850°

Xbox One outsold PlayStation 4 in April, according to the NPD

Microsoft’s home console finally outdid the PlayStation 4 last month.

The publisher has confirmed its Xbox One was the top-selling console in the United States. This comes from industry-tracking firm The NPD Group.

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venturebeat.com
lelo2play3270d ago

"Xbox One outsold PlayStation 4 in April, according to the NPD"

Hum... did not expect this.
Surprising, but good news. Competition is good for gamers.

Transistor3270d ago

My legit reaction to this.

http://gifrific.com/wp-cont...

Congrats. This came out of no where.

xHeavYx3270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

Xbox fans can finally say that the gap got closer (at least in the US)
Not that surprising when you consider that the One is now $50 cheaper than the PS4. You can even get the One and the MCC for $350.

nicksetzer13270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

@heavy I don't get your point. Without kinect the price was $399.99. It only dropped $50 and considering it is weaker hardware that seems like a fair price difference.

As for the packed in games, you can also buy a PS4 with TLOU remaster. $50 doesn't explain Xbox one winning in the month that started 6 days after Bloodbourne released.

I don't think extraordinary sale prices had anything to do with it, as the prices simply aren't that extraordinary compared to march, and really even compared to PS4. Might just be the fact that all the windows 10 news has made more people aware of XB1 in US specifically it seems to make sense. (although most of that happened in Feb and March) Or maybe US buyers are beginning to lean toward XB1 consoles, hard to say.

NatureOfLogic_3270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

@xHeavYx, To be honest, PS4 has been doing great winning NPD up til this point with MS's super aggressive deals, game bundles and cheaper price in their strongest territory. Congrats to Sony for not allowing MS to establish a steady foot in a region they(MS) once dominated.

SourtreeDing3270d ago

Xbox outselling PS4 by one console wow close month

Transistor3270d ago

The Xbox One sold 187K, can't imagined the PS4 is too far behind that, we'll find out soon.

Why o why3270d ago

well done xbox. I'm as surprised as most people are here. Dat resilience tho.

jb2273270d ago

"...in the U.S."

There, fixed that for you. I thought Xbox already outsold the ps4 the past holiday in the US, so this wasn't the first time. Sony still took software sales & presumably worldwide overall sales of the PS4, as well as family sales besting MS in the world & in the US as well, so small victories I suppose. Hopefully Sony unveils some great upcoming titles, it's nice to see MS actually working to put out quality stuff & give them a run for their money in the realm that matters most: actual games & creativity.

darthv723270d ago

Competition is good for gamers. And what else is good for gamers is seeing the competition give respect to each other for doing something good.

MS has been there to give props to Sony all these months. Sony can at least give props to MS for having a good month of April.

DoctorXpro3270d ago Show
bleedsoe9mm3270d ago

i think there is a pretty good chance xb1 wins may as well , with the witcher being marketed as a xb1 game . then we'll see what ms has up there sleeve to steal june away from sony at e3 .

Transistor3270d ago

Xbox One - 187K
PS4 - 174K

nicksetzer13270d ago Show
Transistor3270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

@nick

It's because you're paranoid, this is my first NPD here I believe.

And no, this is not the usual difference. Last month the PS4 won by almost a 100K and the month before that was around 40K iirc.

They have only been this close once or twice, this might even be the smallest margin yet.

subtenko3270d ago

Does anyone have the global numbers of Xbox One sales and PS4 sales that month out of curiosity?

dantesparda3270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

@Nicksetzer

No they are not, they are hardly ever that close.

Nov. 2013 [PS4]1,138M, [XB1] 909K
Dec. 2013 [PS4] ~862K, [XB1] 908K
Jan. 2014 [PS4] 271K, [XB1] 141K
Feb. 2014 [PS4] 268K, [XB1] 258K
March 2014 [PS4] 371K, [XB1] 311K
April 2014 [PS4] 199K, [XB1] 115K
May 2014 [PS4] 197K, [XB1] 77K
June 2014 [PS4] 269K, [XB1] 197K
July 2014 [PS4] 187K, [XB1] 131K
Aug 2014 [PS4] 190K, [XB1] 159K
Sept 2014 [PS4] 538K, [XB1] 284K
Oct 2014 [PS4] 297K, [XB1] 168K
Nov 2014 [PS4] 826K, [XB1] 1,23M
Dec 2014 [PS4]1,065M, [XB1] 1,29M
Jan 2015 [PS4] ~192K, [XB1] ~152K
Feb 2015 [PS4] 342K, [XB1] 276K
March 2015 [PS4] 336K, [XB1] 233K
April 2015 [PS4] 174K, [XB1] 187K

Gamer19823270d ago

They finally outsold it in on region by a tiny amount after about 4 price drops? I wouldn't say that was a major win.. Ms however will once again pretend though like NPD covers the planet and they won in worldwide sales with this news.

donthate3269d ago

xHeavYx:

"Xbox fans can finally say that the gap got closer (at least in the US)
Not that surprising when you consider that the One is now $50 cheaper than the PS4. You can even get the One and the MCC for $350."

I have seen PS4 with Last of Us for $350 many times. This seems to be the normal price.

I think MS is on a good momentum swing around. Best lineup in Xbox history for E3 and then a turn around. Personally, I kind of prefer the Xbox as the underdog. The innovation and what MS brings to the table when they are hungry has hugely benefitted me.

So far the PS4 has disappointed month-after-month with only two games I have been playing Bloodborne (amazing!) and several year old remaster called Last of Us (another amazing game)!

I would rather not have three complacent companies.

badz1493269d ago Show
GribbleGrunger3269d ago (Edited 3269d ago )

When you see an anomaly like this you have to ask yourself why it happened. I'd say it has something to do with Bloodborne and Batman. Sony would have allotted a certain amount of consoles for Bloodborne, but (like Sony themselves have stated) Bloodborne did far better than they expected. Couple that with people preordering the Batman bundle (people who intend to buy a PS4 in the future) and you can easily see how it could create a vacuum for a while. I reckon things will be back to normal for May.

There will inevitably be a price drop at some point but it won't in any way be related to a single month. Sony don't react like that, they have a long term plan and stick to it. So, regardless of what articles write or what forum users assume, if a price drop does indeed hit in the next few months, it won't have anything to do with this situation. When you are 'lapping' your closest rival, you don't suddenly change tactics just because you find that on one lap you don't widen the gap.

darthv723269d ago

I can see it now. At this years E3 MS not only shows off new games (not just sequels or remasters) but finishes the show by saying the new price for the system is going to be $299.99.

Or they announce the new price first and then show off all the new games to keep people interested.

XanderZane3268d ago

Yeah, it is some good news. I'm only surprised because April is usually a very slow month and after Bloodborne was released, I thought PS4 sales would stay strong up until E3 in the U.S. Microsoft still has a lot of work to do in Europe. It needs to sell better in those countries. Good job Microsoft.

+ Show (23) more repliesLast reply 3268d ago
tuglu_pati3270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

Unexpected.

What could have push XBO sales in April? Is PS4 slowing down in US?
hmmmm, price drop incoming... They have that card under there sleeve.

nicksetzer13270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

That's what I don't get. MS had ori and screamride in march, and state of decay in april.

Sony had the order in late february MLB the show and bloodbourne in late march. (31st and 24th respectively)

Hard to believe bloodbourne and MLB's careyover didn't give Sony the victory. Regardless I could care less about sales as long as they both continue to make great games. (As they are)

u got owned3270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

@nicksetzer1

Yeah its hard to believe XBO came on top with out any major release and PS4 having release Bloodbourne on late March, evidently it didn't move to many console it seems. E3 its gonna be interesting, like Tuglu said Sony can always drop the price and have the advantage again.

MCC rank system perhaps help push some consoles?

RadioActiveTwinky3270d ago

One factor could be that batman bundle that was announced in March. the numbers were high but not over 200k which was ps4's norm. The One came out with 187k
Either way I hope the ps4 drops in price. I could go for a second one.

aceitman3270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

well batman ps4 bundles that sold out 3 times doesn't count in april , they will count in june and it will sell bigtime . so calling it ps4 wins june by 2-3 times as x1 . and ps4 was not in stock the2 weeks in april . https://twitter.com/aceitma...

Bathyj3270d ago

I couldn't be more surprised if I woke up and my head was sewn to the carpet.

darthv723270d ago

@bathy... nice Clark W. Griswold reference there.

its_JEFF3270d ago

@Bathyj LOL I would pretty surprised if that happened to me.

OT: I'm not surprised that BB didn't shift that many consoles. I like the Souls serious and really enjoyed my time with BB, but those games are system sellers, they may be for hardcore guys but it's not a game for the masses.

3270d ago
Kingscorpion713270d ago

When the Witcher 3 and Batman comes out I'm sure the Ps4 will continue dominate in sales

GMR_PR3270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

@Kingscorpion71

How you propose that Batman and the Witcher 3 will push the PS4 to continue to dominate in sales when Bloodborne a exclusive couldn't do it. Just trying to understand your logic...

uth113270d ago

PS4 should definitely have still been riding the Bloodborne wave in early April. Doesn't make sense. Wonder how close it was?

News4Noobs-3270d ago

April fools?
I kid I kid... ;)

OT: But good job from MS

pivotplease3270d ago

@GMR_PR

Batman bundle for starters. Also if a multiplatform game was to hypothetically sell systems, based on current trends, it would be selling more PS4s over X1s. I think PS4 will have a massive June. Not sure about May though. E3 also plays a role as well I guess.

fr0sty3270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

@GMR, Bloodborne, while a spiritual successor to the souls series, is technically a new IP. The majority of "average joe" gamers do not know of its association to the souls games, and the souls games were never heavy sellers. The other 2 games are sequels to well established franchises, especially Batman, which has been a big seller since the first arkham game.

Spid3r63269d ago

One that Sony really does not want to play because they cant afford it. Microsoft has to much capital and are willing to go down to free if needs be. Windows 10 with DX12 push will be interesting and lets see what happens when they show of what the cloud can really do with Halo 5... What about Hololens. Microsoft has too many cards to play and will keep pushing. Like Jayz said...I WILL NOT LOSE, its was ringing on Phils Spencers ear.

LonDonE3269d ago (Edited 3269d ago )

I think microsoft will defo move allot of x1 this holiday for sure, with a new halo, a gears remaster, a forza, tomb raider and god knows what else.

Its clear to see that xbox will sell well this fall, but why it sold well in april is beyond me.
Its a great console and i wish more core xbox fans would make the jump instead of listening to fanboy B.S.

I dont think PS4 is slowing per se, but at this moment allot of fans of halo, forza and gears will be loooking to make the jump to current gen.
Gears remaster will defo have a beta for the new gears game like halo mcc.
Maybe they found deals/bundles to good to resist.

Either way i am happy for M.S, a lop sided battle is not good for us core gamers, the more they fight (sony/Nintendo) the harder they work for our £££$$$.

+ Show (13) more repliesLast reply 3269d ago
LackTrue4K3270d ago ShowReplies(2)
Transistor3270d ago

Wow, this is a surprise.

The Xbox Won, I wonder by how much?

Congratulations.

Rookie_Monster3270d ago

Why are you surprise? Xbox One has won before in November and december. They have a great Halo MCC bundle and a system that is $50 cheaper that plays the same game as the competition. This is only the beginning as momentum is definitely swinging MS ways in America. People know Halo 5, Forza 6, Tomb Raider is coming and might as well get a system that plays all third games as well as guaranteed AAA exclusives that they can't play anywhere else this Fall.

Corpser3270d ago

Bloodborne not even in top 10, no exclusives in the top 10 in fact

Bigpappy3270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

Most likely the 360 trade up deal along with Neverwinter, people underestimate the appeal of that MMO and exclusive features like EA access which saves people money on old and new games with early access before you buy.

Xer0_SiN3270d ago

sonys mentality is marathoning. if the xbone cant keep up, then i dunno what to say. huffing and puffing outta the gate. cmon!

blackblades3270d ago

Yeah congrats, they said big win that's a no. It's a win but not a big win if it were it would be worldwide.

Automatic793270d ago

Congratulations to MS and the Xbox team. Games like Ori and the blind forest and State of Decay show gamers are paying attention to the fantastic lineup Xbox One has and it will only get better. Can't wait for E3. Bring on the games Phil.

Eddie201013270d ago

You all do know that a great many people pre ordered the exclusive Batman PS4 that comes out in June.

showtimefolks3270d ago

Xbox one 187k
ps4 174k

Congrats to ms, this was kind unexpected.

Competition is a health thing. But to Xbox fans (notice i didn't call anyone fanboys) don't over rwact. 13k is nothing.

Look at month difference before and loo at it this month. For Xbox to catch Sony it has go outsell by a lot and Sony will still win April world wide

Nov. 2013 [PS4]1,138M, [XB1] 909K
Dec. 2013 [PS4] ~862K, [XB1] 908K
Jan. 2014 [PS4] 271K, [XB1] 141K
Feb. 2014 [PS4] 268K, [XB1] 258K
March 2014 [PS4] 371K, [XB1] 311K
April 2014 [PS4] 199K, [XB1] 115K
May 2014 [PS4] 197K, [XB1] 77K
June 2014 [PS4] 269K, [XB1] 197K
July 2014 [PS4] 187K, [XB1] 131K
Aug 2014 [PS4] 190K, [XB1] 159K
Sept 2014 [PS4] 538K, [XB1] 284K
Oct 2014 [PS4] 297K, [XB1] 168K
Nov 2014 [PS4] 826K, [XB1] 1,23M
Dec 2014 [PS4]1,065M, [XB1] 1,29M
Jan 2015 [PS4] ~192K, [XB1] ~152K
Feb 2015 [PS4] 342K, [XB1] 276K
March 2015 [PS4] 336K, [XB1] 233K
April 2015 [PS4] 174K, [XB1] 187K

ITPython3269d ago

So, this is the month #2 victory right? First time was December 2013 (IIRC), and then April 2015.

2 months out of 17 won... guess it's better than zero, right?

TheRedButterfly3269d ago (Edited 3269d ago )

This is the fourth month that XO has sold more than PS4.

Dec 2013 [PS4] ~862K [XO] 908K
Nov 2014 [PS4] 826K [XO] 1,230K
Dec 2014 [PS4] 1,065K [XO] 1,290K
Apr 2015 [PS4] 174K [XO] 187K

CaptainObvious8783269d ago

This is very surprising indeed. Was their a marketing blitz for the trade in offer?

Malice-Flare3269d ago

indeed, congrats. so, time to drop the price, Sony? i think you do need to...

kenshiro1003269d ago

Congrats to Microsoft but that's not...very impressive.

With all the aggressive deals and pricecuts, they should have been leading by more. 13,000 isn't something to brag about.

star_lancer3269d ago

What deals and price cuts are you referring to? This article is about April. There was no price cut in April. There were no new "deals" either.

Xbox One was $349 with Halo:MCC free throughout April.
PS4 was $399 with Last Of Us free throughout April.

Sounds like damage control.

kenshiro1003267d ago

They still should have sold more. 13,000 isn't anything to brag about.

memots3269d ago

Oh god ... Sales matters again .. Just like November.

How come ps4 making first in all territories never makes top page lol.

NatureOfLogic_3269d ago (Edited 3269d ago )

It's very clear to me at this point that Xbox fans in particular seem more interested in positive Xbox One sales. The only time npd gets this hot is when Xbox pulls off a victory.

This was last months npd...... http://n4g.com/news/1710377...

+ Show (14) more repliesLast reply 3267d ago
Kayant3270d ago

Well this is a surprise...

MS statement -

“As the best-selling console in the U.S. in April, fans set record April sales and engagement for Xbox One last month,” Xbox marketing boss Mike Nichols said. “Xbox One console sales in the U.S. increased 63 percent in April 2015 compared to April 2014 and Xbox Live comparisons showed the number of active global users (Xbox One and Xbox 360) grew 24 percent. We are grateful to our fans for their passion and support and are looking forward to sharing more on the best game lineup in Xbox history at E3.”

thorstein3270d ago

Was there a major release that pushed these?

Good news for Xbox1.

Automatic793270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

Ori and the Blind forest, State of Decay not to mention Dungeons and Dragon Neverwinter, Forza Horizon Presents fast and Furious plus Happy Wars all are contributing to growth.

Note EA Access is a fantastic deal for 30 a year. All this in the Xbox Eco system is what continues to help Xbox drive growth.

reallyNow3270d ago Show
jznrpg3269d ago

I recieved a few emails saying to trade in my 360 for 175$ i think towards a XB1. I think this may be part of the reason.

Kurisu3270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

As a PS4 / Wii U owner (never had an Xbox) I will definitely be keeping an eye on MS at E3. There are a certain few titles (Scalebound, Quantum Break) that really caught my eye previously, so I'm looking forward to seeing what else they have to offer which might further entice me to buy an Xbox One. This coming year is definitely good for gamers :D

Also congrats to MS for this month.

Nevellin3270d ago

You should REALLY take a look at Killer Instinct. Its an awesome game. =)

Chevalier3270d ago

I'm a little less surprised. Microsoft were offering the most ridiculous Spring sales I've encountered. Where we're at they had the Xbone on sale. Our $499.99 kinect bundles were $440 CND ($365 USD) and we gave away Mortal Kombat X and Just Dance 2015 for FREE on top. Plus every weekend of April we had an Xbone sale as well with trade promotions offering extra cash on top to trade up.

nicksetzer13270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

Why are you citing sales prices received in Canada?? This is a US analysis only...

Xbox one in US has had pack-in games for a while now, and is at $350. PS4 comes with pack-in games now and is $400. Anything beyond that is not pricing given by Sony or MS, but the retailers decision. It is not really that extraordinarily different considering the XB1 is a bit less powerful. Essentially a $50 difference based on MSRP in US.

marlinfan103270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

Very surprising considering how close this was to bloodbornes release. I thought that'd push PS4's a little more

@thorstein

No

GMR_PR3270d ago

The game probably sold a lot of digital copies, It wasn't a system seller though that's for sure.

Automatic793270d ago

Blood Bourne is a niche title I only know one out of 10 friends of mine that have played it. My friend has wonderful things to say about it but you guys forget Dark Souls released within a week of Bloodbourn giving Xbox gamers an excellent title along the lines of Bloodbourne.

marlinfan103270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

Bloodbornes still a brand new IP with a ton of hype surrounding it (deservedly so, one of my top 3 games this gen), I just expected it to help move a bunch of consoles. I mean even the show was on the list instead of bloodborne, that in it self is pretty surpring.

I don't think dark souls was swaying people to xbox vs playstation. Bloodborne is the title to sway people right now and it doesn't seem like it helped outside of the first week or so.

I'd hardly call a game that sells over a million copies in ~ a week a niche title. Along with all the souls games that have always sold very well

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3269d ago
3270d ago
christocolus3270d ago (Edited 3270d ago )

Wth? This is great news indeed and very very unexpected.Has NPD released an official statement? Happy for MS and i hope they have an amazing conference at E3.

bleedsoe9mm3270d ago

neither had any big AAA new games , wonder what is says for BB staying power

gangsta_red3270d ago

Yes it is great news. I think the reason we are seeing a lot of people being surprised by this is because we keep reading day in and day out from posters here how PS4 continues to outsell Xbox in every article that comes across this site. So it is surprising when we see an article like this.

JMaine5183270d ago

Congrats MS. I didn't see this coming at all. My Amazon system is now flawed lol.

Why o why3270d ago

Lol. Next system in the works

Show all comments (228)
280°

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

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

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv721d 5h ago

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

solideagle16h ago

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

Sonic188113h ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio13h ago

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

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

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

MS:

Lightning778h ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga15h ago

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

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

darthv721h ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

shinoff218314h ago

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

Cacabunga13h ago

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

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

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

itsmebryan9h ago

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

S2Killinit2h ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus238h ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv728h ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica2h ago(Edited 2h ago)

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 1h ago
purple10118h ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos18h ago

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

DOMination-7h ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac17h ago

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

SimpleDad17h ago(Edited 17h ago)

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

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

purple10116h ago

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

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos16h ago(Edited 16h ago)

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

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

Kornholic14h ago

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

MrDead8h ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 8h ago
Show all comments (39)
300°

Microsoft Seemingly Closes Bethesda France

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

Read Full Story >>
insider-gaming.com
Hereandthere2d ago

Microsoft should have left them stay 3rd party

GamerRN1d 23h ago

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

Barlos1d 20h ago

Yeah, they're also jobless.

GamerRN1d 13h ago

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

peppeaccardo1d 15h ago

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

ChasterMies1d 11h ago

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

PassNextquestion2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

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

Bethesda France mainly did publishing and marketing within the region

blacktiger1d 23h ago

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

Mr Logic1d 9h ago

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

Crows901d 8h ago

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

blacktiger5h ago

You own nothing snd be happy. I'm sure you heard that

Profchaos2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

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

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

Tacoboto2d ago

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

Profchaos2d ago

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

Yi-Long1d 21h ago

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

XiNatsuDragnel2d ago

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

Profchaos1d 22h ago (Edited 1d 22h ago )

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

TheColbertinator1d 23h ago

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

Show all comments (23)
280°

Xbox's Preservation Step Sets A Much-Needed Example, Especially For Nintendo

Hanzla from eXputer inquires: "If Xbox can care about preserving its games and legacy, what exactly is wrong with Nintendo, trying to kill game preservation single-handedly?"

purple10113d ago

Ahh yes the good old game preservation of saving all your games to a removable hhd on the Xbox 360, taking it round your mates house, setting up multiple tvs to
Be met with “save data corrupted, please re download”

Or how about removing 360 games
From the store
, download them now or else, and, better hope to god that save data doesn’t corrupt, or it’s lost for ever

Nice one ☝️

Zeref12d ago

It's better than what Nintendo and Playstation is doing. It might not be perfect but at least they are TRYING. Unlike the others.

DarXyde12d ago

Trying? Take off the blinders for a moment, mate.

1. A failure to preserve games is just that: a failure to preserve games. Don't try to sugarcoat it: NO ONE is doing it properly. Better than awful is nothing to write home about.

2. At the time of this comment, isn't it the case that you need an internet connection to play Xbox games even if you buy physical discs that are hardly in circulation anymore? I don't have a Series X and I can't verify, but I think that is correct. I'm fairly certain you can at least play PS5 games at version 1.0 (not much of a win really when many games require day one patches). I think Microsoft's all digital, licensing approach is by far more aggressive than anyone else's. They really try to push you to game pass where you lose your entire library by umm.... Skipping a month of payments.

I don't think anyone is doing it right whatsoever. Don't get me started on Nintendo, who goes after anyone looking to preserve their games better than they ever would with extreme litigation.

Don't be a simp for any of these companies. Get it together.

PhillyDonJawn12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

@DarX never speak on Xbox again. You lost all credibility with your internet connection comment. Smh you have 0 clue and misinformed yet speaking on something you don't no squat about.

Einhander197212d ago

What has Sony done exactly? You guys keep deflecting to Sony but I am not actually seeing any results, and ai am certain nothing that you can come up with even comes close to what Microsoft has done and what they have tried and failed to do, like tie all your disks to your account on xbone.

Microsoft removed their whole indie section when they moved to the xbone because they were going to only allow games on the service that came from a publisher, id@xbox started after xbone launched and it only exists because Sony embraced indie and Microsoft was forced to cancel their plans and reverse course.

And every single game that was part of games for windows live including disk games (I have gta 4 on disk that won't work) so hundreds of games that use that DRM no longer work unless the company themselves patched it out which of course very few did.

MrBaskerville12d ago

Not trying. Tried. they killed of the backcomp program years ago. They set something up again, but sounds like it's more of an attempt to save the current library on whatever they are planning next. With luck they save everything and more, but let's see. I could see them killing off parts of the OG xbox and 360 libraries. Can't imagine that they would allow us to play Forza 5-7 in the future.

With that said, I do like what they've done and really wish they could have done more.

shinoff218312d ago

Zeref

So killing off physical media is trying what exactly. Ms don't really give a fk if you think they do your kidding yourself.

Profchaos12d ago

They are not trying this team is established for forward compatability the team is. It interested in preserving Xbox or 360 games.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 12d ago
isarai13d ago

Is that why Hellblade 2 is digital only?

Zeref12d ago

Just because it's digital only doesn't mean you can't preserve it. Just put it on an external and you have the exact same functionality of what a disc does.

MrNinosan12d ago

Guess you're trolling, but if you actually think that's how it works, I'd recommend buying some braincells.

mkis00711d ago (Edited 11d ago )

Volitile vs nonvolitile data. A disc will not corrupt either. A drive can be corrupted.

Einhander197213d ago

This is just a scammy PR move to distract from the fact they are going digital only and trying to push streaming and subscriptions only.

No gaming company has pushed harder to remove ownership than Microsoft.

Without discs there is no preservation, preservation can't be done by the rights holders it can only be done by the consumers, anything else is a lie.

13d ago Replies(3)
Einhander197212d ago

Anyone remember xblig which Microsoft removed their whole 360 indie section removing hundreds of games from people?

12d ago
12d ago
Zeref12d ago

Do you know you can put your games on an external and preserve them that way? There are no benefits to discs. ZERO. Idk why some of you are still obsessed with them.

DarXyde12d ago

Because games like Persona 5 exist. It's STILL V1.00. On Playstation, that's a win because 1.00 is installed on the disc—no need to download anything.

If a game does not require any updates, it's all on the disc.

Extremely low bar in the modern era, of course. It's not much of a win by any stretch.

But for now, physical media does have a purpose, at least on Playstation.

Einhander197212d ago

That is factually not how game licensing works, try plugging your hard drive into someone else xbox, It's not going to work, and it won't work if the licensing servers ever go down.

Einhander197212d ago

Anyone remember games for windows live.

I have around a dozen games, some on Steam itself that will not work because Microsoft shut off the licensing servers.

BehindTheRows12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

I do. I STILL have games (Gears of War being the big one) I cannot access because Games for Windows LIVE is total garbage and no one has held Microsoft accountable.

Zeref12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

You don't have an Xbox apparently. Because you can 100 percent plug in your external and play games from it on any Xbox console lol. You just have to be logged in to prove ownership.

Chevalier12d ago

"You don't have an Xbox apparently. Because you can 100 percent plug in your external and play games from it on any Xbox console lol. You just have to be logged in to prove ownership."

Damn how many times do people got to explain your idiocy to you? You can take a copy of Persona 5 like someone used as an example and play that game on ANY console WITHOUT logging in which means I can lend the game to a friend without internet and they can play my game. Can you lend your hard drive to anyone without logging in for them to play? NOPE. That is a huge difference and if you think otherwise then sorry you're an idiot.

Tacoboto12d ago

"No gaming company has pushed harder to remove ownership than Microsoft."

Ubisoft is literally erasing games people bought from their libraries... My PS1-3 discs are useless on modern hardware. Nintendo's re-published and resold almost their entire Wii U library, and the eShop is completely dead with no BC mechanism in the Switch software. Microsoft publishes everything they make today day one on Steam and Xbox/Windows. Sony only brings to PC the titles they think you might want some years later and Nintendo won't even design a functional long-lasting joystick.

You're absolutely trolling and not serious if you think Microsoft today is the worst offender.

shinoff218312d ago

Yay steam

Not everyone fks with computers though. The disc is still the best way as a console player. Period.

Tacoboto12d ago

How do Sony and Nintendo feel about these discs from 2001-2013?

Don't be stupid, you know Xbox is the best at this today.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 12d ago
Hofstaderman12d ago

Nobody wants this. Sales or the lack of it in the case of XBOX is very telling. I wonder how the adorably all digital series X will fare. Adorably dismal perhaps?

crazyCoconuts12d ago

Only time will tell, but for from someone like me suspecting that Xbox is trying to gracefully exit the console market, that "forward compatibility" team is trying to get Xbox games playing on Windows PCs. I mean, it's nice that they're not planning on exiting with a "enjoy your games while the hardware still works" message, so that's nice. They still have a brand to protect via Microsoft so probably feel obligated to have a better exit strategy.

Xeofate12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

That is not their plan, their plan is to transfer users accounts to the cloud.

Phil Spencer himself said as much a few months back, plans could have changed but I think people are reading way too much into one statement where Phil said he would allow Epic on xbox because he wants to be able to sell xbox games directly on other platforms. Aka, instead of selling Sea of Thives through PSN he wants to have an xbox store to sell his games on PlayStation without giving PlayStation any money.

Again, it's extremely unlikely that Phil plans to put PC on xbox and licensing would prevent them from just giving out other publishers games purchased on xbox copies of thier games on PC, Microsoft does not own their games.

crazyCoconuts11d ago

The thing that doesn't align with the cloud strategy is the giving up on exclusives. You'd still need strong exclusives for cloud streaming - it's still a "platform" , just with a lower upfront hardware investment. I feel like they've learned what PS learned with PSNow long ago. We're not ready to stream games and it's only gonna lose them money to try at this point

FinalFantasyFanatic11d ago

I would love that, I'd buy up some of the Xbox games if they could run on PC, like the Rare Replay, Lost Odyssey and Dead or Alive Ultimate, probably a pipe dream though.

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