release a lot of AAA shortcomings at this point because the AAA badge is needed but you can't do it too well or GamePass will never actually profit. Even though they had said GamePass is profitable, it is absolutely not by much and never will be. And, they said that Zune was profitable a long time ago but they combined it with an entire category of products when Zune itself was bleeding money. They lose far too many direct sales that even the most generous math can not see how they could be making much money if any at all to make up for this business practice. This is what happens when marketing and trend chasing fool a business into pursuing the wrong thing to stay relevant when the clear answer all along was that they always did good when they just supported developers making genuinely full and good games.

Babadook724d ago (Edited 24d ago )

I kind of agree with you, but Phil is partly to blame.

I blame Peter Moore (for leaving). Everything went to pot soon after.

PapaBop24d ago

How many years ago was this now? I'll give him some credit for what he inherited but lets be honest, he hasn't exactly done anything praise worthy and has done a terrible job managing the studios Microsoft owns.

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 24d ago
Eonjay25d ago

I thought he said it was Gen Z. I can't keep up.

Hofstaderman25d ago

Its Gen Z who are extremely capitilist. Lol, Phil is a clown of note.

25d ago
fr0sty25d ago (Edited 25d ago )

He's kinda right, shareholders expect constant growth, which is unsustainable, but it is what they expect nonetheless. That's why, even though the games industry is healthy as it has ever been, because it isn't growing, everyone in the industry is panicking. Even though we're still selling just as many consoles as ever, they expect each generation to just keep on growing and growing, and when that doesn't happen, they start to freak out.

This is true of any industry, and it's why anytime a company goes public, their products usually end up going to shit. The shareholders expect more and more and more growth, cuz they want that stock price to keep climbing, and so eventually corners start getting cut, wages start getting cut, employees start getting cut, they start cutting away everywhere they can to try to squeeze a little bit more money out of the product, until they ruin it, and then they move on to the next product.

buffig25d ago

Yeah, but everyone knows how capitalism works. This part didn't need explaining. The problem is that they bought massive plublishers for a gazillion dollars, to the detriment of the industry and now he's acting like he has no choice but to fire thousands of people because he just found out about nasty capitalism

TheEnigma31325d ago

Why I'm glad companies like Valve stayed private.

SyntheticForm24d ago

He'd never blame himself, so he's trying to score points with the kids by blaming capitalism. One of the biggest capitalists is blaming capitalism for his and Xbox's failure.

fr0sty24d ago

I agree with you, which is why I said he's "kinda" right... he's right in the fact that capitalism is behind a lot of investors freaking out that the games industry, while still healthy, is not continually growing unsustainably, but he's also being hypocritical in the same breath after buying half the industry and then laying off thousands of them, and using his own business practices as an excuse to cover for his failures.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 24d ago
mandf25d ago

It won't be until halo and gears are on playstation that xbox fans see phil for who he is. A snake fighting only for himself. The video game industry means nothing to him just his paycheck to those who believe phil is passionate and loves video games you are part of the problem. You never hold ms accountable.

Minute Man 72125d ago

Halo and Gears only when Microsoft drops outta the console market

-Foxtrot25d ago

They don't need to drop out of the market for that to happen

They will always have some kind of console going forward but Halo and Gears could only be a few years away at this rate.

Next gen might look completely different

Tacoboto25d ago

I'd actually hope for Halo to come to PS and Nintendo at this point.

The community rejected a mictotransaction option so MCC is no longer maintained - no new revenue streams and Microsoft listened. Infinite is on Content Updates now instead of Seasons - dwindling playerbase and less excitement. If MS wants the franchise to thrive, that's free money and the same could essentially be said for Gears bringing them abroad.

FinalFantasyFanatic25d ago

@Tacoboto,
To be fair, Halo Infinite had a rocky start to begin with, I think they improved for a while, but fell behind again.

shinoff218325d ago

The writings on the all in huge fking letters. Just read it.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 25d ago
phoenixwing25d ago

I don't blame Phil for that in the slightest. If you were offered to be an executive of a company 9 out of 10 ppl would take the job for the salary and give little crap about how they feel about any given product they sell. He's not wrong that capitalism drives greedy companies but you have to take the good with the bad.

staticall25d ago

@phoenixwing
But the person is doing a bad job and the company (including customers) are suffering because of that, how can you not blame him? The reason for high paying is the decisions you make and the responsibility you take for your actions steering the company in the right direction (if company is doing bad, it's your fault; if company is doing good, it's because of your decisions).

It reminds me of that South Park Bill Owens parody ("Follow that egg" episode), a governor who wants all the money and recognition/respect, but doesn't want to take any responsibility, how backwards is that?!

Petebloodyonion25d ago

@Staticall
Agree but what are your metrics for doing a bad job?
Is Microsoft's share value tanking due to its decision?
Is brand awareness worse than in 2016?

As someone who works in investment, this is how I see it and why Spencer's still around.
1) Grow the Xbox brand awareness by including PC and Gamepass making it a stronger brand by name versus 2015.
2) Showed a plan to evolve profitability by having multiple sources of recurrent income with Gamepass, PC gaming, streaming, and now other platforms
3) made new market integration possible via PC and cloud.
4) Can make hard decisions for the good of the company like cutting jobs.

staticall24d ago

@Petebloodyonion
I would say, we shouldn't look at Microsoft themselves, they have a ton of revenue streams - Windows sales, hardware sales, Office sales, Azure, government contracts, certification programs, etc. We need to look at Xbox - hardware sales are in decline (Xbox 360 > Xbox One > Xbox Series S + X combined). GamePass subscribers aren't growing enough and, according to the Microsoft docs, are at plateau. Games sales are abysmal (both physical and digital, thanks to "Day one on GamePass"). Xbox exclusives doesn't exist anymore (every game is coming to PC). And it didn't start yesterday, this was happening for a long-long time.

In my eyes, brand recognition doesn't mean much, if it doesn't translate to console sales, because Phil took away every reason to buy Xbox console for a regular customer (i used to own Xbox 360 and saw 0 reasons to own Xbox One or Xbox Series).

I would also argue that he didn't make any hard decisions, at least when it comes to games: Crackdown 3, Redfall, Halo Infinite - he was saying that those games are looking fine only to be laughed at on presentation/release. But i would consider that a low blow, because he did cut some jobs. But not from top management (who are responsible for the decisions).

In my eyes, as a console owner/gamer, doing good job as a platform holder = supporting your console with high quality exclusive games (like Nintendo and Sony are doing). I'm fine with releasing the games afterwards on PC, but not right away (otherwise, what's the point of a console?!). Extra services are fine (like PS+ or GamePass, or cloud stuff), but they wouldn't be a reason to buy a console for me. Phil is overfocusing on extra services, not on games. And it doesn't work out and haven't worked out for what, 10 years already? Sorry, i feel like i'm rambling at this point.

Nooderus25d ago

He's a Microsoft executive. Duh

S2Killinit25d ago (Edited 25d ago )

Agree except I think the real snake is MS itself. They are a terrible company. This clown is just the hired man for the job.

phoenixwing25d ago (Edited 25d ago )

Thats basically what I'm trying to say and if you really want to get down to it. It's the board of directors for the company who makes this stuff happen.

jznrpg25d ago (Edited 25d ago )

@Phoenixeing it’s his job as the head of the division to tell those people I think you are wrong and for success we need to this - that’s literally his job. MS motto is a big problem and Phil going a long with it is also his fault. He’s the one guy who can say something.

Abear2125d ago

Agreed they are the problem.

M$ doesn’t care about the quality of the game, they care about the profitability of the game.

When you work for a Co. like M$ you know this. It’s all about money—not the “art” or what’s healthy in the industry for devs and/or the consumers.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 24d ago
M3talDiamond25d ago

First its Gen Z now its capitalism but we can all agree that it definitely isn't Phil

JackBNimble25d ago (Edited 25d ago )

If it wasn't for capitalism there would be no xbox or Microsoft for that matter. But as the head of xbox division it is his responsibility no matter good or bad .... that's what it means to be the boss. If that's to much for him, then he needs to resign.

-Foxtrot25d ago

Kind of funny because when it comes to capitalism Microsoft is one of those great big American companies that just screams it.

They spent billions on Minecraft, Zenimax and Activision yet couldn't afford to save all those jobs they cut. With the money they make within a year they could have, someway.

PhillyDonJawn25d ago ShowReplies(3)
FinalFantasyFanatic25d ago

They've been swallowing up a lot of AI companies too and spending big on that area.

S2Killinit25d ago

If MS gets into AI they will cause the end of humanity the way they are causing the end of console gaming.

FinalFantasyFanatic24d ago

@S2Killinit,

It's between Microsoft and Google, the chances are one of those two will take the AI crown considering the amount of cash they're throwing at that sector. I suppose Microsoft might be the worst out of the two, but Google hasn't been exactly great compared to the old days when they threw around their old adage of "do no evil".

Silly Mammo25d ago

MS is making millions of dollars annually with the Xbox brand. Unfortunately, they're spending billions on acquisitions too

8bitAssassin24d ago

Game Pass games are not free.

Christopher25d ago

He also blames his bank account balance on capitalism.

PhillyDonJawn24d ago

I don't think it work like that. MS is the parent company. The branch has its own budget to maintain.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 24d ago
thorstein25d ago

Making millions, taking million dollar salaries and bonuses but it's the dev in the chair that's preventing profit?

Yeah okay, Phil.

Show all comments (146)
320°

Phil Spencer, long cast as Xbox's saviour, may be remembered as the man who killed it

Nathan Brown: "Phil Spencer spoke to the press at GDC last week, offering some context/spin on Microsoft’s recent manoeuvres, while dropping a few now-customary hints about the Xbox division’s future plans. I take one issue with this: I am no longer sure Xbox has much of a future to speak of. Moreover: I think Phil Spencer, for so long cast as Xbox’s saviour, may ultimately be remembered as the man who killed it."

Read Full Story >>
videogameschronicle.com
27d ago
gold_drake27d ago

his decisions over the years were definitely questionable at best.

but MS let him be the head of xbox for this long, so they either dont have anyone else for the job or .. we'll i dont rly know any other reason haha.

-Foxtrot27d ago (Edited 27d ago )

Basically when we had that awful Xbox One reveal in 2013 and Don Mattrick was thrown under the bus as the companies scape goat Phil was pretty much the only one they had who wasn't a typical looking "corporate suit".

Despite the fact him being the head of Microsoft Game Studios and gladly going along with the lack of games nearing the end of the Xbox 360 life where it was basically Kinect, Sports, TV along with the same 3-4 IPs like Halo or Gears he was the best person they had for the job.

They didn't have anyone else basically and from that day onward he was seen as good guy Phil turning the studio around when all he was doing was reversing the silly decisions made and going along with whatever the higher ups or the board wanted for Xbox. Didn't make a difference in the end because everything they "reversed" with the awful Xbox One reveal ended up being implemented in small different ways surgically in recent years with Gamepass.

The guy apparently is such a huge gamer yet played Crackdown 3 and Redfall, thought they were good and released them anyway in those states.

PapaBop27d ago (Edited 27d ago )

Not a typical looking corporate suit? The guy straight up looks like a used car salesman lol. To be fair, after Mattrick, I think anyone with half a brain could succeed him and look semi decent, whenever I think of his name, I immediately remember that "this is how to share your games" video from Sony.

S2Killinit27d ago

when I look at him, its cringe. The guy dresses casually to fool people. But he is as corporate as it gets.

fr0sty27d ago

His cocky smirk I've always found to be incredibly annoying...

MrDead27d ago

I would say his "why bother making games when others are already" decision is what has lead them here. MS does this, but they just buy companies that they want to do a thing then asset strip it and dump it, you can't do that in gaming.

Tody_ZA27d ago

He's the head of Xbox because Microsoft isn't a gaming company and they haven't done anything for gaming in more than a decade. They're a parent company looking to buy more kids to raise as investments. They will profit off ownership, off their games releasing on other platforms, because they can't create anything themselves. Slowly they'll make Xbox as a console completely irrelevant under the mantra of play anywhere. That's why Phil is still there. He shares their corporate vision of making bucks and doing nothing for the gaming industry.

SubtilizZer27d ago

“If they don’t have a story these days they’ll make one”
Drake.

RhinoGamer8827d ago

Phil's top skill is keeping his job, growing his net worth to over $25million, all while underperforming...

SeTTriP27d ago

Gotta respect it, he went from a gaming studio head to making 70billion dollar deals...he is the main character I gotta admit.he looks fun to hang around too.

MrDead27d ago

...why do I feel like I need a shower after reading that? One of the grossest thing I've heard, S tier blowing bubbles grovelling.

jznrpg27d ago (Edited 27d ago )

I don’t respect moves that make gaming worse long term

XBManiac27d ago (Edited 27d ago )

(Phil 'wait for next year' Spencer)
Microsoft made the 71,933 millions deal because it was already started and, with Microsoft, it is not possible to go back and stop it. Does anybody think that deal would be an option in 2023 or 2024, with the nowadays sitiation of the industry? And in 2022? No, nobody would pay that money for Activision-blizzard-king... because it would not be recovered in more than 20 years of really hard and good work. Everybody are selling for less, not buying for more (Embracer, Tencent...). But bad decisions in a company like Microsoft are impossible to fix. It is like a very big Ministery, where if something starts, it can't be stopped. It happened before and Microsoft will do the same again, as they have enough money to burn... well... I hope, because if Microsoft dies... it will be the end of our known world. What could substitute it?

_Decadent_Descent27d ago

I mean, that does take a certain skill. lol

FinalFantasyFanatic27d ago

I guess he has skill as a salesman, look how long he managed to get people to wait on Xbox.

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