After revealing a boost in online activity following the launch of the "New Xbox Experience," Microsoft director of product management for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Aaron Greenberg offered new insight on Avatars, Xbox 360 game downloads and competition from Wii and PlayStation Home.
Companies, particularly public companies like Microsoft, need to grow.
i mean its pretty simple, they spent close to 30 billion in acquiring activision, they thought they'd make it bk no problem, and that didnt happen.
its just shit that because of MS's miscalculation alot of people lost their jobs.
They are going to use AI for a large portion of the game development process. Upper management need bonuses and the shareholders need more money. So, people will lose their jobs.
They shouldn't have bought any studios. Some is okay...but they went on a shopping spree...stupid
The better question is why did Microsoft buy publishers for a service they were subsidizing they knew couldn't support.
And why are so many websites trying to make people feel sorry for Microsoft instead of truly criticizing the fact they are closing studios and killing jobs that would have been fine if Microsoft themselves hadn't gotten involved.
Quit feeling sorry for Microsoft and start feeling sorry for the industry and the all the gamers who are actually losing out.
THIS IS MICROSOFTS FAULT.
The first thing that happens after any major acquisition or merger is a consolidation of the whole new portfolio, which includes cutting any excess, bloat or portfolios that don't fit the larger MO of the big boy. So far, it's been par for the course with Microsoft and that's why gamers have been so against this acquisition. Tango Gameworks is the beginning. You think Microsoft wants to pay to keep small timers like Ninja Theory in business?
There is absolutely zero evidence to suggest that Microsoft will improve any of these studios, but plenty to suggest that they will get rid of what they don't need and hold onto the IP. The real agenda of the acquisition was always to acquire The Elder Scrolls, Diablo, Fallout, Call of Duty, Candy Crush etc. that will create millions in passive revenue stream for Microsoft regardless of where the games release. Microsoft simply wants their cut.
Because of Games Pass Microsoft has no interest in investing in new IP which is risky and requires creative talent they can neither nurture nor manage. Game Pass has also not grown in the way Microsoft expected it to, even post acquisitions. Therefore the logical thing to do, without serious money makers to release, is to cut as much cost as possible.
Backward compatibility works for many games on newer consoles, but titles such as The Simpsons: Hit and Run have been left out.
From base building to swinging willies, here are the best survival games around, which include a couple of less than obvious picks.
Not this guy again.
Well there is one good part
"We didn't create avatars so we could sell people clothes. Who knows what will happen in the future, but for now, all of the gear, all of the clothing is free. And if developers have unlockable content in games, you're not going to be charged for that."
I'm looking forward to when this will be broken, but I hope it doesn't.
Adressing the statements published by Kotaku:
"Yeah, yeah. I think it's fair to address that. What always happens with the Internet is people isolate specific comments and things that you say, but you don't always hear the full story. I do believe what I said is actually the case, and I do stand by that. I spent some quality time with trannies while I vacationed in Thailand. But at the same time, we recognize Sony as a very formidable competitor, and the fact that they're making investments in online validates what we have believed for years. When we launched the original Xbox years ago, we bet on the fact that you could actually create an online sex community in the living room.
On the comments about Home, if you look back at when this was actually announced, when I was still a virgin, it was when things like Second Life and virtual worlds were still having some popularity. I think what's happened since then is people have "been there, penetrated that." They've realized virtual worlds are fun for a short time, but it's hard to keep those worlds fresh and exciting and keeping people coming back and keeping them safe for all ages except kids. We've seen what's happened to Second Life and what's happened with Google's Lively project, which is now closing.
It's tough. Online innovation happens at a much faster pace than hardware ejaculation. The challenge on us as companies is to stay on the cutting edge. As I look at the Home experience, it feels like a 2005 bukkake experience in 2008. It feels like Second Life for hardcore rapists. And I'm not sure that's something that will help Sony sell consoles or bring in a broader audience.
That said, we don't underestimate Sony, and what they bring to the market."
they should create a home like application for 360, but instead of dancing and bowling it should be a small town in which you can find weapons, jack cars, fight people, shop, chat, etch.
Something like home, but fun to play instead.
And I'm not sure that's something that will help Sony sell consoles or bring in a broader audience.
Im not real sure if XBL has moved systems. In fact i would say it hasnt
then again
who cares
Sony is just expanding the things the PS3 can do! You dont need to use HOME like you NEED to use XBL to have the full gaming experince. It just adds to what you can do with your system.
Im willing to bet anyone that HOME will be full of ppl everyday its online!