1000°

N4G V2 Open Beta

It’s been a while now since we last had a major update to the site, 5 years to be exact. We are finally ready to push the next site update and we are aiming for a launch mid December. Before that we need some help with breaking stuff so we are opening up beta versions of all 5 newsboiler sites today so that we can do some stress testing and sort out the last bugs. So for those interested in helping out...

tayz3072d ago

I like the current design better.

ajax173072d ago (Edited 3072d ago )

The people have spoken! TABLOID VIEW SUCKS! Thanks for the bubbles, though. Sorry you guys took 5 years designing a site that nobody likes, lol.

mechlord3072d ago

thirded, fourthed and infinited. that layout suck balls. its just plain fugly. how could you even consider that??

uptownsoul3072d ago (Edited 3072d ago )

Everybody got 10 bubbles!!! ...except I already had exactly 10(so no upgrade or downgrade in bubbles for me). I noticed that some people said they got more bubbles, but did any get bubbles taken away?

RedDevils3072d ago

Same here the beta view look suck, don't fix what isn't broken!

Bansai3072d ago

Whoa, I really don't dig that layout, I hope we will be able to use the old skin.

AnubisG3072d ago (Edited 3072d ago )

Yeah, have to agree. The current design is just a lot better. Just want to add that I checked it out on my "mobile" and it's not great. So I think it's pretty clear that you guys are headed in the wrong direction with this new design. Wanted our feedback... Well, there you have it.

nix3072d ago (Edited 3072d ago )

35th'ed.

N4G, you already had that tabloid-like format for years but i've never used it. we like this format.

just bring back the Open Zone. Let's have some laugh in this site instead of depressing same fights every time... and also with Open Zone, Septic can finally open up to us. be who he really is. lol. i kid. i kid.

@AnubisG,

the mobile version is good the way it is.. please don't ask them to change that. last thing i want is another data consuming mobile site.

That-Guy3072d ago

Retain this layout please. Update it to be more reactive (scaling with size) if you want one theme to fit all (mobile). Perhaps update some of the colors and icons for a more modern look. Comments are far more legible here in the current version, and content is king. If it's harder to read there's less audience engagement.

JackBNimble3072d ago

Nope, if I am stuck with that tabloid shit I will never come back to N4G, sorry but it's garbage.

FriedGoat3072d ago

The problem with Tabloid view and any other design that features squares/pictures, is that there just isn't enough information on the screen, have to scroll down so far to get all the news :/

UltraNova3072d ago

Ok...I need some time to get used to this but I'll admit its quite slick

G20WLY3072d ago

Yep, sadly not a fan of the new layout. The thing is, by and large I like the current format fine, barring some fine tuning. I think the back end stuff needs tightening and the format is pretty clear as it is.

The new beta format is very odd. I don't understand why today's top story (about Sony's potentially unlocked 7th PS4 core) is 7 or 8 pages down?! And it's a little box, while stories with less than half the community interest have a box taking up over half the screen.

If anything, maybe look at the 'heat' level denoting the size of the box (up to full page width) as well as the order, otherwise gamers will miss important news if they only manage to steal seconds one day to glance at N4G.

Gazondaily3072d ago

You're honestly gonna lose a lot of engagement in that tabloid style layout. The one as it is is fine.

But still looking forward to the other changes minus that.

breakpad3072d ago (Edited 3072d ago )

@tayz while i like more the current one if they modify a bit the new one it would be the same...change the background color to blue ,add the same comment section as here , add some colors to add-agree and keep the flash and graphics at minimum so it can be fast even at low spec Pcs

ThanatosDMC3072d ago

That was horrible. It was like a bunch of ads from the usual $hitty websites.

Perjoss3072d ago

I even prefer current design (classic) when I'm browsing on a small phone or tablet, don't like this new one at all!

Major_Glitch3072d ago (Edited 3072d ago )

Yeah...the new layout is a no go.
Edit: Holy crap! Where did all these bubbles come from?!

AnubisG3072d ago

@nix

I meant to say the the new beta site design on mobile looks bad, not the current one. The current one is pretty good.

antz11043072d ago

Tabloid view is no good, it's just not fun to sift through on a tablet or a desktop. Keep it the same!

antz11043072d ago

If they wanted to do something right they would scrap the bubble system. Tabloid view is just annoying to sift through and now the threads are zoomed in way too close.

lociefer3072d ago

like some1 mentioned , pls also bring back the open zone section, some really funny stuff was going on there , we need to blow some steam every once in a while u no xD

subtenko3072d ago

Look, I think the layout is good, but the actual front page on the current layout looks better overall, the actual layout and possibly colors.

Everything else I think is slightly better.

The again I dont really dislike the current layout as well.

specialguest3072d ago

Wow, I've been an official N4G member for 9 1/2 yrs and a lurker even longer. I remember the first yr of N4G when the 2 separate Xbox and PS site merged to one. I also remember all of the updates which kept a similar layout making the site smoother and incrementally prettier.

However, with this latest update, its a drastic change. I dont like it, because each article post takes up an entire mobile phone screen of real estate. It makes scrolling passed each article post a pain. The current layout has always been mobile friendly, so why the drastic change?

amiga-man3072d ago (Edited 3072d ago )

Not for me, popped in then out again, if the site comes to that count me out.

ULTp0ltergeist3072d ago

Weeeeee free bubbles! ...i know off topic ;D

blackbeld3072d ago

The Beta looks pretty but tabloid sucks! The current view is clear so please don't change it.

Bathyj3071d ago (Edited 3071d ago )

Looks like the people have spoken. No one likes the beta layout. You have to look to hard to find information that used to just be there.

Also what's with all the bubbles? I earned my bubbles and it took years to get there. I also bite my tongue often so I don't lose them. NOW all the trolls have 10. I hope you going to reset that back to normal. Bring back the open zone if you want to give trolls free reign.

+ Show (24) more repliesLast reply 3071d ago
camel_toad3072d ago (Edited 3072d ago )

Just checked it myself and quickly closed the tab. I also like the current form. A vertical list is easier and faster to skim through than random fisher price-sized blocks.

Relientk773072d ago

Can they have the top 5 news stories on top, then the news under it like they do now. Then update everything else but keep the layout, The current "classic" layout is perfect

uth113072d ago

Don't like the look, but if the current bubble system is gone, I'll take it!

lociefer3072d ago

please listen to us and dont go tabloid , leave it as it is, its practical and easy to get the stories

babadivad3072d ago

I like the new design. It's a little cramped but not terrible. Just will take some getting used to.

iliimaster3072d ago

lol by then how many followers would this site have lost?

choujij3072d ago

Quite a few I would imagine.

fenome3072d ago

I definitely like the current design better myself, I've never been a fan of tile formats. The list is much easier for me to scan and see the things that interest me personally, I always have N4G set to Classic View..

-Foxtrot3072d ago (Edited 3072d ago )

Kind of reminds me of when Kotaku gave their site a new lick of paint

All we really needed was to scrap the bubbles.

Main criticism...it's too white. Sides are a faded grey and the main section for articles/comments are white

Can they not implement a colour/theme option.

Oh and the "SPAM/Inappropriate" options. I know there isn't any bubbles but shouldn't the options we had like immature, trolling, bad language remain so you know what kind of punishment to give out. Well maybe not bad language, that needs to be thought out more. If it's in the nasty way to a user then fine but if EA decides to do something stupid then I don't see why a "I don't f****** believe it" would be as bad. I've starred that out but you know what I mean, even if you are 12.

I just tested this on someone who wasn't in violation by the way, not because I'm a dick but because I thought clicking inappropriate would bring up some options but it didn't...sorry.

Little disappointing with how long it's been in development. I was expecting it to use 3D holograms or something at this point

TheCommentator3072d ago

Wait, you mean bubbles are finally going away?

G20WLY3072d ago

RIP bubbles. The system is only partially broken, since there are some people that nobody can listen to, regardless of preference. On that front it actually unites those of differing opinions.

Thanks for all the work on developing new solutions. Sorry it's not been well received, but at least the feedback should be invaluable to understanding what the community do and don't want.

Major_Glitch3072d ago

I would've liked the bubble system...if it worked properly.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3072d ago
Export3072d ago

I like the reply system better

3072d ago
outsider16243072d ago

Agreed! I don't like the new layout. Maybe stick with the current layout but use different colors and different menu styles.

Ristul3072d ago

I dont want to shit on someones hard work but the new design is not great. When it comes to ui, simple is often better!

IanTH3072d ago (Edited 3072d ago )

Agree 100%. This has that PC Gamer typed layout that is infecting everything. Less intuitive to browse, things take up too much space, etc. They note that list view is coming, and I hope it comes with some improvements to the current list, but this would certainly be a no-go for me if it became their everyday interface.

Off Topic: You probably have more likes from this 6 word comment than I do in the history of my commenting lol.

rezzah3072d ago

I prefer the previous design, whatever that looked like.

I just remember liking it more than the current one.

TheSaint3072d ago

Seems like 99% of us like the old version better.

DOMination-3072d ago

I only use n4g on mobile so this update is very welcome. The current mobile site is very limited

Ahytys3072d ago

I don't like it at all! Useless change on a desktop PC

Clown_Syndr0me3072d ago

Agreed. New version on mobile is so crap can't find anything quickly.

Perjoss3072d ago

Don't change it, the layout of the current site (classic mode, not tabloid) is perfect.

bradleejones3072d ago

The current design is much better. If the new design was just laid over the current, then that would be great.

quaneylfc3072d ago

Have they removed the god-awful "agree, disagree" system?

Edito3072d ago

I'm with you, I think the actual website feels better.

3072d ago
SegaGamer3072d ago

What the hell is wrong with admins ? they always feel they need to change their site. Leave it as it is now, the new style is absolutely horrible.

UnHoly_One3072d ago

Yeah if this is the only option, I'm out. I hate literally everything about this layout. Even the comments section is terrible.

Thunder_G0d_Bane3072d ago

Agreed, the new design is terrible!!

SeanScythe3072d ago

Was anyone asking for the layout to change? No, so leave it alone. If it isn't broke don't fix it.

Spenok3072d ago (Edited 3072d ago )

The current design is definitely more comfortable, this new design is still nice. Personally I think the best part about the new design is the comments. It appears they got rid of the bubble system, which is super nice. I never dropped below the standard 5, but it's annoying when you're having a good conversation. I wish they would have added a button to respond to people regardless of where they were at on the comments section. It's annoying there's no way to notify them you've responded without some kind of tag or something. MANY other sites allow you to so you know when a conversation has continued without having to physically look at the thread to see if someone has responded. That is honestly my most requested feature.

N4G3RZ3072d ago

Design is not as good as the one on the OLD site.

FITgamer3072d ago

Agree. Not a fan of tabloid layout, also the overly white background is harsh on the eyes. Wonder without out the bubble system, will comment section end up like IGN's. Non-stop troll comments.

Silver_Faux3071d ago

It's safe to say that it's not gonna change any time soon...unless N4G pulls a Ubisoft/EA on us and tells us what we need

Silver_Faux3071d ago

What would be good if there was a 'filter' where you could set it so you won't see site you don't like come up on the news feed, ie Kotaku

3071d ago
Zhipp3071d ago

Yeah, the new design is too bright. Makes me feel queezy.

SynGamer3071d ago

Love the new design (same for animeshinbun.com as well)!

Erik73573071d ago

I think the newer one is nicer if your using a phone.

MehmetAlperTR3071d ago

i didnt like the Beta.. It's not nice.. I like the original one...

bradleejones3071d ago (Edited 3071d ago )

No sir, I don't like it.

crazyclown3070d ago

Same here, the new design is week and is actually way worse then mashable which is a similar design

+ Show (40) more repliesLast reply 3070d ago
Relientk773072d ago

"Site search is finally useful"

good lol

cplus3072d ago ShowReplies(2)
rkyounis3072d ago

I like the current design way better. The new one just looks disorganized and cluttered.

UserNameIsNotTaken3072d ago

It's like the Tabloid version of this site :/
Which I don't like.

Insomnia_843072d ago

That was horrible! Came back to the current version right away!

Show all comments (313)
90°

The Epic Games Store Has Two More Freebies this Week

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270°

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

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

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darthv721d 4h 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.

solideagle15h ago

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

Sonic188112h ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio12h 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:

Lightning777h ago

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

Cacabunga14h 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.

darthv7248m 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.

shinoff218313h 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.

Cacabunga12h 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

itsmebryan8h 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

S2Killinit1h 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.

romulus237h ago

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

darthv727h 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.

TheEroica1h ago(Edited 1h 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 48m ago
purple10117h ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos16h ago

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

DOMination-6h 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.

XBManiac16h ago

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

SimpleDad15h ago(Edited 15h 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.

purple10115h ago

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

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos15h ago(Edited 15h 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

Kornholic13h ago

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

MrDead6h 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 6h ago
Show all comments (39)
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