cragis0001

I still plan to get the Switch 2. I tend to play the unique & weird games that the Switch gets but other consoles like Xbox/PlayStation don't. Indie games as well. The Square Enix & other Japanese games that don't hit Xbox/PS5. But in not paying £75 a game though.

There was a rumor a bit back that Sony was working on a PC launcher. If it true or not that's different story. But it's one way to support Xbox users while not giving Microsoft cash in return.

Aye after the Switch 2 announcement I'd suspect they'll see Nintendo as more of a threat than Xbox. But like you say Sony can be petty in there decision making.

It didn't take Square Enix long to fall back into old habits when it comes to the Xbox fandom.

I'd suspect if Ubisoft collapsed or was acquired by say Tencent that the cloud rights would revert back to Microsoft. But then they'd have to work out another deal to comply with previous regulatory scrutiny.
I work with a guy who owns his own business so we speak about how a business runs & during the ABK deal he'd explain consumer law & regulatory scrutiny. So when Microsoft mentioned Steam we both were like the next Xbox is digital only.
As for my knowledge of Microsoft. I did IT & web design when I was younger. So learned computer programming etc. but even now that I gave it up due to it being more apps now a days. I kept an interest in it.

@HonestHick Xbox currently supports C++ & the Win32 api. The only difference is that it uses the Universal Windows Platform code to bundle it into a single modern installation method. Where Win32 tends to integrate into what part of the Windows OS it requires. So needs the system control panel to uninstall each component.

@Coletrain I'm not sure about that. If the next gen Xbox is just a hybrid PC that allows Steam or other 3rd party store fronts. What's stopping Sony from making their own store to make 100% of revenue off of Xbox users.

@Kaloudz cloud domination is one revenue of concern that was highlighted during the ABK deal. It's why they had to sell the rights to Ubisoft. Owning key franchises like COD was another. But others in the future would include what Sony is good at. Influencing pricing. Bullying or using it superiority in other keys area to influence where games can & can't go to etc. gaining unfair advantages to the competition.
We did hear rumours that Xbox was talking to Ubisoft about IP. But I suspect if Xbox was gonna acquire anyone ATM. It be more support studios to help with getting games out the door quicker on other platforms. Kinda like what Sony did with nixxes.
But to be fair it looks like they are happy investing with what they have until something special comes along.

@Kaloudz id say even with their open strategy of being everywhere. Regulators would still have a few avenues of concern. Allowing Microsoft to expand more would allow them to have more influence within the industry. Which could harm consumers. Even their current strategy could harm future acquisitions. As if Sony & Nintendo drag their heels? Microsoft could dominate everything outside the console hardware which was already mentioned with the ABK deal when it comes to cloud gaming.

@IOI I don't get the whole death part. Xbox will soon be everywhere. So Xbox will be the healthiest it has ever been. That includes Xbox hardware owners even if it's a niche product. 3rd party publishers that come along on the journey could benefit from Xbox's new strategy as Xbox allowing their games to be where gamers want is a guaranteed money maker. Rather than trying to force them to be somewhere they have no interest in.

Oh well. I was interested in Patapon & SaGa Frontier 2 remastered. I could buy them on PS5 or Steam. But I'd rather give my money to someone who wants it instead. I understand Sony. But if Square Enix wants to succeed on Xbox. Then they need to stop being extremely selective on what titles they release. You won't win back trust doing that.

@Kaloudz aye the EU means business. That's why I think Microsoft has gone aggressive with opening up the next gen hybrid Xbox. As it's a fresh strategy, it appeases regulators & allows Microsoft to buy more studios/publishers as no one looses out.As Xbox is everywhere.
Every manufacturer had a charger. I think I had a drawer full 🤣. Great for if you had guests & they'd forgotten a charger lol.

@Kaloudz yeah the EU has a standard of charging cable which all mobile phone devices have to adopt. But due to the expense it tends to get rolled out worldwide. I remember in the 90's when every mobile manufacturer had their own charger. It was a pain in the ass!!! I bet the EU will come down on them for their ridiculous pricing for accessories.
Aye 10% of annual global sales for a first offense!!! If they fail to comply or try & flaunt the rules. It jumps to 20%!!!! Yes it's the EU Commission that makes sure the laws are followed.

Everything Microsoft is doing is in preparation for a digital only eco system. That includes the next gen hybrid Xbox. As you don't open your hardware platform to 3rd party competitors to appease tougher anti consumer laws around the world. If it comes bundled with a disc drive.

@Fiendish-Beaver I get your point 100%. Plus your also correct. As it's probably one that Microsoft would gladly like to follow. As like you said before. It makes little sense to allow Steam available on Xbox. But unfortunately if the next gen hybrid is more PC than console. Then it's likely to be a digital only platform. So Microsoft is being forced to allow Steam, Epic, GoG etc on Xbox. As you just have to look at the recent lawsuits against PlayStation for ripping off UK PS store customers. Another lawsuit against PlayStation. Is for not allowing digital game sales outside of the PS store. Then you have Apple & Google being forced to open up their walled gardens by new tougher anti consumer laws like the Digital Markets Act in the EU.
Phil Spencer first mentioned steam just days after Microsoft themselves got named as one of the 6 Gatekeepers being investigated by the EU's Digital Markets Act.

@Kaloudz in the EU, Apple has to allow 3rd party stores & side loading of apps. If Apple breach those terms they will be fined 10% of their global annual sales. Unfortunately these things take time.
Yeah Google got it as well by the EU. It was also the EU that made USB C standard in all devices. Like I said before Microsoft is doing what anti consumer laws require of them, if the next gen Xbox is a digital only platform. But at the same time it makes them look good & it's a new concept. Which is a bonus for us gamers.

@Flugen I wouldn't say it's an economic war. But more an anti consumer war. Unfortunately the US lawsuits did little to change the status quo between Apple & Google. The EU has had more luck changing the tech industry over the last 30 years & again recently with the Digital Markets Act. Which named both Apple & Google as gatekeepers. This allowed the EU to force them both to open up to competitors.

@Fiendish-Beaver why!!! Xbox is heading into a digital only future. Which if it carries on it's current strategy would make it a gatekeeper under the EU's Digital Markets Act.
Microsoft allowing Steam, GoG, Epic & others on the next gen hybrid Xbox device would follow a key law that states that gatekeepers treat third-party services in a “transparent, fair, and non-discriminatory” way.

@Kaloudz yeah Apple is still being a headache. I think Google took the slap in the wrist better. But they are still complaining.

The DMA ruled against Apple. Which related to their obligation to competitors. The Commission requested that Apple make its operating system available to its competitors so they can connect with Apple’s devices. Also, the order includes a timeline for how Apple should respond to requests from app developers to open up its systems. Remedies were to allow side loading & allowing 3rd party store fronts. Sound familiar to Xbox's next gen strategy. But both Epic & Microsoft have complained that Apple isn't playing ball & making life difficult.
The charges against Google was its dominance it had with the Google Play and search engine. The regulators said that Google prioritized its own services over rivals in search results. This violates the obligation to ensure fair competition. The DMA laws state that gatekeepers treat third-party services in a “transparent, fair, and non-discriminatory” way. Again Xbox's next gen Steam strategy. Also, the Commission stated that Google prevents app developers from providing better offers by blocking them from steering users to other channels. A service fee for facilitating the inflow of new customers is alleged to be a problem. Remedies included unshackling Google services to OEMs like Samsung. Listing all web browsers of choice during installation process. Giving users back control of personal data & who has access to it. Giving better access to advertising data to competitors.

@Kaloudz sounds interesting 😃.

@Kaloudz no you were correct that Microsoft & Valve are good. During the ABK deal a contract for COD on Steam was rejected as Gabe said he trusted Spencer to keep his word.
The people arguing that Steam isn't gonna be on Xbox are just capping. Plus like I said before if it's a digital only eco system they'll have no choice but to open up like Apple & Google.

@Kaloudz id suspect they'd be highly supported by customers. As my Asus Rog Ally came with info in the box about how to access a free month of PC Games Pass via the Windows store & info of where to download the Steam store. It's own developed software fully shows all games I've installed from Steam for easy access.
As for Steam support on Xbox. There has been talk of Steam saves available for Xbox games. As Sea of Thieves, Indiana Jones & Avowed seem to support it. Also a Steam Games Pass subscription has been hinted at. The tab we seen recently in the removed app UI pic could be for games that support this function.
But with Xbox allowing 3rd party OEMs to develop Windows 11 devices it doesn't make sense for Microsoft's own next gen hybrid to gimp Steam support to a lite model. I'd say it's full support or none at least for games. Mod support could be a different story. I'd hope not as it could be a system seller like Steam itself.

@Kaloudz no I haven't. I'll need to look it up. Cheers for the heads up.

@Titntin if the next gen hybrid Xbox is digital only. Then they will have to open up to competition like Steam. As it could breach anti consumer laws like the EU's Digital Markets Act. Microsoft like Amazon, Apple & Google have all had to change. Or face loosing 10% of global income.

@TheGameThrifter I'd say most people who will buy this hybrid next gen Xbox are more likely using Xbox services already like Games Pass or have games via the Xbox store. As these would be it's likely selling features like the current X/S consoles now. But I wouldn't be surprised if you have to download Steam via the Xbox store on Microsoft's Xbox. While 3rd party OEMs may have more freedom like it's already preloaded.

Even if they don't & they rely solely on Steam as they want a cheap under the TV like PC console. Microsoft already sell their games & get 70% cut. It also could offer a Games Pass model via Steam if a deal is done with Valve.

Also Xbox is now an eco system. So if the largest majority of revenue comes from the Xbox store & Games Pass via cloud gaming on any Internet & Bluetooth enabled device. Then that would subsidize the loss of revenue that Steam could deal on an Xbox console.

@Kaloudz I think it would be the same if Amazon & Google got a foot hold in the industry. There anticompetitive & crush the competition attitude brings a lot of hate. Microsoft had the same reputation in Windows hey day. Some people never forget.

@Kaloudz they'll do what some are doing now on YouTube. They'll cap!!!!. I've heard so far that an Asus handheld Xbox & Steam on Xbox doesn't count. Because they are not Microsoft products. Folk are still disputing Steam support. When it's leaked & been hinted at by Phil Spencer.

@Kaloudz exactly!!! Not saying that they don't deserve the be criticized. But the level of hate is hurting gaming as a whole.

@Kaloudz if steam hits the next gen Xbox. Then the Xbox store would need to follow a similar path to be competitive. It wouldn't happen over night as the Xbox store being preloaded would give it a major advantage.

@Kaloudz I think it's just a rumour spread to dampen what could be a good move by Microsoft going down the hybrid PC route.

@Kaloudz to be fair when I compare sale prices on Xbox, PS5 & Switch. Xbox does ok. Guess the whole argument that Xbox players don't buy games helps give us slightly better pricing on certain games. But Steam like sales would be awesome.

@Kaloudz hopefully we will get that wish & more if the next gen Xbox comes with Steam, Epic or any other store. As hopefully it will give us more competitive prices & descent sales.

@Kaloudz that why I don't believe the rumours that the new Asus Xbox handheld will not have access to our full library of Xbox games. With more games available on cloud. The new AI tools & the recent news of Sonic Unleashed 360 port being recompiled for PC. It's only a matter of when.

@Kaloudz I think it's only a matter of time with the Final Fantasy 7 remake series. As for Forspoken. It could be added to Games Pass & Microsoft foots the bill for development. But if it's released to purchase. Add a deep discount like Death Stranding for a few weeks.

@Kaloudz To be fair SquareEnix is in a unique position that it has a large library of games not on Xbox like Forspoken that can be put into Games Pass while new games can be sold at full price.

@VisitingComet1 it probably wouldn't do anything better. Except have a more user friendly interface. But as long as it allows you to run Windows 11 like the Asus Rog Ally. You get all the benefits of running nearly all types of games from all store fronts even from Playstation & Nintendo. Then you have emulators as well.

As for how it will sell. It be probably be marketed at first to be a Switch 2 competitor by Microsoft & the media. Be more readily available than it's handheld PC competitors in stores. So could do well.

@VoidPunk PC gets a ton of games consoles don't usually.

@PhileasFragg definitely. A 3rd party Xbox handheld that can play Playstation games via Steam. I bet it will have Xbox's mobile store. So do a deal with Nintendo to get it's current & future mobile titles. If not you can run them with Google's Android development tool. Then you can play old Nintendo games via emulators.

@IOI they were late to the game with Windows Phone. They charged a license at first to OEMs & played to their competitors strengths. Plus they underestimated the competition.

They have learned a lot since then. They also have a model which they can follow that has been successful. That's their Windows PC one. They will continue hardware like Surface does on PC. Which is a complete package with all their services on one device. But allow OEMs to create devices that fill the gaps in the market while having all software & services on all non PC devices.

@Jenkinss it makes perfect sense for places like Asia where a Microsoft Xbox console isn't popular. So if you invest in local OEMs & license your software to companies that may see better success. Xbox could become the Android of gaming.

@Kaloudz @themightyant @Titntin @Banjo- partnering & investing in 3rd party OEMs is smart. It gets an OEM Xbox handheld out the door quickly. The device & all other handhelds will benefit from the improvements in Windows 11. As Microsoft improves it for next gen. Then they can use the device as an example when speaking to potential partners & could even get them to invest in the next gen Xbox hardware by licensing it out for future use. Could you imagine in Asia where Xbox is at its weakest & you have a Tencent Xbox console in China or a Sega Dreamcast 2 in Japan.

@Banjo- it does indeed.
As if the Xbox OS becomes a fully working version of the Windows 11 gaming subsystem. Fully retooled to be more console friendly. It will make gaming on Windows 11/12 run better. Like the old tablet mode in Windows 8. But also being modular would allows the OS to be licensed. Add it being a potentially open platform. Then it's win win.
But the big elephant in the room is. Can Microsoft pull it off successfully.

@Banjo- The Xbox OS on the X/S already runs a part of the Windows 11 gaming subsystem due to it being a part of the Universal Windows Program. They just need to build up on it.

It does indeed.

It makes sense they'd wait for E Day & not have two clients to compete against themselves when it comes to multiplayer. Could that possibly add more weight to the collection being a hub? No sure. Multiplayer will definitely be a live service model. Will it be horde & PVP? As for the slide move? Will it be introduced in the collection or E Day?

@HonestHick indeed can't believe it's been about 20 years since I played the first gears game lol makes me feel old 😂.

@HonestHick my theory of it being a hub follows the success of others like Halo MCC, COD. But also Fortnite & Roblox. As to some they are a community in themselves. It also has advantages for users of cloud streaming. As they can access any game in the series or mode from one spot. As for the multiplayer. If they follow the hub model they could go free to play. The campaigns would be classed as dlc. So 1-3 first then add the rest with the updated visuals & play mechanics.

@HonestHick hopefully we find out soon enough. But if they make the collection into a hub. Then it may also explain the lack of multiplayer as they could start off with 4 & 5's then use the live service model to add the older maps, skins, modes etc.

@HonestHick if they do it that way they can have all the campaigns in one place & merge the multiplayer into a live service model.

I wonder if the Gears Collection will be a hub like Halo MCC & COD. So it will release with all the campaigns this year & then E Day in 2026. Which will include multiplayer & maps from all previous games.

Left 4 Dead 1 & 2. Been playing on my Asus Rog Ally via Steam. But would love to play on Xbox again.

I wonder if Fable, Gears E day & more will get delayed to next year to launch on the next Xbox. As now their pushing being a 3rd party publisher. They'll need a stellar launch line up to sell consoles. Plus it will stop the negative headlines that they run better on Playstation from the media.