I share the notion as some others to let them have ABK at this point for fear of who else they might take that are actually worth something. After the deal is signed and sealed it's highly unlikely Phil can open daddy Microsoft's chequebook again any time soon because as far as shareholders are concerned they won't want to see the Xbox division as a dead weight that keeps taking and not producing a profit to cover the costs.
That and they would be heavily scrutinized by going after any big guns again so soon then it will definitely reek of anti trust if someone calls them on it.
This has got to start raising some eyebrows, surely? It just proves Phil was on a buyout quest even with publisher's that weren't actively looking to be bought out (SEGA, SE ect) just to take games away from a rival platform.
But hey. FOR THE GAMERS!! - Phil Spencer.
As I just said over on PX. It's funny that they all thought this would show Sony's 'dirty laundry' but behind the scenes Microsoft have been hiding much more nefarious plans. It doesn't look good for them and shows they're up to their old tricks.
They bought Zenimax. Try to buy out ABK and make a move on SEGA? Then get found out their stance on "protecting" gaming is a big fat lie from the truth of trying to extinguish everything else?
SniffSniff is that possibly an anti-trust I smell in the wind? I certainly hope so.
All that rubbish about being a bullied underdog that can't compete when they're taking the slow road. If that doesn't result in a ban of being allowed to make massive purchases the others can't match nothing will. This proves they're not trying to compete, they're trying to slowly monopolize. If it's not blocked and sanctioned. Gaming is done for.
Phil won't be able to hold his head high after this unless he's got some serious nerve after years of saying he's about "protecting" the industry and "gaming for all".
But, but, but... They're just being competitive because they're an underdog that has never moved from third place!!
Will people who praise Microsoft finally get it in their heads that they're attempting to completely take over? And when they do you're all screwed. Trying to gouge you for gold? Raising prices? That always online crap? Do you think they would have backpedaled it there wasn't competition?
Be careful what you wish for. Slate Sony and Nintendo all you want but when Microsoft get their way you'll be begging for the good ol' days when the others were still around.
It's obvious Phil tried to make a move on Sega and they likely said no. It's funny how they've had some marketing rights and embargoes on Sega games for two years now since it supposedly happened.
Two years ago it was announced that Microsoft and Sega entered a "strategic partnership". They said it wouldn't result in exclusive games but with the embargoes Microsoft is definitely influencing Sega behind the scenes.
@Fiendish-Beaver
I guess we will have to simply disagree as you say. I personally don't feel StarField is on the same calibre as the likes of Bethesda's past games. But maybe I've grown tired of them. Oblivion and FO3 were masterpieces imo. Skyrim while a great game didn't hit the same high as Oblivion for me and FO4 no where near FO3. I feel Bethesda have been on a slow downward spiral in creativity. For that reason StarField looks uninteresting to me. We'll see.
I'm not defending Sony. Far from it. They've done many things I disapprove of under new leadership and I've considered abandoning PlayStation under its new direction. But I simply don't trust Phil Spencer. Oath or not he's lied many times, as has Jim Ryan. They're all as bad as eachother.
Phil once said during the Xbox One. "Exclusives are anti-consumer and counter to what gaming is all about. When we all play, we all win". Now look at him. He said he doesn't intend to take games away from gamers before the ink dried with Zenimax then when the deal was done his statement was "case by case basis". He changed his tune. He always says what people want to hear in the moment.
He can easily wiggle out of that oath down the line and ship modes of CoD or any game to PlayStation while still arguing he fulfilled his agreement. The gaming industry has too many caveats to get around it. So I never take him at his word. Even during the ABK process many of his statements have been ridiculous and some a blatant lie. That's not to say Jim hasn't told his fair share.
I've worked with Microsoft before in the tech field. Albeit years ago. They (and many others) are more slimy and cutthroat behind closed doors than the public can imagine. (To clarify I had close interactions with them during working in the tech industry, I wasn't employed by them.)
I also care nothing for ABK beyond Spyro. CoD means nothing to me and couldn't care less if it became an exclusive.
I've just realised something. Sony secured timed exclusivity of Ghostwire and Deathloop for one year. And Microsoft had to honour that since it was done before the acquisition. It's reasonable to assume that if Sony was intending to take StarField as a timed exclusive then the deal would have been made around the same time and like Ghostwire and Deathloop Microsoft would have had to honour the pre-existing contract. Which obviously means Sony never made a bid for the game because it's announcement was a long time before that acquisition.
Quite possible Phil is lying again or just guessing since if Sony had made the bid way back at the announcement as they did with Bethesda's other games it would be a timed exclusive this year regardless of the acquisition. Phil has no proof and is highly likely using that as cover to get his way with ABK.
@Fiendish-Beaver I do highly doubt StarField would ever have been a permanent exclusive to PlayStation. Sony wouldn't be able to keep paying the losses that game would get from multiplatform sales Bethesda would make. It's a safe bet. SE are a much smaller studio and Final Fantasy has a long synonymous history with PlayStation.
Either way Phil's reasoning is ridiculous. If Bethesda didn't keep small titles like Ghostwire exclusive they sure as hell wouldn't do it for a full calibre RPG. Phil is clutching at straws to justify buying the entire publisher for much more than just StarField. He also knows full well he has no intention putting Elder Scrolls on PlayStation. Elder Scrolls is a respected IP which is definitely a system seller.
@Fiendish-Beaver
Because if I remember correctly following it's initially E3 teaser it was being whispered around about being a timed PS exclusive and there's no way Bethesda would have made that permanent. Sony wouldn't have the kind of money that game would lose to keep it that way.
As for FF7 that deal was extended and supposedly now expired following its entry to EGS. I can't remember where but I read once that Square Enix had said Sony is not responsible for Xbox being excluded. It is known Microsoft and SE don't have a great relationship. I've tried looking for that statement with no success but it was about two years ago.
IMO StarField isn't a system seller. It'll attract some people granted but I doubt in droves. Personally it looks pretty bland to me and I have no interest in it. Coming from someone who loves FO3, Oblivion and Skyrim. I feel it's being overhyped. We shall see.
Ok Phil. It was to block Sony TIMED "exclusivity" which would have been timed by one year so you'd have gotten it anyway. How about this, FTC tell Spencer to put it on PlayStation in 12 months time like would have been the case with Xbox. That's fair, no? Let Phil put his money where his mouth is.
I would use that line if I were the FTC. Make it a concession of good faith with the ABK deal since their goal is to bring games to more gamers. Watch him sweat and scramble for words with a line like that. BS your way out of that one Phil.
@naruball
Thank you!! Tell me about it! It truly boggles my mind sometimes how these people become executives when they sound so dumb. I've literally come up with much more convincing and manipulative arguments in my time to have people dancing like a puppet to do anything I want or get my way. (A thing I'm not proud to admit).
Not that any of those suits look good, they're f-ugly quite frankly and I'm finally getting my classic white spider symbiote suit. But they are REEEALLY trying to push people to digital as much as possible.
Suits exclusive to the DIGITAL Deluxe Edition. No physical game in a COLLECTORS edition. And now some games aren't getting physical releases at all. Or physical copies delayed in favour of digital.
They're trying to push physical folk like myself to digital kicking and screaming. And until physical no longer exists that ain't happenin' Sony. Still very scummy to punish you for a preference though. But hey, profit.
@PegasusActual93 What I mean is, in MGS4 they made a joke about Xbox having a dig against the Xbox 360. Which would have to be edited out. Because it wouldn't make sense to the players.
If they add MGS4 (which I have doubts) they'd have to edit that "dig" at Xbox when Otacon said
"Oh, that's right! We're on the PS3 system. We have Blu-Ray! Dual layers too. What an age we live in, huh Snake?"
Do we even know if this Master Collection is releasing on Xbox?
I doubt MGS4 would be included in any volume. It's highly likely it requires a full remake due to its development with the PS3 CBE in mind. Porting that would be a nightmare and a buggy mess which is why it would be a remake and not a port.
This "Master Collection" so far are just ports and not remakes, so "vol2" is probably Peace Walker, Rising Revengence, MG1 and MG2.
Personally I still have the Legacy Collection on PS3 and a physical copy of MGS1 so I'm good either way.
Not buying it then. A big AAA release like that should have a physical release. Test the waters on pushing digital only and I hope you lose a lot of sales over it. I'm not supporting that.
Smaller games from smaller studios going digital only I can understand. But not from a big publisher and mainstream IP.
@Deadlyblack
I fully get where you're coming from that an Ultimate Edition would be excellent value for money but personally I'd worry that in say two years (maybe) when that happens multiplayer might have dwindled significantly player wise. And atleast in the begining you've got a better chance of meeting and facing average players (like myself 😂) to play with. I feel like I'd be missing out a little. Even though all those inevitable character packs are going to cost me a fortune over time lol.
Unless the intention is single player story with little to no interest in the multiplayer then that makes absolute sense and the best value.
On topic though, fighting games are a popular genre to a lot of people who grew up at the end of the 80's and early 90's when all we had was mostly fighting and platformers. It's not surprising to see Mortal Kombat already in the charts when it has been a beloved franchise for 30 years. In some cases there were arguments over MK and Street Fighter superiority back then (SNES for me) and it will be interesting to see which comes out on top. Even though I have yet to hear Street Fighter preorder popularity. I'm looking forward to the game awards on this one.
I've pre-ordered the Premium Edition on disc because I was always an MK fan over SF and that trailer has me hyped.
In the interest of anyone in the UK I posted on the forums here yesterday that I've found the Premium Edition up for grabs for £68.85 physically which is a good saving from the £89.99 RRP given how expensive games have become.
Some might remember these guys who were once called base.com. their preorder day guarantee can be a little off as I once had Catherine:Full Body arrive one day late but for the sake of saving some money I thought I'd share it.
@naruball
I just meant it in the sense that @KaijuKaiser has said he doesn't want to see the statement of topic @Uncharted2007 brought up based on his own opinion of a sales medium. Then saying mods should remove his comment in effect to silence him preventing @Uncharted2007 from speaking his mind on a subject.
@KaijuKaiser then effectively had spoken his mind on how he felt of the situation. Two people spoke their mind but one of those two somewhat passive aggressively is saying @Uncharted2007 cannot speak his asking mods to silence him. Hence my use of the term "hypocrite".
I mean no disrespect to either of them in my comment nor to yourself. It just seemed very unfair to desire silencing him because he doesn't like what was said while having the entitlement to speak his own mind. It was the morality of the situation it was aimed at not the subject.
Again, no disrespect towards anyone. And as stated prior this is what the ignore button is for. Just as anyone has the right to ignore me for my opinion. Which I don't find offensive.
@KaijuKaiser With all due respect @Uncharted2007 is entitled to his opinion and freedom of speech. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean you have the right to tell him not to talk about something. You saying you don't want to see it is a you problem. That be the case just press the ignore button and anyone else can do the same. Then that solves the 'you problem'.
On topic or off its not for you to decide who can say what they want. You can only deal with it in a manner appropriate to yourself.
Not to sound disrespectful but telling him not to speak his mind while you speak yours makes you a hypocrite.
We've had several releases of MGS3 at this point. The original, Subsistence, 3D, PSVITA, HD Collection. A great game but it really is time for MGS1, it desperately needs to be brought onto par with the other HD releases. Besides the exclusive Twin Snakes it didn't get a re-release.
I have all of the games including my physical original PSX copy. But it still needs it.
Maybe konami are playing it safe with the most popular one for their comeback.
Furthermore, how can they say it's multiplat or timed? It's not even a confirmed game so how would they know? And honestly, if SH2 is already confirmed timed it's likely and safe to assume that MGS will be too assuming it's real. Sony would have likely snapped them up at the same time.
I'm seriously hyped! This is getting pre-ordered! (And I know I'm contributing to the problem but I love MK). Hope there's a kool steelbook edition.
I thought the story of MK11 wasn't that great, what with that end-game time stuff and making Liu-Kang a fire god. But seeing this trailer, now I'm excited!
MK kompeting with SF this year will be interesting. I was always more favourable to MK. let's see how it goes.
Well there goes Spyro then. With Microsoft's track record not only will it never be on PlayStation it'll also never be a good game ever again.
And that's the only thing I'll miss. Microsoft don't know the meaning of the word 'competitive' they just know how to buy things.
As against consolidation as I am I now think Sony should consider locking down SE for the guarantee of Final Fantasy exclusivity forever.
And for anyone who uses Minecraft as an example from Microsoft, that was a one-off and from what I heard part of the deal made by Mojang was to not make it exclusive. Otherwise they wouldn't have cancelled Redfall for PS or confirm ES6 will be on PS. (And for the record I don't give a rat's behind about that abomination Redfall.)
@kyleforrester87 Personally I use either SimplyGames or ShopTo. They've always been consistent in getting games to me for launch day. And sometimes even before. That happens more often with ShopTo. I've been buying from them since 2010.
Sony seems so unorganized. They really need to get their act together with consistency if they're going to make a success of this. I only subscribe to Essential and will hold off as long as possible for a full on subscription or cloud model.
And where are the consistent previous generation games? That's supposed to be a big selling point of that tier in my eyes. It's like there's hardly any effort there to pursue porting classic games. They had an entire storefront on PS3 dedicated to PSX games. They must still be digitally accessable somewhere.
@dark_knightmare2 Too each his own. There was a time I'd swear by PlayStation first parties as number one. And Ghost of Tsushima, HZD/FW and TLOU are amazing but as a huge Zelda fan I will always love Nintendo. And since the Switch I've gained a new appreciation for them and I was with them before PlayStation even existed, but they took a backseat during the mid PS2 to PS3 years for me.
The Switch, while not powerful, was/is a fantastic idea. Bridging the gap between home and portable play. It's highly convenient and I hope their next console follows the idea. And I can't wait for Tears of the Kingdom next month.
But in my mind, the games speak for themselves. Even though preference of genre can play a factor. Something that Sony and Nintendo seem to understand.
@kyleforrester87
I second what you said there. The Evil Within is a fantastic series, and if a third entry is as good I'll buy an Xbox. So Phil is wrong here in my opinion. The games speak for themselves. When you deliver. And he isn't delivering.
As much as some people despise them, I often say that Nintendo have the best first party games in the business, I like theirs even more than I do PlayStation.
@BlueBeemer
Unless I'm mistaken it sounds like you're agreeing with me? 🤔
I mean, I just think the guy does nothing but make excuses for his failings and lies.
Phil also said a couple of years ago that he "wants a AAA game every three months on GamePass". And he can't even get one critically acclaimed AAA out of the gate in two years.
My opinion, they shouldn't be allowed to keep buying studios. Because every time they do, this happens. Microsoft ruins everything they touch. And I don't just mean gaming.
And where is this "world's first AAAA game" that he said he was going to deliver 7 years ago?
@BlueBeemer
The guy has done nothing but make excuses since he took over.
Early Xbox One first year "power doesn't matter, it's about the games" until the OneX when all he kept saying was "power, power, power!"
He said in those early days exclusives don't matter. Then buys up publishers and third party exclusives.
He said sales don't matter, it's about engagement. Until the Series X was doing well then he was shouting out the numbers again during the PS5 stock shortages.
It only "doesn't matter" to Phil when Xbox doesn't have it. So yeah, excuses.
Also, if game streaming is the "future" as you say, then the concerns of the CMA are perfectly valid since MS already has the upper hand. Even though others last week were saying it's "niche" and a "small market". And Microsoft themselves have said many times that it's the future. But since they haven't gotten their own way with ABK suddenly it's not important anymore. Weird, huh?
@thefourfoldroot1 Good point. He's the one that kept going on about "player engagement" for years. And I'll bet that's why he wants control of CoD. (They can say that's not what it's about but of course it is, if it was just about King they wouldn't press so hard for the entire company and just buy that)
I literally bought a Nintendo Switch to play Zelda Breath of the Wild. And stayed for the great games that came later. 🤷🏻♂️
Would one great game that I can't play anywhere else get me to buy or switch platforms? Yes. As would be the case with many people. We don't buy a platform to look at pizza hut advert on the dashboard Phil.
Meanwhile Spider-Man, Ghost of Tsushima and The Last of Us literally were console sellers that ended up being convincing enough to not only get people into PlayStation, but to stay there.
I know and know of many people who at one point said "I'm buying a PlayStation just to play Spider-Man" and ended up liking PlayStation more and moving from another platform BECAUSE of great games. Because then they play the OTHER games that platform has to offer.
It's the games that do the talking Phil! Not your mouth. The guy's talking out of his rear and he knows it.
The same guy that in 2014 said "exclusives don't matter" and proceeded to buy publishers for exclusives. And then there was that itsy bitsy Tomb Raider incident.
He says things when it suits him. And his excuses will run out eventually.
@Kanji-Tatsumi Especially since the bundle is for the disc version of the console. It makes no sense.
So it's nothing more than a regular PS5 with a digital download for normal price. No incentive at all. A nice special edition steelbook would have been a nice touch if it's to be marketed a "Final Fantasy" console. Or even better, a custom face plate. The beauty of removable plates is you can customise to your heart's content and Sony doesn't need an entire limited edition SKU.
You could even sell the plates separately to this "special edition" for people who might be interested.
I have no idea what Sony are doing these days. It all feels lazy and short-sighted for opportunities.
@AverageGamer So it makes sense to take games away from other people when a publisher is doing just fine? And for what? Bragging rights?
Microsoft tried to get in good with Sega many years ago after Sony refused to accept Microsoft games on their system during the early years of the PS2 before the first console. They were looking for an entry point. They had a brief moment with Sega and don't represent any significance in their history that entitles them to own the company just so their fans can brag that other people can't play their games.
It's pathetic quite frankly. Fortunately, Japan will never let that happen. They're very protective of non Japanese entities taking any historic companies from them. Microsoft entered a partnership with Sega recently and given how the Japanese government feel about outside consolidation that's the best they'll ever get.
Sega make Japan a lot of money not just in video games but in their other ventures aswell, and are more heavily entwined with Nintendo more than anyone else.
@AverageGamer That's my point. But people keep saying Sega are struggling and Microsoft should buy them. To "save them." Usually over on PureXbox. They say often "Sega next after ABK." Those words.
It makes me laugh every time because they're doing well. But people keep wishing for consolidation for bragging rights that just hurts gaming.
I think the EU will say no. Their consumer protection laws and stance is often more aggressive than the UK.
As I said the other day, one such example is the EU have forced Apple to abandon using the Lightning charging port in future iPhones in the interest of the consumer in favour of standard USB-C so that they can't have a monopoly charging £25 for propriety charging.
And Apple have had to comply or risk losing that market.
Microsoft buying one of the biggest publishers in one fell swoop that controls two of the biggest IP's in gaming (Candy Crush being one) may be seen as a big red flag in consumer choice. They offered a 10 year deal sure. But it gives them a huge advantage after that and they're likely to reach the same conclusion as the CMA.
Also to note. The UK consumers rights laws in the majority come from the EU court. So their laws are almost in parity with the EU being more proactive.
Edit.
It's just occurred to me that recently the EU have also forced Nintendo to offer free repairs and replacements of Joy-Cons and controllers forever even outside of warranty within the European Union to consumers. Another rule that has been forced on a large company. Let's let that sink in. Companies from outside of the EU within the last year are being forced to act in the best interest of the consumer in a very aggressive way that has been unprecedented in the rest of the world before.
I really can't see this deal going through. I mean, next month is the EU's turn. The people who have forced Apple to change their proprietary charging port of their next iPhone to a standard universal design in the best interest of the consumer. I think they'll be a tougher nut to convince than the UK.
And Microsoft campaigning with cloud companies to support the deal just reeks of desperate scrambling to convince the regulator's. Didn't they learn last time by putting ads on trains and billboards before a decision was made to not draw this kind of attention to yourself?
I can almost speculate money will be passed around quietly under the table for companies to sing Microsoft's praises for them, and it'll probably look pretty 'sus.
As much as I care nothing for the loss of ABK outside of Spyro I find it amusing that Microsoft have just had a wake-up call that they can't always get their own way. And they've just shown how stroppy and petty they can get when they don't.
And another thing. Where is Phil Spencer? He's been eerily quiet lately. He's usually the first mouthpiece to start making noise when things like this happen.
@NEStalgia
Shu Yoshida has been on my mind a lot actually. I can see a day fast approaching towards his retirement. And when that day comes it's one more of the old guard still passionate about the brand and gaming in general at it's good old fashioned values we'll lose. He (to my knowledge) is working closely with indie developers now and less involved with bigger events at PlayStation.
He's done a lot of good over the years and I put him up there near the realm of the late Satoro Iwata. Absolutely miss that guy.
@NEStalgia
Yeah it was Kaz at the helm then before he retired. I didn't like Andrew House at first but seeing what's going on these days he'd be a step up from Jim Ryan. Andrew House took over right at the start of the PS4 and did it's introduction showcase.
Personally, the best CEO PlayStation ever had. Jack Tretton in my opinion.
When Gaikai was first talked about I hated the idea. Still do, but I do remember renting Resident Evil 5 on it for a month at 7.99. and that was just for that one individual game. I didn't have access to any others. And it was only streamed.
That wasn't on the PS3 though, that was on PS4. (When I did it I mean)
@NEStalgia
I didn't consider that 🤔. PS3's rocky years. I mean it picked up and became a success in the end narrowly beating the Xbox 360. But in its early years PSNow wasn't the same model as GamePass. If you think back it was individual renting of titles and streaming only at first. Poorly at that.
It only became a subscription model after GamePass became a thing. And gradually until it became what it is now.
If you remember, Sony were adamant for years that a subscription model wasn't a viable or sustainable solution.
Not to mention, I doubt it was Sony's plan to replace conventional gaming sales with a service. Rather a companion to it. I think MS however, are counting on it.
GamePass exists out of Microsoft's desperation, let's not kid ourselves otherwise. You all saw the initial idea of the Xbox One and that was the result of arrogance coming from success of the Xbox 360. Had that not backfired GamePass wouldn't exist. They're not the "friendly" pro-consumer company that some think they are hiding behind Phil's grin. And yesterday, threatening the UK for not getting their way not only shows their true colours, but they're desperation.
It's their last desperate attempt to stay in gaming. They can't compete with Sony in console sales, PlayStation has built a reputation for 29 years of first party IP's that gave them a name everybody knows.
If the Xbox One hasn't backfired do you honestly think GamePass would have been born?
It's eerie that Phil hasn't said anything about GamePass subscriber counts in, a year, I think? Since the 25-ish million number. And at the start of this gen he was boasting much more often. There were hints that the number had plateaued so in my mind it hasn't been the runaway success they thought it would.
And that's why ABK is so important to them. Without something huge like CoD that can bring in recurring players it's likely already reached its peak since not much else seems to be pulling in subscribers.
And yet, digital game sales, despite price increases remains as healthy as ever.
So while it will likely exist, it won't replace conventional methods, in my mind anyway.
But the elephant in the room. GamePass may appear to be good value to some NOW. But we're seeing publishers wanting their own revenue slice of that pie from the likes of EA, Ubisoft, and Sony. If other publishers end up creating their own services and choose to potentially ignore GamePass it won't grow. But the industry will become inflated with subscription services. And I doubt that will go well because who will want say, 10 gaming subscriptions recurring every month for 10£/$? I do think thay may end up reinforcing conventional methods due to the expense and time constraints of many into singular games throughout the year.
Maybe I'm being cynical, or overthinking it. But I doubt it will replace conventional gaming if multiple services are born out of Microsoft's attempt to stay relevant.
@Jey887
Absolutely. Sometimes I question my sanity of them and Microsoft stating that buying a publisher is great for the industry because it opens the door to even more gamers.
But all you're doing is excluding an entire platform that already had those games including yourself and every other platform. Who else is there to give it to? You've removed access not increased it.
Either I'm incredibly dumb and can't see their logic (sarcasm) or it's just a bs line to justify punishing other gamers for greed while getting your "team" to cheer for you. And essentially the slow death of player choice and gaming in general.
Once one entity eventually controls a majority, they'll all be sorry when they're held to ransom of "our way of the high way" because they cheered for it. And there's no other way to get those games.
And over the last 24 hours we've seen how stroppy Microsoft can be when they don't get their way. You think they'll be "pro-consumer" when they're in charge? Think again.
@Jey887
While I agree with your statement there to be fair the same thing gets said on PureXbox about "Microsoft should buy Sega, Square, Capcom, ABK" etc because it's "good for the industry".
Apparently timed exclusives (like FF) are totally evil but permanent from a purchase of a publisher is the greatest thing for the industry.
After the stock shortages I actually thought demand for the console wouldn't be high. There are exclusive games, sure, but not many that are PS5 only. I'm surprised it's selling so fast.
Especially with what Xbox are doing. PS5 shortages might have impacted people towards the availability of Xbox because of GamePass. And I think Microsoft were really banking on much better growth this time with the Series S being a cheap affordable entry point but even that is not helping much now the stock shortages are over. I think, besides GamePass which has plateaued Microsoft were hoping the Series S would be their "ace in the hole" to finally close console sales gaps.
Just seems to me that Xbox are never going to go toe to toe with PlayStation sales numbers if that hasn't worked. It's just another runaway success for Sony. Just another day at the office.
And I don't believe the narrative of "Microsoft don't care about console sales". As of right now, it's their primary (not only) entry point to GamePass.
No wonder they're desperate for ABK. They can say it's about King all they want. Deep down most know that they seek to control CoD. Later down the line. Or they wouldn't be fighting this hard. Even going so far to throw a tantrum and threaten a country if it was just about mobile.
@lindos As much as I don't like the thought I think that's what they're slowly trying to do. Introduce a model with a detachable disc drive, so digital is it's "out of the box" means of buying games.
Phase out the disc SKU to streamline only needing to manufacture one version.
Hope the disc drive sales don't actually pick up and push people to digital distribution once and for all.
I might be cynical here and insinuating doom and gloom but I wouldn't put it past them if that's what they have in mind. They all want digital to be the main driving force of buying games for maximum profit, and they're still trying to nudge the last stubborn physical buyers left in that direction.
@LightningF13
I burst out laughing when I read that!! 😂.
I'm personally in the camp that the PS5 is hideous and I'd love a slim model that does away with its collar that looks like it was designed for paragliding.
Got mine on launch day and my reaction taking it out of the box was "IT'S F**KING HUGE!!"
Comments 1,033
Re: Canada Joins UK, US in Questioning Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Buyout
I share the notion as some others to let them have ABK at this point for fear of who else they might take that are actually worth something.
After the deal is signed and sealed it's highly unlikely Phil can open daddy Microsoft's chequebook again any time soon because as far as shareholders are concerned they won't want to see the Xbox division as a dead weight that keeps taking and not producing a profit to cover the costs.
That and they would be heavily scrutinized by going after any big guns again so soon then it will definitely reek of anti trust if someone calls them on it.
Re: Microsoft Planned to Conquer Japan with Square Enix Buyout, Eye-Opening Documents Reveal
This has got to start raising some eyebrows, surely? It just proves Phil was on a buyout quest even with publisher's that weren't actively looking to be bought out (SEGA, SE ect) just to take games away from a rival platform.
But hey. FOR THE GAMERS!! - Phil Spencer.
As I just said over on PX. It's funny that they all thought this would show Sony's 'dirty laundry' but behind the scenes Microsoft have been hiding much more nefarious plans. It doesn't look good for them and shows they're up to their old tricks.
Re: Microsoft's Potential Game Plan in 2020: 'Spend Sony Out of Business'
They bought Zenimax. Try to buy out ABK and make a move on SEGA? Then get found out their stance on "protecting" gaming is a big fat lie from the truth of trying to extinguish everything else?
Sniff Sniff is that possibly an anti-trust I smell in the wind? I certainly hope so.
All that rubbish about being a bullied underdog that can't compete when they're taking the slow road. If that doesn't result in a ban of being allowed to make massive purchases the others can't match nothing will. This proves they're not trying to compete, they're trying to slowly monopolize. If it's not blocked and sanctioned. Gaming is done for.
Phil won't be able to hold his head high after this unless he's got some serious nerve after years of saying he's about "protecting" the industry and "gaming for all".
Re: Microsoft's Potential Game Plan in 2020: 'Spend Sony Out of Business'
But, but, but... They're just being competitive because they're an underdog that has never moved from third place!!
Will people who praise Microsoft finally get it in their heads that they're attempting to completely take over? And when they do you're all screwed. Trying to gouge you for gold? Raising prices? That always online crap? Do you think they would have backpedaled it there wasn't competition?
Be careful what you wish for. Slate Sony and Nintendo all you want but when Microsoft get their way you'll be begging for the good ol' days when the others were still around.
Re: SEGA and Bungie Were On Microsoft's Shopping List in 2020, Xbox Emails Show
It's obvious Phil tried to make a move on Sega and they likely said no. It's funny how they've had some marketing rights and embargoes on Sega games for two years now since it supposedly happened.
Two years ago it was announced that Microsoft and Sega entered a "strategic partnership". They said it wouldn't result in exclusive games but with the embargoes Microsoft is definitely influencing Sega behind the scenes.
People must have forgotten about this.
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sega-clarifies-its-alliance-with-microsoft-wont-result-in-xbox-exclusives/
Re: Xbox Insinuates It Bought Bethesda to Block Starfield PS5 Console Exclusivity
@Fiendish-Beaver
I guess we will have to simply disagree as you say. I personally don't feel StarField is on the same calibre as the likes of Bethesda's past games. But maybe I've grown tired of them. Oblivion and FO3 were masterpieces imo. Skyrim while a great game didn't hit the same high as Oblivion for me and FO4 no where near FO3. I feel Bethesda have been on a slow downward spiral in creativity. For that reason StarField looks uninteresting to me. We'll see.
I'm not defending Sony. Far from it. They've done many things I disapprove of under new leadership and I've considered abandoning PlayStation under its new direction. But I simply don't trust Phil Spencer. Oath or not he's lied many times, as has Jim Ryan. They're all as bad as eachother.
Phil once said during the Xbox One. "Exclusives are anti-consumer and counter to what gaming is all about. When we all play, we all win". Now look at him. He said he doesn't intend to take games away from gamers before the ink dried with Zenimax then when the deal was done his statement was "case by case basis". He changed his tune. He always says what people want to hear in the moment.
He can easily wiggle out of that oath down the line and ship modes of CoD or any game to PlayStation while still arguing he fulfilled his agreement. The gaming industry has too many caveats to get around it. So I never take him at his word. Even during the ABK process many of his statements have been ridiculous and some a blatant lie. That's not to say Jim hasn't told his fair share.
I've worked with Microsoft before in the tech field. Albeit years ago. They (and many others) are more slimy and cutthroat behind closed doors than the public can imagine. (To clarify I had close interactions with them during working in the tech industry, I wasn't employed by them.)
I also care nothing for ABK beyond Spyro. CoD means nothing to me and couldn't care less if it became an exclusive.
Re: Xbox Insinuates It Bought Bethesda to Block Starfield PS5 Console Exclusivity
I've just realised something. Sony secured timed exclusivity of Ghostwire and Deathloop for one year. And Microsoft had to honour that since it was done before the acquisition. It's reasonable to assume that if Sony was intending to take StarField as a timed exclusive then the deal would have been made around the same time and like Ghostwire and Deathloop Microsoft would have had to honour the pre-existing contract. Which obviously means Sony never made a bid for the game because it's announcement was a long time before that acquisition.
Quite possible Phil is lying again or just guessing since if Sony had made the bid way back at the announcement as they did with Bethesda's other games it would be a timed exclusive this year regardless of the acquisition. Phil has no proof and is highly likely using that as cover to get his way with ABK.
Re: Xbox Insinuates It Bought Bethesda to Block Starfield PS5 Console Exclusivity
@Fiendish-Beaver
I do highly doubt StarField would ever have been a permanent exclusive to PlayStation. Sony wouldn't be able to keep paying the losses that game would get from multiplatform sales Bethesda would make. It's a safe bet. SE are a much smaller studio and Final Fantasy has a long synonymous history with PlayStation.
Either way Phil's reasoning is ridiculous. If Bethesda didn't keep small titles like Ghostwire exclusive they sure as hell wouldn't do it for a full calibre RPG. Phil is clutching at straws to justify buying the entire publisher for much more than just StarField.
He also knows full well he has no intention putting Elder Scrolls on PlayStation. Elder Scrolls is a respected IP which is definitely a system seller.
Re: Xbox Insinuates It Bought Bethesda to Block Starfield PS5 Console Exclusivity
@Fiendish-Beaver
Because if I remember correctly following it's initially E3 teaser it was being whispered around about being a timed PS exclusive and there's no way Bethesda would have made that permanent. Sony wouldn't have the kind of money that game would lose to keep it that way.
As for FF7 that deal was extended and supposedly now expired following its entry to EGS. I can't remember where but I read once that Square Enix had said Sony is not responsible for Xbox being excluded. It is known Microsoft and SE don't have a great relationship. I've tried looking for that statement with no success but it was about two years ago.
IMO StarField isn't a system seller. It'll attract some people granted but I doubt in droves. Personally it looks pretty bland to me and I have no interest in it. Coming from someone who loves FO3, Oblivion and Skyrim. I feel it's being overhyped. We shall see.
Re: Xbox Insinuates It Bought Bethesda to Block Starfield PS5 Console Exclusivity
Ok Phil. It was to block Sony TIMED "exclusivity" which would have been timed by one year so you'd have gotten it anyway. How about this, FTC tell Spencer to put it on PlayStation in 12 months time like would have been the case with Xbox. That's fair, no?
Let Phil put his money where his mouth is.
I would use that line if I were the FTC. Make it a concession of good faith with the ABK deal since their goal is to bring games to more gamers. Watch him sweat and scramble for words with a line like that. BS your way out of that one Phil.
Re: Xbox Insinuates It Bought Bethesda to Block Starfield PS5 Console Exclusivity
@naruball
Thank you!! Tell me about it! It truly boggles my mind sometimes how these people become executives when they sound so dumb. I've literally come up with much more convincing and manipulative arguments in my time to have people dancing like a puppet to do anything I want or get my way. (A thing I'm not proud to admit).
Re: Xbox Insinuates It Bought Bethesda to Block Starfield PS5 Console Exclusivity
Difference is, on PlayStation it was timed not permanent.
Block timed exclusivity for permanent exclusivity. Nice argument Mr Phil "we want to bring games to more gamers not less" Spencer.
Re: You'll Need Marvel's Spider-Man 2's Digital Deluxe Edition for Those Extra PS5 Suits
Not that any of those suits look good, they're f-ugly quite frankly and I'm finally getting my classic white spider symbiote suit.
But they are REEEALLY trying to push people to digital as much as possible.
Suits exclusive to the DIGITAL Deluxe Edition. No physical game in a COLLECTORS edition.
And now some games aren't getting physical releases at all. Or physical copies delayed in favour of digital.
They're trying to push physical folk like myself to digital kicking and screaming. And until physical no longer exists that ain't happenin' Sony.
Still very scummy to punish you for a preference though. But hey, profit.
Re: Metal Gear Solid's PS5 Master Collection Adds Two More Titles
@PegasusActual93
What I mean is, in MGS4 they made a joke about Xbox having a dig against the Xbox 360. Which would have to be edited out. Because it wouldn't make sense to the players.
Re: Metal Gear Solid's PS5 Master Collection Adds Two More Titles
If they add MGS4 (which I have doubts) they'd have to edit that "dig" at Xbox when Otacon said
"Oh, that's right! We're on the PS3 system. We have Blu-Ray! Dual layers too. What an age we live in, huh Snake?"
Do we even know if this Master Collection is releasing on Xbox?
Re: Metal Gear Solid 1, 2, and 3 Launch on PS5 in the Master Collection
I doubt MGS4 would be included in any volume. It's highly likely it requires a full remake due to its development with the PS3 CBE in mind. Porting that would be a nightmare and a buggy mess which is why it would be a remake and not a port.
This "Master Collection" so far are just ports and not remakes, so "vol2" is probably Peace Walker, Rising Revengence, MG1 and MG2.
Personally I still have the Legacy Collection on PS3 and a physical copy of MGS1 so I'm good either way.
Re: Alan Wake 2 Is a Digital-Only Release, $60 on PS5
Not buying it then. A big AAA release like that should have a physical release. Test the waters on pushing digital only and I hope you lose a lot of sales over it. I'm not supporting that.
Smaller games from smaller studios going digital only I can understand. But not from a big publisher and mainstream IP.
Re: Mortal Kombat 1 PS5 Pre-Orders Punched to the Top of PS Store
@Deadlyblack
I fully get where you're coming from that an Ultimate Edition would be excellent value for money but personally I'd worry that in say two years (maybe) when that happens multiplayer might have dwindled significantly player wise. And atleast in the begining you've got a better chance of meeting and facing average players (like myself 😂) to play with. I feel like I'd be missing out a little. Even though all those inevitable character packs are going to cost me a fortune over time lol.
Unless the intention is single player story with little to no interest in the multiplayer then that makes absolute sense and the best value.
Re: Mortal Kombat 1 PS5 Pre-Orders Punched to the Top of PS Store
On topic though, fighting games are a popular genre to a lot of people who grew up at the end of the 80's and early 90's when all we had was mostly fighting and platformers. It's not surprising to see Mortal Kombat already in the charts when it has been a beloved franchise for 30 years. In some cases there were arguments over MK and Street Fighter superiority back then (SNES for me) and it will be interesting to see which comes out on top. Even though I have yet to hear Street Fighter preorder popularity. I'm looking forward to the game awards on this one.
I've pre-ordered the Premium Edition on disc because I was always an MK fan over SF and that trailer has me hyped.
In the interest of anyone in the UK I posted on the forums here yesterday that I've found the Premium Edition up for grabs for £68.85 physically which is a good saving from the £89.99 RRP given how expensive games have become.
Not sure if I'm allowed to post links, but.
https://www.hit.co.uk/buy/product/mortal-kombat-1-premium-edition-ps5/dgc-mk1peps5.htm
Some might remember these guys who were once called base.com. their preorder day guarantee can be a little off as I once had Catherine:Full Body arrive one day late but for the sake of saving some money I thought I'd share it.
Re: Mortal Kombat 1 PS5 Pre-Orders Punched to the Top of PS Store
@naruball
I just meant it in the sense that @KaijuKaiser has said he doesn't want to see the statement of topic @Uncharted2007 brought up based on his own opinion of a sales medium. Then saying mods should remove his comment in effect to silence him preventing @Uncharted2007 from speaking his mind on a subject.
@KaijuKaiser then effectively had spoken his mind on how he felt of the situation. Two people spoke their mind but one of those two somewhat passive aggressively is saying @Uncharted2007 cannot speak his asking mods to silence him. Hence my use of the term "hypocrite".
I mean no disrespect to either of them in my comment nor to yourself. It just seemed very unfair to desire silencing him because he doesn't like what was said while having the entitlement to speak his own mind. It was the morality of the situation it was aimed at not the subject.
Again, no disrespect towards anyone. And as stated prior this is what the ignore button is for. Just as anyone has the right to ignore me for my opinion. Which I don't find offensive.
Re: Mortal Kombat 1 PS5 Pre-Orders Punched to the Top of PS Store
@KaijuKaiser
With all due respect @Uncharted2007 is entitled to his opinion and freedom of speech. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean you have the right to tell him not to talk about something. You saying you don't want to see it is a you problem. That be the case just press the ignore button and anyone else can do the same. Then that solves the 'you problem'.
On topic or off its not for you to decide who can say what they want. You can only deal with it in a manner appropriate to yourself.
Not to sound disrespectful but telling him not to speak his mind while you speak yours makes you a hypocrite.
Have a nice day to you and all.
Re: PS5 Exclusivity Over Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake Appears Uncertain
@LifeGirl
Well it's not a new game and presumably no new content so it is a Kojima game just a remake in a newer engine.
Re: PS5 Exclusivity Over Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake Appears Uncertain
We've had several releases of MGS3 at this point. The original, Subsistence, 3D, PSVITA, HD Collection. A great game but it really is time for MGS1, it desperately needs to be brought onto par with the other HD releases. Besides the exclusive Twin Snakes it didn't get a re-release.
I have all of the games including my physical original PSX copy. But it still needs it.
Maybe konami are playing it safe with the most popular one for their comeback.
Furthermore, how can they say it's multiplat or timed? It's not even a confirmed game so how would they know? And honestly, if SH2 is already confirmed timed it's likely and safe to assume that MGS will be too assuming it's real. Sony would have likely snapped them up at the same time.
Re: Mortal Kombat 1 Announced for PS5, Out 19th September
I'm seriously hyped! This is getting pre-ordered! (And I know I'm contributing to the problem but I love MK).
Hope there's a kool steelbook edition.
I thought the story of MK11 wasn't that great, what with that end-game time stuff and making Liu-Kang a fire god. But seeing this trailer, now I'm excited!
MK kompeting with SF this year will be interesting. I was always more favourable to MK. let's see how it goes.
Re: Microsoft's $69 Billion Activision Deal Approved by the EU Commission
Well there goes Spyro then. With Microsoft's track record not only will it never be on PlayStation it'll also never be a good game ever again.
And that's the only thing I'll miss. Microsoft don't know the meaning of the word 'competitive' they just know how to buy things.
As against consolidation as I am I now think Sony should consider locking down SE for the guarantee of Final Fantasy exclusivity forever.
And for anyone who uses Minecraft as an example from Microsoft, that was a one-off and from what I heard part of the deal made by Mojang was to not make it exclusive. Otherwise they wouldn't have cancelled Redfall for PS or confirm ES6 will be on PS. (And for the record I don't give a rat's behind about that abomination Redfall.)
Re: UK Sales Charts: Nothing on PS5, PS4, Can Compete with Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
@kyleforrester87
Personally I use either SimplyGames or ShopTo. They've always been consistent in getting games to me for launch day. And sometimes even before. That happens more often with ShopTo. I've been buying from them since 2010.
Re: Next Week's PS Plus Extra Lineup Has Been Changed Again
Sony seems so unorganized. They really need to get their act together with consistency if they're going to make a success of this. I only subscribe to Essential and will hold off as long as possible for a full on subscription or cloud model.
And where are the consistent previous generation games? That's supposed to be a big selling point of that tier in my eyes. It's like there's hardly any effort there to pursue porting classic games. They had an entire storefront on PS3 dedicated to PSX games. They must still be digitally accessable somewhere.
Re: Xbox Boss Admits Microsoft Can't 'Outconsole' PS5
@dark_knightmare2
Too each his own. There was a time I'd swear by PlayStation first parties as number one. And Ghost of Tsushima, HZD/FW and TLOU are amazing but as a huge Zelda fan I will always love Nintendo. And since the Switch I've gained a new appreciation for them and I was with them before PlayStation even existed, but they took a backseat during the mid PS2 to PS3 years for me.
The Switch, while not powerful, was/is a fantastic idea. Bridging the gap between home and portable play. It's highly convenient and I hope their next console follows the idea.
And I can't wait for Tears of the Kingdom next month.
But in my mind, the games speak for themselves. Even though preference of genre can play a factor. Something that Sony and Nintendo seem to understand.
Re: Xbox Boss Admits Microsoft Can't 'Outconsole' PS5
@kyleforrester87
I second what you said there. The Evil Within is a fantastic series, and if a third entry is as good I'll buy an Xbox. So Phil is wrong here in my opinion. The games speak for themselves. When you deliver. And he isn't delivering.
As much as some people despise them, I often say that Nintendo have the best first party games in the business, I like theirs even more than I do PlayStation.
Re: Xbox Boss Admits Microsoft Can't 'Outconsole' PS5
@BlueBeemer
Unless I'm mistaken it sounds like you're agreeing with me? 🤔
I mean, I just think the guy does nothing but make excuses for his failings and lies.
Phil also said a couple of years ago that he "wants a AAA game every three months on GamePass". And he can't even get one critically acclaimed AAA out of the gate in two years.
My opinion, they shouldn't be allowed to keep buying studios. Because every time they do, this happens. Microsoft ruins everything they touch. And I don't just mean gaming.
And where is this "world's first AAAA game" that he said he was going to deliver 7 years ago?
Re: Xbox Boss Admits Microsoft Can't 'Outconsole' PS5
@BlueBeemer
The guy has done nothing but make excuses since he took over.
Early Xbox One first year "power doesn't matter, it's about the games" until the OneX when all he kept saying was "power, power, power!"
He said in those early days exclusives don't matter. Then buys up publishers and third party exclusives.
He said sales don't matter, it's about engagement. Until the Series X was doing well then he was shouting out the numbers again during the PS5 stock shortages.
It only "doesn't matter" to Phil when Xbox doesn't have it. So yeah, excuses.
Also, if game streaming is the "future" as you say, then the concerns of the CMA are perfectly valid since MS already has the upper hand. Even though others last week were saying it's "niche" and a "small market". And Microsoft themselves have said many times that it's the future. But since they haven't gotten their own way with ABK suddenly it's not important anymore. Weird, huh?
Re: Xbox Boss Admits Microsoft Can't 'Outconsole' PS5
@Intr1n5ic
You could have a good point there. Very convenient timing isn't it? From a fellow heavy cynical guy.
Re: Xbox Boss Admits Microsoft Can't 'Outconsole' PS5
@thefourfoldroot1
Good point. He's the one that kept going on about "player engagement" for years. And I'll bet that's why he wants control of CoD. (They can say that's not what it's about but of course it is, if it was just about King they wouldn't press so hard for the entire company and just buy that)
Re: Xbox Boss Admits Microsoft Can't 'Outconsole' PS5
I literally bought a Nintendo Switch to play Zelda Breath of the Wild. And stayed for the great games that came later. 🤷🏻♂️
Would one great game that I can't play anywhere else get me to buy or switch platforms? Yes. As would be the case with many people. We don't buy a platform to look at pizza hut advert on the dashboard Phil.
Re: Xbox Boss Admits Microsoft Can't 'Outconsole' PS5
Meanwhile Spider-Man, Ghost of Tsushima and The Last of Us literally were console sellers that ended up being convincing enough to not only get people into PlayStation, but to stay there.
I know and know of many people who at one point said "I'm buying a PlayStation just to play Spider-Man" and ended up liking PlayStation more and moving from another platform BECAUSE of great games. Because then they play the OTHER games that platform has to offer.
It's the games that do the talking Phil! Not your mouth. The guy's talking out of his rear and he knows it.
The same guy that in 2014 said "exclusives don't matter" and proceeded to buy publishers for exclusives. And then there was that itsy bitsy Tomb Raider incident.
He says things when it suits him. And his excuses will run out eventually.
Re: Final Fantasy 16's PS5 Console Bundle Can Be Pre-Ordered Now
@Kanji-Tatsumi
Especially since the bundle is for the disc version of the console. It makes no sense.
So it's nothing more than a regular PS5 with a digital download for normal price. No incentive at all.
A nice special edition steelbook would have been a nice touch if it's to be marketed a "Final Fantasy" console.
Or even better, a custom face plate. The beauty of removable plates is you can customise to your heart's content and Sony doesn't need an entire limited edition SKU.
You could even sell the plates separately to this "special edition" for people who might be interested.
I have no idea what Sony are doing these days. It all feels lazy and short-sighted for opportunities.
Re: Prepare Yourself for More Sonic as Frontiers Fuels Software Sales for SEGA
@AverageGamer
So it makes sense to take games away from other people when a publisher is doing just fine? And for what? Bragging rights?
Microsoft tried to get in good with Sega many years ago after Sony refused to accept Microsoft games on their system during the early years of the PS2 before the first console. They were looking for an entry point.
They had a brief moment with Sega and don't represent any significance in their history that entitles them to own the company just so their fans can brag that other people can't play their games.
It's pathetic quite frankly.
Fortunately, Japan will never let that happen. They're very protective of non Japanese entities taking any historic companies from them. Microsoft entered a partnership with Sega recently and given how the Japanese government feel about outside consolidation that's the best they'll ever get.
Sega make Japan a lot of money not just in video games but in their other ventures aswell, and are more heavily entwined with Nintendo more than anyone else.
Re: Prepare Yourself for More Sonic as Frontiers Fuels Software Sales for SEGA
@AverageGamer
That's my point. But people keep saying Sega are struggling and Microsoft should buy them.
To "save them." Usually over on PureXbox. They say often "Sega next after ABK." Those words.
It makes me laugh every time because they're doing well. But people keep wishing for consolidation for bragging rights that just hurts gaming.
Re: Prepare Yourself for More Sonic as Frontiers Fuels Software Sales for SEGA
That doesn't sound right. First Sega buys Rovio and now they've had a very successful game from their iconic character? 🤔
But the internet keeps telling me they're struggling and are going to be bought by Microsoft any day now! Impossible!
I'm very glad to hear this positive news from Sega lately. And long may it continue to keep them out of the hands of consolidation.
Re: UK's Activision Buyout Block Prevents Microsoft from Trying Again for 10 Years
I think the EU will say no. Their consumer protection laws and stance is often more aggressive than the UK.
As I said the other day, one such example is the EU have forced Apple to abandon using the Lightning charging port in future iPhones in the interest of the consumer in favour of standard USB-C so that they can't have a monopoly charging £25 for propriety charging.
And Apple have had to comply or risk losing that market.
Microsoft buying one of the biggest publishers in one fell swoop that controls two of the biggest IP's in gaming (Candy Crush being one) may be seen as a big red flag in consumer choice. They offered a 10 year deal sure. But it gives them a huge advantage after that and they're likely to reach the same conclusion as the CMA.
Also to note. The UK consumers rights laws in the majority come from the EU court. So their laws are almost in parity with the EU being more proactive.
Edit.
It's just occurred to me that recently the EU have also forced Nintendo to offer free repairs and replacements of Joy-Cons and controllers forever even outside of warranty within the European Union to consumers. Another rule that has been forced on a large company. Let's let that sink in. Companies from outside of the EU within the last year are being forced to act in the best interest of the consumer in a very aggressive way that has been unprecedented in the rest of the world before.
Re: Activision Poised to Pocket a Cool $3 Billion if Xbox Buyout Breaks Down
I really can't see this deal going through. I mean, next month is the EU's turn. The people who have forced Apple to change their proprietary charging port of their next iPhone to a standard universal design in the best interest of the consumer. I think they'll be a tougher nut to convince than the UK.
And Microsoft campaigning with cloud companies to support the deal just reeks of desperate scrambling to convince the regulator's. Didn't they learn last time by putting ads on trains and billboards before a decision was made to not draw this kind of attention to yourself?
I can almost speculate money will be passed around quietly under the table for companies to sing Microsoft's praises for them, and it'll probably look pretty 'sus.
As much as I care nothing for the loss of ABK outside of Spyro I find it amusing that Microsoft have just had a wake-up call that they can't always get their own way. And they've just shown how stroppy and petty they can get when they don't.
And another thing. Where is Phil Spencer? He's been eerily quiet lately. He's usually the first mouthpiece to start making noise when things like this happen.
Re: Soapbox: I No Longer Think Subscriptions Like PS Plus, Xbox Game Pass Are the Future of Gaming
@NEStalgia
Shu Yoshida has been on my mind a lot actually. I can see a day fast approaching towards his retirement. And when that day comes it's one more of the old guard still passionate about the brand and gaming in general at it's good old fashioned values we'll lose. He (to my knowledge) is working closely with indie developers now and less involved with bigger events at PlayStation.
He's done a lot of good over the years and I put him up there near the realm of the late Satoro Iwata. Absolutely miss that guy.
Re: Soapbox: I No Longer Think Subscriptions Like PS Plus, Xbox Game Pass Are the Future of Gaming
@NEStalgia
Yeah it was Kaz at the helm then before he retired. I didn't like Andrew House at first but seeing what's going on these days he'd be a step up from Jim Ryan. Andrew House took over right at the start of the PS4 and did it's introduction showcase.
Personally, the best CEO PlayStation ever had. Jack Tretton in my opinion.
When Gaikai was first talked about I hated the idea. Still do, but I do remember renting Resident Evil 5 on it for a month at 7.99. and that was just for that one individual game. I didn't have access to any others. And it was only streamed.
That wasn't on the PS3 though, that was on PS4. (When I did it I mean)
Re: Soapbox: I No Longer Think Subscriptions Like PS Plus, Xbox Game Pass Are the Future of Gaming
@NEStalgia
I didn't consider that 🤔. PS3's rocky years. I mean it picked up and became a success in the end narrowly beating the Xbox 360. But in its early years PSNow wasn't the same model as GamePass. If you think back it was individual renting of titles and streaming only at first. Poorly at that.
It only became a subscription model after GamePass became a thing. And gradually until it became what it is now.
If you remember, Sony were adamant for years that a subscription model wasn't a viable or sustainable solution.
Not to mention, I doubt it was Sony's plan to replace conventional gaming sales with a service. Rather a companion to it. I think MS however, are counting on it.
Re: Soapbox: I No Longer Think Subscriptions Like PS Plus, Xbox Game Pass Are the Future of Gaming
GamePass exists out of Microsoft's desperation, let's not kid ourselves otherwise. You all saw the initial idea of the Xbox One and that was the result of arrogance coming from success of the Xbox 360. Had that not backfired GamePass wouldn't exist. They're not the "friendly" pro-consumer company that some think they are hiding behind Phil's grin. And yesterday, threatening the UK for not getting their way not only shows their true colours, but they're desperation.
It's their last desperate attempt to stay in gaming. They can't compete with Sony in console sales, PlayStation has built a reputation for 29 years of first party IP's that gave them a name everybody knows.
If the Xbox One hasn't backfired do you honestly think GamePass would have been born?
It's eerie that Phil hasn't said anything about GamePass subscriber counts in, a year, I think? Since the 25-ish million number. And at the start of this gen he was boasting much more often. There were hints that the number had plateaued so in my mind it hasn't been the runaway success they thought it would.
And that's why ABK is so important to them. Without something huge like CoD that can bring in recurring players it's likely already reached its peak since not much else seems to be pulling in subscribers.
And yet, digital game sales, despite price increases remains as healthy as ever.
So while it will likely exist, it won't replace conventional methods, in my mind anyway.
But the elephant in the room. GamePass may appear to be good value to some NOW. But we're seeing publishers wanting their own revenue slice of that pie from the likes of EA, Ubisoft, and Sony. If other publishers end up creating their own services and choose to potentially ignore GamePass it won't grow. But the industry will become inflated with subscription services. And I doubt that will go well because who will want say, 10 gaming subscriptions recurring every month for 10£/$? I do think thay may end up reinforcing conventional methods due to the expense and time constraints of many into singular games throughout the year.
Maybe I'm being cynical, or overthinking it. But I doubt it will replace conventional gaming if multiple services are born out of Microsoft's attempt to stay relevant.
Re: Sony Estimates Record-Breaking 25 Million PS5 Shipments in the Coming Year
@Jey887
Absolutely. Sometimes I question my sanity of them and Microsoft stating that buying a publisher is great for the industry because it opens the door to even more gamers.
But all you're doing is excluding an entire platform that already had those games including yourself and every other platform. Who else is there to give it to? You've removed access not increased it.
Either I'm incredibly dumb and can't see their logic (sarcasm) or it's just a bs line to justify punishing other gamers for greed while getting your "team" to cheer for you. And essentially the slow death of player choice and gaming in general.
Once one entity eventually controls a majority, they'll all be sorry when they're held to ransom of "our way of the high way" because they cheered for it. And there's no other way to get those games.
And over the last 24 hours we've seen how stroppy Microsoft can be when they don't get their way. You think they'll be "pro-consumer" when they're in charge? Think again.
Re: Sony Estimates Record-Breaking 25 Million PS5 Shipments in the Coming Year
@Jey887
While I agree with your statement there to be fair the same thing gets said on PureXbox about "Microsoft should buy Sega, Square, Capcom, ABK" etc because it's "good for the industry".
Apparently timed exclusives (like FF) are totally evil but permanent from a purchase of a publisher is the greatest thing for the industry.
Re: 38.4 Million PS5 Systems Sold as Sony Records Its Best Q4 Results
After the stock shortages I actually thought demand for the console wouldn't be high. There are exclusive games, sure, but not many that are PS5 only. I'm surprised it's selling so fast.
Especially with what Xbox are doing. PS5 shortages might have impacted people towards the availability of Xbox because of GamePass. And I think Microsoft were really banking on much better growth this time with the Series S being a cheap affordable entry point but even that is not helping much now the stock shortages are over. I think, besides GamePass which has plateaued Microsoft were hoping the Series S would be their "ace in the hole" to finally close console sales gaps.
Just seems to me that Xbox are never going to go toe to toe with PlayStation sales numbers if that hasn't worked. It's just another runaway success for Sony. Just another day at the office.
And I don't believe the narrative of "Microsoft don't care about console sales". As of right now, it's their primary (not only) entry point to GamePass.
No wonder they're desperate for ABK. They can say it's about King all they want. Deep down most know that they seek to control CoD. Later down the line. Or they wouldn't be fighting this hard. Even going so far to throw a tantrum and threaten a country if it was just about mobile.
Re: Sony Patent Adds Weight to PS5 Redesign Rumours
@lindos
As much as I don't like the thought I think that's what they're slowly trying to do. Introduce a model with a detachable disc drive, so digital is it's "out of the box" means of buying games.
Phase out the disc SKU to streamline only needing to manufacture one version.
Hope the disc drive sales don't actually pick up and push people to digital distribution once and for all.
I might be cynical here and insinuating doom and gloom but I wouldn't put it past them if that's what they have in mind. They all want digital to be the main driving force of buying games for maximum profit, and they're still trying to nudge the last stubborn physical buyers left in that direction.
Re: Sony Patent Adds Weight to PS5 Redesign Rumours
@LightningF13
I burst out laughing when I read that!! 😂.
I'm personally in the camp that the PS5 is hideous and I'd love a slim model that does away with its collar that looks like it was designed for paragliding.
Got mine on launch day and my reaction taking it out of the box was "IT'S F**KING HUGE!!"