Comments 435

Re: Microsoft Hiring Engineers To 'Define The Future Of Graphics' On Xbox

Moby

"....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: Rumour: Xbox Handheld System Will Sit Alongside 'A Series X Successor'

Moby

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: It's Official, Xbox's Avowed Has Been Delayed Until 2025

Moby

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: Microsoft CEO Reassures Investors That Xbox Is Focused On Console, PC And Mobile

Moby

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

Moby

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

Moby

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: Microsoft Says FTC Is Being 'Misleading' In Response To Xbox Game Pass Criticisms

Moby

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: Xbox Adds Nvidia GeForce Now Integration To Its Game Pages

Moby

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: 'Tipster' Suggests Xbox Will Stop Marketing Consoles In Certain Markets

Moby

@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: 'Tipster' Suggests Xbox Will Stop Marketing Consoles In Certain Markets

Moby

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: Here's A Complete List Of All Price Increases Coming To Xbox Game Pass

Moby

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: Xbox Game Pass Gets Price Increases And New 'Standard' Subscription Tier

Moby

@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: US Sales Figures Reveal Interesting Stats About Xbox Series X|S & Hellblade 2

Moby

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: Former Redfall Studio Head Already Looking Forward To What's Next

Moby

@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?

Moby

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

Moby

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.