Xbox is just about dead as disco to me. When an OG founder criticizes the direction of the company publicly and in the most brutal fashion possible, you feel that. Hopefully the execs feel it too.
Yeah, I'm crusty. Let's not be too hard on these younger people though. Indiscretions of youth and all that, it's part of the experience - you and me were probably just as clueless or worse haha.
All I can say is I read 4 years worth of comments on this website of how Phil Spencer is gonna turn things around, he cares about you, he's a "real gamer" because he wears graphic tees. Caught like raccoons in a trap reaching for the shiny thing (GamePass). We need to study the psychological aspects of assigning your self worth and identity to a company. I'm sure the corporations do and use it well. While we both shake our fist at the air.
I'm gonna roll out of here before the boomer jokes roll in. On topic, Tango hurts in particular and this news sucks. Hope they land on their feet and I suspect they will with the talent they've displayed.
He's right, MS as a wider company have a pretty er... distinctive history that sets them apart from other businesses. Most people around here won't remember, because it goes way back to the dark ages.
I agree all corporations are pretty terrible. Basically a plague of locusts. Microsoft though... Microsoft is the bubonic plague incarnate. To see that, you have to look beyond their Xbox business though. I can't say Microsoft is any more unethical than any other corp. Just that they have the means and market position to cause the most damage, and often do.
I have a feeling this is gonna sell 18 copies on Xbox. I remember they released FF XI on the 360 all the way back in the good old days, and that's how I experienced it. I remember sales on Xbox were unsurprisingly not great back then.
For what it's worth XIV is an amazing game and probably one of the best FFs ever released if you can adapt to the MMO style of gameplay.
It's also very single player friendly for an MMO, so I'd recommend even for just the story if you are on the fence.
It's very much a community and a game that will consume your life. With its own holidays, a theme park, residential areas. It really is a vibe of a real living, breathing world. Great community too I'd add, very newcomer friendly and the game's tutorials do a really good job of slowly ramping up the complexity over time.
Anyone can play Helldivers. All they have to do is go out and buy a PS5 and that's that. You can buy a used console for like 350 bucks. Pick up the first Helldivers game while you are at it.
Exclusivity is important for these companies to distinguish their brand and move units. That's why they have always existed.
I'm really not trying to fan the flames of any console warring, but this game is fun. Don't know if it will have "staying power", but it is the best PvE multiplayer I've ever played. Matches feel like an insane epic-scale battle and it evokes the same feeling I got from playing the old Star Wars Battlefront games on PS2. Just pure chaos, but it's manageable with a good squad. Props to Arrowhead for this, it's a quantum leap over the first game but keeps the core ideas in place.
Dislike people coming in and trying to play it like it's Call of Duty and blowing me up with an airstrike, but in all fairness there's a bit of a learning curve to it and it's fun to guide people along as they learn the mechanics.
Starfield wasn't snubbed. If you doubled the size of the list of GOTY candidates, it still wouldn't deserve a spot. The year was insanely stacked. I do feel Hi-Fi Rush should get a nod. Probably just barely missed the cut.
Starfield probably would have been nominated if it were released in 2021 or 22, but not this year. Was just an insane year overall.
I'm a tough grader I guess looking at these comments. I would break it down like this:
XBOX - D+
Still struggling in the exclusive dept., but doing better (Hi-Fi Rush, Starfield)
Concrete release dates still absent for most anticipated releases, several years since announcements
Sharp decline in market share over the course of 2023 for hardware, despite a few high profile releases
Issues with Series S parity policy (BG3 release delay)
GamePass releases have been consistently solid
GamePass price increase
Finally closed ABK Deal, though somewhat offset by MWIII's terrible critical reception.
PlayStation - C
Weaker year for first party exclusives in terms of quantity (Spiderman 2, Horizon Call of the Wild)
PlayStation VR2 still not finding traction or a stand out release
Murky vision for the future / lack of communication on future releases (Last of Us Factions in limbo, very little known about 2024 first party release lineup)
Weak showcase emphasized live service stuff, received generally poor reception
UI updates for PS5 lacking, most requested features still absent (actual folders, themes)
PS Plus Extra has been excellent.
PS Plus Premium is still very, very bad.
Somewhat lackluster 'slim' hardware revision
Impressive array of first party accessories released
Nintendo - B-
First party games have been frequent and very high quality, but weighed down by a bit too many re-releases of older games (Metroid Prime, Super Mario RPG, Pikmin 1 + 2).
Still no Switch 2 announcement, Switch hardware cannot keep up - some third party releases on Switch struggling / highly compromised quality (Hogwarts Legacy)
Nintendo Online retro game catalogue still inadequate / games releasing too slowly.
Platform is consistent, but doesn't present any 'wow' factor in its releases or overall direction, Tears of the Kingdom aside. Exists on its own separate little island, for better and worse.
Due to hardware limitations, missed out on the most high profile games of the year.
Third Parties - A++
Best year for third party releases since 2001 (specifically, third party releases on PS5 / Xbox - sorry Switch). Stole the show and are the real winners of 2023, by a mile.
TL;DR Version: Xbox has an exclusive first party games and market share issue, Sony has a massive communication problem and seems unsure of it's direction in the future, while Nintendo is approaching a wall with its antiquated hardware. All that said, thank heavens for third party publishers / devs.
Aggregate review sites have Starfield in 62nd place for the year, and it's due to move down further as more releases displace it further.
That being said, aggregate reviews don't mean much and the 61 games that scored higher include a lot of re-releases, remaster, and DLCs.
It's been a big year for games. I think if you narrow it down to best new IP, Starfield is easily in contention for GOTY. Otherwise, it hardly breaks top 10 for me among the other heavy hitters that came out this year by 3rd party publishers.
Honestly, just buy a Switch. A used Lite goes for less than $150. I know money is tight but the Switch complents the Xbox really well as a second console.
Not to mention the numerous other games that are Switch exclusive. Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Metroid Dread, and Super Smash Bros Ultimate are all amazing. Only negative is unlike Playstation and Xbox games, Nintendo games do not drop in price over time. All the tent pole titles still go for around 50 bucks a pop or so.
I really don't know about whether their decision to block the merger was fair or done in good faith. I'm just ignorant to the process and legal aspects of it and hesitant to even comment on it for that reason.
What I can say is Microsoft can compete with Sony without any acquisition - they just have to make good games. If they do that, consistently and over a long enough period of time, they will be the new market leader guaranteed. They sort of did this during the 360 generation for a minute. The proven method is to release good games. Sony is not some indomitable, untouchable market leader. And Microsoft doesn't need to reinvent the wheel to beat them, they just need to put out a great product. That's it. I feel this is a simple truth which has been overlooked or at least overshadowed by talks of mergers and streaming, etc. None of this feels that complicated in theory.
Good article. I'm genuinely worried the Xbox division might get swallowed up or otherwise disbanded by Microsoft if they don't get some wins in the near to mid-term future, meaning in the next 10 to 15 years. Not anytime soon, but eventually. Don't want to come off to be saying the sky is falling on the back of one bad piece of news. Part of my worry comes from Xbox having come extremely close to this outcome on at least two occasions in the past, supposedly. I want Xbox to thrive so we all keep getting good games.
One point of contention though:
"Phil Spencer has gone on record to say that Xbox's future doesn't rely on this ActiBlizz deal, and we have no reason to doubt him and the team right now!"
Well I admire your positivity, but I have every reason to doubt Phil Spencer. He is a cheerleader for his company like any CEO, of course he will say that. It has no merit whatsoever, just PR. And it's not up to him anyways, it's up to his bosses. He answers to the board of directors.
I don't have the legal wherewithal to make any informed comment on this. Apparently neither did most news commentators.
I will say I like the Xbox brand. As a smaller division of a monolithic larger company, I always saw Xbox as a plucky underdog. The continued existence of Xbox is good for us all, as it kept the competition alive after Sega bowed out. Things would be so much worse without them entering the console market, I truly believe that.
That said, I hate streaming and how it flies in the face of ownership rights. I do not like GamePass. I did not like Playstation Now. I do not like this new direction Xbox has taken. Hate that this news site is 30-40% Gamepass articles, and less actual substantive gaming news. Not this site's fault, just how things are currently. It's clear (I think), Microsoft was using this acquisition to push their GamePass initiative more than anything. So I'm glad it's in hot water. Good.
In all the hubbub and debate, one simple fact has been lost. If Microsoft wants to compete, they have to release a good product. That means games. They can "beat" Sony, to borrow some console war parlance, but they are just gonna have to do it the old fashioned way - by actually putting out some good games. The terms of engagement in the console market share battle have never changed. Make good stuff, reap rewards. Microsoft used to be aware of this and put out iconic titles. Let's go back to that I say. They have the resources and talent.
This is obviously a power move in response to the release of the PSVR 2. Ball's in Sony's court now... they are sorely lacking in the kitchen appliance arena of the console wars and Microsoft knows it.
Big Playstation fan (fan of all consoles really), but by no means a fan of these wonky timed exclusivity deals. First off - and I don't know why I really care - but it seems like a waste of money for Sony. Can't quantity that or back it up but just seems like throwing money down a black hole. Secondly, Sony is just paying to keep a game they didn't create off another system. Scummy.
Now multiply that scummy practice by about 1000 and you have the Microsoft-Zenimax deal. And possibly Activision as well. Its just gross regardless of who is doing this crap.
You want exclusives, develop them in-house yourself or get outta here. Work for it, earn it, don't just try to buy yourself out of problems.
Sure, but brass tacks the how you are talking about is pretty much the same. You got one company buying 1-year timed exclusive deals (a practice popularized by the Xbox 360 if I recall), and you got one company indiscriminately buying what it can, presumably to keep it out of the other company's playground. Besides the question of scale (because MSFT is so much bigger), I don't see - functionally - any difference in the practices. End result - exclusivity.
The narrative Phil Spencer is a savior is sort of... deluded and childish man, not to call you out or insult you. 'Phil plays games though' is just PR, which if you hit 30 years old and become a cynical chump such as myself, you'd see through that instantly. They are both doing well on the business side, Phil Spencer has (wisely) fostered a more approachable gamer image. But I don't mistake that as one being a more competent CEO than the other. Both are doing well business-wise.
If nothing else, we can agree Jim Ryan is probably a robot.
Yeah I feel like there is actually a lot of professional respect between Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo in the actual business sideo of things. Kind of play off each other and fill gaps in one another's libraries. Don't really imagine Sony's goal was ever to banish Microsoft from the gaming industry (that would be a dark day), even if they were able.
Think they kind of symbiotically need each other in some ways.
Yeah, the narrative that Phil is a gamer while Jim isn't, I've heard that too many times to count. And I agree, I wish Jim Ryan had more actual respect for the products he is peddling. He just comes off as cold and that sucks compared to previous leadership.
But functionally, they are doing the same thing. Attempting at all costs to improve the wealth of their companies by whatever means. They are CEOs. The 'Phil is a gamer' thing always came off as a superficial public relations gimmick for the social media crowd. One that worked pretty well, apparently.
For the record, I like that Phil Spencer plays the games he sells. But don't get it twisted what these guys are really about. Begins and ends at the almighty dollar.
Not too many Jim Ryan fans. Not sure if 'ol Jimmy is doing a bad job from a purely business perspective, with the huge gains in profits and all that, but he rankles a lot of feathers for legitimate reasons. Plus, some argue Sony's skyrocketing stock prices and sales are just him coasting off the previous leadership successes.
Between Phil and Jim, I don't see much difference. They are both doing well on the business side, and paradoxically, I dislike them both about equally despite the investors loving them.
Yeah probably depends on the community. A lot of PS fans find he has a tendency towards double-speak bordering on outright dishonesty. But to be fair, they level that critique at Jim Ryan too. Frankly, I agree this guy is not what I'd call a straight shooter. But no surprise for any CEO, of any company, to be this way.
Xbox fans like him because he gives them a win I suppose, something they weren't getting for a while. That's fair too. He has turned things around. Still find his methods questionable, but in business if it works, it works. And he's doing well with the Gamepass gambit so far.
Yeah, except it doesn't answer the question, at all. Read it again. In classic Phil Spencer fashion, it points to one thing but is technically worded to leave an escape clause. He "desires" to have CoD on Playstation.
Okay Phil. Public Relations evil genius right here. Would have a promising career in politics.
The general sentiment they make too many games in one hyper-specific genre - I agree with that as well as a firm fan of Sony overall. I want to see what they can do in other more niche genres.
They DO still dabble in arcade, story-lite experiences, just not as much these days. Demon's Souls, Destruction All Stars, Sackboy... I don't think they fit the theme you guys are talking about here.
Also, there is an argument to be made 3rd party devs fill that role well enough anyways.
I think Microsoft should be Microsoft. I'm playing through Psychonauts 2 and that just "feels" like a Microsoft property, warts and all. I mean it as a total compliment, it takes me back to the original Xbox days in a way. Pretty sure Psychonauts wouldn't have that old school feel if Sony made it, and that would be a shame.
Microsoft should find its own way and distinguish itself, I see them as totally capable of doing that and releasing some great games down the road. They just need a little more time to warm up.
Yeah, the inertia of Gamepass is unstoppable at this point. Even if Gamepass is ultimately unsuccessful, which I doubt, two others will come to replace it, and so on and so forth, until someone gets it just right.
I know deep down I just need to let go and move on with the times. I think I may get out of the hobby, not just because of the transition to digital, but for other unrelated reasons - got a kid on the way, etc.
But like you say, I may just break out those older systems. I am weird, but I think those old games are just as good of experiences as these new AAA blockbuster titles. I never walk away unsatisfied for some reason. I think I've kinda lost the child deep down and need to reconnect with why I started playing games, to have fun. Games feel so clinical now, but maybe that's because I am just more knowledgeable and jaded now. Playing an old Sonic or Mario or Final Fantasy game bring the magic back a little for me, every time.
You've been critical of Sony, and the fans, for some probably very valid reasons, especially the rampant fanboyism that unfortunately goes on in the periphery of these types of sites.
I'm actually surprised though, because I believe you and I had a good discussion on PushSquare about how we are both avid physical collectors. Or was it you used to be?... I forget.
I like Sony's strategy, and conversely am wary of what is going on at Microsoft, because I believe in the physical ownership aspect of this hobby. Gamepass is the exact opposite of that philosophy in a pure, tangible form. I don't deny it's a good value, but it represents an erosion of ownership rights which, long term, will further narrow consumer choice when physical releases are no longer offered as an option. Options being removed is never a good thing for us consumers. Gamepass is kind of hurrying the inevitable end of physical games as it peaks over the horizon.
When I defend Sony's practices or talk up their games' success in terms of stats, it's not because I believe Sony is an objectively better company by any means or even that the games/end user experience is better. The reason I do it is Sony is the last remaining avatar of physical game releases as I see it, Nintendo notwithstanding of course. Every disc-based console Sony moves this generation is a day longer I can continue to buy physical and enjoy being a collector. I want sales to skyrocket, while fully acknowledging Sony is just as awful as any other corporation. They just suit my interests and goals a bit better.
I can't speak for everyone, but that's where I'm coming from. The digital age is like Noah's Flood, and I'm the guy stubbornly climbing higher and higher to avoid the rising water level, but we're running out of places to go.
As much as I openly don't like Microsoft in general, I 110% agree with your point that if the roles were reversed - if Sony were in a financial position to do so - they would have bought Zenimax Media or a similarly large publisher with the same brute force approach.
The spin Sony puts on this, that they are selective and nurturing, suits them well and is a good narrative to go with considering the reason they use that strategy is probably simply because they lack any other alternative. So I definitely haven't fooled myself into thinking Sony are the "good guys".
But at the same time, by necessity or choice, being "selective and nurturing" is the strategy Sony have gone with this gen. And it is my opinion that will result in better games.
And at the end of the day, despite my personal feelings about this company or that company, I just want to play some good games.
It's the most apt one I can think of at the moment, probably could've worded it better. That's how Xbox "feels" to me, for the reasons I mentioned. Probably biased, but I can only react to what I see.
Here's one random dude's take on the situation, take it for what it is worth:
I don't like the way Microsoft operates as a company - the whole company, not just Xbox - and the Zenimax acquisition is an extension of the business philosophy I can't stand about Microsoft.
The best analogy I can use to explain how I feel about the Xbox division is it is akin to the kid with rich parents who bought him/her a new car in high school, the same kid who is given things without earning them (and the same kid we all secretly resent). There is a lot of third-party information, unverified, that the Xbox division itself has lost money, cumulatively speaking, every single generation it has existed. And I believe this to be true because former and current Xbox heads have openly admitted the Xbox brand was almost disbanded on at least two occasions, presumably for profitability reasons.
Xbox, as a brand, has never "earned" its position. It has been very lucky to be a small part of a hugely successful mega-corporation that can eat the Xbox divisions loses, year after year after year. Xbox is the corporate equivalent of the rich spoiled kid that doesn't know the value of a dollar essentially. And it shows in their output. As the old joke goes, the most impressive Xbox Series X exclusive right now is Microsoft Excel.
Xbox did not nurture Zenimax or any of its subsidiaries. They've worked together, but they have no special relationship beyond the usual arrangements. The acquisition feels forced and sloppy, namely because according to a lot of market pundits Microsoft vastly overspent on it. It was a brute force money deal.
Conversely, Sony "nurtures" its prospective studios by entering into second party relationships with them. Hence why you hear the word organic tossed around a lot. Yes, they are both soulless mega-corporations, I know, but the strategies are very different. And one of these strategies I find distasteful, and the other I actually believe will lead to better games getting made.
These are my sole opinions, apologies in advance to anyone who's parents bought them a car in high school haha.
Comments 34
Re: Xbox Series X|S Could Go Up In Price Again Due To Potential RAM Shortages, It's Claimed
Thats one, two, three strikes and you are outta therrrre Microsoft ⚾️
I've got a riddle: what do Atari, Sega, and Microsoft have in common?
Re: Xbox Founding Member 'Not Pleased' With State Of The Brand In 2025
Xbox is just about dead as disco to me. When an OG founder criticizes the direction of the company publicly and in the most brutal fashion possible, you feel that. Hopefully the execs feel it too.
Re: Xbox Has One 'Game Of The Year' Nomination At The Golden Joystick Awards 2024
Gotta be Silent Hill 2.
Re: Xbox Is Shutting Four Studios, Including Arkane Austin And Tango Gameworks
@Titntin
Yeah, I'm crusty. Let's not be too hard on these younger people though. Indiscretions of youth and all that, it's part of the experience - you and me were probably just as clueless or worse haha.
All I can say is I read 4 years worth of comments on this website of how Phil Spencer is gonna turn things around, he cares about you, he's a "real gamer" because he wears graphic tees. Caught like raccoons in a trap reaching for the shiny thing (GamePass). We need to study the psychological aspects of assigning your self worth and identity to a company. I'm sure the corporations do and use it well. While we both shake our fist at the air.
I'm gonna roll out of here before the boomer jokes roll in. On topic, Tango hurts in particular and this news sucks. Hope they land on their feet and I suspect they will with the talent they've displayed.
Re: Xbox Is Shutting Four Studios, Including Arkane Austin And Tango Gameworks
@RIghteousNixon
He's right, MS as a wider company have a pretty er... distinctive history that sets them apart from other businesses. Most people around here won't remember, because it goes way back to the dark ages.
I agree all corporations are pretty terrible. Basically a plague of locusts. Microsoft though... Microsoft is the bubonic plague incarnate. To see that, you have to look beyond their Xbox business though. I can't say Microsoft is any more unethical than any other corp. Just that they have the means and market position to cause the most damage, and often do.
Re: Final Fantasy 14's Full Xbox Release Date Announced By Square Enix
I have a feeling this is gonna sell 18 copies on Xbox. I remember they released FF XI on the 360 all the way back in the good old days, and that's how I experienced it. I remember sales on Xbox were unsurprisingly not great back then.
For what it's worth XIV is an amazing game and probably one of the best FFs ever released if you can adapt to the MMO style of gameplay.
It's also very single player friendly for an MMO, so I'd recommend even for just the story if you are on the fence.
It's very much a community and a game that will consume your life. With its own holidays, a theme park, residential areas. It really is a vibe of a real living, breathing world. Great community too I'd add, very newcomer friendly and the game's tutorials do a really good job of slowly ramping up the complexity over time.
Re: Xbox Petition For Helldivers 2 Goes Viral Overnight, Aims To 'Redefine The Console Wars'
Anyone can play Helldivers. All they have to do is go out and buy a PS5 and that's that. You can buy a used console for like 350 bucks. Pick up the first Helldivers game while you are at it.
Exclusivity is important for these companies to distinguish their brand and move units. That's why they have always existed.
I'm really not trying to fan the flames of any console warring, but this game is fun. Don't know if it will have "staying power", but it is the best PvE multiplayer I've ever played. Matches feel like an insane epic-scale battle and it evokes the same feeling I got from playing the old Star Wars Battlefront games on PS2. Just pure chaos, but it's manageable with a good squad. Props to Arrowhead for this, it's a quantum leap over the first game but keeps the core ideas in place.
Dislike people coming in and trying to play it like it's Call of Duty and blowing me up with an airstrike, but in all fairness there's a bit of a learning curve to it and it's fun to guide people along as they learn the mechanics.
Re: Starfield Fails To Make Shortlist For 'Game Of The Year' At The Game Awards 2023
Starfield wasn't snubbed. If you doubled the size of the list of GOTY candidates, it still wouldn't deserve a spot. The year was insanely stacked. I do feel Hi-Fi Rush should get a nod. Probably just barely missed the cut.
Starfield probably would have been nominated if it were released in 2021 or 22, but not this year. Was just an insane year overall.
Re: Talking Point: Overall, How Successful Has 2023 Been For Xbox?
I'm a tough grader I guess looking at these comments. I would break it down like this:
XBOX - D+
PlayStation - C
Nintendo - B-
Third Parties - A++
TL;DR Version: Xbox has an exclusive first party games and market share issue, Sony has a massive communication problem and seems unsure of it's direction in the future, while Nintendo is approaching a wall with its antiquated hardware. All that said, thank heavens for third party publishers / devs.
Re: Talking Point: Where Does Starfield Rank In Your Top Games Of 2023?
Aggregate review sites have Starfield in 62nd place for the year, and it's due to move down further as more releases displace it further.
That being said, aggregate reviews don't mean much and the 61 games that scored higher include a lot of re-releases, remaster, and DLCs.
It's been a big year for games. I think if you narrow it down to best new IP, Starfield is easily in contention for GOTY. Otherwise, it hardly breaks top 10 for me among the other heavy hitters that came out this year by 3rd party publishers.
Re: Video: 10 Xbox Games To Play If You Like The Look Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
Honestly, just buy a Switch. A used Lite goes for less than $150. I know money is tight but the Switch complents the Xbox really well as a second console.
Not to mention the numerous other games that are Switch exclusive. Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Metroid Dread, and Super Smash Bros Ultimate are all amazing. Only negative is unlike Playstation and Xbox games, Nintendo games do not drop in price over time. All the tent pole titles still go for around 50 bucks a pop or so.
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Critics Think Of Redfall On Xbox Game Pass
Sometimes Xbox's business strategy reminds me of the time my dad went to the gas station to go get cigarettes and never came back.
Re: Talking Point: Where Does Xbox Go Next If ActiBlizz Deal Falls Through?
@Moonglow
I really don't know about whether their decision to block the merger was fair or done in good faith. I'm just ignorant to the process and legal aspects of it and hesitant to even comment on it for that reason.
What I can say is Microsoft can compete with Sony without any acquisition - they just have to make good games. If they do that, consistently and over a long enough period of time, they will be the new market leader guaranteed. They sort of did this during the 360 generation for a minute. The proven method is to release good games. Sony is not some indomitable, untouchable market leader. And Microsoft doesn't need to reinvent the wheel to beat them, they just need to put out a great product. That's it. I feel this is a simple truth which has been overlooked or at least overshadowed by talks of mergers and streaming, etc. None of this feels that complicated in theory.
Re: Talking Point: Where Does Xbox Go Next If ActiBlizz Deal Falls Through?
Good article. I'm genuinely worried the Xbox division might get swallowed up or otherwise disbanded by Microsoft if they don't get some wins in the near to mid-term future, meaning in the next 10 to 15 years. Not anytime soon, but eventually. Don't want to come off to be saying the sky is falling on the back of one bad piece of news. Part of my worry comes from Xbox having come extremely close to this outcome on at least two occasions in the past, supposedly. I want Xbox to thrive so we all keep getting good games.
One point of contention though:
"Phil Spencer has gone on record to say that Xbox's future doesn't rely on this ActiBlizz deal, and we have no reason to doubt him and the team right now!"
Well I admire your positivity, but I have every reason to doubt Phil Spencer. He is a cheerleader for his company like any CEO, of course he will say that. It has no merit whatsoever, just PR. And it's not up to him anyways, it's up to his bosses. He answers to the board of directors.
Re: Xbox's Activision Blizzard Deal Officially Blocked In The UK
I don't have the legal wherewithal to make any informed comment on this. Apparently neither did most news commentators.
I will say I like the Xbox brand. As a smaller division of a monolithic larger company, I always saw Xbox as a plucky underdog. The continued existence of Xbox is good for us all, as it kept the competition alive after Sega bowed out. Things would be so much worse without them entering the console market, I truly believe that.
That said, I hate streaming and how it flies in the face of ownership rights. I do not like GamePass. I did not like Playstation Now. I do not like this new direction Xbox has taken. Hate that this news site is 30-40% Gamepass articles, and less actual substantive gaming news. Not this site's fault, just how things are currently. It's clear (I think), Microsoft was using this acquisition to push their GamePass initiative more than anything. So I'm glad it's in hot water. Good.
In all the hubbub and debate, one simple fact has been lost. If Microsoft wants to compete, they have to release a good product. That means games. They can "beat" Sony, to borrow some console war parlance, but they are just gonna have to do it the old fashioned way - by actually putting out some good games. The terms of engagement in the console market share battle have never changed. Make good stuff, reap rewards. Microsoft used to be aware of this and put out iconic titles. Let's go back to that I say. They have the resources and talent.
Re: Rumour: First The Mini Fridge, Now We Might Be Getting An Xbox Series S Toaster
This is obviously a power move in response to the release of the PSVR 2. Ball's in Sony's court now... they are sorely lacking in the kitchen appliance arena of the console wars and Microsoft knows it.
Re: Sifu Xbox Release: When Is It Coming To Series X And Series S?
Big Playstation fan (fan of all consoles really), but by no means a fan of these wonky timed exclusivity deals. First off - and I don't know why I really care - but it seems like a waste of money for Sony. Can't quantity that or back it up but just seems like throwing money down a black hole. Secondly, Sony is just paying to keep a game they didn't create off another system. Scummy.
Now multiply that scummy practice by about 1000 and you have the Microsoft-Zenimax deal. And possibly Activision as well. Its just gross regardless of who is doing this crap.
You want exclusives, develop them in-house yourself or get outta here. Work for it, earn it, don't just try to buy yourself out of problems.
But, yeah, business...
Re: Xbox Boss 'Trusts' Nintendo & PlayStation, More Concerned About 'Other Tech Competitors'
@Banjo-
You'll understand when you are older. One isn't evil and one isn't good. It's business.
Re: Xbox Boss 'Trusts' Nintendo & PlayStation, More Concerned About 'Other Tech Competitors'
@Banjo-
Sure, but brass tacks the how you are talking about is pretty much the same. You got one company buying 1-year timed exclusive deals (a practice popularized by the Xbox 360 if I recall), and you got one company indiscriminately buying what it can, presumably to keep it out of the other company's playground. Besides the question of scale (because MSFT is so much bigger), I don't see - functionally - any difference in the practices. End result - exclusivity.
The narrative Phil Spencer is a savior is sort of... deluded and childish man, not to call you out or insult you. 'Phil plays games though' is just PR, which if you hit 30 years old and become a cynical chump such as myself, you'd see through that instantly. They are both doing well on the business side, Phil Spencer has (wisely) fostered a more approachable gamer image. But I don't mistake that as one being a more competent CEO than the other. Both are doing well business-wise.
If nothing else, we can agree Jim Ryan is probably a robot.
Re: Xbox Boss 'Trusts' Nintendo & PlayStation, More Concerned About 'Other Tech Competitors'
@K1LLEGAL
Yeah I feel like there is actually a lot of professional respect between Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo in the actual business sideo of things. Kind of play off each other and fill gaps in one another's libraries. Don't really imagine Sony's goal was ever to banish Microsoft from the gaming industry (that would be a dark day), even if they were able.
Think they kind of symbiotically need each other in some ways.
Re: Xbox Boss 'Trusts' Nintendo & PlayStation, More Concerned About 'Other Tech Competitors'
@Banjo-
Yeah, the narrative that Phil is a gamer while Jim isn't, I've heard that too many times to count. And I agree, I wish Jim Ryan had more actual respect for the products he is peddling. He just comes off as cold and that sucks compared to previous leadership.
But functionally, they are doing the same thing. Attempting at all costs to improve the wealth of their companies by whatever means. They are CEOs. The 'Phil is a gamer' thing always came off as a superficial public relations gimmick for the social media crowd. One that worked pretty well, apparently.
For the record, I like that Phil Spencer plays the games he sells. But don't get it twisted what these guys are really about. Begins and ends at the almighty dollar.
Re: Xbox Boss 'Trusts' Nintendo & PlayStation, More Concerned About 'Other Tech Competitors'
@Banjo-
Not too many Jim Ryan fans. Not sure if 'ol Jimmy is doing a bad job from a purely business perspective, with the huge gains in profits and all that, but he rankles a lot of feathers for legitimate reasons. Plus, some argue Sony's skyrocketing stock prices and sales are just him coasting off the previous leadership successes.
Between Phil and Jim, I don't see much difference. They are both doing well on the business side, and paradoxically, I dislike them both about equally despite the investors loving them.
Re: Xbox Boss 'Trusts' Nintendo & PlayStation, More Concerned About 'Other Tech Competitors'
@AFCC
Yeah probably depends on the community. A lot of PS fans find he has a tendency towards double-speak bordering on outright dishonesty. But to be fair, they level that critique at Jim Ryan too. Frankly, I agree this guy is not what I'd call a straight shooter. But no surprise for any CEO, of any company, to be this way.
Xbox fans like him because he gives them a win I suppose, something they weren't getting for a while. That's fair too. He has turned things around. Still find his methods questionable, but in business if it works, it works. And he's doing well with the Gamepass gambit so far.
Re: Xbox's Phil Spencer Confirms Plans To Keep Call Of Duty On PlayStation
"There's your answer, folks!"
Yeah, except it doesn't answer the question, at all. Read it again. In classic Phil Spencer fashion, it points to one thing but is technically worded to leave an escape clause. He "desires" to have CoD on Playstation.
Okay Phil. Public Relations evil genius right here. Would have a promising career in politics.
Re: Random: Of Course Phil Spencer Is Playing Halo Infinite's Campaign
@Cyberhu
Nice. Lift the sword of truth and justice above your head and smite those dastardly Sony fans.
Long live the queen (Microsoft)!
Are we still doing this console war stuff? Im asking for a friend. It was fun 20+ years ago, back in the 90s. If it's back in style, I'm down.
Re: Xbox Exec Admits PlayStation Has Been 'Out In Front' With 'A Certain Kind Of Game'
Sony makes good stuff. I think we can all agree.
The general sentiment they make too many games in one hyper-specific genre - I agree with that as well as a firm fan of Sony overall. I want to see what they can do in other more niche genres.
They DO still dabble in arcade, story-lite experiences, just not as much these days. Demon's Souls, Destruction All Stars, Sackboy... I don't think they fit the theme you guys are talking about here.
Also, there is an argument to be made 3rd party devs fill that role well enough anyways.
I think Microsoft should be Microsoft. I'm playing through Psychonauts 2 and that just "feels" like a Microsoft property, warts and all. I mean it as a total compliment, it takes me back to the original Xbox days in a way. Pretty sure Psychonauts wouldn't have that old school feel if Sony made it, and that would be a shame.
Microsoft should find its own way and distinguish itself, I see them as totally capable of doing that and releasing some great games down the road. They just need a little more time to warm up.
Re: Visage Is Bringing Spooky Halloween Vibes To Xbox Game Pass This Week
@XxEvilAshxX
You do have lighters you have to pick up and use... very similar to Amnesia in that regard, sorry to say.
Re: Visage Is Bringing Spooky Halloween Vibes To Xbox Game Pass This Week
This game is really, really good. Nails the "P.T." vibe better than anyone else has done.
Scariest game I've ever played, and I play a lot of games in this genre.
Let me just say, if you had a hard time with RE7 or Layers of Fear, don't even attempt this one!
Re: Randy Pitchford Steps Down As Gearbox Software President
Wow, this dude actually is a magician. Most people would have been fired 3 times over by now. Way to go Randy.
Re: Xbox Is More Focused On Player Engagement Than Console Sales, Says Phil Spencer
@Cyberbotv2
Yeah, the inertia of Gamepass is unstoppable at this point. Even if Gamepass is ultimately unsuccessful, which I doubt, two others will come to replace it, and so on and so forth, until someone gets it just right.
I know deep down I just need to let go and move on with the times. I think I may get out of the hobby, not just because of the transition to digital, but for other unrelated reasons - got a kid on the way, etc.
But like you say, I may just break out those older systems. I am weird, but I think those old games are just as good of experiences as these new AAA blockbuster titles. I never walk away unsatisfied for some reason. I think I've kinda lost the child deep down and need to reconnect with why I started playing games, to have fun. Games feel so clinical now, but maybe that's because I am just more knowledgeable and jaded now. Playing an old Sonic or Mario or Final Fantasy game bring the magic back a little for me, every time.
Re: Xbox Is More Focused On Player Engagement Than Console Sales, Says Phil Spencer
@NEStalgia
You've been critical of Sony, and the fans, for some probably very valid reasons, especially the rampant fanboyism that unfortunately goes on in the periphery of these types of sites.
I'm actually surprised though, because I believe you and I had a good discussion on PushSquare about how we are both avid physical collectors. Or was it you used to be?... I forget.
I like Sony's strategy, and conversely am wary of what is going on at Microsoft, because I believe in the physical ownership aspect of this hobby. Gamepass is the exact opposite of that philosophy in a pure, tangible form. I don't deny it's a good value, but it represents an erosion of ownership rights which, long term, will further narrow consumer choice when physical releases are no longer offered as an option. Options being removed is never a good thing for us consumers. Gamepass is kind of hurrying the inevitable end of physical games as it peaks over the horizon.
When I defend Sony's practices or talk up their games' success in terms of stats, it's not because I believe Sony is an objectively better company by any means or even that the games/end user experience is better. The reason I do it is Sony is the last remaining avatar of physical game releases as I see it, Nintendo notwithstanding of course. Every disc-based console Sony moves this generation is a day longer I can continue to buy physical and enjoy being a collector. I want sales to skyrocket, while fully acknowledging Sony is just as awful as any other corporation. They just suit my interests and goals a bit better.
I can't speak for everyone, but that's where I'm coming from. The digital age is like Noah's Flood, and I'm the guy stubbornly climbing higher and higher to avoid the rising water level, but we're running out of places to go.
Re: Former Xbox Developer Housemarque Officially Joins PlayStation Studios
@Ile
As much as I openly don't like Microsoft in general, I 110% agree with your point that if the roles were reversed - if Sony were in a financial position to do so - they would have bought Zenimax Media or a similarly large publisher with the same brute force approach.
The spin Sony puts on this, that they are selective and nurturing, suits them well and is a good narrative to go with considering the reason they use that strategy is probably simply because they lack any other alternative. So I definitely haven't fooled myself into thinking Sony are the "good guys".
But at the same time, by necessity or choice, being "selective and nurturing" is the strategy Sony have gone with this gen. And it is my opinion that will result in better games.
And at the end of the day, despite my personal feelings about this company or that company, I just want to play some good games.
Re: Former Xbox Developer Housemarque Officially Joins PlayStation Studios
@gingataisen
It's the most apt one I can think of at the moment, probably could've worded it better. That's how Xbox "feels" to me, for the reasons I mentioned. Probably biased, but I can only react to what I see.
Re: Former Xbox Developer Housemarque Officially Joins PlayStation Studios
Here's one random dude's take on the situation, take it for what it is worth:
I don't like the way Microsoft operates as a company - the whole company, not just Xbox - and the Zenimax acquisition is an extension of the business philosophy I can't stand about Microsoft.
The best analogy I can use to explain how I feel about the Xbox division is it is akin to the kid with rich parents who bought him/her a new car in high school, the same kid who is given things without earning them (and the same kid we all secretly resent). There is a lot of third-party information, unverified, that the Xbox division itself has lost money, cumulatively speaking, every single generation it has existed. And I believe this to be true because former and current Xbox heads have openly admitted the Xbox brand was almost disbanded on at least two occasions, presumably for profitability reasons.
Xbox, as a brand, has never "earned" its position. It has been very lucky to be a small part of a hugely successful mega-corporation that can eat the Xbox divisions loses, year after year after year. Xbox is the corporate equivalent of the rich spoiled kid that doesn't know the value of a dollar essentially. And it shows in their output. As the old joke goes, the most impressive Xbox Series X exclusive right now is Microsoft Excel.
Xbox did not nurture Zenimax or any of its subsidiaries. They've worked together, but they have no special relationship beyond the usual arrangements. The acquisition feels forced and sloppy, namely because according to a lot of market pundits Microsoft vastly overspent on it. It was a brute force money deal.
Conversely, Sony "nurtures" its prospective studios by entering into second party relationships with them. Hence why you hear the word organic tossed around a lot. Yes, they are both soulless mega-corporations, I know, but the strategies are very different. And one of these strategies I find distasteful, and the other I actually believe will lead to better games getting made.
These are my sole opinions, apologies in advance to anyone who's parents bought them a car in high school haha.