Xbox's likely Decision To Ignore VR Is 100% The Right Call

More and more outlets are convinced that Microsoft is likely to hold off on introducing VR so here's why we believe it's the right call.

[ChristianReggieWait]

This generation was way to early for VR in my opinion #ShotsFired

[PrimeVinister]

Was it though?? It's not a new tech. It's just new to consumers.

And anyway, it has already impressed a lot more people than 3DTVs ever did.

Plus PSVR has already had some titles to show that quality experiences are possible. And it's not THAT expensive.

[NarutoFox]

Astro Bot made me a believer

[S2Killinit]

I think if you didnt experience VR this generation, you really missed out. Im glad i got to experience VR from its inception because i will look fondly to this time and say “I remember back when...” lol

[dumahim]

I think it’s true that this console generation wasn’t ready for the full game types we’re used to. Example, GT Sport’s VR mode being limited to a one on one race. But games designed for the limitations are perfectly fine and a good way of building up the technology.

[TK-66]

There are many good VR games out there. The problem though is that VR is still relatively experimental in terms of game design and it still doesnt have many must own titles. I know everyone can name many VR games they love and enjoyed but when you're trying to sell someone a PS4 would you name any of those titles? I know people would name games like God of War or Spiderman but what games does VR have that rival those experiences? I think the answer is very few.

Not saying VR is a failure but that it's not on par with traditional gaming experiences.

[Goldby]

@Naruto
me too, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much just from the demo.

gave me old school super Mario 64 vibes,

[S2Killinit]

@Sw33boi
You make a good point BUT, I WOULD use some of the VR games to recommend the console. Its just that we dont do that because of 2 reasons:
1) you can only recommend PSVR using VR games otherwise the person would say “wait wait Im asking about the console, not the headset”
2) its hard to tell people how different it is to experience RE7 in VR than it is to play it on a tv. There is just no way to do that unless you put the headset on the person. That is the problem.

So to answer you, If I knew you could affort both a PS4 and a PSVR, I definitely would recommend VR games to you as a selling point of why you should pick up a PS4.

[darthv72]

I am hoping in time that the tech will be viable for there to be multiple VR units connected to one source. As it is, it is a very singular experience. No doubt the person wearing the HMD is getting all the fun and effect while others may just be watching from the outside looking in (at the secondary screen).

Granted it may be difficult to allow for enough personal space if multiple people are wearing HMD's but the idea is there.... eventually. Of course the next step in putting yourself in the game would be holography. Star Trek holodecks are probably not too far into the future.

[Gamingsince1981]

The only tech that was way too early this gen by maybe a decade or so is MS attempt at cloud power with their games for example crack down 3, VR on the other hand has actually been successful.

[TK-66]

@S2Killinit

"You make a good point BUT, I WOULD use some of the VR games to recommend the console."

Oh I agree that you could, but if you're recommending the best games on the system and they're looking for 3 games would a VR game be in that list? Can a VR game outmatch lets say God of War, BloodBorne and Spiderman as a reason to purchase the system? I'm not trying to say good games can be found but that AAA level games that wow the customer aren't really there yet. There is RE7 but its debatable as to whether it has that affect due to also being able to play it traditionally.

To me the main problem is that PSVR doesn't have a game that matches the ones I listed. There isn't really a system seller game on PSVR that matches up to whats available through traditional gaming. That could change next gen but its difficult to predict when its as far out as it is.

[mandingo]

I played on my friends and it just isnt worth it imo. Re 7 was awesome but the graphical fidelity is trash it takes you out of the experience. Plus, there aren’t many games to play on it mostly just demos. I want full fledge games on it. Once they have that it’ll be worth it

[bouzebbal]

PSVR is apparently the least powerful but damn it delivered some amazing titles!!!!

[S2Killinit]

@Sw33tboi
I see what you mean now. Basically youre asking “Can VR games outshine the best of the regular games on a console”. I think the answer is tricky because on the one hand VR games will never outshine regular games, not even next gen, because it simply takes more compute power to run them. But, On the other hand, the answer is yes they can, but only if a person experiences it first hand. For example, going back to RE7, the VR version, will not “look” as impressive if you show it to someone on a tv, but it is definitely more impressive than the tv version despite the lower graphics. This is something that people wont understand until they play the game in VR themselves. So if realism is the measure, RE7 100% looks more real in VR than on a tv. The other thing worth mentioning is that VR needs, and has, its own games. It doesnt need to have all the major titles in VR. Some games are simply better in VR. Ace Combat comes to mind. Even FPS games, when done right, like Firewall, are heaps and bounds better than regular MP FPS games. So there is potential here. Just because they wont “look” as impressive on a tv doesnt actually mean that they cant compte with regular masterpieces. VR can have its own masterpieces. Firewall for example is a better game than Rainbow Six Seige (and that game is praised as a great MP). Astrobot is better than Mario. But people wont know that until they put the headset on, otherwise they can be forgiven for thinking that VR games are washed out versions of regular games.

[DaDrunkenJester]

Sounds like this is coming from someone who hasn't played in VR or at least a premium VR headset. Samsung Gear VR doesn't count.

You go play RE7 in VR and tell me that it isn't the best way to play that game. Go play Beat Saber and tell me it's not a crazy step up in the rhythm genre. Go play Astro Bots and tell me that isn't one of the best platformers next to Mario Odyssey this gen. Go play Superhot, Firewall, Robo Recall and tell me these games are not freaking amazing in VR and do more for immersion than any other tech has done in a long time.

I haven't been this impressed by a leap in immersion since we went from 2D to 3D and from SD to HD... Is the tech perfect? No, but to say it is too early is silly when there is a ton of awesome games to play for it.

[S2Killinit]

Exactely. Watch them claim they were there when we went from 3D environments to Virtual environments. Its literally the most exciting development since we went from sidescrolling 2D games to 3D environments.

[sprinterboy]

Totally agree, can't wait for when VR can push the boundaries further.
I couldn't help imagine after playing Metro exodus what something like that would be like in VR? I'm thinking maybe psvr2 couldn't replicate metro in VR? but we'll have them experiences for definate on ps6 (hopefully ps5 though)
I'll be baffled if we don't see some AAA ps3 experiences like dead space, original metro in VR next gen.

[alittleshakey]

DadrunkenJester. Well said!

[gamer7804]

Having used several headsets vr is still niche and not at all ready for mass consumption for gaming.

[Dom_Estos]

Yep. Unfortunately those that haven't tried it still think it's like "strapping a TV to your face". Sigh. Jesus Christ, how is it that kids in the 80's and 90's had more imagination and foresight on what VR was, even before it fucking existed, compared to today's millennial plebs?

[Mystogan]

VRs potential is definitely no joke. But there needs to be some way to make it more accessible. It's just not ready yet for the mass market. Maybe Oculus has got the right idea, With Oculus Go. You don't need to buy anything extra to enjoy it. It just works. You don't need a PC or a Console.

Maybe Xbox and Sony need to make something that can be that accessible and when connected to a PC or Console it goes into full power mode and you can enjoy your games in higher quality.

[alb1899]

I have play VR and is a incredible experience that start to fall as you rapidly see the limitations of this technology.
It is worth to try it but not to own it unless you want to impress your family and friends.
But the future could be really bright for VR just that we aren't there yet and another technology could raise and leave VR in the dust.

[Dragonscale]

Well they had to start at some point, that way they can improve the tech over time. Also there are some fantastic games on vr that beg to differ. You could also say the same about 4k tbh.

[gamer7804]

We are a long way from vr for the masses could be another 10 years or more honestly. 100% agree with the author. It's the right decision.

[S2Killinit]

The games beg to differ.

[rainslacker]

MS provides more options. Except when they don't.

Is that how this works?

It's not a bad decision to not offer it, because I don't think it should be MS focus now, but seems all the articles of late seem to be about how MS is going to dominate next gen because of all these services they're going to offer, but they're also making the right call by not offering an option? An option they said they were going to support back with the X1X release. An option which they tried to divert away from with Halolens.

Really funny how things work out so beneficial for MS no matter what they decide.

[fr0sty]

Says people who have never tried real VR... When I bought PSVR, I was the only one I knew that had it. My friends all tried it. now all of them also have it. I've even had 2 relatives buy it.

[anonymousfan]

Just bought one after playing Beat Saber at a friend's. My wife loves that game even more than me and personally a game like Astro Bot is the most magical gaming experience I have ever add. My younger sister tried Moss and kept giggling saying ahe never saw anything more beautiful as far as video games. My brother in law was checking the prices after trying the free Star Wars X-Wing mission. I have yet to show my parents I have friends coming over to just try it although they otherwise hate videogames. VR can be a revolution as long as you give it a chance.

[crazyCoconuts]

Yawn. Didn't we just have this conversation yesterday?

[uth11]

that's like saying Pong was too early for videogames. you have to start somewhere

[Christopher]

I don't think it's early. At some point you need an entry point so that advances can be made on more than just hardware. Engines have to be updated, dev processes for support, and more.

[rainslacker]

Might be too early for MS. I'm not sure they know how to market it or make it successful, so they probably aren't going to bother until there is more demand for it.

[Godmars290]

Because they were coming down from motion control/Kinect?

[rainslacker]

Why's that? Because it's not selling with every console? Do you think that next gen would be any better? Whenever it launched, it would have trouble adapting to the market, and it would take time to grow.

[SkatterBrain]

microsoft has that tech to play minecraft on your living room table just make that with some really good tracking gloves but the Real future is a smart contact you put on thats powered by your own body heat or energy that makes things that dont exist appear in front of you, like when you look at a store through the contacts itll show you information about what they sell there what tkme they close , if theres occupancy, and later with clothing filled with gel and tiny metallic beads that attract together when commanded to give the feeling of touch will let you feel the things your contacts are putting in your hands, im gonna invest in that tech if i see the oppertunity

[MoonConquistador]

You're living up to your name at least

[Orionsangel]

In less than 50 years VR will be on contact lenses.

[DrumBeat]

I think Sony's doing reasonably well with VR, however, that doesn't mean that Microsoft is prepared for VR. Microsoft first needs to get a strong first party stable and just release some damn good games. That's what matters.

Microsoft had this lofty, silly goal of 'owning your living room' instead of a focus on a diverse lineup of quality games and they really didn't do much all gen.

Now, I think their ecosystem is good. I think the Xbox One X was a great hardware redemption (though maybe a little late) and I think they could do great things in gaming if they put forth the effort. There's no reason they can't make kick-ass games like Sony, but they have to do that before even thinking of VR.

[ninerguy1608]

I agree. My psvr is used about once every month. I'm 43. So im not the target for it maybe. Just not enough for me. Yes resident evil was good. And some others. But the stuff i want to see is full fledged star wars games like the demo with battlefront 1. Not just a few minutes of look at what this can do. That demo along with COD jackal demo blew me out of my chair. But they are not ready still to release that in a full game. Ace combat 7. Breathtaking. But just a snippet. I dont think to early is necessarily correct even though I said I agree. But it's definitely an introduction gen and i can only hope next gen we see the type of vr I want. But then again I may be done by then. I play maybe 5-7 hours a week. One last thing. Is its just a bulky set up to me. Yes I kmow it needs a headset. Just seems like next gen the models should have less wires. I guess I'm hoping all this for younger gamers since Im getting burned out. Been a gamer since 6. Im sure I'll get a ps5. But i doubt I'll get the next vr. Now if a full battlefield game comes out in vr that is as smooth as battlefield we play now. Shit yeah ill get VR. Lol

[neutralgamer1992]

Xbox's likely Decision To Ignore VR Is 100% The Right Call

Keep defending the shortcomings just like quality exclusives don't matter when they are on a $10 per month game pass

[SCW1982]

Bought VR at Christmas. It’s straight up magic. Can’t wait to see where it goes next gen.

[anonymousfan]

It is magic! It's like the free disney rides you keep getting up on !

[fiveby9]

I don't own any VR system yet but I applaud Sony for making a system. It has pushed the medium further forward to consumers than any other. Will VR replace traditional monitor / tv gaming? Not anytime soon. But at least Sony has the guts to invest and produce hardware and software which is within reach of many consumers. PSVR is a stepping stone. Keep taking some calculated risks Sony. Your creative wisdom will pay off in the long run.

[Kumakai]

i kinda agree. its not bringing anything to the table for me thats worth the cost. unless someone comes up with something revolutionary. I don't think the hardware is there yet. we'll see how powerful the next generation is. power def matters here tho.

[S2Killinit]

The best MP game of the generation is on PSVR.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Hahaha

[S2Killinit]

The best platformer of the generation is also on PSVR.

[sprinterboy]

Have you tried it, like properly tried it in your own home

[SCW1982]

Have you even played Astro Bot?

[CP_Company]

damage control.
Sony is rocking roll with VR.

anyways, Phil said that xbox x coming with support of VR, so he just lied. nice, nothing new.

[S2Killinit]

What? Spencer said that? If so, thats just false advertisement at this point.

[CP_Company]

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

" this hardware specifically created to lead console industry into true 4K gaming and high fidelity VR"
" premier VR experiences without sacrificing performances "

[S2Killinit]

WOW dude that is insane! Giving false hope like that! Thank you for sharing man.

[rainslacker]

They also said how AR was going to be huge for them, and how it was going to be better than VR in the end. Spent 6 months hearing how VR was going to be better on X1X because Occulus was so much better. Heard how AR was going to be the big thing going forward, because they sold that also. Then, suddenly, no one that had an Xbox wanted VR, or AR, and it's before it's time, and too early, and nothing but demos.

MS won't take the risk. They'll wait until someone else makes the market, then come in and act like they created it, or do it best.

[GrontB]

Not only did Phil say that the X would have VR, Microsoft themselves did. Found this Holiday '17 promo for proof for any naysayers. It's a joke now, they have consistently fluffed up their brand with lies for years now.

https://imagescdn.tweaktown...

[Profchaos]

Fallout VR was announced during a Xbox one X presentation with Bethesda claiming they were so happy they finally had a console capable of supporting fallout 4 VR

[jelloaceomega]

Bethesda's Todd Howard is well known hype boy, especially when it comes to marketing and exposure.

[Razzer]

They need to get back to basics and make great games. Baby steps.

[Tankbusta40]

Agreed...the tech still isn't there and its a niche market. I know plenty of people are in love with this and will disagree but until VR gets a higher attach rate there is no need to invest in it.

[Dragonscale]

If no one takes the risk then it will never evolve though. If ms ignores vr for too long and it becomes really popular it'll be too late.

[xX-oldboy-Xx]

Sony released EyeToy and it was good for its time, ms evolved that to Kinect. Sony saw the tech had run its course, ms hadn't. Now Sony have a PSVR and ms have nothing, with apparently no plans to either.

Not a very forward thinking company ms.

[OB1Biker]

Ms invested in VR for Pc gaming though. I just think they don't believe in console gaming anymore. They believe in pc gaming and the cloud.

[BlackTar187]

"until VR gets a higher attach rate there is no need to invest in it."

ROFL man that's hilarious

[Sm00thNinja]

I think Microsoft is right not to invest in it this generation. Not to say PSVR was a mistake I've had tons of fun with my device and Astro Bot was fantastic. When the tech becomes all wireless they should go all in

[xX-oldboy-Xx]

That's not what was said by ms themselves, maybe the dismal sales of their console had something to do with this non-committal attitude towards VR.

[Sm00thNinja]

I didn't say Microsoft said anything. I just think the Tech is.... ALMOST there. The PSVR limitations are there. That being said I can't wait for PSVR too and I hope it's heavily integrated into the heart of the PS5. The tech may not be there yet but the promise is definitely in full view.

[xX-oldboy-Xx]

I know you didn't say anything, but ms themselves did. Your saying they were right to mislead their customers.

I definitely agree PSVR2 & PS5 should go hand in hand, just not to the extent of Kinect 2.0. It should 100% remain a choice - not a mandatory inclusion.

[Sm00thNinja]

Gotcha I agree with you. I don't... Know where you got I said Microsoft was right to lead consumers? What are you referring to? I think Microsoft will do VR if it blows up but if Sony pioneers that explosion they'll be playing catch up again. If anything negative to say towards Microsoft on this stance it seems to me they're afraid to innovate because they're afraid they'll fail

[rainslacker]

I think its right for them to not invest in it this gen, or next if these opinions pieces are right, which they probably are. MS wouldn't know what to do with the tech, and would just distract the market with their efforts. they already tried it with the X1X reveal, and then later AR. MS has no vision for VR/AR in the future, so who would want them in the market anyways. MS can come in later like they always do, distract for a year or two, then end up dropping out because they can't make anything out of it. In true MS fashion. It's what they do well.

[MoonConquistador]

Sm00th - I think he is getting at the fact you are siding with their latest decision (not to go with VR) when their top executives have intimated that the One X would get VR and therefore by inference, you are happy that MS talks a lot of s***.

[Sm00thNinja]

That's ridiculous though. I don't want a half assed attempt at VR by Microsoft at the end of the generation just to say me too. And I completely agree with Microsoft not to go with VR. They need to focus on 1st party exclusives and having a catalogue of decent games before they push forward with more software. Not sure if id condemn Microsoft for not committing to VR

[Atticus_finch]

I can't wait to see the Xteam hype up VR, after it's inevitable success

[isarai]

People should actually read the article, Writer is not saying this necessarily in doubt that VR is good or not. Rather he's saying it'd be putting too much on the line for XBox specifically seeing as how they've never had good history with peripherals, and they are just now showing signs of solving their first party/exclusives issue, so why would they spread their newly acquired studios thin just to bank on yet another peripheral given their history with peripherals.

Basically MS/Xbox should focus on building their first party exclusives before they decide to bring on yet another platform to support, espcially given their poor history with peripherals.

It's a good, valid point.

My opinion? they should honestly just let one of the existing VR brands (oclulus, vive, etc) work with the next system, i'm sure by then the hardware will be able to support it, then just port all the PC VR games to the console. Yeah it's a solution some would consider "half assed" but i think most people curious in VR on the Xbox wouldn't mind at all. That way they can have a VR platform to take part in the race, and games to fuel it and all they have to do is write up an agreement/deal which will cost nearly nothing in comparison to developing and supporting their own.

[IanTH]

I'm simply surprised they haven't been able to leverage their own Windows Mixed Reality yet for their consoles. They have VR experiences on the Windows Store already, so those should likely be UWP and, so far as I'm given to understand, should run on XBOX with little to no additional changes required. For more software, they'd have to get some of the devs to get their software to run on XBOX or, worst case, have a small team help port other PC VR titles over. It feels like they could do that in much the same way they have a team to continue improving their backwards compatibility titles.

Also, their previous accessories were relegated to their console. VR is on PS4, PC and has multiple mobile equivalents. The Windows Store tie in could help further their "Play Anywhere" initiative, which certainly couldn't hurt their chances of improving their PC store presence. More to the point, there is great software out there already. It is a market that is growing. This accessory should be easy enough to get support for, doubly so when they have their own hardware supported with software already found on their Windows OS and even Windows Store.

It ultimately seems like something they should be capable of supporting with, overall, not much extra effort. Simply knowing they're working on it and the console supports it for the future helps as a selling point. If they don't have support next gen, it'd just be one more tick in the PS5's box of features, and those kinds of things can help sway purchases.

They don't *need* exclusive VR games. Just support VR and get the multiplatform games on there. Have VR be pretty much like XBO has been this gen, and they can focus on exclusive support later. A couple of the devs they picked up already have solid VR apps out there (like inXile), so it is not out of the realm.

[isarai]

You mean Hololens? (the only headset MS makes themselves)sry but that is just wishful thinking, that thing cost $3,000 minimum, and is mainly meant for production, not gaming. Sure it's capable but in gaming use all people would see is it's very limited FOV and resolution, not to mention it's transparent making distractions a very likely scenario. But otherwise yeah why not, and the inside out tracking that usually comes with the MR headsets would certainly fit the "Plug & Play" nature of consoles.

[IanTH]

@isarai

No, not Hololense. Windows Mixed Reality.

https://www.microsoft.com/e...

You referenced MR later in your comment, so I'm confused as to why you brought up Hololense to be honest. I never said that they made them themselves, just that they could "leverage their own WMR". Other manufacturers produce them, sure, but that is 100% using Microsoft's designs (hence the "Windows" in the WMR naming scheme).

MS makes tons of consumer hardware, it would be trivial for them to make their own WMR HMD based off their own designs. Or, failing that, certifying specific 3rd party manufactured WMR headsets for XBOX usage - sticking to specific specs so the software can be designed around them. And they can be found for as little as $200, so price is definitely not an issue.

[isarai]

MS doesn't own or make those though, they are third party, and they aren't designed by MS either, the "Windows" simply comes from the fact that they will use the Windows Mixed Reality interface natively. You're right MS does make tons of consumer hardware, and when THEY do it's under THEIR brand "Windows" with the windows logo, but as you can see each of these have their own respective logos from the company that designs them. MS does design and make the remotes they use though. Still i agree with you though, this would be a smart route for them to take, and a very enticing one at that what with them being budget centric.

[IanTH]

@isarai

I'm not sure where you're getting that info from.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wi...

"Windows Mixed Reality (formerly Windows Holographic) is a mixed reality platform introduced as part of the Windows 10 operating system, which provides holographic and mixed reality experiences with compatible head-mounted displays."

"In October 2016 during a hardware event, Microsoft announced that multiple OEMs would release virtual reality headsets for the Windows Holographic platform, based on Microsoft reference designs enabling room-scale virtual reality without external sensors or components"

https://www.theverge.com/20...

"While Microsoft has picked the “Mixed Reality” naming for its initial headsets, they’re only capable of virtual reality experiences right now. Microsoft’s range of headsets are similar to the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, and many manufacturers are selling bundles that include touch controllers."

They've even made their own development kits in Jan 2017 to send out before other third parties made them later on in the year:

https://www.pcworld.com/art...

It is MS's VR platform using the tracking tech from Hololense and based on their reference designs. They license out the tech. That's why with all those 3rd party WMR HMD's, they were all exactly the same (and mostly remain that way even today). It is MS's platform.

So they don't make any of the hardware now, but they certainly have in the past. They wouldn't have to license any of the tech. They have an understanding of how it works via software, hardware and at a driver level given their integration into the Windows 10 Creators Update. This is something they could certainly make themselves. And the devices are low cost to make. It'd be fairly low risk for them, especially if they could make the headset compatible between Windows 10 and NextBox. It'd be a great value proposition.

[l33t_haxx0r]

"high fidelity vr"

[Father__Merrin]

Why not give consumers the option? PlayStation owners have never had it better

[jznrpg]

Because they would give the inferior software and that’s what drives hardware sales .

[jznrpg]

It is the right choice afor MS , they aren’t making many good regular console games I don’t see how they could transition to VR and still make regular console games without their games suffering even more than they do now.They spent years making one cloud game and it came out ok at best . They spent years making a lot of Kinect games that were no good . Let the other companies who are good at making games progress VR .

[monkey602]

Sure why make an effort to progress with tech when you can spend 5 years making a game that runs like it's 2007

[Traecy]

One thing I agree with MS/XB. It's a niche product & MS/XB needs to focus on one thing at a time & having a slew of interesting jaw dropping AAA exclusives should be first & foremost.

[darx]

VR lol nice gimmick though

[zodiac909]

They can't figure out how to make a AAA exclusive game..so might as well ignore it.

[CrimsonWing69]

Being an owner of PSVR I 100% disagree that it's the right call. The tech needs to mature and MS isn't doing any favors by not allowing it on their platform. Sony will be supporting it and so will PC, so... once again you miss out on MS's console, but y'know, I guess that's just to be expected from them nowadays.

[Greedsin]

Ya I can kind of agree with this.

After trying out the Oculus Rift I am impressed with it and there are some games that really do work well with the tech out right now, but i think it's not really there yet. There are still allot of restrictions in place to keep VR from being this amazing product that it should be and considering a few companies jumped on it like it was the next motion controls, it sort of didn't evolve all that much because of it.

VR on a console, in my mind, is to restrictive. Your only allowed to use VR the way the console makers want you to use VR while on PC you can do whatever you wish as long as you know how to do it. Not saying this is a bad thing though, the PS VR has done allot better then what allot of people original thought it would.

There's already some talk that Microsoft wont be making their own Xbox branded VR headset for the next Xbox, but there could be a chance t hat they allow third party headsets, and I'm fine with that. I would rather wait for the tech to really grow first then probably get VR for PC then with less restrictions compared to the console versions.

But hey, that's just my personal opinion.

[TeamIcoFan]

In Microsoft's case, I agree.
Any money that would be spent on developing their own VR headset would be put to better use solving their current exclusive games crisis.
Getting Ninja Theory and Obsidian is a good start, but they'll need more than those two to turn it around with their next console. I don't know if Remedy is up for grabs or if they'd prefer to remain independent, but if it's the former then that'd be another solid studio MS can add under their belt since Alan Wake was a damn good game.
Crytek would be another good studio for them to grab up, at least for their technology.

[mkis007]

Shortsided. Will hold the industry back if it were true.

We know MS too well though, they will get in on it.

[chiefJohn117]

That's obvious, tech just not there yet

[Razzer]

lol....of course it is. We have an HTC Vive. The tech is there.

[xX-oldboy-Xx]

TV, TV, TV, TV - Kinect, Kinext 2.0, mandatory purchase of Kinext with every xbox one. Green lighting dud after dud 1st party games.

Not sure right call and ms should be in the same sentence.

[maximumspidey]

good. vr is a gimmick and the last thing xbox needs is wasting time on that

[SPEAKxTHExTRUTH]

I haven’t seen ANYTHING with regards to gaming on VR that makes me a believer.

[Razzer]

Have you ever gamed in VR?

[SPEAKxTHExTRUTH]

Yes I’ve played a few. It’s not for me. I’m old fashion. I’ll take a controller,couch and tv over VR.

[xenz]

Sounds like you are lying @SPEAK

[BLAKHOODe]

No it's not. VR is red hot and getting hotter. No cool down. Microsoft owes it to Xbox players.

[FanboysKiller]

After kinect failure I don't think ms will take a half step to peripherals anymore, it's not there yet.

[chiefJohn117]

Kinect sold more than psvr....

[xX-oldboy-Xx]

Kinect had an almost 100% buyers remorse, PSVR is only getting better.

[WitcheRivia]

VR is for shovelware.

[travestyj]

Most of the games made by Microsoft are shovelware and that hasn't stopped them.

[xX-oldboy-Xx]

Resi 7, Firewall: Zero Hour, Moss and Astrobot beg to differ.

[Thundercat77]

Gamepass is for shovelware.

[ILostMyMind]

Like cancelations, It is best for the gamers.

[tochi]

I can tell you why this is a right call for Microsoft.

1. They lied about technical aspect on Kinect. Achieved nothing they had promised, then shamelessly withdraw from the market.
2. They lied about technical aspect on Cloud Power. Achieved nothing they had promised, then shamelessly withdraw form the market.
3. They already lied a lot about HoloLens on gaming. It's better withdraw it before facing another embarrassment.

[blacktiger]

I disagree, VR takes long time to get it right, whenever MS jumps in, it;'ll take at least 4+ look what happen to mobile war, later the time goes, the worse time i gets

[Ghostbob]

I got to play Astro Bot it's amazing and I will definitely get a psvr now.

[Ratchet75]

You know when we talk about companies paying media network for a narrative?
Well let me just say that extra.ie(aka dmg) , is a media corporation who has held many tech submit in Ireland and suffice to say for a company that strive in promoting new technologies and then write articles to critisize them, I find that very hypocritical to say the list. 😉😉

[Fearmonkey]

My immediate reaction was to bash the article, but if you actually read it, it essentially says with the screwups MS had with the Xbox One, it would best for them to play it safe, which I agree with to an extent.

[windblowsagain]

Microsoft just follow or don't follow what others do.

Microsoft should just stick to windows.

[Jakeriley]

I feel they're not entirely ignoring it but are aware and keeping an eye on it. We're still too early in the VR generation for a killer app to come out and for the technology to be highly accessible for all. Don't get me wrong, I love VR, but it's not 100% consumer ready in my eyes.

[airshiraz]

whats wrong with microsoft?going inside the videogames isnt awesome?

[Thundercat77]

Is totally the right call. Xbox cannot even deal with normal gaming. They are last in the market. The games they have been releasing are trash. They would do even worst on VR.

On the other hand, Sony took the risk and despite the competition from oculus and HTC, they took and dominated the VR market.

[Dom_Estos]

Yep, lets defend MS, a company who has all the money, but wants more money, at not pushing the envelope, and instead, waiting on someone else to do all the heavy lifting, so they can just wade in when a market is created, so they can, well, make all the money and claim themselves to be a success. Well, that's how T-Rex arms Phil Spencer invisions it at least.

Brilliant. Sycophant fanboys baffle the life out of me.

[trouble_bubble]

When you already struggle making 2D games, best leave 3D to the professionals.

[MoonConquistador]

Lol, best comment I've read this week

[Knightofelemia]

Microsoft would need to bring some new games to the table that would utilize the VR and right now they have a hard time coming up with new exclusives for the XB1. Microsoft would need to market and stick with the VR and hope that it does not end up being another Kinnect Microsoft wrote that one off fast.

[xRacer74x]

I have to agree. VR games still mainly seem short diversionary type games. Their are some exceptions but not many.

[drunkenspy007]

because MS is known for their great decisions in gaming

[madpuppy]

Microsoft doesn't have the wherewithal to try to build a customer base with VR, First off, they would have to support it with well thought out and innovative games and software and their track record for keeping development studio open is no longer than 2 years. that means they would have to rely on the third party to support them, which is probably not a good idea. which means "MSVR" would most likely die a quick death leaving anyone who purchased the peripheral left with an expensive paperweight...kind of like HDDVD and Kinect.

VR does tend to be a hard sell though, that is why Sony had to work so hard to design a well engineered, low priced device and support the heck out of it to get the sales that have already with PSVR. (surpassing 4 million units sold so far)

[-volt-]

Yes, VR sold a lot of units but I still feel it is too soon. There are many improvements to be made. I don't blame them for waiting if that is the case.

[Psytrix]

Personally have found PSVR to be utter shite. Terrible resolution, crappy graphics, bad colors and more. It is was clearly a beta product and still very much is.

[Hakoom]

seems they have not played RE7 on the vr..
wel iam not surprised they just got 2 games on there console lol

[FyBy]

If thats true, its only MSs decision. But I dont think its right decision. This gen, Sony proved VR is not some gimmick like 3D, its something more. But it still isnt replacement for ordinary play (social aspect (isolation), cumbersomenes of installation, nausea after certain type of movement,...). Its great for some type of games, but not for all. VR has still long time to go, but its great even this generation first time in history (first time hardware is so so ready). But I dont think, that it would be wise to go own way. Maybe some partnership with oculus or htc with api sharing and open store would be great (more open market than on ps store). Different approach, more for the people. It will be great to ressurect kinect like device for MS VR. I hope, some time, some day....

[_LarZen_]

I disagree. I think Xbox owners have missed out on allot of fun. PlayStation VR has so many great and fun games now and has laid a great foundation for next gen VR on the PlayStation 5.

[demonicale]

I think it's smart of Microsoft to stay away from VR too. Once we get wireless, powerful vr, then and only then will it be worth it.

[HighPlayer28]

They should focus on AR gaming than VR with the hololens which has great potential to change gaming in a new immersive way. But before they set out to change gameplay again Microsoft has to fix their 1st party exclusives.

[Lexreborn2]

Resident Evil 7 proves it’s not to early at all for VR. In fact, it’s probably the best experience I have had thus far in VR and I loved every moment of that.

[ninsigma]

Not really. The more companies putting effort into it, the better it will be in the future. R&D in VR from MS could help push it to much greater heights even quicker.

[DillyDilly]

Its still not proven heck didn't they remove VR or make it an option in that Star Trek game ?

[ArgoNut]

Nope

[rlow1]

It's about the numbers. 90 million plus PlayStation owners yet just over 3 million bought into vr......thats a very low percentage. The strategy they need to have at launch should be the console and the games. Anything else at launch would be a distraction. I see them possibly doing something later on.

[warriorcase]

Nice to see people embracing the potential of VR now. Had a vive since early on and it seemed like the only thing anyone had to say was "gimmick" or go on about how it will quickly die off. If you jave tried a great vR title then you can see the untapped potential.

[jojo319]

Sony had a great idea when they tested sending out complete PSVR bundles to a limited number of people. You were able to try it in home, no risk for 30 days (I think it was 30 days). After that you could keep it and pay (I recall it being discounted), or send it back with the prepaid label. I wasn't sold, so it was perfect for people like me who hadn't actually tried it. However they made a huge mistake in my opinion. Even though the 2nd gen headsets were widely available, they sent out 1st gen headsets that had the HDR issue (you had to switch cables around every time you switched from VR to a regular game). That was the ONLY reason I didn't keep mine.

[skiggy34]

3 million PSVR owners out of 92 million PS4 owners is horrible! Thats less than 3%. They probably lost money with it. If it gets even better come PS5 I may get it

[shinoff2183]

I see where the article is coming from about xbox not getting into it. As far as they say they are not sure if vr is here to stay or not. I think it is, more and more stuff is coming out for vr by the day. If youve actually tried it its really fing cool and fun to play. I played re7 and skyrim in vr and it was bad ass.

What would be cool and I wouldnt doubt if its being worked on but if capcom vred re2 remake, now that would be great.

[QuePasa87]

Hopefully they at least focus on new, quality IPs and exclusives if they're going to ignore VR