@Fiendish-Beaver I believed for a long time FF7 Remake was coming to Xbox, but I just don’t anymore. But now I’ve said that it will probably be announced next week!
I don’t like the exclusivity agreements, I’d rather more people got to play games. But it is also just business, that they have all been up to at one point or another.
No. Not immediately anyway. Too many reviewers I like put it in the 4-6 out of 10 category. Too many another better games to play first, but I might circle back to it in due course.
@Fiendish-Beaver That's not quite the whole truth though. Initially there was a line at the bottom of an early video saying it was a 12 month exclusive, though this was promptly deleted from subsequent videos. But the game DID appear on PC around 12 months later (it was 14 months in fact) which satisfied that exclusivity window. They NEVER said it was coming to Xbox or any other platforms. Considering hundreds of Sony staff feature in the credits for the game it seems like they had a larger hand in the game than is usual.
@Fiendish-Beaver I don't think it is beyond the realm of possibility, I said as much above, I just think it's unlikely based on previous actions.
As for FF7, Rebirth or 16, Stellar Blade etc. there is a distinct difference between letting people know there is an exclusivity agreement in place, (as with all those games) but not letting people know when it will end (which is sadly the norm for these deals, I don't like it, but it makes business sense, they don't want people to say "I will wait X months") and not letting them know about an exclusivity agreement at all.
@kelomaniack I don't think an exclusivity deal is out of reason, I just think it's far less likely based off the limited evidence we do have. The truth is we don't know, and unless someone says officially we won't ever know.
Length of exclusivity doesn't prove anything, else was Immortality (an Xbox console exclusive for a year and a half) - and many other Game Pass titles that don't come to other consoles for a while - also cloak and dagger Paid exclusives?
As for IGN etc. the trouble with sourced leaks is that they ALL post things that turn out not to be true the whole time. (See Switch Pro and other stories) The reality is most sources won't have all the information and often have to join the dots and sometimes they come to the wrong conclusions.
@kelomaniack I don't have a problem if it's a third party exclusive. Sony does this frequently. It's just business. But what they don't typically do is be so cloak and dagger about it. When they have an exclusivity deal they market the hell out of those games, else what was the point of paying for a deal if no one knows about it...
Stellar Blade had a huge marketing campaign. It was everywhere. Websites, Youtube, Magazines etc. Perhaps not as big as first party, but that's to be expected for a lower budget game.
Was Foamstars a paid exclusive? Or was it just a game that Square-Enix only made for one console (which they frequently do). Google suggests there was no exclusivity deal unless you have other evidence, i'll assume the most obvious answer is right.
Calisto Protocol wasn't a paid exclusive either it released the same day on all platforms including Xbox. However there was one small story DLC that was exclusive for 48-hours.
@kelomaniack Really? Which other recent AAA games they had an exclusivity deal for didn't Sony market? I can't think of ANY.
@Mustoe I don't think we have enough evidence to say either way, it's just for me the evidence seems to suggest there isn't an exclusivity deal in place. Or if there was it is a very unusual one to have no marketing.
This situation is so bizarre. If it was a paid exclusive then why has Sony done ZERO marketing for it in the West? Every other time Sony has paid for a big AAA exclusive in the past they have marketed it till the cows come home. (see Deathloop, FF7 Remake, Rebirth, XVI etc.)
Hence I struggle to believe it's a paid exclusive based on the limited "trust my source bro" evidence we see VERSUS the actual actions of the company which don't line up with a paid exclusive.
Yet it's strange that two publications are saying it is so. But even then we see multiple publications get things wrong, sources can be inaccurate e.g. everyone claiming Switch Pro was a thing and releasing imminently... which never happened. Odd. Not enough info.
@NEStalgia Maybe I misunderstood your post but you shouldn’t be able to get a 40fps mode on a 60Hz TV as it would have a horribly noticeable uneven frame timing, it would appear jerky in motion.
The frame timing needs to be synced to the displays refresh rate so for a 60Hz TV that is usually 30fps or 60fps, delivering a new frame every or every other screen refresh.
40fps is only possible on a 120Hz to because it delivers a new frame every 3 screen refreshes (120/40=3) that won’t work on a 60Hz TV
@abe_hikura choice is good. Devs will always want to push graphical fidelity but also give a higher frame rate option for those that prefer it. This is unlikely to change next gen.
@Fiendish-Beaver at the end of the day there is no ‘right’ way to play it, it’s up to you which mode your eyes and brain prefer. But as you have a 120fps VRR TV you get the most choice to play at any setting.
Some prefer sharper visuals (30fps but higher resolutions and visual settings)
40fps is often seen as a good sweet spot between the two (a balance of frame rate and resolution/visuals) but only IF you have a 120Hz TV, standard 60Hz TVs don’t usually get this option. This is usually my preferred choice.
Although 40fps seems like it’s nearer 30fps than 60fps it’s actually EXACTLY in the middle because it’s 1/30, 1/40, 1/60 which means frame times are
33.3ms for 30fps
25ms for 40fps
16.6ms for 60fps, exactly 8.3ms between each mode
That means 40fps feels quite a lot smoother than 30fps and a fair bit sharper than 60fps, a good balance imho, but everyone’s eyes/brain are different.
40fps can also sometimes have a small advantage as devs know that 120Hz tvs must also have VRR to hit the HDMI 2.1 standard. This means they can push the visual settings a little more aggressively, risking uneven frame rates, which VRR will then smooth out. So visually 40fps is sometimes a little nearer the 30fps high fidelity mode’s settings than 60fps.
At the end of the day play whichever looks and feels best to you.
@Blinx going to do the same too. It’s a shame sales have been so poor. Jonathan Blow has said this repeatedly at intervals. Looking forward to replaying it including all the new levels and directors commentary.
@PsBoxSwitchOwner I believe they put “it’s a shame it isn’t coming to Game Pass” because it was reported that it was initially, before it was corrected.
@Savage_Joe That's a pretty fair assessment of the XSS Memory problem. However what I think is worth factoring in is that it doesn't seem to be an issue in most games. Most games play just fine on XSS just at a lower resolution, framerate and/or graphical preset than XSX... which is basically what was intended for the unit. It's a cheaper entry point for those that don't care much about fidelity. The games that DO have a more serious issue due to the memory problems are the minority.
Honestly really surprised by this. Nothing about this game screams pushing the boundaries of what can be done (unlike Hellblade for example). 30fps is disappointing. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a performance patch 4 months later
For me there are more Xbox games coming to Game Pass than ever before therefore owning an Xbox and subscribing to Ultimate still makes a lot of sense for me. But then I play a lot of games.
For people who play a lot less I can understand why Xbox may be less appealing in future if many of their best games come to PS5/6. I hope they will keep some exclusives, they have enough studios to do BOTH.
@trev666 was that always their plan? Or were they always considering being more of a publisher with all those acquisitions? We’re unlikely to never know.
But one thing is for sure ABK would be worth significantly less if they only published on Xbox consoles, they would immediately be devaluing their acquisition.
@Cakefish it’s only been retired if you don’t still subscribe. Otherwise Game Pass Console™️ remains in perpetuity (or until Microsoft cuts them off). Might as well be called Game Pass FOMO edition
On paper this is great, and nice to know that the IP might be saved. But it was really the talented people behind the game that made Hi-Fi Rush so good, without those it could be just a cash grab. I sincerely hope not, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Yet ANOTHER nerf. It's not that you can't still earn points through Microsoft Rewards (you can if your region is supported) but the trouble is it's takes longer than ever to earn less and for me that is no longer worth it anymore. It simply takes too long to earn the points now.
First was by far the best, hopefully they go back more to that format. The second wasn't bad but deviated away and had too many added features that weren't needed like loot grind.
@kuu_nousee Buy Game Pass isn't their ONLY aim, they also want/need to sell games and to make the most of that you don't want to overcrowd your own market. Most people can only buy a game every so often.
Random and off topic, but I just booted up my Series X and it has forgotten all my network settings. This is the second time it’s done that recently. Anyone else have this problem? Full Restarting seems to fit it but a little worrying/annoying
@Fishmasterflex96 My guess would be they thought at least one of their other big tentpole games would be ready for the Autumn/Q3, but it seems they are all going to hit at the same time Winter/Q4. In which case it's probably better to delay at least one.
Remember the stick they got in the past for releasing Halo, Forza, Psychonauts 2 and AoE IV all in the same quarter not allowing each to breathe. Seems they can't win.
@CallMeDuraSouka To be clear he was talking about "profits" not revenue. It's well known that Sony is scraping by on around 6% profit margins, which isn't strong.
@Pabpictu That said, most companies would far prefer to have the larger revenue as it is easier to make cost savings to increase profit margins than it is to increase revenue and market share. In that regard Sony is in the more enviable position of the two.
I don't expect them to held to EVERY single thing they say, but when specifically asked by the CMA about Game Pass increases as as result of the ABK deal (Which is not an "unreasonable question") they replied:
Game Pass prices will not increase as a result of the Merger, and certainly will not increase to a point that offsets the substantial benefits of Activision titles coming to Game Pass on a day and date basis
Have you REALLY seen more benefit from having ABK as a consumer? Because all I have seen is Diablo IV and COD MW3 while they have hiked prices TWICE. It definitely isn't better value than it was before currently. On big things like this or guaranteeing there will not be advantages on Xbox I DO expect them to honour their legal promises.
They underdelivered for too long with 1200+ staff. That's a lot of mouths to feed. Still going to be 850+ after both sets of lay-off and restructuring. That's still a giant studio.
They said they wanted to "ship games in three enduring, global franchises" so there was clearly other games being developed in the background, aside from Destiny and Marathon.
@InvaderFromSpace I don't think you can necessarily attribute the sharp decline to "news of PS5 ports" otherwise why did PS5 sales ALSO drop 29% in the last quarterly reports? There are other factors involved e.g.
XSX and PS5 are now past their peak sales and declines are normal. Sony is also anticipating sales drops next quarter & years (though a PS5 Pro might give them a spike)
The previous YoY reports had more price cuts, leading to more sales then, but also a larger difference to now.
To be clear, I am NOT saying Xbox hardware sales are good, they aren't, but I don' think it has much to do with "news of PS5 ports"
Good for them. This is the sort of AA game that does very well on Game Pass and other subscription services elevating it's player count and avoiding failure like many of it's ilk (Atlas Fallen, Immortals of Aveum, etc.) The added mindshare will also lead to additional sales as it gets more coverage and players recommend it.
Honestly these figures aren't great. Nothing is growing, it is staying the same or worse shrinking when you offset for money ABK would have made anyway.
Of course this will take time to change and the best thing Xbox can do is get their head down and get out quality games at a good cadence making some exclusive (timed or otherwise) and in a few years it might have had an effect, it isn't instant.
But as a consumer the ABK deal has been a complete wet fart so far. We have only seen Diablo IV and COD MW3 but have also had TWO game pass price hikes in that time too, including a doubling of the cost of Day 1 games. The deal has not even remotely been worth it for Xbox fans yet. I've had better returns from $69 let alone $69 billion
Comments 6,055
Re: Black Myth: Wukong Xbox Delay Reportedly Tied To PS5 'Exclusivity Deal'
@Fiendish-Beaver I believed for a long time FF7 Remake was coming to Xbox, but I just don’t anymore. But now I’ve said that it will probably be announced next week!
I don’t like the exclusivity agreements, I’d rather more people got to play games. But it is also just business, that they have all been up to at one point or another.
Re: Poll: Are You Buying Star Wars Outlaws For Xbox Series X|S?
No. Not immediately anyway. Too many reviewers I like put it in the 4-6 out of 10 category. Too many another better games to play first, but I might circle back to it in due course.
Re: Reminder: Three Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass This Weekend
Crispy Critters! Some of the worst dialogue in recent memory is leaving Game Pass. Farewell oversexed-vending machine.
Re: Black Myth: Wukong Xbox Delay Reportedly Tied To PS5 'Exclusivity Deal'
@Fiendish-Beaver That's not quite the whole truth though. Initially there was a line at the bottom of an early video saying it was a 12 month exclusive, though this was promptly deleted from subsequent videos. But the game DID appear on PC around 12 months later (it was 14 months in fact) which satisfied that exclusivity window. They NEVER said it was coming to Xbox or any other platforms. Considering hundreds of Sony staff feature in the credits for the game it seems like they had a larger hand in the game than is usual.
Re: Black Myth: Wukong Xbox Delay Reportedly Tied To PS5 'Exclusivity Deal'
@Fiendish-Beaver I don't think it is beyond the realm of possibility, I said as much above, I just think it's unlikely based on previous actions.
As for FF7, Rebirth or 16, Stellar Blade etc. there is a distinct difference between letting people know there is an exclusivity agreement in place, (as with all those games) but not letting people know when it will end (which is sadly the norm for these deals, I don't like it, but it makes business sense, they don't want people to say "I will wait X months") and not letting them know about an exclusivity agreement at all.
Re: Black Myth: Wukong Xbox Delay Reportedly Tied To PS5 'Exclusivity Deal'
@kelomaniack I don't think an exclusivity deal is out of reason, I just think it's far less likely based off the limited evidence we do have. The truth is we don't know, and unless someone says officially we won't ever know.
Length of exclusivity doesn't prove anything, else was Immortality (an Xbox console exclusive for a year and a half) - and many other Game Pass titles that don't come to other consoles for a while - also cloak and dagger Paid exclusives?
As for IGN etc. the trouble with sourced leaks is that they ALL post things that turn out not to be true the whole time. (See Switch Pro and other stories) The reality is most sources won't have all the information and often have to join the dots and sometimes they come to the wrong conclusions.
Re: Black Myth: Wukong Xbox Delay Reportedly Tied To PS5 'Exclusivity Deal'
@kelomaniack I don't have a problem if it's a third party exclusive. Sony does this frequently. It's just business. But what they don't typically do is be so cloak and dagger about it. When they have an exclusivity deal they market the hell out of those games, else what was the point of paying for a deal if no one knows about it...
Stellar Blade had a huge marketing campaign. It was everywhere. Websites, Youtube, Magazines etc. Perhaps not as big as first party, but that's to be expected for a lower budget game.
Was Foamstars a paid exclusive? Or was it just a game that Square-Enix only made for one console (which they frequently do). Google suggests there was no exclusivity deal unless you have other evidence, i'll assume the most obvious answer is right.
Calisto Protocol wasn't a paid exclusive either it released the same day on all platforms including Xbox. However there was one small story DLC that was exclusive for 48-hours.
Re: Black Myth: Wukong Xbox Delay Reportedly Tied To PS5 'Exclusivity Deal'
@kelomaniack Really? Which other recent AAA games they had an exclusivity deal for didn't Sony market? I can't think of ANY.
@Mustoe I don't think we have enough evidence to say either way, it's just for me the evidence seems to suggest there isn't an exclusivity deal in place. Or if there was it is a very unusual one to have no marketing.
Re: Black Myth: Wukong Xbox Delay Reportedly Tied To PS5 'Exclusivity Deal'
@antonioacm Agree with your facts. But i'd add
6) Sony hasn't marketed Black Myth Wukong, which they usually would if it was a paid exclusive.
Re: Black Myth: Wukong Xbox Delay Reportedly Tied To PS5 'Exclusivity Deal'
This situation is so bizarre. If it was a paid exclusive then why has Sony done ZERO marketing for it in the West? Every other time Sony has paid for a big AAA exclusive in the past they have marketed it till the cows come home. (see Deathloop, FF7 Remake, Rebirth, XVI etc.)
Hence I struggle to believe it's a paid exclusive based on the limited "trust my source bro" evidence we see VERSUS the actual actions of the company which don't line up with a paid exclusive.
Yet it's strange that two publications are saying it is so. But even then we see multiple publications get things wrong, sources can be inaccurate e.g. everyone claiming Switch Pro was a thing and releasing imminently... which never happened. Odd. Not enough info.
Re: Obsidian Says Avowed Is Running 'Really, Really Well' On Xbox Series X, Despite 30FPS Target
I'm looking forward to Avowed but nothing I have seen suggested to me it was graphically impressive enough to only run at 30fps on XSX.
Re: Digital Foundry Compares 30FPS, 40FPS & 60FPS Modes In Star Wars Outlaws For Xbox
@NEStalgia Maybe I misunderstood your post but you shouldn’t be able to get a 40fps mode on a 60Hz TV as it would have a horribly noticeable uneven frame timing, it would appear jerky in motion.
The frame timing needs to be synced to the displays refresh rate so for a 60Hz TV that is usually 30fps or 60fps, delivering a new frame every or every other screen refresh.
40fps is only possible on a 120Hz to because it delivers a new frame every 3 screen refreshes (120/40=3) that won’t work on a 60Hz TV
Re: Digital Foundry Compares 30FPS, 40FPS & 60FPS Modes In Star Wars Outlaws For Xbox
@abe_hikura choice is good. Devs will always want to push graphical fidelity but also give a higher frame rate option for those that prefer it. This is unlikely to change next gen.
Re: Digital Foundry Compares 30FPS, 40FPS & 60FPS Modes In Star Wars Outlaws For Xbox
@Fiendish-Beaver at the end of the day there is no ‘right’ way to play it, it’s up to you which mode your eyes and brain prefer. But as you have a 120fps VRR TV you get the most choice to play at any setting.
Although 40fps seems like it’s nearer 30fps than 60fps it’s actually EXACTLY in the middle because it’s 1/30, 1/40, 1/60 which means frame times are
That means 40fps feels quite a lot smoother than 30fps and a fair bit sharper than 60fps, a good balance imho, but everyone’s eyes/brain are different.
40fps can also sometimes have a small advantage as devs know that 120Hz tvs must also have VRR to hit the HDMI 2.1 standard. This means they can push the visual settings a little more aggressively, risking uneven frame rates, which VRR will then smooth out. So visually 40fps is sometimes a little nearer the 30fps high fidelity mode’s settings than 60fps.
At the end of the day play whichever looks and feels best to you.
Re: Xbox Is Hosting A Special 'Super Saver Sale' For Game Pass Members This Week
@Blinx going to do the same too. It’s a shame sales have been so poor. Jonathan Blow has said this repeatedly at intervals. Looking forward to replaying it including all the new levels and directors commentary.
Re: Capcom Fighting Collection 2 Not Announced For Xbox, But Don't Lose Hope Yet
@Titntin Well put. At the end of the day it's just business.
Re: Multiple Games Announced For Xbox Following August 2024's Nintendo Direct
Nice! Lots of good games coming.
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Critics Think About Visions Of Mana From Square Enix
@PsBoxSwitchOwner I believe they put “it’s a shame it isn’t coming to Game Pass” because it was reported that it was initially, before it was corrected.
Re: Rumour: Black Myth: Wukong 'Memory Leak' Has Caused Xbox Series X|S Delay
@Savage_Joe That's a pretty fair assessment of the XSS Memory problem. However what I think is worth factoring in is that it doesn't seem to be an issue in most games. Most games play just fine on XSS just at a lower resolution, framerate and/or graphical preset than XSX... which is basically what was intended for the unit. It's a cheaper entry point for those that don't care much about fidelity. The games that DO have a more serious issue due to the memory problems are the minority.
Re: Obsidian Confirms That Avowed Runs At 30FPS On Xbox Series X|S
Honestly really surprised by this. Nothing about this game screams pushing the boundaries of what can be done (unlike Hellblade for example). 30fps is disappointing. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a performance patch 4 months later
Re: Talking Point: Does Microsoft Have A '30FPS' Problem With Its Xbox Series X|S Output?
“The Worlds most powerful console” they say.
With little to SHOW that. As ever with Xbox their actions speak far louder than their words.
Re: Xbox Unveils Multiple New Accessibility Offerings, Including The Adaptive Joystick
@Hydra_Spectre Haha! That got a hearty chuckle 😂
Re: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle Is Playable Three Days Early With Xbox Game Pass Upgrade
K1LLEGAL wrote:
Rumour has it he is not… but he’s on holiday, back ranting soon mate 😂
Re: Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Comments On Indiana Jones PS5, And Microsoft's Plan Moving Forward
For me there are more Xbox games coming to Game Pass than ever before therefore owning an Xbox and subscribing to Ultimate still makes a lot of sense for me. But then I play a lot of games.
For people who play a lot less I can understand why Xbox may be less appealing in future if many of their best games come to PS5/6. I hope they will keep some exclusives, they have enough studios to do BOTH.
Re: Former Xbox Exec Defends Phil Spencer's Recent Decisions As Head Of Xbox
@trev666 was that always their plan? Or were they always considering being more of a publisher with all those acquisitions? We’re unlikely to never know.
But one thing is for sure ABK would be worth significantly less if they only published on Xbox consoles, they would immediately be devaluing their acquisition.
Re: Xbox Begins Rolling Out 'Game Pass Standard' To Insiders For Just $1
@NEStalgia ha! 😂😂😂
Re: Xbox Begins Rolling Out 'Game Pass Standard' To Insiders For Just $1
@Cakefish it’s only been retired if you don’t still subscribe. Otherwise Game Pass Console™️ remains in perpetuity (or until Microsoft cuts them off). Might as well be called Game Pass FOMO edition
Re: Xbox Begins Rolling Out 'Game Pass Standard' To Insiders For Just $1
@GhanaViking don’t forget Game Pass PC - costs less than console but offers much more including Day 1 games
Re: Borderlands 4 Officially Makes Its Way To Xbox Series X|S Next Year
Im a bit disappointed they aren’t making something new and more interesting
Re: 1996's Original 'Broken Sword' Is Getting Remastered For Xbox This September
Love this series. Will happily replay.
Re: Xbox's Hi-Fi RUSH Studio Tango Gameworks Revived, Acquired By PUBG Publisher
On paper this is great, and nice to know that the IP might be saved. But it was really the talented people behind the game that made Hi-Fi Rush so good, without those it could be just a cash grab. I sincerely hope not, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Re: Rumour: Xbox Handheld System Will Sit Alongside 'A Series X Successor'
Considering how many people say the Series S holds the Series X back what will a handheld do???
Re: Here's What Might Be Leaving Xbox Game Pass In September 2024
Lies of P would suck if it left, but to be honest I would likely buy it.
Cocoon is BRILLIANT and highly recommended to anyone with a passing interest. Gris is also a simple but beautiful platformer.
Re: Talking Point: How Would You Feel If Xbox's Major Fall Release Is Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6?
Whether people like it or not COD BO6 absolutely IS Xbox's biggest release of the season.
Re: Microsoft Rewards Is Nerfing Its 'Weekly Console Bonus' In The UK
Yet ANOTHER nerf. It's not that you can't still earn points through Microsoft Rewards (you can if your region is supported) but the trouble is it's takes longer than ever to earn less and for me that is no longer worth it anymore. It simply takes too long to earn the points now.
Re: Xbox Shares Updated Release Schedule For Major Upcoming Games
Good to have some dates, just a shame the ones I’m most interested in either aren’t dated or are 2025
Re: Darksiders 4 Gets Teaser Reveal At THQ Nordic's Summer Showcase
First was by far the best, hopefully they go back more to that format. The second wasn't bad but deviated away and had too many added features that weren't needed like loot grind.
Re: Fallout: London Is So Good, Some People Think It's The 'Best Game Since New Vegas'
@Mustoe that’s a shame, thanks for the added insight
Re: Fallout: London Is So Good, Some People Think It's The 'Best Game Since New Vegas'
I'm hoping Microsoft can work with the team to bring it to console. Would be a great Unique Selling Point for Xbox.
In the meantime does anyone know how/if it runs on Steam Deck?
Re: Xbox First-Party RPG Avowed Reportedly Delayed Until Early 2025
@kuu_nousee Buy Game Pass isn't their ONLY aim, they also want/need to sell games and to make the most of that you don't want to overcrowd your own market. Most people can only buy a game every so often.
Re: Four Games Will Leave Xbox Game Pass In Early August 2024
@kingtoten @JamesOtown Thanks Gents, glad i'm not alone. Even if it doesn't solve the problem, it's more comforting knowing my Series X isn't borked.
Re: Four Games Will Leave Xbox Game Pass In Early August 2024
Random and off topic, but I just booted up my Series X and it has forgotten all my network settings. This is the second time it’s done that recently. Anyone else have this problem? Full Restarting seems to fit it but a little worrying/annoying
Re: Xbox First-Party RPG Avowed Reportedly Delayed Until Early 2025
@Fishmasterflex96 My guess would be they thought at least one of their other big tentpole games would be ready for the Autumn/Q3, but it seems they are all going to hit at the same time Winter/Q4. In which case it's probably better to delay at least one.
Remember the stick they got in the past for releasing Halo, Forza, Psychonauts 2 and AoE IV all in the same quarter not allowing each to breathe. Seems they can't win.
Re: Microsoft Announces Xbox Series X|S Price Increase For Japan
Xbox words: “ We want to expand our current studios in Japan and expand in the Japanese market in other ways too”
Xbox actions: closes only Japanese studio, and increases prices…
Re: Microsoft CEO Reassures Investors That Xbox Is Focused On Console, PC And Mobile
@CallMeDuraSouka To be clear he was talking about "profits" not revenue. It's well known that Sony is scraping by on around 6% profit margins, which isn't strong.
@Pabpictu That said, most companies would far prefer to have the larger revenue as it is easier to make cost savings to increase profit margins than it is to increase revenue and market share. In that regard Sony is in the more enviable position of the two.
Re: Call Of Duty Currency Now Discounted On Xbox Thanks To Game Pass
@theduckofdeath NSO = Nintendo Switch Online.
I don't expect them to held to EVERY single thing they say, but when specifically asked by the CMA about Game Pass increases as as result of the ABK deal (Which is not an "unreasonable question") they replied:
Have you REALLY seen more benefit from having ABK as a consumer? Because all I have seen is Diablo IV and COD MW3 while they have hiked prices TWICE. It definitely isn't better value than it was before currently. On big things like this or guaranteeing there will not be advantages on Xbox I DO expect them to honour their legal promises.
Re: Bungie Is 'Deepening Integration' With Sony As Layoffs Hit Ex-Halo Developer
They underdelivered for too long with 1200+ staff. That's a lot of mouths to feed. Still going to be 850+ after both sets of lay-off and restructuring. That's still a giant studio.
They said they wanted to "ship games in three enduring, global franchises" so there was clearly other games being developed in the background, aside from Destiny and Marathon.
Re: Xbox Console Sales Struggling As Hardware Revenue Nosedives At Microsoft
@InvaderFromSpace I don't think you can necessarily attribute the sharp decline to "news of PS5 ports" otherwise why did PS5 sales ALSO drop 29% in the last quarterly reports? There are other factors involved e.g.
To be clear, I am NOT saying Xbox hardware sales are good, they aren't, but I don' think it has much to do with "news of PS5 ports"
Re: Flintlock: The Siege Of Dawn Hits Big Player Milestone With The Help Of Xbox Game Pass
Good for them. This is the sort of AA game that does very well on Game Pass and other subscription services elevating it's player count and avoiding failure like many of it's ilk (Atlas Fallen, Immortals of Aveum, etc.) The added mindshare will also lead to additional sales as it gets more coverage and players recommend it.
Re: Activision Blizzard Continues To Drive Massive Uptick In Revenue For Xbox
Honestly these figures aren't great. Nothing is growing, it is staying the same or worse shrinking when you offset for money ABK would have made anyway.
Of course this will take time to change and the best thing Xbox can do is get their head down and get out quality games at a good cadence making some exclusive (timed or otherwise) and in a few years it might have had an effect, it isn't instant.
But as a consumer the ABK deal has been a complete wet fart so far. We have only seen Diablo IV and COD MW3 but have also had TWO game pass price hikes in that time too, including a doubling of the cost of Day 1 games. The deal has not even remotely been worth it for Xbox fans yet. I've had better returns from $69 let alone $69 billion