it wouldn't work. Because nobody would subscribe to it
That's your position simply because certain games don't cater to your needs. Not mine.
It wouldn't work because splintering the platform with even more tiers would be detrimental to the platform, irrespective of the content.
Might come as a shock to you, but Game Pass doesn't exist simply to cater to your needs. It exists for everyone.
I'm not really a fan of Fable. While I did play Fable 2, (after all the high praise ), overall I found it rather, how can I put this, 'baby's first RPG '.
I appreciate the simplicity was by design so don't take that the wrong way, or as a slur on your enjoyment of the series, but I'm an RPG veteran dating right back to Bards Tale on the Spectrum so outside of the curious, often amusing narrative, Fable 2 didn't click with me at all. So no, I've no interest in the next Fable.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is more my thing. Throw me in the deep end and let me carve my own path.
RDR was very good, if a little drawn out. I've played a little of RDR 2 and it was very good so will need to find the time to get back into it. Too many other games on the go at the moment.
Hopefully GTA 6 will be worth the price for your series x when it drops I'm looking forward to it.
I'm sure it will be. I'm only interested in the single player side and have always found GTA to be gloriously stupid fun. GTA 6 looks to be no exception.
It's a bit tribal at times with Xbox
Yes I've gotten that impression quite quickly.
Here's a weird thing though, regarding the Series X and Play Anywhere. Why is Resident Evil 2 Remake Play Anywhere and Resident Evil 3 Remake not? That literally makes no sense to me. 🤷
Personally I rarely buy directly from Steam, GoG and Epic. I use other platforms, generally Eneba. Whether or not this is detrimental to each individual platform isn't really my problem. I'm the consumer, I go where a product is cheapest. I don't owe these platforms a living. It's up to them to encourage me to buy direct.
This is a lesson Microsoft will come to learn should Helix come with multiple platforms.
Again, though, that has not been confirmed for Helix. Only Xbox games and "PC games" which could just mean Windows Store. Should Steam officially come to Helix then that will only be a good thing as there are literally hundreds of great games, possibly even thousands, from smaller devs and indie projects that you can only get via Steam. Having access to such a library would be a huge boon to Helix while offering a huge advantage over PlayStation and Nintendo.
Point in case: I'm a fan of horror titles, particularly of the first person kind, and some of the best I've played are only available via Steam and nowhere else.
Regardless of the outcome of Helix I think GP will continue on. There's huge potential for a GP app on every media device as a gateway for Microsoft's own software as well as other publishers. Some TVs already have the GP app as an option.
Now in my mid 50s I tend to err on the side of caution in life in general. I would like to see Helix succeed, more importantly see Xbox regain some some of its clout - Sony PlayStation need an aggressive competitor.
Microsoft can't be complacent, they have to pull a rabbit out of the hat and wow the audience with a platform that's uniquely interesting, affordable and that appeals to a wider audience outside of the Xbox faithful. Simply turning up to the main event with an expensive system that doesn't do anything particularly new won't be enough.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure what I've put forward will be the case. Happy to be proven wrong, though.
I am interested in Xbox games, though, and the future of Xbox games, of which I have many on my PC some of which are, much to my delight, Play Anywhere - which is a boon given that, as I said above, I picked up a pre-owned Series X for GTA 6. In fact Play Anywhere is why I opted for X rather PS5 when making this decision. Made sense, don't you think?
I hope this eases some of your concerns because, and given the cross nature of Xbox games on console and PC, I have equally as much right to "chime in" as you do .
While I agree this will be the case wasn't it this cross generation games development that annoyed console gamers? Up until recently almost a day didn't pass by without complaints about a new game being developed across the previous and current generation at the cost of quality.
PC, mate. A very good PC that will breeze into the next generation.
However, I do have a pre-owned Series X I bought specifically for GTA 6 this year once the news dropped that said game isn't seeing a PC launch any time soon. It's not all rosey being a PC gamer!
As for your last question I've always believed a console's strongest feature, other than affordability for the average consumer, is that they do offer a unique experience - or at least did up until the 7th generation. It's why I still own a 360, although yes currently boxed away.
Now, though, game consoles are shifting ever closer to PCs, albeit low-end PCs with none of the benefits, so I see little point in them. I most certainly don't have any brand loyalty to any of the console manufacturers. They're something I'm happy to dabble in if there's good reason - like GTA 6 and Breath of the Wild.
Game consoles need to revert back to offering that unique experience that made them so popular. Affordable systems for all with great games and great exclusives. Helix won't be this, certainly not next to PlayStation and Nintendo's offerings. It'll be niche. Too expensive for the mass market and pointless for PC gamers like myself. A jack of all trades, master of none. This is why I think it will flop.
While I'm not all that enamored with GenAI I can see that it will help with time and production costs of games development. A necessary evil one might say.
As for EA? I'm old enough to remember when they were a great publisher, but they've not been creative for a very long time
You'll miss nothing by keeping your current machine for at least the next 4 years while this all plays
Absolutely. Everyone is so intent on stumbling into the next generation, which will be very expensive, that they haven't given a moments thought to the box currently sat under the tele, one that I've no doubt has given them and can continue to give them gaming goodness.
A game console pushing £1000 and beyond will not have mass market appeal. I find it quite bizarre that Xbox gamers can't seem to grasp this.
I don't game on PlayStation and have no interest in the platform, but I've absolutely no doubt that the PS6 will absolutely steam roll over Helix. Why? Because it'll be a pure console experience that won't cost the average consumer a £1000 upwards.
I've always predominantly gamed on computers rather than console. From the Speccy, to Amiga, to PC. I do own a few consoles, (mostly boxed away, granted), but I'm a tech tinkerer and as such the walled garden of consoles simply doesn't offer me anything. Consoles are just way to limited. For example I've been playing classic games with high definition/performance improvement for years, without charge, that console gamers are still asking for - and even then the chances are slim.
Also, where else can I play Brutal Doom and other great mods? Not on console, that's for sure.
I see appeal the of consoles, but it's not for me long term. In fact, I don't see them as much more than toys. Unfortunately they're fast becoming very expensive toys that will alienate the mass market if it continues.
A PC/console hybrid capable of running the very latest, next generation games at optimum levels at the equivalent of a £3000 gaming PC - for under £1000? Not a chance in Hell.
And you're forgetting that Microsoft said themselves that Helix will come in at a premium price. £800 isn't a premium price.
Seems theres more hope from you the steam machine does well and the helix fails
No that's just your take. I don't care about Steam Machine's success or failure, it doesn't offer me anything. However, I think Steam Machine will has the potential to outsell Helix, particularly if Helix arrives with no access to the Steam library and only the Windows Store.
I'm not interested in Steam Machine. I am, however, interested in realistic expectations. Neither Steam Machine or Helix will offer mass market appeal.
More capable likely, but more value? I doubt it. Helix will be a damn sight more expensive and as such Steam Machine will very likely outsell Helix which is a huge problem for Microsoft.
If Project Helix costs less than an equivalent PC, that’s what really matters
And what's your idea of an equivalent PC? You're not going to get £2000-3000 of gaming PC for a fraction of the price. It's a totally unrealistic expectation.
The only way Microsoft could achieve such a feat is with massive losses and that's obviously not going to happen.
There has been no official confirmation of Steam and Epic on Helix so until otherwise this isn't true. (After my above question I did a bit of digging. Nothing)
Also even if Steam and Epic come to Helix you still won't have ALL PC games as GoG will not be available to Helix due to the non-DRM nature of the platform. Microsoft want complete control of the content on their platforms. GoG removes this control and hands it over to the end user entirely, this is why very few AAA titles find their way onto GoG as publishers don't want users to have complete control over the products they buy.
I think PS6 will be around the £700-800 mark, but it will offer a pure console experience - of that I'm sure.
As a PC gamer I've no interest in PlayStation, but if i were after a full-time console experience next generation then PlayStation would be my first choice as Helix will unquestionably be an inferior version of something I already have.
Nintendo? Well my Switch is currently boxed away on a shelf and has been for about a year. Only bought it to play Breath of the Wild, which I've now done.
Each to their own, but I have to wonder why did you invest in a decent PC then not use it? Sorry to use a car analogy again, but that's the equivalent of buying a Bugatti then leaving it in the garage covered by a sheet while you spend your days driving around in a Fiat Punto.
I don't believe Helix has any chance of surviving past the first 18 months. However, holding their cards close to their chest is going to most definitely shoot them in the foot - even if I'm wrong.
Microsoft need to start putting out more information as soon as possible that counters the high price talk, which itself has made its way into mainstream media outside of the gaming press. In a game of poker you have to play your hand at some point.
I can understand your frustration, certainly given the investment. Unfortunately loyalty is just a word to these companies, it has no real meaning or value to them. Never has.
Has access to Steam and Epic for Helix been officially confirmed as yet? Microsoft's statement that it will play "PC games" could refer simply to Windows store.
Reason I ask is a £1000+ PC/console hybrid without access to those store fronts is not a platform worth investing in. It's the equivalent of a Ferrari kit car. Looks like a Ferrari, even sounds like one, but lift up the hood and it's a Ford Focus.
if people expect to pay £600 for Helix, then they are not getting a PC with stellar performance.
Try building a PC for yourself to decent specs, and you will see that it is not a cheap thing to do, and even if Microsoft could source every component at 50%, you would still be paying a significant sum for it.
Exactly. Its totally unrealistic to expect the equivalent of a high-end PC at a third of the price. In fact, such a train of thought has no place in reality whatsoever.
Gaming has always been a luxury pastime, but now it's moving into a territory where only the reasonably wealthy will be able to comfortably afford it.
Hopefully, you’re still around with this “energy” when ]Project Helix is announced as well the exclusives
Never said it wouldn't launch and with exclusives. It's the console's ability to convince potential consumers to part with a large amount of cash and make it sustainable is what I'm challenging - and past trends strongly suggest it won't be.
Funny thing is I've £3k of PC at my disposal, (carrying me well into the next generation), difference is I'm realistic enough to know it's not something the average consumer is willing to stump up for. Even amongst the PC community my rig is in the minority, the Steam stats confirm it so.
If you think a £1000+ game console will have customers queuing around the block then you're completely deluded.
It has nothing to do with "energy". It's simply a case of I'm realistic and you are not.
But logic and consumer buying habits dictates it won't be.
Just answer me a question, and please be honest.
Do you think the average consumer, in particular those with families, the brunt of console buyers, are suddenly going to stump up £1000 or more for a toy, a toy that has traditionally been well within their budget, but is now demanding they pay a premium price for and pretty much for the same experience?
Also, factor in that the current economic crisis has seen millions of potential customers tightening their purse strings with no sign of their financial situation improving any time soon.
I don't think people will be in for a shock regarding the price. By Microsoft's own admission Helix will come with a premium price tag, which as a PC/console hybrid, is looking to be at the very least £1000. That's the brunt of consumers out of the picture straight off the bat, certainly in the current financial climate where many are struggling to pay even their energy bills.
A game console's primary goal, as has always been the case, is to offer next generation gaming, albeit with a few caveats, at an affordable price for all.
Helix will not qualify and as such its lack of mass market appeal will see it become a commercial failure.
Helix will flop and Nedella will pull the plug, consigning Xbox to the Microsoft graveyard along with MS phone and Zune.
The only shock in this scenario will be coming from the Xbox loyalists who can't see the wood for the trees.
While I agree that an industry wide reset is needed for the long term future of this industry I don't believe Xbox hardware will be a part of that future.
Microsoft as a key player in gaming software with GP as a driving force is more likely, but hardware? Nope.
Helix will price out the average consumer and will flop and Nedella will pull the plug.
To look at it positive Microsoft as solely a publisher means more games for my PC from studios I like.
As I said prior, too many Xbox users are deeply reliant and attached to Game Pass. Even if Microsoft were to move away from hardware before or after Helix i believe GP would remain in app form across various avenues.
I didn't engage during that period, i just watched from the sidelines.
The celebration from the community that it was going to be the deal of all deals and crown Microsoft as king in the console arena is embarrassing to recollect now given where it has actually ended up.
Still, one must always laugh at such things less you spend your days in misery.
On a side note, you mentioned Cyberpunk earlier on. How you getting in with it? It's one of my favourite games of its type. You can almost smell the dystopia.
The discourse during the ABK acquisition looks pretty darn silly now, it has to be said. One of the worst acquisitions in this industry's history? Quite possibly.
To quote a favourite show of mine: "A war hasn't been fought this badly since Olaf the Hairy, High Chief of all the Vikings, accidentally ordered 80,000 battle helmets with the horns on the inside"
All this "I'm giving up gaming if x, y, z happens" is just silly talk.
Irrespective of where the industry heads and what happens there are literally thousands upon thousands of games to explore and enjoy. I'm quite sure you've not played them all. In fact I'm willing to bet there's entire genres you've not explored and that might surprise you.
Nothing wrong with fishing and playing video games.
I've only subscribed to GP on my PC once for a few months. Given my already sizable back catalogue I decided it wasn't for me, but I can see the appeal. It will be interesting to see what becomes of GP during this reset. Shitcanned? No, but perhaps some radical changes might be put in place.
Game Pass Ultimate costs $275.88 a year, or almost $2,000 over a console generation
That's quite a lot when put like that, but people tend to think month to month with subscriptions so it doesn't seem all that much. It's fascinating what the human brain can convince us of.
While I don't game on PlayStation outside of my retro collection looking across the landscape this run of closures isn't just home to Xbox. The entire industry is buckling under its own weight, drowning in the hubris of its directors and their years of insatiable greed and if it continues we might yet see another crash.
However, as I've said elsewhere perhaps it's for the best long term. The games industry clearly cannot continue on its current trajectory if it's to survive.
What I find interesting about this is Game Pass. People are always saying the finances of Game Pass don't work or similar. However so far they haven't made any changes to Game Pass except to lower the price. That suggests to me it's something that does work for her
Or it could be they're reluctant to do anything drastic with GP for fear of losing yet more of their audience? You have to remember, for many GP is the only way they play their games. Like with movie and TV streaming channels their mindset in how they consume entertainment has been irrevocably changed. Point in case, when I have new guests over they're completely bewildered by my large physical movie and music collection. The idea is now completely alien to them. I would argue the same mindset resides in those have been locked into Game Pass for almost a decade.
Comments 314
Re: These Are The 10 Most Popular Games In The Xbox Demo Fest 2026
That Game Pass continues to deliver a platform for smaller indie titles to find an audience is only a good thing and as such should be celebrated.
Re: "The Catalogue Was Just Nowhere Near Good Enough" - Ori Creator Likens Xbox Game Pass To A "Slop Factory"
@oopsiezz
So because I believe Game Pass should cater to everyone and not just the individual needs of one person I'm a troll? Okay, champ. 😂
Re: "The Catalogue Was Just Nowhere Near Good Enough" - Ori Creator Likens Xbox Game Pass To A "Slop Factory"
@oopsiezz
Your words:
it wouldn't work. Because nobody would subscribe to it
That's your position simply because certain games don't cater to your needs. Not mine.
It wouldn't work because splintering the platform with even more tiers would be detrimental to the platform, irrespective of the content.
Might come as a shock to you, but Game Pass doesn't exist simply to cater to your needs. It exists for everyone.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Skinny-Pete
I'm not really a fan of Fable. While I did play Fable 2, (after all the high praise ), overall I found it rather, how can I put this, 'baby's first RPG '.
I appreciate the simplicity was by design so don't take that the wrong way, or as a slur on your enjoyment of the series, but I'm an RPG veteran dating right back to Bards Tale on the Spectrum so outside of the curious, often amusing narrative, Fable 2 didn't click with me at all. So no, I've no interest in the next Fable.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is more my thing. Throw me in the deep end and let me carve my own path.
RDR was very good, if a little drawn out. I've played a little of RDR 2 and it was very good so will need to find the time to get back into it. Too many other games on the go at the moment.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Skinny-Pete
To use one of my daughter's sayings 'cool-beans'.
Hopefully GTA 6 will be worth the price for your series x when it drops I'm looking forward to it.
I'm sure it will be. I'm only interested in the single player side and have always found GTA to be gloriously stupid fun. GTA 6 looks to be no exception.
It's a bit tribal at times with Xbox
Yes I've gotten that impression quite quickly.
Here's a weird thing though, regarding the Series X and Play Anywhere. Why is Resident Evil 2 Remake Play Anywhere and Resident Evil 3 Remake not? That literally makes no sense to me. 🤷
Re: "The Catalogue Was Just Nowhere Near Good Enough" - Ori Creator Likens Xbox Game Pass To A "Slop Factory"
@oopsiezz
Make a new tier of gamepass called gamepass indies for that crap
While I don't subscribe to GP myself there's still an awful lot of great indie titles out there so your idea wouldn't work.
Also what you call it crap some might actually enjoy.
I thought Starfield was abysmal, should there also be a tier for mediocre AAA games to accommodate my tastes?
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Millionski
Personally I rarely buy directly from Steam, GoG and Epic. I use other platforms, generally Eneba. Whether or not this is detrimental to each individual platform isn't really my problem. I'm the consumer, I go where a product is cheapest. I don't owe these platforms a living. It's up to them to encourage me to buy direct.
This is a lesson Microsoft will come to learn should Helix come with multiple platforms.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Millionski
multiple storefronts and apps will be available
Again, though, that has not been confirmed for Helix. Only Xbox games and "PC games" which could just mean Windows Store.
Should Steam officially come to Helix then that will only be a good thing as there are literally hundreds of great games, possibly even thousands, from smaller devs and indie projects that you can only get via Steam. Having access to such a library would be a huge boon to Helix while offering a huge advantage over PlayStation and Nintendo.
Point in case: I'm a fan of horror titles, particularly of the first person kind, and some of the best I've played are only available via Steam and nowhere else.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Fiendish-Beaver
Regardless of the outcome of Helix I think GP will continue on. There's huge potential for a GP app on every media device as a gateway for Microsoft's own software as well as other publishers. Some TVs already have the GP app as an option.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Skinny-Pete
Thank you.
Now in my mid 50s I tend to err on the side of caution in life in general. I would like to see Helix succeed, more importantly see Xbox regain some some of its clout - Sony PlayStation need an aggressive competitor.
Microsoft can't be complacent, they have to pull a rabbit out of the hat and wow the audience with a platform that's uniquely interesting, affordable and that appeals to a wider audience outside of the Xbox faithful. Simply turning up to the main event with an expensive system that doesn't do anything particularly new won't be enough.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure what I've put forward will be the case. Happy to be proven wrong, though.
Re: Titanfall-Inspired Shooter 'EMPULSE' Makes Its Xbox Debut Next Week
@Fiendish-Beaver
That was my thoughts exactly. Still, TF2 has bags of replay value though.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Shy_Hallaman
I imagine this aimed at me. Fair enough. 😂
I am interested in Xbox games, though, and the future of Xbox games, of which I have many on my PC some of which are, much to my delight, Play Anywhere - which is a boon given that, as I said above, I picked up a pre-owned Series X for GTA 6. In fact Play Anywhere is why I opted for X rather PS5 when making this decision. Made sense, don't you think?
I hope this eases some of your concerns because, and given the cross nature of Xbox games on console and PC, I have equally as much right to "chime in" as you do .
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@AI-Generation
But genuine top next generation experiences maybe
As before they absolutely will be affected.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Banjo-
While I agree this will be the case wasn't it this cross generation games development that annoyed console gamers? Up until recently almost a day didn't pass by without complaints about a new game being developed across the previous and current generation at the cost of quality.
Re: "They Said That I'm Crazy" - Hideo Kojima Says Many "Big Companies" Rejected His New Horror Game Before Xbox Snapped It Up
@ThePinkPlant
Kojima is genuinely overrated
I agree. Not to say I've not enjoyed the odd Kojima title, but I find much of his work about as engaging as a documentary, in Russian, about snow.
Death Stranding was as dull as dish water.
Re: Senior EA Exec Credits Generative AI For A "Real Rise In Creativity"
@carlos82
EA were great at one time. I've a whole bunch of classes EA published/developed titles on my GoG account. It's hard to believe it's the same company.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Skinny-Pete
PC, mate. A very good PC that will breeze into the next generation.
However, I do have a pre-owned Series X I bought specifically for GTA 6 this year once the news dropped that said game isn't seeing a PC launch any time soon. It's not all rosey being a PC gamer!
As for your last question I've always believed a console's strongest feature, other than affordability for the average consumer, is that they do offer a unique experience - or at least did up until the 7th generation. It's why I still own a 360, although yes currently boxed away.
Now, though, game consoles are shifting ever closer to PCs, albeit low-end PCs with none of the benefits, so I see little point in them. I most certainly don't have any brand loyalty to any of the console manufacturers. They're something I'm happy to dabble in if there's good reason - like GTA 6 and Breath of the Wild.
Game consoles need to revert back to offering that unique experience that made them so popular. Affordable systems for all with great games and great exclusives. Helix won't be this, certainly not next to PlayStation and Nintendo's offerings. It'll be niche. Too expensive for the mass market and pointless for PC gamers like myself. A jack of all trades, master of none. This is why I think it will flop.
Re: Senior EA Exec Credits Generative AI For A "Real Rise In Creativity"
@Skinny-Pete
While I'm not all that enamored with GenAI I can see that it will help with time and production costs of games development. A necessary evil one might say.
As for EA? I'm old enough to remember when they were a great publisher, but they've not been creative for a very long time
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Titntin
You'll miss nothing by keeping your current machine for at least the next 4 years while this all plays
Absolutely. Everyone is so intent on stumbling into the next generation, which will be very expensive, that they haven't given a moments thought to the box currently sat under the tele, one that I've no doubt has given them and can continue to give them gaming goodness.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Skinny-Pete
A game console pushing £1000 and beyond will not have mass market appeal. I find it quite bizarre that Xbox gamers can't seem to grasp this.
I don't game on PlayStation and have no interest in the platform, but I've absolutely no doubt that the PS6 will absolutely steam roll over Helix. Why? Because it'll be a pure console experience that won't cost the average consumer a £1000 upwards.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Fiendish-Beaver
Fair enough. Thanks for the reply.
I've always predominantly gamed on computers rather than console. From the Speccy, to Amiga, to PC. I do own a few consoles, (mostly boxed away, granted), but I'm a tech tinkerer and as such the walled garden of consoles simply doesn't offer me anything. Consoles are just way to limited. For example I've been playing classic games with high definition/performance improvement for years, without charge, that console gamers are still asking for - and even then the chances are slim.
Also, where else can I play Brutal Doom and other great mods? Not on console, that's for sure.
I see appeal the of consoles, but it's not for me long term. In fact, I don't see them as much more than toys. Unfortunately they're fast becoming very expensive toys that will alienate the mass market if it continues.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Trmn8r
I'm predicting somewhere in the $700-800 range
A PC/console hybrid capable of running the very latest, next generation games at optimum levels at the equivalent of a £3000 gaming PC - for under £1000? Not a chance in Hell.
And you're forgetting that Microsoft said themselves that Helix will come in at a premium price. £800 isn't a premium price.
You best get saving, son.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Skinny-Pete
Seems theres more hope from you the steam machine does well and the helix fails
No that's just your take. I don't care about Steam Machine's success or failure, it doesn't offer me anything. However, I think Steam Machine will has the potential to outsell Helix, particularly if Helix arrives with no access to the Steam library and only the Windows Store.
Yes Steam Machine is niche, but so will Helix be.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Trmn8r
I'm not interested in Steam Machine. I am, however, interested in realistic expectations. Neither Steam Machine or Helix will offer mass market appeal.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Trmn8r
More capable likely, but more value? I doubt it. Helix will be a damn sight more expensive and as such Steam Machine will very likely outsell Helix which is a huge problem for Microsoft.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
Wait, do Xbox gamers really think they're going to get the equivalent of, say, a GeForce RTX 5090 combo'd with a Ryzen 9 9950X3D and all for a grand?
Really? 😂😂😂
Re: 'Sea of Thieves' Movie Joins 'Gears Of War' In Xbox's Hollywood Push
They should be focussing on their floundering console business, not movies.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@fatpunkslim
If Project Helix costs less than an equivalent PC, that’s what really matters
And what's your idea of an equivalent PC? You're not going to get £2000-3000 of gaming PC for a fraction of the price. It's a totally unrealistic expectation.
The only way Microsoft could achieve such a feat is with massive losses and that's obviously not going to happen.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@shiny-enzo
Helix - it can run all PC games and Xbox games
There has been no official confirmation of Steam and Epic on Helix so until otherwise this isn't true. (After my above question I did a bit of digging. Nothing)
Also even if Steam and Epic come to Helix you still won't have ALL PC games as GoG will not be available to Helix due to the non-DRM nature of the platform. Microsoft want complete control of the content on their platforms. GoG removes this control and hands it over to the end user entirely, this is why very few AAA titles find their way onto GoG as publishers don't want users to have complete control over the products they buy.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@BoredOfEverything
Indeed.
I think PS6 will be around the £700-800 mark, but it will offer a pure console experience - of that I'm sure.
As a PC gamer I've no interest in PlayStation, but if i were after a full-time console experience next generation then PlayStation would be my first choice as Helix will unquestionably be an inferior version of something I already have.
Nintendo? Well my Switch is currently boxed away on a shelf and has been for about a year. Only bought it to play Breath of the Wild, which I've now done.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Fiendish-Beaver
Each to their own, but I have to wonder why did you invest in a decent PC then not use it?
Sorry to use a car analogy again, but that's the equivalent of buying a Bugatti then leaving it in the garage covered by a sheet while you spend your days driving around in a Fiat Punto.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@BoredOfEverything
I don't believe Helix has any chance of surviving past the first 18 months. However, holding their cards close to their chest is going to most definitely shoot them in the foot - even if I'm wrong.
Microsoft need to start putting out more information as soon as possible that counters the high price talk, which itself has made its way into mainstream media outside of the gaming press.
In a game of poker you have to play your hand at some point.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@BoredOfEverything
I can understand your frustration, certainly given the investment. Unfortunately loyalty is just a word to these companies, it has no real meaning or value to them. Never has.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
Has access to Steam and Epic for Helix been officially confirmed as yet? Microsoft's statement that it will play "PC games" could refer simply to Windows store.
Reason I ask is a £1000+ PC/console hybrid without access to those store fronts is not a platform worth investing in. It's the equivalent of a Ferrari kit car. Looks like a Ferrari, even sounds like one, but lift up the hood and it's a Ford Focus.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@BoredOfEverything
I want a pure console experience
The only place you're going to find that now is with PlayStation or Nintendo.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
@Fiendish-Beaver
if people expect to pay £600 for Helix, then they are not getting a PC with stellar performance.
Try building a PC for yourself to decent specs, and you will see that it is not a cheap thing to do, and even if Microsoft could source every component at 50%, you would still be paying a significant sum for it.
Exactly. Its totally unrealistic to expect the equivalent of a high-end PC at a third of the price. In fact, such a train of thought has no place in reality whatsoever.
Gaming has always been a luxury pastime, but now it's moving into a territory where only the reasonably wealthy will be able to comfortably afford it.
Re: What Does A $1049 Steam Machine Mean For Xbox's Project Helix?
There's no way on this earth Helix will cost less unless Microsoft are willing to take a huge loss and in the current climate that is very unlikely.
On top of that a £1000+ "game console" will have zero mass market appeal. Not now, not ever.
Re: 'It's Going To Be Pretty Brutal' - Jason Schreier Reveals More On Upcoming Xbox Layoffs
@BacklogBrad
Bring back Spencer? No.
Being back Peter Moore. He did more for Xbox than all these clowns combined.
Re: 'It's Going To Be Pretty Brutal' - Jason Schreier Reveals More On Upcoming Xbox Layoffs
@MrStark
Hopefully, you’re still around with this “energy” when ]Project Helix is announced as well the exclusives
Never said it wouldn't launch and with exclusives. It's the console's ability to convince potential consumers to part with a large amount of cash and make it sustainable is what I'm challenging - and past trends strongly suggest it won't be.
Funny thing is I've £3k of PC at my disposal, (carrying me well into the next generation), difference is I'm realistic enough to know it's not something the average consumer is willing to stump up for. Even amongst the PC community my rig is in the minority, the Steam stats confirm it so.
If you think a £1000+ game console will have customers queuing around the block then you're completely deluded.
It has nothing to do with "energy". It's simply a case of I'm realistic and you are not.
Anyway, time to get back to KCD 2.
Re: 'It's Going To Be Pretty Brutal' - Jason Schreier Reveals More On Upcoming Xbox Layoffs
@MrStark
But logic and consumer buying habits dictates it won't be.
Just answer me a question, and please be honest.
Do you think the average consumer, in particular those with families, the brunt of console buyers, are suddenly going to stump up £1000 or more for a toy, a toy that has traditionally been well within their budget, but is now demanding they pay a premium price for and pretty much for the same experience?
Also, factor in that the current economic crisis has seen millions of potential customers tightening their purse strings with no sign of their financial situation improving any time soon.
Re: 'It's Going To Be Pretty Brutal' - Jason Schreier Reveals More On Upcoming Xbox Layoffs
@MrStark
I don't think people will be in for a shock regarding the price. By Microsoft's own admission Helix will come with a premium price tag, which as a PC/console hybrid, is looking to be at the very least £1000. That's the brunt of consumers out of the picture straight off the bat, certainly in the current financial climate where many are struggling to pay even their energy bills.
A game console's primary goal, as has always been the case, is to offer next generation gaming, albeit with a few caveats, at an affordable price for all.
Helix will not qualify and as such its lack of mass market appeal will see it become a commercial failure.
Helix will flop and Nedella will pull the plug, consigning Xbox to the Microsoft graveyard along with MS phone and Zune.
The only shock in this scenario will be coming from the Xbox loyalists who can't see the wood for the trees.
Re: 'It's Going To Be Pretty Brutal' - Jason Schreier Reveals More On Upcoming Xbox Layoffs
@MrStark
While I agree that an industry wide reset is needed for the long term future of this industry I don't believe Xbox hardware will be a part of that future.
Microsoft as a key player in gaming software with GP as a driving force is more likely, but hardware? Nope.
Helix will price out the average consumer and will flop and Nedella will pull the plug.
To look at it positive Microsoft as solely a publisher means more games for my PC from studios I like.
Re: 'It's Going To Be Pretty Brutal' - Jason Schreier Reveals More On Upcoming Xbox Layoffs
@McKeownPlayz
As I said prior, too many Xbox users are deeply reliant and attached to Game Pass. Even if Microsoft were to move away from hardware before or after Helix i believe GP would remain in app form across various avenues.
Re: 'It's Going To Be Pretty Brutal' - Jason Schreier Reveals More On Upcoming Xbox Layoffs
@themightyant
Well enjoy it when you do find the time!
Yes, have a pleasant evening. I'm about to jump back into KCD 2.
Re: 'It's Going To Be Pretty Brutal' - Jason Schreier Reveals More On Upcoming Xbox Layoffs
@themightyant
I didn't engage during that period, i just watched from the sidelines.
The celebration from the community that it was going to be the deal of all deals and crown Microsoft as king in the console arena is embarrassing to recollect now given where it has actually ended up.
Still, one must always laugh at such things less you spend your days in misery.
On a side note, you mentioned Cyberpunk earlier on. How you getting in with it? It's one of my favourite games of its type. You can almost smell the dystopia.
Re: 'It's Going To Be Pretty Brutal' - Jason Schreier Reveals More On Upcoming Xbox Layoffs
@themightyant
The discourse during the ABK acquisition looks pretty darn silly now, it has to be said.
One of the worst acquisitions in this industry's history? Quite possibly.
To quote a favourite show of mine:
"A war hasn't been fought this badly since Olaf the Hairy, High Chief of all the Vikings, accidentally ordered 80,000 battle helmets with the horns on the inside"
Re: 'It's Going To Be Pretty Brutal' - Jason Schreier Reveals More On Upcoming Xbox Layoffs
@McKeownPlayz
All this "I'm giving up gaming if x, y, z happens" is just silly talk.
Irrespective of where the industry heads and what happens there are literally thousands upon thousands of games to explore and enjoy. I'm quite sure you've not played them all. In fact I'm willing to bet there's entire genres you've not explored and that might surprise you.
Nothing wrong with fishing and playing video games.
Re: Report: Xbox Already Planned To 'Sunset Or Split With' Ninja Theory Before Senua Reveal
@themightyant
I've only subscribed to GP on my PC once for a few months. Given my already sizable back catalogue I decided it wasn't for me, but I can see the appeal. It will be interesting to see what becomes of GP during this reset. Shitcanned? No, but perhaps some radical changes might be put in place.
Game Pass Ultimate costs $275.88 a year, or almost $2,000 over a console generation
That's quite a lot when put like that, but people tend to think month to month with subscriptions so it doesn't seem all that much. It's fascinating what the human brain can convince us of.
Re: 'It's Going To Be Pretty Brutal' - Jason Schreier Reveals More On Upcoming Xbox Layoffs
While I don't game on PlayStation outside of my retro collection looking across the landscape this run of closures isn't just home to Xbox. The entire industry is buckling under its own weight, drowning in the hubris of its directors and their years of insatiable greed and if it continues we might yet see another crash.
However, as I've said elsewhere perhaps it's for the best long term. The games industry clearly cannot continue on its current trajectory if it's to survive.
Re: Report: Xbox Already Planned To 'Sunset Or Split With' Ninja Theory Before Senua Reveal
@themightyant
What I find interesting about this is Game Pass. People are always saying the finances of Game Pass don't work or similar. However so far they haven't made any changes to Game Pass except to lower the price. That suggests to me it's something that does work for her
Or it could be they're reluctant to do anything drastic with GP for fear of losing yet more of their audience? You have to remember, for many GP is the only way they play their games. Like with movie and TV streaming channels their mindset in how they consume entertainment has been irrevocably changed.
Point in case, when I have new guests over they're completely bewildered by my large physical movie and music collection. The idea is now completely alien to them. I would argue the same mindset resides in those have been locked into Game Pass for almost a decade.