Xbox fridge made more sense; it was both having a good-natured and self-deprecating laugh with the internet jokes, AND was a useful staple of every game room. Mini-fridges full of soda/beer/energy drinks goes hand-in-hand with gaming.
But a toaster? I dunno. Feels like trying a little too hard to capture lightning in a bottle twice.
And in that official Xbox doc from last year they mentioned some close calls earlier in the brand's life where MS leadership threatened to pull the plug.
So I guess anything's possible; they're a for-profit business at the end of the day and they'll save money where they can. I don't see it being likely any soon, but there's always a chance given the historical precedent. But sell? No way. They'd just quietly defund it and turn off the lights before they sold it.
@Tharsman That's fair, and I appreciate the context. You're right, I still have other reasons to distrust him regarding past statements (though to be fair to him, I feel the same about his contemporaries at the other companies too, lol), but that perspective may have led me to not dig a little deeper on that. In further context, I get what he's saying, and appreciate the polite correction (a rarity on these forums and on the internet itself!).
I have all 3 consoles. I want exclusives on Xbox — something that I can't play anywhere else, and that hopefully takes advantage of the system. Honestly, that's been my biggest gripe with the Series gen so far; a lack of AAA games that both push my Series X and make me happy that I invested in one on top of my PS5 and Switch.
That said, I also remember when Phil Spencer said that exclusives are "counter to what gaming is about.” Honestly, I have never trusted the guy more than Jim Ryan or anyone else --- they're all corporate suits, doing their job to make as much money as possible — but I think he's maybe a little too candid and these statements and back-peddling can result in both confusion and a bit of hostility.
Regardless, 2.5 years later I'm really eager for some AAA exclusives that are bangers, make me feel more invested in my Xbox, and show me what my Series X is really capable of. Very excited.
The clarity is appreciated but it raises the obvious question: what’s causing the hangup for Xbox?
I see people (even on the SeriesX reddit) talking about recent Digital Foundry comparison videos showing games like Callisto Protocol and Atomic Heart running better on PS5 than Series X — but I can’t imagine that’s what’s going on here.
I do wonder if co-op is running well on Series X but it’s underperforming on Series S and that’s holding everything up. It’s an odd situation regardless, and I hope it gets resolved soon.
I get why people are disappointed but I love Forza’s rally events. Overall 5 hasn’t hit the same heights as 3 and 4, but I’m looking forward to this DLC.
@themightyant Not that you need me to say it, but ignore the weird basement-dwelling console fanboys. Some people worship mega corporations to such a startling degree and how much money they make, instead of just enjoying videogames.
I don’t really care about the outcome honestly — I don’t care which megacorp gets richer than the other one, and think they’re both acting like children honestly.
But I gotta admit: when this is all over I’m going to miss the weird period of time when a company that profits off everything from literal war to office software kept coming up with new ways to publicly say that a competitor with 10% of their market cap were destroying them in videogame marketshare. And then their competitor turned around and tried to make themselves an even bigger victim, and the cycle just kept continuing for over a year.
MS not including Nintendo in this chart is akin to me taking a poll of consumers’ favorite coffee chain and leaving off Starbucks. Obviously this was intentional because it wouldn’t make for such a stark comparison, but still.
@NEStalgia I understand; there are always going to be exceptions (I hesitated on putting racing down because that could be all consoles). My point was just that every console has their strengths and no one is going to have everything.
I swear, the console warrior stuff that happens on Pure Xbox and Push Square….
Wish the sites would do more crossover stuff like others. You’re always going to have little weirdos worshiping brands but it’d might help a little (and be fun for us that just like, ya know, videogames).
@Banjo- I admit I don’t know for sure, but I imagine there are licensing/platform fees, additional Q&A/play testing, and other odds and ends to port over. But I may be wrong.
@Doublecell Haha I appreciate it. I don’t know if my wife would agree I’m either “rational” or “realistic” but maybe I’m capable of it every once in a while.
I mean, the Xbox has a lot of GREAT games to play; there’s no reason to be bummed it doesn’t have every game or looking at the other consoles jealously.
Square Enix has always been a company that seems to bond with one platform. They ignored Sega Genesis for Nintendo SNES. They switched from N64 to be almost strictly PlayStation. They ignored Dreamcast, Xbox, and most of the Xbox family’s consoles. It’s not like they were ever best buds with MS.
My guess is the games they brought over to Xbox and Gamepass were trial balloons and didn’t see the returns they hoped for, especially for a console that doesn’t have a strong foothold in Japan. Games cost money and time to port and they probably determined it just wasn’t worth it in every case.
Unfortunately not every console is going to have it all. If you want JRPGs, fighters, and big-budget storyline-driven games you’re probably going to want a PS5. If you want shooters, racers, and multiplayer games you get an Xbox. And if you want wild “can’t-get-these-experiences-anywhere-else” you get a Switch. Or if you have the means — I strongly suggest getting all 3. Then you can just enjoy each platform for their great catalogues, including Xbox
Worse than this, people on the SeriesX Reddit are reporting the update wiped their saves and set them back. Saw one person lost 15 hours of game time — and another lost a whopping 70 hours.
I would pause this update ASAP if you have any time invested.
@Deshalu “…there’s a reason they got laid off they weren’t doing their job…”
Something tells me you don’t work in corporate America, and especially not in tech. Pretty gross take to say everyone laid off got what they deserved. Lots of people get laid off for a multitude of reasons, even hard working and productive ones. Doubly so in tech.
Oof, this feels like some anti-consumer nonsense. No real advanced notice, no heads up when the games just went on sale, just gone. I always thought this 360 marketplace was obtuse and odd (like how you couldn’t even use gift card money) so I guess it’s fitting they’re shutting down some of the functionality like this, but this stinks — especially if anyone is traveling this week or misses the news by just a few days.
The setting and look of this game instantly bring me back to the Test Drive Unlimited days — aka the original Forza Horizon. That's enough to get me interested.
I didn't realize this controller ever went away! Bought this about 6 months ago for my five-year-old daughter (she picked the color). It looks fantastic and she loves having a controller that's all hers.
It’s a shame. I think we often think of games in a vacuum and forget about the people who give up their hours, energy, sleep, and time away from their families to make it.
No one tries to make a bad game. People try really hard. And I can’t imagine putting so much of myself into something only to have people make mean comments about it online (many of whom probably never played it anyway).
Hi-Fi Rush is fantastic. But there’s no need to tear down another game to celebrate it.
I could not be happier. After years of failed promises, reboots (I didn't really mind the 2010 Reloaded for what it was), and having the 360 remaster rumored — then yanked — then rumored again, I can't believe it's finally here. Seeing the Goldeneye icon on my Xbox dashboard and Nintendo Switch is just wild.
Do I wish it was the 360 remaster? Yeah. Are there little nitpicks like the blurry text? 100%. Do I wish I had access to any of the other Bond games, from Agent Under Fire to Bloodstone? Absolutely. But man, at least I have this — Goldeneye N64 is what kickstarted my crazy Bond fandom and playing it again is just a nostalgia rush. And it's still so much fun.
Side note, with the absence of Timesplitters 1, it's pretty cool that I have almost all of the Goldeneye dev team's games on my Xbox — Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, Timesplitters 2, and Timesplitters 3.
The problem is we got too many “what else do they have in store?” comments. Which, one. Is a bit ungrateful to always say “okay what’s next?”, but two, does a disservice to Xbox.
Shadow drops are great and special because they’re rare. They obviously won’t happen with games that also have a physical release. And they won’t happen wirh many games. But hats off to Xbox for shwdow dropping Hi-Fi Rush — what might be the most exciting new Xbox game this entire generation (so far) for me — and being willing to excite the fans. I think we should be happy we get to be surprised and delighted, rather than just expecting it for every game now.
OH HELL YES. FINALLY. Going to have it on the Switch for online play and campaigns on the go, and on my Xbox for the big-screen 4K treatment and couch multiplayer. Still wish this was the fully-completed-but-abandoned 360 remake, but beggars can't be choosers. Not even kidding when I say this was my most anticipated Xbox drop for the foreseeable future, but I'm also a massive James Bond fan.
This right here is why I'm pulling for Sony and Microsoft to both kill it this gen. Competition breeds innovation and better outcomes for gamers. I'm not a pro controller guy for either console, but I'd love to see more of this. I'd also love for an Xbox controller with the unique rumble of the Dualsense — there's nothing quite like it.
Between this and making M&Ms change their cartoon characters because they were “too woke”and not sexy enough, U.S. conservatives are really in hysterics this week.
It’s a little amusing seeing this article directly under the piece from the other day talking about it being Xbox’s “big” event. I don’t blame Pure Xbox of course — every website, podcast, and YouTube channel had similar content because MS hyped this up — but it’s a testament to the chaos over at MS HQ.
Maybe it’s because I have a similar role for another large tech/entertainment company (outside of games though) but I do nott understand Greenberg’s comms strategy. They had to know the Xbox fans are starved for something, anything. They had to know the growing frustrations with lack of GP drops. They had to know that them hyping this event up and then staying silent for weeks would lead to rising hopes and expectations. And you’d think they’d know that suddenly pulling the rug out a little over 48 hours from the event would douse any growing enthusiasm.
Why was this “manage expectations” clause not included in the original announcement, or even in the following days? And when can we get excited for this big year that MS has planned?
Sometimes I think Phil doesn't even want to be at Xbox and is just angling for a job at a larger organization, like the ESA.
I personally never bought into the bizarre "Uncle Phil" worship — he's just another talking head exec out to make money — but it seems like lately he's been losing a lot of cache with all this grand talk about the future of gaming and double speak (it doesn't help this is a not good look after so many layoffs). He's great at pushing larger initiatives like Gamepass and Xcloud, but games will always be the meat and potatoes of a console manufacturer's value prop.
Whether 343 is a mess or not, they're not the only Xbox studio floundering — and the buck for all of this stops at the top. I wonder if it's time for a changing of the guard — Phil, Matt Booty, etc.
@helbertpina Hope you’re ready then for a movie about Marcus “Fenix” Carmine, a struggling artist who takes up arms with his Carmine brothers during the Locust attack. Together with his family, Fenix is in a race against time to collect all of the mystical and mysterious “gears of war” before the Locust do to activate the Hammer of Dawn and stop the war forever.
@ParsnipHero The series, particularly the original trilogy, is peak mid-00s: soul patches, muted grey and browns, and over-the-top violence. At the time it was so exciting to see something so graphically intense on a home console but I can 100% see why it’d be especially hard to revisit now.
Agree with several people here — I just want something new besides another Gears or a remaster. I’m just as not as big of a Gears fan as I used to be though; it feels like the series’ time has come and gone.
Regarding the collection rumor — I’m sure if these leakers keep saying it, on a long enough timeline it’s bound to come true. Seems like one of those things you could predict knowing you’ll eventually be proven right.
@Sifi Oops, you’re right. Overlooked FC6 and didn’t know Valhalla already left. Regardless, the vast majority are on PS+ and a smaller but still robust selection are on Gamepass. I still stand by my original point about it not being worth paying more.
Gels well with the rumors of Goldneye's release at end of month. At this point I'm not setting myself up for any more disappointment from Xbox, but boy I hope this is the event that turns things around.
I don't think this is worth it's own sub. Literally all of these games are baked into PS+'s offering at no extra price (similar to how Gamepass has EA's built in). Not promoting one service over another — love both — but just pointing out the value. If there were older games you couldn't get anywhere else or day and date new releases I'd feel different.
I love 5, but 4 is definitely the better game (also we got that incredible 007 car pack). It has been interesting seeing the general consensus start to recognize 4 as the better setting here and elsewhere on the internet, especially as time goes on and 5 feels even more sparse.
I'd be down for another Fortune Island, or better yet, something in the same spirit but not going back to the same well. The Hot Wheels DLC just wasn't as fun to me, but maybe it's because it was already done before.
No one should have a problem work this, outside of console fanboy warriors. Sony and Microsoft have both made giant strides with accessibility in their games and hardware, and that means more people get to play videogames.
As for the games - it’s a shame that I realized today I haven’t claimed my GWG games in months. I used to grab them the moment they hit. I grab my PS+ essentials on day one. But I just can’t be bothered to remember GWG anymore, let alone clog up my library with icons for games I’ll never touch.
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Re: Rumour: First The Mini Fridge, Now We Might Be Getting An Xbox Series S Toaster
Xbox fridge made more sense; it was both having a good-natured and self-deprecating laugh with the internet jokes, AND was a useful staple of every game room. Mini-fridges full of soda/beer/energy drinks goes hand-in-hand with gaming.
But a toaster? I dunno. Feels like trying a little too hard to capture lightning in a bottle twice.
Re: Talking Point: Could You Ever See Microsoft Selling The Xbox Brand?
According to Phil Spencer, MS almost abandoned the brand after the Xbox One launch. So it's not like they haven't come very close before — and recently (and it's not like they don't have a history of doing it with other products and brands): https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/11/spencer-microsoft-almost-abandoned-xbox-brand-after-the-xbox-one-launch/
And in that official Xbox doc from last year they mentioned some close calls earlier in the brand's life where MS leadership threatened to pull the plug.
So I guess anything's possible; they're a for-profit business at the end of the day and they'll save money where they can. I don't see it being likely any soon, but there's always a chance given the historical precedent. But sell? No way. They'd just quietly defund it and turn off the lights before they sold it.
Re: Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Discusses The Importance Of Platform Exclusives
@EvilSilentFrame How dare you bring rationality, civility, and an adult attitude to this conversation?!
Re: Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Discusses The Importance Of Platform Exclusives
@Tharsman That's fair, and I appreciate the context. You're right, I still have other reasons to distrust him regarding past statements (though to be fair to him, I feel the same about his contemporaries at the other companies too, lol), but that perspective may have led me to not dig a little deeper on that. In further context, I get what he's saying, and appreciate the polite correction (a rarity on these forums and on the internet itself!).
Re: Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Discusses The Importance Of Platform Exclusives
I have all 3 consoles. I want exclusives on Xbox — something that I can't play anywhere else, and that hopefully takes advantage of the system. Honestly, that's been my biggest gripe with the Series gen so far; a lack of AAA games that both push my Series X and make me happy that I invested in one on top of my PS5 and Switch.
That said, I also remember when Phil Spencer said that exclusives are "counter to what gaming is about.” Honestly, I have never trusted the guy more than Jim Ryan or anyone else --- they're all corporate suits, doing their job to make as much money as possible — but I think he's maybe a little too candid and these statements and back-peddling can result in both confusion and a bit of hostility.
Regardless, 2.5 years later I'm really eager for some AAA exclusives that are bangers, make me feel more invested in my Xbox, and show me what my Series X is really capable of. Very excited.
Re: Xbox Might Have More 'GoldenEye Type Announcements' Before June's Showcase
@Scummbuddy Be still, my heart.
Re: Xbox Claimed Some Market Share From PlayStation In 2022, Suggests Analysis Firm
Microsoft: Cut it out, Ampere! We’re trying to get this Activision deal to go through!
Re: Deals: Xbox Super Saver Sale Now Live, 350+ Games Discounted
A great opportunity to nab Forza Horizon 5 DLC, including the recently-announced rally expansion, at a good discount.
Re: Baldur's Gate 3 For Xbox Has 'Run Into Some Technical Issues'
The clarity is appreciated but it raises the obvious question: what’s causing the hangup for Xbox?
I see people (even on the SeriesX reddit) talking about recent Digital Foundry comparison videos showing games like Callisto Protocol and Atomic Heart running better on PS5 than Series X — but I can’t imagine that’s what’s going on here.
I do wonder if co-op is running well on Series X but it’s underperforming on Series S and that’s holding everything up. It’s an odd situation regardless, and I hope it gets resolved soon.
Re: Forza Horizon 5 'Rally Adventure' Expansion Leaps Onto Xbox This March
I get why people are disappointed but I love Forza’s rally events. Overall 5 hasn’t hit the same heights as 3 and 4, but I’m looking forward to this DLC.
Re: Microsoft Defends ActiBlizz Acquisition By Highlighting PlayStation's Dominance Over Xbox
@Jaxx420 100% agreed.
Re: Microsoft Defends ActiBlizz Acquisition By Highlighting PlayStation's Dominance Over Xbox
@themightyant Not that you need me to say it, but ignore the weird basement-dwelling console fanboys. Some people worship mega corporations to such a startling degree and how much money they make, instead of just enjoying videogames.
Most of them eventually grow up. Some never do.
Re: Microsoft Defends ActiBlizz Acquisition By Highlighting PlayStation's Dominance Over Xbox
I don’t really care about the outcome honestly — I don’t care which megacorp gets richer than the other one, and think they’re both acting like children honestly.
But I gotta admit: when this is all over I’m going to miss the weird period of time when a company that profits off everything from literal war to office software kept coming up with new ways to publicly say that a competitor with 10% of their market cap were destroying them in videogame marketshare. And then their competitor turned around and tried to make themselves an even bigger victim, and the cycle just kept continuing for over a year.
What a weird time.
Re: Microsoft Defends ActiBlizz Acquisition By Highlighting PlayStation's Dominance Over Xbox
MS not including Nintendo in this chart is akin to me taking a poll of consumers’ favorite coffee chain and leaving off Starbucks. Obviously this was intentional because it wouldn’t make for such a stark comparison, but still.
Re: Octopath Traveler 2's Glowing Reviews Make The Xbox Situation Even More Painful
@NEStalgia I understand; there are always going to be exceptions (I hesitated on putting racing down because that could be all consoles). My point was just that every console has their strengths and no one is going to have everything.
Re: Octopath Traveler 2's Glowing Reviews Make The Xbox Situation Even More Painful
I swear, the console warrior stuff that happens on Pure Xbox and Push Square….
Wish the sites would do more crossover stuff like others. You’re always going to have little weirdos worshiping brands but it’d might help a little (and be fun for us that just like, ya know, videogames).
Re: Octopath Traveler 2's Glowing Reviews Make The Xbox Situation Even More Painful
@Banjo- I know, I’m saying there’s more to it than just code.
Re: Octopath Traveler 2's Glowing Reviews Make The Xbox Situation Even More Painful
@Banjo- I think we’re disconnected on what I’m saying but all good to know.
Re: Octopath Traveler 2's Glowing Reviews Make The Xbox Situation Even More Painful
@Banjo- I admit I don’t know for sure, but I imagine there are licensing/platform fees, additional Q&A/play testing, and other odds and ends to port over. But I may be wrong.
Re: Octopath Traveler 2's Glowing Reviews Make The Xbox Situation Even More Painful
@Doublecell Haha I appreciate it. I don’t know if my wife would agree I’m either “rational” or “realistic” but maybe I’m capable of it every once in a while.
Re: Octopath Traveler 2's Glowing Reviews Make The Xbox Situation Even More Painful
@senote I know COVID has warped my sense of time, but I’m pretty sure FF7R didn’t come out 10 years ago.
Re: Octopath Traveler 2's Glowing Reviews Make The Xbox Situation Even More Painful
I mean, the Xbox has a lot of GREAT games to play; there’s no reason to be bummed it doesn’t have every game or looking at the other consoles jealously.
Square Enix has always been a company that seems to bond with one platform. They ignored Sega Genesis for Nintendo SNES. They switched from N64 to be almost strictly PlayStation. They ignored Dreamcast, Xbox, and most of the Xbox family’s consoles. It’s not like they were ever best buds with MS.
My guess is the games they brought over to Xbox and Gamepass were trial balloons and didn’t see the returns they hoped for, especially for a console that doesn’t have a strong foothold in Japan. Games cost money and time to port and they probably determined it just wasn’t worth it in every case.
Unfortunately not every console is going to have it all. If you want JRPGs, fighters, and big-budget storyline-driven games you’re probably going to want a PS5. If you want shooters, racers, and multiplayer games you get an Xbox. And if you want wild “can’t-get-these-experiences-anywhere-else” you get a Switch. Or if you have the means — I strongly suggest getting all 3. Then you can just enjoy each platform for their great catalogues, including Xbox
Re: Three Rivals Feel Microsoft's ActiBlizz Deal Would Have 'Negative Impact On Competition'
Just because the majority of third-party companies polled have concerns (vs the ones who don’t) doesn’t make them Xbox’s “rivals”….
Re: The Witcher 3 Update 4.01 Is 'Baffling', Worsens Performance Mode On Xbox Series X
Worse than this, people on the SeriesX Reddit are reporting the update wiped their saves and set them back. Saw one person lost 15 hours of game time — and another lost a whopping 70 hours.
I would pause this update ASAP if you have any time invested.
Re: Report: More Xbox Employees Impacted As Part Of Microsoft's 10,000 Layoffs
@Deshalu “…there’s a reason they got laid off they weren’t doing their job…”
Something tells me you don’t work in corporate America, and especially not in tech. Pretty gross take to say everyone laid off got what they deserved. Lots of people get laid off for a multitude of reasons, even hard working and productive ones. Doubly so in tech.
Re: Report: More Xbox Employees Impacted As Part Of Microsoft's 10,000 Layoffs
Start with the Xbox executives making the bad decisions.
Re: Microsoft Announces 40+ Games Being Removed From The Xbox 360 Marketplace
Oof, this feels like some anti-consumer nonsense. No real advanced notice, no heads up when the games just went on sale, just gone. I always thought this 360 marketplace was obtuse and odd (like how you couldn’t even use gift card money) so I guess it’s fitting they’re shutting down some of the functionality like this, but this stinks — especially if anyone is traveling this week or misses the news by just a few days.
Re: 'The Crew: Motorfest' Races Through Hawaii On Xbox Later This Year
The setting and look of this game instantly bring me back to the Test Drive Unlimited days — aka the original Forza Horizon. That's enough to get me interested.
Re: Xbox's New 'Deep Pink' Official Wireless Controller Is Now Available
I didn't realize this controller ever went away! Bought this about 6 months ago for my five-year-old daughter (she picked the color). It looks fantastic and she loves having a controller that's all hers.
Re: Microsoft's Acquisition Of Bethesda Is Starting To Add Amazing Value To Xbox Game Pass
It’s Hi-Fi Rush and Starfield for me. Redfall just doesn’t look interesting to me and Ghostwire: Tokyo wasn’t that amazing/I already played it.
Re: No Straight Roads Director Saddened By Hurtful Comparisons To Hi-Fi RUSH
It’s a shame. I think we often think of games in a vacuum and forget about the people who give up their hours, energy, sleep, and time away from their families to make it.
No one tries to make a bad game. People try really hard. And I can’t imagine putting so much of myself into something only to have people make mean comments about it online (many of whom probably never played it anyway).
Hi-Fi Rush is fantastic. But there’s no need to tear down another game to celebrate it.
Re: Hands On: Our First Impressions Of GoldenEye 007 On Xbox Game Pass
I could not be happier. After years of failed promises, reboots (I didn't really mind the 2010 Reloaded for what it was), and having the 360 remaster rumored — then yanked — then rumored again, I can't believe it's finally here. Seeing the Goldeneye icon on my Xbox dashboard and Nintendo Switch is just wild.
Do I wish it was the 360 remaster? Yeah. Are there little nitpicks like the blurry text? 100%. Do I wish I had access to any of the other Bond games, from Agent Under Fire to Bloodstone? Absolutely. But man, at least I have this — Goldeneye N64 is what kickstarted my crazy Bond fandom and playing it again is just a nostalgia rush. And it's still so much fun.
Side note, with the absence of Timesplitters 1, it's pretty cool that I have almost all of the Goldeneye dev team's games on my Xbox — Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, Timesplitters 2, and Timesplitters 3.
....I'm getting zero work done today.
Re: Phil Spencer Reacts To This Week's Xbox Game Pass 'Shadow Drop'
The problem is we got too many “what else do they have in store?” comments. Which, one. Is a bit ungrateful to always say “okay what’s next?”, but two, does a disservice to Xbox.
Shadow drops are great and special because they’re rare. They obviously won’t happen with games that also have a physical release. And they won’t happen wirh many games. But hats off to Xbox for shwdow dropping Hi-Fi Rush — what might be the most exciting new Xbox game this entire generation (so far) for me — and being willing to excite the fans. I think we should be happy we get to be surprised and delighted, rather than just expecting it for every game now.
Re: GoldenEye 007 Officially Arrives On Xbox Game Pass This Week
OH HELL YES. FINALLY. Going to have it on the Switch for online play and campaigns on the go, and on my Xbox for the big-screen 4K treatment and couch multiplayer. Still wish this was the fully-completed-but-abandoned 360 remake, but beggars can't be choosers. Not even kidding when I say this was my most anticipated Xbox drop for the foreseeable future, but I'm also a massive James Bond fan.
Re: Reaction: Xbox Needs A New, Reliable Competitor For PS5's 'DualSense Edge'
This right here is why I'm pulling for Sony and Microsoft to both kill it this gen. Competition breeds innovation and better outcomes for gamers. I'm not a pro controller guy for either console, but I'd love to see more of this. I'd also love for an Xbox controller with the unique rumble of the Dualsense — there's nothing quite like it.
Re: FOX News Causes A Stir With Discussion About Xbox And Climate Change
Between this and making M&Ms change their cartoon characters because they were “too woke”and not sexy enough, U.S. conservatives are really in hysterics this week.
Re: Xbox Exec Wants Fans To Keep Developer_Direct Expectations In Check
It’s a little amusing seeing this article directly under the piece from the other day talking about it being Xbox’s “big” event. I don’t blame Pure Xbox of course — every website, podcast, and YouTube channel had similar content because MS hyped this up — but it’s a testament to the chaos over at MS HQ.
Maybe it’s because I have a similar role for another large tech/entertainment company (outside of games though) but I do nott understand Greenberg’s comms strategy. They had to know the Xbox fans are starved for something, anything. They had to know the growing frustrations with lack of GP drops. They had to know that them hyping this event up and then staying silent for weeks would lead to rising hopes and expectations. And you’d think they’d know that suddenly pulling the rug out a little over 48 hours from the event would douse any growing enthusiasm.
Why was this “manage expectations” clause not included in the original announcement, or even in the following days? And when can we get excited for this big year that MS has planned?
Re: Xbox's Phil Spencer Wants To 'Inspire Joy' Amid 'Culture Of Criticism And Cancellation'
Sometimes I think Phil doesn't even want to be at Xbox and is just angling for a job at a larger organization, like the ESA.
I personally never bought into the bizarre "Uncle Phil" worship — he's just another talking head exec out to make money — but it seems like lately he's been losing a lot of cache with all this grand talk about the future of gaming and double speak (it doesn't help this is a not good look after so many layoffs). He's great at pushing larger initiatives like Gamepass and Xcloud, but games will always be the meat and potatoes of a console manufacturer's value prop.
Whether 343 is a mess or not, they're not the only Xbox studio floundering — and the buck for all of this stops at the top. I wonder if it's time for a changing of the guard — Phil, Matt Booty, etc.
Re: Talking Point: Who Would You Cast As 'Delta Squad' In The Upcoming Gears Of War Movie?
@helbertpina Hope you’re ready then for a movie about Marcus “Fenix” Carmine, a struggling artist who takes up arms with his Carmine brothers during the Locust attack. Together with his family, Fenix is in a race against time to collect all of the mystical and mysterious “gears of war” before the Locust do to activate the Hammer of Dawn and stop the war forever.
Re: Xbox's Rumoured Gears Of War Collection Is Still Happening, Claims Journalist
@ParsnipHero The series, particularly the original trilogy, is peak mid-00s: soul patches, muted grey and browns, and over-the-top violence. At the time it was so exciting to see something so graphically intense on a home console but I can 100% see why it’d be especially hard to revisit now.
Re: Xbox's Rumoured Gears Of War Collection Is Still Happening, Claims Journalist
Agree with several people here — I just want something new besides another Gears or a remaster. I’m just as not as big of a Gears fan as I used to be though; it feels like the series’ time has come and gone.
Regarding the collection rumor — I’m sure if these leakers keep saying it, on a long enough timeline it’s bound to come true. Seems like one of those things you could predict knowing you’ll eventually be proven right.
Re: Ubisoft Plus Gearing Up For Release On Xbox, First 20+ Games Revealed
@Sifi Oops, you’re right. Overlooked FC6 and didn’t know Valhalla already left. Regardless, the vast majority are on PS+ and a smaller but still robust selection are on Gamepass. I still stand by my original point about it not being worth paying more.
Re: Random: Prince Harry Makes Headlines With Story About Diana Buying Him An Xbox
Man, I can’t wait for Xbox’s event showcase so we actually have something to talk about.
Re: Xbox & Bethesda 'Developer_Direct' Event Confirmed For This Month
Gels well with the rumors of Goldneye's release at end of month. At this point I'm not setting myself up for any more disappointment from Xbox, but boy I hope this is the event that turns things around.
Re: Ubisoft Plus Gearing Up For Release On Xbox, First 20+ Games Revealed
I don't think this is worth it's own sub. Literally all of these games are baked into PS+'s offering at no extra price (similar to how Gamepass has EA's built in). Not promoting one service over another — love both — but just pointing out the value. If there were older games you couldn't get anywhere else or day and date new releases I'd feel different.
Re: Soapbox: Forza Horizon 5 Expansion 2 Should Take Notes From 'Fortune Island'
I love 5, but 4 is definitely the better game (also we got that incredible 007 car pack). It has been interesting seeing the general consensus start to recognize 4 as the better setting here and elsewhere on the internet, especially as time goes on and 5 feels even more sparse.
I'd be down for another Fortune Island, or better yet, something in the same spirit but not going back to the same well. The Hot Wheels DLC just wasn't as fun to me, but maybe it's because it was already done before.
Re: Pick One: What's Your Most Anticipated January Game Pass Addition?
I’m going to keep saying Goldeneye until it finally happens.
Seriously, where the hell is it? And what’s with no communication around it?
Re: Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Praises Sony's New PS5 Accessibility Controller
No one should have a problem work this, outside of console fanboy warriors. Sony and Microsoft have both made giant strides with accessibility in their games and hardware, and that means more people get to play videogames.
That’s a great thing for everyone.
Re: Xbox Games With Gold For January 2023 Announced
@Dezzy70 Well, I guess there’s always ̶2̶0̶2̶3̶ 2024.
Re: Poll: Are You Happy With January 2023's Xbox Games With Gold?
Second poll really needs a “neither” option.
As for the games - it’s a shame that I realized today I haven’t claimed my GWG games in months. I used to grab them the moment they hit. I grab my PS+ essentials on day one. But I just can’t be bothered to remember GWG anymore, let alone clog up my library with icons for games I’ll never touch.