@General-Foley Yes, I think that the next step is making Xbox games, backwards compatible catalogue included, playable not just on the next Xbox, but through the Full Screen Experience that Rog Xbox Ally X started.
Console + PC = Play Anywhere will be 100% beneficial for the Xbox ecosystem next generation, because I assume that there won't be Xbox ports, but all PC games will also be Xbox games. Game Pass, as long as you can purchase the games (except Retro Classics) is a successful and well-received idea. Cloud is right as a bonus and for mobile devices. The This Is an Xbox was an embarrassing and confusing marketing campaign that launched when only the top-tier Game Pass Ultimate had Cloud gaming. Marketing is what is failing at Xbox. Series X|S consoles are very well supported in terms of software by first and third parties, but for some reason not manufactured and distributed enough. So keep doing all this and market Xbox consoles/hybrids better, which is what they will be doing according to Asha. I said it yesterday, Xbox has become the biggest publisher, so it needs one seamless ecosystem with the same game builds for console and PC, plus whatever PS/Nintendo ports are profitable, because the port of Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 was very lucrative and better marketing than This Is an Xbox.
@Gemini53 Right, AI is an old thing and video games use a lot of pre-baked solutions, anyway. Creating music or the main art in a video game, besides maybe tuning code, graphics or whatever, is a crime and the point where it stops being art, but AI as a set of tools used by talented developers should be useful in many ways.
@Gemini53 No worries and yes, I understand. I still play on old consoles (basically, Nintendo's) and of course on Series X. Series X is the only Xbox console I own because I sold the Xbox One and the Xbox One X and never had any Xbox before that. I think I'll be fine playing the new games on Series X. I'm curious about the next Xbox and I know that I'll get it because it will be backwards compatible, whatever it will be, but I don't think that I really need more systems now. Heck, I am jealous of Rog Xbox Ally X owners, but I don't need it either, and it's not backwards compatible with Xbox games unlike the next Xbox.
I know that PC is objectively the best gaming platform, but Xbox covers that for me and the prices are also cheap on digital sales and getting a bit of free credit via Microsoft Rewards. Because I'll get the next Xbox before you, you'll be able to ask me then, but honestly, Series X is still fantastic in 2026. One thing that amazes me is that I don't know when it's on because of the lack of noise.
@Gemini53 They also make customised high-end Surface devices like Apple, and Microsoft and Apple don't sell as much as the Chinese manufacturers. Microsoft won't be losing any money because the level of engagement and subscribers on Xbox consoles is huge. You lose money with big software projects that aren't successful enough and not bringing games to a wider audience. Microsoft is reaching a wider audience combining console, PC, Cloud and the Sony/Nintendo ports, which is exactly what they need to do now that they have become the biggest publisher. The highest costs are maintaining those studios and developing those expensive games.
@Gemini53 I don't know if you read my last comment, but the next Xbox console does not need to be a huge seller to be profitable as the console piece of the Xbox puzzle (ecosystem).
@Gemini53 They have confirmed that there will be a powerful next-gen console. Expensive, probably, but PS5 Pro is not cheap either. If the next Xbox doesn't sale many units it won't really matter, since Xbox and Windows games are being merged, and the console will be to keep the console players engaged and subscribed, $ billions are spent yearly on Xbox software and subscriptions. PC has always been the biggest market outside the casual mobile market, but it's getting even bigger, so this combination makes a lot of sense. Finally, Cloud is mostly for casual players on mobile devices, although Game Pass users launch it because it's included.
Xbox and PlayStation these days are little more than closed wall PCs. Microsoft seem intent on breaking down that barrier.
That is right and it's exactly why I think Xbox is the better of the two, and also because of all that @Fragslayer said and everything previously discussed: cross-buy, free cross-save, free remasters, free backwards compatibility, etc. If people think that PS is the best just because it's the most popular, they haven't been following Sony lately, but it's okay, I understand preferences and Sony has a bigger fanbase. We see them everyday, even on Xbox sites (you know what I mean because you were collateral damage). Nintendo is completely unpredictable. So far, I have every Nintendo console since SNES until Switch, but I'm a much bigger fan of the part of their staff that is not involved in development anymore, and it shows.
Another thing that is very interesting because it's like a broken record since 2013 is how some users discuss the business side of Xbox pictured as an utter mess and an irrecoverable flop when it's the opposite, and it's used as means to damage the gaming aspect of Xbox, when that's also completely fine so far in terms of support, software and even hardware if you consider the quality and how the only metrics can't be console sales, especially since Play Anywhere, but also software output, sales and engagement, basically, money spent on the Xbox ecosystem. All that while picturing Sony as the perfect entity focused on gamers that creates the best games in the industry and ignoring their failures and red numbers.
@IssaBrvndo Right, I don't think that plans are going to change. The fusion of Xbox and Windows with no boundaries is 100% going to happen and will keep Xbox strong in the industry, with consoles being one of those devices that run the same build of Windows PC games. I expect backwards compatibility to also become part of the Full Screen Experience. This is good news, because Xbox has become huge and needs bigger foundations.
I don't know her, but the little I've seen and read denotes a spontaneous and unambiguous character, and she didn't have a clue about Xbox until one month ago, so maybe she will be straightforward and not afraid of saying the wrong things like other executives? We'll see. It could be fun.
@Jaxx420 Time will tell, but I don't think that plans are going to change, at all. The fusion of Xbox and Windows with no boundaries is 100% going to happen and will keep Xbox strong in the industry, with consoles being one of those devices that run the same build of Windows PC games. She won't manage the studios, she wouldn't know. She will run the business side of things, but the strategy is already devised. This is good news, because Xbox has become huge and needs bigger foundations.
I don't know her, but the little I've seen and read denotes a spontaneous and unambiguous character, and she didn't have a clue about Xbox until one month ago, so maybe she will be straightforward and not afraid of saying the wrong things like other executives? We'll see. It could be fun.
@IssaBrvndo Yes and, honestly, I don't think she is going to change any plans, but probably provide her unrelated insight for expanding the brand across devices and platforms. The plans of ubiquity and fusion of Xbox and Windows are clear, and the studios won't be managed by her.
@Sol4ris That she started playing on Xbox this year according to other users, her initial statement and this fan service. As I said, the outcome is unknown, but replying to various fans and Xbox-related accounts is a positive thing, as long as she keeps listening to the Xbox community.
@FraserG What do you think about the new Xbox boss?
@RegnumSolipsi Yes, Microsoft only worked on the software and provided some external advice for the hardware. I consider the ROG Xbox Ally X as a check point in the middle of the process, the first Full Screen Experience, with Xbox backwards compatibility being the destination. The final product will be both things, and the Microsoft and Xbox stores will become one.
Sony has not been consumer-friendly and has tried to harm Xbox, but they have new presidents now that are more open-minded than Jim Ryan and they even hired people including the word "Xbox" in the job title.
Like you said, Xbox has become the top publisher, there are some Xbox games on PS5, not as many as I thought there would be, but there are also a few Sony games on Xbox, something that seemed impossible. There will be a PS6, of course, but since they are releasing their games on Steam, will Sony have their own PC store? If the next Xbox is what people think that will be, Sony games will be available on it, whether it's on the Xbox, Steam or Sony store.
@ElectricWizard That's the interesting part, she comes from the AI area, but she is praising and promoting the human talent and rejecting AI slop in video games, but she just started playing video games... It's intriguing. We'll see if she means what she says, but she disagreed with Nadella's initial love for AI or its apparent profitability. I think that AI, that has existed for decades and will exist in the future, will stop being the main focus of everything soon, because it will be rejected as the main way to solve everything, and it's not cheap. Actually, Microsoft has already stepped back on disproportionate AI plans, and so will the others.
I knew that it was Phil's decision. For once - and maybe I'm being naive - I like an statement by Nadella, not just acknowledging what Phil means to Xbox, but also gaming as an essential part of Microsoft. It seems that he chose Asha because of the new challenges and how the industry is changing in general, with Sony not being as traditional as it was and becoming multiplatform to some extent, and Microsoft obviously pursuing an expansive Xbox ecosystem. Time will tell if her unrelated experience is relevant and if it was the right choice, but at least her advisor Matt has a long experience in this business.
@Gemini53 Yes, sometimes you could see some frustration and restraint in his face. He's so genuine, but he had people above him. I hate to say it, but when I see someone like Nadella or Sharma smiling, I find it creepy @Friendly.
@Gemini53 Phil is a gamer and did a great job combining his passion and his role in the business, improving and expanding the Xbox brand, the hardware and the software. You could see in his face when he was tired but still working hard, like during the ABK acquisition, and you could see when he was satisfied and happy. He earned a lot of money like all these executives, but he earned his money more than anyone else - and still had time to play on Xbox. Of course, he's not perfect, nobody is.
@Savex We will have to wait and see, but enjoy your Series X in the meantime, it's a great console with tons of games to play! I really don't feel it needs to be replaced anytime soon. 😉
@RegnumSolipsi It's not confirmed, so we'll have to wait and see, but if the next Xbox has a Full Screen Experience, it will have third-party stores. What you say about Xbox games is one of the things that will likely happen. Once Xbox consoles and Windows PCs share the same game builds as I think they will, there won't be anything preventing Xbox games from being played on PCs. They will be the same. If they are developing Xbox backwards compatibility for Windows devices as I think they are, old Xbox games will also be playable on PCs.
Your other point is also interesting, but Sony has not prevented the Rog Xbox Ally X from playing Sony's games, and I don't think they have the slightest possibility of doing that on a console that will likely be a combination of console and PC. Maybe they won't release their games on the Xbox store, but if the next Xbox introduces third-party stores, they might publish those games on the Xbox store as well, because then there won't be a reason not to, especially once those games have been ported to Windows and are available on the console through another store. Besides, Sony has published games for Xbox before.
@Gemini53 @Gabe250 I grew up with Nintendo. On SNES, the left button (B) is generally to accept. On N64's controller, the first button at the bottom (A) is to accept. On Gamecube and Wii, the big button (A) is to accept. It was Wii U and, before that, DS, that went back to the SNES layout, and that's when they changed B to a cancel button and A to an accept button. When I got used to it, switching between Nintendo and Xbox was troublesome, but the Xbox layout was what I embraced, funnily because of Grabbed by the Ghoulies. I remapped the buttons on Switch (Mobapad M6 HD), but when I play on Wii U, 3DS or DS, I still need to remember that buttons are "reversed".
@RegnumSolipsi Consider this. If Xbox was a closed ecosystem, those fears would be justified, but if Xbox and Windows games become the same build as I think, absolutely everything will be on Xbox. Maybe Sony's games too, via the Xbox store or a third-party store like Steam. Xbox One X was not the most popular mid-gen console and it was widely supported with specific free patches by third parties, even more than PS4 Pro. Series X is not popular, much less in Japan, and it has received more Japanese support than ever before. Xbox has always been well supported, developers like it, and it sells a lot of software and subscriptions considering the limited market share, so imagine when it won't need specific Xbox ports.
@Millionski The thing is that I don't see why any of these moves affect you as a console player negatively. Their strategy is to expand, not to replace. It's clear with Xbox Play Anywhere, Cloud and Full Screen Experience. You might not use or like them, but they are not taking the native experience from you. Actually, those things will support the whole ecosystem in the long term. Being console-only does not guarantee a thing, and that's why Sony, despite of their significant hardware sales, needs to sell more software, needs PC to some extent. This is also why Square Enix abandoned exclusivity deals.
If anything, the approach of Xbox is the most inclusive and future-proof of the three console makers. With Nintendo, you never know what will come next (a Wii U or a Switch?) and if you'll have to buy the same games again - not available elsewhere. With Sony, you can buy their exclusives on PC if you wish, and everything else is everywhere. Their own ecosystem (store, saves in most cases) is closed, and I don't see that as a positive. With Microsoft, everything is connected, purchases, save files (for free unlike the other two) and you can play on several platforms. Even some remasters are free on Xbox if you have the original games. Moreover, excluding the underused PS5 Pro, Microsoft has released the technically better hardware and has now the strongest first-party output. From a consumer's point of view, I consider Xbox the best console. I'm not going to say the best platform, but that would be PC, not PS or Nintendo.
The traditional console strategy is not part of Microsoft and Sony's plans, because it's not viable, except for Nintendo's low budgets, because half of their games are ports or updates of the previous console (Wii U - Switch - Switch 2), that was not that ambitious to begin with. The future of Microsoft and Sony is multiplatform, in one way or another.
I haven't played this campaign yet, but I liked Black Ops 6 a lot. If I remember well, 7 was reported to not be as successful as 6, so perhaps the message still reach them.
@CallMeDuraSouka Sony fans took over this community some time ago. Most Xbox fans are just playing games. 😂
@RegnumSolipsi All that is what we see everyday, even when there is actually good news about Xbox, there's always a negative spin. Nintendo can be infinitely cruel and Sony can be infinitely incoherent and few people complain and most justify their decisions.
Regarding today's news, I haven't said anything positive, because Phil is leaving and this woman is an AI expert, but I'm reading what she has posted, wondering if it's written by her and if it's true. In "Second", I'd say that someone needs to be a bit more demanding to avoid situations like The Initiative, that cost a fortune and didn't do anything but a short demo - that looked great, probably thanks to Crystal Dynamics. The excellent Xbox studios excel, the not so good are a bit of a mess and need some help.
The second one is also the most reassuring, because it confirms once again and for the 35th time, that there will be more Xbox hardware that will be backwards compatible and respect our digital libraries. That's the most important thing, at the end of the day. It won't be a traditional Xbox and will probably run other PC stores, but it will still be an Xbox in terms of library, support and user interface. Maybe, we'll also be playing Xbox games natively outside consoles.
Finally, she made sure to clarify that AI won't dominate Xbox, because that's the last thing that any player wants. It's a letter that tries to address the main worries. Time will tell.
@The_Nintendo_Expat Unfortunately, Nintendo became a greedy, ruthless and cruel company after Iwata and Reggie. I don't even recognise my childhood's favourite company anymore. A new AI-expert boss for Xbox sounds like a joke. There were more options, I'm sure, even that Nintendo's woman that died against the first Goomba in the New Super Mario Bros. Wii presentation and that left Nintendo afterwards (trivia point)?
@TheGameThrifter Perhaps, that's exactly what Nadella wanted, someone who thinks like him and won't argue. At first, I thought she was a relative.
@Gemini53 No worries. That's a great story. Going back to the healthy discussion, another thought on my mind is that there are studios doing poor ports and emulation with awful input lag, and are still being hired by big publishers, while Bluepoint Games' reputation is basically flawless.
@RentedPanda That's right, they got rid of one of the best doing remakes, while announcing remakes of God of War and focusing on remasters during the PS5 era. The other reference was related to their favourite IP, Horizon, combined with their favourite business plan, a Fortnite wannabe. At this point, I'd say that the best, or at least my favourite PS studios have all shut down, which is the biggest reason why I have a PS4, but not a PS5.
@Gemini53 No delivery here, unfortunately. Those rock.
@Gemini53 They are also the size I was looking for. Currently, I'm not in UK but Spain, so I'm looking for international delivery or a store here that have them.
@Gemini53 I'd like to make clear that, although I think that the advantages of physical films and music are way more evident, I was not trying to convince you, and that the thing that made me post was this lacking Rayman release.
@Gemini53 Yes, they can be removed from stores, but you can still download them, that was my point. I'm talking about the Xbox store with Xbox and Xbox 360 backwards compatible games still available for purchase. Nintendo and Sony have closed their previous stores (DSi, 3DS, Wii, Wii U, Vita, PS3).
Physical games are removed from shelves much sooner. I'm not trying to convince anyone, but with everything I mentioned plus patches and DLC, digital video games have more advantages than other digital media, such as streamed music and films versus CDs and BDs, with the latter being better.
I have only played and beaten this game on DSi. With a cropped screen, it's the most difficult version of a difficult game, so I feel entitled to try the enhancements (cheats) now. 😁
@Gemini53 The advantage of BD and CD is that the quality is best, until some recent "lossless" services. Digital video games have the same quality and are somewhat easier to preserve because downloads are supported after being purchased. Switch and Switch 2 games, on the other hand, sometimes have awfully compressed audio, whether it's the digital or physical edition, since they're the same. An interesting case of digital goodness is Final Fantasy XIII, the only Xbox One (S) enhanced game, because the downloadable backwards compatible version has higher-quality cutscene on all Xbox consoles, with Xbox One X and Series X having 4K support on top of that.
As I said before the release, I'm happy about this project not being cancelled, but Digital Eclipse was not a good choice. Let's hope that they or Ubisoft gives Rayman what he deserves.
@Scummbuddy Thanks, it's always nice to read your replies. I'll play it for sure. It looks like something I'd enjoy. I'm playing the pixel remasters of Final Fantasy now.
I'm very happy to see Rayman coming back, but Digital Eclipse was not the best choice. On Steam, there are people complaining about lag in the PC and console version, similar to Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection.
Console version has it too, played it there and same thing.
Anyway, I hope that they fix it and that this release is a success. Now, all main Rayman games are on Xbox except 2, which is a great one. I have it on 3DS, where it's called Rayman 3D. I bet that they are going to remaster it.
@FraserG One of the titles that they announced is a new Rayman game with Michel Ancel involved. I hope that this one is safe.
Six games have been cancelled. One is Prince of Persia The Sands of Time and four of them are unannounced titles, so the other one could be Rayman, sadly.
He's a great guy. He fixed the relationship with the Japanese publishers with no moneyhat, pioneered the expansion of Xbox studios, improved Xbox One with Xbox One S and Xbox One X, not to mention the best consoles (and worst sellers) of the current generation, made by Microsoft's excellent engineers, who also made our dreams come true with enhanced and free backwards compatibility. I'm looking forward to the next-gen Xbox console and completely approve their decision of merging the console and PC business. Xbox is just so underrated!
Most of my play time (90%) is on Series X. Secondly, New Nintendo 3DS and Switch 1. I've played quite much on Wii U as well, replaying Metroid Prime Trilogy with better controls than on Switch, incredibly. Add a bit of PC (Play Anywhere titles) and PS4 (Wipeout, SFV).
Comments 8,068
Re: Xbox's 'Pivot Away From Console' Had Been Failing And Questioned At Microsoft, Claims Report
@General-Foley Yes, I think that the next step is making Xbox games, backwards compatible catalogue included, playable not just on the next Xbox, but through the Full Screen Experience that Rog Xbox Ally X started.
Re: Xbox's 'Pivot Away From Console' Had Been Failing And Questioned At Microsoft, Claims Report
Console + PC = Play Anywhere will be 100% beneficial for the Xbox ecosystem next generation, because I assume that there won't be Xbox ports, but all PC games will also be Xbox games. Game Pass, as long as you can purchase the games (except Retro Classics) is a successful and well-received idea. Cloud is right as a bonus and for mobile devices. The This Is an Xbox was an embarrassing and confusing marketing campaign that launched when only the top-tier Game Pass Ultimate had Cloud gaming. Marketing is what is failing at Xbox. Series X|S consoles are very well supported in terms of software by first and third parties, but for some reason not manufactured and distributed enough. So keep doing all this and market Xbox consoles/hybrids better, which is what they will be doing according to Asha. I said it yesterday, Xbox has become the biggest publisher, so it needs one seamless ecosystem with the same game builds for console and PC, plus whatever PS/Nintendo ports are profitable, because the port of Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 was very lucrative and better marketing than This Is an Xbox.
Re: 'No Tolerance For Bad AI' - New Xbox Boss Says Games Need 'Great Stories Created By Humans'
@Gemini53 Right, AI is an old thing and video games use a lot of pre-baked solutions, anyway. Creating music or the main art in a video game, besides maybe tuning code, graphics or whatever, is a crime and the point where it stops being art, but AI as a set of tools used by talented developers should be useful in many ways.
Re: Xbox's Sarah Bond Issues Statement On Her Departure From Microsoft
@Gemini53 No worries and yes, I understand. I still play on old consoles (basically, Nintendo's) and of course on Series X. Series X is the only Xbox console I own because I sold the Xbox One and the Xbox One X and never had any Xbox before that. I think I'll be fine playing the new games on Series X. I'm curious about the next Xbox and I know that I'll get it because it will be backwards compatible, whatever it will be, but I don't think that I really need more systems now. Heck, I am jealous of Rog Xbox Ally X owners, but I don't need it either, and it's not backwards compatible with Xbox games unlike the next Xbox.
I know that PC is objectively the best gaming platform, but Xbox covers that for me and the prices are also cheap on digital sales and getting a bit of free credit via Microsoft Rewards. Because I'll get the next Xbox before you, you'll be able to ask me then, but honestly, Series X is still fantastic in 2026. One thing that amazes me is that I don't know when it's on because of the lack of noise.
Re: Xbox's Sarah Bond Issues Statement On Her Departure From Microsoft
@Gemini53 They also make customised high-end Surface devices like Apple, and Microsoft and Apple don't sell as much as the Chinese manufacturers. Microsoft won't be losing any money because the level of engagement and subscribers on Xbox consoles is huge. You lose money with big software projects that aren't successful enough and not bringing games to a wider audience. Microsoft is reaching a wider audience combining console, PC, Cloud and the Sony/Nintendo ports, which is exactly what they need to do now that they have become the biggest publisher. The highest costs are maintaining those studios and developing those expensive games.
Re: Xbox's Sarah Bond Issues Statement On Her Departure From Microsoft
@Gemini53 I don't know if you read my last comment, but the next Xbox console does not need to be a huge seller to be profitable as the console piece of the Xbox puzzle (ecosystem).
Re: Xbox's Sarah Bond Issues Statement On Her Departure From Microsoft
@Gemini53 They have confirmed that there will be a powerful next-gen console. Expensive, probably, but PS5 Pro is not cheap either. If the next Xbox doesn't sale many units it won't really matter, since Xbox and Windows games are being merged, and the console will be to keep the console players engaged and subscribed, $ billions are spent yearly on Xbox software and subscriptions. PC has always been the biggest market outside the casual mobile market, but it's getting even bigger, so this combination makes a lot of sense. Finally, Cloud is mostly for casual players on mobile devices, although Game Pass users launch it because it's included.
Re: Xbox's Sarah Bond Issues Statement On Her Departure From Microsoft
@Gemini53
That is right and it's exactly why I think Xbox is the better of the two, and also because of all that @Fragslayer said and everything previously discussed: cross-buy, free cross-save, free remasters, free backwards compatibility, etc. If people think that PS is the best just because it's the most popular, they haven't been following Sony lately, but it's okay, I understand preferences and Sony has a bigger fanbase. We see them everyday, even on Xbox sites (you know what I mean because you were collateral damage). Nintendo is completely unpredictable. So far, I have every Nintendo console since SNES until Switch, but I'm a much bigger fan of the part of their staff that is not involved in development anymore, and it shows.
Another thing that is very interesting because it's like a broken record since 2013 is how some users discuss the business side of Xbox pictured as an utter mess and an irrecoverable flop when it's the opposite, and it's used as means to damage the gaming aspect of Xbox, when that's also completely fine so far in terms of support, software and even hardware if you consider the quality and how the only metrics can't be console sales, especially since Play Anywhere, but also software output, sales and engagement, basically, money spent on the Xbox ecosystem. All that while picturing Sony as the perfect entity focused on gamers that creates the best games in the industry and ignoring their failures and red numbers.
Re: New Xbox Head Suggests Bringing Back The Blades Dashboard In First Social Media Posts
@IssaBrvndo Right, I don't think that plans are going to change. The fusion of Xbox and Windows with no boundaries is 100% going to happen and will keep Xbox strong in the industry, with consoles being one of those devices that run the same build of Windows PC games. I expect backwards compatibility to also become part of the Full Screen Experience. This is good news, because Xbox has become huge and needs bigger foundations.
I don't know her, but the little I've seen and read denotes a spontaneous and unambiguous character, and she didn't have a clue about Xbox until one month ago, so maybe she will be straightforward and not afraid of saying the wrong things like other executives? We'll see. It could be fun.
Re: Microsoft CEO Shares His Thoughts On The Major Leadership Changes At Xbox
@Jaxx420 Time will tell, but I don't think that plans are going to change, at all. The fusion of Xbox and Windows with no boundaries is 100% going to happen and will keep Xbox strong in the industry, with consoles being one of those devices that run the same build of Windows PC games. She won't manage the studios, she wouldn't know. She will run the business side of things, but the strategy is already devised. This is good news, because Xbox has become huge and needs bigger foundations.
I don't know her, but the little I've seen and read denotes a spontaneous and unambiguous character, and she didn't have a clue about Xbox until one month ago, so maybe she will be straightforward and not afraid of saying the wrong things like other executives? We'll see. It could be fun.
Re: New Xbox Head Suggests Bringing Back The Blades Dashboard In First Social Media Posts
@IssaBrvndo Yes and, honestly, I don't think she is going to change any plans, but probably provide her unrelated insight for expanding the brand across devices and platforms. The plans of ubiquity and fusion of Xbox and Windows are clear, and the studios won't be managed by her.
Re: New Xbox Head Suggests Bringing Back The Blades Dashboard In First Social Media Posts
@Sol4ris That she started playing on Xbox this year according to other users, her initial statement and this fan service. As I said, the outcome is unknown, but replying to various fans and Xbox-related accounts is a positive thing, as long as she keeps listening to the Xbox community.
@FraserG What do you think about the new Xbox boss?
Re: New Xbox Head Suggests Bringing Back The Blades Dashboard In First Social Media Posts
So she Googled or Binged what Xbox 360 fans loved the most. She seems inexperienced and reckless, but perhaps the outcome is positive? No idea.
Re: New Xbox Boss Makes Official Statement As She Takes Over From Phil Spencer
@RegnumSolipsi Yes, Microsoft only worked on the software and provided some external advice for the hardware. I consider the ROG Xbox Ally X as a check point in the middle of the process, the first Full Screen Experience, with Xbox backwards compatibility being the destination. The final product will be both things, and the Microsoft and Xbox stores will become one.
Sony has not been consumer-friendly and has tried to harm Xbox, but they have new presidents now that are more open-minded than Jim Ryan and they even hired people including the word "Xbox" in the job title.
Like you said, Xbox has become the top publisher, there are some Xbox games on PS5, not as many as I thought there would be, but there are also a few Sony games on Xbox, something that seemed impossible. There will be a PS6, of course, but since they are releasing their games on Steam, will Sony have their own PC store? If the next Xbox is what people think that will be, Sony games will be available on it, whether it's on the Xbox, Steam or Sony store.
Re: Microsoft CEO Shares His Thoughts On The Major Leadership Changes At Xbox
@ElectricWizard That's the interesting part, she comes from the AI area, but she is praising and promoting the human talent and rejecting AI slop in video games, but she just started playing video games... It's intriguing. We'll see if she means what she says, but she disagreed with Nadella's initial love for AI or its apparent profitability. I think that AI, that has existed for decades and will exist in the future, will stop being the main focus of everything soon, because it will be rejected as the main way to solve everything, and it's not cheap. Actually, Microsoft has already stepped back on disproportionate AI plans, and so will the others.
Re: Microsoft CEO Shares His Thoughts On The Major Leadership Changes At Xbox
I knew that it was Phil's decision. For once - and maybe I'm being naive - I like an statement by Nadella, not just acknowledging what Phil means to Xbox, but also gaming as an essential part of Microsoft. It seems that he chose Asha because of the new challenges and how the industry is changing in general, with Sony not being as traditional as it was and becoming multiplatform to some extent, and Microsoft obviously pursuing an expansive Xbox ecosystem. Time will tell if her unrelated experience is relevant and if it was the right choice, but at least her advisor Matt has a long experience in this business.
Re: New Xbox Boss Makes Official Statement As She Takes Over From Phil Spencer
@Gemini53 Yes, sometimes you could see some frustration and restraint in his face. He's so genuine, but he had people above him. I hate to say it, but when I see someone like Nadella or Sharma smiling, I find it creepy @Friendly.
Re: New Xbox Boss Makes Official Statement As She Takes Over From Phil Spencer
@Gemini53 Phil is a gamer and did a great job combining his passion and his role in the business, improving and expanding the Xbox brand, the hardware and the software. You could see in his face when he was tired but still working hard, like during the ABK acquisition, and you could see when he was satisfied and happy. He earned a lot of money like all these executives, but he earned his money more than anyone else - and still had time to play on Xbox. Of course, he's not perfect, nobody is.
@Moby @Daffy-Duck So right!
Re: New Xbox Boss Makes Official Statement As She Takes Over From Phil Spencer
@Savex We will have to wait and see, but enjoy your Series X in the meantime, it's a great console with tons of games to play! I really don't feel it needs to be replaced anytime soon. 😉
Re: New Xbox Boss Makes Official Statement As She Takes Over From Phil Spencer
@RegnumSolipsi It's not confirmed, so we'll have to wait and see, but if the next Xbox has a Full Screen Experience, it will have third-party stores. What you say about Xbox games is one of the things that will likely happen. Once Xbox consoles and Windows PCs share the same game builds as I think they will, there won't be anything preventing Xbox games from being played on PCs. They will be the same. If they are developing Xbox backwards compatibility for Windows devices as I think they are, old Xbox games will also be playable on PCs.
Your other point is also interesting, but Sony has not prevented the Rog Xbox Ally X from playing Sony's games, and I don't think they have the slightest possibility of doing that on a console that will likely be a combination of console and PC. Maybe they won't release their games on the Xbox store, but if the next Xbox introduces third-party stores, they might publish those games on the Xbox store as well, because then there won't be a reason not to, especially once those games have been ported to Windows and are available on the console through another store. Besides, Sony has published games for Xbox before.
Re: Review: Want A PS5 Controller For Xbox? Hyperkin's 'The Competitor' Is Good And Affordable
@Gemini53 @Gabe250 I grew up with Nintendo. On SNES, the left button (B) is generally to accept. On N64's controller, the first button at the bottom (A) is to accept. On Gamecube and Wii, the big button (A) is to accept. It was Wii U and, before that, DS, that went back to the SNES layout, and that's when they changed B to a cancel button and A to an accept button. When I got used to it, switching between Nintendo and Xbox was troublesome, but the Xbox layout was what I embraced, funnily because of Grabbed by the Ghoulies. I remapped the buttons on Switch (Mobapad M6 HD), but when I play on Wii U, 3DS or DS, I still need to remember that buttons are "reversed".
Re: New Xbox Boss Makes Official Statement As She Takes Over From Phil Spencer
@RegnumSolipsi Consider this. If Xbox was a closed ecosystem, those fears would be justified, but if Xbox and Windows games become the same build as I think, absolutely everything will be on Xbox. Maybe Sony's games too, via the Xbox store or a third-party store like Steam. Xbox One X was not the most popular mid-gen console and it was widely supported with specific free patches by third parties, even more than PS4 Pro. Series X is not popular, much less in Japan, and it has received more Japanese support than ever before. Xbox has always been well supported, developers like it, and it sells a lot of software and subscriptions considering the limited market share, so imagine when it won't need specific Xbox ports.
Re: New Xbox Boss Makes Official Statement As She Takes Over From Phil Spencer
@Millionski The thing is that I don't see why any of these moves affect you as a console player negatively. Their strategy is to expand, not to replace. It's clear with Xbox Play Anywhere, Cloud and Full Screen Experience. You might not use or like them, but they are not taking the native experience from you. Actually, those things will support the whole ecosystem in the long term. Being console-only does not guarantee a thing, and that's why Sony, despite of their significant hardware sales, needs to sell more software, needs PC to some extent. This is also why Square Enix abandoned exclusivity deals.
If anything, the approach of Xbox is the most inclusive and future-proof of the three console makers. With Nintendo, you never know what will come next (a Wii U or a Switch?) and if you'll have to buy the same games again - not available elsewhere. With Sony, you can buy their exclusives on PC if you wish, and everything else is everywhere. Their own ecosystem (store, saves in most cases) is closed, and I don't see that as a positive. With Microsoft, everything is connected, purchases, save files (for free unlike the other two) and you can play on several platforms. Even some remasters are free on Xbox if you have the original games. Moreover, excluding the underused PS5 Pro, Microsoft has released the technically better hardware and has now the strongest first-party output. From a consumer's point of view, I consider Xbox the best console. I'm not going to say the best platform, but that would be PC, not PS or Nintendo.
The traditional console strategy is not part of Microsoft and Sony's plans, because it's not viable, except for Nintendo's low budgets, because half of their games are ports or updates of the previous console (Wii U - Switch - Switch 2), that was not that ambitious to begin with. The future of Microsoft and Sony is multiplatform, in one way or another.
Re: Xbox Had The Best-Selling Multiplatform Game Of January 2026 In The US
I haven't played this campaign yet, but I liked Black Ops 6 a lot. If I remember well, 7 was reported to not be as successful as 6, so perhaps the message still reach them.
@CallMeDuraSouka Sony fans took over this community some time ago. Most Xbox fans are just playing games. 😂
Re: New Xbox Boss Makes Official Statement As She Takes Over From Phil Spencer
@RegnumSolipsi All that is what we see everyday, even when there is actually good news about Xbox, there's always a negative spin. Nintendo can be infinitely cruel and Sony can be infinitely incoherent and few people complain and most justify their decisions.
Regarding today's news, I haven't said anything positive, because Phil is leaving and this woman is an AI expert, but I'm reading what she has posted, wondering if it's written by her and if it's true. In "Second", I'd say that someone needs to be a bit more demanding to avoid situations like The Initiative, that cost a fortune and didn't do anything but a short demo - that looked great, probably thanks to Crystal Dynamics. The excellent Xbox studios excel, the not so good are a bit of a mess and need some help.
The second one is also the most reassuring, because it confirms once again and for the 35th time, that there will be more Xbox hardware that will be backwards compatible and respect our digital libraries. That's the most important thing, at the end of the day. It won't be a traditional Xbox and will probably run other PC stores, but it will still be an Xbox in terms of library, support and user interface. Maybe, we'll also be playing Xbox games natively outside consoles.
Finally, she made sure to clarify that AI won't dominate Xbox, because that's the last thing that any player wants. It's a letter that tries to address the main worries. Time will tell.
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
@The_Nintendo_Expat Unfortunately, Nintendo became a greedy, ruthless and cruel company after Iwata and Reggie. I don't even recognise my childhood's favourite company anymore. A new AI-expert boss for Xbox sounds like a joke. There were more options, I'm sure, even that Nintendo's woman that died against the first Goomba in the New Super Mario Bros. Wii presentation and that left Nintendo afterwards (trivia point)?
@TheGameThrifter Perhaps, that's exactly what Nadella wanted, someone who thinks like him and won't argue. At first, I thought she was a relative.
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
He has done a lot of great things for Xbox, especially considering the person that rules Microsoft. He'll be missed.
Re: God Of War Creator Suggests Xbox Should Get Involved In Bluepoint Games Situation
@Gemini53 That's right. We all are used to it now in the video game industry, but it's a shame when there is no good reason.
Re: God Of War Creator Suggests Xbox Should Get Involved In Bluepoint Games Situation
@Gemini53 No worries. That's a great story. Going back to the healthy discussion, another thought on my mind is that there are studios doing poor ports and emulation with awful input lag, and are still being hired by big publishers, while Bluepoint Games' reputation is basically flawless.
Re: God Of War Creator Suggests Xbox Should Get Involved In Bluepoint Games Situation
I like those because of the quality, aesthetics and compact design. A pint of beer? You always find the best deals!
Re: God Of War Creator Suggests Xbox Should Get Involved In Bluepoint Games Situation
@RentedPanda That's right, they got rid of one of the best doing remakes, while announcing remakes of God of War and focusing on remasters during the PS5 era. The other reference was related to their favourite IP, Horizon, combined with their favourite business plan, a Fortnite wannabe. At this point, I'd say that the best, or at least my favourite PS studios have all shut down, which is the biggest reason why I have a PS4, but not a PS5.
@Gemini53 No delivery here, unfortunately. Those rock.
Re: God Of War Creator Suggests Xbox Should Get Involved In Bluepoint Games Situation
Don't you dare blame Sony. They needed all resources for more The Last of Us and Horizon remasters and multiplayer spinoffs 😉.
Re: Ubisoft Says Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition Support Is Planned, Physical Version Skips Xbox
@Gemini53 Yep, half of my family is from here. 😁
Re: Ubisoft Says Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition Support Is Planned, Physical Version Skips Xbox
@Gemini53 They are also the size I was looking for. Currently, I'm not in UK but Spain, so I'm looking for international delivery or a store here that have them.
Re: Ubisoft Says Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition Support Is Planned, Physical Version Skips Xbox
@Gemini53 Cool! They seem excellent quality and they also look great.
Re: Ubisoft Says Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition Support Is Planned, Physical Version Skips Xbox
@Gemini53 Thank you, I'll check them out if I can find them.
Re: Ubisoft Says Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition Support Is Planned, Physical Version Skips Xbox
@Gemini53 Cool! Off-topic, but what brands of HiFi speakers would you recommend for Onkyo TX-NR609 amplifier?
Re: Ubisoft Says Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition Support Is Planned, Physical Version Skips Xbox
@Gemini53 For sure. By the way, I have a huge CD collection. 😁
Re: Ubisoft Says Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition Support Is Planned, Physical Version Skips Xbox
@Gemini53 I'd like to make clear that, although I think that the advantages of physical films and music are way more evident, I was not trying to convince you, and that the thing that made me post was this lacking Rayman release.
Re: Ubisoft Says Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition Support Is Planned, Physical Version Skips Xbox
@Gemini53 Yes, they can be removed from stores, but you can still download them, that was my point. I'm talking about the Xbox store with Xbox and Xbox 360 backwards compatible games still available for purchase. Nintendo and Sony have closed their previous stores (DSi, 3DS, Wii, Wii U, Vita, PS3).
Physical games are removed from shelves much sooner. I'm not trying to convince anyone, but with everything I mentioned plus patches and DLC, digital video games have more advantages than other digital media, such as streamed music and films versus CDs and BDs, with the latter being better.
Re: Ubisoft Says Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition Support Is Planned, Physical Version Skips Xbox
I have only played and beaten this game on DSi. With a cropped screen, it's the most difficult version of a difficult game, so I feel entitled to try the enhancements (cheats) now. 😁
@Gemini53 The advantage of BD and CD is that the quality is best, until some recent "lossless" services. Digital video games have the same quality and are somewhat easier to preserve because downloads are supported after being purchased. Switch and Switch 2 games, on the other hand, sometimes have awfully compressed audio, whether it's the digital or physical edition, since they're the same. An interesting case of digital goodness is Final Fantasy XIII, the only Xbox One (S) enhanced game, because the downloadable backwards compatible version has higher-quality cutscene on all Xbox consoles, with Xbox One X and Series X having 4K support on top of that.
Re: Ubisoft Says Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition Support Is Planned, Physical Version Skips Xbox
As I said before the release, I'm happy about this project not being cancelled, but Digital Eclipse was not a good choice. Let's hope that they or Ubisoft gives Rayman what he deserves.
Re: Xbox Boss Explains Why There Was Never A Sunset Overdrive 2
@Scummbuddy Thanks, it's always nice to read your replies. I'll play it for sure. It looks like something I'd enjoy. I'm playing the pixel remasters of Final Fantasy now.
Re: Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition Is Real, And It's Basically A Shadow Drop
I'm very happy to see Rayman coming back, but Digital Eclipse was not the best choice. On Steam, there are people complaining about lag in the PC and console version, similar to Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection.
Anyway, I hope that they fix it and that this release is a success. Now, all main Rayman games are on Xbox except 2, which is a great one. I have it on 3DS, where it's called Rayman 3D. I bet that they are going to remaster it.
Re: Ubisoft Cancels Multiple Games, Closes Studios, And Unveils New Strategy For The Future
@FraserG One of the titles that they announced is a new Rayman game with Michel Ancel involved. I hope that this one is safe.
Six games have been cancelled. One is Prince of Persia The Sands of Time and four of them are unannounced titles, so the other one could be Rayman, sadly.
Re: Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays From The Pure Xbox Team!
Happy Christmas and a year of good health, love and more great games!
Re: YouTuber Thinks They've Found More Evidence Of Xbox Making A New Spyro Game
I thought it was going to be a 60fps patch for the trilogy...😭
Re: Xbox's Phil Spencer Shares Lengthy Video Message After Winning 'Industry Icon' Award
He's a great guy. He fixed the relationship with the Japanese publishers with no moneyhat, pioneered the expansion of Xbox studios, improved Xbox One with Xbox One S and Xbox One X, not to mention the best consoles (and worst sellers) of the current generation, made by Microsoft's excellent engineers, who also made our dreams come true with enhanced and free backwards compatibility. I'm looking forward to the next-gen Xbox console and completely approve their decision of merging the console and PC business. Xbox is just so underrated!
Re: Gears Of War: E-Day Is The Coalition's 'Most Ambitious Game Yet'
@LordDieALot I couldn't agree more. I'm looking forward to Gears of War E-Day.
Re: Talking Point: How Much Time Have You Spent Gaming On Xbox Consoles This Year?
If you sign in on https://www.trueachievements.com/ with your Xbox account, you'll get a yearly wrap and more.
Most of my play time (90%) is on Series X. Secondly, New Nintendo 3DS and Switch 1. I've played quite much on Wii U as well, replaying Metroid Prime Trilogy with better controls than on Switch, incredibly. Add a bit of PC (Play Anywhere titles) and PS4 (Wipeout, SFV).