Xbox The Xbox One - - Part 14

[X Knight]

Yeah, I still got it at launch but Sony mucked up there as I'm not the kind of person to change base console lightly and I'm unlikely to change again.

yeah, you never did get a PS4, right? So you don't think you'll get the PS5 when it comes out? You are Xbox 4 Life now??

I could go either way with Next Xbox or PS5, but right now I'm leaning towards Next Xbox. especially if MS can keep up the power advantage AND offer full BC.

BC, I think, will be an important factor for me. along with multi-media features, as ideally I only want one device and one console next gen. I'm at a stage in life where I'm looking to downsize, so I'd like to keep everything on one console. 2 consoles, let alone 3, is just too much upkeep for me right now.

 

[Iceman]

yeah, you never did get a PS4, right? So you don't think you'll get the PS5 when it comes out? You are Xbox 4 Life now??

I could go either way with Next Xbox or PS5, but right now I'm leaning towards Next Xbox. especially if MS can keep up the power advantage AND offer full BC.

BC, I think, will be an important factor for me. along with multi-media features, as ideally I only want one device and one console next gen. I'm at a stage in life where I'm looking to downsize, so I'd like to keep everything on one console. 2 consoles, let alone 3, is just too much upkeep for me right now.

I’ve got a brother in law and good mate who are PS only and I just play the exclusives with them - it’s almost an excuse to see them. While that stays as is there isn’t really much point in me getting one. The main thing is that most of my friends are on Xbox, and certainly my gaming friends who I have been playing with since the early days of the 360.

 

[X Knight]

I’ve got a brother in law and good mate who are PS only and I just play the exclusives with them - it’s almost an excuse to see them. While that stays as is there isn’t really much point in me getting one. The main thing is that most of my friends are on Xbox, and certainly my gaming friends who I have been playing with since the early days of the 360.

haha. good deal.

the friends issue is less important to me, but I can understand how it could be a deciding factor.

 

[X Knight]

btw......Iceman, do you plan on getting Anthem when it launches? have you tried the demo?

 

[zenith16]

Xbox Live Coming to Nintendo Switch? - The Rundown

1.2K views 9 hours ago Published on 02/05/2019

#PlayForever #Nintendo #Xbox Official EPN Merch is available at EPN.tv/Merch The video game industry might be on the verge of a massive change. Microsoft is apparently planning to bring Xbox Live to other platforms like the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. That's according to a talk that Microsoft has scheduled at the Game Developers Conference next month. According to the talk's original description, Microsoft is working on new software that will allow Xbox Live to function on the Switch, iOS, Android, and other third-party platforms, which means you won't need an Xbox console or PC in order to play Xbox games. Microsoft has since taken down the listing, but if the news is true, expect an official announcement soon. Microsoft has already announced a new cloud streaming platform called Project xCloud, which will bring some Xbox One games to mobile devices later this year.






source: The Electric Playground Network | EPN

 

[X Knight]

I'm not sure how I feel about Xbox Live possibly coming to mobile and other platforms like Switch.

I just hope it's not a sign that MS is laying the groundwork to exit the console making business and just focus on games, Live, and Pass as a service. kind of like how Sega exited the console market and just focused on making/publishing games for other platforms.

I'd hate to see the Xbox console go away. so, hope that's not what MS' eventual plan is.

 

[X Knight]

anyways, here's the recap of the latest Inside Xbox show.

Inside Xbox February Episode News Recap - Xbox Wire

again, Microsoft Studios has been renamed to Xbox Studios as MS says the Xbox brand has evolved "beyond" consoles.

hope I'm not worrying for nothing.

 

[zenith16]

I'm not sure how I feel about Xbox Live possibly coming to mobile and other platforms like Switch.

I just hope it's not a sign that MS is laying the groundwork to exit the console making business and just focus on games, Live, and Pass as a service. kind of like how Sega exited the console market and just focused on making/publishing games for other platforms.

I'd hate to see the Xbox console go away. so, hope that's not what MS' eventual plan is.

it's like not both them & nintendo have been pushing that they wanted to push their games on other platform like the mobile space so people can play from anywhere they wished. and they also said at one point in stead of buying new console every generation they are thing of having engine in the console be bought / upgraded instead of the former. which might possibly be less expensive for gamers this prior to the Xbox and switch and sony even contemplated it too.


here's what's new



Xbox One, PC
Microsoft Studios renamed Xbox Game Studios
Published 11 hours ago. 72 comments.

Representing a "gaming brand across all devices."

Microsoft has renamed Microsoft Studios, which consists of its 13 game development teams, to Xbox Game Studios, the company announced.

Find the full message from Xbox Game Studios corporate vice president Matt Booty on the name change below.

At Xbox, we believe when everyone plays, we all win. It’s why we’re passionate about building a portfolio of games for players across console, PC and mobile. As we’ve expanded our focus beyond the console, the Xbox brand has also evolved from its original roots. Today, Xbox is our gaming brand across all devices, no matter how or where you want to play, or who you want to play with.

In that spirit, I’m pleased to share that we are changing the name of our game development organization from Microsoft Studios to Xbox Game Studios.

Xbox Game Studios is made up of 13 distinct game development teams responsible for beloved franchises like Age of Empires, Forza, Gears of War, Halo, and Minecraft. The teams at 343 Industries, The Coalition, Compulsion Games, The Initiative, inXile Entertainment, Minecraft, Ninja Theory, Obsidian Entertainment, Playground Games, Rare, Turn 10 Studios, Undead Labs, and our Global Publishing group are working hard to deliver incredible exclusives, original IP and all-new chapters from your favorite franchises.

2019 is going to be a great year for Xbox gamers everywhere. Exclusive games including Crackdown 3, Gears 5, and Ori and the Will of the Wispswill be available to Xbox Game Pass members on the same day they launch worldwide. We’re also working to deliver big content updates for games like Sea of Thieves, Forza Horizon 4, and Minecraft that players are going to love.

We’re also excited to see how the seven new game development studios we added to our team last year maximize their creative potential as part of Xbox Game Studios. As a gaming organization, we have never been in a better position to deliver a diverse line-up of exclusive games for Xbox fans now, and in the future.

For more information about Xbox Game Studios, visit: xboxgamestudios.com.

source:https://gematsu.com/

 

[Iceman]

Xbox Live Coming to Nintendo Switch? - The Rundown

1.2K views 9 hours ago Published on 02/05/2019

#PlayForever #Nintendo #Xbox Official EPN Merch is available at EPN.tv/Merch The video game industry might be on the verge of a massive change. Microsoft is apparently planning to bring Xbox Live to other platforms like the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. That's according to a talk that Microsoft has scheduled at the Game Developers Conference next month. According to the talk's original description, Microsoft is working on new software that will allow Xbox Live to function on the Switch, iOS, Android, and other third-party platforms, which means you won't need an Xbox console or PC in order to play Xbox games. Microsoft has since taken down the listing, but if the news is true, expect an official announcement soon. Microsoft has already announced a new cloud streaming platform called Project xCloud, which will bring some Xbox One games to mobile devices later this year.






source: The Electric Playground Network | EPN

Hmm, I wonder what the long term plan is here.

 

[Iceman]

btw......Iceman, do you plan on getting Anthem when it launches? have you tried the demo?

I'm not 100% sure as I'm still likely to be busy throughout all of February at least and I've committed to getting Division 2 along with a bunch of friends. I want to try Anthem but it might not be at launch. I haven't turned on the console (except to claim the free GfG titles) for ages as I need to concentrate on work and a load of outside work issues. Will hopefully be much more free when a bunch of stuff is sorted out.

 

[X Knight]

I'm not 100% sure as I'm still likely to be busy throughout all of February at least and I've committed to getting Division 2 along with a bunch of friends. I want to try Anthem but it might not be at launch. I haven't turned on the console (except to claim the free GfG titles) for ages as I need to concentrate on work and a load of outside work issues. Will hopefully ne much more free when a bunch of stuff is sorted out.

ah, gotcha!!

yeah, life and work definitely come before gaming.......lol.

 

[Iceman]

ah, gotcha!!

yeah, life and work definitely come before gaming.......lol.

How about you? Are you getting at launch?

 

[X Knight]

How about you? Are you getting at launch?

most likely. though still not sure.

after playing the 2nd demo, I had more fun once I got used to the mechanics and had some time to play in the game.

the one thing that still makes me hesitant is that it's not a traditional single player Bioware experience. So, I'm a bit concerned how viable playing the game solo will be. In the demo, I saw how useful playing with a teammate was. And it was fun seeing another player engaged in battle and flying in to help him/her.

however, since I don't have much time to play these days, I don't know how playing with others in a team will work for me. I don't really have time to join others or coordinate in a team. And if I have to end my session suddenly, I wouldn't be very reliable as a team member. Plus, I don't have a headset to chat with teammates.

 

[Iceman]

most likely. though still not sure.

after playing the 2nd demo, I had more fun once I got used to the mechanics and had some time to play in the game.

the one thing that still makes me hesitant is that it's not a traditional single player Bioware experience. So, I'm a bit concerned how viable playing the game solo will be. In the demo, I saw how useful playing with a teammate was. And it was fun seeing another player engaged in battle and flying in to help him/her.

however, since I don't have much time to play these days, I don't know how playing with others in a team will work for me. I don't really have time to join others or coordinate in a team. And if I have to end my session suddenly, I wouldn't be very reliable as a team member. Plus, I don't have a headset to chat with teammates.

I think that depends on what kind of teamwork you’re talking about. Usually in open world (the majority of the game) on games like this any help from other players in universe is a bonus but not relied upon at all. It’s only in enclosed raid-type situations with a fixed number of players where you could be a handicap and even then only if it was a really difficult one requiring a full team of well equipped players. Some of that stuff is designed so you don’t need full teams and some can be done even by one person, so anyone extra is just a bonus.

 

[Sithborg]

Hmm, I wonder what the long term plan is here.

I'm not entirely sure that "Xbox" is necessarily going to mean "physical console" next generation. A lot of these rumors almost seems to say it is going to be a service you can sign up for to play their games.

 

[X Knight]

yeah, I honestly don't know what to make of all these latest rumors. the most recent one being Gamepass may be coming to Switch!!

It almost feels like MS is getting a "Plan B" ready in case they want to exit the console hardware side of things completely.

Like how their Windows Phone failed to gain traction against Iphone and Android. So what did MS do? They eventually canned the Windows Phone hardware, but made the Windows mobile apps available to the other platforms.

Or like how Sega exited the console market after Dreamcast underperformed and now just makes/publishes games for other platforms.

Don't know if that is what MS is planning, but these recent rumors do give off that vibe. As if Xbox is transitioning to a service brand instead of a console brand.

To contradict that, we know MS just bought a ton of studios and we know they are planning various next gen consoles. we also know they are planning a streaming only console for this gen possibly.

So, I really don't know what to make of all this. And quite frankly, as an Xbox owner, I am starting to feel a bit concerned about the future of Xbox.

 

[Iceman]

I'm not entirely sure that "Xbox" is necessarily going to mean "physical console" next generation. A lot of these rumors almost seems to say it is going to be a service you can sign up for to play their games.

As a mainly XBox guy since the 360 it’s kind of hard to fathom just now. Certainly going to be interesting seeing what the options are next gen.

 

[Sithborg]

I mean, Microsoft was clearly planning on the X-box One to be the precursor of gaming going all digital. Granted, they sort of did not expect the backlash. I also don't think they will place all their bets on streaming gaming. The infrastructure isn't there yet. So, there will be a console.

And hey, getting on the switch is the best way to tap into the Japanese market.

 

[X Knight]

I mean, Microsoft was clearly planning on the X-box One to be the precursor of gaming going all digital. Granted, they sort of did not expect the backlash. I also don't think they will place all their bets on streaming gaming. The infrastructure isn't there yet. So, there will be a console.

And hey, getting on the switch is the best way to tap into the Japanese market.

but it devalues the purpose of the Xbox as a console.

it would be like if Mcdonalds suddenly allowed Burger King to sell Big Macs, Quarter Pounders, etc. there would be less of a reason to actually go to Mcdonalds when you can go to Burger King and get Mcdonalds stuff there plus Burger King food.

If Xbox Gamepass games are suddenly on the Switch, there would be less of a reason for a consumers to buy an Xbox console.

MS needs to give people a reason to buy an Xbox console, not give them less of a reason to.

 

[Iceman]

I mean, Microsoft was clearly planning on the X-box One to be the precursor of gaming going all digital. Granted, they sort of did not expect the backlash. I also don't think they will place all their bets on streaming gaming. The infrastructure isn't there yet. So, there will be a console.

And hey, getting on the switch is the best way to tap into the Japanese market.

Yeah, the upcoming gen feels too early for a pure streaming platform.

Good point on the Switch. The Xbox brand is absolutely dead in Japan.

 

[Iceman]

yeah, I honestly don't know what to make of all these latest rumors. the most recent one being Gamepass may be coming to Switch!!

It almost feels like MS is getting a "Plan B" ready in case they want to exit the console hardware side of things completely.

Like how their Windows Phone failed to gain traction against Iphone and Android. So what did MS do? They eventually canned the Windows Phone hardware, but made the Windows mobile apps available to the other platforms.

Or like how Sega exited the console market after Dreamcast underperformed and now just makes/publishes games for other platforms.

Don't know if that is what MS is planning, but these recent rumors do give off that vibe. As if Xbox is transitioning to a service brand instead of a console brand.

To contradict that, we know MS just bought a ton of studios and we know they are planning various next gen consoles. we also know they are planning a streaming only console for this gen possibly.

So, I really don't know what to make of all this. And quite frankly, as an Xbox owner, I am starting to feel a bit concerned about the future of Xbox.

Oh yes. Actually the buying of all those studios is a good point too. If they aren't planning on playing an exclusive war and competing then what would be the need for that?

 

[Sithborg]

Oh yes. Actually the buying of all those studios is a good point too. If they aren't planning on playing an exclusive war and competing then what would be the need for that?

You need software to sell your service. Ala what Tetris 99 is doing for Nintendo Online at the moment.

Microsoft isn't getting out of hardware yet. Like I said, streaming games is too difficult for far too much of the world at the moment. But considering their games are pretty much dual platform games now anyway (Xbox and PC), adding another console doesn't seem like a big issue.

 

[Iceman]

You need software to sell your service. Ala what Tetris 99 is doing for Nintendo Online at the moment.

Microsoft isn't getting out of hardware yet. Like I said, streaming games is too difficult for far too much of the world at the moment. But considering their games are pretty much dual platform games now anyway (Xbox and PC), adding another console doesn't seem like a big issue.

Fair points. I’ll be interested to see how much interest Switch customers have in this offering. And particularly if it has any takeup in Japan at all.

 

[X Knight]

Oh yes. Actually the buying of all those studios is a good point too. If they aren't planning on playing an exclusive war and competing then what would be the need for that?

Some speculate they bought those studios to produce a steady supply of "AA" games to sell Gamepass. games on the level of Crackdown 3, Sea of Thieves, State of Decay 2, etc.

while that should be part of the strategy, they need to make sure those AA don't fall into the mediocrity trap like Crackdown 3.

and, they NEED quality, AAA titles too. They need an answer to Spider-Man, God of War, Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima, Death Stranding, Uncharted, Bloodborne, etc. Look at all those Sony exclusives. Those are quality titles that offer gaming experiences only available on Playstation.

MS needs that for Xbox besides the core Halo/Gears/Forza games. it needs to develop solid exclusive gaming experiences only available on Xbox. if you want to play and experience that game, you HAVE to buy an Xbox. Just like if you want to play the new Spider-Man game, you HAVE to buy a PS4. Or a Switch to play Zelda, Mario, Pokemon, Metroid, etc.

 

[Iceman]

Some speculate they bought those studios to produce a steady supply of "AA" games to sell Gamepass. games on the level of Crackdown 3, Sea of Thieves, State of Decay 2, etc.

while that should be part of the strategy, they need to make sure those AA don't fall into the mediocrity trap like Crackdown 3.

and, they NEED quality, AAA titles too. They need an answer to Spider-Man, God of War, Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima, Death Stranding, Uncharted, Bloodborne, etc. Look at all those Sony exclusives. Those are quality titles that offer gaming experiences only available on Playstation.

MS needs that for Xbox besides the core Halo/Gears/Forza games. it needs to develop solid exclusive gaming experiences only available on Xbox. if you want to play and experience that game, you HAVE to buy an Xbox. Just like if you want to play the new Spider-Man game, you HAVE to buy a PS4. Or a Switch to play Zelda, Mario, Pokemon, Metroid, etc.

Yeah agreed. I would say don't bother with exclusives unless they are on that must-have level. Any other focus should go on the system specs and user interface etc.