@x3King84 Its an introduction or a 'cheaper' way into the Xbox Ecosystem. Whether you play on Cloud over ANY of those devices (even if its only when you can't play natively) or not, that doesn't mean that ONLY Consoles matter - and those that choose to play (for whatever reason) via cloud or PC don't 'count'.
They have a 'multi-tiered' system - Cloud (entry tier), Series S (Standard $300 Console price point), Series X (Premium $500 Console price point) and PC (Variable to Expensive Tier price point). As long as there is still a 'market' for 'Xbox' specific Hardware - bare in mind 'Price' and 'benefits' (or 'limitations' that hardware may have - Storage capacity is certainly one and download/installation times on large games etc. It has to be cheap/affordable enough to sell but offer 'benefits' above the cloud, but games could get too big/complex to make hardware cheap enough to run them 'better' than streaming will so the likelihood of selling hardware won't make sense - it's why you don't see Bluray players or hifi systems being made by many companies today.
The whole thing is saying 'Xbox' so its still reaffirming their Console - but its also saying that EVERYONE has a choice of where they 'choose' to PLAY Xbox - Whether that is via Cloud for whatever reason (convenience, cost, situation etc - as that maybe on 'XB1' hardware and they can't afford to get a Series X yet so may have to play certain games on cloud) or on their super high end Gaming PC that it makes no sense to buy a Console to play at limited frame rates and/or graphical options and have to pay to play online...
Point is they are all still in the XBOX Ecosystem so welcome on in to the 'Xbox' family wherever you choose to play - even if 'consoles' are not for you/your lifestyle/situation, you can still be on Xbox (which again still makes average people think 'console' first)
Most people that want the best graphics and/or frame rates will buy a PC and if they have a PC, certainly wouldn't buy an Xbox to play games that 'look' more like the PC version without having to tolerate 30fps game-play.
The point of Xbox was to make an 'affordable' way for people to play games. The market is 'limited' for Xbox as PC gamers aren't buying Xbox - even if they do an 'enhanced' refresh that now offers slightly better visuals. The Series X isn't as popular as the Series S and I can't see a 'better' Series X selling enough to warrant all the costs to bring one to market. If people weren't satisfied with their Series X, they'd likely be playing on PC instead anyway...
Whilst people want 'Hardware' to play games on Natively, I believe MS will continue to make 'Consoles' as a 'cheap' and/or 'simple' Plug & Play OPTION.
We all know that Cloud perhaps isn't going to appeal to hardcore gamers but its certainly good enough for the Casuals - for the ones that can't see the benefits or necessarily care enough to upgrade. The 'cheapest' way into Xbox was the XB1S - not everyone upgraded to the XB1X, maybe still haven't upgraded to a Series S/X but now, the cheapest is Cloud.
Even if MS do release games on Playstation, chances are that quite a few won't be Day 1 - similar to Sony's PC releases. Therefore the Xbox will have 'exclusives' if only timed - so Xbox gets them first and of course, can play on Game Pass too. Yes they maybe on PS at some point, but you'll get them 'last' and have to pay £70+...
If you want the 'best' graphics/frame rates, you can invest in a PC that will also have Game Pass and Sony's releases too - as well as 1000's of games not on PS or XBox Hardware - biggest Library with the highest Frame Rates and/or Visual Quality too. Not only do you not need 'both' consoles, you don't need to pay for Online gaming (PS+/Game Pass Core) which can save you nearly £150 a year as well. 5yrs of just the basic subscription is an extra £350-400 per console. You could invest that into a PC instead for example instead...
I know some will never be happy, but I see MS's point of view - they want at least 1 'big' thing a month and with Stalker 2 having been delayed for 'years' and already have CoD and Indy but nothing for February with Atomfall in March, its bringing something 'new' on a regular cadence and taking pressure off another team to maybe have something ready for that slot.
And those who maybe wouldn't check it out because of Stalker, Indy, CoD and/or Flight Sim, maybe will because their library isn't so full.
As I said, you can't please 'everyone', but at least I'd prefer to hear they had too many to release the end of this year than not have 'enough' or any...
I have no doubt that the XB1X is still a very capable console and can still offer a great gaming experience in 2024. With Game Pass Cloud, its possible to play some next-gen only released games too but even if it has the capability of running it natively, if it can't run on a XB1S, it won't be released for XB1X - so is still 'limited' by its weaker sibling.
I have mine hooked up in the bedroom these days...
@Dround87 I don't find that aspect particularly exciting or enjoyable. I can't think of anything more tedious than say a long haul flight, cruising at 30k feet for 8hrs before you have to 'land' after take-off.
Its not like I don't like or enjoy 'flying' based games - I just want something more - like Combat (AceCombat, Star Wars Rogue Squadron etc) or even just on rails shooters like Afterburner - but they have something more to do in Air than just 'fly' however much its more realistically simulated or not.
At least this seems to inject something more into just flying with actually objectives - like crop dusting, Mountain Rescue or firefighting - build your 'flying' career/business rather than just go sightseeing in planes...
I don't here any chatter about OW2 or know anyone that really plays it. Most of my friends that played Overwatch left with the changes - although that may have also been because it 'replaced' OW.
The Cynic in me seems like its an attempt to try and bring back players - maybe even see if it proves more 'popular' than 5 vs 5 and/or decide on the future of that IP. Whether an OW3 or maybe 'changing' OW2, whether its something to continue investing in or maybe time to move on from as 'Hero' Shooters don't seem in vogue at the moment either...
It almost seems like the last chance for Overwatch to me...
Largest Leap can mean Anything. From a purely Mathematical perspective, jumping from 360 to XB1 was a bigger leap than OG Xbox was to 360. The leap up from XB1 to Series X was even bigger as no Console as leaped up by over 10TF of GPU compute.
If they release a 24TF Next gen Xbox, that would be a bigger Leap up for example as that is a leap of 12TF - more than XB1 to XSX. However, that is only a 2x leap compared to a 8-9x leap from XB1 to XSX.
To me that is Marketing speak - you can't argue that a 12TF 'leap' up would be larger than a 10.6TF leap for example, but I doubt you'll get a 8-9x 'leap'...
It maybe a thing of the Past as far as CoD goes, but it will still exist with other games/IP's.
As for the change in getting Map Packs Early to Sony's Cosmetic, game modes and Bonus XP gains etc that was likely down to the change in Additional Maps. DLC Map packs made Matchmaking and/or value of those maps worse as more and more were added. It split the playerbase between those with and those without and/or would never see them in rotation to play.
@Fiendish-Beaver its the same with Games from Hogwarts Legacy, Assassins Creed 4, Watchdogs etc - exclusive missions/content not available on other Platforms yet the SAME cost - I refused to buy myself rather than 'buy' on Playstation or pay for less on Xbox...
I don't know if we will get many, if any 'OLD' games being added to Game Pass. As it stands, the XB1 era onwards already has Back Compatibility with Current Xbox hardware - but apart from some remasters, all they really released was Call of Duty, Diablo and a new Crash game - all the latest are on Game Pass.
As for OLD CoD's, maybe they'll never be added to Game Pass. They'll likely want you playing the 'latest', not split the matchmaking across multiple games. They want more in the newest and hopefully spending money on Battle Passes, Cosmetics etc too.
Most of the 360 and older ABK games are also Licenced IP's - James Bond (Quantum of Solace for example) or Marvel (Spider-Man) and Transformers were delisted due to Licencing. That too maybe a factor as to why they haven't added games to either Game Pass or BC because they don't have the license or legal right to.
There are a few - like Prototype for example - that potentially 'could' come to Game Pass or Back Compat, but I doubt these would sell Hardware or Subscriptions. Who would Subscribe or now buy an Xbox just because a few OLD 360 games are now added to BC or Playable via Game Pass? Maybe for Transformers or Spider-Man but these are not ABK (Or MS's now they own ABK) IP's to have any say over...
Also the 360 era was over 10yrs ago now so who knows if they even have the Game Code anymore...
@Balaam_ @BIG3 I couldn't care less if its a 'design choice', that it is intentional and meant to resemble that style of Animation, I find it completely jarring and I'm sure that it will be even more so when playing - going from the 'smooth' game-play style to the janky Stop Animation. It makes it look like its stuttering, having issues with the 'cut-scenes'.
Just because its 'intentional' and designed to look that way, doesn't mean that I 'agree' with their decision to opt for that 'style' in a video game - its like deciding to go for 21:9 cinematic style with big Black bars top and bottom or deciding to make their game look like it was 'designed' and/or made for decades old Hardware - doesn't mean that I would prefer it if they made different choices - the option to play in Full Screen for example.
It maybe designed that way, but it still looks 'clunky/janky', still looks like its 'struggling' to run properly, still looks like it 'needs' patching or 'optimising' to get it running 'smoothly'. Its bad and jarring enough when games swap between 30fps for Cut-scenes to 60fps game-play.
I can't deny the 'art-style' looks interesting and appealing, but the animation/motion for those Cut-scenes was almost 'painful' for me to watch - it might be trying to 'mimic' that animation style, but it looks like a 'novice/beginner' attempt - Aardman Animations don't look that Janky and bad....
This looked very interesting - but also had me concerned. The Cinematics looked very janky, low frame rates which left me thinking the game was a LONG way from being optimised and running well - but then the game-play looked a lot smoother by comparison. It almost has that stop/go animation style but I found it uncomfortable to watch and seemed more jarring with the smoother game-play
How will it work if you own the Disc version? For example. I own GotG on Disc, therefore I can't prove I have bought it and still own it to have a license to play it on Xbox... Is this just another disadvantage or the nail in the coffin for physical?
At least they are generally cheaper and can be sold after you've finished it, or sooner if not great...
However, all the games I own digitally all have a valid licence linked to my 'online' profile/account. That same account also has Game Pass Ultimate and Streaming .
That being said, I'm not likely to use 'streaming' - even if it maybe quicker than redownloading, moving etc I'd have to be quite desperate to play over cloud as I only game at home.
I'll give it a go - maybe even buy it to show support for the Developers and what they and their Studio, some of whom will never get to see or play their work, have had to go through to make this game....
I never really saw the appeal of 'just' Flying but but learning a 'career' in some specialised Flying based 'Game' that has more objectives than just fly from A to B does interest me, I just don't know if its something I'll actually have time to sink into it...
I still think they could do something with their 'Windows' OS - especially for Handheld Gaming PC's. Have an Xbox Layer that can be switched to specifically for playing 'Xbox' versions and/or optimising its OS for gaming.
With a great UI and User settings - to enable frame rate locking for example - any Handheld PC could be a Xbox, just like SteamDeck can be a Windows Handheld PC with Game Pass - although its not 'Optimised' for gaming.
I'd love to be able to boot up my RoG Ally in Xbox mode for example and it 'feel' like a Handheld Xbox not a PC -but the compromise is its likely to be limited to 'Xbox' settings (whilst PC allows you to change settings) if it runs the Xbox version.
I think if they aim for 'SteamDeck' in Price point, then maybe it will sell - but if they aim for PC Handhelds - like RoG Ally, then maybe they should make a Surface Handheld gaming PC and have their 'Xbox' UI - like Asus, MSI and Lenovo have their gaming interface but Maybe MS could have an 'Xbox' boot mode so you can switch between PC and Xbox OS for their 'Xbox' Handheld that runs Xbox Versions. Switch to PC mode and you have Steam and Epic stores and their games too - if you want...
I'd like to say Stalker 2 but I'm not sure the Game-play loop will be my thing but after what that Studio has had to go through whilst making this, I want to show them some love and support.
However, Indiana Jones is also out and I am really looking forward to this more. It seems to nail the Film character, just hope it 'plays' well and I want to keep playing through the Story....
@CallMeDuraSouka Maybe it does get a few sales or maybe it gets people looking at the store and spending money - even if its not on this deal - like buying Robocop instead as that looks an even better deal comparatively
I don't see the issue here - its not really an 'Xbox' game and its not exactly 'new' or even a day 1 release for both Xbox and Playstation simultaneously.
At the end of the day, even if they do eventually release 'most' games on Playstation, the Xbox is still the ONLY console you can play them 'free' on Game Pass. Indiana Jones isn't 'their' IP and was announced before Microsoft acquired MachineGames. I'm sure LucasArts want to maximise 'sales' as well as maximise its 'reach'.
ABK have really only released CoD, Diablo and a few remasters in recent years and its studios are (or were) in a mess - all working (it seems) on CoD or Diablo. Multi-player or online 'Community' games that I would expect to remain on most platforms - like Doom (which has been made to run on virtually every electronic device).
This isn't a game that would sell consoles - like Sea of Thieves or Grounded or Hifi Rush or Pentiment. They may be decent and great to play on Game Pass, but not going to 'sell' Subscriptions - like Call of Duty or Indiana Jones will despite not being 'exclusive'. Indiana Jones too might sell Hardware - inc any Custom Hardware like controllers - as Xbox is the ONLY console hardware its on this Christmas.
Yes they may come to Playstation - eventually, but Xbox is still the ONLY console to play 'First' and 'Free'. You could have to wait a year or more on PS and then have to pay $70 or more for an 'old' Game - like Xbox players had to wait for Deathloop or Ghostwire. When they finally came to Xbox, the games were 'old' news and weren't really counted as 'new' Xbox releases.
If MS decide o release 'everything' on Playstation Day 1 going forward, then I could understand the animosity but releasing a few 'old' or 'niche' games alongside their BIG and Traditionally multi-platform IP's - especially if they have ONLINE communities built up around that IP, it makes sense financially as well as for the strength of that IP to remain multi-platform. Xbox still lets you play Free with Game Pass....
I loved Starcraft - although played it on Apple Macs as I worked in a Graphic Design studio and played it over LAN with my work colleagues or sometimes Solo. I think that was the last time I really played on a 'computer' with Keyboard & Mouse
However I don't have a mouse these days and would rather play on console so nothing I'll likely end up playing - but if Starcraft was on Xbox with great controller support, I'd maybe give it a go...
@Gabrielmpf Well the point was that you can earn 'Most' (if not all and more) back - depending on whether you go on to complete the BP or not - however you need the CoD points 'first' to get the BP that way and hope you earn enough to get the next one...
@Ricky-Spanish Yeah - you don't 'need' the BP - although it's not 'just' for Multi-player - its for Zombies and Warzone too. No doubt some of the rewards will be Gobblegums for Zombies and, if you play Warzone too, it maybe worthwhile.
There are often different tiers of the BP - the Blackcell edition being the most expensive but they do a version you can buy with CoD Points (and can earn most back) too.
I went for the Vault Edition upgrade so I will get the first 'Blackcell' Battle Pass and play Zombies and Warzone as well as MP so expect it will be something I'll enjoy completing.
Generally, there's more 'work' to do to get access to whatever new Weapons get added if you decide not to unlock them in the BP and/or unlikely to get Blueprints too. In the past, they may have some challenge or require you to pick-up someone elses gun to 'unlock' it for yourself. They may have some MW3 guns you couldn't use 'GS Magma' Pistol for example until you got X kills with a different pistol to unlock it - but BP users may have unlocked it via a BP blueprint.
I find the BP fun if you play CoD - it maybe less attractive if you don't play it a lot or only 1 mode from its 3 (Warzone, MP or Zombies) - who wants Gobblegums or other Zombie rewards if you only play MP or Warzone? Often there are 1100 CoD Points to 'earn' in the BP too, but not important if you don't want to buy Bundles. And its another thing to 'grind' which maybe too much if you don't play a lot - money 'wasted' if you don't complete it!
@Ricky-Spanish If its like previous games, they'll be free to all - its the new gear, cosmetics etc that will come with the Seasons Battle Pass that you won't get with Game Pass.
New maps are 'free', but that's not usually everything 'new' added to the game - you get new weapons too and specific Blueprints which will be 'permanent' unlocked - like the Blackcell Battle Pass versions and more operators/characters to select from.
Game Pass gives you just the $70 base game and everything that you'd expect to get with buying it. They did offer a 'Vault Edition' Upgrade which gave you the first Blackcell Battle Pass and some additional Cosmetics/blueprints - some were usable in MW3 too. However, if you didn't go for that, then you get the Standard edition which will get the same new Maps for Free, but not the Season Battle Pass or any content that offers.
Not sure how they'll handle the 'new' weapons, whether you'll need to complete some 'challenge' to unlock instead of getting them 'free' in the Battle Pass, whether they'll be 'locked' to a certain Level (like the AS Val is locked until Lvl 55) but 'permanently' unlocked if you get the BP Blueprint etc.
At the end of the day, Base game owners (inc those that have it via Game Pass) will get the 'SAME' Content and SAME Experience. Maps are universal for everyone so it doesn't split the Community and/or make matchmaking difficult. Therefore these are 'free' to all...
Game Pass is the main focus for Microsoft - not the Console. The Xbox though is the ONLY console option for Game Pass.
The entry tier for gaming these days is not the Series S, its the Cloud. You can play games without hardware - but its not the highest image quality, Series S is the entry tier for 'Hardware' based games and offers a step up from Cloud. Series X is the 'Premium' Console with PC offering Customer choice on hardware spec - but ALL are optional ways to play Xbox games.
As a gamer with a 4k display, I would prefer to play on Series X over Cloud. But others may find the Series S is good enough for them. Some may prefer to play the 'few' games not released on their XB1 hardware via cloud rather than spend money to upgrade their hardware - it maybe 'better' than most 'native' games - especially on XB1S hardware that may not even be 1080p, let alone 60fps and/or offer 'performance' to XB1X users who maybe limited to 30fps.
With Saves in the cloud, it means you can pick up your progress wherever you play - you are not limited to playing on just your Xbox hardware - if you switch to PC or choose some handheld option, you can play your 'Xbox' game anywhere...
They also don't need to be the best selling, they just need to sell enough to justify the research/development and obvious support for its lifetime, that also includes supporting 3rd Party devs and all their SDK's too...
As Long as its popular enough that its still profitable - and they still have customers that want to play Xbox games that way, then they'll make one. Its not about selling more Consoles than Sony, its about having a bigger 'reach', more gamers in your 'ecosystem' and/or playing your games. Its just the entry point for 'hardware' based gaming and entry price point too - with high end being more 'custom' build PC based on your budget and preference.
Point is, as long as there is demand big enough for a entry hardware in a console format for Microsoft Games, they'll make one - not necessarily to outsell Sony/Nintendo - but sell enough to justify making it. Their 'playerbase' isn't just the console like others.
@TheEstablishment exactly - so that's why the Console sales are not going to be 'high' when Gamers havre alternatives - some of which are 'cheaper' because its hardware they already own- whether that's PC or Last gen Xbox - let alone all the other range of devices that Cloud gaming enables.
Some may prefer to spend their 'console' money on a Handheld console PC and use Game Pass and its option if performance is better....
It is what it is - They bought Arkane Austin in a Bundle deal and we don't really know how bad a shape that Studio was in - and only as good as your last game. 'Talent' also moved on and Arkane Austin reportedly lost 'Talent' due to 'Redfall' - It was a 'Different' game to what Zenimax demanded - and what was 'left', even after a 'year' and more 'delays', delivered that and thought it was 'good enough'...
I've seen many of the people who worked on Dishonored or Prey now working at different studios and projects, so for all I know, the Talent (or most of it) left - same with Tango and they lost they 'creative' direction - which is the 'horror' and now its 'Hifi Rush' - which won't make money - and that's according to its new 'owners'
If you can't invest billions in rebuilding those Studios or know they won't make money for you, but 'inherited' them when buying Zenimax, or want to invest what money they can into getting the games they have in development actually over the finishing line and making money back from them
Probably not worth all the manufacturing costs for the limited number of Xbox Gamers that would buy it Physically these days when Series S is the bigger seller and that doesn't have a Disc Drive.
Fewer and fewer Xbox Gamers are buying Physical and if they don't think it will sell enough to warrant the cost etc. These days, it would have to be something 'special' for me to want to buy on disc. The vast majority of games I've bought in recent years are digital - on sale through their store. My disc drive is more for the games I can play via Backwards Compatibility to XB1 and older Consoles.
Of course there Hardware sales are 'declining' when their messaging is that you don't need an Xbox and that's backed up by releasing their games Day/Date on PC and Cloud.
That immediately cuts out the PC gaming market who may have bought an Xbox for Exclusives like Halo, Gears and Forza in the past. With Cloud and the infrastructure 'improving', XB1 Owners can still play games like Starfield or Flight Sim without needing to upgrade 'yet', especially as a lot of games still release on XB1 hardware too.
There are 'incentives' - they still have 'exclusives' - whether they are timed or not and its the ONLY Console - the 'low cost' hardware option - to offer Game Pass too - but also in the last year, Microsoft hasn't exactly released a LOT to entice people to buy an Xbox - maybe with BO6, Stalker 2 and Indiana Jones all arriving before Christmas and the Black Friday Sales to come, they may sell more this year - not enough to catch Sony or Nintendo, but they have a different business model to Microsoft.
I expected 60fps as Machinegames built Wolfenstein to play at 60fps and Doom too is a 60fps game and both use the same Game Engine.
I don't have an issue with 30fps as most of the 'Best' games that win Game of the Year are 30fps games on Console so its something I've had lots of experience with. However, 60fps is preferable in most cases - although with some, the drop in Visual Quality for 'minimal' difference in feel is too much so I opt for 30fpps.
Sony may well relent with their Live Service games knowing that they need to get as MANY players into the game at or near launch to stand a chance of their Live Service becoming established and making money.
Concord , if F2P and on 'every' platform may have worked better than trying to sell on PS/PC to make their money back. It could have been the 'next' Overwatch with its eSports community helping to bring newcomers in who will buy Season Passes, Cosmetics etc.
I have zero interest in this - especially if it costs money without a great Single Player campaign and/or other modes too. At least CoD caters to Single, Co-op and Competitive gamers with its Campaign, PVE and PVP modes.
Personally I think this is the 'best' Call of Duty for years, maybe even a decade. The campaign is decent in both length and replayability - certainly better than recent CoD's. Zombies feels like a return too form too after some 'experimental' Zombies modes and the Omni-Movement is in my mind is the 'advanced' movement upgrade to the 'Boots on the Ground' combat the Game needed.
Going back to MW3, which felt more 'fluid' than MW2, it now feels clunky and dare I say 'dated' compared to the slick, smooth and fluid movement of BO6. Even if you don't play like a sliding, hopping, diving action movie stuntman, the movement feels more natural/realistic and smooth.
It also feels like a complete game not DLC or something rushed together. It feels a lot more polished and balanced too from Day 1. If MW2 hadn't carried forward content into MW3, it would have felt like there was little/no content (although the seasonal content helped), but BO6 feels much more like a Complete 'Base' game at launch.
I would think that Fans of each 'traditional' mode, Campaign, MP or Zombies, would feel like BO6 is a return to form, if not the best CoD in over a decade...
@101Force yeah - because older games were 'pre-internet' or at least when internet was awful and couch co-op is basically 'dead' today.
There is a reason that its not common today and that's because its not popular enough to justify the cost as so few actually play.
A Lot of 'old' games may not even be added to Game Pass at all or even considered trying to make them work via the Backwards Compatibility programme too as they may not have the Licence (Marvel games for example) or just not worth all the time/effort when the game probably won't sell Subscriptions or Games as people tend to put their money into 'newer' games (as in the past 5yrs or so).
There has to be enough incentive and of course legal (as in IP's they own, not licensed IP's like James Bond, Marvel etc) reasons for Microsoft too and if they don't think it will bring in enough revenue from 'new' Subscribers or even new 'purchasers' for those games, they have, they don't have incentive.
I don't expect to see many 360 games at all (other than CoD or Prototype maybe but then again they may not as they want you playing the 'new' CoD) and even less, if any, OG Xbox games. With quite a few Licensed IP games (not their own IP), being delisted due to them no longer having the license, then it makes things even more 'complicated' to bring back and likely would cost - so they won't do that if they won't get revenue coming in...
Hence a year later, we've had Diablo, Crash and Cod added but nothing 'pre-XB1' era games. Consoles - and even Games these days are designed for 'Internet' gaming - not just to patch, but to play with others, to offer more content and even enable games so big (Flight Sim - the whole world wouldn't fit on your 1, 2, 4 or even 8TB drive - let alone disc) they have to stream it. Without the internet, the Consoles and most games (if not all if you count the Patches/fixes they require at launch) are not playable. Even your Console is extremely limited in functionality.
Couch Co-op won't work with Streaming to a mobile for example so its likely to disappear. If you want to play together on the couch these days, you both have a phone for example or one can play on a PC/Tablet next to you...
Well Indiana Jones, Doom: The Dark Ages and Call of Duty Black Ops are all releasing on PS - along with Minecraft, Sea of Thieves, Grounded etc, that's 'continuing' to bring games to other platforms.
I'm sure that they'll continue to have 'exclusives' - games like Halo, Gears or Forza maybe, as well as games like Fable, Perfect Dark, Flight Sim, South of Midnight, State of Decay etc at least not release on Playstation or Switch Hardware. However they'll never be truly 'exclusive' because of PC/Cloud platforms too...
I can see a day where the hardware doesn't matter - 'Exclusive' to Xbox could just mean only on/through a Microsoft Service/Store. You can have 'exclusives' on Epic or Steam stores despite both being playable on PC, exclusive to Disney+ or Netflix, exclusive to BBC or Sky - yet don't need 'specific' hardware....
I would consider the Xbox/Windows Store PC version to be the 'superior' option when it comes to multi-platform releases. The main reason is that version may well have Play Anyway but also have shared progression - meaning that I can jump between different platforms to play on with my progress continued - rather than have two or more versions, each with their own progress...
I see no reason to buy the same game more than once just to play 'on the go' - I bought my RoG Ally because I don't need to buy ANY games for it specifically - between Game Pass Ultimate and 'Play Anywhere' Game Purchases bought because I can play them on 'PC' as well as Xbox, I have more than enough games to play...
I graded it as a 'C' - Quite 'Meh' from my own personal perspective as I didn't really see any Game that I would be excited for, would be wanting to know its release date and/or be wanting to play it as soon as I could and nothing here 'jumped' out that way for me.
Its not the fact that the majority, if not all, will be on PS5 too so for 'Xbox', there isn't a reason to buy or play on Xbox consoles I couldn't play on my Playstation, its more the fact that I wouldn't likely play these, even if I can play with Game Pass Day 1.
I'm looking forward to Indiana Jones, Stalker 2 and BO6 and expect games like Doom and Avowed to fill my gaming time in the next year - along with my Backlog of games I haven't yet finished - most of which appeal more to me than the games shown.
@101Force Why are you so focussed on 'old' games? The most recent ABK games - inc Diablo, Crash Bandicoot and Call of Duty games, are in Game Pass with their new game coming Day 1 for the first time in history - BO6. This also only focuses on 'NEW' releases you can play 'Day 1' on Game Pass - not some 5yr old+ game that hasn't been 'relevant' in gaming terms for years. By relevant, I mean barely (if any) sales, players time spent etc.
I'm sure that 'some' may come to Game Pass but with over 20 Call of Duty Games, would adding them dilute the 'newest' and/or be detrimental? Maybe they want everyone playing the latest to ensure matchmaking and ping are at their 'best'.
Anyway, this 'list' would be very unlikely to include ABK's 'old' games released prior to the MS takeover as it's focussed on brand new releases you can play Day 1 rather than what 'old' games maybe added...
@themightyant Exactly and I'd be willing to bet the Majority of the dedicated CoD players will 'buy' the game. I cannot see PS5 CoD gamers jumping to Xbox now MS has it in Game Pass either so I still believe the 'majority will choose to 'buy' anyway. And like I said, its a game most CoD gamers will play 'all year'.
If you only play Campaign, chances are you haven't really been part of the 'CoD' community. You aren't buying the game at launch and if/when you do buy, its often years later in a sale or even used. So if you do 'jump in' because of Game Pass - that's a 'win' too. That person likely wouldn't have bought or contributed to its 'profitability' during its 'year' of support. Of course MS hope that now hey can play when its 'current', they may go on to spend money on it too (season passes, CoD points, bundles etc).
I'd 'imagine' it would take ALL the CoD gamers on PS5 to suddenly opt to pay $1 to play on Game Pass on PC for example - not buy Season passes etc and then quit after their deal is up. Therefore they don't get the Sales (even on 3rd Party Platforms), don't get the Subs or sub fees over the year and the game itself 'dies' due to lack of players.It supposedly makes more money on PS5 for Sony on just 'extras' than it costs to make and its likely to increase the sales of 'extras' on Xbox as more people will play it on Xbox - more Seasonal content sold over the 'year'.
Indiana Jones, with its 3rd Party License will likely have a much smaller 'profit margin' as that is split between MS as the Publisher and LucasArts/Disney as the IP holder. Couple that with Game Pass and the fact its not likely to be a game that 'sells' a lot of additional content (let alone units if its on Game Pass), a long with games like Flight Sim and Stalker 2 as well, then these are more likely to be why the price went up and/or no $1 deals. Besides that, if they don't sell subs to play those games, they'll still sell them and I expect CoD to 'sell' as its cheaper to buy and play all year (and beyond) than Sub for a year even with a $1 deal...
I doubt that its strictly down to the addition of CoD, although that is likely to be the biggest (in terms of player numbers) but its also likely to make the most money with Season Passes and all the bundles/MTX's they'll also sell. Its also a game that MANY will play for more than 2wks/1month too.
I would think its also a game like Indiana Jones - which is also a Licenced game so likely needs to 'sell' more to be 'profitable' for both. Add in Flight Sim 2024 and Stalker 2, its arguably the most 'packed' Game Pass couple of months that a $1 deal could hurt more than when their line up is lacking, when there is a Lull in Big releases. Not only that, a Lull in releases is likely to coincide with a lull in new Subscribers so it makes sense to offer some 'deal' like a $1 trial.
@Markatron84 I agree - Xbox stopped being 'just' the Console years ago and its now the entire Microsoft gaming ecosystem - but only 1 ABK game is actually coming to 'Xbox Consoles' this month as Warzone and MW3 are already on Xbox and Starcraft 1 & 2 aren't on Console.
Cloud too isn't getting Starcraft 1 or 2 so they can't be played on Xbox consoles (or any other platform that supports Xbox Cloud).
As MW3 was already added to Game Pass and Warzone is Free to Play anyway, its only Cloud that is getting these this month. So unless you play on Cloud and/or PC as well as Console, the number of ABK games coming this month is between 1 and 3. If you only play on Xbox Hardware, its just 1 game, Cloud and PC has 3 (BO6 + either MW3 & Warzone or Starcraft 1 & 2). MW3 has already been in Game Pass for the past few months and Warzone is Free to Play on PC/Xbox hardware anyway. So unless you play on Cloud, you can already play...
@Bigmanfan Warzone is Free to Play - but you also need Hardware to download and play it on. Warzone, like Fortnite, is being added to Game Pass for 'Cloud' access. Meaning that you can play on any device that supports Game Pass streaming - from your Consoles to your mobile phone or tablet, from Samsung TV's to Amazon Firesticks...
Point is, Game Pass Cloud is running the game 'in the cloud' on Hardware and streaming it to your device. Therefore it has Hardware to run it - so you can now play Warzone without downloading, installing and running on your own hardware - especially if some hardware - like Mobiles, tablets etc can't run it 'natively' at at least 60fps and 'decent' visuals for the Hardware...
I'm really looking forward to Black Ops 6 but I wouldn't play any 'competitive' (PvP modes) over the cloud and Warzone, whilst Free to Play anyway, is PvP only. MW3 doesn't have the best Campaign and its seasonal content for MP/Zombies has finished now.
@Ricky-Spanish No they are not - CoD MW3 was last years Call of Duty with its own Campaign, Zombies and MP. BO6 is the 'new' release with all new Movement and its own Campaign, Zombies and MP mode. Warzone is Free to Play, but is the Battle Royale with lots of teams/players. 3 Separate games - much like adding Gears 4, Gears 5 and Gears Tactics - you wouldn't say those are all the 'same' game. MW3 and Warzone can be played on Console anyway as MW3 was added to Game Pass a few months back and Warzone is F2P so you don't 'need' Game Pass anyway to download and play it.
What is interesting though is that you couldn't play MW3, Warzone and/or BO6 without 'Hardware' but when they add it to Game Pass Cloud, literally anyone can play anywhere. Amazon Firestick users for example can play. Although I'd prefer to play PvP (even F2P games like Warzone or Fortnite) on Hardware myself, some maybe happy just to be able to play on their Amazon Firestick, Samsung TV or even their Phone/Tablet.
Starcraft and Starcraft 2 are not coming to Console - at least not this month so I'd argue that only 1 game is coming to 'Xbox'. Therefore its not '5' games as 2 at least were already on 'Console' (MW3 and Warzone - Warzone won't be on Game Pass for 'Hardware' as its F2P anyway) and with Starcraft 1 & 2 on PC, its actually only 1 ABK game coming this month to Console.
So in essence, Warzone and MW3 are already playable on Xbox with only MW3 requiring 'Game Pass' to play 'free'. With Starcraft and Starcraft 2 on PC, Console Game Pass Subscribers are only getting BO6 this month where as PC owners are getting B06 and both Starcraft games. Only Cloud users are getting access to MW3 & Warzone too as both are already on Xbox/PC and Warzone doesn't require Game Pass.
Until you can stream the games you have bought/own, it will never be a real choice for even the most casual. Whilst MS remains in full control over that small library of games you can play on Cloud, the fact that they can be rotated 'out' will put people off.
Its that 'fear' of losing access to something they've been playing 'before' they are ready to move on to something else. Cloud gaming doesn't allow you to 'buy' (even with the 'Game Pass' discount) and continue playing 'via' Cloud - to build up your 'own' library alongside the 'Game Pass Cloud Library' provided by MS.
Cloud has by far the smallest Library of Games and no way to add 'others' to your Library - its much more Supplemental to Hardware - ie a Way to try games before deciding whether or not to download, a way to play games if/when you are away from your Hardware etc. So until they add the option to play Digital Games you've bought as well, it will forever be just a supplemental service....
@PsBoxSwitchOwner Anyone that didn't expect layoffs is unrealistic and/or has overly high expectations. I wouldn't expect them to keep ALL the Publishing or Marketing staff when both MS and Zenimax each had their own Publishing and Marketing teams.
Each would have to organise and market their own games, organise events/trade shows like E3, Gamescom etc all separately - now they only need 1 Microsoft marketing team and Publishing division as both Zenimax and now ABK are 'merged' in to MS.
You don't need 3 Marketing teams, 3 separate publishing divisions - each with their own managers and staff teams so I really expected those '3' teams to be 'merged' into 1 overall Publishing and/or Marketing team. We've seen 'Bethesda' already added to the MS show teams.
I expected there was some 'crossovers' in the the actual running of these Publishers. The Studio's themselves that make games aren't the ONLY staff at these big companies - they each had their own 'Heads', their own Marketing and Publishing divisions etc and the likes of Bobby Kotick were always likely to lose their 'jobs' due to the fact Microsoft are now the 'heads', the Manager of those.
As I expected quite a few to lose their Jobs as the Publishing and Marketing teams were 'merged' into Microsofts already existing Publishing/Marketing teams, And ABK in particular have been mismanaged for years, so I expected them to get rid of some of the dead wood....
Difficult to assess as there was/is likely some Legacy stuff to sort out as well as fully 'integrate' into MS. In the first year of Zenimax, that was pretty 'lacklustre' for Xbox gamers and at least we only have to wait a year for the first 'new' game to come to Xbox and/or Game Pass.
Until we see 'new' ABK games coming 'regularly' to Xbox/Game Pass, it will likely remain underwhelming for most gamers - $70bn and all they really have to show for it is Call of Duty on Game Pass - no exclusives, no major benefits to Xbox owners.
I think it would be unfair to be 'critical' of the situation - mostly because we don't have ALL the information, inc whether or not things are better for the Developers for example under 'new' management. We are still waiting to see any games from Compulsion, Undead Labs etc after 6yrs of being under Microsoft so my expectations were not exactly high for the first 'year' or two as they gradually transition to MS 'control'. Bobby Kotick remained 'in charge' of the ABK group until end of March but I still expect it to take 'years' before we really see the Microsoft era of ABK.
Since ABK joined MS though, they have opened 2 new Studios - Infinity Ward Austin, (A new Studio opened to create 'new' innovative CoD games) and Elsewhere Studios in Poland - a new Studio created to make a Narrative driven game (not CoD). How long before we see or hear anything from those as gamers??
I'm expecting Black Ops 6 to fill my gaming time for much of the month of November, if not the rest of the year but I am also very interested in Stalker 2. If Starcraft had come to Consoles, I may have tried that for 'nostalgic' reasons - loved playing it with my work colleagues over Lunch breaks but haven't really played those style of games since.
Flight Sim 'looks' impressive, but I'm not a fan of 'Sim' like experiences and prefer my games to be more on the 'arcade' side. This at least seems a bit more 'interesting' than just 'flying' from A to B but I doubt enough to tempt me to 'try'.
From my perspective, a game has to appeal more than anything else I have access to and being a 'new' Day 1 release is not enough on its own to appeal. It has to excite me more than my current game. It's 'current' because at that moment, it was the game that I am really wanting to play most.
There could be 'someone' that buys an Xbox for either of those games - although I think Stalker 2 may well sell a few if the game reviews well.
However, its not buying a console 'just' for Flight Sim OR Stalker, but the fact that those as well as CoD and Indy will all be on Xbox and Game Pass will likely sell some Consoles this Christmas as its still the 'cheapest' and ONLY hardware those games will playable on natively.
1 game alone is unlikely to encourage buyers - who'd spend $500+ whatever Subscription and/or buy the one game they want to play - especially if they own a Playstation 5 or PC already. PS5 may not get 'Flight Sim' but Stalker and Indy will come eventually and CoD is on PS5 too - but all 4 will be on Xbox this Christmas and if gamers want to play them this year, they'll either need a PC or Xbox Console so it 'will' sell - even if not 'just' for Flight Sim or Stalker....
@Widey85 That's not quite the same as having replaceable pads - even in different materials or colours for customisation purposes.
There are likely 'workarounds' but I think it would be better to have options built in to replace or 'customise' your headset - maybe even to match the 'Custom' controller options in design labs.
Maybe you can choose to have cloth or 'pleather', have some replaceable parts that 'colour' match a Controller etc - some other headsets have some 'customisation' options and/or replaceable cups...
Comments 3,211
Re: Phil Spencer Explains Why 'This Is An Xbox' Will Be Beneficial To Console Owners
@x3King84 Its an introduction or a 'cheaper' way into the Xbox Ecosystem. Whether you play on Cloud over ANY of those devices (even if its only when you can't play natively) or not, that doesn't mean that ONLY Consoles matter - and those that choose to play (for whatever reason) via cloud or PC don't 'count'.
They have a 'multi-tiered' system - Cloud (entry tier), Series S (Standard $300 Console price point), Series X (Premium $500 Console price point) and PC (Variable to Expensive Tier price point). As long as there is still a 'market' for 'Xbox' specific Hardware - bare in mind 'Price' and 'benefits' (or 'limitations' that hardware may have - Storage capacity is certainly one and download/installation times on large games etc. It has to be cheap/affordable enough to sell but offer 'benefits' above the cloud, but games could get too big/complex to make hardware cheap enough to run them 'better' than streaming will so the likelihood of selling hardware won't make sense - it's why you don't see Bluray players or hifi systems being made by many companies today.
The whole thing is saying 'Xbox' so its still reaffirming their Console - but its also saying that EVERYONE has a choice of where they 'choose' to PLAY Xbox - Whether that is via Cloud for whatever reason (convenience, cost, situation etc - as that maybe on 'XB1' hardware and they can't afford to get a Series X yet so may have to play certain games on cloud) or on their super high end Gaming PC that it makes no sense to buy a Console to play at limited frame rates and/or graphical options and have to pay to play online...
Point is they are all still in the XBOX Ecosystem so welcome on in to the 'Xbox' family wherever you choose to play - even if 'consoles' are not for you/your lifestyle/situation, you can still be on Xbox (which again still makes average people think 'console' first)
Re: Xbox Boss Provides Multiple Reasons Why A 'PS5 Pro' Competitor Isn't Necessary
Most people that want the best graphics and/or frame rates will buy a PC and if they have a PC, certainly wouldn't buy an Xbox to play games that 'look' more like the PC version without having to tolerate 30fps game-play.
The point of Xbox was to make an 'affordable' way for people to play games. The market is 'limited' for Xbox as PC gamers aren't buying Xbox - even if they do an 'enhanced' refresh that now offers slightly better visuals. The Series X isn't as popular as the Series S and I can't see a 'better' Series X selling enough to warrant all the costs to bring one to market. If people weren't satisfied with their Series X, they'd likely be playing on PC instead anyway...
Re: Phil Spencer Explains Why 'This Is An Xbox' Will Be Beneficial To Console Owners
Whilst people want 'Hardware' to play games on Natively, I believe MS will continue to make 'Consoles' as a 'cheap' and/or 'simple' Plug & Play OPTION.
We all know that Cloud perhaps isn't going to appeal to hardcore gamers but its certainly good enough for the Casuals - for the ones that can't see the benefits or necessarily care enough to upgrade. The 'cheapest' way into Xbox was the XB1S - not everyone upgraded to the XB1X, maybe still haven't upgraded to a Series S/X but now, the cheapest is Cloud.
Even if MS do release games on Playstation, chances are that quite a few won't be Day 1 - similar to Sony's PC releases. Therefore the Xbox will have 'exclusives' if only timed - so Xbox gets them first and of course, can play on Game Pass too. Yes they maybe on PS at some point, but you'll get them 'last' and have to pay £70+...
If you want the 'best' graphics/frame rates, you can invest in a PC that will also have Game Pass and Sony's releases too - as well as 1000's of games not on PS or XBox Hardware - biggest Library with the highest Frame Rates and/or Visual Quality too. Not only do you not need 'both' consoles, you don't need to pay for Online gaming (PS+/Game Pass Core) which can save you nearly £150 a year as well. 5yrs of just the basic subscription is an extra £350-400 per console. You could invest that into a PC instead for example instead...
Re: Xbox Delayed Avowed Purely Because Of Its 2024 Game Pass Schedule
I know some will never be happy, but I see MS's point of view - they want at least 1 'big' thing a month and with Stalker 2 having been delayed for 'years' and already have CoD and Indy but nothing for February with Atomfall in March, its bringing something 'new' on a regular cadence and taking pressure off another team to maybe have something ready for that slot.
And those who maybe wouldn't check it out because of Stalker, Indy, CoD and/or Flight Sim, maybe will because their library isn't so full.
As I said, you can't please 'everyone', but at least I'd prefer to hear they had too many to release the end of this year than not have 'enough' or any...
Re: No Man's Sky Developer Explains Why The Xbox One X Is Still 'Very Capable' In 2024
I have no doubt that the XB1X is still a very capable console and can still offer a great gaming experience in 2024. With Game Pass Cloud, its possible to play some next-gen only released games too but even if it has the capability of running it natively, if it can't run on a XB1S, it won't be released for XB1X - so is still 'limited' by its weaker sibling.
I have mine hooked up in the bedroom these days...
Re: PSA: Our Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Review Will Be Delayed At Launch
@Dround87 I don't find that aspect particularly exciting or enjoyable. I can't think of anything more tedious than say a long haul flight, cruising at 30k feet for 8hrs before you have to 'land' after take-off.
Its not like I don't like or enjoy 'flying' based games - I just want something more - like Combat (AceCombat, Star Wars Rogue Squadron etc) or even just on rails shooters like Afterburner - but they have something more to do in Air than just 'fly' however much its more realistically simulated or not.
At least this seems to inject something more into just flying with actually objectives - like crop dusting, Mountain Rescue or firefighting - build your 'flying' career/business rather than just go sightseeing in planes...
Re: Blizzard Announces 'Overwatch: Classic' As A Limited-Time Event In Overwatch 2
I don't here any chatter about OW2 or know anyone that really plays it. Most of my friends that played Overwatch left with the changes - although that may have also been because it 'replaced' OW.
The Cynic in me seems like its an attempt to try and bring back players - maybe even see if it proves more 'popular' than 5 vs 5 and/or decide on the future of that IP. Whether an OW3 or maybe 'changing' OW2, whether its something to continue investing in or maybe time to move on from as 'Hero' Shooters don't seem in vogue at the moment either...
It almost seems like the last chance for Overwatch to me...
Re: Xbox Drops Extended Indiana Jones Gameplay Ahead Of Game Pass Release
Looks great - can't wait to play, just hope its as polished as it needs to be because it looks and sounds like this has a LOT of potential...
Everything so far looks and sounds just what I would want and expect from a Indiana Jones game...
Re: Xbox Fans Ponder What 'Largest Technical Leap' Means For The Series X Successor
Largest Leap can mean Anything. From a purely Mathematical perspective, jumping from 360 to XB1 was a bigger leap than OG Xbox was to 360. The leap up from XB1 to Series X was even bigger as no Console as leaped up by over 10TF of GPU compute.
If they release a 24TF Next gen Xbox, that would be a bigger Leap up for example as that is a leap of 12TF - more than XB1 to XSX. However, that is only a 2x leap compared to a 8-9x leap from XB1 to XSX.
To me that is Marketing speak - you can't argue that a 12TF 'leap' up would be larger than a 10.6TF leap for example, but I doubt you'll get a 8-9x 'leap'...
Re: PlayStation's Call Of Duty Timed Exclusivity Deal Is Now Officially Over
It maybe a thing of the Past as far as CoD goes, but it will still exist with other games/IP's.
As for the change in getting Map Packs Early to Sony's Cosmetic, game modes and Bonus XP gains etc that was likely down to the change in Additional Maps. DLC Map packs made Matchmaking and/or value of those maps worse as more and more were added. It split the playerbase between those with and those without and/or would never see them in rotation to play.
@Fiendish-Beaver its the same with Games from Hogwarts Legacy, Assassins Creed 4, Watchdogs etc - exclusive missions/content not available on other Platforms yet the SAME cost - I refused to buy myself rather than 'buy' on Playstation or pay for less on Xbox...
Re: Talking Point: Where Are All The ActiBlizz Titles On Xbox Game Pass?
I don't know if we will get many, if any 'OLD' games being added to Game Pass. As it stands, the XB1 era onwards already has Back Compatibility with Current Xbox hardware - but apart from some remasters, all they really released was Call of Duty, Diablo and a new Crash game - all the latest are on Game Pass.
As for OLD CoD's, maybe they'll never be added to Game Pass. They'll likely want you playing the 'latest', not split the matchmaking across multiple games. They want more in the newest and hopefully spending money on Battle Passes, Cosmetics etc too.
Most of the 360 and older ABK games are also Licenced IP's - James Bond (Quantum of Solace for example) or Marvel (Spider-Man) and Transformers were delisted due to Licencing. That too maybe a factor as to why they haven't added games to either Game Pass or BC because they don't have the license or legal right to.
There are a few - like Prototype for example - that potentially 'could' come to Game Pass or Back Compat, but I doubt these would sell Hardware or Subscriptions. Who would Subscribe or now buy an Xbox just because a few OLD 360 games are now added to BC or Playable via Game Pass? Maybe for Transformers or Spider-Man but these are not ABK (Or MS's now they own ABK) IP's to have any say over...
Also the 360 era was over 10yrs ago now so who knows if they even have the Game Code anymore...
Re: Xbox Game Pass Is Getting A Massive Black Ops 6 Update Next Week
I'm still loving BO6 - spending my 'limited' playtime between MP, Zombies and Campaign... Its a lot of fun so far...
As I pre-ordered the Vault Edition, I've already purchased the first Battle Pass (Blackcell Edition) and looking forward to Season 1...
Re: South Of Midnight Previews Seemingly Being Prepared By Team Xbox
@Balaam_ @BIG3 I couldn't care less if its a 'design choice', that it is intentional and meant to resemble that style of Animation, I find it completely jarring and I'm sure that it will be even more so when playing - going from the 'smooth' game-play style to the janky Stop Animation. It makes it look like its stuttering, having issues with the 'cut-scenes'.
Just because its 'intentional' and designed to look that way, doesn't mean that I 'agree' with their decision to opt for that 'style' in a video game - its like deciding to go for 21:9 cinematic style with big Black bars top and bottom or deciding to make their game look like it was 'designed' and/or made for decades old Hardware - doesn't mean that I would prefer it if they made different choices - the option to play in Full Screen for example.
It maybe designed that way, but it still looks 'clunky/janky', still looks like its 'struggling' to run properly, still looks like it 'needs' patching or 'optimising' to get it running 'smoothly'. Its bad and jarring enough when games swap between 30fps for Cut-scenes to 60fps game-play.
I can't deny the 'art-style' looks interesting and appealing, but the animation/motion for those Cut-scenes was almost 'painful' for me to watch - it might be trying to 'mimic' that animation style, but it looks like a 'novice/beginner' attempt - Aardman Animations don't look that Janky and bad....
Re: South Of Midnight Previews Seemingly Being Prepared By Team Xbox
This looked very interesting - but also had me concerned. The Cinematics looked very janky, low frame rates which left me thinking the game was a LONG way from being optimised and running well - but then the game-play looked a lot smoother by comparison. It almost has that stop/go animation style but I found it uncomfortable to watch and seemed more jarring with the smoother game-play
Re: Xbox Employees Are Testing 10 Non-Game Pass Titles On The Cloud Right Now
How will it work if you own the Disc version? For example. I own GotG on Disc, therefore I can't prove I have bought it and still own it to have a license to play it on Xbox... Is this just another disadvantage or the nail in the coffin for physical?
At least they are generally cheaper and can be sold after you've finished it, or sooner if not great...
However, all the games I own digitally all have a valid licence linked to my 'online' profile/account. That same account also has Game Pass Ultimate and Streaming .
That being said, I'm not likely to use 'streaming' - even if it maybe quicker than redownloading, moving etc I'd have to be quite desperate to play over cloud as I only game at home.
Re: Talking Point: Stalker 2 Is Just Two Weeks Away, Are You Still Hyped For Its Xbox Release?
I'll give it a go - maybe even buy it to show support for the Developers and what they and their Studio, some of whom will never get to see or play their work, have had to go through to make this game....
Re: PSA: Our Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Review Will Be Delayed At Launch
I never really saw the appeal of 'just' Flying but but learning a 'career' in some specialised Flying based 'Game' that has more objectives than just fly from A to B does interest me, I just don't know if its something I'll actually have time to sink into it...
Re: Rumour: Xbox May Be Gearing Up To Reveal Handheld Device In 2025
I still think they could do something with their 'Windows' OS - especially for Handheld Gaming PC's. Have an Xbox Layer that can be switched to specifically for playing 'Xbox' versions and/or optimising its OS for gaming.
With a great UI and User settings - to enable frame rate locking for example - any Handheld PC could be a Xbox, just like SteamDeck can be a Windows Handheld PC with Game Pass - although its not 'Optimised' for gaming.
I'd love to be able to boot up my RoG Ally in Xbox mode for example and it 'feel' like a Handheld Xbox not a PC -but the compromise is its likely to be limited to 'Xbox' settings (whilst PC allows you to change settings) if it runs the Xbox version.
I think if they aim for 'SteamDeck' in Price point, then maybe it will sell - but if they aim for PC Handhelds - like RoG Ally, then maybe they should make a Surface Handheld gaming PC and have their 'Xbox' UI - like Asus, MSI and Lenovo have their gaming interface but Maybe MS could have an 'Xbox' boot mode so you can switch between PC and Xbox OS for their 'Xbox' Handheld that runs Xbox Versions. Switch to PC mode and you have Steam and Epic stores and their games too - if you want...
Re: Talking Point: Which Of Late 2024's Biggest Xbox Releases Are You Most Excited For?
I'd like to say Stalker 2 but I'm not sure the Game-play loop will be my thing but after what that Studio has had to go through whilst making this, I want to show them some love and support.
However, Indiana Jones is also out and I am really looking forward to this more. It seems to nail the Film character, just hope it 'plays' well and I want to keep playing through the Story....
Re: Xbox Has Two 'BOGOF' Promotions Running Right Now
@CallMeDuraSouka Maybe it does get a few sales or maybe it gets people looking at the store and spending money - even if its not on this deal - like buying Robocop instead as that looks an even better deal comparatively
Re: Xbox's Long-Running Strategy Series Could Be Next To Jump To PS5
I don't see the issue here - its not really an 'Xbox' game and its not exactly 'new' or even a day 1 release for both Xbox and Playstation simultaneously.
At the end of the day, even if they do eventually release 'most' games on Playstation, the Xbox is still the ONLY console you can play them 'free' on Game Pass. Indiana Jones isn't 'their' IP and was announced before Microsoft acquired MachineGames. I'm sure LucasArts want to maximise 'sales' as well as maximise its 'reach'.
ABK have really only released CoD, Diablo and a few remasters in recent years and its studios are (or were) in a mess - all working (it seems) on CoD or Diablo. Multi-player or online 'Community' games that I would expect to remain on most platforms - like Doom (which has been made to run on virtually every electronic device).
This isn't a game that would sell consoles - like Sea of Thieves or Grounded or Hifi Rush or Pentiment. They may be decent and great to play on Game Pass, but not going to 'sell' Subscriptions - like Call of Duty or Indiana Jones will despite not being 'exclusive'. Indiana Jones too might sell Hardware - inc any Custom Hardware like controllers - as Xbox is the ONLY console hardware its on this Christmas.
Yes they may come to Playstation - eventually, but Xbox is still the ONLY console to play 'First' and 'Free'. You could have to wait a year or more on PS and then have to pay $70 or more for an 'old' Game - like Xbox players had to wait for Deathloop or Ghostwire. When they finally came to Xbox, the games were 'old' news and weren't really counted as 'new' Xbox releases.
If MS decide o release 'everything' on Playstation Day 1 going forward, then I could understand the animosity but releasing a few 'old' or 'niche' games alongside their BIG and Traditionally multi-platform IP's - especially if they have ONLINE communities built up around that IP, it makes sense financially as well as for the strength of that IP to remain multi-platform. Xbox still lets you play Free with Game Pass....
Re: Three Games Are Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (November 5)
I loved Starcraft - although played it on Apple Macs as I worked in a Graphic Design studio and played it over LAN with my work colleagues or sometimes Solo. I think that was the last time I really played on a 'computer' with Keyboard & Mouse
However I don't have a mouse these days and would rather play on console so nothing I'll likely end up playing - but if Starcraft was on Xbox with great controller support, I'd maybe give it a go...
Re: Call Of Duty Unveils Three New Black Ops 6 Maps Ahead Of Season 01 On Xbox Game Pass
@Gabrielmpf Well the point was that you can earn 'Most' (if not all and more) back - depending on whether you go on to complete the BP or not - however you need the CoD points 'first' to get the BP that way and hope you earn enough to get the next one...
Re: Call Of Duty Unveils Three New Black Ops 6 Maps Ahead Of Season 01 On Xbox Game Pass
@Ricky-Spanish Yeah - you don't 'need' the BP - although it's not 'just' for Multi-player - its for Zombies and Warzone too. No doubt some of the rewards will be Gobblegums for Zombies and, if you play Warzone too, it maybe worthwhile.
There are often different tiers of the BP - the Blackcell edition being the most expensive but they do a version you can buy with CoD Points (and can earn most back) too.
I went for the Vault Edition upgrade so I will get the first 'Blackcell' Battle Pass and play Zombies and Warzone as well as MP so expect it will be something I'll enjoy completing.
Generally, there's more 'work' to do to get access to whatever new Weapons get added if you decide not to unlock them in the BP and/or unlikely to get Blueprints too. In the past, they may have some challenge or require you to pick-up someone elses gun to 'unlock' it for yourself. They may have some MW3 guns you couldn't use 'GS Magma' Pistol for example until you got X kills with a different pistol to unlock it - but BP users may have unlocked it via a BP blueprint.
I find the BP fun if you play CoD - it maybe less attractive if you don't play it a lot or only 1 mode from its 3 (Warzone, MP or Zombies) - who wants Gobblegums or other Zombie rewards if you only play MP or Warzone? Often there are 1100 CoD Points to 'earn' in the BP too, but not important if you don't want to buy Bundles. And its another thing to 'grind' which maybe too much if you don't play a lot - money 'wasted' if you don't complete it!
Re: Call Of Duty Unveils Three New Black Ops 6 Maps Ahead Of Season 01 On Xbox Game Pass
@Ricky-Spanish If its like previous games, they'll be free to all - its the new gear, cosmetics etc that will come with the Seasons Battle Pass that you won't get with Game Pass.
New maps are 'free', but that's not usually everything 'new' added to the game - you get new weapons too and specific Blueprints which will be 'permanent' unlocked - like the Blackcell Battle Pass versions and more operators/characters to select from.
Game Pass gives you just the $70 base game and everything that you'd expect to get with buying it. They did offer a 'Vault Edition' Upgrade which gave you the first Blackcell Battle Pass and some additional Cosmetics/blueprints - some were usable in MW3 too. However, if you didn't go for that, then you get the Standard edition which will get the same new Maps for Free, but not the Season Battle Pass or any content that offers.
Not sure how they'll handle the 'new' weapons, whether you'll need to complete some 'challenge' to unlock instead of getting them 'free' in the Battle Pass, whether they'll be 'locked' to a certain Level (like the AS Val is locked until Lvl 55) but 'permanently' unlocked if you get the BP Blueprint etc.
At the end of the day, Base game owners (inc those that have it via Game Pass) will get the 'SAME' Content and SAME Experience. Maps are universal for everyone so it doesn't split the Community and/or make matchmaking difficult. Therefore these are 'free' to all...
Re: Xbox Hardware Revenues Down Again Despite Content & Services Growth
Game Pass is the main focus for Microsoft - not the Console. The Xbox though is the ONLY console option for Game Pass.
The entry tier for gaming these days is not the Series S, its the Cloud. You can play games without hardware - but its not the highest image quality, Series S is the entry tier for 'Hardware' based games and offers a step up from Cloud. Series X is the 'Premium' Console with PC offering Customer choice on hardware spec - but ALL are optional ways to play Xbox games.
As a gamer with a 4k display, I would prefer to play on Series X over Cloud. But others may find the Series S is good enough for them. Some may prefer to play the 'few' games not released on their XB1 hardware via cloud rather than spend money to upgrade their hardware - it maybe 'better' than most 'native' games - especially on XB1S hardware that may not even be 1080p, let alone 60fps and/or offer 'performance' to XB1X users who maybe limited to 30fps.
With Saves in the cloud, it means you can pick up your progress wherever you play - you are not limited to playing on just your Xbox hardware - if you switch to PC or choose some handheld option, you can play your 'Xbox' game anywhere...
Re: Xbox Hardware Revenues Down Again Despite Content & Services Growth
They also don't need to be the best selling, they just need to sell enough to justify the research/development and obvious support for its lifetime, that also includes supporting 3rd Party devs and all their SDK's too...
As Long as its popular enough that its still profitable - and they still have customers that want to play Xbox games that way, then they'll make one. Its not about selling more Consoles than Sony, its about having a bigger 'reach', more gamers in your 'ecosystem' and/or playing your games. Its just the entry point for 'hardware' based gaming and entry price point too - with high end being more 'custom' build PC based on your budget and preference.
Point is, as long as there is demand big enough for a entry hardware in a console format for Microsoft Games, they'll make one - not necessarily to outsell Sony/Nintendo - but sell enough to justify making it. Their 'playerbase' isn't just the console like others.
Re: Xbox Hardware Revenues Down Again Despite Content & Services Growth
@TheEstablishment exactly - so that's why the Console sales are not going to be 'high' when Gamers havre alternatives - some of which are 'cheaper' because its hardware they already own- whether that's PC or Last gen Xbox - let alone all the other range of devices that Cloud gaming enables.
Some may prefer to spend their 'console' money on a Handheld console PC and use Game Pass and its option if performance is better....
Re: Arkane Founder Says Xbox Shutting Austin Studio Was 'Stupid' And 'Not A Good Decision'
It is what it is - They bought Arkane Austin in a Bundle deal and we don't really know how bad a shape that Studio was in - and only as good as your last game. 'Talent' also moved on and Arkane Austin reportedly lost 'Talent' due to 'Redfall' - It was a 'Different' game to what Zenimax demanded - and what was 'left', even after a 'year' and more 'delays', delivered that and thought it was 'good enough'...
I've seen many of the people who worked on Dishonored or Prey now working at different studios and projects, so for all I know, the Talent (or most of it) left - same with Tango and they lost they 'creative' direction - which is the 'horror' and now its 'Hifi Rush' - which won't make money - and that's according to its new 'owners'
If you can't invest billions in rebuilding those Studios or know they won't make money for you, but 'inherited' them when buying Zenimax, or want to invest what money they can into getting the games they have in development actually over the finishing line and making money back from them
Re: Croc's Upcoming Remaster Is Getting A Physical Version, But Not On Xbox
Probably not worth all the manufacturing costs for the limited number of Xbox Gamers that would buy it Physically these days when Series S is the bigger seller and that doesn't have a Disc Drive.
Fewer and fewer Xbox Gamers are buying Physical and if they don't think it will sell enough to warrant the cost etc. These days, it would have to be something 'special' for me to want to buy on disc. The vast majority of games I've bought in recent years are digital - on sale through their store. My disc drive is more for the games I can play via Backwards Compatibility to XB1 and older Consoles.
Re: Xbox Hardware Revenues Down Again Despite Content & Services Growth
Of course there Hardware sales are 'declining' when their messaging is that you don't need an Xbox and that's backed up by releasing their games Day/Date on PC and Cloud.
That immediately cuts out the PC gaming market who may have bought an Xbox for Exclusives like Halo, Gears and Forza in the past. With Cloud and the infrastructure 'improving', XB1 Owners can still play games like Starfield or Flight Sim without needing to upgrade 'yet', especially as a lot of games still release on XB1 hardware too.
There are 'incentives' - they still have 'exclusives' - whether they are timed or not and its the ONLY Console - the 'low cost' hardware option - to offer Game Pass too - but also in the last year, Microsoft hasn't exactly released a LOT to entice people to buy an Xbox - maybe with BO6, Stalker 2 and Indiana Jones all arriving before Christmas and the Black Friday Sales to come, they may sell more this year - not enough to catch Sony or Nintendo, but they have a different business model to Microsoft.
Re: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle Will Run At 60FPS On Both Xbox Series X And S
I expected 60fps as Machinegames built Wolfenstein to play at 60fps and Doom too is a 60fps game and both use the same Game Engine.
I don't have an issue with 30fps as most of the 'Best' games that win Game of the Year are 30fps games on Console so its something I've had lots of experience with. However, 60fps is preferable in most cases - although with some, the drop in Visual Quality for 'minimal' difference in feel is too much so I opt for 30fpps.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to playing it...
Re: Hands On: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle - An Xbox Adventure Worth Its Weight In Gold
I have it pre-installed (or at least part of it is) and looking forward to playing it - I pre-ordered the Game Pass upgraded edition...
Re: Bungie Provides Dev Update On Marathon, Encourages Xbox Fans To 'Wish List'
Sony may well relent with their Live Service games knowing that they need to get as MANY players into the game at or near launch to stand a chance of their Live Service becoming established and making money.
Concord , if F2P and on 'every' platform may have worked better than trying to sell on PS/PC to make their money back. It could have been the 'next' Overwatch with its eSports community helping to bring newcomers in who will buy Season Passes, Cosmetics etc.
I have zero interest in this - especially if it costs money without a great Single Player campaign and/or other modes too. At least CoD caters to Single, Co-op and Competitive gamers with its Campaign, PVE and PVP modes.
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 So Far?
Personally I think this is the 'best' Call of Duty for years, maybe even a decade. The campaign is decent in both length and replayability - certainly better than recent CoD's. Zombies feels like a return too form too after some 'experimental' Zombies modes and the Omni-Movement is in my mind is the 'advanced' movement upgrade to the 'Boots on the Ground' combat the Game needed.
Going back to MW3, which felt more 'fluid' than MW2, it now feels clunky and dare I say 'dated' compared to the slick, smooth and fluid movement of BO6. Even if you don't play like a sliding, hopping, diving action movie stuntman, the movement feels more natural/realistic and smooth.
It also feels like a complete game not DLC or something rushed together. It feels a lot more polished and balanced too from Day 1. If MW2 hadn't carried forward content into MW3, it would have felt like there was little/no content (although the seasonal content helped), but BO6 feels much more like a Complete 'Base' game at launch.
I would think that Fans of each 'traditional' mode, Campaign, MP or Zombies, would feel like BO6 is a return to form, if not the best CoD in over a decade...
Re: Xbox Game Pass In 2025: The Full List Of Everything Announced So Far
@101Force yeah - because older games were 'pre-internet' or at least when internet was awful and couch co-op is basically 'dead' today.
There is a reason that its not common today and that's because its not popular enough to justify the cost as so few actually play.
A Lot of 'old' games may not even be added to Game Pass at all or even considered trying to make them work via the Backwards Compatibility programme too as they may not have the Licence (Marvel games for example) or just not worth all the time/effort when the game probably won't sell Subscriptions or Games as people tend to put their money into 'newer' games (as in the past 5yrs or so).
There has to be enough incentive and of course legal (as in IP's they own, not licensed IP's like James Bond, Marvel etc) reasons for Microsoft too and if they don't think it will bring in enough revenue from 'new' Subscribers or even new 'purchasers' for those games, they have, they don't have incentive.
I don't expect to see many 360 games at all (other than CoD or Prototype maybe but then again they may not as they want you playing the 'new' CoD) and even less, if any, OG Xbox games. With quite a few Licensed IP games (not their own IP), being delisted due to them no longer having the license, then it makes things even more 'complicated' to bring back and likely would cost - so they won't do that if they won't get revenue coming in...
Hence a year later, we've had Diablo, Crash and Cod added but nothing 'pre-XB1' era games. Consoles - and even Games these days are designed for 'Internet' gaming - not just to patch, but to play with others, to offer more content and even enable games so big (Flight Sim - the whole world wouldn't fit on your 1, 2, 4 or even 8TB drive - let alone disc) they have to stream it. Without the internet, the Consoles and most games (if not all if you count the Patches/fixes they require at launch) are not playable. Even your Console is extremely limited in functionality.
Couch Co-op won't work with Streaming to a mobile for example so its likely to disappear. If you want to play together on the couch these days, you both have a phone for example or one can play on a PC/Tablet next to you...
Re: Microsoft CEO Gaming Division Update: 'We Continue To Extend Our Content To New Platforms'
Well Indiana Jones, Doom: The Dark Ages and Call of Duty Black Ops are all releasing on PS - along with Minecraft, Sea of Thieves, Grounded etc, that's 'continuing' to bring games to other platforms.
I'm sure that they'll continue to have 'exclusives' - games like Halo, Gears or Forza maybe, as well as games like Fable, Perfect Dark, Flight Sim, South of Midnight, State of Decay etc at least not release on Playstation or Switch Hardware. However they'll never be truly 'exclusive' because of PC/Cloud platforms too...
I can see a day where the hardware doesn't matter - 'Exclusive' to Xbox could just mean only on/through a Microsoft Service/Store. You can have 'exclusives' on Epic or Steam stores despite both being playable on PC, exclusive to Disney+ or Netflix, exclusive to BBC or Sky - yet don't need 'specific' hardware....
Re: Talking Point: Xbox & Nintendo Switch Owners, How Do You Split Your Third-Party Purchases?
I would consider the Xbox/Windows Store PC version to be the 'superior' option when it comes to multi-platform releases. The main reason is that version may well have Play Anyway but also have shared progression - meaning that I can jump between different platforms to play on with my progress continued - rather than have two or more versions, each with their own progress...
I see no reason to buy the same game more than once just to play 'on the go' - I bought my RoG Ally because I don't need to buy ANY games for it specifically - between Game Pass Ultimate and 'Play Anywhere' Game Purchases bought because I can play them on 'PC' as well as Xbox, I have more than enough games to play...
Re: Xbox Is Getting A Lot Of Praise For This Week's Partner Preview Showcase
I graded it as a 'C' - Quite 'Meh' from my own personal perspective as I didn't really see any Game that I would be excited for, would be wanting to know its release date and/or be wanting to play it as soon as I could and nothing here 'jumped' out that way for me.
Its not the fact that the majority, if not all, will be on PS5 too so for 'Xbox', there isn't a reason to buy or play on Xbox consoles I couldn't play on my Playstation, its more the fact that I wouldn't likely play these, even if I can play with Game Pass Day 1.
I'm looking forward to Indiana Jones, Stalker 2 and BO6 and expect games like Doom and Avowed to fill my gaming time in the next year - along with my Backlog of games I haven't yet finished - most of which appeal more to me than the games shown.
Re: Xbox Game Pass In 2025: The Full List Of Everything Announced So Far
@101Force Why are you so focussed on 'old' games? The most recent ABK games - inc Diablo, Crash Bandicoot and Call of Duty games, are in Game Pass with their new game coming Day 1 for the first time in history - BO6. This also only focuses on 'NEW' releases you can play 'Day 1' on Game Pass - not some 5yr old+ game that hasn't been 'relevant' in gaming terms for years. By relevant, I mean barely (if any) sales, players time spent etc.
I'm sure that 'some' may come to Game Pass but with over 20 Call of Duty Games, would adding them dilute the 'newest' and/or be detrimental? Maybe they want everyone playing the latest to ensure matchmaking and ping are at their 'best'.
Anyway, this 'list' would be very unlikely to include ABK's 'old' games released prior to the MS takeover as it's focussed on brand new releases you can play Day 1 rather than what 'old' games maybe added...
Re: Xbox Removes $1 Game Pass Trial As Black Ops 6 Launch Looms
@themightyant Exactly and I'd be willing to bet the Majority of the dedicated CoD players will 'buy' the game. I cannot see PS5 CoD gamers jumping to Xbox now MS has it in Game Pass either so I still believe the 'majority will choose to 'buy' anyway. And like I said, its a game most CoD gamers will play 'all year'.
If you only play Campaign, chances are you haven't really been part of the 'CoD' community. You aren't buying the game at launch and if/when you do buy, its often years later in a sale or even used. So if you do 'jump in' because of Game Pass - that's a 'win' too. That person likely wouldn't have bought or contributed to its 'profitability' during its 'year' of support. Of course MS hope that now hey can play when its 'current', they may go on to spend money on it too (season passes, CoD points, bundles etc).
I'd 'imagine' it would take ALL the CoD gamers on PS5 to suddenly opt to pay $1 to play on Game Pass on PC for example - not buy Season passes etc and then quit after their deal is up. Therefore they don't get the Sales (even on 3rd Party Platforms), don't get the Subs or sub fees over the year and the game itself 'dies' due to lack of players.It supposedly makes more money on PS5 for Sony on just 'extras' than it costs to make and its likely to increase the sales of 'extras' on Xbox as more people will play it on Xbox - more Seasonal content sold over the 'year'.
Indiana Jones, with its 3rd Party License will likely have a much smaller 'profit margin' as that is split between MS as the Publisher and LucasArts/Disney as the IP holder. Couple that with Game Pass and the fact its not likely to be a game that 'sells' a lot of additional content (let alone units if its on Game Pass), a long with games like Flight Sim and Stalker 2 as well, then these are more likely to be why the price went up and/or no $1 deals. Besides that, if they don't sell subs to play those games, they'll still sell them and I expect CoD to 'sell' as its cheaper to buy and play all year (and beyond) than Sub for a year even with a $1 deal...
Re: Xbox Removes $1 Game Pass Trial As Black Ops 6 Launch Looms
I have 'zero' issue with this...
I doubt that its strictly down to the addition of CoD, although that is likely to be the biggest (in terms of player numbers) but its also likely to make the most money with Season Passes and all the bundles/MTX's they'll also sell. Its also a game that MANY will play for more than 2wks/1month too.
I would think its also a game like Indiana Jones - which is also a Licenced game so likely needs to 'sell' more to be 'profitable' for both. Add in Flight Sim 2024 and Stalker 2, its arguably the most 'packed' Game Pass couple of months that a $1 deal could hurt more than when their line up is lacking, when there is a Lull in Big releases. Not only that, a Lull in releases is likely to coincide with a lull in new Subscribers so it makes sense to offer some 'deal' like a $1 trial.
Re: These 10 Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass (October 16 - November 5)
@Markatron84 I agree - Xbox stopped being 'just' the Console years ago and its now the entire Microsoft gaming ecosystem - but only 1 ABK game is actually coming to 'Xbox Consoles' this month as Warzone and MW3 are already on Xbox and Starcraft 1 & 2 aren't on Console.
Cloud too isn't getting Starcraft 1 or 2 so they can't be played on Xbox consoles (or any other platform that supports Xbox Cloud).
As MW3 was already added to Game Pass and Warzone is Free to Play anyway, its only Cloud that is getting these this month. So unless you play on Cloud and/or PC as well as Console, the number of ABK games coming this month is between 1 and 3. If you only play on Xbox Hardware, its just 1 game, Cloud and PC has 3 (BO6 + either MW3 & Warzone or Starcraft 1 & 2). MW3 has already been in Game Pass for the past few months and Warzone is Free to Play on PC/Xbox hardware anyway. So unless you play on Cloud, you can already play...
@Bigmanfan Warzone is Free to Play - but you also need Hardware to download and play it on. Warzone, like Fortnite, is being added to Game Pass for 'Cloud' access. Meaning that you can play on any device that supports Game Pass streaming - from your Consoles to your mobile phone or tablet, from Samsung TV's to Amazon Firesticks...
Point is, Game Pass Cloud is running the game 'in the cloud' on Hardware and streaming it to your device. Therefore it has Hardware to run it - so you can now play Warzone without downloading, installing and running on your own hardware - especially if some hardware - like Mobiles, tablets etc can't run it 'natively' at at least 60fps and 'decent' visuals for the Hardware...
Re: These 10 Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass (October 16 - November 5)
I'm really looking forward to Black Ops 6 but I wouldn't play any 'competitive' (PvP modes) over the cloud and Warzone, whilst Free to Play anyway, is PvP only. MW3 doesn't have the best Campaign and its seasonal content for MP/Zombies has finished now.
@Ricky-Spanish No they are not - CoD MW3 was last years Call of Duty with its own Campaign, Zombies and MP. BO6 is the 'new' release with all new Movement and its own Campaign, Zombies and MP mode. Warzone is Free to Play, but is the Battle Royale with lots of teams/players. 3 Separate games - much like adding Gears 4, Gears 5 and Gears Tactics - you wouldn't say those are all the 'same' game. MW3 and Warzone can be played on Console anyway as MW3 was added to Game Pass a few months back and Warzone is F2P so you don't 'need' Game Pass anyway to download and play it.
What is interesting though is that you couldn't play MW3, Warzone and/or BO6 without 'Hardware' but when they add it to Game Pass Cloud, literally anyone can play anywhere. Amazon Firestick users for example can play. Although I'd prefer to play PvP (even F2P games like Warzone or Fortnite) on Hardware myself, some maybe happy just to be able to play on their Amazon Firestick, Samsung TV or even their Phone/Tablet.
Starcraft and Starcraft 2 are not coming to Console - at least not this month so I'd argue that only 1 game is coming to 'Xbox'. Therefore its not '5' games as 2 at least were already on 'Console' (MW3 and Warzone - Warzone won't be on Game Pass for 'Hardware' as its F2P anyway) and with Starcraft 1 & 2 on PC, its actually only 1 ABK game coming this month to Console.
So in essence, Warzone and MW3 are already playable on Xbox with only MW3 requiring 'Game Pass' to play 'free'. With Starcraft and Starcraft 2 on PC, Console Game Pass Subscribers are only getting BO6 this month where as PC owners are getting B06 and both Starcraft games. Only Cloud users are getting access to MW3 & Warzone too as both are already on Xbox/PC and Warzone doesn't require Game Pass.
Re: More Evidence Of Xbox Cloud Gaming's 'Stream Your Own Games' Feature Surfaces
Until you can stream the games you have bought/own, it will never be a real choice for even the most casual. Whilst MS remains in full control over that small library of games you can play on Cloud, the fact that they can be rotated 'out' will put people off.
Its that 'fear' of losing access to something they've been playing 'before' they are ready to move on to something else. Cloud gaming doesn't allow you to 'buy' (even with the 'Game Pass' discount) and continue playing 'via' Cloud - to build up your 'own' library alongside the 'Game Pass Cloud Library' provided by MS.
Cloud has by far the smallest Library of Games and no way to add 'others' to your Library - its much more Supplemental to Hardware - ie a Way to try games before deciding whether or not to download, a way to play games if/when you are away from your Hardware etc. So until they add the option to play Digital Games you've bought as well, it will forever be just a supplemental service....
Re: Talking Point: How Do You Feel About Xbox's ActiBlizz Deal One Year On?
@PsBoxSwitchOwner Anyone that didn't expect layoffs is unrealistic and/or has overly high expectations. I wouldn't expect them to keep ALL the Publishing or Marketing staff when both MS and Zenimax each had their own Publishing and Marketing teams.
Each would have to organise and market their own games, organise events/trade shows like E3, Gamescom etc all separately - now they only need 1 Microsoft marketing team and Publishing division as both Zenimax and now ABK are 'merged' in to MS.
You don't need 3 Marketing teams, 3 separate publishing divisions - each with their own managers and staff teams so I really expected those '3' teams to be 'merged' into 1 overall Publishing and/or Marketing team. We've seen 'Bethesda' already added to the MS show teams.
I expected there was some 'crossovers' in the the actual running of these Publishers. The Studio's themselves that make games aren't the ONLY staff at these big companies - they each had their own 'Heads', their own Marketing and Publishing divisions etc and the likes of Bobby Kotick were always likely to lose their 'jobs' due to the fact Microsoft are now the 'heads', the Manager of those.
As I expected quite a few to lose their Jobs as the Publishing and Marketing teams were 'merged' into Microsofts already existing Publishing/Marketing teams, And ABK in particular have been mismanaged for years, so I expected them to get rid of some of the dead wood....
Re: Talking Point: How Do You Feel About Xbox's ActiBlizz Deal One Year On?
Difficult to assess as there was/is likely some Legacy stuff to sort out as well as fully 'integrate' into MS. In the first year of Zenimax, that was pretty 'lacklustre' for Xbox gamers and at least we only have to wait a year for the first 'new' game to come to Xbox and/or Game Pass.
Until we see 'new' ABK games coming 'regularly' to Xbox/Game Pass, it will likely remain underwhelming for most gamers - $70bn and all they really have to show for it is Call of Duty on Game Pass - no exclusives, no major benefits to Xbox owners.
I think it would be unfair to be 'critical' of the situation - mostly because we don't have ALL the information, inc whether or not things are better for the Developers for example under 'new' management. We are still waiting to see any games from Compulsion, Undead Labs etc after 6yrs of being under Microsoft so my expectations were not exactly high for the first 'year' or two as they gradually transition to MS 'control'. Bobby Kotick remained 'in charge' of the ABK group until end of March but I still expect it to take 'years' before we really see the Microsoft era of ABK.
Since ABK joined MS though, they have opened 2 new Studios - Infinity Ward Austin, (A new Studio opened to create 'new' innovative CoD games) and Elsewhere Studios in Poland - a new Studio created to make a Narrative driven game (not CoD). How long before we see or hear anything from those as gamers??
Re: Six Games Are Confirmed For Xbox Game Pass In November 2024 So Far
I'm expecting Black Ops 6 to fill my gaming time for much of the month of November, if not the rest of the year but I am also very interested in Stalker 2. If Starcraft had come to Consoles, I may have tried that for 'nostalgic' reasons - loved playing it with my work colleagues over Lunch breaks but haven't really played those style of games since.
Flight Sim 'looks' impressive, but I'm not a fan of 'Sim' like experiences and prefer my games to be more on the 'arcade' side. This at least seems a bit more 'interesting' than just 'flying' from A to B but I doubt enough to tempt me to 'try'.
From my perspective, a game has to appeal more than anything else I have access to and being a 'new' Day 1 release is not enough on its own to appeal. It has to excite me more than my current game. It's 'current' because at that moment, it was the game that I am really wanting to play most.
Re: Xbox Series X|S Now UK's Second Best-Selling Consoles In 2024 As Nintendo Switch Falls Away
@Shalooda Maybe - maybe not!
There could be 'someone' that buys an Xbox for either of those games - although I think Stalker 2 may well sell a few if the game reviews well.
However, its not buying a console 'just' for Flight Sim OR Stalker, but the fact that those as well as CoD and Indy will all be on Xbox and Game Pass will likely sell some Consoles this Christmas as its still the 'cheapest' and ONLY hardware those games will playable on natively.
1 game alone is unlikely to encourage buyers - who'd spend $500+ whatever Subscription and/or buy the one game they want to play - especially if they own a Playstation 5 or PC already. PS5 may not get 'Flight Sim' but Stalker and Indy will come eventually and CoD is on PS5 too - but all 4 will be on Xbox this Christmas and if gamers want to play them this year, they'll either need a PC or Xbox Console so it 'will' sell - even if not 'just' for Flight Sim or Stalker....
Re: Report: Xbox Will 'Refresh' Its Official Wireless Headset Later This Month
@Widey85 That's not quite the same as having replaceable pads - even in different materials or colours for customisation purposes.
There are likely 'workarounds' but I think it would be better to have options built in to replace or 'customise' your headset - maybe even to match the 'Custom' controller options in design labs.
Maybe you can choose to have cloth or 'pleather', have some replaceable parts that 'colour' match a Controller etc - some other headsets have some 'customisation' options and/or replaceable cups...