I'm really wondering if that mercenary game was canceled? Not heard anything about it for years now. Think called Iron Bolt or something? Been so long even forget the name.
Announced at E3 years ago. Think set in 1940s? Loot gold? Heck can't even remember. Just another example of why The 6 Month Rule is absolutely the ONLY way to go.
Wonder if EA is factoring in that, to my knowledge, all their games eventually go to EA online service. So why buy the game?
Again, I'll stress, these online subscription services hurt the developers bottom line. It is going to lead in downfall of gaming, or at very least, noticeable decline in overall quality of games.
@somnambulance That's the very reason I stopped watching developer shows and Xbox showcases. Absolutely am tired of seeing a game trailer that grabs my complete interest only have end with, coming 2073.
Ummm, no thanks.
That far out sooooo much can happen. Game gets canceled, delayed until 2278, set into infinite delay world. And yes, we have seen ALL the above often now.
Developers REALLY need to start following the 6 Month Rule. Doing that just better for everyone involved.
Here is the thing I feel Microsoft not understand (other than how to NOT successfully market their products or have a well thought out PLAN for their products) is why would a third party developer even want develop for Microsoft since their sales going stink on Xbox.
No, I'm wrong. That's crazy talk! Right?!?
Well, not so fast. I'll explain.
Game pass (you know that "best deal in gaming" rubbish propaganda that's thrown around so much) is hindering Xbox. Games lose, what did the report say, 80% of their sales? That's huge.
But so what! Game doesn't have to be on game pass, so take that to your theory! Again...not so fast. Not read a statistic, but I'd bet a lot of people are, meh, I'll wait for it to hit game pass since I'm being forced into paying $23+ a month for it as it is. So developers losing sales even on that front.
And, of course, the big elephant in the room is, why should a person even buy a game on Xbox at this point since Microsoft is giving every hint, sign, message, that next gen very well may be their exit and who knows what's going to happen. Our libraries be around? Will online servers be cut immediately? Will my games even play then? But, hey, that's the wondrous beauty of an all digital world, right? It's the greatest thing ever to just buy a license to a product...instead of owning it.
@armondo36 On Xbox side, can fully put that issue on Series S.
When being forced continually develope for the LOWEST common denominator, that console or possibly even THAT generation will NEVER reach full potential.
Getting rid of lot dead weight within 343i (Halo Studios or whatever calling it this week) be great first step. Using those freed up salaries into next halo game and future halo titles be second great step.
It is obvious 343i needs an extremely good trim, starting from top down.
Thr exclusivity thing really starting to bother me more and more. Guess had to set in with me longer. It been lot different if Xbox would get some Playstation exclusives in return for letting games like Halo and Gears go over. Where is spider-man? Horizon Dawn?
@Elbow Oh my! Don't dare speak the truth of Series S being terrible idea and even more terrible console. The Series S fanboys will bring out the pitchforks and torches.
@cburg 2nd largest gaming company in the world....that will no longer put out a console to sell.
Nadella is the video game equivalent of Mike Tomlin. Gets handed an incredible Steelers team but slowly takes them to mediocrity and horrible playoff record.
@fatpunkslim ...and every game you mentioned probably launches on PS5 same day or within the year.
I'm so very disappointed with what's being done to Xbox. I've been with Xbox since that very first day on 11/15/01. Such glorious time be Xbox fan back then.
"we're even hearing rumours about it potentially coming to PS5."
At this point in time with how Xbox being handled. It's like saying, we're hearing McDonald's potentially going to offer the Shamrock Shake again this year.
@Ricky-Spanish Honestly didn't even read reviews for Outlaws. Was it bad? Disappointing as really looked forward getting around to it once got thru some backlog.
@Kezelpaso @IOI The amazing and incredible windows phone. The Lumia 950 hands down the best phone I ever had.
Again, I blame Nadella contributing to Microsoft's eventual downfall. Heck, Nadella ran Panay out of Microsoft. Just watch the amazing things he will put out at Amazon.
Nadella needs to be gone from Microsoft like Tomlin needs to be gone from the Steelers!
I've said numerous times on this site and others, Nadella only cares about the cloud and creating as many over priced subscriptions possibly can.
Nice to see my belief always been accurate. Hopefully he steps down soon or is, some how, some way, internally ousted. He is hurting Microsoft more by the day.
@BacklogBrad Maybe because there are players that absolutely, utterly, completely, detest using a mouse and keyboard for gaming...and is major factoring in those players being on a console.
But if it does wow be heck of an event. Nintendo and Xbox getting in bed together not be bad thing with how Nadella doing everything possible to hurt Microsoft that in turn hurts Xbox.
@electrolite77 @Sol4ris Wait? My statement of Series S being less powerful than Nintendo Switch is false? The Switch is not more powerful? Interesting. Surprised me.
But I do know that I'm correct in saying Series S has lot more issues running games than Nintendo Switch does.
Actually...more think on it. Series S is the only console this generation that has so many issues trying to play games from this generation. Really makes me want to go out and buy one. Heck maybe 2? That way when try play game that's not working properly, I can try it on the other Series S to make sure it's the console and not the game.
Oh, who am I kidding. It's always going to be the console.
@kuu_nousee @Pigrotto @Arcticpandapopz Agree Exoprimal is fun game. No idea why did not find an audience. Being on game pass allows a lot of people to see it. Maybe people thought it was "just another hero shooter or another battle royal game".
If that is the case, definitely understand. Market way over saturated with them.
I'd love see Shadowrun remaster (preferably remake) from 360 days. That game is without a doubt the best, most fun, most balanced first person shooter ever. Even to this day. Hands down. Full stop.
"we're all slowly getting used to Microsoft's new vision for the brand"
Nope. Not even on a good day. Being FORCED into Microsoft's new vision for the brand is more accurate.
Incredibly sad what Microsoft (well, honestly it's more nadella) are doing to Xbox. Infuriating and sad what Xbox is becoming. A console that essentially changed the industry is becoming a joke in the industry now.
I'd love for fallout 1 remake (not remaster) since never played that one. Fallout 2 also.
Oblivion remake be awesome too. Had waaaaaaay too many game breaking and game progression bugs that stopped me from finishing it. Well? What am I thinking. It's a bugthesda game. That's like saying, did you hear the sun is actually quite hot.
@Prestige-worldwide I'd say only has that description since not really "free" open world since have to complete story kinda in order. Not super strict format. Maybe comparable to Zelda game progression. Guess in way it really is actually Xbox's Zelda.
My expectations on Fable are since British developer they will nail the cheeky humor (and hopefully the charm) of past Fable games but will fail at the gameplay portion. Hope I'm wrong.
Kingdom Come 2 have almost zero interest since first game people hated for all the loooooooooong periods between save points and even save game issues.
Avowed I'm excited for. Really think will be enjoyable but quite short for today's open world fantasy game standards.
Borderlands 4 I'm pumped for and most likely end up pre-ordering ONLY just to make sure I buy yet another loot crate edition. Really enjoyed all Borderlands games except Pre Sequel. To this day still not finished it.
Comments 2,433
Re: Xbox Developer Direct 2025: The Full List Of Reveals, Including Two Surprises
That Logan's Run 33 game looks amazing!
Re: Poll: How Would You Grade 2025's Xbox Developer Direct?
I'm really wondering if that mercenary game was canceled? Not heard anything about it for years now. Think called Iron Bolt or something? Been so long even forget the name.
Announced at E3 years ago. Think set in 1940s? Loot gold? Heck can't even remember. Just another example of why The 6 Month Rule is absolutely the ONLY way to go.
Re: Poll: How Would You Grade 2025's Xbox Developer Direct?
Give it a very, solid A.
Only for the fact that the games are coming out within 5 months. None that coming "Summer 2278" garbage.
Re: Xbox's South Of Midnight Brings Folklore Magic To Game Pass This April
Removed
Re: Surprise! Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Launches Today On Xbox Game Pass
I did not see anything sharing there is an easy mode?
If no, I'm not wasting my time. Not have time in my life waste 10 hours of try and die to just advance 5 mins in the story.
Re: EA Says Two Of Its Major AAA Titles 'Underperformed' In 2024
Wonder if EA is factoring in that, to my knowledge, all their games eventually go to EA online service. So why buy the game?
Again, I'll stress, these online subscription services hurt the developers bottom line. It is going to lead in downfall of gaming, or at very least, noticeable decline in overall quality of games.
Re: EA Says Two Of Its Major AAA Titles 'Underperformed' In 2024
I just want a really good Battlefield game again. Last good one was, Battlefield 4.
Re: Talking Point: What Are Your Plans For This Week's Big Xbox Event?
Not really interested. Will read the article here after show.
Just so very tired seeing at end of trailers, "coming summer 2084".
Ruins all my excitement for game immediately.
Re: Six Games Will Leave Xbox Game Pass In Late January 2025
I did not even know serious Sam Siberian was on game pass. No idea how missed that till now
Re: Talking Point: Xbox Series X|S Owners, How's Your Storage Looking In 2025?
I'm really glad a poll was put on this article. Really like polls more often on this site to be honest.
Re: Talking Point: 10 Years Ago, Microsoft Delivered An Incredible Lineup Of Exclusives For Xbox One
@cburg Judging by your name and eagle fan. Going say your in Chambersburg?
Re: Report: Majority Of Devs Expecting To Release New Games In 2025, Driving Industry Growth
@themightyant Exactly. Please see my above post.
Re: Report: Majority Of Devs Expecting To Release New Games In 2025, Driving Industry Growth
@somnambulance That's the very reason I stopped watching developer shows and Xbox showcases. Absolutely am tired of seeing a game trailer that grabs my complete interest only have end with, coming 2073.
Ummm, no thanks.
That far out sooooo much can happen. Game gets canceled, delayed until 2278, set into infinite delay world. And yes, we have seen ALL the above often now.
Developers REALLY need to start following the 6 Month Rule. Doing that just better for everyone involved.
Re: Xbox Reminds Us Engagement Is At 'All-Time High' Going Into 2025
Here is the thing I feel Microsoft not understand (other than how to NOT successfully market their products or have a well thought out PLAN for their products) is why would a third party developer even want develop for Microsoft since their sales going stink on Xbox.
No, I'm wrong. That's crazy talk! Right?!?
Well, not so fast. I'll explain.
Game pass (you know that "best deal in gaming" rubbish propaganda that's thrown around so much) is hindering Xbox. Games lose, what did the report say, 80% of their sales? That's huge.
But so what! Game doesn't have to be on game pass, so take that to your theory! Again...not so fast. Not read a statistic, but I'd bet a lot of people are, meh, I'll wait for it to hit game pass since I'm being forced into paying $23+ a month for it as it is. So developers losing sales even on that front.
And, of course, the big elephant in the room is, why should a person even buy a game on Xbox at this point since Microsoft is giving every hint, sign, message, that next gen very well may be their exit and who knows what's going to happen. Our libraries be around? Will online servers be cut immediately? Will my games even play then? But, hey, that's the wondrous beauty of an all digital world, right? It's the greatest thing ever to just buy a license to a product...instead of owning it.
But that's conversation for another time.
Re: Talking Point: Will Microsoft Fully Reveal Its Next-Gen Xbox This Year?
@armondo36 On Xbox side, can fully put that issue on Series S.
When being forced continually develope for the LOWEST common denominator, that console or possibly even THAT generation will NEVER reach full potential.
Re: Talking Point: What Is Xbox Going To Do With Halo In 2025?
Getting rid of lot dead weight within 343i (Halo Studios or whatever calling it this week) be great first step. Using those freed up salaries into next halo game and future halo titles be second great step.
It is obvious 343i needs an extremely good trim, starting from top down.
Re: Soapbox: I Hope Xbox Properly Supports Switch 2 When It Launches In 2025
@Millionski Very true. Absolutely Switch 2 can steal Series S audience.
Series S customers enjoy having a lesser powered console that can play downgraded versions of games.
Re: Soapbox: I Hope Xbox Properly Supports Switch 2 When It Launches In 2025
I just wish Xbox would properly support Xbox.
Thr exclusivity thing really starting to bother me more and more. Guess had to set in with me longer. It been lot different if Xbox would get some Playstation exclusives in return for letting games like Halo and Gears go over. Where is spider-man? Horizon Dawn?
Re: Talking Point: 10 Years Ago, Microsoft Delivered An Incredible Lineup Of Exclusives For Xbox One
@Elbow Oh my! Don't dare speak the truth of Series S being terrible idea and even more terrible console. The Series S fanboys will bring out the pitchforks and torches.
Re: Talking Point: 10 Years Ago, Microsoft Delivered An Incredible Lineup Of Exclusives For Xbox One
@cburg 2nd largest gaming company in the world....that will no longer put out a console to sell.
Nadella is the video game equivalent of Mike Tomlin. Gets handed an incredible Steelers team but slowly takes them to mediocrity and horrible playoff record.
Re: Talking Point: 10 Years Ago, Microsoft Delivered An Incredible Lineup Of Exclusives For Xbox One
@Millionski Nope. This what Nadella does to a company. Every day I wish he would step down and leave Microsoft.
Re: Talking Point: 10 Years Ago, Microsoft Delivered An Incredible Lineup Of Exclusives For Xbox One
@fatpunkslim ...and every game you mentioned probably launches on PS5 same day or within the year.
I'm so very disappointed with what's being done to Xbox. I've been with Xbox since that very first day on 11/15/01. Such glorious time be Xbox fan back then.
Re: Talking Point: 10 Years Ago, Microsoft Delivered An Incredible Lineup Of Exclusives For Xbox One
"we're even hearing rumours about it potentially coming to PS5."
At this point in time with how Xbox being handled. It's like saying, we're hearing McDonald's potentially going to offer the Shamrock Shake again this year.
Re: Lucky Xbox Players Are Getting Free 'Just For You' Deals This Week
Super lame. Played tons of Destiny 1 and 2. And, noooooope. Deal not offered to me.
Those Just For You deals are always garbage for me. They will have like 10 being offered at great price. But I ALWAYS own all 15 games offered.
Yes. I did type 15. It is that frustrating for me.
Re: Ex-Witcher Devs Unveil New Dark Fantasy RPG 'Dawnwalker' For Xbox
Looking forward to playing this. Hopefully does not have the usual stiff and rigid Bandai Namco camera and controls.
Really enjoy their games but camera and controls leave me never wanting to finish the game.
Re: Report: Ubisoft Founders Considering A New Business 'Venture' Using Certain Franchises
@Ricky-Spanish Honestly didn't even read reviews for Outlaws. Was it bad? Disappointing as really looked forward getting around to it once got thru some backlog.
Re: Microsoft's 'VP Of Next-Gen' Seems To Think That Xbox Console Hardware Isn't Under Threat
@Kezelpaso @IOI The amazing and incredible windows phone. The Lumia 950 hands down the best phone I ever had.
Again, I blame Nadella contributing to Microsoft's eventual downfall. Heck, Nadella ran Panay out of Microsoft. Just watch the amazing things he will put out at Amazon.
Nadella needs to be gone from Microsoft like Tomlin needs to be gone from the Steelers!
Re: Report: Ubisoft Founders Considering A New Business 'Venture' Using Certain Franchises
@Ricky-Spanish @Lup I'm with Ricky on this one. I stopped playing those kinds of games decades ago. Jumping over lava pits no longer interests me.
Shame because hear nothing but great things about that game.
Re: Report: Ubisoft Founders Considering A New Business 'Venture' Using Certain Franchises
@BacklogBrad I would just love see another ghost recon wildlands. That game was incredible and lots fun.
Re: Microsoft Has Announced More Layoffs In Its Gaming Division, Says New Report
First one to go should be Nadella.
Re: Rumour: Microsoft Reportedly Chose Buying Studios Over 'Winding Down' Xbox In 2021
I've said numerous times on this site and others, Nadella only cares about the cloud and creating as many over priced subscriptions possibly can.
Nice to see my belief always been accurate. Hopefully he steps down soon or is, some how, some way, internally ousted. He is hurting Microsoft more by the day.
Re: Soapbox: With Xbox Games Now On PS5, Microsoft Needs To Ditch Forced PC Crossplay
@BacklogBrad sigh This is so awful tiring. I'm not a psychologist, but projection can often be found in internet forums. Have a good day, sir.
Re: Soapbox: With Xbox Games Now On PS5, Microsoft Needs To Ditch Forced PC Crossplay
@BacklogBrad If anything, I'd consider the segregation a dream come true for the Master Race PC players.
Having us console players away, would bring such a smile of satisfaction.
Re: Soapbox: With Xbox Games Now On PS5, Microsoft Needs To Ditch Forced PC Crossplay
@BacklogBrad You're not being punished. Feel free to use mouse and keyboard all you want and to your heart's content.
Just let it be in separate and isolated lobby.
Re: 'Rewards Hunter' Announces Retirement Following Xbox Rewards Overhaul
@bazchillin Amen, brother. Was pointless time sink.
Re: 'Rewards Hunter' Announces Retirement Following Xbox Rewards Overhaul
I may be in minority, but am so happy and thrilled to see achievements getting less exposure.
Full disclosure, I hate achievements with a firery passion.
Re: Two Games Are Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (January 14)
Times must be changing. I remember a day when boxing would be more popular than ufc game. Let alone more popular than playing Diablo.
Re: Soapbox: With Xbox Games Now On PS5, Microsoft Needs To Ditch Forced PC Crossplay
@BacklogBrad Maybe because there are players that absolutely, utterly, completely, detest using a mouse and keyboard for gaming...and is major factoring in those players being on a console.
Players just like me.
Re: Soapbox: With Xbox Games Now On PS5, Microsoft Needs To Ditch Forced PC Crossplay
I WHOLE HEARTILY support this notion!
Re: Talking Point: Will Nintendo Switch 2 Appear At The Xbox Developer Direct 2025?
Highly doubt this will happen.
But if it does wow be heck of an event. Nintendo and Xbox getting in bed together not be bad thing with how Nadella doing everything possible to hurt Microsoft that in turn hurts Xbox.
Re: Rumour: Xbox Series S Could Have Big Impact On The Nintendo Switch 2
@Millionski Nice to see someone that understands.
@electrolite77 @Sol4ris Wait? My statement of Series S being less powerful than Nintendo Switch is false? The Switch is not more powerful? Interesting. Surprised me.
But I do know that I'm correct in saying Series S has lot more issues running games than Nintendo Switch does.
Actually...more think on it. Series S is the only console this generation that has so many issues trying to play games from this generation. Really makes me want to go out and buy one. Heck maybe 2? That way when try play game that's not working properly, I can try it on the other Series S to make sure it's the console and not the game.
Oh, who am I kidding. It's always going to be the console.
Re: Reminder: Xbox's First Game Pass Departures Of 2025 Will Leave This Week (January 15)
@kuu_nousee @Pigrotto @Arcticpandapopz Agree Exoprimal is fun game. No idea why did not find an audience. Being on game pass allows a lot of people to see it. Maybe people thought it was "just another hero shooter or another battle royal game".
If that is the case, definitely understand. Market way over saturated with them.
Re: Talking Point: Will 1 Vs. 100 Ever Make A Comeback On Xbox?
For something so simple, I had the best time when playing that
Re: Soapbox: Xbox Should Start Embracing Its Past A Whole Lot More
I'd love see Shadowrun remaster (preferably remake) from 360 days. That game is without a doubt the best, most fun, most balanced first person shooter ever. Even to this day. Hands down. Full stop.
Re: Soapbox: Xbox Should Start Embracing Its Past A Whole Lot More
"we're all slowly getting used to Microsoft's new vision for the brand"
Nope. Not even on a good day. Being FORCED into Microsoft's new vision for the brand is more accurate.
Incredibly sad what Microsoft (well, honestly it's more nadella) are doing to Xbox. Infuriating and sad what Xbox is becoming. A console that essentially changed the industry is becoming a joke in the industry now.
Re: 'Unannounced' Bethesda Game Listed For Xbox & Other Major Platforms
@Balaam_ I agree somewhat.
Using a compete obsolete engine not help at all. Nor does having a apparently nonexistent QA and testing department.
Re: 'Unannounced' Bethesda Game Listed For Xbox & Other Major Platforms
I'd love for fallout 1 remake (not remaster) since never played that one. Fallout 2 also.
Oblivion remake be awesome too. Had waaaaaaay too many game breaking and game progression bugs that stopped me from finishing it. Well? What am I thinking. It's a bugthesda game. That's like saying, did you hear the sun is actually quite hot.
Re: 15 Of The Biggest Open-World Games Coming To Xbox In 2025
@HonestHick Sounds like someone listens to the IGN Xbox podcast. They spent good chunk of show preaching this exact thing. Even the COD part.
They aren't wrong. Not at all.
Re: 15 Of The Biggest Open-World Games Coming To Xbox In 2025
@Prestige-worldwide I'd say only has that description since not really "free" open world since have to complete story kinda in order. Not super strict format. Maybe comparable to Zelda game progression. Guess in way it really is actually Xbox's Zelda.
Re: 15 Of The Biggest Open-World Games Coming To Xbox In 2025
My expectations on Fable are since British developer they will nail the cheeky humor (and hopefully the charm) of past Fable games but will fail at the gameplay portion. Hope I'm wrong.
Kingdom Come 2 have almost zero interest since first game people hated for all the loooooooooong periods between save points and even save game issues.
Avowed I'm excited for. Really think will be enjoyable but quite short for today's open world fantasy game standards.
Borderlands 4 I'm pumped for and most likely end up pre-ordering ONLY just to make sure I buy yet another loot crate edition. Really enjoyed all Borderlands games except Pre Sequel. To this day still not finished it.