I was also hoping to see what Double Fine was working on. It’s been a little bit so they are gonna have something to show very soon I expect. Easily one of my favorite studios.
Easy A+ for me. One of the single best showcases in the history of gaming imo. And it’s only highlighted by the fact that Sony only has 1 big first party release in 2023 and 2024. The right show at the right time.
I had a great feeling about this show and it has not disappointed even a little bit. Best Xbox show I have seen in a long time. Now let’s see what Phil says…
Yeah, I can totally agree with your point. It never should have been shown at such an early stage of development. I don’t know if Rare was just excited to show it or MS being desperate for exclusives to show made the call to show it publicly so early on.
While there is nothing wrong with starting with the visuals first, I think it’s pretty important to get much further than that before you even think about showing it off publicly.
Never played either, but have heard great things and definitely will be fitting them in before they leave. I like that we know how long they will be on Game Pass. That info helps.
Game Pass continues to be the best deal I have ever had in gaming.
Mass Effect Legendary edition for $5.99. One of the best deals in the history of gaming. I’ll give EA credit, when they put their games on sale, they do not mess around. I have bought a few just because they were so damn cheap.
I have been surrounded by artists for close to 35 years. Filmmakers, photographers, painters, woodworkers, metalworkers, glass blowers and even a bunch of automotive designers thanks to the art school I went to. If there is one thing I have learned in all that time its that there is no singular path for creativity. There might be methods that are more popular than others, but that doesn’t make alternate methods wrong.
One of my favorite examples is the architect Frank Gehry. He would crumble up pieces of paper and throw them on the floor in front of him and would actually get inspiration for designing entire building from it. The very famous Walt Disney Concert Hall that he designed was partially inspired by this method, which most architects deem an absolutely insane method of coming up with architectural designs.
Limbo is a game that was designed in the order you mention. The first thing nailed down was the overall look and aesthetic of the game. Given, that game doesn’t have a big story element at all, but it does show that a game that takes that overall approach can in fact turn out amazing.
Wether that method was the right method for Rare and this game…well, that remains to be seen…
Actually, the only one here that seems triggered is you. All I did was ask a question, one that could have been easily answered. It’s funny tho, asking you a legit question is enough for you to post the typical, you ok, call 1-800-get-help comment, but you running around making one negative post after another and continuing to support a system you clearly hate now is the perfect picture of mental health to you, lol. Funny stuff…
I’m perfectly relaxed. His posts don’t bother me one bit. Have been a gamer since Pong and I have seen plenty of haters, fanboys, and everything in between online. To each their own. It was a legitimate question as to why people keep investing time and money into a system they clearly hate now. Again, I guess expecting a legit answer from him was my bad .
It’s your life and your money. Waste them as you see fit. Doesn’t effect me one way or another. That was a legitimate question as to why people like yourself, that are so utterly miserable with the system and company in general, continue to invest time and money into it. I guess expecting a legitimate answer was my bad.
I’m a HUGE fan of Sea of Thieves so I have no complaints in regards to Rare at all, at least since MS took them off of Kinect duty. I’m not a big fan of live service, but there are a few out there that are amazing and if a developer can achieve that….well, I wind up sinking more time into those than I do the vast majority of other games. Can’t even begin to estimate how many hours I have put into Sea of Thieves. I’m looking forward to whatever they put out next.
Honestly, why wait? You can sell your console at any time via eBay or GameStop. Why invest a single penny more into a system you’re that unhappy with. You can wash your hands of Xbox today and never look back.
I understand people being unhappy with Xbox. I will never understand why they continue to stick around when they expect nothing but disappointment.
And Phil doesn’t need to be a console fan to run a console company. Just being a fan of games in general puts him in a FAR better position than most.
Mistakes were made along the way, but Phil did a damn good job given the position he was put in. And unlike many other people in here, I still have faith in Xbox and expect very good things from the platform in the years to come. The most dangerous animals are the ones you corner and MS as a whole has resources and the ability to do things most companies would kill for.
They bought ABK to give a steady stream of games to Game Pass and for the mobile market, which will dwarf the console market in overall revenue and profit. They didn’t buy ABK for the money they can potentially make on other consoles outside of COD. That money will be a drop in the bucket overall. The console market in general is stagnating.
As of right now, MS is making FAR more money off of ABK then they would have with the cash they spent on ABK being in bonds or money markets. So MS is already seeing significantly more profit with that 68 billion then they would have otherwise. Besides COD, they don’t need to put anything on PS in order for this deal to be a huge success.
No, it’s many people’s stance, but as of right now, it’s nothing more than opinion. There is zero actual evidence that MS plans on releasing exclusives on other platforms on a regular basis, especially its big name exclusives. It’s all just rumors at this point.
Releasing live service games like Grounded and Sea of Thieves on other systems is damn smart and I have absolutely zero doubt that Sony will at the very least have internal discussions about doing the same exact thing with many of their live service games in the future. As for Pentiment and Hi-Fi Rush, those are pretty much the same as what they did with Ori. So the only real change I have seen from MS is releasing Live Service games on other systems years after they have already been out.
So once again, we will agree to disagree in regards to MS’s plans with exclusives in the future and make no mistake about it, at this point, the idea that MS is doing away with exclusives or doesn’t care about exclusives anymore is absolutely 100% opinion. And again, it’s one I absolutely 100% disagree with.
Xbox is now 2nd in overall revenue, Xbox is making more money per gamer than both PS and Nintendo, Game Pass is the most successful sub service in gaming, and they now have more first party studios than Sony or Nintendo. Hardware sales are not the only metric for success in this industry. In fact, in my opinion it’s not even the most important metric. People thinking that Xbox is hanging onto life by a thread are fooling themselves. Don’t get me wrong, MS needs to do better with Xbox hardware sales, but I don’t buy for a second that MS is just going to start releasing everything on other systems, completely change their goals for Xbox, and basically doom the Xbox brand simply because they are struggling with hardware sales when by all other metrics, they are doing pretty well.
Absolutely. Just because they can make them exclusive doesn’t mean they will and likewise, just because they used to be multi-platform doesn’t mean they will stay multi-platform.
And once again, we will agree to disagree in regards to your stance on what MS plans to do with exclusivity from here on out. I don’t buy the 3rd party rumors one bit and I think MS and Xbox are just as interested in getting exclusives as they always have been.
The fact that they are ABK games that were multi-platform doesn’t mean anything. They are now owned by MS and the only game that MS has verified will remain multi-platform is Call of Duty. They are free to do anything they want with the other IP owned by ABK and Bethesda for that matter. Games like Fallout, Elder Scrolls, Spyro, Crash, etc. can be made exclusive is MS wants to make them exclusive and again, the only game they have verified will remain multi-platform is Call of Duty.
I don’t see it that way. You may wind up being right, but porting 2 live service games and 2 smaller games like Pentiment and Hi-Fi Rush does not equate to no longer wanting exclusive games in my book. Usually when a company like Sony or MS publishes a game from an indie developer, it’s exclusive for at least a year or more. That’s one of the perks to paying for a game to be developed.
Redfall was such an epic disaster that I actually understand the drastic actions MS took with the studio. Did they have to completely close the studio? Probably not, but I don’t have enough info on what MS’s plans are and the numbers for Arkane Austin in general. What I do know is again, that Redfall was a failure of epic proportions and this wasn’t the first time, nor will it be the last time, that a company is closed or employees let go when a product fails so completely.
Tango Gameworks I have a much much much harder time understanding. Either way, it’s nice to see they were given the opportunity to put out this last patch and hopefully everyone lands on both feet soon.
I completely understand why the studio wanted to be independent and it’s pretty clear this will likely be Spryo or Crash. As for the exclusivity topic, MS are publishing it so I guess we’ll see what MS’s thinking is here. I can see plenty of reasons why MS would want a game like Crash or Spyro to be exclusive.
COD is still going to make an absolute killing for MS and it’s very very possible that MS will make more money from COD on Xbox by having it on Game Pass as opposed to not. So it makes total sense for MS to do it exactly as they are doing it and see what the results are before making any adjustments.
If MS can make a little extra money on some smaller games and breathe new life into live service games by bringing them to other systems, all the power to them. Way too many people are looking at this industry like years past and let’s face it, the gaming industry has changed and it is not like it was in the past. That’s why even Sony is getting on board with faster PC ports and I have no doubt there will be internal discussions happening at Sony regarding bringing some of their live service games to other platforms like Xbox.
Bottom line, this is not the gaming market of old. Games are more expensive, take longer to develop, and you have things like sub services so even the way games are being played is changing. Adapt or die is the way I look at it and that’s what many gaming companies are doing and I have no problem with it.
Now if MS starts bringing titles like Gears, Halo, Forza, Fable, etc. to PS…well, that’s when I no longer support what MS is trying to do as those moves would absolutely threaten the possibility of future Xbox hardware. I don’t think they will make those games available to other systems, but only time will tell…
I am actually a big fan of Phil’s. He was put in a tough tough position when he took over at Xbox and he did an admirable job imo. His approach to BC is 2nd to none and Xbox is now the best console on the market in that regard. He recognized Xbox’s lack of first party and went out and acquired a ton of quality studios. He got Game Pass up and running, which I am a HUGE fan of. All in all, I think he has done a lot of great things while leading the company, but the way he has handled things the last 3-4 months is extremely troubling and all the good he has done doesn’t give him a free pass right now, at least not in my book.
If he can’t be straight and honest about the direction of Xbox, then Xbox needs someone in charge who is willing to be. I still have a lot of respect for the man, but he is doing a lousy job as of late and it very well might be time for him to step aside.
I keep my expectations in check for most showcases, but I have a good feeling about the Xbox showcase this year. I think a lot of mistakes have been made at Xbox, but things finally look like they are set in place to deliver consistent first party content on a regular basis. I think this year’s showcase will be the first one to really show that. I am expecting a great show and hoping Phil Spencer has a true heart to heart with his IGN interviewer. Let the fans know what is up. Quit being so damn quiet. Either lead or step aside so someone else can.
Took a long time to get there, but it was absolutely worth it. As is, Cyberpunk is an amazing game. I waited to play it until it was all fixed up so I can’t speak to how it was in the beginning. Can only speak to how it is now and again, it’s an amazing game now.
Honestly, this is the kind of thing MS needs to do more of. They need to compete with Sony on this front far far more. And this is a good one imo. Excited to hear more about this.
And moves like this make zero sense if Xbox really was looking to go 3rd party. So just another piece of info that goes against those rumors.
Never had any doubt that MS would put COD on Game Pass day 1. The money MS will make on COD being on Game Pass will very likely surpass the amount it would have made not being on Game Pass for Xbox, once MTX’s are factored in. And in total, all platforms included, this game will continue to be a money printing machine.
I know a lot of people don’t like COD, but this has the potential to be a significant move for Xbox. Wether it will be remains to be seen…
There are still a ton of story options for the Halo universe so I for one hope Halo continues long into the future. Just get back to making great single player games the main priority along with a great MP component. Drop the live service BS.
Once again, couldn’t possibly disagree more. Hellblade 2 was never attempting to be a AAA console seller. It’s a AA game that adds some quality and variety to Game Pass, nothing more and nothing less. People trying to pump this game up as some sort of massive console seller are clearly very confused on just what this game is and just what it was trying to be.
Yep!! A very very unique experience especially with audio. Definitely have to play it with a nice set of headphones tho. The difference is staggering. One of the most beautiful games I have ever played. Just stunning all the way around.
Couldn’t possibly disagree more. The last thing I wanted out of Hellblade 2 was a God of War clone. God of War Ragnarok was fun, but I finished it in a single weekend, and I would never play it again or even think about it again if it weren’t for other people bringing it up. It’s so overrated in my book it’s insane.
Hellblade 2 is a completely different kind of game and ultimately I find it FAR more unique and FAR more memorable.
Just finished it up and it was absolutely brilliant imo. I won’t give it a perfect 10, but it’s an easy 9-9.5 for me. I am glad we have studios out there making these kinds of unique experiences game wise. IMO, this game is far more unique and ultimately far more memorable than a lot of other exclusives out there.
Can’t wait to see what Ninja Theory works on next. I really hope it’s something unique like this series was. This studio has some serious talent in regards to narrative driven games. I hope they continue down that path!!
A Double Fine announcement would be my big one at this point. Absolutely adore that studio and can’t wait to see what they are working on next. AA and indies interest me FAR more than AAA at this point.
About 4 hours in and it’s absolutely brilliant in my book. I play a TON of games and very few, and I do mean very few, are truly memorable or make me feel anything. The first game stuck with me long after I played it and this, at least so far, is doing the same. Some of the best graphics I have ever seen, an engaging story, and a haunting performance. Right now, it’s an easy 9.5-10. It’s exactly what I was hoping it would be.
I didn’t want another God of War. I played through that in a weekend and while I enjoyed it, I haven’t given it another thought since and won’t ever play it again. Hellblade is truly unique, at least in my book. Can’t wait to see what Ninja Theory does next.
Getting very good scores pretty much across the board. Can’t wait to dive in later today. From what I have read so far, it’s exactly what I was expecting and exactly what I was hoping for.
Day 1 on the OG Xbox. Liked the games that were being advertised, liked the idea of a company like MS coming into challenge Sony, and a thousand other reasons as the years went on. I’ll support Xbox until Xbox is no longer…
And I can honestly say nothing disappoints me more than a game like this not having a photo mode. It’s a waste not to have one given how easy they must be to implement. I can wind up spending more time strolling around looking for amazing screenshots in games like GTAV than I spend actually playing the game. It’s hugely entertaining for those that enjoy it, can be extremely creative (no different from set photographers in Hollywood really), and can significantly add to one’s overall enjoyment of the game. If you don’t like it, that’s cool, but in my humble opinion it’s stupid not having one as the people who don’t have an interest in it can just utterly ignore the feature.
Xbox is definitely not doing so hot on the hardware front. They still have a few cards up their sleeve so it will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next few years.
Game Pass growth may be slowing significantly, but it’s still an immensely popular sub service, one that will only get better and better as Ms’s first party releases really start dropping regularly. They still have COD and I wouldn’t underestimate what that one game can do to help turn the tables. Supposedly their next console is gonna be a huge leap forward for consoles, so I guess we’ll see about that as well.
Xbox may be down, but they aren’t out yet. They were seeing record revenue even before the ABK deal and they are making more per gamer than both Nintendo and Sony. As long as the people running MS and Xbox get their sh*t together fast and make some good moves and good games in the next couple years, anything is possible. Again, will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
Sucks they are gonna be gone, but hopefully someone there can find some funding, start a new studio, and hire everyone back. They certainly went out with a bang with Hi-Fi Rush.
Huge month for me. Lots of games I’m interested in playing with Hellblade 2 obviously topping the list. Looks amazing and can’t wait to play it. Game Pass just continues being the best deal I have ever had in gaming.
Comments 469
Re: Poll: How Would You Grade The Xbox Games Showcase 2024?
@BacklogBrad
I was also hoping to see what Double Fine was working on. It’s been a little bit so they are gonna have something to show very soon I expect. Easily one of my favorite studios.
Re: Poll: How Would You Grade The Xbox Games Showcase 2024?
Easy A+ for me. One of the single best showcases in the history of gaming imo. And it’s only highlighted by the fact that Sony only has 1 big first party release in 2023 and 2024. The right show at the right time.
Re: Here's Everything That Was Revealed At The Xbox Games Showcase 2024
I had a great feeling about this show and it has not disappointed even a little bit. Best Xbox show I have seen in a long time. Now let’s see what Phil says…
Re: Poll: How Would You Grade The Summer Game Fest 2024 Showcase?
Ahhhh, I gave it a C. It was ok. Not great and not terrible. Now on with the Xbox showcase. I am expecting a great showing from MS this year.
Re: Talking Point: What Are Your Plans For The Xbox Games Showcase 2024?
Watching this one live. Expecting a great show this year. Can’t wait.
Re: Report: Xbox Is Working On A Halo Remaster, Also 'Considering' PS5 Release
@Foxx_64740
On point brother…
Re: Report: Xbox Is Working On A Halo Remaster, Also 'Considering' PS5 Release
More worthless rumors.
Re: Rare's Everwild Is Still In Development, But Will It Show Up At The Xbox Showcase?
@themightyant
Yeah, I can totally agree with your point. It never should have been shown at such an early stage of development. I don’t know if Rare was just excited to show it or MS being desperate for exclusives to show made the call to show it publicly so early on.
While there is nothing wrong with starting with the visuals first, I think it’s pretty important to get much further than that before you even think about showing it off publicly.
Re: Two Square Enix RPG Get A Surprise Release On Xbox Game Pass
Never played either, but have heard great things and definitely will be fitting them in before they leave. I like that we know how long they will be on Game Pass. That info helps.
Game Pass continues to be the best deal I have ever had in gaming.
Re: Lots Of Great Games Are Reduced By 90% In The Xbox Deals Unlocked Sale
Mass Effect Legendary edition for $5.99. One of the best deals in the history of gaming. I’ll give EA credit, when they put their games on sale, they do not mess around. I have bought a few just because they were so damn cheap.
Re: Rare's Everwild Is Still In Development, But Will It Show Up At The Xbox Showcase?
@themightyant
I have been surrounded by artists for close to 35 years. Filmmakers, photographers, painters, woodworkers, metalworkers, glass blowers and even a bunch of automotive designers thanks to the art school I went to. If there is one thing I have learned in all that time its that there is no singular path for creativity. There might be methods that are more popular than others, but that doesn’t make alternate methods wrong.
One of my favorite examples is the architect Frank Gehry. He would crumble up pieces of paper and throw them on the floor in front of him and would actually get inspiration for designing entire building from it. The very famous Walt Disney Concert Hall that he designed was partially inspired by this method, which most architects deem an absolutely insane method of coming up with architectural designs.
Limbo is a game that was designed in the order you mention. The first thing nailed down was the overall look and aesthetic of the game. Given, that game doesn’t have a big story element at all, but it does show that a game that takes that overall approach can in fact turn out amazing.
Wether that method was the right method for Rare and this game…well, that remains to be seen…
Re: Talking Point: 10 Years Ago, Phil Spencer's First E3 In Charge Marked A Turning Point For Xbox
@rustyduck
Actually, the only one here that seems triggered is you. All I did was ask a question, one that could have been easily answered. It’s funny tho, asking you a legit question is enough for you to post the typical, you ok, call 1-800-get-help comment, but you running around making one negative post after another and continuing to support a system you clearly hate now is the perfect picture of mental health to you, lol. Funny stuff…
Re: Talking Point: 10 Years Ago, Phil Spencer's First E3 In Charge Marked A Turning Point For Xbox
@SleeplessKnight
I’m perfectly relaxed. His posts don’t bother me one bit. Have been a gamer since Pong and I have seen plenty of haters, fanboys, and everything in between online. To each their own. It was a legitimate question as to why people keep investing time and money into a system they clearly hate now. Again, I guess expecting a legit answer from him was my bad .
Re: Talking Point: 10 Years Ago, Phil Spencer's First E3 In Charge Marked A Turning Point For Xbox
@rustyduck
It’s your life and your money. Waste them as you see fit. Doesn’t effect me one way or another. That was a legitimate question as to why people like yourself, that are so utterly miserable with the system and company in general, continue to invest time and money into it. I guess expecting a legitimate answer was my bad.
You do you brother…
Re: Remedy Is Teasing Its First Expansion To The GOTY-Rated Alan Wake 2
One of my favorite developers out there. Can’t wait.
Re: Rare's Everwild Is Still In Development, But Will It Show Up At The Xbox Showcase?
I’m a HUGE fan of Sea of Thieves so I have no complaints in regards to Rare at all, at least since MS took them off of Kinect duty. I’m not a big fan of live service, but there are a few out there that are amazing and if a developer can achieve that….well, I wind up sinking more time into those than I do the vast majority of other games. Can’t even begin to estimate how many hours I have put into Sea of Thieves. I’m looking forward to whatever they put out next.
Re: Talking Point: 10 Years Ago, Phil Spencer's First E3 In Charge Marked A Turning Point For Xbox
@rustyduck
Honestly, why wait? You can sell your console at any time via eBay or GameStop. Why invest a single penny more into a system you’re that unhappy with. You can wash your hands of Xbox today and never look back.
I understand people being unhappy with Xbox. I will never understand why they continue to stick around when they expect nothing but disappointment.
And Phil doesn’t need to be a console fan to run a console company. Just being a fan of games in general puts him in a FAR better position than most.
Re: Talking Point: 10 Years Ago, Phil Spencer's First E3 In Charge Marked A Turning Point For Xbox
Mistakes were made along the way, but Phil did a damn good job given the position he was put in. And unlike many other people in here, I still have faith in Xbox and expect very good things from the platform in the years to come. The most dangerous animals are the ones you corner and MS as a whole has resources and the ability to do things most companies would kill for.
On with the show….
Re: Xbox Has Entered An Agreement To Publish The Next Game From Toys For Bob
@Zenszulu
They bought ABK to give a steady stream of games to Game Pass and for the mobile market, which will dwarf the console market in overall revenue and profit. They didn’t buy ABK for the money they can potentially make on other consoles outside of COD. That money will be a drop in the bucket overall. The console market in general is stagnating.
As of right now, MS is making FAR more money off of ABK then they would have with the cash they spent on ABK being in bonds or money markets. So MS is already seeing significantly more profit with that 68 billion then they would have otherwise. Besides COD, they don’t need to put anything on PS in order for this deal to be a huge success.
Re: Xbox Has Entered An Agreement To Publish The Next Game From Toys For Bob
@Zenszulu
No, it’s many people’s stance, but as of right now, it’s nothing more than opinion. There is zero actual evidence that MS plans on releasing exclusives on other platforms on a regular basis, especially its big name exclusives. It’s all just rumors at this point.
Releasing live service games like Grounded and Sea of Thieves on other systems is damn smart and I have absolutely zero doubt that Sony will at the very least have internal discussions about doing the same exact thing with many of their live service games in the future. As for Pentiment and Hi-Fi Rush, those are pretty much the same as what they did with Ori. So the only real change I have seen from MS is releasing Live Service games on other systems years after they have already been out.
So once again, we will agree to disagree in regards to MS’s plans with exclusives in the future and make no mistake about it, at this point, the idea that MS is doing away with exclusives or doesn’t care about exclusives anymore is absolutely 100% opinion. And again, it’s one I absolutely 100% disagree with.
Xbox is now 2nd in overall revenue, Xbox is making more money per gamer than both PS and Nintendo, Game Pass is the most successful sub service in gaming, and they now have more first party studios than Sony or Nintendo. Hardware sales are not the only metric for success in this industry. In fact, in my opinion it’s not even the most important metric. People thinking that Xbox is hanging onto life by a thread are fooling themselves. Don’t get me wrong, MS needs to do better with Xbox hardware sales, but I don’t buy for a second that MS is just going to start releasing everything on other systems, completely change their goals for Xbox, and basically doom the Xbox brand simply because they are struggling with hardware sales when by all other metrics, they are doing pretty well.
Re: Xbox Has Entered An Agreement To Publish The Next Game From Toys For Bob
@Zenszulu
Absolutely. Just because they can make them exclusive doesn’t mean they will and likewise, just because they used to be multi-platform doesn’t mean they will stay multi-platform.
And once again, we will agree to disagree in regards to your stance on what MS plans to do with exclusivity from here on out. I don’t buy the 3rd party rumors one bit and I think MS and Xbox are just as interested in getting exclusives as they always have been.
Re: Xbox Has Entered An Agreement To Publish The Next Game From Toys For Bob
@Zenszulu
The fact that they are ABK games that were multi-platform doesn’t mean anything. They are now owned by MS and the only game that MS has verified will remain multi-platform is Call of Duty. They are free to do anything they want with the other IP owned by ABK and Bethesda for that matter. Games like Fallout, Elder Scrolls, Spyro, Crash, etc. can be made exclusive is MS wants to make them exclusive and again, the only game they have verified will remain multi-platform is Call of Duty.
Re: Xbox Has Entered An Agreement To Publish The Next Game From Toys For Bob
@Zenszulu
I don’t see it that way. You may wind up being right, but porting 2 live service games and 2 smaller games like Pentiment and Hi-Fi Rush does not equate to no longer wanting exclusive games in my book. Usually when a company like Sony or MS publishes a game from an indie developer, it’s exclusive for at least a year or more. That’s one of the perks to paying for a game to be developed.
Re: Arkane Austin Devs Post Heartfelt Messages As Final Update Arrives For Redfall
Redfall was such an epic disaster that I actually understand the drastic actions MS took with the studio. Did they have to completely close the studio? Probably not, but I don’t have enough info on what MS’s plans are and the numbers for Arkane Austin in general. What I do know is again, that Redfall was a failure of epic proportions and this wasn’t the first time, nor will it be the last time, that a company is closed or employees let go when a product fails so completely.
Tango Gameworks I have a much much much harder time understanding. Either way, it’s nice to see they were given the opportunity to put out this last patch and hopefully everyone lands on both feet soon.
Re: Xbox Has Entered An Agreement To Publish The Next Game From Toys For Bob
@Zenszulu
I completely understand why the studio wanted to be independent and it’s pretty clear this will likely be Spryo or Crash. As for the exclusivity topic, MS are publishing it so I guess we’ll see what MS’s thinking is here. I can see plenty of reasons why MS would want a game like Crash or Spyro to be exclusive.
Re: Microsoft Confirms That Black Ops 6 Won't Require A New Tier Of Xbox Game Pass
COD is still going to make an absolute killing for MS and it’s very very possible that MS will make more money from COD on Xbox by having it on Game Pass as opposed to not. So it makes total sense for MS to do it exactly as they are doing it and see what the results are before making any adjustments.
Re: Xbox Has Entered An Agreement To Publish The Next Game From Toys For Bob
Is this a sign that MS is finally getting more aggressive with 3rd party exclusivity deals? Guess we’ll see…
Re: Xbox's Recent Multiplatform Releases Selling Well On PS5, Fallout Sales Also Get A Boost
If MS can make a little extra money on some smaller games and breathe new life into live service games by bringing them to other systems, all the power to them. Way too many people are looking at this industry like years past and let’s face it, the gaming industry has changed and it is not like it was in the past. That’s why even Sony is getting on board with faster PC ports and I have no doubt there will be internal discussions happening at Sony regarding bringing some of their live service games to other platforms like Xbox.
Bottom line, this is not the gaming market of old. Games are more expensive, take longer to develop, and you have things like sub services so even the way games are being played is changing. Adapt or die is the way I look at it and that’s what many gaming companies are doing and I have no problem with it.
Now if MS starts bringing titles like Gears, Halo, Forza, Fable, etc. to PS…well, that’s when I no longer support what MS is trying to do as those moves would absolutely threaten the possibility of future Xbox hardware. I don’t think they will make those games available to other systems, but only time will tell…
Re: Gaming Showcases In June 2024: Your Complete Guide To Every Xbox Event
@TheSimulator
I am actually a big fan of Phil’s. He was put in a tough tough position when he took over at Xbox and he did an admirable job imo. His approach to BC is 2nd to none and Xbox is now the best console on the market in that regard. He recognized Xbox’s lack of first party and went out and acquired a ton of quality studios. He got Game Pass up and running, which I am a HUGE fan of. All in all, I think he has done a lot of great things while leading the company, but the way he has handled things the last 3-4 months is extremely troubling and all the good he has done doesn’t give him a free pass right now, at least not in my book.
If he can’t be straight and honest about the direction of Xbox, then Xbox needs someone in charge who is willing to be. I still have a lot of respect for the man, but he is doing a lousy job as of late and it very well might be time for him to step aside.
Re: Gaming Showcases In June 2024: Your Complete Guide To Every Xbox Event
I keep my expectations in check for most showcases, but I have a good feeling about the Xbox showcase this year. I think a lot of mistakes have been made at Xbox, but things finally look like they are set in place to deliver consistent first party content on a regular basis. I think this year’s showcase will be the first one to really show that. I am expecting a great show and hoping Phil Spencer has a true heart to heart with his IGN interviewer. Let the fans know what is up. Quit being so damn quiet. Either lead or step aside so someone else can.
Re: Over A Decade Since Its First Teaser, Development Is Finally Finished On Cyberpunk 2077
Took a long time to get there, but it was absolutely worth it. As is, Cyberpunk is an amazing game. I waited to play it until it was all fixed up so I can’t speak to how it was in the beginning. Can only speak to how it is now and again, it’s an amazing game now.
Re: Rumour: Rocksteady Founders Sign New Studio Game Deal With Xbox
Honestly, this is the kind of thing MS needs to do more of. They need to compete with Sony on this front far far more. And this is a good one imo. Excited to hear more about this.
And moves like this make zero sense if Xbox really was looking to go 3rd party. So just another piece of info that goes against those rumors.
Re: Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 Is Launching Day One On Xbox Game Pass
Never had any doubt that MS would put COD on Game Pass day 1. The money MS will make on COD being on Game Pass will very likely surpass the amount it would have made not being on Game Pass for Xbox, once MTX’s are factored in. And in total, all platforms included, this game will continue to be a money printing machine.
I know a lot of people don’t like COD, but this has the potential to be a significant move for Xbox. Wether it will be remains to be seen…
Re: Talking Point: If Halo Infinite Is Finished, Where Should The Franchise Go From Here?
There are still a ton of story options for the Halo universe so I for one hope Halo continues long into the future. Just get back to making great single player games the main priority along with a great MP component. Drop the live service BS.
Re: Talking Point: Which Has Been The Most Reliable Xbox Console For You?
Never had a problem with any of them, not even my 360. Still have all of them to this day and all are 100% functional
Re: Review: Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 (Xbox): An Incredible Spectacle That Lacks An Essential Hook
@TheSimulator
Once again, couldn’t possibly disagree more. Hellblade 2 was never attempting to be a AAA console seller. It’s a AA game that adds some quality and variety to Game Pass, nothing more and nothing less. People trying to pump this game up as some sort of massive console seller are clearly very confused on just what this game is and just what it was trying to be.
Re: Review: Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 (Xbox): An Incredible Spectacle That Lacks An Essential Hook
@DoomGuy_117
Yep!! A very very unique experience especially with audio. Definitely have to play it with a nice set of headphones tho. The difference is staggering. One of the most beautiful games I have ever played. Just stunning all the way around.
Re: Review: Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 (Xbox): An Incredible Spectacle That Lacks An Essential Hook
@TheSimulator
Couldn’t possibly disagree more. The last thing I wanted out of Hellblade 2 was a God of War clone. God of War Ragnarok was fun, but I finished it in a single weekend, and I would never play it again or even think about it again if it weren’t for other people bringing it up. It’s so overrated in my book it’s insane.
Hellblade 2 is a completely different kind of game and ultimately I find it FAR more unique and FAR more memorable.
Re: Review: Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 (Xbox): An Incredible Spectacle That Lacks An Essential Hook
Just finished it up and it was absolutely brilliant imo. I won’t give it a perfect 10, but it’s an easy 9-9.5 for me. I am glad we have studios out there making these kinds of unique experiences game wise. IMO, this game is far more unique and ultimately far more memorable than a lot of other exclusives out there.
Can’t wait to see what Ninja Theory works on next. I really hope it’s something unique like this series was. This studio has some serious talent in regards to narrative driven games. I hope they continue down that path!!
Re: Talking Point: What Dream Reveal Would You Like To See At The Xbox Games Showcase 2024?
A Double Fine announcement would be my big one at this point. Absolutely adore that studio and can’t wait to see what they are working on next. AA and indies interest me FAR more than AAA at this point.
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Critics Are Saying About Xbox's Hellblade 2
About 4 hours in and it’s absolutely brilliant in my book. I play a TON of games and very few, and I do mean very few, are truly memorable or make me feel anything. The first game stuck with me long after I played it and this, at least so far, is doing the same. Some of the best graphics I have ever seen, an engaging story, and a haunting performance. Right now, it’s an easy 9.5-10. It’s exactly what I was hoping it would be.
I didn’t want another God of War. I played through that in a weekend and while I enjoyed it, I haven’t given it another thought since and won’t ever play it again. Hellblade is truly unique, at least in my book. Can’t wait to see what Ninja Theory does next.
Re: Review: Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 (Xbox): An Incredible Spectacle That Lacks An Essential Hook
Getting very good scores pretty much across the board. Can’t wait to dive in later today. From what I have read so far, it’s exactly what I was expecting and exactly what I was hoping for.
Re: Hellblade 2's Official Launch Trailer Shows Off Its Stunning Next-Gen Visuals
Super pumped. Loved the first one and this one looks like it’s gonna be significantly better.
Re: Talking Point: What Convinced You To Pick Xbox In The First Place?
Day 1 on the OG Xbox. Liked the games that were being advertised, liked the idea of a company like MS coming into challenge Sony, and a thousand other reasons as the years went on. I’ll support Xbox until Xbox is no longer…
Re: Hellblade 2's Photo Mode Looks Ridiculously Detailed In New Footage
@Adol-Bannings
And I can honestly say nothing disappoints me more than a game like this not having a photo mode. It’s a waste not to have one given how easy they must be to implement. I can wind up spending more time strolling around looking for amazing screenshots in games like GTAV than I spend actually playing the game. It’s hugely entertaining for those that enjoy it, can be extremely creative (no different from set photographers in Hollywood really), and can significantly add to one’s overall enjoyment of the game. If you don’t like it, that’s cool, but in my humble opinion it’s stupid not having one as the people who don’t have an interest in it can just utterly ignore the feature.
Re: Analyst Claims PS5 Outsold Xbox Series X|S Almost 5:1 Last Quarter
Xbox is definitely not doing so hot on the hardware front. They still have a few cards up their sleeve so it will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next few years.
Game Pass growth may be slowing significantly, but it’s still an immensely popular sub service, one that will only get better and better as Ms’s first party releases really start dropping regularly. They still have COD and I wouldn’t underestimate what that one game can do to help turn the tables. Supposedly their next console is gonna be a huge leap forward for consoles, so I guess we’ll see about that as well.
Xbox may be down, but they aren’t out yet. They were seeing record revenue even before the ABK deal and they are making more per gamer than both Nintendo and Sony. As long as the people running MS and Xbox get their sh*t together fast and make some good moves and good games in the next couple years, anything is possible. Again, will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
Re: Hi-Fi RUSH Is Getting One Final Patch As Tango Gameworks Thanks Fans For Support
Sucks they are gonna be gone, but hopefully someone there can find some funding, start a new studio, and hire everyone back. They certainly went out with a bang with Hi-Fi Rush.
Re: These 11 Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass (May 15 - June 4)
Huge month for me. Lots of games I’m interested in playing with Hellblade 2 obviously topping the list. Looks amazing and can’t wait to play it. Game Pass just continues being the best deal I have ever had in gaming.
Re: Rumour: State Of Decay 3 Is 'Coming Along Very Nicely' Over At Xbox
Another piece of good news for Xbox. Nice change of pace.
Re: Square Enix To Include Xbox As Part Of 'Aggressive' New Multiplatform Strategy
Some good news for Xbox. Square should have done this a ways back.