Microsoft's Strategy of Putting Xbox One Exclusives on Windows 10 Is Counter Productive

Earlier today, Microsoft announced that Remedy's hotly anticipated new action game, Quantum Break, will be coming to PCs running Windows 10- and not only will it not be a late port, like so many of Microsoft's Xbox One games have been, but it will be launching day and date with the Xbox One version.

[Herbalistic]

I think its a good plan for the company being as it could bring them some extra money.Its not like the Xbox division is bringing them anything at the moment in terms of profit.I'm sure die hard Xbox fanboys are going to cry on forums and etc but average consumers now have a choice.There are plenty of people who can't afford to build a rig/don't care about Windows gaming.on the flip there are Windows gamers who are now starting to be treated fair after all the broken promises.

[Abash]

Well making their formerly Xbox One exclusive games for PC just shows that they are making the transition from moving away from the console business. It may not be immediate, but clearly they are betting against consoles by investing so much in Windows 10 PC gaming

[crazychris4124]

Why would they stop selling consoles when they have sold around 20 million of them?? It's a huge market and so is PC. It's all about the money. Why limit yourself to one platform, when you can sell on two platforms that benefit them? Plus PC gamers would upgrade or buy Win 10 so they can play these games on PC. No matter which of the 2 platforms people choose Microsoft makes money.

[Aloy-Boyfriend]

Too me it looks like MS is trying to compete with Steam and get a piece of the PC market pie. I can't say it is a bad idea, but the Xbox may loose revenue and sales by taking its exclusives. It's a win-lose situation

[darthv72]

Not really. It shows they may be looking to bridge the gap and create a seamless ecosystem. Perhaps even one day making a single product that is playable on a PC as well as their console. 1 disc (or download) for both.

In all honesty... we are heading that direction where consoles are virtually PC's with varying architecture. so the same idea that applies to PC games having to be able to adjust for differences could be applied to console games with the 1 and done approach.

buy 1 disc and it works in whatever systems it is compatible with regardless of brand. That old way of releasing multiple version for the different consoles was fine when there were significant differences to their design. We arent in those days much anymore.

Unless you are Nintendo but even still if their next system is going down the PC road then they too could be on the "this game is compatible with..." box info.

[Charybdis]

Seems like a good deal for gamers on pc and or xbox one.
Don't think there will be much of a transition from the console business but more of a unifcation of devices being it handeld devices, consoles (living room set-up boxes) or desktop.
As a side note for those who have the luxury of owning both a good pc and console :pre-orders made through the Xbox Store or participating retailers will get you a download code for the Windows 10 version of Quantum Break and Xbox One backwards compatible version of Alan Wake's American Nightmare.

[xHeavYx]

"it could bring them some extra money"
How is it going to bring extra money if they offer the PC version for free if you get the X1 version?

[kneon]

not necessarily, a couple of years ago I suggested that this is what they might do.

Xbox and PC game development could merge, with XBox.next just being an xbox branded small form factor home entertainment PC. Since it would just be a PC then there could be other companies creating competing products.

It may seem far fetched but keep in mind that Windows 10 adoption is far more important to Microsoft overall than is Xbox

[Nivekki]

@xHeavYx

The same way Sony offers cross buy games I suppose.

[rainslacker]

I think they're expanding their gaming business, which the Xbox console will be a part of. PC and consoles are two different markets, and while they have overlap, they have different targets to sell to.

I think more companies should follow this route to be honest. Obviously there are merits to both keeping things exclusives, and having them across different hardware set ups.

Think about it. Even on Windows, it's still Xbox gaming. That's how MS brands it, so gaming on Windows is still Xbox. Not that I want to say that actually is a good reason to use the "It's still MS exclusive" argument that I see cropping up.

Xbox console is setting up to do what SteamBox failed to do. It's the low cost alternative to an expensive PC, and that's probably how it will be used in the future. MS will probably focus more on Xbox gaming(PC and console combined) more than push a single console like they have been doing in the past. Probably not right away, as they won't want to be seen as abandoning the brand, but will likely spend this generation expanding the notion that Xbox and Windows are one in the same for gaming. When it comes down to it, MS could be well served to offload the hardware process to a licensed model, where other companies are taking the risks on hardware, and MS can simply focus on the software side of it. It increases their profits, and allows them to grow the brand.

Biggest question is if the major publishers will be on board for this cross-buy initiative, and if that will give MS an edge on Steam which dominates the PC gaming marketplace.

[Kribwalker]

Reminds me of this plan that dell kinda leaked

http://www.pcworld.com/arti...

I'd say they are making their way towards it and the next Xbox will be a cheap gaming PC that runs most pc software. Watch, it'll be there steam box and I'd buy that

[MachuchalBrotha316]

I don't see any transition happening. I just see MS keeping their promise to PC gamers, which was bringing games to the platform. By the way to run this game like in the videos maxed out you'll have to dish out some serious money. To the ones already rocking the 980ti w/i7 4690 or better..enjoy!

[dcbronco]

While console gamers love to argue exclusives there really isn't any argument. PC has far more than any gaming machine. With that being the case, having cross buy and One Core makes it more likely that all of those formerly PC exclusives will most likely be on Xbox One as well increasing sales for the developers at next to no cost. At the same time One get a substantial increase in variety and volume of software. A win for developers and Xbox One.

[Mr Pumblechook]

All Xbox One exclusives launching day and date with Windows 10 has ramifications. It could mean that people who were going to buy an Xbox One for a favorite exclusive, will choose not to as they know they will be able to get it on PC without having to pay for a new console.

Ex-Xbox 360 owners who moved onto PS4 but love Gears of War might be reluctant to bps end on an XBO if they know they can get Gears 4 in 1080p 60fps on PC.

[freshslicepizza]

microsoft is obviously looking at how apple does things too. how they are able to sell the same apps and games on the iphone, ipad and home computer.

the money is made from software and services within the ecosystem. this is where nintendo has fallen behind and basically only caters to their loyal fanbase. sony is also failing in creating a good ecosystem and their investment in things like PlayStation now is severely handicapped. why would they now want that service on the pc for example? makes no sense at all.

[miyamoto]

#gracefullexit

[BattleAxe]

The next Xbox is already rumored to be using the Windows Store, which means that Windows games and Xbox games will both essentially be the same games. If you want the livingroom experience, then you buy a console, but if you prefer PC gaming, then you use the Xbox app on Windows 10. Personally I like the idea.

This essentially means that all I really need to do next gen is have my PC equipped with the best GPU, memory and CPU, and I'll be playing Xbox games in 4K at 120 fps. Steam, Origin and Xbox on one platform sounds awesome to me! If Sony decides to get into the PC market, hopefully it's not just through streaming, because that is just no good when you want the best graphics quality.

[Reibooi]

I honestly don't understand why anyone anywhere thinks Xbox exclusives on PC is bad for MS or anyone else for that matter(If I am missing something feel free to explain)

I mean I know countless people who own a PC but not a Xbox one that would love to play Halo 5. These people would never buy the Xbox one to play Halo 5 but if it came to PC they would certainly play it there. The lose of hardware sales would be minor while the increase in software sales would likely increase.

Maybe I am missing something but this really seems like a good thing.

[Aenea]

More money for the Xbox division is always good! Next thing they will do is release Xbox games for the Nintendo NX and PS4/PS5! No need for dedicated hardware anymore either, software sales is what counts!

[rainslacker]

I think that's a bit of a stretch. However, it's not unlike what Sony is trying to do with PSNow. They license the hardware specs required to play, and the companies make their own software to implement it.

There's nothing to say that in the future this woldn't happen, although it would require a redesign of the base code of the hardware in question, which would also benefit MS...and possibly gaming as a whole as it would move everything over to one API.

Not that it's likely to happen, but it's certainly a scenario which could be a consideration. Gaming tends to evolve, and what makes sense today, may not make sense 5-10 years from now. Too many people assume that consoles are the only thing that matters, and it makes it hard to discuss these things, because if you say something is possible, or discuss the possible outcomes or results of scenarios, you're deemed a troll wanting a brand to fail.

Personally, I don't care. I prefer playing on consoles, and will likely play it on consoles. About the only thing that I find negative about it is I brought an X1 for this game, and I didn't have to. I'll still enjoy the console though, and not dwell on what little regret I have, which is inconsequential to me in the bigger picture.

[Utalkin2me]

@Aenea

Xbox division has nothing to do with Windows 10. And they are giving windows 10 away for free, so it seems they dont care about the software sales of windows.

[freshslicepizza]

@Utalkin2me
"Xbox division has nothing to do with Windows 10. And they are giving windows 10 away for free, so it seems they dont care about the software sales of windows."

it actually has a lot to do with windows 10. it's all part of the windows ecosystem. if they give it away for free on windows they still have a sale on the xbox one. windows 10 users don't get the game free unless they get it on xbox one. either way they will make a sale. plus this pushes people more to adopt the windows 10 os which is what microsoft wants.

more sales means a better economy for making games in the future. if they make gears of war 4 and it only sells 2 million copies but could have sold 3 million if it came to both windows 10 and xbox one then the future of that series is greater.

games cost a lot of money now so it makes sense to try and broaden your userbase. sony can use the weak software sales on the playstation vita to port those games to the ps4 and help fund those ip's like tearaway. microsoft doesn't have a handheld so why not use windows 10?

[JsonHenry]

They make a lot of money on the PC platform. And I'm sure their eventual strategy is to move away from consoles period and go strictly PC. (which will happen eventually, just not today)

[Dark_Crow]

Only thing I need to add here is.

Windows 10 not any other version.

If you don't have Windows 10 you can't play it.

[darthv72]

so far it is still free to upgrade. And since doing so I like windows 10 more so than 8/8.1.

[Dark_Crow]

Well it ain't free if you pirated haha

[r1sh12]

its 'artciles' like like this, that cannot forecast growth.
Microsoft are cementing two eco-systems, to probably merge them in the future.
They are finding more than one way into the market and potentially PC could be entering the living room.

Who knows, but Microsoft are increasing game sales

[EyeAmTJ]

they money off Xbox Live, which apart of the Xbox division

[crazychris4124]

It's going to be fine. There are millions of people who don't play PC for a variety of reasons. Doesn't interest them, expensive to build a solid PC, mommy won't buy them one and so on. I know people that had to sell things and save to buy a console and others that make way more money than I do but still have no interest in a gaming PC, even after I offered to help pick parts and build it.

I have no regrets and have no intentions on selling my Forza edition Xbox 1 even though I have a newly built gaming PC. I stll play multiplats, exclusives and backwards compatible games on my X1 at least once a week. Now I'm strongly considering picking up the Uncharted PS4 for the trifecta. But I won't make that decision until mid April. If I do go for the ps4 I'll upgrade to 1 TB for another $50.

[Aenea]

MS could turn the Xbox brand in a software only brand, like it is now on Windows PCs and release their games on Nintendo NX and PS4/PS5! Then they won't lose out on the people who don't want to game on PCs...

[343_Guilty_Spark]

Goes against Sayta's core philosophy which has turned Microsoft into a devices and services company, meaning they will build their own hardware and continue pushing OneCore and Universal apps.

[GameNameFame]

@343_Guilty_Spark

They may spin it as multi entertainment/media center. They already tried to do that with Xbox One during its launch. This is why X1 has weaker gaming spec.

@crazychris4124

Except that PC gaming market is huge. Discrete GPU sales were 40 million units last year alone.

[Xb1ps4]

Sounds like you really like ms games and really wish they would make games for your ps4.. Just jump on the bandwagon and build a pc just like 90% of n4gers have done or will do..

[Thatguy-310]

The point is that by putting it on PC you are giving people that own PC's a reason to not get an Xbox one since they can just play it on a PC with better settings. The point of exclusives is to sell the specific platform. Microsoft as a whole will benefit from this move but one can't say the same about the Xbox console.

[TKCMuzzer]

Correct, it limits the reasons to buy an Xbox One for potential customers. You have to give reasons for people to want your product, this decreases those reasons.
You could kill a brand by trying to build up another one.

[343_Guilty_Spark]

You still think the battle is hardware sales, it's not.

If a PC user gets a free copy of an Xbox One game AND VICE VERSA and I don't care about PS4 exclusives that I'd actually have to pay for why would I get a PS4?

99.9% of the 3rd party exclusives will be on PC anyway so the only reason to get a PS4 would be Sony exclusives which everyone doesn't necessarily like.

[rainslacker]

The Xbox console could go either way, although I suspect it won't be such a determent to sales as some are positing. Xbox as a brand though is made stronger, as gaming on Windows is done through the Xbox brand, and XBL.

[Xb1ps4]

Obviously ms is ok with the outcome... And what if those pc gamers still never intend to get an x1?

The point of exclusives is that you can't play it on the rivals console so if you want to play it you can only do so on a x1 or Windows and guess who owns both...

[samden]

Microsoft has failed to convince me to get an X1 as it is. Gears, Forza, and a shitty Halo are not reasons to buy an X1 in my point of view. I'm actually kind of regretting my PS4 but have my hopes high for some of the exclusives about to drop. Some people won't be buying the console anyway but miss out on software so I think it is a great opportunity for Microsoft to make a little more.

[christocolus]

I think it makes sense for MS gaming division (xbox/windows 10). Xbox isn't going away and Phil has confirmed this numerous times. There will be another console. infact he just re-assured fans a few minutes ago on twitter. He said the CEO is fully committed to the Xbox brand. Xbox and Windows platforms can definitely co-exist in the same environment.

In the case of QB the game will get even more exposure and probably more sales,it may even become a major franchise too and the crossbuy aspect sounds great. Aaron also just confirmed cross save feature which means gamers can transfer save files between PC and Xbox One versions. Another game which will benefit from this crossbuy/crossplay is KI and I bet online users will increase dramatically once the PC version hits. Imo its a win win.

[Paytaa]

I honestly think Microsoft is using Xbox One as a concept console more or less. It's constantly changing and adapting to other Microsoft services for better or for worse is entirely subjective.

I think all of this is just seeds for the next Xbox which will more than likely launch without massive hiccups and will be the culmination of everything Xbox One is trying to achieve.

Microsoft knows they have an uphill battle to garner the type of install base the 360 had and they're are trying to innovate and try new things by using the Xbox One as a testing ground. They treat Xbox as both a platform and a service now and it blurs the line between an Xbox One and Windows 10.

I've been a console gamer my whole life and although I've considered building a PC, I'm currently in college so I don't have the time or money to be doing that so I'm sticking with consoles. Many others are in the same boat and people just prefer the ease of gaming on console versus the more complex aspects of PC gaming.

[JeffGUNZ]

I agree in some sense, but this isn't a form of a beta console to make the next Xbox the xbox one it should have been. If people step away and look at the big picture, what is the message we have received from MS so far?

An OS that is unified on all devices that have that OS. Playing Xbox one games on compatible devices with windows 10. The next Xbox will be a streaming only (like a stembox) system. The push for unified ecosystem is very apparent. Imagine this concept. A window 10 game releases, like Quantum Break. You buy the game itself digitally, not for one specific platform, but for the OS itself. Like Quantum Break by MS/Windows 10. Now, you are sitting on your couch with your Xbox console and start the game. An hour later, your kids come down and want to watch tv. Save your game, hop off, and go to your PC. You pick up playing the PC version right where you left off (since it is Windows 10). Yes, we have game streaming from devices now from Xbox, but I am talking about this game being a windows 10 game, so, you play it for the specs made for X1 on your X1 and then if you have a pretty decent gaming rig, can get what we call now the "pc version" of the game on their PC). Now, say you have to go out of town for a few days for business? Bring your surface tablet or other windows 10 tablet with you and play off that from your hotel. It looks like one day we will buy the game itself for all windows 10 platforms with 1 purchase and push and play to whatever windows 10 device we own.

Think about that, how cool would that be? Makes sense to release on PC and X1 the same date in April. Also, look at it, they are giving you a copy for free of the PC if you buy the game for X1 digitally. It's like a trial. The writing is on the wall and it's a matter of time before this happens. It looks like this might even happen this gen. The real question isn't IF this will happen, rather how WELL can they implement it.

[Aenea]

Yeah, the Xbox brand is moving away from just being a console for them. Which still doesn't mean they will release another one in the future, just that they are fully committed to the brand which is now used on PCs as well, hardware that is running their OS but is not manufactured by them.

Who knows, they might go the Atari/Atarisoft way and release their games on competing platforms as well! Then it wil get even more exposure and likely more sales, it may become an even bigger franchise then!

[christocolus]

I don't get your angle. Phil has confirmed that there will be another xbox console after xbox one so I doubt that the brand will become merely a service and how is putting their titles on their own OS the same thing as putting it on a rival platform( wiiu/ps4)? QB is xbox one and windows 10 only and the game on PC will be sold via microsofts own windows store which means they don't get to share any of that cash with third parties (valve)or pay royalties to Sony or Nintendo.

[yarbie1000]

Gaming companies making decisions that are beneficial to gamers is counter-productive

Yeah....okay /s

[Aloy-Boyfriend]

Before being benefitial to gamers, companies should benefit themselves if they want to keep benefiting gamers. From our side it is too easy not to care what happens indoors, but for them this is a risk that might affect their console brand. It's their job to sell consoles. Whatever, hopefully they should know what they are doing

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Xbox Brand wont be hurt...it is morphing into being more than just console specific. This offer is about driving gamers to Windows 10 platforms. Xbox One is a Windows 10 platform btw... This is more about the big picture which is making the Xbox brand more than just a console.

[Aenea]

@DIacy13g

Yeah, the Xbox brand is just moving to become a games software brand, kinda reminds me of Atari and their Atarisoft label which ported their games to competing systems.

Who knows, we might see QB and Forza soon on the Nintendo NX and PS4 as well. Makes sense really, they are a software company!

[yarbie1000]

You realize it's the Windows store right?
WIndows 10 needed.
You realize its the Xbox brand?

If anyone takes off their fanboy blinders for a few mins they'll be able to see this is only a good thing

[2pacalypsenow]

In the world of business if it doesn't help the company (Xbox Brand) then its not worth doing, this move benefits MS as a company but hurts the Xbox Brand since you no longer "HAVE' to buy and xbox 1 to play their games. Seems like Microsoft is shifting their focus away from Xbox and more towards Windows 10

[kneon]

Xbox has never been Microsoft's focus.

Windows/Windows Server/Office are the main focus and always have been. And in the last couple of years they have added in Azure.

[Eonjay]

Well, in particular to the folks he addresses in this article, the issue is that they don't care about PC at all and they want Microsoft to focus exclusively on Xbox.

This is why its time to stop focusing on exclusive games. He asks, 'So you are upset because someone else get to play this game now?'

And, well he has a point.

[Hoffmann]

They earn more money with the PC versions than with the Xbox One versions I guess.

Sometimes, giving up a battle is the right choice if you win more funds for the next round. Its a long-time strategic move.

ps: If you are disagreeing with my opinion and guess, it would be cool if you can reply why instead of just hitting the disagreeing function.

[OpieWinston]

I think their current pace/plan is a good way to do it.

Releasing sequels and allowing you to get free versions of the previous iterations with the purchase of the game.

Expect the same to be done with Crackdown 3.

[Hoffmann]

Yup, I guess you are right with Crackdown 3. Its just a matter of time until its coming to PC too, maybe they do the same with Forza sooner or later even.

[rainslacker]

I'm disagreeing with you because it's rare that disagrees to sensible comments return comments which are also sensible...as this comment now proves.:)

I won't hit the disagree button though.

Anyhow, while I agree that there is more money in it for them, there is merit to the argument that it could be a hindrance to console sales. People with capable PC's are less likely to purchase a Xbox console now. However, I think the full effects of how much effect that will be is greatly exaggerated in some of the comments around here.

I don't personally feel they are giving up the battle, I feel they are trying to make the Xbox brand a bigger thing which goes beyond the console itself. It's something they started with XBL in Windows last gen, and it seems to be culminating into what we have now, which happens to align with a new MS store, a new OS, and a new more unified eco-system....all things which seem very important to MS right now, and all those things the Xbox console itself has a place in.

MS is a very forward thinking company. Sometimes the things they do today have results they expect to see in ten years time. It's not always easy to comprehend that far in the future unless one is willing to keep an open mind, and think of what the possible benefits or outcomes can be...which usually makes them less prepared when the results are actually known.

[ThePresentIsAgift]

Does anyone with a purpose built gaming pc ever really bother with consoles though? A high end PC trounces them usually by a very wide margin.

[rainslacker]

I know one person with a fully loaded PC who keeps up on it with constant upgrades/replacements that also has a 360, PS4, and WiiU, Vita and 3DS. He's a pretty hardcore gamer though, and doesn't play into this whole fan boy stuff. He doesn't even discuss it because in his words, "I just want to play games". I doubt asking him how he feels about this current topic will achieve much in terms of an answer...anecdotal or otherwise...because he just doesn't really care so long as he can play games.

I know a couple others with modest set ups which would be well over current minimum requirements which also play on consoles. When and what they decide to play where seems to have no rhyme or reason though.

Other than that, I'd imagine, based on people I've met, and heard speak around forums, that the two markets don't overlap as much as some people here make out. I'm sure some do have both, some prefer to play on one or the other. My argument was more about MS losing out on a console sale for those who want both, but don't really care to speculate on what percentage that would entail.

[Lenrulesdaworld]

No they don't Hoff, the xbox games sell more than there pc pc counter parts in every instance. Except possible alan wake on 360. But yeah I think they see a long term strategy in it and they have some type of plan for the future and next gen.

[Lennoxb63]

"They earn more money with the PC versions than with the Xbox One versions I guess."

Everyone who knows PC game prices knows that the PC version will be discounted tremendously. So the Xbox version would actually make more money sense it will be $60 a LOT longer than the PC version.

QB will be down to $30 or less a year out from release of the PC version.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Counter productive to who? Fanboys who can't see the big picture? MS wants more than anything to grow Windows 10 device usage. Xbox One is a Windows 10 device, PC's running these games need to be Windows 10 devices. This is a win - win for MS. You can spend $350 on an Xbox One and run these games or you can spend $600+ on a desktop PC with Windows 10 and run these games. MS wants you in that ecosystem...they don't care how you get into it, they just want you there.

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

I wanted to read the story to see what they mean by counter productive, but saw that it was gamingbolt so I didn't click.

This is only counter productive if the end game is to sell as many consoles as possible, otherwise it's a win-win for MS like you said as they aren't losing anything by doing this.

[Aenea]

They won't lose anything then either by releasing their games on other consoles! That's a win-win for MS too, imagine suddenly having 36 million more people to sell Quantum Break too!

[green]

@Dlacy13g

I could not have said it better. I was going to wait until the launch window to buy Quantum Break, but after seeing the sweet offer they just announced (I own a gaming PC), i just pre ordered the game.

I think what Microsoft is doing is very smart and the only people that are upset over this are fanboys. Microsoft is investing more money this gen than ever before into games, so if they can make additional revenue from the PC market, then that is great. It just means that if the plan works, Microsoft will continue to invest in new I.Ps.

[rainslacker]

Exactly. People seem to take it as a bad thing. It's really not...unless you are really against Win10 for some reason.

Possible scenarios are certainly a valid point of discussion, and can be quite interesting as there are plenty of long term scenarios that could play out, but it would seem many people are more interested in protecting the Xbox console, instead of looking at the Xbox brand as a whole. It's coming across that they feel if this becomes a major thing, their console is in jeopardy..but the fact they feel so strongly about the console being a thing is the reason why the console aspect will always be a thing.

Xbox has not been console specific for a while now, and has been a part of Windows since Windows XP. They're just now expanding it past being only XBL on PC. Ever since Live in general came into existence, it was being built to push an ecosystem more than hardware or even software, because the ecosystem is what keeps people buying the hardware and software.

[uth11]

If MS is pushing Xbox as just a windows 10 device, then don't be surprised when developers start treating it as just another Windows 10 device.. which means it will be getting poorly optimized PC ports, because it will be cheaper to develop that way. Not to mention the Nvidia game works controversy, MS being AMD-based would get the short end of that stick.

[Automatic79]

Holy cow the wave of Xbox One games coming to PC News is coming in like a conveyor belt. Hell watch this fuel some new hate against MS. When in reality this is good news. Amazing what these websites will do for clicks.

[SpaceRanger]

No one is saying it's bad for MS. People are saying it's bad for the Xbox brand. Why should anyone get an Xbox at this point if they only wanted Quantum Break? Or any of the other exclusives coming out on PC?

[Thatguy-310]

Exactly. One can say the same about Sony and their "console exclusive" moves but in no way will you see exclusives like GoW, Uncharted, Bloodborne, Until Dawn, LBP etc. go to pc because that's what sets the system apart. This move that they're making will benefit them because it'll be more customers but it's hurting the Xbox one console by not having games that are only available on it. At this point one can just settle for a PS4/PC combo and they'll have the best of both worlds with ps4 exclusives and PC games which include window 10 games

[green]

In the UK, there is a store called Currys/PC world that sells both PC's and consoles. A friend of mine works there and i asked him this question "In your two yerars of working there, have you ever met a customer that was undecided between buying a console or a gamin PC"?

His answer was a resounding NO.

The PC market does not hurt consoles at all and if you think it does, then provide us with a research or a survey that shows otherwise.

All i see here are fanboys speculating that it does without a single shread of evidence.

If it did, then i do not see why SOny, Microsoft or Nintendo would spend $3 billion and more developing a console when they could use a fraction of that money to create and promote their exclusives on PC and reap massive rewards in the process.

[SpaceRanger]

@green
"A friend of mine works there...provide us with research that shows otherwise"

You're basing your statistical statement on one person, and one store. And you're asking me for research showing otherwise?

I work with stats day in and day out. If you're going to come up with an counterpoint. Please do it right.

My point is that at this point if you only wanted an Xbox for quantum break, might as well get it on PC and get a different console for their exclusives.

[green]

You a re the one saying that it is bad for the Xbox brand, so show us proof or evidence that it does. If not, you are just spewing fanboy nonsense.

[Pandamobile]

This idea that Xbox HAS to be a hardware platform is severely outdated. From a business perspective, it makes perfect sense for Microsoft to push software across as many of their platforms as possible.

Microsoft's original vision for Xbox was to turn it into a standardized PC for the living room. They've gone back and forth about how much they want to stick to that plan, but it's pretty evident at this point that Microsoft's new brass wants to unify all of their platforms under one cohesive strategy. Microsoft is still a software company at its core. They develop hardware if they need to, but I'm sure they'd rather have the other guys do that for them. Hardware is expensive to develop and produce on a global scale. The returns they get from a $350 console are less than they'd see from two Microsoft-published $60 games.

Now they have Windows 10, which is apparently a pretty good OS so far, barring some minor inconveniences. They've got a huge potential userbase to sell games and software to, so why on Earth would they not want to capitalize on that?

[Dewitt]

So is this going to be posted 50 times today from different outlets?

[FITgamer]

Nope. Probably 100x a day for the next week.

[rainslacker]

It'll be a console war talking point for all eternity(or until MS gives up the Xbox console altogether) unless MS changes track again to going back to their previous model.

[Aenea]

Yeah, makes perfect sense for MS, a software company after all, to be happy with more sales of their games on PC!

But if they don't want to use their exclusives to trump up sales for their own consoles and all they care about is the software sales side of things why don't they release their games on Nintendo NX and PS4 as well.

Is a win-win, more people who buy their games, more revenue for them, what's the downside?

[OC_MurphysLaw]

@Aenea....if Nintendo NX and PS4 used Windows 10 as their OS I would have no doubt MS would be more than fine releasing their games to them. Until that day... MS will bring their games to devices including the ones they make that run Windows 10. Pretty simple if you ask me.

[ceromaster]

Does Nintendo NX and PS4 have Windows 10?

[UncertainCategory]

It's a Microsoft game.. That only works on Windows 10 (Game requires DX12) and Xbox.. Both of which are Microsoft platforms.

How is this counter productive?? It's incentivizing either Windows 10 or Xbox adoption. Not to mention it broadens range of potential buyers, the game will likely sell even better than it otherwise would.

[Rookie_Monster]

Well said. Look at the brightside, you get a PC windows 10 version with the XB1 digital version and offer cross saves between both MS paltforms. Not much different than what many PS4/Vita games are doing.

I think this is great news and with more sales of new IPS like QB, Recore and Sea of Thieves due to more people have access to them means a better chance of seeing sequels for those new IPs and MS willing to take more risk of funding more original IPS in the future.

[lastking95]

This is starting to get annoying. If this isbad for xbox sales than that's MS's problem. XO selling faster than 360 so it must not be to big of a deal and they're continue supporting pc so it must not be a problem at all to them. If it was I wouldn't care as long as the console I'm on continue to get great support idgaf what ms does with their games.(in the sense of putting it on pc, I care if they went up on price or something bad like that lol. I should rephrase the idc what they do part) I don't care if all xbox games came to pc. (Better lol)

On a side note out of all the xbox games coming this year if only one came to pc it should be crackdown. I'd be disappointed if it don't come to pc with crossplay. I used to game on pc I know what pc could do for that game and with crossplay it'll benefit xbox one.

[cfc83]

Some people keep talking about what's best for microsoft, but what about subscription paying xb1 players. Why should xb1 players pay a sub and higher game price ? I won't be satisfied until game prices for microsoft games are the same on pc and xb1. If pc players don't need gold, then why do console players ?

[Eonjay]

Man thats a good point.

[Pandamobile]

Live Gold subsidizes Xbox. Microsoft barely makes anything off of Xbox One hardware sales, so they get you with a $60/year subscription fee.

They already tried to introduce Live Gold on PC and it was a spectacular failure.

Conversely, selling a Windows license costs Microsoft virtually nothing.

[Lon3wolf]

PC game prices are very near console game prices now. As for paying for Gold you are paying for the upkeep of the online service, no one company maintains the PC's online services, that is why you pay for it on consoles and not PC.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Xbox Gold also has a benefit PC XBL doesn't in the form of monthly games given to them members. That perk really is the incentive now more than anything.

[ScorpiusX]

Very very counter productive by the power of 2 . could understand if no hardware were involved and they were just a service . They just continue to walk this destructive road of stupidity .

[uth11]

Kinda funny how people that constantly point out that games like No Man's Sky, SF5, etc are not exclusives because they are coming to PC and therefore PS4 has few noteworthy exclusives act like they are completely OK with this news and can't see what the fuss is about? lol

[Eldyraen]

Well most of us are rational and don't care if more people have more options but some fanboys and/or trolls love to hate no matter who does something which in the end doesn't affect them or actually allows them a choice.

[Immorals]

It wasn't long ago that people were bitching about Microsoft not supporting PC, now they bitch that they are.

People just love to hate Microsoft..

[Software_Lover]

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

[Immorals]

I'm sure Microsoft will be wiping away tears with all their money..

[lolosgolos]

Abandoning console gaming it seems. The beginning atleast

[Lon3wolf]

How is this abandoning anyone?

[lolosgolos]

If Windows 10 takes off really well the X1 life span will be too short. Its all good though since for me, Its the last MS console I would have bought

[Lon3wolf]

Not everyone has got a gaming PC and not all PC owners own consoles, how is this counter productive?

[Eldyraen]

I'm preordering now and not Keeping it from Gamefly. 2 copies (PC/One) and digital Alan Wake (although own it all for PC and core on 360) is incredible.

Cross buy support (from them and me) is a potential game changer for me and is what I was most psyched about when they announced it at their conference last year I believe (although they showed only f2p in game purchases originally). I had hoped some AAA games might go this route and I'll support it with my wallet every chance I can if the games warrant it.

[Eldyraen]

Let's see... I own an Xbox One and a W10 PC already so now I can now preorder my One version and get 2 copies of the game so I don't have to choose plus I get BC Alan Wake? Sign me up.

I don't own a One and have a PC and can now play it anyways? Awesome.

I still own or planned to buy a One and my game is still coming to it? Perfect.

Options? TERRIBLE IDEA MS! What shall we ever do when I can play the game we want the way we want to? BOOOO!

[AAWELLS09]

There's nothing that cracks me up more than when someone from a gaming website who thinks they know how to run a business better than Microsoft. I'd say that if you think you can run that business better than apply for the job as I'd bet that it pays better than that site does.

[Atomicjuicer]

Another massive part of this discussion is that consoles offer a single spec for developers to target.

PCs are not a single platform. They are irregular and developers can optimize for a locked console setup.

This move by Microsoft makes designers lives harder simply to attack PS4.

[Lenrulesdaworld]

actually what they done is make the pc api and console api one. So when you make one game it works on the other. So it made the game much easier on dev's to create their games for one ecosystem.

[hiawa23]

I think MS's strategy is a good plan. Their future is Windows based. Makes sense to me. The Xbox competition is Sony and Nintendo, not the PC, so as long as you don't see Gears or any other exclusive rolling out on the Playstation or Nintendo Next, MS is good. MS knows how to run their business..

[S2Killinit]

I wonder if MS is slowly moving away from console market.

But i dont think its "counter productive". I wouldnt buy an xbox for the games that can be played on Windows, but MS is getting my money anyway when i buy it for my pc, so not really "counter productive".

[D-riders]

This game just popped on my radar cause ill never get an xbone so good job MS. Jsut cause i dont like their system doesnt mean i dont want to play their games.

[curtis92]

I think MS is seeing that they're going to lose the battle of the consoles. At this point it's about selling the games you're investing your money in. Why limit your game to a console when you make the OS people will use on PC to play your game?

[frankdrebin72]

You think?

You think Micro are concerned about " the console war"
They are concerned with an eco system, one that will reap much larger profits than from consoles alone.
One that generates more income from software than hardware alone.
One that reaches a far great consumer base than a console alone.
They will have the best of both worlds.
Gamers will benifit from being able to choose which Windows 10 device they wish to play on.
Devs will encounter a much richer and denser market place than consoles alone.
Dx12 has been proven to be very efficient tool to port games between the two with very little time doing so, this means devs will profit tenfold.
Then the question is, do the devs develope for Windows 10 devices and cut time to the minimal and reap much more profit, thus the next game is quicker to develop for, or do they develop for Windows 10 devices, and then spend a considerable amount of time on other versions, and thus profit,vs time is negotiable ?
Micro have their eye on a much much larger piece of the pie, compared to the console war.

[Ark_]

They want to push Win10 ... that's it. Imo nothing more, nothing less.

[Jgregory84]

People complain about everything. Microsoft has been saying they wanted to make everything universal.
This helps them push windows 10.
Xbox won't suffer from it because some people prefer controller. And there is a big gap from a 300 console and a 1k+ high end pc. They are different markets.

[quenomamen]

Not counter productive to getting whatever you spent on development, how long has this game been in oven ? 3+ years ?

[battlegrog]

It's crazy to think this is a bad idea. In fact this does that they been to preprly set up a gaming service on pc .ir do they already? Like if you buy a xbox game on c does it run through the xox one app or how does it run? Cus ms would be smart to have the same amazing online friends multiplayer os oslike oslikeon like the xbox one

[Petebloodyonion]

Here's Mr Sarcasm opinion on the Subject.

1) this move is bad because, even tough, Remedy as more chance of making money thus more chance of sequels In the end it's make MY Xbox 1 seem less important.

2) MS shouldn't give away the pc version for free what they should do is give you a promo code which grant you a 10$ rebate on the purchase of a PC digital version. This move would make them more money

3) Also what's the deal with Alan wake for free?
Honestly again MS should take cue from successful models and ask for a 19$ price extra to unlocked this feature (survey as showed that a majority of N4G users totally agree with this business practice and are willing to pay for second serving).

4) Again the Xbox 1 will suffer because, even if almost no one bought Battlefront, Black ops3, etc. on PC, we have proof that the majority of N4G who don't own a Xbox1 but have a variable high end PC rig (Not strong enough to play pc version of ps4 games or vr but more than capable to play xbox1 games at max settings on 4K) will change minds and will buy the pc version of the game instead of buying a Xbox1.

Again we have proof that the Xbox1 is doom! "

Tks Mr Sarcasm!

[Segata]

I honestly don't need an XBO when my PC doubles as one. Why I will just wait til Scalebound is on PC.

[joefrost00]

This whole thing about x1 exclusives going to win10 is a bad thing
For who not Microsoft
The thing is what Sony guys and gaming as dumb and bias as they pretend to be all know this one fact that is the elephant in the room no one is saying
Microsoft is not competing with sony
Microsoft is playing a bigger game competing with apple and Google
But all of this is null and void for three reasons
1 it's not like they are not coming to x1 so no one is missing out
2 sales either way is going to Microsoft and this is about install base for win10 as a whole instead of just x1
3 on the technical sad its no effort at all considering that Microsoft already said and several devs also when dx12 and win10 fully gets going they will be using the same code anyway
Gaming media knows this but to come out and just put this out they would lose all of their console war click bait
Cause hopefully people will start to realize Microsoft is playing in a different league than Sony
All is this is pretty stupid anyway when more than half of sony exclusives are on pc lol

[Germany7]

"when more than half of Sony exclusives are on pc"

Now that's stupid...

[joefrost00]

So no man's sky
Sf5
All them games that was first pc that I actually heard sony fanboys use to say we have more exclusives dont count
And you calling me stupid
Lol

[Germany7]

You said half of exclusives and only mention two games, both third-party games.
Get out of here.

[welly300]

Xbox one is not in direct competition with pcs so Imo it's great news for pc owners.

[MadLad]

Love how the wannabe journalists question the heads of multi-billion dollar companies like their thoughts are gospel.

[akaFullMetal]

Well to counter your argument, how did the Xbox one reveal work out for the multi-billion dollar company?

[Germany7]

Rekt.

[Segata]

Wii U sales. Xbox Reveal. Sony 599 us dollars. Dumb decisions happen a lot.

[1nsomniac]

It's very simple. Microsoft makes money from games sales. They will still be getting the revenue through the PC releases or Xbox releases. However what they will also achieve is to force more people to switch immediately to Windows 10 & they will be making far more money from selling your private information.

It makes no difference to Microsoft. The only people who will be getting upset is the fanboys.

[SprigganN4G]

They are expanding to PC too, clever move. And they are not giving up on consoles, 20 million units are A LOT of consoles, Microsoft is the 2nd runner since the first Xbox and that's great, ask Burger King if they are not profitable because McDonalds sells more burguers...

[Poodlejamas]

Microsoft are either trying to make up for poor sales on the xbone -probably compelled to do so by developers- Or they are testing a 'onesystem' platform. I highly doubt they are closing up shop.

[akaFullMetal]

This great. Now I can just beef up my pc and then I can play a number of Microsoft games and not need to buy an xbox one console or pay for Xbox live. Works for me!

[assdan]

I'm not gonna complain. Now I can play a few games I never would have played otherwise. Doubt I'll ever get Quantum break, but maybe the game will be better than I think it looks.

[Yetter]

MS investing serious money into the gaming industry can only be good for all gamers

[Infinite1212]

You people complain too much. First you complain of getting no love from Microsoft on PC, now you DISLIKE the love you're getting? No excuses. Make up your mind.

[ScorpiusX]

Crap like this makes wish Stephen Elop had gotten the CEO gig at MS , selling off Xbox division would have been easier to deal with than having hardware with no true exclusives to call its own or distinguish it self from other platforms

[NeoGamer232]

Exclusives are bad for gamers. That is essentially, forcing you to buy a specific device to play a specific game.

It is black mailing gamers.

I buy a console for the console features. I buy games and I want to play them on all my devices.

[ScorpiusX]

So no product should have an item or items that help distinguish it from its competitors.

So Ford Motors should share its distinguishing items with Chevy or BMW with Benz or better yet Nike with Reebok. so no one feels Blackmailed into buying their product.

[NeoGamer232]

@Castillo
When did I say that?

A console should distinguish itself by the features and functionality it has.

Games are content, and gamers should be able to play their content on their device of choice.

[kenwonobi]

Something should attract you to a console. These aren't DVD players.

[NeoGamer232]

@kenwonobi
I am attracted to consoles for many reasons...

1) They are almost brainless to config and use
2) The apps on the consoles make media easy
3) They are cheaper then PCs
4) The gaming features are more integrated then on PC.

[lunatic0001]

lunatic disagrees with this article

[phantomxll]

Wait a second... Do people actually believe that buying a game one time and having the ability to play your game anywhere and anytime, on your console, laptop, or pc (Quantum Break) is a bad thing?
Just stop it, and pull your heads out of the sand already.

[joeorc]

NeoGamer232 + 39m ago Bubble vote added
Exclusives are bad for gamers. That is essentially, forcing you to buy a specific device to play a specific game.

And Forcing you to buy a specific Operating system to play specific games , does not do the same thing?

Its not just consoles that force that. Why single out consoles only for "black mailing gamer's" ?

[kenwonobi]

Yes. Don't tell them though. I'd rather they keep not having anything actually exclusive. Lol.

[Destiny1080]

im loving xbox exclusives on my pc and no Xbox live fees as well make it extra special

[kenwonobi]

This reason is actually pushing my to buy a gaming pc one day. Got Xbox exclusives on a better more graphically capable PC. Got Oculus Rift. PC is starting to make a compelling case for itself.

[WarPuppet96]

Think Alienware Steam machines, turned into a Windows one exclusive or Xbox one machines.

[mochachino]

It's amusing how foolish and wrong gaming journalists are.

How many people intending to build/purchase a gaming PC are dissuaded because they want to play Halo or Quantum Break and get an xone instead.

People get gaming PCs for a hole host of reasons, not the least of which is top end graphics, upgradability, cheaper games, and complete all in one media device capabilities.

99% of the best games (and game sales) are 3rd party multiplats. Exclusives don't sell consoles anymore. They're a lesser factor. It's more about what your friends are on and power. If exclusives were the primary driving force in console sales Nintendo would be doing a lot better.

Times have changed. Top sellers are from 3rd parties. MS may as well make PC gamers happy while increasing its own game sales. Paves the road to making Xbox and more importantly xbox live ubiquitous with MS products.

I'd pay $60 a year for a Live subscription to have every MS exclusive on PC at ultra/60FPS. Especially Halo (the only xbox game I really miss this gen). I wouldn't pay $300 for an xone medium settings sub-30FPS and $60 for Live.

Gamed exclusively on PS4 until I built my PC last November,already bought two xone controllers, Ryse, and other MS products. Will get Quantum Break and probably KI.

Afer being a console-only gamer for the last 10 years my i5/970 feels like the ultimate Xbox and my PS4 is collecting dust. Although I maintain the DS4 is the most comfortable controller made thus far.

[DivineAssault]

Watch them combine sales data

[XanderZane]

I think Microsoft is eager to push Win10 and by having high profile type games on it, more people will adopt the new Win10 O/S for their PC's. They will also sell even more copies of these 1st party games by having them sell on PC as well as XB1. Making more money off of software is never a bad thing.

A similar approach was done with the PS3 as well when Sony decided to market it as a Blu-Ray player first instead of a game console when it launched. This was because they wanted to win the war over HD-DVD. So for the first year you saw all these PS3 commercials talking about playing Blu-Ray movies on it. You didn't see many game related commercials for the PS3. Once Blu-Ray won the war, Sony then started marketing the PS3 as a game console.

Microsoft is pretty much doing the same thing with Win10-DX12. Whatever their motive is, I'll still be buying most of their 1st party games on my XB1, as I don't have a viable PC and most of my friends will be playing these games on XB1 anyways.

[Mike04]

I will accept this move if only xbox live is free.

[cowsaysmoo1]

I don't mind this as long as you don't put your key franchises like Gears, Halo and Forza on PC and if Quantum Break becomes popular, you need to keep it off PC. Only put new ips or ips that don't sell well on PC to make sure you can justify the game.

[DivineAssault]

They want to secure the profits form the investment they put in

[WilliamSheridan]

Do I guess it's hurting Sony also? Because all of their 3rd pay exclusives end up on PC also...

End this nonsense...

[ebounce88]

I like many other gamers ONLY bought an Xbox one on black friday (already had a ps4) because of exclusives, thats it. I feel like I should go sell my box now, which no more live money for you, and get a gaming pc to go along with my ps4. I'm don't know if this is true but if you loose xone sales, you loose live memberships for the pc market which half the games are pirated, isn't that pretty studpid?