230°

Spencer on Getting The Adaptive Controller to as Many Folks as Possible: It's a Business Opportunity

Head of Xbox division Phil Spencer revealed that the Xbox Adaptive Controller is more than just social goodness as there's a business opportunity there and Microsoft plans to get it to as many people as possible.

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Chris_Wray2600d ago

Of course it makes perfect sense both out of a 'goodness' aspect and a business aspect to get the adaptive controller out there. The 'goodness' side is plain as they are the first real console manufacturer to make a special controller for anybody with a disability that inhibits the use of a regular controller. Business wise, being the first means that those who will use it have a reason to pick the platform and, as such, games sales can increase as a result.

KaiPow2600d ago

Making these kind of adaptations available for everyone that wants to use them is a huge win for gamers under rehabilitation. I respect the work that Able gamers does and some of those elaborate solutions they find to help out someone in need can get pricey.

Haki11122599d ago

who would down vote this??

Jinger2599d ago

@Haki

Because it's something positive about MS/Xbox so it's going to get downvotes just on principle.

Eonjay2599d ago

They aren't the first to make controllers for disabled people. At all. Can we give them credit without giving them something that isn't true? Can we be honest?

TheUndertaker852599d ago

Show me one mass produced by either Sony or Nintendo for Switch or PS4. Now try PS3 or Wii U.

So HONESTLY Microsoft is the first console manufacturer this gen and last that developed a controller specifically for the disabled community to enjoy games. And HONESTLY Microsoft doesn’t have the count of PS4 at this point so they stand to lose more for GOODWILL and attempting to include as many people as possible.

Gaming_1st2599d ago

@TheUndertaker85

Is that the same "GOODWILL" MS used last gen to push out a faulty product on consumers to lose more?

rainslacker2599d ago

They're the first platform holder to make it though. That means system level support, which was something sorely missing in the past. That also means SDK/API support at the core, which is better than the button mapping techniques that most of these devices use.

There is still the matter of developers taking advantage of it, but this is a step in the right direction, and MS should be given credit for doing what they did. They certainly aren't the first to make such controllers, but they're doing the right thing here, and if you look at MS history, they've usually been ahead of the curve when it comes to accessibility features in Windows.

gamer78042598d ago

sure as long as you don't make fun of it on your official Sony twitter account... pretty low. like making fun of someone's wheelchair.

https://twitter.com/_amiR15...

rainslacker2598d ago (Edited 2598d ago )

@Gamer

As distasteful as that post was from a competitive stand point, when that post was made, it wasn't known that the controller was being designed for the purpose of accessibility for those with handicaps. It was just a leaked picture of the controller with no information about it.

So, it wasn't that Sony was being insensitive towards those with disabilities, just that they made some stupid comment to put down the competition which wasn't neither needed or professional. It's about as lame as MS calling out Sony for not showing their console at the reveal, or people in general saying that Sony was releasing a George Foreman Grill as a console, but had nothing to do with being dismissive of those with disabilities.

When I first saw it, I thought it was going to be something for something similar to DJ Hero, or some multipurpose controller for some game or system feature. Or possibly just a experimental controller that would never see the light of day.

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Prince_TFK2599d ago (Edited 2599d ago )

You spin a positive thing into a negative thing. Unbelievable. Next thing you know, even the length of a cable that come with a console will cause a console war.

UCForce2599d ago (Edited 2599d ago )

Look, business or not. This is something that I’m very happy to see disable people to be happy and have normal life just like us and have fun like us. If Sony or Microsoft or Nintendo support the charity for disabled people, I would support it. Like I said, business or not, i just want these people to be happy.

Jinger2599d ago

Every gamer deserves to game.

trooper_2599d ago

That's nice but why isn't Spencer focusing on games as well?

trooper_2599d ago

Guess I struck a nerve.

rainslacker2599d ago

Because comments like this distract from the good things that can be done when companies put their mind to it.

I'm not happy with MS software output, but I will give them credit when they do something good for gaming.

trooper_2599d ago (Edited 2599d ago )

There's nothing wrong with that. I never discredited it. I've worked with individuals with disabilities.

But couldn't they focus on games as well?

rainslacker2598d ago

Yes, MS could focus on games as well. But there is a time and place for that kind of talk, and IMO, the discussion of inclusion of more players who traditionally are not thought of that much is not that place. Something like this should be praised, and then maybe it'll be adopted by more companies, and hopefully, get developer support. That's why it shouldn't end up getting distracted by common console war topics.

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bigmalky2599d ago

So what happens to the small organisations like Special Effect who have been leading the way in this field?

I'm all for it, but what about the real heroes that aren't doing it for maximum profit?

XtaZ2599d ago (Edited 2599d ago )

MS did not do this for maximum profit as they are certainly losing money on this with all the R&D costs just to make a product aimed at a small amount of people, and even offering their tech to other platforms without even forcing their brand on it is just amazing. MS are the real heroes here.

2599d ago
oasdada2599d ago

"Its a business opportunity"
Yeah Reall heroes!

xX-oldboy-Xx2599d ago

MS are the real heroes here - how much cringe can you put in 1 little sentence.

First or not, best or not, most successful or not - none of that matters. This is a good thing, this is above all the banter that goes on here.

XtaZ2599d ago

/facepalm. So many triggered Sony fanboys who are trying to downplay this and can't handle the fact that MS have done something great for disabled people. Deal with it losers.

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rainslacker2599d ago

Things like this don't return maximum profit. They allow more people to access a product.

Other companies have done stuff like this. It's nothing new. But it's never been done in a way that it has the potential to be built into the system itself. That's a big thing that these smaller companies can't actually achieve without working with the bigger companies, and it's hard for smaller companies to really get that going. On top of that, the development community doesn't usually get on board, but they are more likely to do so if it's built into a base SDK like DirectX or OGL. Otherwise, these devices are just button mapped, and may not be programmed to take advantage of what the devices themselves can offer by offering up specific input methods.

Cobra9512599d ago

Considering a normal controller goes for $60, pricing this thing at $100 really surprises me. I thought it would be a lot more.

Tankbusta402599d ago

Phil Spencer continues to make bone headed decisions. Sure it's nice that people with disabilities have a better option to play but as a business decision this is not smart. You won't be getting enough new Xbox users to justify the cost of development here. Again Xbox funnels money into stuff nobody has asked for.

TheUndertaker852599d ago

Yeah, because disabled individuals shouldn’t be allowed to play games more comfortably because of profit /s

And I’m sure disabled individuals didn’t ask for it. /s

2599d ago
Jinger2599d ago (Edited 2599d ago )

Wow, what an asshole you are. Charities aren't all about maximum profit either. It's about helping a group of people who still want to be gamers, but can't.

Seriously, the amount of toxic bull crap on ANYTHING MS does is just pathetic around here. Grow up.

Edit: and the fact that this has more upvotes than downvotes just proves my point.

Tankbusta402599d ago (Edited 2599d ago )

Wow you SJWs don't even read the post before you come on here and spew this crap.

I said it was nice that people with disabilities get this...the point of my post was from a business standpoint.

JINGER:Microsoft is NOT A CHARITY...so your point is moot and irrelevant.

The rest of you need to realize that from a business standpoint it is stupid. There are not enough disabled gamers to warrant this FROM A BUSINESS STANDPOINT. Microsoft is getting its teeth kicked in this generation because they refuse to acknowledge their major problem..EXCLUSIVE games. I love my Xbox One X but its a 3rd party machine. Making this controller isn't going to bring millions of gamers to the platform and from a business standpoint that makes funneling money into this device unnecessary.

Sometimes I think people worry so much about inclusion that they forget the majority and this is in Business as well as politics. The majority makes companies money...not minority. You can call me an asshole all you want and if thats your opinion I am fine with that. But from a business perspective this will be a money loser. I can't wait for Phil Spencer to take up 30 minutes at E3 trying to get good will out of this device while wearing his hipster sports coat and thinking he is doing someone good. After E3 everyone will just be wondering where the new games are and not care....its business sense of course.

I am completely fine with a 3rd party making this their mission, but as it stands the Xbox brand has other more pressing issues to tackle at the the moment.

rainslacker2599d ago

@Tank

It's not stupid from a business standpoint. It may not be a huge boon to their revenues, and they may even lose money on it. But it's opening up gaming to a new group of people who would otherwise be turned away because it wasn't accessible for whatever reason.

MS started adding in accessibility features a long time ago in Windows....95 IIRC, and it was a huge plus to many people because it could be hard to read the screen, or use a mouse for some people.

Over time, when people start using a product, they are less likely to use other products if they know they can use such things. This is particularly true for those who are adverse to using tech because they have a hard time doing so.

it's not a gaurantee for success now or even in the future, but it certainly doesn't help, and it's a positive all around if they actually support it.

The hard part for MS will be to get developers to support it, and realistically, a lot of games may not even be practical to use with the devices. But over time, technology evolves and new things come to make it better for everyone(hopefully), and business continues. So, instead of MS later trying to claw their way into a market where a competitor is entrenched, they are instead a forerunner that people actually know and respect. That's good for business.

ShottyatLaw2599d ago

"Nobody asked for?" That's simply not true. Many people with a variety of disabilities asked for adaptive controllers. That's just an ignorant comment to make.

Even if they don't make a dollar of profit, the simple goodwill generated makes it a good business decision. The fact that it's Win 10 and console compatible means it probably will be profitable.

No Way2599d ago

What an ignorant statement. First off, the y have sold MILLIONS, that's more than enough to let people who have some difficulty or disability to play, the ease of playing. Secondly, I'm sure there will be plenty of people who will be thrilled about this - even if you're not. Third, I'm sure it will bring in at least SOME sales, that the other systems won't have. Works well for everyone, if you ask me.

Tankbusta402599d ago

@Rain...Listen I am going to say this a 3rd time...its nice people with disabilities have an option.

My problem is BUSINESS. As an Xbox owner(I also own a ps4) I feel like Phil Spencer and management suffer from extreme cases of ADHD.

First they did the fancy controller...then the One X...Now this...without ever addressing their major problem...games.

If the Xbox brand made this and was going to give this as a charitable donation to every gamer with a disability and take the obvious charity kick back on their taxes...I would be cheering. Nope they are proving to be idiotic businessmen who are taking a loss on the device to try and divert attention from their real problem.

The Windows platform is a different animal...it has the market share for a much larger computer market so it can afford to diversify to include everyone...the XBOX brand cannot. As someone who has spent well over $1,000 dollars into the brand this year alone...I can have an opinion on this and if next generation...Phil Spencer, Mike Ybarra and others at the top are not replaced...I will NOT throw my money at them because they have proven time and time again that they don't want to address the real concerns of majority gamers.

Also I hope everyone that is championing this goes out and buys a brand new Xbox to show their support instead of being fake supporters online(I know most of you won't...which just proves my point about this being a worthless business venture)

TheUndertaker852598d ago (Edited 2598d ago )

Here. Know how to solve your issue point blank as this is becoming flat out stupid. People putting business and profits over an individual and wonder what the actual problem is with the world today.

If these individuals with disabilities are unable to play games they can now do so. If they are unable to play they likely don’t have a console or gaming setup.

So Microsoft gets a sale from the controller if not multiples along with a console or possibly PC where a vast majority sport Windows and Microsoft receives a cut. On top of the potential to move more software, gain another subscription for Xbox Live or Xbox Game Pass, AND be the only console manufacturer to offer a MASS PRODUCED controller suited for individuals with disabilities.

So there’s the money that you’ve been talking about and putting priority on. The PR alone of being THE ONLY CONSOLE MANUFACTURER TO OFFER A CONTROLLER FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES is another ace in the whole for the product and Microsoft.

And PLEASE, explain to me what wheel chair ramps, handicap access, and numerous other things in the world do to generate profit. I’m sure it’ll be a great story. I’d guess by your arguments here anything benefiting individuals with disabilities should be eliminated when they don’t generate profits. Someone has to profit after all. Maybe we can install toll booths at the entrances so that ramp costs $1 to use or hey, I suppose they can take the stairs. /s

I am very glad the entire world does not share your point of view that profits are more important than people. Which with all your arguing about profits literally states that is your priority, as you keep repeating.

For the future as well do keep this in mind. The people generate the money for these companies, not the money generating people. Money may talk but without the people it’s just like the tree that falls in the woods.

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300°

Former PlayStation Boss Says $80 Games Are Amazingly Affordable

PlayStation boss believes that $80 games are affordable due to the value they provide. Using Mario Kart as an example, he noted that it offers numerous hours of gameplay with just one purchase.

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tech4gamers.com
jambola1d 13h ago

value inside the product does not have any impact on how afforable they are

Eonjay19h ago

He never said anything about affordability at all. He only commented about the perceived value that a game can have to a player that gets many hours out of it.

Again, as with many other forms of we are disrespected and lied to.

Title says Yoshida said $80 games are amazingly affordable. This is a lie.

CrimsonWing6919h ago

Perceived value is subjective, so how do you even argue for it? If one person says $500 was worth it because they played a game for six months, what does that mean to someone who didn’t share that experience or see that value?

This is exactly where corporate thinking falls apart. The value is defined by them, and then they twist the logic to defend it from a purely internal, out-of-touch perspective.

I’ve never based the price of a game on how long I’ve played it. There’s a standard price range that consumers feel is fair. If it were truly based on time or value, Resident Evil 2 Remake would cost $20, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth would be $1,000.

Eonjay17h ago

@Crimson

"Perceived value is subjective, so how do you even argue for it?Perceived value is subjective, so how do you even argue for it?"

I think his point is that it is subjective.

thorstein15h ago

Why is tech4gamers allowed to publish here. The lying is constant with them.

FACTUAL evidence26m ago

Honestly, expedition 33 is a prime example of quality for the low. Expedition 33 launched at 50$, and that game gave me more fun than most 60-70$ games I’ve purchased within the last decade.

pwnmaster30001d 13h ago

I get the concept.
People buy movies for $20-$30 dollars that offers only a couple of hours of enjoyment.
While games offers 3-10+ times the amount of hours and content.
So in theory yeah I get it.

But I will never accept it and would rather keep the price now or even better PS360 price lol

isarai1d 11h ago

On the surface ye that makes sense, but when you realize the budgets are very comparable, you realize it's kinda stupid and overpriced especially when it common for it to be released unfinished

Extermin8or3_14h ago

Not really, movies that have similar budgets have the box office where if they arent a flop- they typically make all their money back or a profit. Movies have a much wider audience. Games however just have that release and have a smaller market.

PapaBop13h ago

Are many people buying movies for $20-$30? Outside of the more dedicated movie goers who have a physical collection, I imagine most rather scoff at that and stick to things like Netflix instead.

DivineHand12513h ago

You also have to take into consideration that most games are enjoyed by one or two people, while movies can be enjoyed by a group of people who are either friends or family.

Another thing is that the value of an entertainment product cannot be judged based on its length, but how it makes the user feel when it is all done.
An example of this is Ubisoft games. They can last close to or exceed 100 hours, yet many people hate on them for doing things to pad the length of the game, while Uncharted 4 and other Naughty Dog games average about 15 hours in length and are hailed as some of the best games of all time.

gold_drake1d 1h ago

said by the guy who probably had a high 6 figure income

Eonjay10h ago

He never made the comment. Welcome to the internet.

gold_drake10h ago

..have u watched the video at all?

welcome to the internet indeed.

Petebloodyonion20h ago

The value of an $80 all-you-can-eat buffet is undeniable, making it curious why some people choose a $20 restaurant for a single, standard meal.

In a similar vein, movies, despite their higher production costs for a two-hour experience, outperform video games in revenue while also being priced around $20. Suggesting that video games need 100 hours of diluted gameplay to compete seems like a misdirection. The real solution might lie in re-evaluating how their core offering is valued.

Extermin8or3_14h ago

Individual movies yes, the movie industry as a whole? No, the movie industry is dwarfed by the behemoth in terms of revenue that gaming is.

DoubleYourDose6h ago

The $80 buffet and the $20 meal both come out the same end.

FACTUAL evidence20h ago

Lol so rich people want to speak for my wallet now? I still haven’t adapted to 70$ yet, and not planing on to. I don’t mind waiting on sales.

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140°

Square Enix is “aware” of Final Fantasy XIV player numbers dropping

Square Enix president Takashi Kiryu discusses the dropping player count of Final Fantasy XIV and the numerous projects of YoshiP.

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videogamer.com
jznrpg2d ago

It’s really old now. All great MMOs decline.

PRIMORDUS2d ago

Also who wants to keep paying a monthly fee every month, there are other options like Guild Wars 2 😁with no monthly fee and while not that many people overall compared to FF XIV, it did increase to about 21 mil now.

Sephiroushin1d 22h ago (Edited 1d 22h ago )

I prefer to pay since i do not like guild wars and it keep kids away, but FF14 decreased on quality since they started to make it "more accessible", tried throne and liberty and while it was okay it has so many issues, same for dune awakening... Its time to start making a new FF MMO

kaewcha7342d ago

Looks like Square Enix is self-aware but still stuck in place, they see the player drop and apologize for the bugs, but nothing really changes. Shame, FFXIV used to be the gold standard

Servbot412d ago

My entire free company has stopped playing. The writing has consistently gotten worse and the content is sparse and lacking; unless you are a hardcore player there's very little for you to do. They are over-catering to the people who will grind three+ times a week on a single fight for multiple months when the playerbase by large doesn't want that sort of content. Square needs to dedicate more resources to the game instead of wasting them on mobile and other live service slop.

Miraak82 2d ago

The biggest factor for me is the way they butchered job design over the years , the casualization and over simplification really hurt a good chunk of enjoyment I used to have . Jobs lost any form of complexity and just became " press glowing button" DDR style for fighting where the gameplay loop is a about the 2 minute burst window . They removed most DoTS, timer mechanics , cast times, pets, RNG ect and all around homogenized everything . When you try and can cater to everyone ... you cater to no one .

60°

Dune: Awakening Composer Talks Giving Arrakis a Voice

Game Rant interviews Dune: Awakening composer Knut Avenstroup Haugen about his process for giving the harsh deserts of Arrakis a musical voice.

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gamerant.com