@AccessibleDaydream I did not think of it that way with battle passes and daily challenge garbage.
I detest and stop playing games that have battle passes or that season rubbish. Those types of things DO NOT respect my time. And unless I play 25 hours day, 366 days year, 53 weeks a year I'm not able complete them.
All this does is have me ABSOLUTELY stop playing that game. Fallout 76 was good example for me. Elder Scrolls Online is now seemingly adopting that mentality and is very disenchanting.
If ALL PRIOR content just remained that I could complete at my own pass, I'd stay. But when not respect my time and force me play nonstop, I'm out. I have a job. I have a life. I have responsibilities. If not able respect that. That said game has ZERO place in my life, or in my time.
My take from that PR spiel...and if it is sincere.
Everything Xbox will finally unify under the Xbox umbrella (which is insanely smart and needed move). And Xbox will go forward with identify as the punk rock of gaming. Non conformity. Rebellious. March beat of own drum. Not afraid be something different.
This sounds much like first days of OG Xbox. One that I was part since day one and always was excited be part of.
What am I missing? Why should anyone care and want pay for it?
***Edit, just saw @FraserG post. Thanks for information.
So breaking it down to bare bones. People want pay for exactly what is free right now to use. No wonder reports of people having zero retirement savings is so incredibly prevalent.
@Kaloudz Hopefully no Helix S. This gen Xbox already been joke with near weekly articles how Series S falls short and trends to be very subpar experience.
I'm not a fan of the Oprah Approach with, EVERYBODY gets Xbox games!
But until Microsoft starts releasing games again, that are just incredible must have games, that sell systems - - the Oprah Approach is unfortunately needed.
Translation, game pass is too expensive, and an unsustainable business model. We are trying our best to keep game pass on life support and refusing to just admit a rebrand to Indie Pass and even more sensible and price tiers to reflect that rebranding.
@PROPS Exactly. Guarantee they have data that shows people, like you and me, said this is just ridiculous price. Heck, we can only play one game at time, anyway.
After The Great Price Gouge festered into an ignorant existence, Essential was the only plan worth it. I went that way immediately, have never looked back, never will. Microsoft with all their mindset (nadella, I'm looking at you) of forcing completely unnecessary and extremely overpriced subscriptions on customers left me disenchanted beyond belief.
Lost my good faith and good will. Most likely forever.
Personally, I think game pass is tanking after the completely, greedy, unnecessary 50% increase price gouge. Millions said, forget this, I'm out, just like I did. Now everyone at Xbox is scrambling to find way save it.
Just stop. Let it die. It always was failed, unsustainable business model. Just cancel and rebrand it Indie Pass. Which it really is anyway.
Then everyone that wants and enjoys games that look and play like were made 30 years ago can find and play them in one place. Problem solved.
@Balaam_ Sadly that what those NTFs or whatever their called was supposed to do. Paintings, baseball cards, etc, be unique things for individual owners.
Looks like that tech bombed. Hope stays forgotten too.
@GeminiX53 Yep, Game pass is terrible, predatory subscription. And it's terrible for gaming industry as whole. Xbox absolutely lost sales for starfield because of it just as your quote from article suggests.
If game pass such wonderful thing for developers, then I'll renew my subscription to play GTA 6 day one on game pass. Yep.
Granted this is me and very huge personal preference.... But I stopped playing side scrolling 8 bit games back in late 80s. Give me legit current Gen games, only. That's why I bought $500+ console, $4500+ 85 inch OLED TV, $3000+ sound system.
If wanted play Gameboy Color, I'd buy Gameboy color again.
It absolutely is. But whole business model is incredibly unsustainable.
If want lower price and still have it around. Just change name to Indie Pass (which what it really is anyway) and only load it up with those game boy color quality level games of side scrolling, jumping over lava pits.
Or just acknowledge the truth of having raise price to $50 a month to keep it somewhat sustainable.
Yet another title that Series S is an inferior joke? Say it isn't so?
Hopefully Microsoft learned from this failed and stupid experiment of having two consoles this generation and never, ever, do it again. It's a failure.
But right now I'm being extremely cautiously optimistic. This very well could be her just attempting make hot start then fade away fast.
At this point in time, she has proven absolutely nothing to me.
Could it change? Definitely. But I need lot more time before give her my blessing and approval. Not that mine means anything. It doesn't. I'm a straight up nobody.
There been soooooooooo many games and franchises ruined by catering to the very loud that were just very, very, very, much minority of player base. Also listening to so-called "influencers" is another recipe for stupidity and disaster. They say and do things solely for likes and/or clicks. Any company should take anything from the "influencer" community with grain of salt. Then throw said salt in trash.
Atari 2600, NES, Game Boy, Super NES, Turbografx-16, Sega Genesis, Sega CD, Game Boy Color, Atari Lynx, Game Gear, PS1, Orginal Xbox, Game Cube, Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X. Think that's all.
Battlefield 6 sold 6 million+ copies (at say $60 average is $360,000,000) and EA laid off staff. If unable to effectively and efficiently handle $360,000,000 management are ones needing laid off.
Plus stockholders place ludicrous demands for return on investment. What's wrong just turning a profit? Does it have to be upteenmillion dollars in profits to be justified?
At first, I really thought, she's going do ok for Xbox.
Now everything, evvvvvverything, she says screams of forced acceptance through passive deeds (I hear you, I read gamers want this, etc) to point of starting feel forced and no where close to genuine.
@Tdx Honestly it's hard to explain that vast majority offered in game pass are aftermarket game boy color level of quality games.
For every expedition 33 there are hundreds of side scrolling, jumping over lava pits, that I quit playing back late 80s, early 90s.
I have $4000 TV, Xbox Series X, and full surround sound setup. Absolutely want use it to full potential. I can go gamestop any time and buy game boy color or an NES.
That's game pass biggest challenge, after the high pricing.
@fatpunkslim If she has the brains and understanding to make ANY and EVERY game pass subscription have very nice discount if purchase 12 months in advance, I'll really start take her more serious in the role.
That move, if happens, will tell me that she cares about Xbox and what Xbox customers want.
It's really simple to make large portion of Xbox fans happy.
Give us online play, first party titles (been out a year at least, already), none that stupid laggy, 280i frame rate, streaming garbage, ZERO ads, for $15 month, or $100-$120 a year bundle deal.
Think that hits all the bases, and makes majority happy.
Comments 2,719
Re: Xbox Leadership Issues Massive Statement On The Future Of The Brand
@AccessibleDaydream I did not think of it that way with battle passes and daily challenge garbage.
I detest and stop playing games that have battle passes or that season rubbish. Those types of things DO NOT respect my time. And unless I play 25 hours day, 366 days year, 53 weeks a year I'm not able complete them.
All this does is have me ABSOLUTELY stop playing that game. Fallout 76 was good example for me. Elder Scrolls Online is now seemingly adopting that mentality and is very disenchanting.
If ALL PRIOR content just remained that I could complete at my own pass, I'd stay. But when not respect my time and force me play nonstop, I'm out. I have a job. I have a life. I have responsibilities. If not able respect that. That said game has ZERO place in my life, or in my time.
Re: Xbox Leadership Issues Massive Statement On The Future Of The Brand
@Balaam_ We share exactly same wants, wishes for Xbox. We also share same concerns.
Really hope we are not the minority of this thought process and powers that be are 110% with our thoughts.
Re: Xbox Leadership Issues Massive Statement On The Future Of The Brand
My take from that PR spiel...and if it is sincere.
Everything Xbox will finally unify under the Xbox umbrella (which is insanely smart and needed move). And Xbox will go forward with identify as the punk rock of gaming. Non conformity. Rebellious. March beat of own drum. Not afraid be something different.
This sounds much like first days of OG Xbox. One that I was part since day one and always was excited be part of.
Re: Xbox Game Pass 'Starter Edition' Revealed Via Discord Nitro Leak
What is so great and/or necessary about Discord?
What am I missing? Why should anyone care and want pay for it?
***Edit, just saw @FraserG post. Thanks for information.
So breaking it down to bare bones. People want pay for exactly what is free right now to use. No wonder reports of people having zero retirement savings is so incredibly prevalent.
Re: Four Key Priorities For Xbox's Future Outlined By CEO Asha Sharma & EVP Matt Booty
@themightyant Very true. All of us should never forget that Sharma's bread and butter is PR.
So far she's been lot talk. Waiting see real action under her leadership. Not coat tailing off end of previous one.
Re: Four Key Priorities For Xbox's Future Outlined By CEO Asha Sharma & EVP Matt Booty
@Kaloudz Hopefully no Helix S. This gen Xbox already been joke with near weekly articles how Series S falls short and trends to be very subpar experience.
One console. One console SKU to rule them all.
Re: Four Key Priorities For Xbox's Future Outlined By CEO Asha Sharma & EVP Matt Booty
Looks like new regime is smart enough understand Series S is a joke and causes issues in trying keep parity this gen.
Hope and pray just one console next gen.
Re: Xbox Is Officially 'Reevaluating' What To Do About Exclusivity
I'm not a fan of the Oprah Approach with, EVERYBODY gets Xbox games!
But until Microsoft starts releasing games again, that are just incredible must have games, that sell systems - - the Oprah Approach is unfortunately needed.
Re: 'This Change Is Not Surprising At All' - Industry Analyses Xbox Game Pass Price Drop
Translation, game pass is too expensive, and an unsustainable business model. We are trying our best to keep game pass on life support and refusing to just admit a rebrand to Indie Pass and even more sensible and price tiers to reflect that rebranding.
Re: Asha Sharma Teases New Xbox Game Pass & Discord Partnership
Probably $20 more month on top whatever already paying for to have Discord now.
I've always thought the name was TERRIBLE. Last thing I ever want to experience in life or be part of is discord or discordance.
Re: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Gets New Conversion Rates Following Price Decrease
Subscription still costs too much.
Re: Xbox & Halo Veteran Makes 'Difficult' Decision To Leave Microsoft After 28 Years
What exactly did Kiki even do that helped Xbox?
Honestly can think of nothing. It's like only think she did was bring cool name into studio.
Re: Rumour: Xbox Might Introduce Customisable Plans For Game Pass In The Future
@PROPS Exactly. Guarantee they have data that shows people, like you and me, said this is just ridiculous price. Heck, we can only play one game at time, anyway.
After The Great Price Gouge festered into an ignorant existence, Essential was the only plan worth it. I went that way immediately, have never looked back, never will. Microsoft with all their mindset (nadella, I'm looking at you) of forcing completely unnecessary and extremely overpriced subscriptions on customers left me disenchanted beyond belief.
Lost my good faith and good will. Most likely forever.
Re: Rumour: Xbox Might Introduce Customisable Plans For Game Pass In The Future
Personally, I think game pass is tanking after the completely, greedy, unnecessary 50% increase price gouge. Millions said, forget this, I'm out, just like I did. Now everyone at Xbox is scrambling to find way save it.
Just stop. Let it die. It always was failed, unsustainable business model. Just cancel and rebrand it Indie Pass. Which it really is anyway.
Then everyone that wants and enjoys games that look and play like were made 30 years ago can find and play them in one place. Problem solved.
Re: Here's A Breakdown Of The New Prices For Xbox Game Pass As Of April 2026
Xbox lost me on ultimate. That 50% increase caused me to leave. I'm not coming back either.
Re: Xbox's Starfield Tops The US Gaming Charts For First Time Since 2023
@Balaam_ Sadly that what those NTFs or whatever their called was supposed to do. Paintings, baseball cards, etc, be unique things for individual owners.
Looks like that tech bombed. Hope stays forgotten too.
Re: Xbox's Starfield Tops The US Gaming Charts For First Time Since 2023
@GeminiX53 Yep, Game pass is terrible, predatory subscription. And it's terrible for gaming industry as whole. Xbox absolutely lost sales for starfield because of it just as your quote from article suggests.
If game pass such wonderful thing for developers, then I'll renew my subscription to play GTA 6 day one on game pass. Yep.
Re: Xbox's Starfield Tops The US Gaming Charts For First Time Since 2023
What played of starfield, I really enjoyed. Never understood the hate. Really think it was just the "cool" thing to do was hate on starfield.
Re: Xbox Unveils New Controller And Headset For Forza Horizon 6
@Royalduder Not at all. Just making obvious observation.
Re: Xbox Rewards Points Are Being Turned Into An Actual Currency For Buying Games On Console
Haven't seen ratio yet. Probably be like 100,000 = $10.
Be bummer if conversion that high.
Re: Talking Point: What Are Your First Impressions Of Replaced On Xbox Game Pass?
Granted this is me and very huge personal preference.... But I stopped playing side scrolling 8 bit games back in late 80s. Give me legit current Gen games, only. That's why I bought $500+ console, $4500+ 85 inch OLED TV, $3000+ sound system.
If wanted play Gameboy Color, I'd buy Gameboy color again.
Re: Xbox Unveils New Controller And Headset For Forza Horizon 6
Those are kinda, let me say.....fruity.
I'd be afraid wear either. Like was trying announce a preference of the sorts.
Re: Xbox's Recent Battery Issue Was A Reminder To 'Earn Every Hour' With Players, Says Boss
You can really tell Asha's background and bread and butter is PR. Which means she can real spin what people want to hear.
Not sure if that means she'll do good job for Xbox or not?
Verdict still out for me.
Re: Xbox Is Having 'Very Big Discussions' About Exclusivity, Says Reporter
I'm 110% for exclusivity to Xbox for a year or three. Then let it out. Or don't.
It's not like Playstation is releasing spider-man or horizon for Xbox.
Re: Replaced Dev Warns Of Issue For Xbox Series S Players At Launch, Fix Planned For This Week
Say it isn't so. Yet another issue with a game on Series S.
Really hope Microsoft learns from the failed experiment known as the Xbox Series S and only make ONE console next gen. That's it. Just one console.
That's all that's needed.
Re: Xbox Boss Declares Game Pass Is 'Too Expensive' And Needs A 'Better Value Equation'
It absolutely is. But whole business model is incredibly unsustainable.
If want lower price and still have it around. Just change name to Indie Pass (which what it really is anyway) and only load it up with those game boy color quality level games of side scrolling, jumping over lava pits.
Or just acknowledge the truth of having raise price to $50 a month to keep it somewhat sustainable.
Which no way in hades I'm paying that. Ever.
Re: 'The Series S Version Can't Be Readily Recommended' - Digital Foundry Reviews Crimson Desert On Xbox
@DonnieTACO Switch probably more powerful than Series S. 🤣
Re: 'The Series S Version Can't Be Readily Recommended' - Digital Foundry Reviews Crimson Desert On Xbox
Wait?
Yet another title that Series S is an inferior joke? Say it isn't so?
Hopefully Microsoft learned from this failed and stupid experiment of having two consoles this generation and never, ever, do it again. It's a failure.
Re: Xbox Boss Reveals New 'Dedicated Team' Focusing On Fan Feedback
@NeoRatt Agree on your PR viewpoint.
But right now I'm being extremely cautiously optimistic. This very well could be her just attempting make hot start then fade away fast.
At this point in time, she has proven absolutely nothing to me.
Could it change? Definitely. But I need lot more time before give her my blessing and approval. Not that mine means anything. It doesn't. I'm a straight up nobody.
Re: Xbox Boss Reveals New 'Dedicated Team' Focusing On Fan Feedback
@Fiendish-Beaver Do you answer the weekly poll question?
That seems be good start with engagement. I've been answering weekly for years now.
Re: Xbox Boss Reveals New 'Dedicated Team' Focusing On Fan Feedback
@Zenszulu Yes! Exactly!
There been soooooooooo many games and franchises ruined by catering to the very loud that were just very, very, very, much minority of player base. Also listening to so-called "influencers" is another recipe for stupidity and disaster. They say and do things solely for likes and/or clicks. Any company should take anything from the "influencer" community with grain of salt. Then throw said salt in trash.
Re: 'What Do You Want Added?' - Xbox Engineer Requests Ideas For New Console Features
A mandatory disc drive is one most important features to me. It is not debatable option or feature.
It MUST be standard.
Re: Xbox Series X Is Even Better Than PS5 Pro For Assassin's Creed Unity, Suggests Report
Notice all mention is, Xbox Series X. Did not see anything about Xbox Series S.
Keep that in mind.
Re: Talking Point: How Many Consoles Have You Bought At Launch, And Were They Worth It?
Atari 2600, NES, Game Boy, Super NES, Turbografx-16, Sega Genesis, Sega CD, Game Boy Color, Atari Lynx, Game Gear, PS1, Orginal Xbox, Game Cube, Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X. Think that's all.
Loved them all. All worth it.
Edit: Forgot Switch 1. Sure I've forgotten others.
Re: State Of Decay 3 Dev Explains Why It's Been So Long Since The First 2020 Xbox Trailer
Another game, another example of why the 6 Month Rule should always, absolutely, completely, should be followed.
I've lost all interest in this game, other games have filled my open gaming slots.
Will never play this game, even though really enjoyed state of decay 1 and 2.
Re: Darksiders Warmastered Edition Is Getting Re-Released For Xbox Series X|S
Did not see free upgrades to those that own previous edition?
Re: Here's What Asha Sharma Has Been Playing On Her Xbox Gamertag Over The Past Month
No Elder Scrolls Online?
Re: '$1000 Consoles Will Be The Norm' - Analysts Discuss Cost Of PS6 & Next-Gen Xbox
@TrollOfWar Live service games are an incredible determint to todays gaming.
I do not like it at all. More and more every day, the peak and golden age of gaming for me was Xbox/360 eras.
Gone downhill fast since.
Re: '$1000 Consoles Will Be The Norm' - Analysts Discuss Cost Of PS6 & Next-Gen Xbox
@cross717 And that is exactly why I'm anti-apple. Even past their patent troll and unethical business practices.
Apple is overpriced, underpowered, closed source hardware, that just relies on marketing department to keep them relevant.
Re: '$1000 Consoles Will Be The Norm' - Analysts Discuss Cost Of PS6 & Next-Gen Xbox
If $1000 and no internal disc drive? I'm out.
Not even a decision if no internal disc drive. Just no. Hard pass. Not happening.
Re: Fable, Grounded 2 Co-Developer Loses Studio Head Following Mass Layoffs
Battlefield 6 sold 6 million+ copies (at say $60 average is $360,000,000) and EA laid off staff. If unable to effectively and efficiently handle $360,000,000 management are ones needing laid off.
Plus stockholders place ludicrous demands for return on investment. What's wrong just turning a profit? Does it have to be upteenmillion dollars in profits to be justified?
Re: 'Part Of The Return Of Xbox' - Asha Sharma Explains Why FanFest Is Returning To LA This Summer
At first, I really thought, she's going do ok for Xbox.
Now everything, evvvvvverything, she says screams of forced acceptance through passive deeds (I hear you, I read gamers want this, etc) to point of starting feel forced and no where close to genuine.
Re: 'Race To The Bottom Pricing' Isn't Advisable For Xbox Game Pass, Suggests BG3 Director
"They argue that such tactics can hurt the industry"
Game Pass already done this. And that's even beyond the point of it's unsustainable business model.
Game pass is and was terrible idea. Mainly due to branding identity. I know, Microsoft having brand or marketing issues. Who would thought that.
If called Indie Pass or something like that, and not shoved down Xbox gamers throats, it be in better place today.
Re: Microsoft Issues Statement On Why 'This Is An Xbox' Campaign Has Been Retired
@Tdx Honestly it's hard to explain that vast majority offered in game pass are aftermarket game boy color level of quality games.
For every expedition 33 there are hundreds of side scrolling, jumping over lava pits, that I quit playing back late 80s, early 90s.
I have $4000 TV, Xbox Series X, and full surround sound setup. Absolutely want use it to full potential. I can go gamestop any time and buy game boy color or an NES.
That's game pass biggest challenge, after the high pricing.
Re: Microsoft Issues Statement On Why 'This Is An Xbox' Campaign Has Been Retired
@fatpunkslim If she has the brains and understanding to make ANY and EVERY game pass subscription have very nice discount if purchase 12 months in advance, I'll really start take her more serious in the role.
That move, if happens, will tell me that she cares about Xbox and what Xbox customers want.
Re: Xbox Fan Claims To Have Spotted New Game Pass Codename Featuring Older First-Party Titles
It's really simple to make large portion of Xbox fans happy.
Give us online play, first party titles (been out a year at least, already), none that stupid laggy, 280i frame rate, streaming garbage, ZERO ads, for $15 month, or $100-$120 a year bundle deal.
Think that hits all the bases, and makes majority happy.
Re: It Was Asha Sharma's 'Direction' To Scrub 'This Is An Xbox' Marketing, Suggests Report
@Fiendish-Beaver The faster nadella, resigns, is forced out, or jumps off a bridge, is better for Microsoft the very moment any of the above happen.
Re: It Was Asha Sharma's 'Direction' To Scrub 'This Is An Xbox' Marketing, Suggests Report
Will absolutely give her kudos and major thumbs up for doing that. It was incredibly stupid idea from the start.
Way it was going, should been called, nothing is an Xbox, since was pushing Xbox into obscurity.
Re: Terminator, RoboCop Dev Is Making A New 'Hunter: The Reckoning' Game For Xbox
Only questions. When can I pre-order and will there be great pre-order bonuses?
Re: Xbox Spring Sale 2026 'Sneak Preview' Now Live, 700+ Games Discounted
Nothing in list above grabs me. I'm sure when full sale is live at least one will call my name though.