cragis0001

As much as Games Pass being 1st party day & date is a great deal. I can't see it saving Xbox hardware. As I've said it from day 1. It's 3rd party & Xbox users that make Games Pass. So if both flee then it's dead. This interview again doesn't explain how Microsoft isn't preventing both.

I was hoping for Blue Protocol news at the Summer Games Fest. Maybe the Xbox showcase I guess

A descent strategy if true?. That Octopath Traveler 2 hits Games Pass. Would be older ports of Square Enix games get payed for to be on Games Pass but new titles are fully priced.
I'll be buying them all including Octopath Traveler 2 so I can fully enjoy them when I wish.

@IOI Games Pass isn't gonna change much for Call of Duty.
Fifa before the switch to EA FC, GTA5 & Minecraft are still top sellers & available on Games Pass.
People who tend to buy it won't stop as it's still the cheaper option for the majority. I don't play COD but will try it on Games Pass so they will gain subs from people like me.
You also need to look at free to play titles like Fortnite how lowering the bar for entry increases revenue through micro transactions.

Xbox sales of the last COD made up only 8% of total sales. So if that drops to 4% but due to Games Pass brings in million of more players who are willing to buying ultimate editions upgrades for £30 or micro transactions then in the long run it's more money.

@Nicstockes I wonder if they'll treat Octopath Traveler 2 like they did Final Fantasy 14?. So hopefully we will find out during the Xbox showcase. So maybe a shadow drop or within a few weeks after.

@BAMozzy yeah I've not watched the whole of Build 24 yet. But what I saw was wild. I agree the Apple M chips have been the benchmark for the last several years & considering how quickly ARM has matured on Windows is also crazy.

Talking about the next Xbox. Microsoft announced at Build 24. Partnerships with Nvidia & AMD for AI chips sets, Cloud & app integration. I'm sure they'll work with Intel also. So whatever they use will be taylored to Microsoft's needs. It could also mean that Microsoft will also get royalties for chips sets used in Nintendo & PlayStation in the future.

To think what we gamers will get in the future is exciting. I Can't wait. next gen 2026 became a little closer after Build 24.

A few suprises would be nice. Updates on all previously announced 1st party titles coming in the next couple of years. 3rd party titles from around the globe. More Asian titles please Microsoft !!!!.

To be fair Microsoft have enough studios to have an epic showcase.

@BAMozzy I think we got a glimpse of Microsoft's Windows/Xbox handheld future with the release of the new Snapdragon X Plus & Elite chipset.

Borderlands 3 & Buldurs Gate 3 were meant to be running not to badly I hear.

@BAMozzy I agree. I guess they'll also do the same as they did with Starfield, Forza & Redfall. Bring out a £30 upgrade to deluxe edition for early access, season pass & some currency for Games Pass users which will make Microsoft a ton of money also.

@BAMozzy aye Warzone on mobile is making $2 million day in revenue!!! It's just crazy how much Microsoft is making.
Xbox sold like 7% of last years COD. So say 5% max plays on Games Pass. It's a small loss.

@Sifi I think it depends on the specs. Id hate to think it would be more expensive than say the Series X or the Asus Rog Ally. I'm loosing faith in Xbox though so no sure what I'll be doing next gen.

Sounds like we could be in for a treat at the June Showcase. Hellblade 2 this month to start the ball rolling. Square Enix back.

@BAMozzy yeah was a bit disappointed with the Rog Ally X announcement . But still could be a good handheld if it has ironed out all the bugs. Hopefully a successor is in the work & won't be far away. As for price again in the UK its a bit expensive. But still cheaper than buying a gaming rig.

PC is definitely the way to go. Maybe Nintendo for console as well. But see what happens in a couple years.

@deadmaker you have @MrMagic on Push Square saying because Tekken 8 has sold only 7.47% on Xbox so far that Namco Bandai & other shouldn't bother.

@BAMozzy I heard the Rog Ally X is just an upgrade of the original. Better battery & more RAM. There hotter news was spec leak for the Switch 2. Being a cross between a PS4 & Series S.

My only concern for a handheld PC hybrid Xbox is the expense & with all that's going on lately that people will have faith to buy it.

@rustyduck thats my main issue with Xbox at the moment. Will all this negativity, in fighting, 3rd party push to PlayStation/Nintendo, Nadella & the board taking over, closure of Tango Gameworks kill 3rd party faith in supporting Xbox after this gen ends. I was hoping they'd push to improve it more. But oh well only time will tell.

@Pabpictu I was referring to Xbox hardware when I mentioned Windows Phone demise. As like Xbox. Microsoft software was making money on Android & IOS platforms when they killed Windows Phone.

You say Windows Phone was unsustainable. heard that before on a certain Xbox product.

I agree. Microsoft could be bigger than Tencent being just a publisher. As they've got there current game studio's & want more? They have there own cloud platform, PC & games console OS's. Dev tools. Hardware makers. The lot.

@NEStalgia I think it comes down to how fast the next gen hardware takes off or collapses. As Surface is designed to be a showcase for other manufacturers. It had a soul when Panos Panay ran the show but has been cut back now he left. Again Nadella!!!. I think if it's a third gen of struggle. It could be game over for hardware!!!.
As for dev tools? Microsoft is a software company at heart. So would still be a strong partner to have. Even if they became just a publisher/store owner on other platforms. They'd still have other gaming revenue with being a cloud provider etc. God knows what will happen in the end.

@CutchuSlow no I agree. but I've seen many times how upper management make stupid decisions. That make little to no sense. My only highlight this gen has been better support in Japanese games on Xbox. Which Spencer has to get credit for. It's a shame Tango Gameworks had to close as was hoping for news on new games at the showcase next month. I'm sure we will hear more why it has happened. I just hope it doesn't result in support collapsing.

@RedShirtRod I'm sure Spencer has told Nadella & Co there making a mistake but if he gets over ruled then he can't do much about it.

I said it before. The narrative shifted after the January showcase when ABK integration was developing. It's typical Sataya Nadella. Once he gets involved & doesn't like a product. It's no secret Microsoft want out the gaming console hardware. It's game over. Look up the death of Windows 10 mobile. It's so similar it like history repeating. The whole we will make phones for fans etc . Open platforms. We will bring software to who wants it. Ring any bells.

@Savage_Joe Apple were forced to open up. In the EU at least. They introduced the Digital Market Act. Which if put on the list of Gatekeepers entitles you to open up the eco system or be fined 20% of there worldwide revenue. Apple IOS, Google Android , Amazon marketplace & Microsoft Windows are on the list.
I put Phil Spencers quotes of rival stores on Xbox as a result of the new EU law. If they go all digital they would come under EU scrutiny.

@NEStalgia yeah I think so. They definitely sidelined him. The shift was clear as day. Maybe Phil is sticking around till the restructure is complete as we have heard he will be at the summer games fest. But I agree I don't see him sticking around or been the mouth piece of the brand going forward once it's complete.

@NEStalgia it's no secret Microsoft wanted out of the Xbox hardware business. Peter Moore said they have been discussing it since the end of the 360 era. I bet Nadella was one of those men. Nadella hated Windows Phone with a passion. Now he is part of decision making at Xbox. Hardware like it's phone business will never compete with it's rivals in there eyes without a giant financial boost. Which there not willing to pay for. Hence the rumour of a rebrand to Microsoft Gaming Division. I hope I'm so wrong.

@NEStalgia maybe there is another twist coming to all this. Will Phil Spencer survive this transition to this rumoured Microsoft Gaming Division that's being talked about.

@Utena-mobile the Phil Spencer era of Xbox is over I'm afraid. The management restructure after ABK takeover was completed & the current layoffs, studio closures. It all hints of something new. Rumour is it's gonna be called Microsoft Gaming which if true tells wlyou who is running the show.

@BAMozzy I did say earlier this year a Surface brand approach could be Xbox's hardware future. But after the Series S/X negative reaction from devs. About them being different & working harder to optimise the hardware. It's hard to tell. With Nadella at the helm now after ABK they may play it safe. Who knows!!!!.
I did read the Rog Ally wasn't geared to replace a PC rig but with rumours of spec reveals for the second generation Ally today that could change. If they improve on the originals weaknesses.
I wonder if Xbox's future OS for there hybrid PC. Will be based on the cancelled Surface Neo's. Windows 10X components became the blue print for Windows 11 essentially. But if they revived the development of the OS. As its compatible, lightweight, modular designed for dual screens screen nature would be perfect. As it could be integrated into Windows 11's gaming mode also. Spencer's vision of Steam & Epic on Xbox is essentially just the integration of the current Windows 11 Store which makes sense. Epic & Disney+ already have there current stores content to browse/purchase. The current Xbox store could be integrated.

@rustyduck PlayStation are no better. They've fired up to 20% of there workforce over the last year, closed studio's, killed beloved franchises. The whole PSN scandal on Helldivers 2 over the weekend as well. To be fair it looks like Microsoft is trying to win who is the scumiest out of the two. There winning.

If you said Nintendo then I'd agree. As they are bucking the trend.

@CutchuSlow Microsoft will never be popular in Japan that's why. So to Nadella & the board it's an easy decision. Why invest.
The whole open platform is Nadella's idea. It's the same strategy they pulled before Windows Phone failed & they pulled the plug. Including writing off acquisitions, mass layoffs etc. So it's just history repeating to me.

@NEStalgia I agree. Once ABK was integrated into Microsoft. Spencer lost control & Nadella took over as the shift of narrative happened after the January showcase for which Nadella has been the voice.

@pip_muzz even if Don was back today it wouldn't have stopped the 4 studio's closing. These decisions come from the top. So Nadella & the rest of the board of directors.

@RedShirtRod today's studio closures is a result of the CEO Nadella & board cutting costs. It's typical Nadella. As once ABK acquisition was completed & January's showcase was shown. Nadella pushed & changed the narrative. Spencer has kinda been pushed to one side.

@endlessleep I don't think Phil is fully stearing the ship now. Since ABK went through it's been CEO Sataya Nadella more pushing the narrative.
I wouldn't be surprised if Phil is as gutted as we are. As he hailed Tango Gameworks as an important purchase. He has also done more to get Japan on board after previous management abandoned the region. Partnerships with Sega, Atlus. Descent support from Namco & healed rifts with Square Enix. All for nothing now!!!

@K1LLEGAL yeah you'd think. But with what looks like a power struggle lately when it comes to decision making at Xbox. Sataya Nadella has always closed loose ends. Or parts of the business that takes larger investment or resources away from others with little success. So Arkane Austin's Redfall failure & Tango Gameworks being from a region that will never embrace Xbox. Are easy targets for the CEO & board members to cut.

It's a shame as was hoping to see an epic comeback from Redfall. With the release of new DLC, characters & complete overhaul. As for Tango Gameworks. I'd like to think that Phil Spencer is disappointed like the rest of us considering his push to get better support from Sega, Namco, Atlus & recently Square Enix. He even championed Tango Gameworks as an important purchase. So again gutted.

@K1LLEGAL I wonder if Tango Gameworks closure was maybe more down to the studio not being able to keep key staff due to Microsoft's little to no marketshare in Japan. As Ghostwire Tokyo's producer left not long after the Bethesda acquisition. Tango management was the only studio that never put out a positive statement after the acquisition & then Mikami left. I wonder if more have left in between or after Mikami.

But Im in shock. I was hoping they'd invest more into Tango Gameworks & expand the studio rather than close it.

@BAMozzy I agree. As I looked at the Asus Rog Ally & Lenovo Legion Go. But there expensive in the UK. Between £599-£699 for a handheld that may struggle to run new AAA games within a couple of years of release.
Again Cloud is a no go for me due to poor Internet in rural Scotland in the meantime. But like you said that could change in time for next gen hardware. Console is a cheaper easier option for the household as I have kids.
I would only consider going either full PC or PlayStation if 3rd party abandon Xbox. But if Microsoft allow more 3rd party support either in the game store or building hardware. It could gain better traction.

@BAMozzy I knew most of the benefits to be fair. As PC is a big consideration for me going next gen due to Games Pass, Smart Delivery & PlayStation games etc. But I live in rural Scotland so broadband is so piss poor it's a joke so cloud gaming is out of the question. I also have kids so need something cheap & easily accessible for them also.

@OldGamer999 exactly. Microsoft have never been able to market there consumer projects properly. Being a $3 trillion company you'd think they'd have invested & figured it out by now.

@BAMozzy I'm aware that you can play it anywhere but PlayStation/Switch with GPU. But statistics say that Xbox hardware pushes a bulk of Games Pass subs atm.
Again Microsoft needs to be transparent with it's PlayStation plans. as if they support PS+ in the future. It could be a comprimise for some if they jump ship to PlayStation.
My main worry for next gen Xbox hardware. Is 3rd party support. That for me will determine future support. As was hoping Microsoft would push that more.

@BAMozzy another problem with Microsoft strategy is. How will it effect Games Pass? As it is still influenced by hardware mostly. So if people in the long run jump to PlayStation? Will we see Games hit PlayStation Plus?

@TheGiraffe. Xbox maybe more successful than Windows Phone. but it's failure to gain traction against Android & IOS is a typical response for Nadella's Microsoft to throw in the towel early & Xbox's hardware is now facing a similar problem against PlayStation & Nintendo. As Microsoft should have let users see the benefits of the ABK deal first before shifting strategy.

@CaptainCluck indeed. It will have the same outcome as well I think.

Would love to play Black & White on Xbox/PC.

@CutchuSlow they also have got 7 studios in Japan. One being Grasshopper.

@CutchuSlow probably mostly mobile titles for there new mobile app store there working on. I think they also have a new marvel multiplayer title in the works. But mostly to help compete with PlayStation in China I guess. I also guess the Blizzard deal now include Xbox as well as PC/Mobile titles.

That's if Microsoft hasn't spooked 3rd party devs into questioning there commitment to support there next gen console with there current strategy. As was hoping they'd push harder to cut the absence of certain 3rd party games. But lately I just need reassurance. Who were on board don't abandon ship next gen.
Microsoft badly need to advertise there products. Aggressive pricing. But again it's all for nothing if consumers & publishers abandon ship.

@NEStalgia the problem is Microsoft just don't have a clue how to make a consumer product a success. They never have. Unfortunately Xbox is just another example. Even though it has been there best attempt to date.

@NEStalgia it's funny as 20% marketshare with three players is now Xbox in Europe & it will likely drop. I remember when Sataya Nadella said as long as there is demand from fans they will support Windows Mobile 10 & bring new hardware then 6 month later they pulled the plug. I worked in a hotel in Aberdeen. The oil capital of Europe & business folk there were pissed. When I hear Phil Spencer say we will continue with Xbox hardware. I say for how long? Once Microsoft shifted there mobile software to IOS & Android it was GAME OVER. & it looks like its gonna be the same with Xbox hardware when they do the same with first party software to PlayStation & Nintendo. That's why I'm still sceptical with there current plans as it's deja vu it's scary. It's typical Nadella. Obviously the outcome is slightly different as they'll continue being third party publisher across multiple platforms, Cloud provider & have Games Pass maybe.
Microsoft being late to the party hurt more in the US than Europe who supported it more due to the Nokia brand & acquisition. IPhone was still far to expensive for the average punter till the cheaper models. What I think killed Windows Phone was 8 required a licence fee from mobile vendors. That killed it from the get go & by the time they dropped it. It was to late.

@NEStalgia that's not entirely true to be fair. As in some parts of Europe Windows Phone wasn't far behind Apples IPhone. UK at its height had 12% marketshare. Italy had 16%. In 24 countries it was ahead of IPhone which included Finland, Poland, the Czech Republic, India, Mexico and South Africa.
Microsoft killed it because it was a failure in the US. The sad part about it was once they announced they were killing the platform. The EU started crack down on both Apple & Googles for anticompetitive practices.

@TheGameThrifter killing Windows Phone was CEO Sataya Nadella's grand plan. For which he said recently regretting killing it to early & now he is doing the same with Xbox.