Xbox multi platform discussion

[Haven (Victor)]

@Voodoopeople

Sony certainly don’t get held to the same standard, but part of that is that they talk in public less. They change strategy without talking about it all the time. I like how chatty Xbox is but it is not without disbenefits.

In a year when they cancelled so many GAAS and had one so bad that they killed the studio, they also got GOTY. THAT is what will be remembered, rightly or wrongly. They have also abandoned PSVR completely, but not a whisper.

Sony are also slower to pivot when changing tack. They will eventually copy MS by releasing most stuff on PC and the gap to PC release will shorten. But they don’t NEED to pivot as quickly as MS did.

I do agree with most of what you say but I think how fast Sony pivots is going to be a business thing.

[Haven (Victor)]

@PowerDrift

…han playing traditional video games and so many people rather watch content on their phone to playing video games. While on the move in the modern era with 4 and 5G streaming sports and films are no longer an issue not like the old days when you might look at a handheld to use when on a journey. I never see people here even consider those trends Going forward too there is a big worry that kids won’t be interested in AAA blockbusters given they’re happy playing World Of Tanks Monolopy Go and not what one would class traditional style video games or how they’re much rather spend their time on Snapchat or Tik Tok to playing video games at all. What about that trend? To MS credit they got went out and bought Minecraft It still amazes me how many kids I see playing that on their phones/tablets

You have every right to feel the way you do. I do think though the reality is if this strategy doesn’t work they’ll abandon it in favor of one that does. They are a business at the end of the day and if the business doesn’t work or isn’t profitable, they’ll have to shut it down. I’m sure your sentiments as that of many that see the way you do are clearly known by Xbox. There is a lot of speculation and guesses on what the future is for Xbox or on what they may be working towards but as of now I think they’re still holding the cards close. They’ll probably have something like a direct in January where they’ll expound a bit more. For now, I think like someone says just enjoy your games on the platform of choice. Xbox is still here and kicking.

[Swanlee]

@Marduk

Sony and Nintendo have a clear vision unlike Microsoft who change their strategies constantly and even this current strategy they could change in few years. IMO the timing for this change wasn’t right because now they have many IPs and studios under their belt, they could have built a big user base for next gen.

You mean like Sony’s GAAS vision that they had to completely abandon after one of the worst received game launches of all time? Or that vision that caused them to close that developer plus several others in the last 18 months? How’s that VR vision working out for them?

Yea if that is a “clear” vision then I do not want MS copying that

[BadNews]

@Swanlee

You mean like Sony’s GAAS vision that they had to completely abandon after one of the worst received game launches of all time? Or that vision that caused them to close that developer plus several others in the last 18 months? How’s that VR vision working out for them?

Yea if that is a “clear” vision then I do not want MS copying that

At the end of the day Sony can afford missteps due to large console install base. On the other hand, Microsoft can’t afford missteps with their console due to being far behind in install base.

Even though a game like Concord flopped they can still take the hit due to having larger install base and collect mtx purchases from consumers. Plus, they’re also recover by being the go to place for gaccha games. So, if a gamer wants to play one of those games, then it’s mainly played on Playstation console when talking about console space.

I do agree that Sony is somewhat all over the place. Even though they struck gold with Helldivers 2. I don’t feel confident about their other GaaS. I think Sony in general priortizes console because they want to collect mtx purchases. However, they’re leaving a lot of money on the table with their staggered PC releases. I am still a firm believer the average consumer is not going to build a PC if PS games are day one on PC

[Doncabesa (Jesse Norris)]

@BadNews

…ng far behind in install base. Even though a game like Concord flopped they can still take the hit due to having larger install base and collect mtx purchases from consumers. Plus, they’re also recover by being the go to place for gaccha games. So, if a gamer wants to play one of those games, then it’s mainly played on Playstation console when talking about console space. I do agree that Sony is somewhat all over the place. Even though they struck gold with Helldivers 2. I don’t feel confident about their other GaaS. I think Sony in general priortizes console because they want to collect mtx purchases. However, they’re leaving a lot of money on the table with their staggered PC releases. I am still a firm believer the average consumer is not going to build a PC if PS games are day one on PC

Xbox’s margins are a lot better than PlayStation’s and they have a massive corporation that is making more money than God behind them. Sony is the one looking to cut costs and up their kept revenue far more than Xbox right now. Don’t get me wrong, they both want Nintendo’s margins but it’s not as clear cut as you think simply because of console sales numbers.

[Sydle]

@BadNews

…ng far behind in install base. Even though a game like Concord flopped they can still take the hit due to having larger install base and collect mtx purchases from consumers. Plus, they’re also recover by being the go to place for gaccha games. So, if a gamer wants to play one of those games, then it’s mainly played on Playstation console when talking about console space. I do agree that Sony is somewhat all over the place. Even though they struck gold with Helldivers 2. I don’t feel confident about their other GaaS. I think Sony in general priortizes console because they want to collect mtx purchases. However, they’re leaving a lot of money on the table with their staggered PC releases. I am still a firm believer the average consumer is not going to build a PC if PS games are day one on PC

Build a PC? Probably not.

But laptops and mobile phones are getting to the point where they’re good enough (and getting better) for casual play. Never mind that streaming will continue to improve.

As for Sony, the recent PS Portal update to allow streaming over the cloud without needing a PS5 is likely a precursor to Sony testing day one releases over the cloud. It might even mean you have to buy the game on their store to access streaming options (i.e. not in PS Premium). The writing is on the wall for proprietary game consoles and Sony knows it. They wouldn’t be pushing into PC development and cloud via PS Portal if they didn’t have an idea it was necessary.

[BadNews]

@Doncabesa

Xbox’s margins are a lot better than PlayStation’s and they have a massive corporation that is making more money than God behind them. Sony is the one looking to cut costs and up their kept revenue far more than Xbox right now. Don’t get me wrong, they both want Nintendo’s margins but it’s not as clear cut as you think simply because of console sales numbers.

Yeah, I don’t think people cheerleading for xbox goes away understands if xbox goes away so does Sony investing in first party. They can easily go the Apple route with xbox out of the picture. If we’re looking at stuff financially it wouldn’t make sense for Sony to heavily invest in first party studios if the return isn’t there. Business wise they could get the call to cut back on 1st part investment, and sit back to take 30% from purchases.

I think the way this industry is going it’s going to be hard to picture what next gen looks like . I think something has to give on both sides because high end console growth has plateaued and Sony is going to need more than Playstation install base to justify first party investments

[Doncabesa (Jesse Norris)]

@BadNews

Yeah, I don’t think people cheerleading for xbox goes away understands if xbox goes away so does Sony investing in first party. They can easily go the Apple route with xbox out of the picture. If we’re looking at stuff financially it wouldn’t make sense for Sony to heavily invest in first party studios if the return isn’t there. Business wise they could get the call to cut back on 1st part investment, and sit back to take 30% from purchases.

I think the way this industry is going it’s going to be hard to picture what next gen looks like . I think something has to give on both sides because high end console growth has plateaued and Sony is going to need more than Playstation install base to justify first party investments

I don’ think it’s too hard. Consoles are simply a part for Sony and Microsoft and not the main part. They need that hardware to keep their own stores, so it will not go away, but neither will rely on it like Nintendo does.

[Voodoopeople]

@Doncabesa

I don’ think it’s too hard. Consoles are simply a part for Sony and Microsoft and not the main part. They need that hardware to keep their own stores, so it will not go away, but neither will rely on it like Nintendo does.

Console remains a bigger part for Sony but even they realise they have to grow beyond console to meet increasing dev costs.

[SilentJay76]

@Sydle

@BadNews

I am still a firm believer the average consumer is not going to build a PC if PS games are day one on PC

Build a PC? Probably not.

But laptops and mobile phones are getting to the point where they’re good enough (and getting better) for casual play. Never mind that streaming will continue to improve.

You can just buy a regular pre-built PC. Doesn’t have to be a laptop. I think people building their own is about 30% of the market.

[BeyondFurther]

Honestly, Klobrille once again proves to me about his care towards the Xbox ecosystem compared to so called other xbox-centric folks, not the ones here, everyone here proved to care one way or another towards the userbase:

https://x.com/klobrille/status/1868716440691360135

Thought i would share mostly cause i think he is one of the few folks who shows actual concern to the current userbase compared to some others, who so far show less tact towards them and make statements that come across as rather mean spirited( Cough Tom Warren cough).

[peter42O]

I agree with Klobrille and understand his point of view because I felt the same months ago but at this point, I don’t believe that any of it matters anymore to Microsoft and by that, I mean Nadella, Hood and Stuart who simply want to make as much revenue and profit as possible.

It is what it is.

[Doncabesa (Jesse Norris)]

@BeyondFurther

Honestly, Klobrille once again proves to me about his care towards the Xbox ecosystem compared to so called other xbox-centric folks, not the ones here, everyone here proved to care one way or another towards the userbase:

https://x.com/klobrille/status/1868716440691360135

Thought i would share mostly cause i think he is one of the few folks who shows actual concern to the current userbase compared to some others, who so far show less tact towards them and make statements that come across as rather mean spirited( Cough Tom Warren cough).

The “current user base” isn’t the few hundred people you might know/see online. Most casual/normal users don’t follow this the way we do. People are tied to an old system that Xbox and PlayStation are both moving away from, it’s just taking time for that reality to settle in. You do not “lose” anything as long as Xbox keeps to their promise, continue to make hardware, and garner as much 3rd party support as possible.

[Searsy82]

So his take is: “Microsoft has the data and know what they are doing is the right move, and yea they are probably right and making the move early, but they should do it the way I want so I feel special.”

[BRiT]

@Searsy82

So his take is: “Microsoft has the data and know what they are doing is the right move, and yea they are probably right and making the move early, but they should do it the way I want so I feel special.”

One big aspect that was glossed over in the write up when comparing two platforms is costs. Namely missing the GamePass Eccosystem benefit: “one platform I can get 450+ games for the cost of 2 games a year and online, or I can pay $70 for each individual game and another $80 for online”

[BeyondFurther]

@Searsy82

So his take is: “Microsoft has the data and know what they are doing is the right move, and yea they are probably right and making the move early, but they should do it the way I want so I feel special.”

Klobrille is a gamer and doens’t undermine other people’s platforms, what he has said is mostly that Xbox is being to sudden about this strategy that can actually backfire if they don’t try to ease things, which with their constant mixed messaging and attidude has not really help alot.

My take on the matter. Also, in the case of third party support needs to be more effective, this year was rather bad in this regards thanks to third party exclsuives thanks to playstation’s recent outings.

[Sydle]

@peter42O

I agree with Klobrille and understand his point of view because I felt the same months ago but at this point, I don’t believe that any of it matters anymore to Microsoft and by that, I mean Nadella, Hood and Stuart who simply want to make as much revenue and profit as possible.

It is what it is.

When one of the most valuable companies in the world decided to promote Xbox to a main growth pillar, it should come as no surprise that with the immense amount of additional resources came the additional scrutiny and accountability for growth and profit.

The undisputable fact of the matter is that Xbox gamers are eating more than ever before, with greater accessibility across their devices than ever before, and all at a lower cost than any other platform thanks to day one Game Pass. It’s THE best deal in gaming without a close second. The only ones sour about the current situation are those involved in or tuned into list wars.

Edit: and if the rumors about the next Xbox device being a PC hybrid are true, with access to Steam and EGS, then the buffet is about to be absolutely ridiculous in size and quality.

[BRiT]

@BeyondFurther

Also, in the case of third party support needs to be more effective, this year was rather bad in this regards thanks to third party exclsuives

That is such an arguably false take. One only has to look at how many more titles Xbox is getting now than they ever have before to see Xbox support is growing and expanding.

[Doncabesa (Jesse Norris)]

@BeyondFurther

Klobrille is a gamer and doens’t undermine other people’s platforms, what he has said is mostly that Xbox is being to sudden about this strategy that can actually backfire if they don’t try to ease things, which with their constant mixed messaging and attidude has not really help alot.

My take on the matter. Also, in the case of third party support needs to be more effective, this year was rather bad in this regards thanks to third party exclsuives thanks to playstation’s recent outings.

They haven’t been sudden. The instant they went day and date on PC the transition started, the same is going on with PlayStation at a far slower pace. They’ve ported a small handful of games, where most of the issues come are how people keep pushing angry narratives that lead where this discussion goes.

They haven’t actually ported that much yet, they are taking it slowly but you hear Jez and others talking about how they think “everything will go” and that dominates the discourse in our space.

As far as 3rd party support goes, it has literally not been this good in well over a decade.

[Searsy82]

@BeyondFurther

Klobrille is a gamer and doens’t undermine other people’s platforms, what he has said is mostly that Xbox is being to sudden about this strategy that can actually backfire if they don’t try to ease things, which with their constant mixed messaging and attidude has not really help alot.

My take on the matter. Also, in the case of third party support needs to be more effective, this year was rather bad in this regards thanks to third party exclsuives thanks to playstation’s recent outings.

And I should trust a guy whose entire relevance is making free marketing materials and posting them on twitter over the company worth 3.35 trillion on business matters? Because he is a gamer?

The only concept that matters is “shareholder value”. That is the only duty any of these companies have and viewed through that lens they are all doing what benefits them.

Microsoft is looking to broaden the field and be the first across the finish line in the imminent new world.

Sony won the “console war” and has a huge console base. Their decisions are entirely based on protecting that for as long as they can while also recognizing that the game is changing and that they are going to have to as well.

Nintendo is the Disney of videogames, and their entire business is based on selling bespoke hardware and selling their disney-esque characters. That is their entire business, and they don’t do anything else. They have no fallbacks. And that is the main reason they are different.

None of these companies are making decisions to make you feel good. They are doing what they have to based on their business realities.