"....But... but...but MS no longer cares about consoles."
Where are all th sky is falling folks? 🤣 MS needs hardware for various reasons, and while they may indeed be preparing for a bigger shift to software (cloud) they still need a non-pc console. Maybe all the fanboys can calm down now. And not everyone wants or is willing to buy a PC just to play games, regardless of the benefits.
I too feel like we got shorted on this generation. I realize covid lockdowns had a lot to do with that but I still feel like we haven't really seen next gen games from Sony or MS. Or have we reached a point where devs care less about graphics and more about mechanics?
I'm in for the next gen. Spare me the mid gen refresh, not falling for they again for either console.
If you ditched the game at release, it has gotten so much better. It is definitely worth a revisit. I played thru again recent and the updated game mechanics and power level settings has made it so much more enjoyable. I would hope for a 2nd one.
If done right, MS could definitely change the market with a portable. I'd certainly love a native portable over my Steam deck.
But now what will all the "sky is falling" crowd freak out over? Not only do we have multiple sources confirming a new next gen console but also a portable? So much for MS abandoning consoles. 😂
Honestly, there are enough games on GP right now that I want to play or am playing that I can't keep up. I can understand the angst over the delay but I ain't too mad.
That said I dunno if I agree the game wouldnt perform as well just because other big titles are in the mix.
This should surprise no one who isn't trying to fanboy. Too many people are stuck on the idea that console sales dictates the winner. Consoles, and exclusives tied to hardware, are quickly becoming irrelevant.
MS clearly recognizes they lost the "console war" after the disastrous XOne release and is focusing on the next step. Just because MS is shifting it's focus to software over hardware doesn't men's they've abandoned consoles (yet).
I'm shocked they are still trying to push out a Destiny 3. If it flops, it could spell the end completely.
A lot of players, including myself, stuck around for the final chapter of the story, but are done with it now. The game has turned into a chore and the never ending recycled content made it stale and tedious. I'm sad to see what started as an awesome game fall so far due to greed.
MS has righted the ship since the disastrous XOne release. They had to buy up some devs to make it happen, but they are no stranger to acquisitions. AKB was the feather in the cap they needed. Anyone that thinks Xbox is dying isn't paying attention.
MS is no longer focused on console sales. We are likely to only see one maybe two more generations of consoles. The rumored portable could change some of that though. Beyond consoles, MS is making moves to be a strong player in gaming for years to come.
I actually do this for all my game installs. Sometimes you don't need all the extra stuff. Download what ya need. I actually wish this was the standard.
I heard the campaign was pretty good so have been eagerly awaiting it. I don't play the toxic online nonsense so would never buy full price. Excited to try it out. I have the previous Modern Warfare's and looking forward to see the story developments.
I typically buy elite controllers and my hubby got a custom designed one for my birthday last year. It developed a drift issue after about 6 months, but they promptly replaced with new one and been very happy since. Can't speak for regular controllers but love the custom elites.
The FTC still butt hurt they lost. 😂 Considering their primary complaint had to do with Xcloud, this new complaint definitely seems disingenuous. Not defending the price hike directly but anyone with common sense expected it.
MS has already started moving away from the Gold plan, pre-merger. This was a logical continuation of that. Ironically, it's more in line with Sony now.
Oh no. Sky is falling... Comments as wild as ever. Random article with fine print saying these are estimates and don't include major market.. Everyone loses their mind. God love ya.
I think MS is playing smart here. 1) It helped their merger case. 2) It keeps them working together vs competing against each other. If GP isn't alluring for those that typically only play a few choice games, Gforce could easily gain traction and muscle out Xbox. This keeps players connected and gives players one less need for a console. Any game on GP available on GForce can be played anywhere you have access to GForce. You don't need the Xbox app. The GForce app is already widely supported on a varieties of TVs.
So I went back and played the first one beforehand. I got bored midway thru the 2nd and just can't seem to get motivated to stick with it. The gameplay is very slow.
@Fiendish-Beaver MS is fast freeing GP from console. You can already connect your GP library on GForce. The Xbox app is moving to Amazon fire sticks as well as expanding on more TVs. And if the portable becomes a thing that is the whole point. They don't need consoles to sell well to keep GP alive.
And if they continue to subsidize consoles, it only increases the value.
Considering how open people are about trying to abuse it, I can sort of understand, but it still sucks.
I don't really focus on rewards but every so often I do cash in for a Starbucks card. I'm personally indifferent, but the timing could have been better.
So many of you don't get it. Consoles aren't the focus. MS doesn't make money on consoles. They make money on games and GP. It makes total sense if you're not stuck thinking this is a battle for console sales. MS has completely surpassed the newer to focus on consoles.
It is unlikely they will ditch consoles completely because they need a baseline spec for devs. They could base off PC specs, but I doubt it. However, it would be awesome to see them pivot to a fully portable console and continue to expand availability of their full game library, not just GP. I've always wanted to be able to play my Xbox games like I can with the Switch. Steam comes close but still requires a work around and only supports GP. A fully portable Xbox and availability on other platforms would be phenomenal!
You can already connect your GP library to GForce (provided the game is supported on GF). Now imagine being able to take a controller or a portable anywhere and connect to a TV and play your library/GP. (Good internet obviously plays into that) I'm gladly sticking with MS to see it play out.
If you play very casual and not many games, it's probably not a good deal. If you play often and/or like to try new games it's a stellar deal. If you routinely buy 3 or more games a year at full price you're also saving money in the end. For me, it's more than worth it.
MS adding more if it's launch day titles obviously is meant to encourage folks to buy GPU. No brainer as they are in the biz to make money.
GPU has always had a better game selection than PSNs Premium tier at a cheaper price. Its only now with the price increase that GPU costs slightly more. So you've been getting an awesome deal for awhile now.
My hope is it doesn't create the confusing mess that exists with PS Now, with not being sure which games are included in your tier or in the higher tier.
@cardcrusher29 so it's only of value if you finish a game? I mean if that's how you value it, who am I to tell you otherwise?
I have PS Now (courtesy of some deep discounts) and I do not recommend for the price. Once, my coupons are all out, I won't be renewing it. Honestly I only got the PS5 for Ratchet & Clank and God of War. I was so not amused having paid full price for the latest God of War. I didn't finish it and would have been less upset if I had it via access to PS Now. My hubby has enjoyed a few of the PSN games at least.
MS needs a console but doesn't really care about sales metrics since they lose money on every console sold. (The new in house portable could definitely change things up.) Sony also takes a loss, but has a broader hardware division. As time goes by Sony ends up making small profits on hardware sales.
We all know the disastrous XOne release set Xbox back almost a full generation. Exclusives were lacking and Sony gobbled up market share. MS is well aware of this and fast maneuvering to take back some of that market share. Why do you think Sony fought the AKB merger so desperately?
Nvidia is much more likely to be MS's future competition.
I think this is why I love No Mans Sky so much. No matter how long I'm away, I can just pick up where I left off. I definitely agree with the author on this one. But of course those games don't have excessive loot or need to "always be online" either.
The TV content aggregator for the XOne was damn good as well. It had some bugs, but it was a stellar guide to all your various streaming content. Bring both back!
I've never really focused a lot on it, but usually when I discover I've accrued enough points I'll cash it in for a Starbucks card. Lately I've noticed I seem to be increasing slightly more, so I guess it's a good thing.
@Mustoe the price tag new was definitely high for the state of release, but it was still a fun little game. A bit off the beaten path.
GP isn't to blame for low quality or buggy games, devs are. Devs have been releasing crap buggy games for decades, long before GP existed. At least with GP you're not out the money if the game is crap or buggy.
The release version was ridiculously difficult and so frustrating with unwieldy fight mechanics. The updates have really brought it up to par and made it quite enjoyable to play. The cutscenes build the story without being too long and annoying. The game mechanics are smoother and the difficulty setting is much more in line with most games. It's now a solid revamp of the Dead Space franchise.
MS is slowly but continuously building back it's market share, even abroad. I'm actually surprised they sold as many if the XOnes as they did.
GP is a solid deal and with the cheaper console option, it's a tempting choice. The S is a solid console. Not every gamer wants the highest resolution or fastest poss frame rate, they want to play games they enjoy. Good on MS for offering a choice.
We're likey to see a fully subsided version of the S for the next gen and maybe even a subsidized X version. MS already takes a loss on consoles so the more consoles they get in gamers hands, the better to recoup that loss.
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Re: Xbox Reveals 30+ Minutes Of New Stalker 2 Gameplay In Special Deep Dive
I was impressed as well. Looks good.👍
Re: Control 2 In 'Playable Form' As Developer Remedy Lays Out Games Pipeline
Please, PLEASE Remedy do not add that ridiculous "storyboard" from AW II into C2. What an absolutely terrible game experience.
Control is by far one if my favorite games. I'm eager to see how they continue the story.
Re: Take-Two CEO Says 'Rational Decisions' Result In No Day One Xbox Game Pass Releases
We're supposed to care about TT's opinion? Yeah, no thanks.
Re: Warner Bros Is 'Looking At' Outsourcing Its Famous IP To External Game Studios
WB destroys basically everything it touches. I'm sure it will end up being a disaster.
Re: Here's Your First Look At Gameplay For Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies
@OldGamer999 I too am enjoying MW 3s campaign.
Re: Microsoft Hiring Engineers To 'Define The Future Of Graphics' On Xbox
"....But... but...but MS no longer cares about consoles."
Where are all th sky is falling folks? 🤣 MS needs hardware for various reasons, and while they may indeed be preparing for a bigger shift to software (cloud) they still need a non-pc console. Maybe all the fanboys can calm down now. And not everyone wants or is willing to buy a PC just to play games, regardless of the benefits.
I too feel like we got shorted on this generation. I realize covid lockdowns had a lot to do with that but I still feel like we haven't really seen next gen games from Sony or MS. Or have we reached a point where devs care less about graphics and more about mechanics?
I'm in for the next gen. Spare me the mid gen refresh, not falling for they again for either console.
Re: Borderlands Described As 'Worst Movie Of The Year' By Harshest Critics
You had to know with Kevin and Jack it was going to be a disaster. The trailer felt like a cheap grab at gamers to try and land a new franchise.
Re: Xbox Exec Wants To 'Recreate History' When Bringing Call Of Duty To Game Pass
I'm only into the campaigns but I'm here for it. I can remember the ads and talk back on the 360. I'd occasionally play private matches with friends.
Re: Xbox Game Pass's 'The Callisto Protocol' Had Key Content Cut Before Launch
If you ditched the game at release, it has gotten so much better. It is definitely worth a revisit. I played thru again recent and the updated game mechanics and power level settings has made it so much more enjoyable. I would hope for a 2nd one.
Re: Rumour: Xbox Handheld System Will Sit Alongside 'A Series X Successor'
If done right, MS could definitely change the market with a portable. I'd certainly love a native portable over my Steam deck.
But now what will all the "sky is falling" crowd freak out over? Not only do we have multiple sources confirming a new next gen console but also a portable? So much for MS abandoning consoles. 😂
Re: Microsoft's Mobile Gaming Store Is Being Tested Internally At Xbox
I'm honestly surprised it's taken them this long to get it done. Seems like a no brainer.
Re: Phantom Blade Zero Dev Throws Shade At Xbox Before Studio Issues Statement
yawn another faux scandal for people to act out over. Oh no, a random dev said something mean. What are y'all, 12?
Re: It's Official, Xbox's Avowed Has Been Delayed Until 2025
Honestly, there are enough games on GP right now that I want to play or am playing that I can't keep up. I can understand the angst over the delay but I ain't too mad.
That said I dunno if I agree the game wouldnt perform as well just because other big titles are in the mix.
Re: Darksiders 4 Gets Teaser Reveal At THQ Nordic's Summer Showcase
Let's hope they go back to the format for 1 and 2.
Re: Braid: Anniversary Edition 'Sold Like Dogs**t', Says Creator
Translation: "We're upset our money grab failed. Rather than accepting it, we'll just blame consoles."
Re: Microsoft CEO Reassures Investors That Xbox Is Focused On Console, PC And Mobile
This should surprise no one who isn't trying to fanboy. Too many people are stuck on the idea that console sales dictates the winner. Consoles, and exclusives tied to hardware, are quickly becoming irrelevant.
MS clearly recognizes they lost the "console war" after the disastrous XOne release and is focusing on the next step. Just because MS is shifting it's focus to software over hardware doesn't men's they've abandoned consoles (yet).
Re: Bungie Is 'Deepening Integration' With Sony As Layoffs Hit Ex-Halo Developer
I'm shocked they are still trying to push out a Destiny 3. If it flops, it could spell the end completely.
A lot of players, including myself, stuck around for the final chapter of the story, but are done with it now. The game has turned into a chore and the never ending recycled content made it stale and tedious. I'm sad to see what started as an awesome game fall so far due to greed.
Re: Activision Blizzard Continues To Drive Massive Uptick In Revenue For Xbox
MS has righted the ship since the disastrous XOne release. They had to buy up some devs to make it happen, but they are no stranger to acquisitions. AKB was the feather in the cap they needed. Anyone that thinks Xbox is dying isn't paying attention.
MS is no longer focused on console sales. We are likely to only see one maybe two more generations of consoles. The rumored portable could change some of that though. Beyond consoles, MS is making moves to be a strong player in gaming for years to come.
What they are terrible at is PR.
@Pabpictu you're paying attention.
Re: Activision Releases Statement About Cheaters Following MW3 Xbox Game Pass Launch
This is why I only play campaign on COD.
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of Call Of Duty: MW3 On Xbox Game Pass So Far?
I only play campaign but I'm loving it so far. Modern warfare version is my favorite of the franchise
Re: How To Install Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 On Xbox Game Pass
I actually do this for all my game installs. Sometimes you don't need all the extra stuff. Download what ya need. I actually wish this was the standard.
Re: It's Official! Call Of Duty: MW3 Joins Xbox Game Pass This Wednesday
I heard the campaign was pretty good so have been eagerly awaiting it. I don't play the toxic online nonsense so would never buy full price. Excited to try it out. I have the previous Modern Warfare's and looking forward to see the story developments.
Re: Talking Point: Have You Ever Bought A Controller From Xbox Design Lab?
@logicslayer the elite 2 controllers no longer have the dreaded peeling rubber but still feel pretty solid.
Re: Talking Point: Have You Ever Bought A Controller From Xbox Design Lab?
I typically buy elite controllers and my hubby got a custom designed one for my birthday last year. It developed a drift issue after about 6 months, but they promptly replaced with new one and been very happy since. Can't speak for regular controllers but love the custom elites.
Re: Microsoft Says FTC Is Being 'Misleading' In Response To Xbox Game Pass Criticisms
The FTC still butt hurt they lost. 😂 Considering their primary complaint had to do with Xcloud, this new complaint definitely seems disingenuous. Not defending the price hike directly but anyone with common sense expected it.
MS has already started moving away from the Gold plan, pre-merger. This was a logical continuation of that. Ironically, it's more in line with Sony now.
Re: Halo TV Show Cancelled By Paramount+ After Two Seasons
Really hope it gets picked up by Netflix. So much potential.
Re: Xbox Series X|S Console Sales Down A Third In Europe With 'Weaker Software Lineup' In 2024
Oh no. Sky is falling... Comments as wild as ever.
Random article with fine print saying these are estimates and don't include major market.. Everyone loses their mind. God love ya.
Re: Xbox Adds Nvidia GeForce Now Integration To Its Game Pages
I think MS is playing smart here. 1) It helped their merger case. 2) It keeps them working together vs competing against each other. If GP isn't alluring for those that typically only play a few choice games, Gforce could easily gain traction and muscle out Xbox. This keeps players connected and gives players one less need for a console. Any game on GP available on GForce can be played anywhere you have access to GForce. You don't need the Xbox app. The GForce app is already widely supported on a varieties of TVs.
Re: No Man's Sky 'Worlds' Update Sounds Like A Complete Overhaul On Xbox Game Pass
Waiting it to roll out to GP but looks so amazing! Can't wait!
Re: Free-To-Play Xbox Shooter 'The First Descendant' Hits Incredible Player Milestone
@RiverGenie love that desc
Re: Talking Point: Two Months On, Did Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 Live Up To The Hype?
So I went back and played the first one beforehand. I got bored midway thru the 2nd and just can't seem to get motivated to stick with it. The gameplay is very slow.
Re: Free-To-Play Xbox Shooter 'The First Descendant' Hits Incredible Player Milestone
Am I wrong that this game is sort of Fortnite clone?
Re: 'Tipster' Suggests Xbox Will Stop Marketing Consoles In Certain Markets
@Fiendish-Beaver MS is fast freeing GP from console. You can already connect your GP library on GForce. The Xbox app is moving to Amazon fire sticks as well as expanding on more TVs. And if the portable becomes a thing that is the whole point. They don't need consoles to sell well to keep GP alive.
And if they continue to subsidize consoles, it only increases the value.
Re: Microsoft Rewards Is Making Big Changes Relating To Xbox Game Pass
Considering how open people are about trying to abuse it, I can sort of understand, but it still sucks.
I don't really focus on rewards but every so often I do cash in for a Starbucks card. I'm personally indifferent, but the timing could have been better.
Re: 'Tipster' Suggests Xbox Will Stop Marketing Consoles In Certain Markets
So many of you don't get it. Consoles aren't the focus. MS doesn't make money on consoles. They make money on games and GP. It makes total sense if you're not stuck thinking this is a battle for console sales. MS has completely surpassed the newer to focus on consoles.
It is unlikely they will ditch consoles completely because they need a baseline spec for devs. They could base off PC specs, but I doubt it. However, it would be awesome to see them pivot to a fully portable console and continue to expand availability of their full game library, not just GP. I've always wanted to be able to play my Xbox games like I can with the Switch. Steam comes close but still requires a work around and only supports GP. A fully portable Xbox and availability on other platforms would be phenomenal!
You can already connect your GP library to GForce (provided the game is supported on GF). Now imagine being able to take a controller or a portable anywhere and connect to a TV and play your library/GP. (Good internet obviously plays into that) I'm gladly sticking with MS to see it play out.
Re: Rumour: Day One Releases Delayed On A 'Case-By-Case Basis' For Xbox Game Pass Standard Tier
Removed
Re: Here's A Complete List Of All Price Increases Coming To Xbox Game Pass
If you play very casual and not many games, it's probably not a good deal. If you play often and/or like to try new games it's a stellar deal. If you routinely buy 3 or more games a year at full price you're also saving money in the end. For me, it's more than worth it.
MS adding more if it's launch day titles obviously is meant to encourage folks to buy GPU. No brainer as they are in the biz to make money.
GPU has always had a better game selection than PSNs Premium tier at a cheaper price. Its only now with the price increase that GPU costs slightly more. So you've been getting an awesome deal for awhile now.
Re: Microsoft Provides More Detail On Its New Xbox Game Pass Standard Tier
My hope is it doesn't create the confusing mess that exists with PS Now, with not being sure which games are included in your tier or in the higher tier.
Re: Rumour: Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Is Joining Xbox Game Pass This Month
I only play the campaigns, so would be a nice addition.
Re: Xbox Game Pass Gets Price Increases And New 'Standard' Subscription Tier
@cardcrusher29 so it's only of value if you finish a game? I mean if that's how you value it, who am I to tell you otherwise?
I have PS Now (courtesy of some deep discounts) and I do not recommend for the price. Once, my coupons are all out, I won't be renewing it. Honestly I only got the PS5 for Ratchet & Clank and God of War. I was so not amused having paid full price for the latest God of War. I didn't finish it and would have been less upset if I had it via access to PS Now. My hubby has enjoyed a few of the PSN games at least.
Re: Xbox Game Pass Gets Price Increases And New 'Standard' Subscription Tier
Queue the "sky is falling" crowd. 😂
Do I want an increase? Or course not. But if you do the math GP is still by far a good deal.
@M20B25 the "fanboys" need something to be indignant about.....
@Retron close to dead? Bless your heart.
Re: US Sales Figures Reveal Interesting Stats About Xbox Series X|S & Hellblade 2
Always here for the comments. 😂👍
MS needs a console but doesn't really care about sales metrics since they lose money on every console sold. (The new in house portable could definitely change things up.) Sony also takes a loss, but has a broader hardware division. As time goes by Sony ends up making small profits on hardware sales.
We all know the disastrous XOne release set Xbox back almost a full generation. Exclusives were lacking and Sony gobbled up market share. MS is well aware of this and fast maneuvering to take back some of that market share. Why do you think Sony fought the AKB merger so desperately?
Nvidia is much more likely to be MS's future competition.
Re: BioShock 4 Dev Hiring 'Like Mad' For Next Game In Series
Until it hits GP, it's a definite pass for me.
Re: Soapbox: I Miss The Type Of Pick-Up-And-Play Games We Got On Original Xbox
I think this is why I love No Mans Sky so much. No matter how long I'm away, I can just pick up where I left off. I definitely agree with the author on this one. But of course those games don't have excessive loot or need to "always be online" either.
Re: Talking Point: Is There A Place For 'Snap Mode' On Xbox In 2024?
The TV content aggregator for the XOne was damn good as well. It had some bugs, but it was a stellar guide to all your various streaming content. Bring both back!
Re: Talking Point: Xbox Fans, How Are You Getting On With Microsoft Rewards In 2024?
I've never really focused a lot on it, but usually when I discover I've accrued enough points I'll cash it in for a Starbucks card. Lately I've noticed I seem to be increasing slightly more, so I guess it's a good thing.
Re: Former Redfall Studio Head Already Looking Forward To What's Next
@Mustoe the price tag new was definitely high for the state of release, but it was still a fun little game. A bit off the beaten path.
GP isn't to blame for low quality or buggy games, devs are. Devs have been releasing crap buggy games for decades, long before GP existed. At least with GP you're not out the money if the game is crap or buggy.
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of The Callisto Protocol On Xbox Game Pass?
The release version was ridiculously difficult and so frustrating with unwieldy fight mechanics. The updates have really brought it up to par and made it quite enjoyable to play. The cutscenes build the story without being too long and annoying. The game mechanics are smoother and the difficulty setting is much more in line with most games. It's now a solid revamp of the Dead Space franchise.
The DLC was on sale super cheap as well.
Re: Xbox Series X|S Appears To Have Passed 600K Sales In Japan
MS is slowly but continuously building back it's market share, even abroad. I'm actually surprised they sold as many if the XOnes as they did.
GP is a solid deal and with the cheaper console option, it's a tempting choice. The S is a solid console. Not every gamer wants the highest resolution or fastest poss frame rate, they want to play games they enjoy. Good on MS for offering a choice.
We're likey to see a fully subsided version of the S for the next gen and maybe even a subsidized X version. MS already takes a loss on consoles so the more consoles they get in gamers hands, the better to recoup that loss.
Re: Talking Point: Has Your Gaming Slowed Down As You've Got Older?
I play way more than I used to. I work in a very high stress job and gaming helps me cope. I play almost daily now.