If the next-Box (or PS6) is not functionally a PC, I'm done with dedicated gaming consoles. We are seeing the tip of the price hikes, just wait for the next gen. I bet it will be eye watering!
With all the power, it will be absurd if next gen are only good for gaming. If it is not a multi-bladed tool, I'm done with consoles. Time to go full PC gaming. PC game pass is cheaper & acquiring games/keys is cheaper.
At this rate of console price inflation, I can't see myself going for the next gen xbox console, especially if it is a device primarily for gaming. PC game pass is cheaper and I need a PC/laptop, might as well spend a little more & up the gaming capabilities...
Perfect timing for a new game drop!! I just finished South of Midnight yesterday, quite frankly I didn't want to finish that game, but felt I got far enough into it that I needed to finish it, the repetitive combat throughout the game really got annoying & also the game was too linear/little exploration.
I'm up to chapter 6, it's OK for me. Enjoyed it more at the start, but the novelty is already wearing thin... I will probably finish it, but definitely cannot ever see myself replaying this. Sure, original story, music... But playing doesn't feel very rewarding, defined path, combat is very repetitive, same creatures
Logically you go Roman numeral like the Superbowl, then you know what is the latest and greatest version & you get to use more X's without it seeming like an adult only console. 😁
Then if you want more clarity or confusion, depending on your point of view, add extra letters for different versions... Xbox XXV series H = handheld Xbox XXVII series X|S Obviously like the Superbowl you don't actually say X X V I I, you say Xbox 27 series X|S 😁
@Rog-X Yes correct, I have Ally not Ally X. Googling direct from ASUS website they state Ally X battery life for AAA gaming on the X is double the previous generation at 2.7 hrs. That is certainly more reasonable than the max 1.5hrs I would see, but I still see this as a niche product. And yes I could also carry a big powerbank as a simple solution to battery life issues, but this is still not a portable gaming device (won't fit into any of my pockets...), it is luggable, I still need a backpack to carry it, but then I might as well game on my laptop's larger screen.
I could see AI being quite useful in gaming! For example, recently with Avowed, even though I had some of the treasure maps, I still needed to google/youtube to help me out. Or if I'm missing just a couple of the totem pieces, same thing, I'm googling for the missing piece, just asking AI for help would be easier... Sure maybe I should just play the game without the extra help, but then again, people are posting how to find/do things because people want the help... You know, let me the player decide, how much frustration I want to deal with & I decide when & how much help I want.
I have a ROG Ally. I was not convinced on the utility of the device, but it was offered free with the purchase of an Asus laptop. It is kinda exactly as I expected, niche product...
If it is supposed to be for portable on the go gaming, it really doesn't serve that purpose. After all it is too big to put in your pocket. You need to have a backpack to bring it along, in which case why not game on a bigger screen... laptop? If you're at home you are going to want to game on a bigger screen...
Also battery life is dreadful, sure it gets me through gaming on my dinner break at work (I work evening shifts), but again not something you can be away from a power source for any length of time. And again if I want to game at work during dinner break, I might as well game on my laptop with a bigger screen...
To me it is getting absurd to have a super powerful console and it can't also be a replacement for a PC or vise versa. Even if Microsoft did not make the next console like a PC, Series X|S would anyhow probably be my last dedicated console. PC gaming content is so much bigger & cheaper (eg. PC Game pass is cheaper & ability to buy games/keys cheaper). Future primarily gaming on PC is probably the future for me... I'm not going to be spending for figures $$$$ each for the next gen console and a PC.
Next gen console being essentially a PC is the most logical decision from my perspective. We have seen the blowback from the PS5 Pro price. Next gen top tier model (excluding the everything is an xbox, as even just your TV by itself can be an xbox...) will likely be similarly priced & get blowback if it is a device only for gaming.
I am old enough to have lived in a world where your phone now replaces multiple devices (phone, camera, GPS, game boy/entertainment...). We accept current high sticker price of phones because they do so much. It is getting absurd that you pay so much and have so much power in a gaming box & it doesn't replace the need to also have a PC or the reverse.
@TheGiraffe Yeah, there is no question wealthy countries also have significant amounts of their population who are not wealthy... Being in debt/bankrupt, can't leave parents house/homeless, or one paycheck away from being broke or one illness from also being broke (be it inability to work/earn income and/or medical bills)
But it would be impossible to price products based on your bank account balance or income level, so instead there is regional pricing.
I have always thought the buy codes from say India & VPN very sketchy, so I have not & wouldn't do that. I'm not surprised there could be blowback on people's accounts.
I would rather save money by buying non-recent highly rated games.
Skype was great for taking to family overseas, WhatsApp for me killed off Skype. It's like night & day between those two. I kept getting roped into scam group chats on Skype, I spent more time blocking these than actually using the product. Eventually I just stopped using it. As far as I'm concerned Microsoft really butchered Skype.
Looks like it is already patched. I downloaded Xbox One version. When I started it asked if I wanted to upgrade to Series X|S version, I accepted, it said something to the effect of thank you for your purchase. I go to my Owned games, but I don't see it. When I go back in to Xbox One, it again offers to upgrade, when I accept, it says it looks like I already own it, but I still don't see it in my Owned games list.
Edit: If I actually go to the X|S version it does say Install You Own this, but it doesn't actually show up in my Owned list of games (unlike Alan Wake Remastered glitch that still shows up in my Owned list). So it seems to be in the half patched limbo. In a few years I'm not going to remember that I "own this" if it doesn't show up in my owned list of games...
I'm 24hrs in & sleep deprived between getting gaming in after work & family duties are over. It felt like an 8/10 for me, but honestly should be higher if it is causing sleep deprivation😁
For those that criticize some elements of it, I'm glad I don't need a masters degree in RPG gaming. For a casual gamer, Avowed is great!
I am tempted to add to my GPU subscription before more points price inflation, but the reality is I also need a break from GPU to catch up on my backlog of games that I can't catch up on when I'm trying to get value from GPU by playing those games.
@Gooseuk I have been playing on both my Series X & also streamed it on my ROG ally (when main TV being used by family). For me it played fine, not going to really complain. Dropped connection once in a few hours of gaming, not really a show stopper... if it was a multiplayer game, getting dropped would be a real issue
@SMJ "Selling lots of consoles isn't the future of the industry and Microsoft know it."
Exactly 💯. PC/Steam gaming is anyhow the future.
Game pass is cheaper on PC, games are cheaper on PC, forget bragging about which console has more exclusives & better games, PC beats them all, forget about moaning about your library potentially being left behind if there is not a next or next/next console generation.
People whine about cost of living, cost of PS5 Pro, what's the next Gen going to cost?? Are people going to keep buying both a PC/laptop & a Console?
Quite frankly as a consumer, I don't see myself buying both, next Gen for me is most probably just shifting to PC gaming.
Hardware progressing is also diminishing returns. I have both a series X & S. Besides storage space, functionally I don't really notice a difference between them. Look at steam stats, huge numbers of PC gamers gamer on old hardware & play old games. Most people are not going to need a next console for a long time.
@johndoe89 I watched Youtube videos comparing Oblivion vs Avowed & Skyrim vs Avowed. Kinda surprising an almost 20yr old game is in many ways better than Avowed... NPCs are interactive, physics of old games are better, richer environment to interact with... Never played those two games. I will have to get around to playing those two in about 2yrs once my GPU sub runs out!
3hrs in, initial feeling is it is an 8/10 for me. Certainly good enough for me to want to continue playing.
At least for me, better than say Starfield or Flight Simulator, both of which I had no interest in playing after a couple hrs in, but not quite as good as Indian Jones and the Great Circle
If Xbox earns 100% on Xbox hardware, and only 70% on PlayStation hardware, but with PS5 outselling Xbox X|S in the range of 2 to 1. It's obvious Microsoft can't ignore launching games on PS5. If you sell $1 on Xbox and $2 on PS5 = $1.4, you still more than double console gaming revenue by selling on PS5. Not to mention adding in Nintendo switch.
In my books it should be obvious that Microsoft strategy of ditching exclusives is the right one. I really don't see what the issue is. Microsoft's whole existence is basically due to selling software that ran on other companies hardware, I can't say I am getting worked up about whether or not Microsoft makes console hardware forever.
@BacklogBrad Yeah, not to mention when you look at PCs, Steam hardware survey shows how much older hardware is so prevalent.
I have both a Series S (basement) & X (family room). I don't really notice a difference jumping between the two. There are diminishing returns from here out, our eyeballs & brain are only going to detect so much detail/information. Plus I don't have 20/20 vision, like many others as well.
@Jenkinss yup completely agree. Original LOTR trilogy was one book one movie, so The Hobbit should have followed that precedent with one movie. Not to mention The Hobbit 3 extended length movies is definitely over doing it!
@Isolte I'm already at the point where I am never paying full price for a game again, it has got to be at least 50%off to get my attention. There are literally too many good games I already own in the backlog to play.
Plus I have 2yr+ of GPU remaining & I'm accumulating PC games at around 300 games/yr on PC from EPIC (1-2 games/wk & daily games for 2 weeks during Christmas) & Amazon Prime games (approx 20 games/mo). Those 300 games/yr are not all gems, but even at 5-10% good games I would want to play, there is an insane accumulating backlog to work through... There is zero point in buying any games.
At this point the only "new" games I am getting is to put something on my wish list so people have something to buy me for Christmas, Father's day, & Birthdays, otherwise there is no point in adding to the ridiculous backlog.
Thanks! Works for me in Canada. I already purchased the LOTR in UHD on Microsoft Movies & TV app, was not a big fan of the Hobbit series, but for just 1,500 points that's a super cheap price! It didn't ever ask which resolution I wanted, but after redemption it is the UHD version, so thanks again!
These rewards are easier, but I am not sure I would say better, but certainly brain dead... I just launch any game left it idle for 15 min, did something else, repeat & knocked off the 4 & 8 game quests. PC & Console quests will mostly be launch game for 15min, if I don't actually have time to play what I want to.... At least for me, the achievements forced you to actually play a game...
I jumped from PS3 to Series S, and the gaming value has been incredible for me (multiple years of cheap Gold tier to GPU conversion, rewards points for more free GPU), however even for a big Xbox fan like me it is clear Xbox console war is lost.
It is not just that Series X|S is being outsold heavily by PS5, but the Series S outsells Series X, which means even smaller share of true current gen console sales. Baldur's Gate 3 couldn't launch on Series S without dropping features. Black Myth Wukong, developer already said Series S is holding back xbox launch. So true AAA games can't easily launch on Xbox (optimization++ required) + all games going to be on PS5, so it's clear Xbox consoles sales will continue to dwindle... lack of sales, lack of content, lack of sales, lack of content... vicious circle.
My guess Microsoft is going to go back to its software roots, not caring whos hardware they sell games on...
Literally bought For the King 2 a month ago on Steam! Got tired of waiting for it to hit console... Anyhow, looking forward to playing on Xbox, at least I will still own it when it eventually drops off GPU...
I'm also loving it!! So many IPs have been ruined, heck I can't watch Indiana movies any more, scared to watch the latest one as I don't want to ruin my childhood memories. But certainly so far I am loving this game!
I do have the just for you offers, but Jedi fallen order & Jedi survivor didn't show up there. If I search for those games, I do see the just for you discounts. The games backlog is getting so huge... I have another 18 months of GPU, I should just make a point of playing them before I don't subscribe anymore, at some point I'm going to have to stop subscribing to GPU to try to tackle the games backlog...
Edit: When I do the search the discount says -85% (CAD$ 9.47) for Fallen Order Deluxe, if I click on buy the price changes to 90% off = $6.50 Just for you.... Jedi Survivor Deluxe shows as -65% (CAD $45.49), then when click on buy the price also changes to 90% off = CAD$13.00 Just for you. So maybe if you don't see the discount click through to buy. But... awfully tempting...
I really only play a few games, but try many out due to GPU (year end review says I played 112 games). I converted 2yrs of games with gold to GPU for $1, plus with rewards points I still have 1.5yrs of GPU. So I really can't complain about value!! Have been accumulating a games backlog on sales, so I probably won't add anymore to what I already have subscribed. Eventually I will need to tackle the backlog, but right now GPU doesn't give me any spare time to tackle it.
We might not agree with everything Phil does/says (although the puppet masters are probably really the ones in control...), but as an exec who actually uses his products, I got to give him credit for that!
For practical purposes we are definitely reaching diminishing returns, how many more pixels/refresh rate can our eye balls/brain handle?? I'm sure I don't have the vision requirements to be a pilot, having said that, I have both a Series S (basement) & Series X (main floor) and when I hop between them, I do not notice a difference between them. If they were side by side in the same room & I stop to pixel compare, yeah sure I would probably notice a difference, but for effective purposes I really don't care which console I use. We are definitely into diminishing returns for next console generations.
I can't imagine that I am really going to notice the difference in the next 'Largest Technical Leap', my eye balls are probably not good enough to notice the difference. Mainly I just need more storage for the games that are getting ever bigger.
I have so many great Xbox experiences, there is no way Sony/PS5 would have been a better choice for me. First off, I haven't played video games much since high school, too busy otherwise, university, career, raising family... When my kids were younger we had the Wii & PS3. Kids are now young adults. Bought my older daughter a PS5 as a birthday gift since that was what she wanted.
1) Best memory is my "Free" Xbox Series S, I got from a big Canadian drug store chain through loyalty points. But it took about 2 yrs after launch for enough availability for me to finally get the Series S. In a way I'm thankful PS5 was more popular & difficult to get "free" through loyalty points.
2) Not being much into gaming or having previous generation console, I lacked content to play. I knew of the Games with Gold stacking then conversion to Game Pass Ultimate for $1. I only did 2 years of Games with Gold conversion (hindsight I should have done 3 years, but wasn't sure I would be that into gaming), but that is definitely memory #2, as now I had lots of great gaming content for super cheap.
3) Game Pass Ultimate is next best memory as now I immediately had lots of content to play & could slowly build up my owned library of games when good sales came along.
4) After I'm hooked on Xbox gaming, I bought a used Xbox Series X, after the nonsense of ripoff used prices died down a bit.
5) Microsoft Reward Points, despite ongoing nerfing, I'm sure this is still way better than what I could earn by going Sony/PS5. I started with 2 years GPU (from Games with Gold Conversion), and two years later I still have another 1.5yrs of GPU, even though I only paid for another 3 months of GPU. All the rest were rewards points. I could add a few more years of GPU, but now saving points towards the next thing (Xbox handheld or next gen console).
Yeah, so I would say Series X/S generation has been VERY GOOD for me. It has been incredible value. Yes, some things don't meet expectations (eg. Redfall, Starfield for me, etc), but in terms of gaming value there is no way I would be better off in Sony/PS5 ecosystem.
What I don't understand is this gen launched in the pandemic. Basically if you made certain things you could sell all you wanted to make... home gym equipment, bicycles, kayaks, toilet paper... . To basically sell half of what PS5 did really says incompetence...
For like 2 years of the launch of PS5/XSX, plenty of people were willing to pay more than $700 from scalpers for a console. Plus I've seen the phones kids carry these days, $700 for a console is cheap, especially when it's not their money paying for it. $700 PS5 Pro is not for me but I'm sure Sony will sell plenty.
They only redeeming value for me was games with gold for 2yrs then doing the $1 ultimate trial to get 2yrs of game pass ultimate. After that it was just monthly complaining about how bad the games were.
Everyone has to personally determine if Game Pass is worth it to them or not. I don't like the price hikes either, but at the same time I feel like Game Pass is still incredible value.
At least for me nothing comes close in terms of value for entertainment. What else am I going to do for fun? Streaming services are trash with few good content. And going out into the real world for fun costs serious bucks worse inflation issues! Just going to my local amusement park one day admission = 2x GPU monthly price, parking = 1.5x GPU + a foot long hot dog/fries/drink = 1x GPU + gas. It's like I can go out for one day of fun in the real world or get half a year of GPU entertainment.
I could go on... going to a major league game, concert, theatre, going out for dinner + drinks, etc. To me GPU is cheap compared to alternatives.
Having both a Series X & S, quite frankly if I'm going to invest in more gaming hardware I want more of an upgrade than just more storage. At this point I'm holding out for next gen or going for gaming on a PC.
Series S for me, easiest way into current Gen during pandemic & supply shortages, plus was able to get it "free" with points. Then convert a couple years Games With Gold & with upgrade to Game Pass Ultimate for $1, then throw in earning Microsoft rewards points & this has got to be the absolute bargain for entertainment value. Lots of "fans" bashing Microsoft lately, but quite frankly at least for me, there is nothing Sony could have done to provide equivalent bang for my entertainment money.
I'm not sure why there is so much angst about Xbox moving away from a dedicated gaming platform/hardware. I'm old enough to remember that at one point I used to own dedicated devices such as cell phone, personal digital assistant/palm pilot, camera & GPS device...
Now the flagship cell phone got powerful enough it replaced multiple devices, people don't really question paying top dollar for a very useful device. If Xbox is going to be powerful "greatest leap in a generation", it better be essentially a PC because I doubt the market is going to be big enough for a powerful & expensive machine that only play games, it better have better utility. It better be a replacement for needing a PC. In my mind it is hard to imagine a flagship "console" that is only useful for playing games. The market is huge for Pro/ultra level phones because of the utility, a premium console experience will need greater utility than just gaming.
@Spiker_Kev For someone who has never seen Star Wars there is a very good case that neither Episode/Story Order or Release Order are the best way to view Star Wars. There are very good arguments that viewing in the Machete Order preserves plot twists, namely view in this order: 4, 5, 2, 3, 6. With episode 1 not necessary to view. Google search Machete Order will fully justify why to view in this order.
Honestly I just don't get the appeal of a dedicated gaming device. Just optimize the gaming experience on my phone, I don't want to carry multiple hardware devices stuffed into my pockets. Let me carry one device that rules them all...
You already carry your phone that killed you needing to have many other devices... I'm old enough to have had: -Gaming: GameBoy -Personal Digital Assistant: PalmPilot, Windows CE PocketPC -Music: Walkman, iPod -GPS -Digital Camera -Calculator -Flashlight Not to mention it can do phone things like placing a call I don't want to stuff my pockets when I'm on the go/"mobile".
Plus next gen Xbox, better be like my phone, one device to rule them all... With all that new supposed horsepower, it better do PC things & gaming things all in one box.
@Lup If you respect your intelligence completely agree with @Spider-Kev, do not watch Disney Sequels! Sure there is a point to plot twists & "subverting expectations", but at the same time don't insult our intelligence. Yes Star Wars is a made up universe, but at least be consistent in the universe & characters that were constructed. Watching Disney's sequels is like watching the last season of Game of Thrones, yes you will see some action, but if you have a brain you will feel insulted for the universe destruction & character destruction, nothing you watched previously means anything.
The only Disney "sequel" worth watching is Rogue One, and that is because Disney could not put in idiotic "plot twists" as that movie fits in between episode 3 & 4, so Rogue One needs to be consistent to that continuity.
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Re: Talking Point: Would You Still Buy An Xbox At Microsoft's 2025 Prices?
If the next-Box (or PS6) is not functionally a PC, I'm done with dedicated gaming consoles. We are seeing the tip of the price hikes, just wait for the next gen. I bet it will be eye watering!
With all the power, it will be absurd if next gen are only good for gaming. If it is not a multi-bladed tool, I'm done with consoles. Time to go full PC gaming. PC game pass is cheaper & acquiring games/keys is cheaper.
Re: Reaction: $80 Game Prices Are Ridiculous, Adding Even More Value To Xbox Game Pass
There is zero chance I am going to be paying new launch game prices! It is getting time to start tackling the game backlog!
Re: Xbox Is Raising The Price Of Consoles, Games And Accessories
At this rate of console price inflation, I can't see myself going for the next gen xbox console, especially if it is a device primarily for gaming. PC game pass is cheaper and I need a PC/laptop, might as well spend a little more & up the gaming capabilities...
Re: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Is Now Available On Xbox Game Pass
Perfect timing for a new game drop!! I just finished South of Midnight yesterday, quite frankly I didn't want to finish that game, but felt I got far enough into it that I needed to finish it, the repetitive combat throughout the game really got annoying & also the game was too linear/little exploration.
Re: Opinion: South Of Midnight Reminds Me Why I Love Xbox Game Pass
I'm up to chapter 6, it's OK for me. Enjoyed it more at the start, but the novelty is already wearing thin... I will probably finish it, but definitely cannot ever see myself replaying this. Sure, original story, music... But playing doesn't feel very rewarding, defined path, combat is very repetitive, same creatures
Re: Talking Point: What Should Microsoft Call The '2027' Xbox Console & Handheld?
Logically you go Roman numeral like the Superbowl, then you know what is the latest and greatest version & you get to use more X's without it seeming like an adult only console. 😁
Then if you want more clarity or confusion, depending on your point of view, add extra letters for different versions...
Xbox XXV series H = handheld
Xbox XXVII series X|S
Obviously like the Superbowl you don't actually say X X V I I, you say Xbox 27 series X|S 😁
Re: Report: Xbox Handheld For 2025 Being Made By ASUS, Will Feature Console-Like Interface
@Rog-X Yes correct, I have Ally not Ally X. Googling direct from ASUS website they state Ally X battery life for AAA gaming on the X is double the previous generation at 2.7 hrs. That is certainly more reasonable than the max 1.5hrs I would see, but I still see this as a niche product. And yes I could also carry a big powerbank as a simple solution to battery life issues, but this is still not a portable gaming device (won't fit into any of my pockets...), it is luggable, I still need a backpack to carry it, but then I might as well game on my laptop's larger screen.
Re: Phil Spencer 'Excited' About Xbox Copilot, An AI Tool That Helps Players Finish Games
I could see AI being quite useful in gaming! For example, recently with Avowed, even though I had some of the treasure maps, I still needed to google/youtube to help me out. Or if I'm missing just a couple of the totem pieces, same thing, I'm googling for the missing piece, just asking AI for help would be easier... Sure maybe I should just play the game without the extra help, but then again, people are posting how to find/do things because people want the help... You know, let me the player decide, how much frustration I want to deal with & I decide when & how much help I want.
Re: Report: Xbox Handheld For 2025 Being Made By ASUS, Will Feature Console-Like Interface
I have a ROG Ally. I was not convinced on the utility of the device, but it was offered free with the purchase of an Asus laptop. It is kinda exactly as I expected, niche product...
If it is supposed to be for portable on the go gaming, it really doesn't serve that purpose. After all it is too big to put in your pocket. You need to have a backpack to bring it along, in which case why not game on a bigger screen... laptop? If you're at home you are going to want to game on a bigger screen...
Also battery life is dreadful, sure it gets me through gaming on my dinner break at work (I work evening shifts), but again not something you can be away from a power source for any length of time. And again if I want to game at work during dinner break, I might as well game on my laptop with a bigger screen...
Re: Talking Point: If The Next-Gen Xbox Is More 'PC-Like', Will You Still Buy It?
To me it is getting absurd to have a super powerful console and it can't also be a replacement for a PC or vise versa. Even if Microsoft did not make the next console like a PC, Series X|S would anyhow probably be my last dedicated console. PC gaming content is so much bigger & cheaper (eg. PC Game pass is cheaper & ability to buy games/keys cheaper). Future primarily gaming on PC is probably the future for me... I'm not going to be spending for figures $$$$ each for the next gen console and a PC.
Re: Xbox Reporter 'Pretty Sure' New Console Is Set To Launch In 2027
Next gen console being essentially a PC is the most logical decision from my perspective. We have seen the blowback from the PS5 Pro price. Next gen top tier model (excluding the everything is an xbox, as even just your TV by itself can be an xbox...) will likely be similarly priced & get blowback if it is a device only for gaming.
I am old enough to have lived in a world where your phone now replaces multiple devices (phone, camera, GPS, game boy/entertainment...). We accept current high sticker price of phones because they do so much. It is getting absurd that you pay so much and have so much power in a gaming box & it doesn't replace the need to also have a PC or the reverse.
Re: Xbox Players Say They're Being 'Banned Indefinitely' For Using A VPN
@TheGiraffe Yeah, there is no question wealthy countries also have significant amounts of their population who are not wealthy... Being in debt/bankrupt, can't leave parents house/homeless, or one paycheck away from being broke or one illness from also being broke (be it inability to work/earn income and/or medical bills)
But it would be impossible to price products based on your bank account balance or income level, so instead there is regional pricing.
I have always thought the buy codes from say India & VPN very sketchy, so I have not & wouldn't do that. I'm not surprised there could be blowback on people's accounts.
I would rather save money by buying non-recent highly rated games.
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of 'Balatro' On Xbox Game Pass So Far?
@FarmDog08 Similar, didn't do anything for me... I don't know maybe it is because I don't play poker?
Re: Talking Point: As Skype Shuts Its Doors, An Old Xbox Feature Retires To The History Books
Skype was great for taking to family overseas, WhatsApp for me killed off Skype. It's like night & day between those two. I kept getting roped into scam group chats on Skype, I spent more time blocking these than actually using the product. Eventually I just stopped using it. As far as I'm concerned Microsoft really butchered Skype.
Re: Xbox Glitch Sees 'Dragon Ball FighterZ' Get 100% Discount
Looks like it is already patched. I downloaded Xbox One version. When I started it asked if I wanted to upgrade to Series X|S version, I accepted, it said something to the effect of thank you for your purchase. I go to my Owned games, but I don't see it. When I go back in to Xbox One, it again offers to upgrade, when I accept, it says it looks like I already own it, but I still don't see it in my Owned games list.
Edit: If I actually go to the X|S version it does say Install You Own this, but it doesn't actually show up in my Owned list of games (unlike Alan Wake Remastered glitch that still shows up in my Owned list). So it seems to be in the half patched limbo. In a few years I'm not going to remember that I "own this" if it doesn't show up in my owned list of games...
Re: Xbox RPG Avowed Seemingly Sold Well Despite Being In Game Pass
I'm 24hrs in & sleep deprived between getting gaming in after work & family duties are over. It felt like an 8/10 for me, but honestly should be higher if it is causing sleep deprivation😁
For those that criticize some elements of it, I'm glad I don't need a masters degree in RPG gaming. For a casual gamer, Avowed is great!
Re: Microsoft Rewards Appears To Be Increasing Its Prices For Xbox Game Pass
I am tempted to add to my GPU subscription before more points price inflation, but the reality is I also need a break from GPU to catch up on my backlog of games that I can't catch up on when I'm trying to get value from GPU by playing those games.
Re: Poll: Xbox Fans, What Review Score Would You Give Avowed So Far?
@Gooseuk I have been playing on both my Series X & also streamed it on my ROG ally (when main TV being used by family). For me it played fine, not going to really complain. Dropped connection once in a few hours of gaming, not really a show stopper... if it was a multiplayer game, getting dropped would be a real issue
Re: How Microsoft Managed Xbox Brand 'Is Not My F**king Fault', Says OG Xbox Creator
@SMJ "Selling lots of consoles isn't the future of the industry and Microsoft know it."
Exactly 💯. PC/Steam gaming is anyhow the future.
Game pass is cheaper on PC, games are cheaper on PC, forget bragging about which console has more exclusives & better games, PC beats them all, forget about moaning about your library potentially being left behind if there is not a next or next/next console generation.
People whine about cost of living, cost of PS5 Pro, what's the next Gen going to cost?? Are people going to keep buying both a PC/laptop & a Console?
Quite frankly as a consumer, I don't see myself buying both, next Gen for me is most probably just shifting to PC gaming.
Hardware progressing is also diminishing returns. I have both a series X & S. Besides storage space, functionally I don't really notice a difference between them. Look at steam stats, huge numbers of PC gamers gamer on old hardware & play old games. Most people are not going to need a next console for a long time.
Re: Poll: Xbox Fans, What Review Score Would You Give Avowed So Far?
@johndoe89 I watched Youtube videos comparing Oblivion vs Avowed & Skyrim vs Avowed. Kinda surprising an almost 20yr old game is in many ways better than Avowed... NPCs are interactive, physics of old games are better, richer environment to interact with... Never played those two games. I will have to get around to playing those two in about 2yrs once my GPU sub runs out!
Re: Poll: Xbox Fans, What Review Score Would You Give Avowed So Far?
3hrs in, initial feeling is it is an 8/10 for me. Certainly good enough for me to want to continue playing.
At least for me, better than say Starfield or Flight Simulator, both of which I had no interest in playing after a couple hrs in, but not quite as good as Indian Jones and the Great Circle
Re: Marvel Rivals Publisher Confirms Mass US Layoffs In New Company Statement
Can't say I would want to work in the gaming industry. Job losses & likely more with AI.
Re: Xbox's New Strategy Is 'Right' For The Business And Needs To Be Embraced, Says Former Exec
If Xbox earns 100% on Xbox hardware, and only 70% on PlayStation hardware, but with PS5 outselling Xbox X|S in the range of 2 to 1. It's obvious Microsoft can't ignore launching games on PS5. If you sell $1 on Xbox and $2 on PS5 = $1.4, you still more than double console gaming revenue by selling on PS5. Not to mention adding in Nintendo switch.
In my books it should be obvious that Microsoft strategy of ditching exclusives is the right one. I really don't see what the issue is. Microsoft's whole existence is basically due to selling software that ran on other companies hardware, I can't say I am getting worked up about whether or not Microsoft makes console hardware forever.
Re: Poll: What Kind Of Review Scores Are You Predicting For Avowed?
@Ricky-Spanish Exactly, quite pointless trying to guess at this point. Could be a Starfield or God forbid a Redfall...
Re: Xbox Series S 'Greatly Helped' With Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Development
@BacklogBrad Yeah, not to mention when you look at PCs, Steam hardware survey shows how much older hardware is so prevalent.
I have both a Series S (basement) & X (family room). I don't really notice a difference jumping between the two. There are diminishing returns from here out, our eyeballs & brain are only going to detect so much detail/information. Plus I don't have 20/20 vision, like many others as well.
Re: Microsoft Rewards Is Practically Giving Away Six Big Movies Right Now
@Jenkinss yup completely agree. Original LOTR trilogy was one book one movie, so The Hobbit should have followed that precedent with one movie. Not to mention The Hobbit 3 extended length movies is definitely over doing it!
Re: Talking Point: Are You Buying Kingdom Come Deliverance 2?
@Isolte I'm already at the point where I am never paying full price for a game again, it has got to be at least 50%off to get my attention. There are literally too many good games I already own in the backlog to play.
Plus I have 2yr+ of GPU remaining & I'm accumulating PC games at around 300 games/yr on PC from EPIC (1-2 games/wk & daily games for 2 weeks during Christmas) & Amazon Prime games (approx 20 games/mo). Those 300 games/yr are not all gems, but even at 5-10% good games I would want to play, there is an insane accumulating backlog to work through... There is zero point in buying any games.
At this point the only "new" games I am getting is to put something on my wish list so people have something to buy me for Christmas, Father's day, & Birthdays, otherwise there is no point in adding to the ridiculous backlog.
Re: Microsoft Rewards Is Practically Giving Away Six Big Movies Right Now
Thanks! Works for me in Canada. I already purchased the LOTR in UHD on Microsoft Movies & TV app, was not a big fan of the Hobbit series, but for just 1,500 points that's a super cheap price! It didn't ever ask which resolution I wanted, but after redemption it is the UHD version, so thanks again!
Re: Xbox Glitch Sees Alan Wake Remastered Get 100% Discount
Thank you! Worked for me up here in Canada! Still "Just for You" free due to a recent purchase (Alan Wake II trial). Still free at 1pm!
Re: Talking Point: Xbox Fans Divided Over Changes To 'Rewards' System
These rewards are easier, but I am not sure I would say better, but certainly brain dead... I just launch any game left it idle for 15 min, did something else, repeat & knocked off the 4 & 8 game quests. PC & Console quests will mostly be launch game for 15min, if I don't actually have time to play what I want to.... At least for me, the achievements forced you to actually play a game...
Re: Xbox Series X|S Sales Estimates Show Consoles Lagging Far Behind Last-Gen
I jumped from PS3 to Series S, and the gaming value has been incredible for me (multiple years of cheap Gold tier to GPU conversion, rewards points for more free GPU), however even for a big Xbox fan like me it is clear Xbox console war is lost.
It is not just that Series X|S is being outsold heavily by PS5, but the Series S outsells Series X, which means even smaller share of true current gen console sales. Baldur's Gate 3 couldn't launch on Series S without dropping features. Black Myth Wukong, developer already said Series S is holding back xbox launch. So true AAA games can't easily launch on Xbox (optimization++ required) + all games going to be on PS5, so it's clear Xbox consoles sales will continue to dwindle... lack of sales, lack of content, lack of sales, lack of content... vicious circle.
My guess Microsoft is going to go back to its software roots, not caring whos hardware they sell games on...
Re: Two Games Are Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (December 12)
Literally bought For the King 2 a month ago on Steam! Got tired of waiting for it to hit console... Anyhow, looking forward to playing on Xbox, at least I will still own it when it eventually drops off GPU...
Re: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle Is Now Available On Xbox Game Pass (December 9)
I'm also loving it!! So many IPs have been ruined, heck I can't watch Indiana movies any more, scared to watch the latest one as I don't want to ruin my childhood memories. But certainly so far I am loving this game!
Re: Xbox Is Offering Incredible 'Just For You' Deals Right Now, 90% Off Multiple EA Games
I do have the just for you offers, but Jedi fallen order & Jedi survivor didn't show up there. If I search for those games, I do see the just for you discounts. The games backlog is getting so huge... I have another 18 months of GPU, I should just make a point of playing them before I don't subscribe anymore, at some point I'm going to have to stop subscribing to GPU to try to tackle the games backlog...
Edit: When I do the search the discount says -85% (CAD$ 9.47) for Fallen Order Deluxe, if I click on buy the price changes to 90% off = $6.50 Just for you.... Jedi Survivor Deluxe shows as -65% (CAD $45.49), then when click on buy the price also changes to 90% off = CAD$13.00 Just for you. So maybe if you don't see the discount click through to buy. But... awfully tempting...
Re: Talking Point: What Are Your Overall Thoughts On Xbox Game Pass In 2024?
I really only play a few games, but try many out due to GPU (year end review says I played 112 games). I converted 2yrs of games with gold to GPU for $1, plus with rewards points I still have 1.5yrs of GPU. So I really can't complain about value!! Have been accumulating a games backlog on sales, so I probably won't add anymore to what I already have subscribed. Eventually I will need to tackle the backlog, but right now GPU doesn't give me any spare time to tackle it.
Edit: did the 2yr gold conversion 2yrs ago
Re: Phil Spencer Shares His Xbox 'Year In Review', And He's Been Very Busy In 2024
I'm in the top 2%/1%/1%. I might just have to fire up solitaire on the PC & just leave it running in the background to crack 😁 the top 1%/1%/1%
Re: Phil Spencer Shares His Xbox 'Year In Review', And He's Been Very Busy In 2024
We might not agree with everything Phil does/says (although the puppet masters are probably really the ones in control...), but as an exec who actually uses his products, I got to give him credit for that!
Re: Xbox Fans Ponder What 'Largest Technical Leap' Means For The Series X Successor
For practical purposes we are definitely reaching diminishing returns, how many more pixels/refresh rate can our eye balls/brain handle?? I'm sure I don't have the vision requirements to be a pilot, having said that, I have both a Series S (basement) & Series X (main floor) and when I hop between them, I do not notice a difference between them. If they were side by side in the same room & I stop to pixel compare, yeah sure I would probably notice a difference, but for effective purposes I really don't care which console I use. We are definitely into diminishing returns for next console generations.
I can't imagine that I am really going to notice the difference in the next 'Largest Technical Leap', my eye balls are probably not good enough to notice the difference. Mainly I just need more storage for the games that are getting ever bigger.
Re: Talking Point: What's Your Favourite Memory Of The Xbox Series X|S Generation So Far?
I have so many great Xbox experiences, there is no way Sony/PS5 would have been a better choice for me. First off, I haven't played video games much since high school, too busy otherwise, university, career, raising family... When my kids were younger we had the Wii & PS3. Kids are now young adults. Bought my older daughter a PS5 as a birthday gift since that was what she wanted.
1) Best memory is my "Free" Xbox Series S, I got from a big Canadian drug store chain through loyalty points. But it took about 2 yrs after launch for enough availability for me to finally get the Series S. In a way I'm thankful PS5 was more popular & difficult to get "free" through loyalty points.
2) Not being much into gaming or having previous generation console, I lacked content to play. I knew of the Games with Gold stacking then conversion to Game Pass Ultimate for $1. I only did 2 years of Games with Gold conversion (hindsight I should have done 3 years, but wasn't sure I would be that into gaming), but that is definitely memory #2, as now I had lots of great gaming content for super cheap.
3) Game Pass Ultimate is next best memory as now I immediately had lots of content to play & could slowly build up my owned library of games when good sales came along.
4) After I'm hooked on Xbox gaming, I bought a used Xbox Series X, after the nonsense of ripoff used prices died down a bit.
5) Microsoft Reward Points, despite ongoing nerfing, I'm sure this is still way better than what I could earn by going Sony/PS5. I started with 2 years GPU (from Games with Gold Conversion), and two years later I still have another 1.5yrs of GPU, even though I only paid for another 3 months of GPU. All the rest were rewards points. I could add a few more years of GPU, but now saving points towards the next thing (Xbox handheld or next gen console).
Yeah, so I would say Series X/S generation has been VERY GOOD for me. It has been incredible value. Yes, some things don't meet expectations (eg. Redfall, Starfield for me, etc), but in terms of gaming value there is no way I would be better off in Sony/PS5 ecosystem.
Re: Xbox Series X|S Console Sales Estimated At Under Half Of PS5 In New Report
What I don't understand is this gen launched in the pandemic. Basically if you made certain things you could sell all you wanted to make... home gym equipment, bicycles, kayaks, toilet paper... . To basically sell half of what PS5 did really says incompetence...
Re: Talking Point: What's Your Favourite Xbox Game Of The Year So Far?
@AlwaysPlaying Same! I have a serious Brotato addiction! That game has saved me a fortune, no need to do anything else in my free time!
Re: Reaction: PS5 Pro's Extortionate Price Justifies Xbox's Lack Of A New Console
For like 2 years of the launch of PS5/XSX, plenty of people were willing to pay more than $700 from scalpers for a console. Plus I've seen the phones kids carry these days, $700 for a console is cheap, especially when it's not their money paying for it. $700 PS5 Pro is not for me but I'm sure Sony will sell plenty.
Re: Soapbox: 12 Months Later, I Definitely Still Miss Xbox Games With Gold
They only redeeming value for me was games with gold for 2yrs then doing the $1 ultimate trial to get 2yrs of game pass ultimate. After that it was just monthly complaining about how bad the games were.
Re: FTC Calls Out Xbox's New 'Degraded' Game Pass Tier & Price Increases
Everyone has to personally determine if Game Pass is worth it to them or not. I don't like the price hikes either, but at the same time I feel like Game Pass is still incredible value.
At least for me nothing comes close in terms of value for entertainment. What else am I going to do for fun? Streaming services are trash with few good content. And going out into the real world for fun costs serious bucks worse inflation issues! Just going to my local amusement park one day admission = 2x GPU monthly price, parking = 1.5x GPU + a foot long hot dog/fries/drink = 1x GPU + gas. It's like I can go out for one day of fun in the real world or get half a year of GPU entertainment.
I could go on... going to a major league game, concert, theatre, going out for dinner + drinks, etc. To me GPU is cheap compared to alternatives.
Re: Talking Point: Are You Interested In Any Of The New Xbox Series X|S Models?
Having both a Series X & S, quite frankly if I'm going to invest in more gaming hardware I want more of an upgrade than just more storage. At this point I'm holding out for next gen or going for gaming on a PC.
Re: Talking Point: What Convinced You To Pick Xbox In The First Place?
Series S for me, easiest way into current Gen during pandemic & supply shortages, plus was able to get it "free" with points. Then convert a couple years Games With Gold & with upgrade to Game Pass Ultimate for $1, then throw in earning Microsoft rewards points & this has got to be the absolute bargain for entertainment value. Lots of "fans" bashing Microsoft lately, but quite frankly at least for me, there is nothing Sony could have done to provide equivalent bang for my entertainment money.
Re: Talking Point: Is Sarah Bond Hinting At Eventually Moving Away From Xbox Hardware?
I'm not sure why there is so much angst about Xbox moving away from a dedicated gaming platform/hardware. I'm old enough to remember that at one point I used to own dedicated devices such as cell phone, personal digital assistant/palm pilot, camera & GPS device...
Now the flagship cell phone got powerful enough it replaced multiple devices, people don't really question paying top dollar for a very useful device. If Xbox is going to be powerful "greatest leap in a generation", it better be essentially a PC because I doubt the market is going to be big enough for a powerful & expensive machine that only play games, it better have better utility. It better be a replacement for needing a PC. In my mind it is hard to imagine a flagship "console" that is only useful for playing games. The market is huge for Pro/ultra level phones because of the utility, a premium console experience will need greater utility than just gaming.
Re: Star Wars Outlaws Rated In Multiple Regions As Ubisoft Seemingly Nears Xbox Release
@Spiker_Kev For someone who has never seen Star Wars there is a very good case that neither Episode/Story Order or Release Order are the best way to view Star Wars. There are very good arguments that viewing in the Machete Order preserves plot twists, namely view in this order:
4, 5, 2, 3, 6. With episode 1 not necessary to view.
Google search Machete Order will fully justify why to view in this order.
Re: Xbox Boss On Handheld Rumours: Hardware Team Considering Different 'Form Factors'
Honestly I just don't get the appeal of a dedicated gaming device. Just optimize the gaming experience on my phone, I don't want to carry multiple hardware devices stuffed into my pockets. Let me carry one device that rules them all...
You already carry your phone that killed you needing to have many other devices... I'm old enough to have had:
-Gaming: GameBoy
-Personal Digital Assistant: PalmPilot, Windows CE PocketPC
-Music: Walkman, iPod
-GPS
-Digital Camera
-Calculator
-Flashlight
Not to mention it can do phone things like placing a call
I don't want to stuff my pockets when I'm on the go/"mobile".
Plus next gen Xbox, better be like my phone, one device to rule them all... With all that new supposed horsepower, it better do PC things & gaming things all in one box.
Re: Star Wars Outlaws Rated In Multiple Regions As Ubisoft Seemingly Nears Xbox Release
@Lup If you respect your intelligence completely agree with @Spider-Kev, do not watch Disney Sequels! Sure there is a point to plot twists & "subverting expectations", but at the same time don't insult our intelligence. Yes Star Wars is a made up universe, but at least be consistent in the universe & characters that were constructed. Watching Disney's sequels is like watching the last season of Game of Thrones, yes you will see some action, but if you have a brain you will feel insulted for the universe destruction & character destruction, nothing you watched previously means anything.
The only Disney "sequel" worth watching is Rogue One, and that is because Disney could not put in idiotic "plot twists" as that movie fits in between episode 3 & 4, so Rogue One needs to be consistent to that continuity.