I am surprised PX didn't link the video since it shows actual [HUDless] gameplay snippets (for those complaining there hasn't been any gameplay footage).
@PsBoxSwitchOwner I think it's a bad metric for a single player experience since there is no need to play the game during "peak hours". People just play it when they want to.
I normally don't get to game until like 9 or 10 at night - but I only play single player games and don't need a player count to enjoy the game.
But for a multi-player game, it's definitely concerning if the player counts are low.
I guess, in some ways, it's interesting to see if it's super popular for a snapshot in time, but I don't think it's any actual gauge of a single player game's success.
Then again, it also ignores the possibilities that the game is being played on other repositories/storefronts that it may be available (Epic, GOG, etc. - where applicable).
I won't give it a review score based on the very limited game time I have had. Usually, I lose interest in these Western RPGs due to the games having a significant amount of distractions once you leave the "tutorial area".
If the game still stays very focused (with a few side quests here and there), then I'd give it an 8 or 9. But if things get too distracting, it's a 7 for me.
I prefer my games have like 80% focus on the main quest and 20% focus on side content. It feels like most Western RPGs are the reverse where most of the "fun" is the player having to go out and find it for themselves.
Keep in mind that for all that “winning” Sony is having with hardware sales, the bloated cost of game development still forced Sony to branch out and have a PC strategy.
When the overwhelming majority of your console user base is playing Fortnite, [popular annual sports title], etc. one is kind of forced to supplement first-party development efforts by branching out said games elsewhere.
If development continues to inflate the way it is, platform exclusivity will disappear.
@HonestHick AI will absolutely be where the “power” of the next consoles comes from.
Look at the Nvidia 50 series. According to reports I have seen, they aren’t that much more powerful than 40 series. It’s all AI pulling the weight.
Other than the 12GB of RAM in my 4070 Super (which is only a problem in Indiana Jones), I am quite happy I didn’t wait around for the 50 series because even older GPUs are getting benefits of new technology (just lacking multi-frame generation).
I don’t personally care as long as the final output looks the part, but clearly AI rather than raw horsepower is the next step in gaming evolution.
I am so happy for Remedy to finally be making a profit on Alan Wake II!
A shame it wasn't sooner - It's a masterpiece!
Epic as a publisher made a couple bad moves, though: 1) No physical release at launch 2) Total Epic Game Store exclusivity (I can understand timed, but even Epic should understand that PC gamers still very much favor Steam).
It's important because my Microsoft purchases are linked to my Movies Anywhere account which then filter into my Vudu (sorry...Fandango at Home) account.
I don't use Microsoft Movies for anything - I don't even have an Xbox Series X anymore.
@OldGamer999 I believe in 60Hz, the VRR window is 40 - 60. At 120Hz the VRR window 20 - 120.
60fps is great news for Series X owners!
Though, I feel like Microsoft should strongly recommend developers handle graphic options how Bethesda handled Fallout 4 and Starfield:
Have a Quality/Performance resolution option, and then have a 30/40*/60/120* frame rate cap option.
That way console titles are future-proofed and people have an option to mix and match - with perhaps a warning that mixing certain options may not work as desired (e.g. mixing Quality with 60fps).
Plus, I feel it’s a very “console-friendly” way to handle visual options.
@LostInBlue0 The Double Pack going for something like $57 on Green Man Gaming certainly sweetened the pot for me to double dip on PC (I had the PlayStation versions already).
That's $28.50 per game! Crazy good deal.
Playing Final Fantasy VII Remake at 1440p/120fps feels amazing - plus I had no idea that a "Head Start" option was added where characters are leveled up to 45 with some Max Materia to boot. It was a perfect way to pick up my 3rd playthrough of Remake.
I'll dive into Rebirth again once I finish Remake. Besides, it seems like it could use a patch or two to button up some lingering issues.
Unless Sony has locked up the entire series as a timed exclusive, I really hope Part 3 is a Day 1 PC release.
On topic: Unfortunately, I am sure Sony will continue to spend money on third-party exclusives for the foreseeable future - at least third-party exclusives that only exclude Xbox. Sadly, with the delta between PlayStation and Xbox continuing to grow, it's kind of an easy decision for developers to make.
But I do see things changing where even third-party console exclusives will have a Day 1 release on PC at the minimum.
The best thing Microsoft can do is to somehow make the next console a PC, but with a console experience that can also run console versions of legacy titles. It opens up the possibilities of viable games for the system as well as deflates Sony's business practices because, while Sony can lock up the console space by being the market leader, it can't touch the PC market.
I have played the first stage of Ninja Gaiden Black so I know a little of what to expect, but I was shocked at how ruthless this game can be right out of the gate!
It's definitely a game where you need to understand when to block and when to dodge.
I haven't played the game since patch, but it had some weird behavior on PC when I tried it on launch day.
Cutscenes can dip into the 40s at random times (only to jump back up to 60), but gameplay runs in the 90+ fps - even when things get really hectic - this is with ray-tracing turned on (I know, I should just turn it off and get 120+ fps goodness, but I am a sucker for real-time RT).
Don't most modern multi-player focused games that allow cross-play have Input-based matchmaking filters available simply because the advantage of mouse & keyboard are so apparent?
I am going to go "pie in the sky" and say it's a sneak preview of the next entry in Final Fantasy VII: R (which will be revealed to be multi-platform on Day 1) with a surprise drop of FF7 Remake and Rebirth for Xbox to coincide with the PC release of Rebirth on the same day.
@UserTK-421 I understand your frustration, but Microsoft can't do "more of the same" if it expects to continue to be a viable option in the console market. It really does have to something more radical if it ever expects decent market share in the "premium console market".
If that means making the new Xbox run PC Code, but runs legacy Xbox games via an emulation layer, then so be it.
But, honestly, PC gamers have been looking a more tailored Windows experience for gaming ever since Valve came out with the Steam Deck.
@cragis0001 It's not full-featured Windows, though - which is the key.
Having a dedicated OS for just games could mean even more system resources can be dedicated to games. It could also mean less system updates since its only main function is to run DirectX, OpenGL, and Vulkan (and networking).
Sure, there could be a Power User function for those looking to get into the File System for mods using a Windows-like UI, but the biggest benefit is just keeping the OS very simple for games.
Since I am someone who is mostly concerned about 60fps using as high of settings as possible to meet or exceed that framerate, I am not too fussed that I didn't wait until these cards come out to pull the trigger on a PC.
@IOI I don't think Microsoft ever said there was. Just said it couldn't comment on whatever deals Game Science had with "other platform holders" - which boiled down to meeting the release date Game Science wanted to meet.
Social Media took that narrative as Microsoft hinting at some kind of exclusivity deal with Sony - which there wasn't. I think that it was just that Game Science and Sony came to a deal for the console version to get the game out as intended rather than choose to delay on the platform due to Xbox optimization issues - potentially with some elevated technical support from Sony to make it happen.
Microsoft can't comment on that because it's none of Microsoft's business what Game Science and Sony/Valve/Epic decided with regards to releasing the game.
I mean, ultimately, the developer tells the platform holder when it will release a game. That's a "deal" it makes. And even if Sony didn't provide any incentive for the console version and Game Science simply chose to focus on PS5 and PC to meet it's intended release date, that is still a "deal" it made to platform holders regarding meeting the intended release date.
If you want to feel like Microsoft lied and is being deceptive, then that's your narrative.
It's not up to one business to comment on what other businesses decide to do with other businesses.
I don't "cope" with anything.
I don't even have an Xbox anymore - what Microsoft does or doesn't do with the consoles isn't my problem. I just don't run on this whole "Evil Empire" narrative.
All Microsoft can do is talk about Xbox business regarding this game - which, is basically accepting a delay and providing support where necessary to get the game out if possible.
I got this free for Steam when I got my gaming PC as it had a qualifying Nvidia card. It's decent. I lost interest after a while due to the "Boss Rush" nature of it.
In my opinion, it's more of a technical showcase than anything ground-breaking in the gameplay department.
I hope it does see light of day on Xbox in the near future, though. There is definitely an audience for this kind of game - even if it didn't hold my interest enough to finish it.
What probably happened is that Game Science had problems with Xbox development and Sony gave them a little incentive to focus on getting the game out "on time" on PS5 and PC rather than continue to delay the game to optimize for Xbox - probably in the form of elevated technical support from Sony.
But I don't think there was a mass market deal or exclusivity clause or anything like that. Sony probably simply helped them get the game released on time at the expense of putting Xbox development on hold until after release.
@OldGamer999 Microsoft wanted developers to code smarter.
Sony didn't change anything, just gave developers more power to do the same.
On one hand, PS5 was great for developers because they could continue to do what they always had been doing to get the best results and faster.
On the other hand, it does nothing to address issues with game engines or really progress game development much beyond the PS4 era. Developers just keep doing the same old thing.
Unfortunately, most developers aren't really given any time to adapt to new techniques due to publisher demands. Developers couldn't spend time optimizing for the split-memory pool of the Series consoles.
Having the Series S requirement also means having to consider more constrained hardware - so, for the sake of time, developers really just take a "nuclear option" for that console and cut things down probably more than necessary and cap games at 30fps.
Quite honestly, the PS5 being the lead platform has stagnated a lot more than just Series consoles. All these "bad ports" on PC are a result of publishers/developers focusing so much on PlayStation and not enough time on other platforms.
The thing is, when a developer is given time, good things happen across the industry.
Baldur's Gate 3 is probably the "best" example of where having more challenging hardware can lead to a better code game. All the work the developers did to optimize for Series S led to huge memory savings for the game that provided boosts to all platforms.
It'll be interesting to see if the Series S development for Black Myth Wukong will lead to any improvements to the PS5/Series X version.
I'm not knocking Sony for this: it wasn't trying to make things more difficult for developers. That's a huge win for the platform from a publisher perspective. It's just that a side effect of this meant less progress in actual game engines aside from shinier coats of paint.
It'll be interesting to see if Microsoft will continue down the path of trying to make developers work "smarter" or if it will go back to a more "traditional" configuration with the next hardware.
@jesse_dylan Oh, I am all about no hand-holding - I have been gaming since like...1986 - but the game design of the older Elder Scrolls game is just frustrating as hell and not fun for me.
I gave both Arena and Daggerfall a fair shake multiple times, but I kept losing interest in the intro dungeon the game drops you in.
But, I also know classic RPG games like these also relied on having the game manual, reference cards, and any supplemental documents that came with the game in front of you in order to enjoy the game proper.
Sadly, except for GOG versions - which provides those as PDF downloads - those documents just aren't available.
I will say, I never really liked the dungeon-crawler genre, so there is already a bias against both games. I was more partial to platformers, actions games, point-and-click adventure games, real-time strategy, and FPS games from the time.
If any of the Elder Scrolls deserves a remake it's Arena - yeesh!
At least Daggerfall has the community-based Unity project that brings it more in-line with modern games. The first one is stuck in a time capsule.
Plus, you can at least configure the original Daggerfall controls to have a more "modern" control scheme (it's not perfect, but significantly better than Arena).
Thanks goodness! That DLSS bug was getting really annoying to deal with when combined with using the Full RT option.
The game is still incredibly weird when it comes to VRAM usage as I have had it slightly spill over my VRAM on one game load only to be just fine upon restarting. It's hasn't been as common of an issue as the DLSS bug, though.
Yes, let's talk about Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey.
I think they are long overdue for a re-release.
Sure, they still work via backwards compatibility, but I do think it should get an official release on PC, Series X|S, PS5, and Switch - even if the only thing done is to run the games at 4K/60 on current gen consoles.
Cool if it happens, though, I don't think the game itself reviewed too well.
I am all about games reaching more people - even if it isn't the largest of audiences.
I do wonder how Xbox gamers would react to the PSN login requirement, though (as I am sure if Sony ported any game to Xbox, it would still force them to make a PSN account just like it does on PC).
This is why I got rid of my Series X when I got my gaming PC. Sure, I have a few games I'd have to rebuy on PC if the desire to replay a game ever hits (whenever they go on a deep discount, that is), but I don't regret my decision one bit!
The real kicker, I could feasibly get rid of my PS5, too! Pretty much every Sony game I am interested in (other than Astro Bot and Demon's Souls) I can or will have [official] access to on PC. I bet, if I wait a year, I can get Ghost of Yotei on PC.
For the games that aren't officially available...well...there are answers to that on PC as well.
@themightyant Ah, nice find! I forgot about Minecraft Dungeons...I mean, I don't follow Minecraft one bit - except when I downloaded it after I got my new gaming PC so I could see how it ran with Path Tracing - so, it's certainly not something that would have come to mind right away.
Looking at the release history of Xbox Game Studios games and the history of Mojang, it's possible that Minecraft Vita Edition was the first "Xbox game" to come to PlayStation.
Microsoft announced its agreement to buy Mojang in September 2014, and Minecraft Vita Edition was release in October 2014.
It's a stretch as I bet the ink probably didn't even dry by then.
However, in November 2016, the Minecraft Bedrock Edition is the next instance where PlayStation is mentioned in the Xbox Game Studios list of games with its release across various platforms.
So..Minecraft was the gateway to multi-platform for Microsoft.
@awp69 @RamiBalek I think the honor goes to Psychonauts 2 - well..it wasn't native PS5, but it did have PS5 features via enhancements to the PS4 version when running in backwards compatibility.
Comments 2,188
Re: Xbox Has Officially Delayed Fable Into 2026
I am surprised PX didn't link the video since it shows actual [HUDless] gameplay snippets (for those complaining there hasn't been any gameplay footage).
Re: Xbox RPG Avowed Seemingly Sold Well Despite Being In Game Pass
@PsBoxSwitchOwner I think it's a bad metric for a single player experience since there is no need to play the game during "peak hours". People just play it when they want to.
I normally don't get to game until like 9 or 10 at night - but I only play single player games and don't need a player count to enjoy the game.
But for a multi-player game, it's definitely concerning if the player counts are low.
I guess, in some ways, it's interesting to see if it's super popular for a snapshot in time, but I don't think it's any actual gauge of a single player game's success.
Then again, it also ignores the possibilities that the game is being played on other repositories/storefronts that it may be available (Epic, GOG, etc. - where applicable).
Re: Talking Point: Are You Happy With The Current Xbox UI As It Stands In 2025?
I want something like the Switch: totally lightweight so all the consoles resources are dedicated to games.
Make a version of Windows that’s the same! No fluff - just games (though I guess a little fluff would be necessary for access to various storefronts).
Re: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle Update 3 Now Live On Xbox
I can finally 100% the game! I have only been waiting 2 months!
Re: Avowed Launch Update Now Live For Xbox, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Nice to see Obsidian getting out there quickly to squash some bugs and improve overall QoL for players!
Re: Poll: Xbox Fans, What Review Score Would You Give Avowed So Far?
I won't give it a review score based on the very limited game time I have had. Usually, I lose interest in these Western RPGs due to the games having a significant amount of distractions once you leave the "tutorial area".
If the game still stays very focused (with a few side quests here and there), then I'd give it an 8 or 9. But if things get too distracting, it's a 7 for me.
I prefer my games have like 80% focus on the main quest and 20% focus on side content. It feels like most Western RPGs are the reverse where most of the "fun" is the player having to go out and find it for themselves.
Re: Xbox Exec Thanks Fans For Helping Avowed Go Number 1 On Steam
I'm glad that Avowed is seeming to be a hit with people.
I only got as far as finishing the "tutorial stage", but I am enjoying it so far. It seems to be "Skyrim Light": very dialed in, but still immersive.
I hope it stays that way, and the game doesn't throw a million distractions at me like other Western RPGs.
Re: Xbox's New Strategy Is 'Right' For The Business And Needs To Be Embraced, Says Former Exec
It is a smart move for Microsoft.
Keep in mind that for all that “winning” Sony is having with hardware sales, the bloated cost of game development still forced Sony to branch out and have a PC strategy.
When the overwhelming majority of your console user base is playing Fortnite, [popular annual sports title], etc. one is kind of forced to supplement first-party development efforts by branching out said games elsewhere.
If development continues to inflate the way it is, platform exclusivity will disappear.
Re: Xbox Reporter Says Series X|S Successor Has Been 'Fully Approved' By Microsoft
@HonestHick AI will absolutely be where the “power” of the next consoles comes from.
Look at the Nvidia 50 series. According to reports I have seen, they aren’t that much more powerful than 40 series. It’s all AI pulling the weight.
Other than the 12GB of RAM in my 4070 Super (which is only a problem in Indiana Jones), I am quite happy I didn’t wait around for the 50 series because even older GPUs are getting benefits of new technology (just lacking multi-frame generation).
I don’t personally care as long as the final output looks the part, but clearly AI rather than raw horsepower is the next step in gaming evolution.
Re: Remedy Talks Upcoming Projects As Alan Wake 2 Finally Makes A Profit
I am so happy for Remedy to finally be making a profit on Alan Wake II!
A shame it wasn't sooner - It's a masterpiece!
Epic as a publisher made a couple bad moves, though:
1) No physical release at launch
2) Total Epic Game Store exclusivity (I can understand timed, but even Epic should understand that PC gamers still very much favor Steam).
Re: Microsoft Rewards Is Practically Giving Away Six Big Movies Right Now
@Banjo- Gotcha, thanks.
It's important because my Microsoft purchases are linked to my Movies Anywhere account which then filter into my Vudu (sorry...Fandango at Home) account.
I don't use Microsoft Movies for anything - I don't even have an Xbox Series X anymore.
Re: Microsoft Rewards Is Practically Giving Away Six Big Movies Right Now
@Banjo- So these redemptions aren't for a specific "version" just the film and any available options for said film?
Re: Microsoft Rewards Is Practically Giving Away Six Big Movies Right Now
Does anyone know what version these movies will be if I redeem? SD, HD, or UHD?
Thanks!
Re: Avowed Has A 60FPS Mode On Xbox Series X, Confirms Obsidian
@OldGamer999 I believe in 60Hz, the VRR window is 40 - 60. At 120Hz the VRR window 20 - 120.
60fps is great news for Series X owners!
Though, I feel like Microsoft should strongly recommend developers handle graphic options how Bethesda handled Fallout 4 and Starfield:
Have a Quality/Performance resolution option, and then have a 30/40*/60/120* frame rate cap option.
That way console titles are future-proofed and people have an option to mix and match - with perhaps a warning that mixing certain options may not work as desired (e.g. mixing Quality with 60fps).
Plus, I feel it’s a very “console-friendly” way to handle visual options.
Re: Reporter Suggests Console Exclusives Will Soon Be 'Obsolete', Especially For Third-Party Devs
@LostInBlue0 The Double Pack going for something like $57 on Green Man Gaming certainly sweetened the pot for me to double dip on PC (I had the PlayStation versions already).
That's $28.50 per game! Crazy good deal.
Playing Final Fantasy VII Remake at 1440p/120fps feels amazing - plus I had no idea that a "Head Start" option was added where characters are leveled up to 45 with some Max Materia to boot. It was a perfect way to pick up my 3rd playthrough of Remake.
I'll dive into Rebirth again once I finish Remake. Besides, it seems like it could use a patch or two to button up some lingering issues.
Unless Sony has locked up the entire series as a timed exclusive, I really hope Part 3 is a Day 1 PC release.
On topic: Unfortunately, I am sure Sony will continue to spend money on third-party exclusives for the foreseeable future - at least third-party exclusives that only exclude Xbox. Sadly, with the delta between PlayStation and Xbox continuing to grow, it's kind of an easy decision for developers to make.
But I do see things changing where even third-party console exclusives will have a Day 1 release on PC at the minimum.
The best thing Microsoft can do is to somehow make the next console a PC, but with a console experience that can also run console versions of legacy titles. It opens up the possibilities of viable games for the system as well as deflates Sony's business practices because, while Sony can lock up the console space by being the market leader, it can't touch the PC market.
Re: Review: Ninja Gaiden 2 Black (Xbox) - A UE5 Appetiser Ahead Of The Fourth Outing
"A great start for newcomers"
I almost died in the first encounter....
I have played the first stage of Ninja Gaiden Black so I know a little of what to expect, but I was shocked at how ruthless this game can be right out of the gate!
It's definitely a game where you need to understand when to block and when to dodge.
I haven't played the game since patch, but it had some weird behavior on PC when I tried it on launch day.
Cutscenes can dip into the 40s at random times (only to jump back up to 60), but gameplay runs in the 90+ fps - even when things get really hectic - this is with ray-tracing turned on (I know, I should just turn it off and get 120+ fps goodness, but I am a sucker for real-time RT).
Re: Phil Spencer Reiterates Hardware Is Still A 'Critical Part' Of Xbox
@themightyant I don’t think it’s much of a concern at all with Steam Deck being as popular as it is and is now a goal for developers to get Verified.
Heck, even Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is verified for the system! That’s a big feat for a game that was only on PS5.
Re: Poll: How Would You Grade 2025's Xbox Developer Direct?
Great year for Xbox Game Studios and partners!
Having a Game Pass subscription this year seems to be quite rewarding!
Re: Xbox Could 'Rival 3D Mario' With A New Banjo-Kazooie Game, Says Ori Developer
So I guess Microsoft should hand the reigns to Playtonic Games if they want that to happen - since that's where all the original Rare talent went.
Re: Talking Point: Xbox Series X|S Owners, How's Your Storage Looking In 2025?
My Series X space is completely empty - I formatted the drive before trading it in to GameStop.
I have about 1.5TB left of 4TB of space on my gaming PC, though!
According to Microsoft, it’s an Xbox, too! 😁
Re: Soapbox: With Xbox Games Now On PS5, Microsoft Needs To Ditch Forced PC Crossplay
Don't most modern multi-player focused games that allow cross-play have Input-based matchmaking filters available simply because the advantage of mouse & keyboard are so apparent?
Not sure how this is an issue.
Re: Xbox's Big Surprise For Developer Direct Is Reportedly A Legendary Japanese IP
@Jenkinss A new Phantasy Star that goes backs to its classic JRPG roots would be amazing!
Re: Xbox's Big Surprise For Developer Direct Is Reportedly A Legendary Japanese IP
I am going to go "pie in the sky" and say it's a sneak preview of the next entry in Final Fantasy VII: R (which will be revealed to be multi-platform on Day 1) with a surprise drop of FF7 Remake and Rebirth for Xbox to coincide with the PC release of Rebirth on the same day.
Re: Xbox Wants To Bring A Console Experience To PC Handhelds In 2025
@UserTK-421 I understand your frustration, but Microsoft can't do "more of the same" if it expects to continue to be a viable option in the console market. It really does have to something more radical if it ever expects decent market share in the "premium console market".
If that means making the new Xbox run PC Code, but runs legacy Xbox games via an emulation layer, then so be it.
But, honestly, PC gamers have been looking a more tailored Windows experience for gaming ever since Valve came out with the Steam Deck.
@Vordus Universal Windows for Games LIVE 365!
Re: Xbox Wants To Bring A Console Experience To PC Handhelds In 2025
@cragis0001 It's not full-featured Windows, though - which is the key.
Having a dedicated OS for just games could mean even more system resources can be dedicated to games. It could also mean less system updates since its only main function is to run DirectX, OpenGL, and Vulkan (and networking).
Sure, there could be a Power User function for those looking to get into the File System for mods using a Windows-like UI, but the biggest benefit is just keeping the OS very simple for games.
Re: Xbox Wants To Bring A Console Experience To PC Handhelds In 2025
"Windows for Games" when?!
Re: These Six Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass (January 8-14)
Nothing much for me this time. I already own the original Diablo + Hellfire via GOG.com.
Re: New Nvidia Ray Tracing Footage Gives Us A Fresh Glimpse Of DOOM: The Dark Ages
Since I am someone who is mostly concerned about 60fps using as high of settings as possible to meet or exceed that framerate, I am not too fussed that I didn't wait until these cards come out to pull the trigger on a PC.
The 4070 Super should last me a good long while.
Re: Poll: Which 'Xbox' Devices Will You Spend The Most Time With In 2025?
Gaming PC.
If I am away from my Gaming PC, I will either stream from my gaming PC using Moonlight installed on a laptop or play my Switch.
Re: Microsoft Rejected Halo & DOOM Crossover For 'Secret Level' Episode, Say Creators
That would have been fun and interesting crossover.
The Outer Worlds episode made me sad, though. I appreciated the humor, but the ending was a huge kick in the feels.
Re: Black Myth: Wukong's Xbox Saga Just Got A Whole Lot More Confusing
@IOI I don't think Microsoft ever said there was. Just said it couldn't comment on whatever deals Game Science had with "other platform holders" - which boiled down to meeting the release date Game Science wanted to meet.
Social Media took that narrative as Microsoft hinting at some kind of exclusivity deal with Sony - which there wasn't. I think that it was just that Game Science and Sony came to a deal for the console version to get the game out as intended rather than choose to delay on the platform due to Xbox optimization issues - potentially with some elevated technical support from Sony to make it happen.
Microsoft can't comment on that because it's none of Microsoft's business what Game Science and Sony/Valve/Epic decided with regards to releasing the game.
I mean, ultimately, the developer tells the platform holder when it will release a game. That's a "deal" it makes. And even if Sony didn't provide any incentive for the console version and Game Science simply chose to focus on PS5 and PC to meet it's intended release date, that is still a "deal" it made to platform holders regarding meeting the intended release date.
If you want to feel like Microsoft lied and is being deceptive, then that's your narrative.
It's not up to one business to comment on what other businesses decide to do with other businesses.
I don't "cope" with anything.
I don't even have an Xbox anymore - what Microsoft does or doesn't do with the consoles isn't my problem. I just don't run on this whole "Evil Empire" narrative.
All Microsoft can do is talk about Xbox business regarding this game - which, is basically accepting a delay and providing support where necessary to get the game out if possible.
I got this free for Steam when I got my gaming PC as it had a qualifying Nvidia card. It's decent. I lost interest after a while due to the "Boss Rush" nature of it.
In my opinion, it's more of a technical showcase than anything ground-breaking in the gameplay department.
I hope it does see light of day on Xbox in the near future, though. There is definitely an audience for this kind of game - even if it didn't hold my interest enough to finish it.
Re: Black Myth: Wukong's Xbox Saga Just Got A Whole Lot More Confusing
What probably happened is that Game Science had problems with Xbox development and Sony gave them a little incentive to focus on getting the game out "on time" on PS5 and PC rather than continue to delay the game to optimize for Xbox - probably in the form of elevated technical support from Sony.
But I don't think there was a mass market deal or exclusivity clause or anything like that. Sony probably simply helped them get the game released on time at the expense of putting Xbox development on hold until after release.
Re: Xbox's Indiana Jones Success Has Apparently Left Disney Wanting More
I want more Indiana Jones as well!
Re: Xbox Dominated The US Gaming Charts In Indiana Jones' Launch Week
Been playing it on Game Pass, but I'll probably pick up a Steam version at some point.
Glad it was a big success - it's well-deserved.
Re: Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays From All Of Us At Pure Xbox!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone here!
Also, happy gaming!
Re: Xbox's 'Top Paid' Backwards Compatible Title Could Be Coming To Game Pass
@Sol76 Just haven't had a Microsoft Store version of the game.
A lot of publishers don't release on Microsoft Store - which is a requirement for a game to be on PC Game Pass.
Activision games only started hitting Microsoft Store after it was acquired by Microsoft.
Capcom games only show up on the service when a game releases on Game Pass PC.
I don't think Bandai Namco releases on Microsoft Store unless the game is/was on Game Pass PC, either.
Microsoft Store is a pariah on PC - which is probably part of the reason why Game Pass PC hasn't been overly successful.
I bet, if Microsoft and Valve came to agreement where Steam versions can be downloaded, it would get more subscriptions.
Re: Xbox Series X|S Architect Officially Named 'VP Of Next-Generation' At Microsoft
@OldGamer999 Microsoft wanted developers to code smarter.
Sony didn't change anything, just gave developers more power to do the same.
On one hand, PS5 was great for developers because they could continue to do what they always had been doing to get the best results and faster.
On the other hand, it does nothing to address issues with game engines or really progress game development much beyond the PS4 era. Developers just keep doing the same old thing.
Unfortunately, most developers aren't really given any time to adapt to new techniques due to publisher demands. Developers couldn't spend time optimizing for the split-memory pool of the Series consoles.
Having the Series S requirement also means having to consider more constrained hardware - so, for the sake of time, developers really just take a "nuclear option" for that console and cut things down probably more than necessary and cap games at 30fps.
Quite honestly, the PS5 being the lead platform has stagnated a lot more than just Series consoles. All these "bad ports" on PC are a result of publishers/developers focusing so much on PlayStation and not enough time on other platforms.
The thing is, when a developer is given time, good things happen across the industry.
Baldur's Gate 3 is probably the "best" example of where having more challenging hardware can lead to a better code game. All the work the developers did to optimize for Series S led to huge memory savings for the game that provided boosts to all platforms.
It'll be interesting to see if the Series S development for Black Myth Wukong will lead to any improvements to the PS5/Series X version.
I'm not knocking Sony for this: it wasn't trying to make things more difficult for developers. That's a huge win for the platform from a publisher perspective. It's just that a side effect of this meant less progress in actual game engines aside from shinier coats of paint.
It'll be interesting to see if Microsoft will continue down the path of trying to make developers work "smarter" or if it will go back to a more "traditional" configuration with the next hardware.
Re: Talking Point: If Developer Direct Returns, Xbox Could Have A Killer 2025 Lineup
I wonder if Doom The Dark Ages will be as VRAM heavy as Indiana Jones - since Indy is built on the latest Id Tech engine.
Re: New Elder Scrolls 'Remake' Announcement Rumour Surfaces Online
@jesse_dylan Oh, I am all about no hand-holding - I have been gaming since like...1986 - but the game design of the older Elder Scrolls game is just frustrating as hell and not fun for me.
I gave both Arena and Daggerfall a fair shake multiple times, but I kept losing interest in the intro dungeon the game drops you in.
But, I also know classic RPG games like these also relied on having the game manual, reference cards, and any supplemental documents that came with the game in front of you in order to enjoy the game proper.
Sadly, except for GOG versions - which provides those as PDF downloads - those documents just aren't available.
I will say, I never really liked the dungeon-crawler genre, so there is already a bias against both games. I was more partial to platformers, actions games, point-and-click adventure games, real-time strategy, and FPS games from the time.
Re: New Elder Scrolls 'Remake' Announcement Rumour Surfaces Online
@jesse_dylan Neither one are very good in my opinion.
I tried both and had no idea how the series even became popular.
I guess, at the time, they were amazing feats of gaming...but looking at it through a modern lens, they are both hot garbage.
Re: New Elder Scrolls 'Remake' Announcement Rumour Surfaces Online
If any of the Elder Scrolls deserves a remake it's Arena - yeesh!
At least Daggerfall has the community-based Unity project that brings it more in-line with modern games. The first one is stuck in a time capsule.
Plus, you can at least configure the original Daggerfall controls to have a more "modern" control scheme (it's not perfect, but significantly better than Arena).
Re: Microsoft CEO: 'We Are Redefining What It Means To Be An Xbox Fan'
@Cakefish Now, now! Don't be so narrow-minded!
GOG exists, too! 😂
Re: Indiana Jones Update 2 Now Live On Xbox, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Thanks goodness! That DLSS bug was getting really annoying to deal with when combined with using the Full RT option.
The game is still incredibly weird when it comes to VRAM usage as I have had it slightly spill over my VRAM on one game load only to be just fine upon restarting. It's hasn't been as common of an issue as the DLSS bug, though.
But, Full RT or not, this game is just amazing!
Re: Final Fantasy Creator 'Deeply Moved' To Release His New RPG On Xbox
Yes, let's talk about Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey.
I think they are long overdue for a re-release.
Sure, they still work via backwards compatibility, but I do think it should get an official release on PC, Series X|S, PS5, and Switch - even if the only thing done is to run the games at 4K/60 on current gen consoles.
The artwork still holds up pretty well.
Re: Rumour: Sony's LEGO Horizon Adventures Could Be Coming To Xbox
Cool if it happens, though, I don't think the game itself reviewed too well.
I am all about games reaching more people - even if it isn't the largest of audiences.
I do wonder how Xbox gamers would react to the PSN login requirement, though (as I am sure if Sony ported any game to Xbox, it would still force them to make a PSN account just like it does on PC).
Re: Xbox's The Outer Worlds 2 Resurfaces, Coming To Game Pass In 2025
@themightyant Oh, I am not bashing Minecraft one bit. It's huge and keeping it multiplatform just made sense. It's just not my thing.
Re: Yes, The Outer Worlds 2 Is Another Xbox-Developed Game Heading To PS5
This is why I got rid of my Series X when I got my gaming PC. Sure, I have a few games I'd have to rebuy on PC if the desire to replay a game ever hits (whenever they go on a deep discount, that is), but I don't regret my decision one bit!
The real kicker, I could feasibly get rid of my PS5, too! Pretty much every Sony game I am interested in (other than Astro Bot and Demon's Souls) I can or will have [official] access to on PC. I bet, if I wait a year, I can get Ghost of Yotei on PC.
For the games that aren't officially available...well...there are answers to that on PC as well.
Re: Xbox's The Outer Worlds 2 Resurfaces, Coming To Game Pass In 2025
@themightyant Ah, nice find! I forgot about Minecraft Dungeons...I mean, I don't follow Minecraft one bit - except when I downloaded it after I got my new gaming PC so I could see how it ran with Path Tracing - so, it's certainly not something that would have come to mind right away.
Looking at the release history of Xbox Game Studios games and the history of Mojang, it's possible that Minecraft Vita Edition was the first "Xbox game" to come to PlayStation.
Microsoft announced its agreement to buy Mojang in September 2014, and Minecraft Vita Edition was release in October 2014.
It's a stretch as I bet the ink probably didn't even dry by then.
However, in November 2016, the Minecraft Bedrock Edition is the next instance where PlayStation is mentioned in the Xbox Game Studios list of games with its release across various platforms.
So..Minecraft was the gateway to multi-platform for Microsoft.
Re: Xbox's The Outer Worlds 2 Resurfaces, Coming To Game Pass In 2025
@awp69 @RamiBalek I think the honor goes to Psychonauts 2 - well..it wasn't native PS5, but it did have PS5 features via enhancements to the PS4 version when running in backwards compatibility.
Re: Xbox's The Outer Worlds 2 Resurfaces, Coming To Game Pass In 2025
Obsidian is doing Starfield better than Bethesda.