It seems the hype over Starfield that we saw before it launched has dropped more harshly than other big games. There is hardly any hype that we see when they launch an expansion.
As someone who prepaid for Starfield and technically owns this DLC, I won’t be playing it yet (if ever).
I hope it does well, but I really just wish Starfield started off as a better game. I so wanted to love it…
16 player Halo LAN where we recruited sisters to make up the extra players. Played overnight, got drunk, and learned how to blast the Warthog across the map using sticky bombs. The physics were amazing.
Second best was playing Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball with my brother and trying to convince his girlfriend (who was not impressed) that we only bought it for the amazing the gameplay.
@BrandNewOldSchool welcome to the community. It’s good to see some measured reasoning going on.
In my mind, Game Pass is extremely good value for money, even at full price, but it becomes absurdly good value when/if you can capitalise on a deal.
However, here are some considerations.
No one likes paying more for something they were getting cheaper previously and Game Pass is no exception.
We live at a time when prices for everything are going up. So this is just compounding upon many people’s misery. And when we don’t like something, well, we moan. 😅
Many of us gamers are working class people who struggle to fund our gaming habit. You say you are willing to pay more, and likely can afford to pay more, which is great, and often when we aren’t financially pressured we can see things more rationally for the value it is. But for many, the difference between current prices and conversions compared to previous ones could hamper someone’s ability to pay for Game Pass (or at least they may struggle justify the cost within their tight budget).
Microsoft, on the other hand, is a multi trillion dollar company that doesn’t have to count the pennies like we have to. In fact, they are making massive amounts of profits. So there will always be some pushback to that.
None of this is to say your view is wrong, or to add to the chorus of outrage that seems to happen, but just to give some additional perspectives.
Like I said, I see the value in Game Pass, but I also see I have thousands of pounds less in my bank account this year than last because all the prices have increased. I’m paying more for the same things and have nothing new to show for it.
I’m not angry Game Pass is upping its price, or making it harder to game the system, they have been generous to us. But understanding doesn’t help my wallet. I’m genuinely concerned I won’t be able to afford it for both my kids in the future.
As someone currently paying for two subs, this could tempt me over if the discounts are good.
I prepaid for Ultimate for three years for the ludicrous price of £2.40 per month each, which I know I won’t be able to get when it’s time to renew in November.
I know people are mocking the fact these are not Xbox mascots (and yes, I’m sad thinking that two iconic PlayStation mascots may no longer be on PlayStation in the future).
However, Activision-Blizzard murdered Toys for Bob and if it wasn’t for Xbox we might never see these two again.
Yes, there is something still sad about the entire affair, but I hope Microsoft does them justice and keeps their legacy alive. And that they remain cross party IPs moving forward.
I like to think I speak my own mind and don’t jump on bandwagons, but clearly I’m vocal about this at a time others are also. And to show my understanding to you, I’m sure the moaning is a bit much for people who don’t see a problem and that people are making big deal over nothing.
My wife and kids are all totally fine with 30fps and don’t even notice half the time. But for me it’s the point where I prefer downgraded graphics with high FPS over amazing graphics with low FPS. And coming from a PC gaming background I just don’t understand why both sides can’t be catered to on console.
Like I said though, even though I’m vocal, I’m still happy to wait until the game is 60fps. But Avowed was top of my wish list so it’s a bit disappointing.
@GuyinPA75 I struggled with certain games. After all 30fps is most noticeable for first person games (imho). During that period I didn’t play certain games because of the 30fps restriction. Even games like Last of Us I didn’t play till 60fps on PS4.
I’ve been a PC gamer for ages and used to 120+ FPS titles. I have played competitively also. So 30fps is noticeable for me.
And during the 360/Wii period I mostly gamed on PC versions of those games. I had more disposable income back. Now I’m almost exclusively console focused so it’s more of an issue for me.
But like I said, I avoided certain games in the PS3/360 era just as I avoided last gen and now this gen. This isn’t something new for me.
Xbox is making a mistake to keep pushing for 30fps.
One of the best features of the Series X is its backwards compatibility that makes older games 60fps for the first time.
One of the worst features of the Series X is the developers decision to keep releasing 30fps games with not 60fps option.
I personally do not play 30fps games (barring Zelda). Some last gen games I only played this gen using the 60fps enhancements of Series X like FF15, AC:Origins etc.
I made the mistake of pre-purchasing Starfield and being thoroughly disappointed by the 30fps. Only now playing it properly since it got 60fps.
And to be honest, I do not understand what developers are talking about when they say they chose better graphics over frame rates because I cannot even see the graphics behind the shuddering blur of 30fps.
I may get hate for this, but everyone who is defending 30fps needs to stop.
There is zero reason for the developer to not include a 60fps mode with lesser graphics.
There are many of us who ‘need’ 60fps. I literally cannot see the improved quality of graphics they are on about because it’s all hidden behind the shuddering blur of 30fps.
The main reason I went for Xbox at the start of this generation was the backwards compatibility that made old games 60fps. I played some of last gen’s games for the first time because they finally weren’t 30fps. Like Assassin’s Creed:Origins and more.
I will not be playing Avowed until it is 60fps.
I tried to make an exception with Starfield and that was a big mistake. I only now started playing it since their 60fps patch, but to be honest I’m hardly excited anymore especially after spending so much on it to play it early etc only to be disappointed.
Some people will call people like me ridiculous or whatever. But honestly, I’m not going to spend my time or money on games that limit my enjoyment when there are so many other games out there for me to experience that cater to what I want - one being smooth gameplay.
60fps is a big deal to many people. It’s not just a preferred option, it’s the difference between a game I will play and one I won’t.
@Tasuki thanks for bringing Mists of Pandaria Remix to my attention. I didn’t know it was a thing and I will be checking it out for nostalgia purposes.
MoP is actually the last expansion I played (I played all up to that point and beat every raid etc) I played it to the end then a week before Warlords of Draenor launched my daughter was born (3 months premature) and my world flipped upside down and I never had time for WoW again after that.
So I think the Remix might be a fun thing to try again after almost ten years away from it.
The picture on this article got me excited for FF15 for a second there.
I literally finished the Royal Edition of it last week after 100ish hours. Followed a guide to the story, watched the movie and anime etc. Got so much out of it.
Please give it a chance if you haven’t played it. It’s so much better than it was at launch and a genuinely brilliant game if you actually seek out the story and give it time. Also it’s 4k/60fps on Series X and looks and runs great.
I mean, Hi Fi Rush just won a BAFTA last month and only just released on other consoles a few months back - with Limited Run looking to release a physical version. And that successful game studio has been axed also.
So this doesn’t surprise me that Xbox execs put their foot in this one instead of giving the team enough time to release a game preserving patch.
The execs are proving they care little for the gamers or their employees.
Personally, I would love a device that is like the Wii U screen - seamless gameplay from my Xbox within the room without the delay of wifi that the PlayStation Portal suffers from. Most of my free time to game is at home but when someone else wants to use the TV.
We already have stand alone PC/Handhelds that aren’t powerful enough to play games properly and cost a bomb.
This could also provide Cloud streaming and WiFi streaming for when out and about.
Also I’m willing to take graphical hits to achieve 60fps. I wish developers would understand this.
Starfield only being 30fps was a deal breaker for me. I tried it but just couldn’t hack it. And their excuse for it being 30fps being a design choice and so forth was just plain marketing b/s.
@sixrings the thing is, someone owns the copyright to the company name and rights to use it.
So either the original owners kept the rights to the brand when they sold to Activision (which would be odd because why buy a company you don’t completely own) and then got acquired by Microsoft or they made a deal to buy it back or be given it by Microsoft.
No one can start a new company called Toys for Bob if it already exists. And they haven’t said they’re starting a new company but moving it indie.
So they either paid to become independent or made a deal that gave them independence.
A lot of the talk against Xbox over the last few weeks has been how unsustainable Game Pass is and how Microsoft had to abandon Xbox to make it viable.
All the rumours came to nothing except four games are coming to other platforms. It turns out all the other speculation was false.
The main takeaway. Xbox is here to stay. More Xbox consoles are coming this gen and next. Game Pass is still going to get stronger and exclusives will remain a thing.
I don’t really understand why some are blaming Xbox for all of this.
Waiting a week rather than a knee jerk reaction isn’t uncommon. They have to get their messaging right.
But there is no grace in this day and age where people can’t control themselves and it’s being made out to be this big damaging problem that is destroying the brand. It isn’t.
Just hold your horses and wait patiently. All will be revealed.
When an overhyped buggy mess of a copycat game (Palworld) beats out two AAA behemoths (Resident Evil 2 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla) it makes you question things.
Here is the thing. Just because “that’s how business works” doesn’t mean we have to agree to it or like it. And yes, we can complain about.
Too many people excuse this type of thing, but let’s really think about it.
Microsoft is a $3 Trillion dollar company.
They paid $69 billion dollars to buy Activision-Blizzard (that’s $36 million for each of these people they fired).
Kotick alone got a $360 million payout. And the shareholders of Microsoft made big money.
Microsoft is operating at a higher level than most countries.
Three countries had a GDP of $3 trillion in 2023; the UK ($3.3t), France ($3t) and India ($3.7t). There are 4 countries that made more and the other 183 made less.
Microsoft made $146 billion in profits alone last year. Many countries have a lower total GDP than this. And Microsoft had it as surplus.
That’s similar to what the UK spends ($161 billion) annually on the National Health Service (NHS) which provides complete medical care to over 67 million people - everything from cancer treatment to operations to hospitals to whatever.
But Microsoft can’t keep 1,900 people employed after record profits that are higher than many countries GDPs “because that’s how business works.”
There have been countless lives ruined and families left without money because “that’s how business works.” While fat cats at the top rake in billions.
So I’m sorry, but this isn’t a good look and we don’t have to excuse the bad business practices of multi-trillion-dollar corporations.
Comments 490
Re: Xbox Settles Lawsuit With 'Gamers' Who Tried To Sue Over Activision Blizzard Deal
@Darylb88 not just wallets but eyeballs, brain cells, gamers, humanity as a whole.
Concord was a crime against a lot of things.
Re: Starfield Shattered Space DLC Launches To Zero Reviews Across Xbox & PC
It seems the hype over Starfield that we saw before it launched has dropped more harshly than other big games. There is hardly any hype that we see when they launch an expansion.
As someone who prepaid for Starfield and technically owns this DLC, I won’t be playing it yet (if ever).
I hope it does well, but I really just wish Starfield started off as a better game. I so wanted to love it…
Re: Xbox Game Pass Hit Palworld Considering Free-To-Play Live Service Model
I know people who bought Xboxes and Game Pass specifically for this title. So I think Microsoft likely benefited from this game being on Game Pass.
Now though this might be the smart move.
Re: Talking Point: What Are Your Fondest Memories Of The Original Xbox?
16 player Halo LAN where we recruited sisters to make up the extra players. Played overnight, got drunk, and learned how to blast the Warthog across the map using sticky bombs. The physics were amazing.
Second best was playing Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball with my brother and trying to convince his girlfriend (who was not impressed) that we only bought it for the amazing the gameplay.
Re: The Xbox Game Pass Conversion Ratios Have Gotten Worse This Week
@BrandNewOldSchool welcome to the community. It’s good to see some measured reasoning going on.
In my mind, Game Pass is extremely good value for money, even at full price, but it becomes absurdly good value when/if you can capitalise on a deal.
However, here are some considerations.
None of this is to say your view is wrong, or to add to the chorus of outrage that seems to happen, but just to give some additional perspectives.
Like I said, I see the value in Game Pass, but I also see I have thousands of pounds less in my bank account this year than last because all the prices have increased. I’m paying more for the same things and have nothing new to show for it.
I’m not angry Game Pass is upping its price, or making it harder to game the system, they have been generous to us. But understanding doesn’t help my wallet. I’m genuinely concerned I won’t be able to afford it for both my kids in the future.
Re: The Xbox Game Pass Conversion Ratios Have Gotten Worse This Week
@ZeD I’m envious. Mine runs out in November (having paid less than £2.50 per month for the past three years) so I need to find a new deal.
Re: Xbox Game Pass Standard: Full List Of 369 Games Included At Launch
That’s a happy medium I would say.
As someone currently paying for two subs, this could tempt me over if the discounts are good.
I prepaid for Ultimate for three years for the ludicrous price of £2.40 per month each, which I know I won’t be able to get when it’s time to renew in November.
Re: Bungie Reveals 'Future Of Destiny 2' As Original Game Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary
I’d love a 4K 60fps patch for the original Destiny…
Re: Xbox IP Spotted In Upcoming PS5 Exclusive Astro Bot
@RazputinAquato yeah, I’m not entirely sure Microsoft is the pair of safe hands that Crash and Spyro need…
Re: Xbox IP Spotted In Upcoming PS5 Exclusive Astro Bot
I know people are mocking the fact these are not Xbox mascots (and yes, I’m sad thinking that two iconic PlayStation mascots may no longer be on PlayStation in the future).
However, Activision-Blizzard murdered Toys for Bob and if it wasn’t for Xbox we might never see these two again.
Yes, there is something still sad about the entire affair, but I hope Microsoft does them justice and keeps their legacy alive. And that they remain cross party IPs moving forward.
Re: Talking Point: Does Microsoft Have A '30FPS' Problem With Its Xbox Series X|S Output?
@GuyinPA75 Thanks for understanding.
I like to think I speak my own mind and don’t jump on bandwagons, but clearly I’m vocal about this at a time others are also. And to show my understanding to you, I’m sure the moaning is a bit much for people who don’t see a problem and that people are making big deal over nothing.
My wife and kids are all totally fine with 30fps and don’t even notice half the time. But for me it’s the point where I prefer downgraded graphics with high FPS over amazing graphics with low FPS. And coming from a PC gaming background I just don’t understand why both sides can’t be catered to on console.
Like I said though, even though I’m vocal, I’m still happy to wait until the game is 60fps. But Avowed was top of my wish list so it’s a bit disappointing.
Re: Talking Point: Does Microsoft Have A '30FPS' Problem With Its Xbox Series X|S Output?
@GuyinPA75 I struggled with certain games. After all 30fps is most noticeable for first person games (imho). During that period I didn’t play certain games because of the 30fps restriction. Even games like Last of Us I didn’t play till 60fps on PS4.
I’ve been a PC gamer for ages and used to 120+ FPS titles. I have played competitively also. So 30fps is noticeable for me.
And during the 360/Wii period I mostly gamed on PC versions of those games. I had more disposable income back. Now I’m almost exclusively console focused so it’s more of an issue for me.
But like I said, I avoided certain games in the PS3/360 era just as I avoided last gen and now this gen. This isn’t something new for me.
Re: Here's Over An Hour Of Fresh Gameplay From Xbox RPG Avowed
It looks great and I look forward to the 60fps patch on Series X when I will play it.
Re: Talking Point: Does Microsoft Have A '30FPS' Problem With Its Xbox Series X|S Output?
@eduscxbox you are completely wrong about me making exceptions for 30fps with Zelda.
I don’t like the fact that BotW is 30fps, but what other choice is there?
I haven’t played ToTK yet with hopes I can play it at 60fps on Switch 2.
Re: Talking Point: Does Microsoft Have A '30FPS' Problem With Its Xbox Series X|S Output?
@armondo36 wanting better quality is not whining.
For many people 60fps is far more needed than improved graphics.
If a developer isn’t going to respect my desire for 60fps then I’m not going to respect their desire for my money.
Re: Talking Point: Does Microsoft Have A '30FPS' Problem With Its Xbox Series X|S Output?
Xbox is making a mistake to keep pushing for 30fps.
One of the best features of the Series X is its backwards compatibility that makes older games 60fps for the first time.
One of the worst features of the Series X is the developers decision to keep releasing 30fps games with not 60fps option.
I personally do not play 30fps games (barring Zelda). Some last gen games I only played this gen using the 60fps enhancements of Series X like FF15, AC:Origins etc.
I made the mistake of pre-purchasing Starfield and being thoroughly disappointed by the 30fps. Only now playing it properly since it got 60fps.
And to be honest, I do not understand what developers are talking about when they say they chose better graphics over frame rates because I cannot even see the graphics behind the shuddering blur of 30fps.
Re: Obsidian Confirms That Avowed Runs At 30FPS On Xbox Series X|S
I may get hate for this, but everyone who is defending 30fps needs to stop.
There is zero reason for the developer to not include a 60fps mode with lesser graphics.
There are many of us who ‘need’ 60fps. I literally cannot see the improved quality of graphics they are on about because it’s all hidden behind the shuddering blur of 30fps.
The main reason I went for Xbox at the start of this generation was the backwards compatibility that made old games 60fps. I played some of last gen’s games for the first time because they finally weren’t 30fps. Like Assassin’s Creed:Origins and more.
I will not be playing Avowed until it is 60fps.
I tried to make an exception with Starfield and that was a big mistake. I only now started playing it since their 60fps patch, but to be honest I’m hardly excited anymore especially after spending so much on it to play it early etc only to be disappointed.
Some people will call people like me ridiculous or whatever. But honestly, I’m not going to spend my time or money on games that limit my enjoyment when there are so many other games out there for me to experience that cater to what I want - one being smooth gameplay.
60fps is a big deal to many people. It’s not just a preferred option, it’s the difference between a game I will play and one I won’t.
Re: Interview: Kena: Bridge Of Spirits - Blending Eastern And Western Themes In A New Xbox Adventure
Kena not being on Xbox is one of the reasons I bought a PS5…
Shame for people like me who’d have been happy to stay Xbox exclusively if we got 3Ps like this and Final Fantasy. But alas!
Re: Xbox Exec 'Recommends' Tuning Into Gamescom Opening Night Live Later This Month
Well, maybe his message is in the game names he starts with:
•Age of Mythology: Retold
•Ara: History Untold
Untold. Retold.
I think we will be Retold a few things about games we already know about and new games will be left Untold.
I’d like to be surprised though.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 20-21)
@Tasuki thanks for bringing Mists of Pandaria Remix to my attention. I didn’t know it was a thing and I will be checking it out for nostalgia purposes.
MoP is actually the last expansion I played (I played all up to that point and beat every raid etc) I played it to the end then a week before Warlords of Draenor launched my daughter was born (3 months premature) and my world flipped upside down and I never had time for WoW again after that.
So I think the Remix might be a fun thing to try again after almost ten years away from it.
@BRT15 get well soon.
Re: Report: UK Retailer GAME Ending In-Store Pre-Orders This Month
On a complete side note to the article:
The picture on this article got me excited for FF15 for a second there.
I literally finished the Royal Edition of it last week after 100ish hours. Followed a guide to the story, watched the movie and anime etc. Got so much out of it.
Please give it a chance if you haven’t played it. It’s so much better than it was at launch and a genuinely brilliant game if you actually seek out the story and give it time. Also it’s 4k/60fps on Series X and looks and runs great.
Re: Talking Point: Are You Still Interested In Beyond Good & Evil 2 From Ubisoft?
I think it will launch as a 20th anniversary edition because we will wait that long for it.
Re: Talking Point: How Are You Feeling About Fable After The Xbox Games Showcase?
It looks great. Really like the cameos.
I’m hoping we can create whatever ugly character we want though.
Re: Dragon Age: The Veilguard Gets Huge Gameplay Deep Dive Ahead Of Fall 2024 Launch On Xbox
Having never played a Dragon Age game, this looks pretty decent.
Re: Hypercharge Unboxed Devs Blown Away By Success Of Xbox Launch
Always good to see someone work their way up and succeed like this.
Wish him and the team all the best.
Re: Roundup: All The Xbox Reveals From May 2024's State Of Play Event
Glad to see some of these are multi platform.
The State of Play itself was nothing mind blowing, but not terrible.
Infiniti Nikki and Astro Bot were my two favourite reveals.
I’m hoping Monster Hunter Wilds is cross play and progression this time round as Worlds would have benefited from that massively.
Re: Ninja Theory's Next Xbox Game Has Already Been Greenlit, It's Claimed
Well, I’m glad they aren’t closing “any time soon”. But who knows what next week brings, eh?
It’s really sad that the studios future even needs to be mentioned before they release their biggest game ever.
Not just sad, it’s really pathetic. Well done Microsoft…
Re: Pick One: Which Is Your Favourite Ninja Theory Game On Xbox?
I have no interest in Hellblade 2. It’s too dark and demonic for me (yeah, I’m a wimp).
An Enslaved-like game, or a remake, or sequel would be a day one purchase though.
Re: Minecraft Game Pass Ultimate Perk References Steam
@Clamwowowowo no. No, no, and no!
You will not just come on here and give a simple, yet logical explanation, and think it will dispel my wild conspiracies.
This tiny little detail about Minecoins clearly points to Microsoft buying Steam, putting Minecraft on Steam, and putting Steam on Xbox.
And no one can convince me otherwise!
Re: Starfield Comparison Shows Differences Between 30FPS & 60FPS Modes On Xbox Series X
It’s like night and day. This is how the game should have launched.
Re: Review: Little Kitty, Big City (Xbox) - A Purrfect Addition to Xbox Game Pass
I appreciate your whit and your video editing skills being combined in this review, Craig.
Also, this might be one of the most truthful observations I’ve seen in a while:
Thanks for the review.
My kids will no doubt love this game.
Re: Redfall's Offline Update Was Reportedly Planned For This Month, Prior To Arkane Shutdown
I mean, Hi Fi Rush just won a BAFTA last month and only just released on other consoles a few months back - with Limited Run looking to release a physical version. And that successful game studio has been axed also.
So this doesn’t surprise me that Xbox execs put their foot in this one instead of giving the team enough time to release a game preserving patch.
The execs are proving they care little for the gamers or their employees.
Re: Talking Point: Will You Be Playing Through Starfield Again At 60FPS On Xbox Series X?
Replay?
I have been waiting for the 60fps patch.
Time to jump in!
Re: Microsoft Gauges Interest In 'Handheld Gaming' Devices With New Survey
One word: WiiU
Personally, I would love a device that is like the Wii U screen - seamless gameplay from my Xbox within the room without the delay of wifi that the PlayStation Portal suffers from. Most of my free time to game is at home but when someone else wants to use the TV.
We already have stand alone PC/Handhelds that aren’t powerful enough to play games properly and cost a bomb.
This could also provide Cloud streaming and WiFi streaming for when out and about.
Re: Talking Point: How Often Do You Pick 'Quality' Over 'Performance' Modes On Xbox Series X|S?
Performance… always.
I have skipped games that don’t give me 60fps.
Also I’m willing to take graphical hits to achieve 60fps. I wish developers would understand this.
Starfield only being 30fps was a deal breaker for me. I tried it but just couldn’t hack it. And their excuse for it being 30fps being a design choice and so forth was just plain marketing b/s.
Re: Sea Of Thieves PS5 FAQ Reveals How It Compares To The Xbox Version
Any word on gyro aiming for PS5?
I personally can’t really play an FPS well unless it has motion/gyro so this would help get me into this game.
Re: Sea Of Thieves PS5 FAQ Reveals How It Compares To The Xbox Version
@ShadowofTwilight but surely they could have honoured Xbox fans by letting them be the only platform with exclusives items?
I mean, Hogwarts Legacy had PlayStation exclusive content and that was a third party game.
Re: Five Games Announced For Xbox Game Pass At March's Partner Preview Showcase
@Decimateh @abe_hikura
I wonder if one of the alters wipes his backside like Rimmer: “One up, one down, and one to polish.”
Re: Three Games Will Leave Xbox Game Pass In Early March 2024
(Ni) Nooooooo (Kuni)! This is a sad month for Game Pass. I truly love the Ghibli games.
I hope some people new to the series give it a chance before it leaves.
Re: Toys For Bob Is Becoming An Indie Studio, Leaving Xbox And Activision
@sixrings the thing is, someone owns the copyright to the company name and rights to use it.
So either the original owners kept the rights to the brand when they sold to Activision (which would be odd because why buy a company you don’t completely own) and then got acquired by Microsoft or they made a deal to buy it back or be given it by Microsoft.
No one can start a new company called Toys for Bob if it already exists. And they haven’t said they’re starting a new company but moving it indie.
So they either paid to become independent or made a deal that gave them independence.
Re: Toys For Bob Is Becoming An Indie Studio, Leaving Xbox And Activision
Great, great news!
Spyro and Skylanders are two favourites in this house and having more games like them in the future will be great.
Activision forcing them to make skins for CoD was a crime.
Re: Game Pass Hits 34 Million Subs, Service Will Remain Exclusive To Xbox
A lot of the talk against Xbox over the last few weeks has been how unsustainable Game Pass is and how Microsoft had to abandon Xbox to make it viable.
All the rumours came to nothing except four games are coming to other platforms. It turns out all the other speculation was false.
The main takeaway. Xbox is here to stay. More Xbox consoles are coming this gen and next. Game Pass is still going to get stronger and exclusives will remain a thing.
Re: Halo TV Show Master Chief Actor Reveals Why Cortana Looks Different In Season 2
@AlexOlney you only know that because you Googled it, right?
There’s no way Alex Olney plays Xbox or PlayStation games. Alex Olney only plays Nintendo, right? Right??
My entire world view is shattering before my eyes…
Re: Talking Point: What Do You Expect To See From Microsoft's Update On The Future Of Xbox?
I don’t really understand why some are blaming Xbox for all of this.
Waiting a week rather than a knee jerk reaction isn’t uncommon. They have to get their messaging right.
But there is no grace in this day and age where people can’t control themselves and it’s being made out to be this big damaging problem that is destroying the brand. It isn’t.
Just hold your horses and wait patiently. All will be revealed.
Re: Phil Spencer Addresses Xbox Speculation Ahead Of 'Business Update Event'
This feels like Microsoft are being forced to come up with news before they were ready to announce anything.
All the rumours are that Microsoft is exploring options and ordering dev kits. They aren’t ready yet even if it is true.
We all just want to know what the deal is. So hopefully they can get everything in order and pitch it right next week.
Until then it’s gonna be a rocky ride.
Re: Pick One: What Was Your Favourite Xbox Game Pass Game In January 2024?
When an overhyped buggy mess of a copycat game (Palworld) beats out two AAA behemoths (Resident Evil 2 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla) it makes you question things.
Re: Microsoft Hits Historic $3 Trillion Valuation On Same Day Of Xbox Layoffs
@Ocat I agree that Microsoft isn’t a charity. But employees aren’t expenses, they are assets.
Re: Microsoft Hits Historic $3 Trillion Valuation On Same Day Of Xbox Layoffs
@GamingSince84
Here is the thing. Just because “that’s how business works” doesn’t mean we have to agree to it or like it. And yes, we can complain about.
Too many people excuse this type of thing, but let’s really think about it.
Microsoft is a $3 Trillion dollar company.
They paid $69 billion dollars to buy Activision-Blizzard (that’s $36 million for each of these people they fired).
Kotick alone got a $360 million payout. And the shareholders of Microsoft made big money.
Microsoft is operating at a higher level than most countries.
Three countries had a GDP of $3 trillion in 2023; the UK ($3.3t), France ($3t) and India ($3.7t). There are 4 countries that made more and the other 183 made less.
Microsoft made $146 billion in profits alone last year. Many countries have a lower total GDP than this. And Microsoft had it as surplus.
That’s similar to what the UK spends ($161 billion) annually on the National Health Service (NHS) which provides complete medical care to over 67 million people - everything from cancer treatment to operations to hospitals to whatever.
But Microsoft can’t keep 1,900 people employed after record profits that are higher than many countries GDPs “because that’s how business works.”
There have been countless lives ruined and families left without money because “that’s how business works.” While fat cats at the top rake in billions.
So I’m sorry, but this isn’t a good look and we don’t have to excuse the bad business practices of multi-trillion-dollar corporations.
Re: Poll: What Were The Best Xbox Game Pass Additions In 2023?
The nostalgia kick was real for me.
Other games that were great additions:
Re: Review: Baldur's Gate 3 - One The Greatest RPGs Of All Time Finally Lands On Xbox Consoles
Just as they held off the Xbox version, PureXbox is giving them a taste of their own medicine with their withholding the score.