410°

'Play Anywhere' — Combining PC and Xbox is Smart, Not Silly

— Xbox Enthusiast:
Microsoft's new Play Anywhere initiative has been met with lots of praise, but seemingly even more negativity. Is that reaction even warranted? Not at all.

Read Full Story >>
xboxenthusiast.com
Eonjay2865d ago

No one ever said this was silly. I think we all agree this is a great feature.

AKR2865d ago

"What's the point of buying an Xbox One now?"
^The majority of the comments that I have been seeing.

dragonopt12865d ago

Two friends I work with have already listed their Xbox One's on Craigslist, with them having PCs they said they'll either buy games or get better displays (4k).

Jon615862865d ago (Edited 2865d ago )

@Dragonopt1
So your two friends= thr whole world that's good to know. Could you ask them what lotto numbers I should play and what is the meaning of life, sense their actions are the end all be all.

Bruh2865d ago

Majority of console owners do not also game on PC. The console market has always survived on simplicity, price and social features. Meaning the point of owning an Xbox One comes from the exclusive games that aren't on rival systems. No one cross shops an Xbox with a good gaming PC, if you're in the market for one you're seeing where your friends are playing and buying that unit. Not to mention price as often the winner tends to be the one with a cheaper offering

tinynuggins2865d ago

@dragonopt
Your "two friends" are still planning on buying Xbox games to play on their pc though right? Those two people that end up buying your friends Xboxes will surely buy games as well. Sounds like Microsoft just made out.

Kleptic2865d ago

but regardless of gaming on a PC vs. a console...that isn't, from what I gathered, what was 'silly' about it...

The underlying issue is MS trying to move a console like 'service' back to PC (they've done this before and it was laughed at from the beginning)...

MS is NOT bringing xbox games to 'PC'...they're bringing xbox games to a closed windows 10 store for PC's that use windows 10...Saying 'PC' implies freedom of choice and a number of other key ingredients that make PC gaming very different from consoles...These xbox titles coming to 'not consoles' seemingly have all that stuff removed...

how long until this service gets muddied with XBL again? That's the 'silly' part...Are they going to let win 10 users play the same xbox game online for free, but not xbox one/s/scorpio users? Doesn't seem like a great idea...yet, if they try a subscription multiplayer thing on PC again, it'll be the same as GFWL was...and get pushed right off the relevant map before spawning...

I'm fine with xbox games coming to win 10, as I have a decent gaming pc, win 10, and zero intention of ever buying an xbox console of any sort...but, this announcement is full of question marks that I'm pretty sure not even MS knows the answers to yet...

Kingthrash3602865d ago

i think its silly because:
xbox needs to be successful in order to stay alive.
a consoles success depends on the exclusive games, the total amount of all games, the price and audience its targeting and making sure it appeals to them.
right now the xbox one isnt making its projected sales and it's losing money in multiple ways...free games, 2 price drops in 2 years the failed kinect 2.0 (costed 10,000,000 to make according to ms) has lost over 50% of its subs, and its software isnt selling well. with 3rd party games being better on ps4/pc it has effected it BIG TIME...thus the haste to make a new console altogether.
so its silly because the only games better on xbox were xbox exclusives. and yes i know, many people are not gunna leave the xbox for pc for better graphics and performance....but some will. it is a loss, not a gain. well not for xbox at least...its a gain for win10. while that nice for ms its not for xbox as a console. all i hear is people echoing phil on "whats bad about sharing games?". funnt hearing that from a guy who was a part of the team that tried to stop sharing altogether, but he is a master of pr. the problem is this will sell less xbox consoles....the less consoles you sell the smaller the user base...the smaller the user base the less attractive it is to make games for. whats funny is why would a billion dollar company do this to its own product? why not try to sell the xbox to every single person? making exclusives is the path to success in the console sales race. ask yourself...if they are all about sharing games and putting games on other platforms the put halo on ps4. minecraft is already...ms would make more money then. it all comes down to subs....ms is leaving the hardware game...the scorpio will be a restricted pc and sadly will end the days of xbox consoles.
mark my words.

JasonKCK2865d ago

I would like to see anyone build a PC with the same specs as a PS4/X1 for less than $300.

n4rc2865d ago

Thrash... way to pull a whole lot of bs out of your ass

zerocarnage2865d ago

I'll tell you why buy a console.

Eventually ms plans are obvious play what you want on what device you want. I do not understand why you and others can't see that services are changing and it doesn't matter if they're are no exclusives left on anything that world is about to go at some point as more and more crack on to this idea of having there services across all devices. At some point I bet Nintendo and Sony will follow suit. But to keep saying what's the point in buying anything but a pc is absoloute absurd. You also do not see what will happen to pc, more and more of those devs will be able to reach the audiances they either A never could or B were not prepared to because of how low running devices were up until the new wave of consoles comes in at least.

You pc people need to open your eyes a bit more come Scorpio and even neo, I'd say pc exclusives themselfs will start to shrink and come generation on and generation on as the console manufacturers catch up, exclusive will be a thing of the past in most cases. You mite be lucky to even see the odd devs creating games exclusive to either a Sony console, Xbox console, Nintendo console or even pc itself. Soon as digital happened I seen it, seen that future of gaming that was happening.

But keep throwing out why bother with this device and that device, sorry it just doesn't cut it considering consoles are still consoles, less errors, game optimised, plug and play, yes they are becoming more pc like but they will never truely be pc, but they have always been more affordable than one.

Nathan_Hale532864d ago

It is true though. People who already have it may keep it, but anyone who knows about the split with Windows 10 and the one, that already has a PC or plans on building one, will simply not buy a One now, and people I know who are into PC gaming are selling their One's.

+ Show (10) more repliesLast reply 2864d ago
LaWiiG2865d ago

Xbox Scorpio is a horrible idea. They shouldn't be forcing gamers to either play garbage or gold.

2865d ago
jcole972865d ago

Is neo a horrible idea aswell?

BlackTar1872865d ago

Yes Jcole Neo and Scorpio are horrible ideas. Scorpio comes from a company that has a horrible track record on game releases Neo comes from a company that hasn't even hit its stride with the current system. Both are toxic imo

ScorpiusX2865d ago

Don't think anyone is forcing anything , its just an option for those who want to try something new .

Bigpappy2865d ago

No. They said it is a Monster.

2865d ago
jts18912864d ago

Agreed. Both the Neo and Scorpio are going to be terrible for owners of the PS4 and Xbox One If they are actually succesful. The older consoles are going to get nothing but stripped down, poorly optimized ports of games as developers focus their efforts on the Neo/Scorpio. If the PS4 and X1 had actually had a full console generation, that'd be perfectly acceptable, but they aren't even three years old yet.

TheBrit2864d ago

@jts1891 if you read what both companies have re-iterated, the games will be the same from console to console only the newer consoles (Scorpio and Neo) will DISPLAY the games better in 4k mode and the frame rates will be better but apparently no game will have less features between consoles so everything you get on call of duty for xbox 1 will be the same as what you get on Scorpio only it will look better and potentially run smoother on the newer consoles.

Nathan_Hale532864d ago

Scorpio and Neo are both bad ideas. It really separates the player base.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 2864d ago
Angeljuice2865d ago

For who? PC gamers don't like Microsoft's over priced games and paywall and Xbots have an Xbox.

It would be far better if the games were available on steam. Then it would be something big.

Eonjay2865d ago

Even at the most basic level, being able to buy you game once and play on on PC or console is cool. I mean you could always point to remote play but there is nothing about this that can be seen as silly or bad.

2865d ago
Hoffmann2865d ago

Agreed. Steam does it a lot better than MS with their Windows Store.

freshslicepizza2865d ago (Edited 2865d ago )

Is Sony or Nintendo putting any games on Steam? You guys argue about the stupidest things. Having the option is better than no option.

Pay once play on multiple systems and continue where you left off . Sounds terrible doesn't it?

conanlifts2865d ago (Edited 2865d ago )

Scenario 1
So you have a good pc now and want to play gears 4 and other ms games. Then 4 years pass and things have changed. You want to play games, your pc is stuffed and you don't have the money to build a new one. Suddenly A new xbox is being released at a price you can afford. So you hop on board and buy. Then you realise you once again have access to your games from the pc and can play them again.
Now why is this model a bad idea? Its a great idea in my opinion.

conanlifts2865d ago (Edited 2865d ago )

Scenario 2
You are a 16 year old and received an xbox for Christmas. You love the games and build up a great digital collection. 4 years later the xbox is getting outdated, you still love the games but you want a new experience. A new xbox model is being released but it seems to be a lot of remasters. For the first time you have a job and money and build a gaming pc. Suddenly you have your xbox games on pc and they are full of detail. No need for remasters because the pc runs everything in ultra settings and 60+fps.

FlameBaitGod2865d ago

Only MS fanboys disagree with you lol, Windows store sales agree with you. MS are just hurting them self's releasing on the windows store only.

Goldby2864d ago

@Sd11

Scenerio 1

Buy another hdd. Much cheaper than an xbox

Scenerio 2

Buys a pc sees how much better it is than thr xbox and sells xbox.

Bith scenerio ehile they do help out some people,it gives more options for people to switch to pc.

Yes pc players will get gears and halo and forza which is great but it isnt giving a definitive reason to own an xbox. I have a pc hooked up to my tv. There goes ms chance of getting me to buy an xbox.

IrishSt0ner2864d ago (Edited 2864d ago )

I'm a PC gamer, speak for yourself, I'll buy a full RRP game if it's worth it.. All new AAA games on Steam are full RRP, so how is full RRP on MS Store any different? Makes zero sense, also what paywall? Do other publishers on PC close their new games within their platform? YES.

There are old MS games on Steam, you're deluded if you think they won't start releasing on the the largest PC digital distribution platform with the influx of their new PC games:

http://www.pcgamer.com/phil...

I have an Xbox too, am I an Xbot? You're so bitter and twisted you probably believe the crap you spout. Meanwhile I'll buy a game from M$ and own it on both my devices, with cross save and play... PC gamers REALLY hate options and more ways to play! If only we had a box where we couldn't have any choice.

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 2864d ago
Hoffmann2865d ago

Well...those with a great PC bought the most games on PC already anyway..now they will also buy the games that were formerly xbox exclusives on PC.

Those with a old PC have no real benefits as well and will continue to buy the games on console.

What's so great about this feature really?

LaWiiG2865d ago

PlayStation beats the Xbox in every aspect, even with Scorpio in the works.

2865d ago
Goldby2864d ago

@ace.

Yes there are alot of windows 10 users. And alot of them had it pushed on them. I had it pushed on me 3 times before i completely canceled my order after finding it in its back pages after 20 minutes of searching.

I personally am never upgrading to 10 because i dont want them using my bandwidth to let other download windows 10 from my computer. I dont want windows constatntly sending and recieving info based on my use of my computer.

Ill sti k with windows 7 thank you very much. And ill buy games off of steam at 1/3 the price windows store charges

asadachi2864d ago

I think it's great, honestly, I just have to invest in my PC and won't miss out on exclusives.

s45gr322864d ago

Its a great feature that will only blosom if Microsoft goes all digital like Steam.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 2864d ago
Gaming_Cousin2865d ago (Edited 2865d ago )

If I already have a pc there is no point of buying a console just to "play anywhere". People are better off to "play more" with something that offers additional games. This website doesn't look at the average comsumer. They aren't going to buy an additional console to play the same games in another room. That would be pretty stupid when you can get other great games in addition to the ones you already have. I doubt many people are going to use this feature

Sciurus_vulgaris2865d ago

MS is using games to promote Windows 10. Most hardcore PC gamers don't care about consoles. Also putting all first party games on PC may slightly cut down Xbox One sales, but could potentially generate more revenue per game.

Bruh2865d ago

It won't cut on sales, those who will buy on console will buy on console, however you now have a 32 million plus user base you can draw from.

maybelovehate2865d ago

But now console games are available on PC which weren't in the past. MS's focus on Play Anywhere benefits the PC user and the console user both. Even if you don't have or want a console you reap the benefits.

Sciurus_vulgaris2865d ago

Xbox gamers only benefit if PC increases revenue sustainably and leads to more first party games. Having the first party games on PC probably increased the budgets of said titles, since PC requires more programming due to variable configurations.

Software_Lover2865d ago

You don't have to buy a console to play anywhere. That's one less console that Microsoft has to manufacture for you at a loss. They will make a great profit off of the software that you buy though.

FlyShootRaceSims2865d ago

@ Gaming_Cousin

The average consumer does not have a superpowered 4k gaming PC either. Even I who is an avid gamer don't have that kind of a rig at the moment.

Bruh2865d ago

The whole idea is "extension" Apple did this with their iOS and Mac set up with Apple TV. And Microsoft is trying to do the same for Xbox consoles. They're primary market isn't PC owners, its console gamers and newer customer bases. If it so happens to be that those heavily invested in the Windows family buys another device thats basically free money on them. Personally I know a couple hardcore PC gamers who are buying a Slim for their library to be extended on to the living room.

conanlifts2865d ago

I will. Pc for enhanced version. Console for vs multiplayer.

Kiwi662865d ago

"This website doesn't look at the average consumer" and so it would seem that neither does a few diehard ps fans as they make it seem like every gamer has or should get a pc for gaming even though the average consumer may not have the money or interest in doing so

Yetter2864d ago (Edited 2864d ago )

Well I don't know about you but I live with other people in my house. I share my console, TV and PC with my wife and my kid. Being able to buy a game once and play it on any platform is very appealing to me

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 2864d ago
ninsigma2865d ago

It'll make a great ecosystem for gamers with both a pc and xbox (once the windows store releases are up to scratch) and for me it means investing in less hardware in the future. Win-Win!

2865d ago Replies(7)
ninsigma2864d ago

Depends on the person really. I agree with you that there isn't a reason for an xbox one anymore but others have different set ups and needs so it could really work out for them this way, especially with the play anywhere scheme.

Atomicjuicer2865d ago

Sorry but this only benefits PC gamers. Why arent PC games on xbox one? Steam would make things right. Microsoft have fucked x1 owners over.

no_more_heroes2865d ago

I have a feeling that's coming. M&K support comes with the Anniversary update (which xbox is getting as well).

thejigisup2865d ago

I have a feeling microsoft is attempting to have a huge change in their gaming ecosystem. I forget who said it but it was along the lines of ms isn't done with steam yet. In a fantasy world ms would partner/buy out steam, integrate steam and windows 10 store, provide m&k support, drop monthly sub prices for xb live either really low or all together. Include complete third party hardware support for the xbox, (oculus and vive), this would shadow the psneo, take away the edge that sony has on vr, and provide gamers all around with a better option if not now then within a few years. Buuutttt, I just dont see it happening. This holiday season is going to be huge for Sony, MS, and Ninty. If not for just games or hardware, each company is risking so much its going to be interesting. I think we can all agree that we should not forget to bring a towel. Also it is worth it to note that there is a sale going on, which every gamer should be taking advantage of
https://www.amazon.com/Para...

Zeref2865d ago

how exactly? they took nothing away.

2865d ago
UncertainCategory2865d ago

They took away Xbox console exclusivity.. and will now give everyone a free copy of the game on the other system. So if you buy Gears on Xbox, you get it on PC for free.

So why would people who have an Xbox and PC feel betrayed? They are SPECIFICALLY the ones who benefit most from this, being able to play for a bit on the Xbox, and pick up right where they left off later on the PC. Without having to pay extra for the privilege.

2865d ago
OpieWinston2865d ago

I plan on taking full advantage of it because some friends of mine like to game on their laptops at school. I personally would love to do the same on break since my work has Free Wifi that isn't awful. But also most people live with family and know that there is a struggle to fight over the TV.

And these companies don't make money off Hardware... it's software. Hardware does help make money off Xbl subscriptions but they're opening up their potential game software sales to more people which if QB is any indicator will mean an increase in sales for more franchises... Meaning some of these New IPs can be solid franchises.

LaWiiG2865d ago

Recore is the only promising one.

2865d ago
Show all comments (108)
70°

Escape from Tarkov Unheard Edition Reneges on Promised Content Behind $250 Price Tag

The new Escape from Tarkov Unheard Edition has the community in an outrage after promising exclusive access to the new PvE mode for $250 USD.

Christopher9h ago

$250? Do they not know all the other games that already exist or will be made in the future that can do similar?

SimpleDad1h ago(Edited 1h ago)

This is for the hardcore people that have 2500 h in the game. They basically play that one game the whole year.
Oh and those same people are mad as hell at this... what a way to reward fans of your game and annihilate newcomers.

150°

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
darthv7213h 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.

solideagle39m ago

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

Cacabunga6m 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.

purple1012h ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos2h ago

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

XBManiac1h ago

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

SimpleDad1h ago(Edited 1h 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.

purple1011h ago

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

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos38m ago(Edited 36m 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

Show all comments (10)
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
Hereandthere1d 10h ago

Microsoft should have left them stay 3rd party

GamerRN1d 7h ago

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

Barlos1d 5h ago

Yeah, they're also jobless.

GamerRN22h ago

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

peppeaccardo23h ago

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

ChasterMies19h 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.

PassNextquestion1d 9h ago (Edited 1d 9h 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 7h ago

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

Mr Logic17h ago

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

Crows9017h ago

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

Profchaos1d 9h ago (Edited 1d 9h 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

Tacoboto1d 9h ago

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

Profchaos1d 9h ago

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

Yi-Long1d 6h ago

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

XiNatsuDragnel1d 8h ago

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

Profchaos1d 6h ago (Edited 1d 6h ago )

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

TheColbertinator1d 7h 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 (21)