@Nall3k That's what they were bought for. The more zany and weird AA titles that Xbox wanted at the time to pad out their GP offerings. To have the rug pulled from under your feet in this circumstance does not leave you with AAA product to show to potential investors, it just leaves you drowning with no chance of rescue.
I am rather hoping there is a solid single player experience buried in this game? They do state that there is.
I'm afraid I'm not much into extraction MP games, but given the solid artwork and decent looking combat I'll enjoy a single player experience if there is one 🙏
@Millionski @Fiendish-Beaver I saw nothing but good coverage from the recent previews that people had a chance to play, so I'm really hoping its as good as people have said. Its basically Witcher 3.5, but I understand why their lawyers would have advised against calling it that! 🤣
Its great that Xbox are really showing up here. The recent layoffs and the price increases will be a turn off for some, so its really important to make a mark and show that Xbox is still a good system to buy into with fantastic games available. I'm looking forward to seeing almost everything! I have an idea what my faves will be, but you never know until you know
A predictable cost of Microsoft's sweeping cuts. I hope the laid off workers find work quickly, but doubt it given the amount of workers being 'let go' recently.
I do find it astonishing just how quickly so many jump into such comments to excuse Microsoft of the huge mismanagement that has led to all the recent cuts. Short of having an investment portfolio in the company, I cannot figure out why people simp for multi trillion dollar company at the expense of the creatives who produce the games we all like playing? I like Xbox, I've always bought their machines day of release and had some amazing gaming experiences with them. But I don't and wont condone the mismanagement and damage they have done to many of the studios they have bought and the resultant creatives that lose their livelihood as a result. I hope for Double Fine, but I suspect they will not survive as a result of the cuts 🙏
@themightyant 'Every time?' I believe this is the 2nd time I've replied to you in the last several weeks and you've made at least a dozen posts. Most of the time I shake my head and move right on, but just occasionally I feel the need to express my dismay that someone I normally think has a balanced view, is completely unable to act in that way when it comes to this subject. I'm not ripping into you and I've not been rude. Better to not comment of course, but I have a long history of letting my mouth run anyway and theres no signs this will ever stop. If I'm disappointed and wish to point out obvious irony, I'm afraid I will do so sometimes, sorry but that's the way I am.
@Onlyboxmatters Xbox trolling themselves? I think you need to breathe mate - this outage has not even been reported on Push. No one is getting Xbox to report outages for ammo in a kiddie console war. Think about it for a second...
Edit NVM. In between all the deleted posts its clear to see you make up what you want. You go right ahead.
Mistfall hunter likes a good looking souls copy - I'll definitely boot that up I have to play Halo as well, its been such a while and brings back happy memories..
I am pretty fortunate my Series X, 2 ps5 pro's and Switch 2 all remain silent.
But my PC under load (playing a heavy game) is a hot box that sounds like it wants to take off despite being dust free and regularly cleaned. Its the nature of the beast I guess, despite having an AIO.
Thanks for linking to your cleaning guide - it is about time I gave the series X some cleaning!
Still AC Black Flag for me, a life on the ocean waves is still keeping me entertained. I've bought Palworld now it's v1.0, and I'm looking forward to starting that too.
Whatever you are playing this weekend, I hope you have fun!
You know, given the standards they say they will be applying, this has to be a good thing for those who need or want it.
I had thought I'd be automatically against anything with adverts, but this seems like a good idea...
Excellent review and I'm now really excited to check this out again and get my nostalgia trip going. My wife never played the original and I think she will will really enjoy it
@ILuvGames Yeah, the PC market was growing already, but if MS go all in on it with Helix essentially just playing PC games, that's a very big sector of the market. Couple that with the likely cost of Next Gen and therefore the number of people who will stick with current gen for now, and there market could surely shrink next gen. As you say, it doesn't help them that they invested in all the wrong bets either. I wouldn't bet against them, but they certainly have some storms to weather for sure.
@ILuvGames Not to be contrary, but the 12 digit code given signals a purchase of the game. Doesn't matter what you paid for it? Its the same as receiving a code for a game in a hardware pack - there is no price associated with it, just an entitlement to the licence for a game?
I will admit I clearly don't have all the details, but I have redeemed codes for games. I cannot categorically state you are wrong as there is so little information present on this and its been over 5 years since I regularly got the retail trade mags. I do thank you for sharing your knowledge however, but I do suspect there will be things neither of us are aware of. I'll admit it would be very disappointing if this did not represent competition, and the model you are suggesting would be subject to huge scrutiny by European legislation, so I suspect 3rd parties will and can set their own pricing. Hopefully some more clarity will be incoming soon. Thanks for the discussion, I'll be happy to come back and say you called it bang on if that's the outcome! Have a great day.
I guess if you were thinking of buying an Xbox, that was the month to do so before the price rises kick in. Its nice to see it though, but I suspect keeping the momentum will be difficult. Hope for the best though...
@ILuvGames That's simply not true . The prices 3rd parties can buy at are set so they can make a profit. Discounts are set by eating into the profit margin. Its exactly the same model that's been running on sites such as loaded for the entire generation, so websites like 'game' will be able to undercut the full Sony price.
It really doesn't help that Sony have have said nothing since the announcement, so that the expansion of this provision can be explained more clearly, but there are current schemes in place that run on this model supplying cheap games for all the systems, and Sony will need to make a lot more available than they do now (there are limited numbers with the current provision.)
Nice to see the commitment to PC gaming is strong and if this backwards compatibility reaches many more titles, as I suspect it will, then this is a major plus point. Look forward to seeing the program expand!
@fatpunkslim Please stop making up your own facts, your looking desperate and silly.
The vita and PS3 stores will finally close in 2027, though it will be earlier is some territories. The Xbox 360 store (the PS3's contemporary) shut July 2024. In both cases you can download games you own - and for backwards compatible titles, these can be bought still on Xbox. I don't know why you make this stuff up.
@Sol4ris I think you could be right mate and Sony , Nintendo, Xbox , apple etc could all be regarded as closed ecosystems. I guess I'm taking it as 'is there any competition or not', and by allowing others to sell access to the content at a price they set, it at least allows some price competition, which helps a little and should ensure they cant set any price they feel like. I guess I see many stating that Sony will now have a closed ecosystem and can set whatever price they like, whereas they always have had the ecosystem and the fact there will be other sellers offers at least a semblance of competition. Have a good one!
"Locked ecosystems are always going to be more expensive and restrictive".
I don't know if you people bother to read the announcements or not, but it was quite clearly stated that digital codes will be available for sale from retail partners. That's code in a box if you go into a store, and codes to purchase if you go online. That gives competition to buying on Sony's store which is not becoming a locked ecosystem at all?
I get that this is not a solution to digital rights or a replacement for having a box and disc, but to claim 'no competition' when the very announcement made it clear there will be, is willful neglect of the facts.
Credit where its due - theres some good titles in here and ones I will try when I get some time. Beast of Reincarnation, could be good or could be @rse, but I want to play it and find out for myself. I was also going to buy Hell is Us in the Sales, but no need to now as I can try it here. Cheers GP!
Cant moan at this line up. I'm strangely drawn to 'Beast of Reincarnation" and hope its going to be good. It would be silly to miss out on Resonance too. I loved the first game, not so much the second though it looked great.... It looks like theres going to be a decent game here.
@ZYDIO If your machine doesn't go online ever and you get no updates and wish to play the version of the game with the gold code release - then you are completely correct you can carry on playing the code on the disc without them being able to revoke the licence. They cant come round your house and take the disc of course. Please feel free to ask your favourite AI for more in depth information and the links you might want. Unfortunately they are both revocable licenses - but there are some advantages to having a disc as I stated above - and of course you can sell it. Sorry if you didn't know that and that's a shock. There are a lot of people who didn't seem to know this.
It is indeed the high seas for me - I'm really enjoying this all over again! I'm having to odd go of guitaroo man as I'm stuck on early levels and need to get through,. But its mainly Black Flag.
What's ever you are playing this weekend, I hope you have fun.
@Llamageddon Absolutely. Tricky and them burnouts would be wonderful.. I always used to love the crash modes in the early burnout games, great for passing a controller around when you had a group round:)
@Llamageddon You mentioned Guitarooman, so I had to jump in cause I love this game. I wont say I've put in lots of hours, but I'm struggling to get past the third level. I think its me, not the game!
@HonestHick Since you wont, I dug it out for you:-
"You can watch videos on YouTube from a year ago showing you that this often works.
It has absolutely nothing to do with the current situation re physical media.
P.S. Anyone see MS has cut ID studios in half? Cant believe it....."
Tuesday 21.30 in a thread about Sony offering discounts to keep people leaving due to physical. Fake news goes both ways, but in this case I was asking if anyone had seen ID was getting cut in half, which it is now confirmed is exactly what happened. All you need to do is say sorry I thought you were spreading the other fud.
... Please, don't pretend ID were in the process of winding down the team, its part of the XBOX cull and I know you absolutely know that. Don't moan about spreading fake news and then go creating your own.
Having said all that Quake is indeed where I'd like to see them working - I always preferred it to Doom. Have a good one.
@HonestHick As expected , pure word salad and no quote or pointer to anywhere where I spread this debunked rumour. Because I didn't and as you like to put it FACT.
@Banjo- Have you tried any of the Tomb Raider remakes yet? I'd be interested to hear your views. I'm really tempted but I don't know if it will feel a bit too archaic?
@MinervaX76 It is indeed still awful that so many from ID were sacked, undoing the last decade of growth.
I would like to think they will still be able to do what they are so good at, though the statement does reek a little of damage control.
I would have thought that if they have only just gotten wind of the cuts, it will take a little time with the studio heads to replan the various departments and ensure a good workflow with the people they have left. Its definitely a good thing they are still around and gonna be making games I definitely agree!
@Mr-Cage How can you say everything she has done has been positive when she's taking a hatchet to some of the finest teams in the industry? What they have done to ID is shocking and now they've been cutting staff on Elder Scrolls 6:
Nice! Some good deals there. I really enjoyed POP the lost crown, so I think its now plenty of game for that asking price and theres a few other good ones in there too!
I'm really disappointed with all the recent news, but the crushing of ID is the one that hurts the most. This is not based on their performance, this is spread sheet solutions that make little sense unless your only criteria is immediate savings no matter the cost. Some of these ideas sounded really good, but theres no chance of seeing them. Unless its an established IP Microsoft will not bank it and in time this ensures that their output will become creatively bankrupt imo.
@dePaige22 I was of the opinion I'd had a good discussion with people who were happy to air their points. I think if you read the discussion I took many peoples points on board and agreed with several, and when I did get a fact wrong I admitted it and learnt. You are welcome to your viewpoint of course, but I don't believe its a fair characterisation of the discussions that I had here. Good day.
@MinervaX76 You may attribute that to bias, but I'm afraid it was far less sinister ignorance. I do not try and substantiate an opinion by deliberately misrepresenting the facts, if the facts show something different then I will happily change my opinion based on the new facts! Changing your mind based on new evidence is strength not weakness and I'm happy to learn and grow even at my age.
It seems clear my fuddled memory is remembering the early sales data where Series S was selling %75 to series X %25. I have just educated myself and discovered how significantly that ratio has changed. Thank you for correcting me. If I learn nothing else today, I will at least have learnt that
@Jenkinss Not at all mate, people are riled by this discussion and you were not at all dismissive of my point, you just showed how it would be easier for someone to get their games back by buying a new console and making a new account in an extreme circumstance. The fact remains, with physical you still have a licence, even if it means you can get round bans in a worst case scenario.
For most of us we are never likely to need to consider this (I hope) and so the fact we both play under licence gives the two options at least some similarity in terms of how we play and use our right to access the software.
You are right though, its been a long day and I'll try and avoid winding anyone up further by stating stuff most don't want to hear Have a good one!
@MinervaX76 Just though I'd remind you that the insomniac leak was in 23 and included titles that were physical pack in when buying the console. That's a clear distortion - often offered up by people who wish to contest filed company results shared with share holders. If Xbox is 90% digital (lets face it series S is the dominant sku), then I don't see why %85 for Sony is suddenly unbelievable.
@NishimaruX well I have to applaud you for using GOG when you can, but with only %5 of the games, its tough to use them all the time eh? One of the issues I have with what you have stated is that all the code is on the disc. This is clearly not true for many titles, and its the Gold code that's on release discs. Buy the time the games released that's been superceded by at least a couple of builds and it can often take a few weeks for the game to become stable and something you would want to use. Having gold code is most often of little benefit if you want to use it. I'm not sure how you can lose an account unless your getting yourself banned. I don't know anyone who ever has. I DO know plenty of people who have had their discs stolen in a break in, or lost them all in a fire mind you, and when that happens with a physical dic you have lost access for good. Digital collections cannot be stolen burnt or otherwise damaged. I've never lost a game in the years I've bought digitally for switch, Xbox or playstation or steam, so your concern is not bourne out of real experiences. I've lost and damaged a ton of discs though. The benefit equation is simply not as one sided as you suggest. Still its an interesting subject, but discussion is harmed when a person offers a subjective opinion as objective fact. Its no such thing.
Personally I like to buy while sitting on my arse and switch games while sitting on my arse. I've never had an issue accessing my games digitally and the reason most people buy games this way is because its far easier with few drawbacks. If you want to sell on, physical is the only way ATM, but I try and divest my self of all unneeded plastic use in my life and care very deeply about this. If it costs me more cause I cant sell on, that's a cost I am personally happy to bear because I don't like to see physical resources Waste land especially not plastics. Attacking 90% of your fellow gamers for consuming digitally is a strange hill to pin your flag on. I get why you might prefer physical, but you vitriol for the majority of gamers is very strange to see and I'd suggest not healthy. I'm here cause I game and I'll consume everything on every system, till I finally pass. They pry a controller out my hand when I do go. Anyhow, sorry to drag this all up gain, but I was out and just got back. I'll leave it alone now. Have a great day.
Comments 3,159
Re: Former Xbox Studio Forced To Layoff 23 Employees To Ensure 'Survival Of Our Studio'
@Nall3k That's what they were bought for. The more zany and weird AA titles that Xbox wanted at the time to pad out their GP offerings.
To have the rug pulled from under your feet in this circumstance does not leave you with AAA product to show to potential investors, it just leaves you drowning with no chance of rescue.
Re: Mistfall Hunter Is Available Today With Xbox Game Pass, And Here's What The Reviews Are Saying
@oopsiezz Thanks for letting me know! Looks like I might pass...
Re: Mistfall Hunter Is Available Today With Xbox Game Pass, And Here's What The Reviews Are Saying
I am rather hoping there is a solid single player experience buried in this game? They do state that there is.
I'm afraid I'm not much into extraction MP games, but given the solid artwork and decent looking combat I'll enjoy a single player experience if there is one 🙏
Re: Xbox Announces Big List Of Games And Broadcast Schedule For Gamescom 2026
@Millionski @Fiendish-Beaver
I saw nothing but good coverage from the recent previews that people had a chance to play, so I'm really hoping its as good as people have said.
Its basically Witcher 3.5, but I understand why their lawyers would have advised against calling it that! 🤣
Re: Xbox Announces Big List Of Games And Broadcast Schedule For Gamescom 2026
Its great that Xbox are really showing up here. The recent layoffs and the price increases will be a turn off for some, so its really important to make a mark and show that Xbox is still a good system to buy into with fantastic games available.
I'm looking forward to seeing almost everything! I have an idea what my faves will be, but you never know until you know
Re: Former Xbox Studio Forced To Layoff 23 Employees To Ensure 'Survival Of Our Studio'
A predictable cost of Microsoft's sweeping cuts. I hope the laid off workers find work quickly, but doubt it given the amount of workers being 'let go' recently.
I do find it astonishing just how quickly so many jump into such comments to excuse Microsoft of the huge mismanagement that has led to all the recent cuts. Short of having an investment portfolio in the company, I cannot figure out why people simp for multi trillion dollar company at the expense of the creatives who produce the games we all like playing? I like Xbox, I've always bought their machines day of release and had some amazing gaming experiences with them. But I don't and wont condone the mismanagement and damage they have done to many of the studios they have bought and the resultant creatives that lose their livelihood as a result.
I hope for Double Fine, but I suspect they will not survive as a result of the cuts 🙏
Re: Xbox Servers Are Still Down, Preventing Players From Accessing Both Physical And Digital Games
@themightyant 'Every time?' I believe this is the 2nd time I've replied to you in the last several weeks and you've made at least a dozen posts. Most of the time I shake my head and move right on, but just occasionally I feel the need to express my dismay that someone I normally think has a balanced view, is completely unable to act in that way when it comes to this subject.
I'm not ripping into you and I've not been rude. Better to not comment of course, but I have a long history of letting my mouth run anyway and theres no signs this will ever stop.
If I'm disappointed and wish to point out obvious irony, I'm afraid I will do so sometimes, sorry but that's the way I am.
Re: Xbox Servers Are Still Down, Preventing Players From Accessing Both Physical And Digital Games
@Onlyboxmatters Xbox trolling themselves? I think you need to breathe mate - this outage has not even been reported on Push. No one is getting Xbox to report outages for ammo in a kiddie console war. Think about it for a second...
Edit NVM. In between all the deleted posts its clear to see you make up what you want. You go right ahead.
Re: Xbox Servers Are Still Down, Preventing Players From Accessing Both Physical And Digital Games
@badboidre Cheers mate. Animal rocks!
Re: Xbox Servers Are Still Down, Preventing Players From Accessing Both Physical And Digital Games
@themightyant Amusing comment when your discs don't work either. I genuinely thought you were better than this. I guess that's on me.
I hope the services are OK again soon.
Re: These 30+ Games Are Coming To Xbox Next Week (July 27-31)
@Fiendish-Beaver I share the same concerns my friend. But hey, its free to try, so I'll give it a pop!
Re: These 30+ Games Are Coming To Xbox Next Week (July 27-31)
Mistfall hunter likes a good looking souls copy - I'll definitely boot that up
I have to play Halo as well, its been such a while and brings back happy memories..
Re: Talking Point: How Much Noise Do Your Xbox Consoles Make After All These Years?
I am pretty fortunate my Series X, 2 ps5 pro's and Switch 2 all remain silent.
But my PC under load (playing a heavy game) is a hot box that sounds like it wants to take off despite being dust free and regularly cleaned. Its the nature of the beast I guess, despite having an AIO.
Thanks for linking to your cleaning guide - it is about time I gave the series X some cleaning!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 25-26)
Still AC Black Flag for me, a life on the ocean waves is still keeping me entertained.
I've bought Palworld now it's v1.0, and I'm looking forward to starting that too.
Whatever you are playing this weekend, I hope you have fun!
Re: Xbox Is Adding A New Feature To 'Optimise' Download Speeds For Games
About time and very welcome. I get very poor speeds downloading on Xbox - worse than PC, PS and Nintendo Switch/switch 2.
I would be very happy if they fix this!
Re: Xbox Introduces Free Game Streaming With Ads, Outlines Five Principles They'll Adhere To
You know, given the standards they say they will be applying, this has to be a good thing for those who need or want it.
I had thought I'd be automatically against anything with adverts, but this seems like a good idea...
I just hope its not the thin end of the wedge...
Re: Review: Halo: Campaign Evolved (Xbox) - A Stunning Remake That Becomes The Definitive Master Chief Campaign
Excellent review and I'm now really excited to check this out again and get my nostalgia trip going. My wife never played the original and I think she will will really enjoy it
Re: Physical Sales Graph For The Past 20 Years Highlights Just How Much Gaming Has Changed
@ILuvGames Yeah, the PC market was growing already, but if MS go all in on it with Helix essentially just playing PC games, that's a very big sector of the market. Couple that with the likely cost of Next Gen and therefore the number of people who will stick with current gen for now, and there market could surely shrink next gen. As you say, it doesn't help them that they invested in all the wrong bets either. I wouldn't bet against them, but they certainly have some storms to weather for sure.
Re: Physical Sales Graph For The Past 20 Years Highlights Just How Much Gaming Has Changed
@ILuvGames Not to be contrary, but the 12 digit code given signals a purchase of the game. Doesn't matter what you paid for it? Its the same as receiving a code for a game in a hardware pack - there is no price associated with it, just an entitlement to the licence for a game?
I will admit I clearly don't have all the details, but I have redeemed codes for games. I cannot categorically state you are wrong as there is so little information present on this and its been over 5 years since I regularly got the retail trade mags.
I do thank you for sharing your knowledge however, but I do suspect there will be things neither of us are aware of.
I'll admit it would be very disappointing if this did not represent competition, and the model you are suggesting would be subject to huge scrutiny by European legislation, so I suspect 3rd parties will and can set their own pricing. Hopefully some more clarity will be incoming soon.
Thanks for the discussion, I'll be happy to come back and say you called it bang on if that's the outcome! Have a great day.
Re: Xbox Achieves Its Biggest Month For US Console Sales In 2026 So Far
I guess if you were thinking of buying an Xbox, that was the month to do so before the price rises kick in. Its nice to see it though, but I suspect keeping the momentum will be difficult. Hope for the best though...
Re: Xbox Announces Backwards Compatibility For PC, First Four Games Revealed
@datamonkey That game rocks! To have it included in this immediately is gold!!
Re: Physical Sales Graph For The Past 20 Years Highlights Just How Much Gaming Has Changed
@ILuvGames That's simply not true . The prices 3rd parties can buy at are set so they can make a profit. Discounts are set by eating into the profit margin. Its exactly the same model that's been running on sites such as loaded for the entire generation, so websites like 'game' will be able to undercut the full Sony price.
It really doesn't help that Sony have have said nothing since the announcement, so that the expansion of this provision can be explained more clearly, but there are current schemes in place that run on this model supplying cheap games for all the systems, and Sony will need to make a lot more available than they do now (there are limited numbers with the current provision.)
Re: Physical Sales Graph For The Past 20 Years Highlights Just How Much Gaming Has Changed
@ILuvGames Completely agree, but as the 3rd party retailer gets to set its own price,at least theres some competition, right?
Re: Xbox Announces Backwards Compatibility For PC, First Four Games Revealed
Nice to see the commitment to PC gaming is strong and if this backwards compatibility reaches many more titles, as I suspect it will, then this is a major plus point. Look forward to seeing the program expand!
@fatpunkslim Please stop making up your own facts, your looking desperate and silly.
The vita and PS3 stores will finally close in 2027, though it will be earlier is some territories. The Xbox 360 store (the PS3's contemporary) shut July 2024. In both cases you can download games you own - and for backwards compatible titles, these can be bought still on Xbox. I don't know why you make this stuff up.
Re: Physical Sales Graph For The Past 20 Years Highlights Just How Much Gaming Has Changed
@Sol4ris I think you could be right mate and Sony , Nintendo, Xbox , apple etc could all be regarded as closed ecosystems.
I guess I'm taking it as 'is there any competition or not', and by allowing others to sell access to the content at a price they set, it at least allows some price competition, which helps a little and should ensure they cant set any price they feel like.
I guess I see many stating that Sony will now have a closed ecosystem and can set whatever price they like, whereas they always have had the ecosystem and the fact there will be other sellers offers at least a semblance of competition.
Have a good one!
Re: Physical Sales Graph For The Past 20 Years Highlights Just How Much Gaming Has Changed
"Locked ecosystems are always going to be more expensive and restrictive".
I don't know if you people bother to read the announcements or not, but it was quite clearly stated that digital codes will be available for sale from retail partners. That's code in a box if you go into a store, and codes to purchase if you go online. That gives competition to buying on Sony's store which is not becoming a locked ecosystem at all?
I get that this is not a solution to digital rights or a replacement for having a box and disc, but to claim 'no competition' when the very announcement made it clear there will be, is willful neglect of the facts.
Re: These Seven Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass (July 22 - August 4)
@Fiendish-Beaver Thank you mate, I'll definitely make some time for this one....
Re: These Seven Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass (July 22 - August 4)
Credit where its due - theres some good titles in here and ones I will try when I get some time.
Beast of Reincarnation, could be good or could be @rse, but I want to play it and find out for myself.
I was also going to buy Hell is Us in the Sales, but no need to now as I can try it here. Cheers GP!
Re: Reporter Claims Game Pass Is 'Absolutely Detested' By Some Xbox Studio Leaders
I think its hurt the Xbox business plenty.
But as a consumer its pretty much the only reason I play Xbox, so I'm a little torn.
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of Assassin's Creed Black Flag In General?
I loved the original, and I'm having lots of fun with the resync version. Its good to be back on the high seas...
Re: Five Games Are Confirmed For Xbox Game Pass In August 2026 So Far
Cant moan at this line up.
I'm strangely drawn to 'Beast of Reincarnation" and hope its going to be good.
It would be silly to miss out on Resonance too. I loved the first game, not so much the second though it looked great.... It looks like theres going to be a decent game here.
Re: Video Game Retailer Urges Xbox To 'Stand Behind Consumer Choice' By Supporting Physical
@ZYDIO If your machine doesn't go online ever and you get no updates and wish to play the version of the game with the gold code release - then you are completely correct you can carry on playing the code on the disc without them being able to revoke the licence. They cant come round your house and take the disc of course.
Please feel free to ask your favourite AI for more in depth information and the links you might want.
Unfortunately they are both revocable licenses - but there are some advantages to having a disc as I stated above - and of course you can sell it. Sorry if you didn't know that and that's a shock. There are a lot of people who didn't seem to know this.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 11-12)
It is indeed the high seas for me - I'm really enjoying this all over again! I'm having to odd go of guitaroo man as I'm stuck on early levels and need to get through,. But its mainly Black Flag.
What's ever you are playing this weekend, I hope you have fun.
Re: Xbox Sends Out Brief Statement Regarding 'Inaccurate' id Tech Reports
@Llamageddon Absolutely. Tricky and them burnouts would be wonderful.. I always used to love the crash modes in the early burnout games, great for passing a controller around when you had a group round:)
Re: Xbox Summer Sale 2026 'Teaser' Now Live, 300+ Games Discounted
@Banjo- wow, thank you for such a thorough breakdown, I really appreciate it.
I kinda remember Rise and Shadow quite well and enjoyed them both, but anything earlier is becoming a blur! I guess that's age for ya 🤣
Re: Xbox Sends Out Brief Statement Regarding 'Inaccurate' id Tech Reports
@Llamageddon You mentioned Guitarooman, so I had to jump in cause I love this game. I wont say I've put in lots of hours, but I'm struggling to get past the third level. I think its me, not the game!
Re: Xbox Sends Out Brief Statement Regarding 'Inaccurate' id Tech Reports
@HonestHick Since you wont, I dug it out for you:-
"You can watch videos on YouTube from a year ago showing you that this often works.
It has absolutely nothing to do with the current situation re physical media.
P.S. Anyone see MS has cut ID studios in half? Cant believe it....."
Tuesday 21.30 in a thread about Sony offering discounts to keep people leaving due to physical. Fake news goes both ways, but in this case I was asking if anyone had seen ID was getting cut in half, which it is now confirmed is exactly what happened. All you need to do is say sorry I thought you were spreading the other fud.
... Please, don't pretend ID were in the process of winding down the team, its part of the XBOX cull and I know you absolutely know that. Don't moan about spreading fake news and then go creating your own.
Having said all that Quake is indeed where I'd like to see them working - I always preferred it to Doom. Have a good one.
Re: Xbox Sends Out Brief Statement Regarding 'Inaccurate' id Tech Reports
@HonestHick As expected , pure word salad and no quote or pointer to anywhere where I spread this debunked rumour. Because I didn't and as you like to put it FACT.
Re: Xbox Summer Sale 2026 'Teaser' Now Live, 300+ Games Discounted
@Banjo- Have you tried any of the Tomb Raider remakes yet? I'd be interested to hear your views. I'm really tempted but I don't know if it will feel a bit too archaic?
Re: Xbox Teases Potentially Major Console Update That Will Be 'Worth The Wait'
@MinervaX76 It is indeed still awful that so many from ID were sacked, undoing the last decade of growth.
I would like to think they will still be able to do what they are so good at, though the statement does reek a little of damage control.
I would have thought that if they have only just gotten wind of the cuts, it will take a little time with the studio heads to replan the various departments and ensure a good workflow with the people they have left. Its definitely a good thing they are still around and gonna be making games I definitely agree!
Re: Xbox Sends Out Brief Statement Regarding 'Inaccurate' id Tech Reports
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Re: Xbox Teases Potentially Major Console Update That Will Be 'Worth The Wait'
@Mr-Cage How can you say everything she has done has been positive when she's taking a hatchet to some of the finest teams in the industry? What they have done to ID is shocking and now they've been cutting staff on Elder Scrolls 6:
https://thisweekinvideogames.com/news/xbox-layoffs-reportedly-had-a-crushing-effect-on-morale-for-the-elder-scrolls-vi-developers/
I've no idea how you can casually say she doing good for Xbox.
Re: Xbox Summer Sale 2026 'Teaser' Now Live, 300+ Games Discounted
Nice! Some good deals there.
I really enjoyed POP the lost crown, so I think its now plenty of game for that asking price and theres a few other good ones in there too!
Hope you pick up some bargains!
Re: Report: id Software Pitched New Perfect Dark Before Xbox Layoffs
I'm really disappointed with all the recent news, but the crushing of ID is the one that hurts the most.
This is not based on their performance, this is spread sheet solutions that make little sense unless your only criteria is immediate savings no matter the cost.
Some of these ideas sounded really good, but theres no chance of seeing them. Unless its an established IP Microsoft will not bank it and in time this ensures that their output will become creatively bankrupt imo.
Re: Video Game Retailer Urges Xbox To 'Stand Behind Consumer Choice' By Supporting Physical
@dePaige22 I was of the opinion I'd had a good discussion with people who were happy to air their points. I think if you read the discussion I took many peoples points on board and agreed with several, and when I did get a fact wrong I admitted it and learnt.
You are welcome to your viewpoint of course, but I don't believe its a fair characterisation of the discussions that I had here. Good day.
Re: Video Game Retailer Urges Xbox To 'Stand Behind Consumer Choice' By Supporting Physical
@MinervaX76 You may attribute that to bias, but I'm afraid it was far less sinister ignorance. I do not try and substantiate an opinion by deliberately misrepresenting the facts, if the facts show something different then I will happily change my opinion based on the new facts! Changing your mind based on new evidence is strength not weakness and I'm happy to learn and grow even at my age.
It seems clear my fuddled memory is remembering the early sales data where Series S was selling %75 to series X %25. I have just educated myself and discovered how significantly that ratio has changed. Thank you for correcting me. If I learn nothing else today, I will at least have learnt that
Re: Video Game Retailer Urges Xbox To 'Stand Behind Consumer Choice' By Supporting Physical
@Jenkinss Not at all mate, people are riled by this discussion and you were not at all dismissive of my point, you just showed how it would be easier for someone to get their games back by buying a new console and making a new account in an extreme circumstance. The fact remains, with physical you still have a licence, even if it means you can get round bans in a worst case scenario.
For most of us we are never likely to need to consider this (I hope) and so the fact we both play under licence gives the two options at least some similarity in terms of how we play and use our right to access the software.
You are right though, its been a long day and I'll try and avoid winding anyone up further by stating stuff most don't want to hear Have a good one!
Re: Video Game Retailer Urges Xbox To 'Stand Behind Consumer Choice' By Supporting Physical
@datamonkey Thats completely fair and I would not dispute that at all!
Re: Video Game Retailer Urges Xbox To 'Stand Behind Consumer Choice' By Supporting Physical
@MinervaX76 Just though I'd remind you that the insomniac leak was in 23 and included titles that were physical pack in when buying the console. That's a clear distortion - often offered up by people who wish to contest filed company results shared with share holders. If Xbox is 90% digital (lets face it series S is the dominant sku), then I don't see why %85 for Sony is suddenly unbelievable.
Re: Video Game Retailer Urges Xbox To 'Stand Behind Consumer Choice' By Supporting Physical
@NishimaruX well I have to applaud you for using GOG when you can, but with only %5 of the games, its tough to use them all the time eh?
One of the issues I have with what you have stated is that all the code is on the disc. This is clearly not true for many titles, and its the Gold code that's on release discs. Buy the time the games released that's been superceded by at least a couple of builds and it can often take a few weeks for the game to become stable and something you would want to use. Having gold code is most often of little benefit if you want to use it. I'm not sure how you can lose an account unless your getting yourself banned. I don't know anyone who ever has. I DO know plenty of people who have had their discs stolen in a break in, or lost them all in a fire mind you, and when that happens with a physical dic you have lost access for good. Digital collections cannot be stolen burnt or otherwise damaged. I've never lost a game in the years I've bought digitally for switch, Xbox or playstation or steam, so your concern is not bourne out of real experiences. I've lost and damaged a ton of discs though. The benefit equation is simply not as one sided as you suggest.
Still its an interesting subject, but discussion is harmed when a person offers a subjective opinion as objective fact. Its no such thing.
Personally I like to buy while sitting on my arse and switch games while sitting on my arse. I've never had an issue accessing my games digitally and the reason most people buy games this way is because its far easier with few drawbacks.
If you want to sell on, physical is the only way ATM, but I try and divest my self of all unneeded plastic use in my life and care very deeply about this. If it costs me more cause I cant sell on, that's a cost I am personally happy to bear because I don't like to see physical resources Waste land especially not plastics.
Attacking 90% of your fellow gamers for consuming digitally is a strange hill to pin your flag on. I get why you might prefer physical, but you vitriol for the majority of gamers is very strange to see and I'd suggest not healthy. I'm here cause I game and I'll consume everything on every system, till I finally pass. They pry a controller out my hand when I do go.
Anyhow, sorry to drag this all up gain, but I was out and just got back. I'll leave it alone now. Have a great day.