120°

The Reemergence of Gears of War Could Lead to a Stabler, More Uninteresting Microsoft

Hidden Audio Log's Isaac Wagner explains his opinion about the Gears of War announcement yesterday, and its greater implications for Microsoft, both good and bad.

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hiddenaudiolog.com
lifeisgamesok3750d ago

I don't see the bad with continuing a great series that sells millions and has tons of replay value with horde, and deathmatch modes

The online community will be great. This is a loved franchise. And the people that say it's on the decline probably don't even own any MS products lol

-Foxtrot3750d ago (Edited 3750d ago )

It's HOW they continue it...that's the concern

Gears of War 3 wrapped everything up very nicely, the Locus, the Lambert, the war.

After everything they've been through to suddenly go "Oh by the way he's this new threat you guys never knew about" would seem a little forced in my opinion and would dumb down Anyas point of "finally having a tomorrow". If, at the time, they pulled a Halo 3 and left a small hint at the end of the game that something else is coming then you would know right there they know where they want to go with the next game/trilogy but they never did that, it seemed pretty clear that Epic wanted it to end there.

A prequel would seem pointless, since we've won the war and we know how it ends. Plus with all the other types of media hanging around in the past I think we know enough about it.

I just feel the locus were kind of part of Gears, if you bring them back after they made it very clear and showed us that they are all dead then again it might seem forced. Unless it was something like, their homeworld in Seras solar system, instead of evolving on Sera like they thought the Locust are actually a bigger civilisation, more technology advanced and would put the fight to them...THAT I could get behind.

I think it worked for Halo because of them drifting through space, the gaalaxy...the Universe where ANYTHING could happen.

Robochobo3750d ago

What's too say that something doesn't happen 200+ years down the line? Do you think that FDR or Churchill would believe the world would still have armed conflicts after two world wars? I'm certain they wouldn't, but it does.

LAWSON723750d ago (Edited 3750d ago )

I completely agree with storywise and I dont see it working out in that respect. However maybe people with XBone want to have horde and multiplayer, but that is a niche crowd from what I have seen. The latest rumor disappoints me that the new IP was put on hold for this.

Honesty I dont see the potential I think EPic went all out with GeoW3 and they probably had no idea what to do with the series after that leading to the sale of it. I dont even see how MS thinks it has a huge universe, the game is not Halo it does not have lore that extends across the universe. A game like Halo has so much content it is easy to move it into different genres like RTS (something I read on other article about Gears Halo Wars type of game). That genre requires loads of enemy variants as well as vehicles on both sides something I dont really remember being a huge element of the trilogy.

Ignorant fanboys of Gears and Xbone can disagree with you but you have great points that help question why buy a franchise that set itself up to be finished.

@Robochobo
Good job at grasping at straws, maybe MS should make a Fable set 400 years in the future so it has laser weapons and hover cars. What I am saying is a world can change alot in 200 years and it would hardly be gears of war when the setting is completely different and all main characters are dead for like 3 generations.

-Foxtrot3750d ago (Edited 3750d ago )

@Robochobo

Even then I don't see them coming back in the future, no matter how much time has passed. After all that's happened I'm guessing the COG soldiers would be looking extensively for any sign of Locus activity, even under ground. I think after how long they've fought in the war they would have half the soldiers rebuilding the world and the other half looking for survivors or any new threats so it doesn't creep up on them again. Not taking ANY chances

As far as the story goes, Sera is clean for now, the only thing which could happen is from another world/space but the only small problem with this is that I never saw Gears as a space game if you get what I mean...do people on Sera even have spaceships or would they just use the technology off their new threat

I wouldn't mind playing Marcus again though if they do find out how to continue it straight away. I really can't imagine him settling into a more quiet life.

@LAWSON72

"I think EPic went all out with GeoW3 and they probably had no idea what to do with the series after that leading to the sale of it"

It's probably why they sold the rights in the end. They did all they could with it and there's nothing else they could do.

"A game like Halo has so much content it is easy to move it into different genres"

Exactly, the theme of Halo is space. You have so many civilisations and back stories for the game. The humans, the Covenant, the flood, the Forerunners, the Prometheans , the Precursors. Those are just the tip of the iceberg, within them you have back stories of so many characters. Even if you were coming to the end you can easily make a new enemy appear because it's the Universe, same goes with Mass Effect.

truefan13750d ago

Once again I find all the concern from Ps4 gamers rather hilarious. Do you guys just live in speculation, MSN buys an xbox stable and you guys are already talking about a repeating cycle. If I'm not mistaken d4, titanfall, pVz, project spark, sunset overdrive, and quantum break are all new titles. Meanwhile 2 of the few Ps4 exclusives are uncharted and infamous. I'm still waiting for objectivity.

-Foxtrot3750d ago (Edited 3750d ago )

@truefan1

<sigh>

This is getting highly annoying from you guys

Not EVERYONE who criticizes something about MS in any shape or form is a Sony fanboy.

I hate Microsoft after what they did and what they still try to do, not the games. I've played Gears, Halo, other Xbox games, so yeah...I'm concerned.

Oh by the way if it wasn't for so called "PS4 fanboys" concern you would have a terrible DRM console right now with your rights to play used games taken away from you. Think about that eh. You want to know why...because your too busy nodding your head and eating up any old crap they throw at you while they treat you like s***, making them think they can do anything they want, not just to their own audience but gamers in general

EDIT: BELOW

@nukeitall

"Well, do you people really think that Epic Games would release a third game and not have a backup plan for how to continue a franchise that sold gazillion games?"

Yeah they did have a plan, they were hoping to continue it with prequels, like Judgement when that didn't turn out well they probably thought they didn't want to waste time on something which wouldn't pay off for them in the end

"You are right, just a specific few here that consistently puts down anything MS does"

Maybe because the majority of the time they twist it to seem positive only for the truth to get reported hours/days later. If people can see through their lies and know what they are like it's not their fault, they aren't fanboys, they are just gamers with common sense.

You just make it out like people are fanboys because your p***** that a company you've devoted your gaming life to, true intentions are coming out ever since the horrible Xbox One reveal, and these so called "fanboys" are stating things you don't want to hear repeated, your so sick of people pointing out MS flaws that instead of accepting them you'd ignore them and call people who say these things.

" usually have a lot of bubbles on this site! "

Oh god...the bubbles argument, knew there was a reason behind this.

I just find it hillarious that when an article comes up about a MS GAME and people comment on that, people who don't like your opinion still bring up the Microsoft and Sony nonsense.

Your doing it to yourself at the end of the day

nukeitall3750d ago (Edited 3750d ago )

Once again, the usual SDF is out trying to dismiss anything MS related.

Well, do you people really think that Epic Games would release a third game and not have a backup plan for how to continue a franchise that sold gazillion games?

That is the most ridiculous idea I have ever heard. Epic Games doesn't become worth almost a billion dollars lacking as much creativity as armchair story creators and ending a series that sold more than most successful games on one platform.

In fact, I find this extremely refreshing that not only do we get a satisfying ending, but we get a continuation.

Cannot wait to see what Gears of War is going to bring next!

Jealous people are gonna hate!!! Why hate? Jump in. Greatness awaits!

@trot:

"Not EVERYONE who criticizes something about MS in any shape or form is a Sony fanboy. "

<sigh>

You are right, just a specific few here that consistently puts down anything MS does. We all know who they are. They usually have a lot of bubbles on this site and certainly appears in this story!

LAWSON723750d ago

@nukeitall
Thanks for clarifying I just gave foxtrot a bubble so he can continue this XBone bashing with valid arguments.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 3750d ago
colt-of-tipton3750d ago

Same here cant wait for some next gen gears ! And there's plenty of new ip's coming from them so i don't see a problem either.

kiz26943750d ago

There too many IP coming from them that worries me, MS are overloading them with work. This is a brand new company they should be taking smaller steps.

ginsunuva3750d ago

Exactly what I said.

Now MS will continue their yearly-alternating Halo/Gears milkfest.

LAWSON723750d ago (Edited 3750d ago )

This is what it seems like if so I will be avoiding the console and the choice between Xbone or PS4 first will be an easy decision with me even debating to not even get the Xbone at all. Halo is not an arena shooter anymore and Gears IMO ended prefectly well where I dont need to see or play anymore.

They are names that MS thinks will guarantee them old fans and good sales and if it works good for them. I just know I will be staying far away from getting one. PC, Wii U, 3DS, and PS4 are surely enough to provide me with classic franchises and new ones quite frequently, while Xbone just gets Gears,Halo, Forza, and one new 1st party title a year that is either a hit or miss.

Oh I forgot the killer franchise that is Fable lol

JasonKCK3749d ago

Here http://en.wikipedia.org/wik... PS fans should be the last people to talk milk. Considering most of the games you guys talk about have a number behind it, like Uncharted 4, TLoU 2, Infamous 3, Killzone 4 and so on.

Being a hypocrite makes your fanbase look bad.

ginsunuva3749d ago

I meant the only two-game reliance.

At least PS fans get tons of games and variety even though some of them may be overused.

But a racing game can't really be "milked" because there's no story to drag out. Halo/Gears are being milked now because their stories were over, and now they have to artificially create an excuse for more.

hello123750d ago

Gears 3 sold six million plus copies just on x box 360 alone when it released Sep 2011. Thats just over two years ago.

Come on Gears is hardly a dead franchise.

MRMagoo1233750d ago

I am interested in how the newest one did , was there a decline in buyers or did it increase because either way would indicate the interest in the franchise at the mo.

LAWSON723749d ago

Gears judgment on vgchartz only has 1.3 million

MRMagoo1233749d ago

so thats a lot worse than the previous titles then i guess. Thanks for the info

twdll3750d ago

I played all Gears and I can't wait to see another one. That has to be the best news I've heard all week. Amazing. I was thinking last week we needed another stylized shooter, that was rehashed and updated. Can't believe it. I am so pumped. Etc, etc...

ThatCanadianGuy5143750d ago

With the stories of the new forza already well into development, looks like my choice to avoid xbone this gen has merit.

The never ending Halo/gears/forza rinse cycle is so laughable at this point.You guys really want that again, for another 8 freaking years?

No thanks.

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300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

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twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest5d ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN5d ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan4d ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor4d ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic4d ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv724d ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts4d ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares5d ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv725d ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka5d ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion5d ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer5d ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow15d ago (Edited 5d ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer4d ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

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news.xbox.com
bionicstar5d ago

Will they show Fable 4, Stalker 2, GoW 6 & Perfect Dark?

PhillyDonJawn5d ago

Crossing fingers for Fable and perfect dark. And State of Decay 3

RaidenBlack5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

And maybe Clockwork Revolution, South of Midnight, Contraband, Project 007 & OD? lol
and whatever happened to Everwild ?
+ that rumored Wu Tang RPG

Sonic18815d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast5d ago

Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming.

5d ago
Lightning775d ago

It's an Xbox showcase that they have every year.

Make smarter comments for once.

anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole4d ago

@Anast
Anything you didn't type. Good day sir!

5d ago
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5d ago Replies(1)
Lightning775d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

5d ago
anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

"Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming."

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning775d ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast4d ago

You don't know what a smart comment is or isn't. You're welcome for the help.

Lightning774d ago

No you said something dumb then you tried to back track and mention GP.

Again make smart comments for once.

anast4d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 4d ago
darthv725d ago

Wonder if they will address the handheld rumors....?

jimb0j0nes5d ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

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290°

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
darthv7210d 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.

solideagle9d ago

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

Sonic18819d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio9d 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:

Lightning779d ago

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

Cacabunga9d 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.

darthv729d 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.

neutralgamer19928d ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff21839d 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.

Cacabunga9d 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

itsmebryan9d 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

S2Killinit9d 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.

romulus239d ago

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

darthv729d 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.

TheEroica9d ago (Edited 9d 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.

Chevalier8d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan8d ago

@chevalier

It looks like made a great purchase. Much better then Sony buying Bungie. 😉
Cheers

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 8d ago
purple1019d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos9d ago

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

DOMination-9d 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.

XBManiac9d ago

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

SimpleDad9d ago (Edited 9d 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.

purple1019d ago

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

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos9d ago (Edited 9d 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

Kornholic9d ago

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

MrDead9d 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 9d ago
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