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Spencer Isn't Giving Up on Single Player Games, Wants To Find Models/Tools To Help Developers

Phil Spencer clarified his comments on single player games. He's not giving up on them, in fact, he wants to find models and tools to help developers with their business.

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Imp0ssibl32546d ago

I don't know, I'm kind of losing faith in this guy. I hope he can prove me wrong at E3

TheCommentator2546d ago

He lived up to his Scorpio promises and he says MS is focused on games now too. I also hope he can restore your faith with the E3 presentation.

Honestly though, wasn't Phil the head of talent aquisition for developers with Sony before coming to MS? If there's anything Phil should excel at, it should be games.

Godmars2902546d ago

How has he lived up to promises about something yet to be released? It needs time to prove itself, and its had none.

TheCommentator2546d ago

Godmars... Forza 6 is running PC Ultra+, on unfinalized dev kits, and it isn't even maxed out yet.

Phil promised a true 4K machine, and it is. Even 3rd parties are having no problems getting their games running in 4K on Scorpio. What Scorpio promises did Phil make that need more time to be proven?

ninsigma2546d ago

@Commentator
I get what you mean, honestly, what they've revealed about the scorpio actually surprised me in a positive way. Really impressed with what they said, but I do agree with Godmars in the sense that I tend to go for a wait and see and verify when it actually comes out. Good stuff so far though on Scorpio front.

As for Spencer, he started at MS as an intern and made his way up. I think the role you're talking about was with MS because he was head of MS studios during 360 era.

XabiDaChosenOne2546d ago

@thecommentator Forza 6 already runs at 1080p 60fps on a console that struggles with 1080p and on top of that its a racing game. Its not a demanding title. Why didn't they choose to show case a game like Forza Horizon 3, a more demanding racer running on unfinalized dev kits?

TheCommentator2546d ago

Correction: It was Phil Harrison who worked for Sony.

Goldby2546d ago

@thecommentator

it was the Forza 6 tech demo that ran at 4k 60fps with a 60% work load, not the full game. there is a difference.

Its impressive none the less, just make sure you are using correct information

TheCommentator2546d ago

Lol at the correction disagrees... are you people really that daft? Phil Harrison was the Executive Vice President of SCEE before working for MS. Sorry I got the two of them confused, but it was several years ago for crying out loud. I looked it up when Ninsigma pointed out that I'd made the mistake, so the least you guys could do is educate yourselves too.

Kingthrash3602546d ago

What "tools"? a way to implement micro transactions more in sp games...
Great! This will boost the experience!!

morganfell2546d ago (Edited 2546d ago )

"Godmars... Forza 6 is running PC Ultra+, on unfinalized dev kits, and it isn't even maxed out yet. "

Every piece of hardware announced wowed at first. Then once people started to go uncontrolled hands on expectations dropped.

You can't game a piece of hardware. You game...games. You can have the fastest ferrari in the world but with no track and no wheels it doesn't do any good sitting in the garage. You can bring your friends over and show it to them if it makes you feel good.

At the end of the day any console is only as good as the games you need that console in order to play.

nX2546d ago

Isn't the Scorpios GPU equivalent to a RX480 with lower clock speed? If so I'd be careful with calling this a "true 4k machine", for most games you'll get 4k only at 30fps or medium settings.

Mr Pumblechook2546d ago

Phil Spencer is the man who jumped after the goldrush of multiplayer only titles - HE greenlit Fable IV and Sea of Thieves. IF he is only realising the importance of single player games now then it demonstrates a lack of foresight and he is not able to understand gamers and their needs properly and he is slow to reacting to their needs.

At the moment there are very few Xbox exclusives announced for 2017. If Spencer gets on the E3 stage and there are not any near-ready exclusives then this will be problematic for Xbox. he However if reveals a host of new exclusives then it disproves this story. I'm looking forward to E3 and hoping for the best.

Godmars2902546d ago

@TheCommentator:

Considering the example of Kinect, which had plenty of pre-release hype and demonstrations, I really don't get why MS fans give them so much leeway.

Obscure_Observer2545d ago

@XabiDaChosenOne

"Forza 6 already runs at 1080p 60fps on a console that struggles with 1080p and on top of that its a racing game. Its not a demanding title."

Racing is not a demanding game, hu?

Since GT Sports is racing game lacking so many features present in Forza 6. I´m dying to see what you guys gonna come up with as escuse in case this GT can´t hit flawless 1080p/60fps on the base PS4.

Obscure_Observer2545d ago

@morganfell

Haven´t you heard the news?

So far every game which supports Scorpio are true native 4K. That means the superior multiplats will be on the Scorpio despise all the naysayers claiming that the Scorpio will not be the leading platform.

Flash new: It is!

morganfell2545d ago

@Obscure_Observer,

Haven't you head? MY PC right now will outrun Scorpio. If all you are considering is the way a game looks, and by your post that seems to be the case, the superior version will always be on PC as Scorpio has no exclusives and cannot match the PC in terms of quality. There are already games approaching the 8K mark -
why haven't you purchased a PC? The way the game looks, the ability to mod how it plays, the ability to add mods that alter the entire game, extend the game - that is the PC and it will always have the superior version when all you care about is looks. There really is no reason to buy a Scorpio and that is a bitter bitter fact with which you must deal.

Games matter. Exclusive games matter most. The original Xbox was more powerful than the PS2. How did that work out? The 360 had better looking multiplats early on last gen and launched ahead of the PS3. But from the day it launched, the PS3 outsold the 360 worldwide. Why?

Games matter. You play games, not hardware. Notice all that MS is talking about is hardware. That should be a red flag to everyone. Sony talks about games and hardware. See the difference? I love multiplatform titles too but if all I cared about were the best looking multiplat titles then I would only own a PC. But I care about the best playing games and I own platforms specifically for exclusivity. I have 2 X1s Master Chief bundles in my house because I can only play the MCC on the Xbox1. See how exclusives work? I own a few other Xbox titles as well and could play them on the X1 but instead game them on PC. See how that works?

I hate to break it to you but your celebration will be short lived. I am not a PC purist. MS has not stepped on PC purists toes in a big way. That is coming and they will have a field day ripping into Scorpio. Doesn't matter to me but from your remarks it matters to you.

But the bigger blow will come as the breadth of Sony exclusives leaves people like you wondering how the PS4 continues to outpace the competition. Simple really, its the games. Days Gone, God of War, Detroit, TLOU 2 and on and on and on.

+ Show (13) more repliesLast reply 2545d ago
S2Killinit2546d ago

another Spencer said article...

NewMonday2546d ago

about time gamers started to see through him, Spencer got old for me over a year ago.

Silly gameAr2546d ago

Have to build up his legend so when E3 comes around he'll look like a hero to the xbox faithful.

Aenea2546d ago

I thought this was more of a "what Spencer really meant..." article!

Chexs19902545d ago

I know, they're getting tiresome -_-
Everything Spencer related always sound DJ spin it :P

XanderZane2545d ago

Tell that to "wccftech.com". They are the ones producing a lot of these articles. Complain to them about it.

S2Killinit2545d ago (Edited 2545d ago )

there is so much lip service on the xbox side that it insults your intelligence.

Mr. Spencer, please do it, don't TALK about it.

Obscure_Observer2545d ago

@NewMonday

Like Cerny did to you with the PS4Pro? I remember how excited you where back on the NEO days, wish on Sony exclusives to run at 1080p with locked 60fps. How things turn up to you mate?

No so great i guess. Tough times.

Angel9112545d ago

Spencer articles are always on top coz moment there is a news related to him ponies jump to bash him.. If you don't trust him then why give so much attention to his articles..Just let article die..

S2Killinit2545d ago

I dont see myself as separate and not involved with xbox, it matters to me which direction Microsoft takes the gaming community. So its natural that it annoys me when all he does is PR. Are you not tired of all the talk instead of letting games speak for themselves like the old days?

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 2545d ago
-Foxtrot2546d ago

All talk no action

Only thing he's delivered on is making the Xbox One more online focused with friendly PC compatibility...which seems like what they are going for in general

Obscure_Observer2545d ago (Edited 2545d ago )

@-Foxtrot

You forget the Scorpio. The one you claim to be next gen so you can say "no fair" when comparissions with the Pro start to pop up. ;)

Xbox One S is also Spencer´s child. VR/AR. Backwards Compatibility. Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft Refunds policy. Just to name a few.

Only a fool would take your opnion about this guy sirously you never give this guy credit for anything. You hate this guy so much for unknow reasons since the beggining. I never ever had witnessed so much hate for a person in all my gamming life!

Beyond sad and pathetic!

UCForce2545d ago

@Obscure-Observer Don't be so ridiculous ! Microsoft don't understand how to make good SP games. Way too much rely on third party SP games. I guess MS don't care about SP anymore. @Foxtrot dislike Phil Spencer because Phil talk too much. Talk with your community is good thing, but there are time you need more than talking.

GTgamer2546d ago

This Gen has atleast 3-4 years left games take a long time to create soooooo I wouldn't get my hopes up especially if he's starting now so far into this Gen.

-Foxtrot2546d ago

He's been saying this since the start...you know when people thought he was the messiah

Godmars2902545d ago

At this point/rate, if its not already true, console titles will only have two phases of development: those that are announced with it, and those that devs have just begun to understand the system. A third phase, devs comfortable with hardware, exploiting and being creative with it, will longer exist.

XanderZane2545d ago

Scorpio will probably be around for at least 5+ years, even after the Scorpio 2 is released. There is still lots of time for great games to be developed. I'm pretty sure they were developing 1st party games before the Scorpio was even announced at last years E3.

Omnislashver362545d ago (Edited 2545d ago )

Good point... Even if Scorpio is a beast they still have to produce games which takes time. By time they release anything PS5 will be here...

The decisive blow will be PS5 releasing with backwards compatibility and 4K support for PS4 games... Scorpio will have it's third party games but PS5 will have even MORE.

They've done screwed it up. The cancellation of Fable and Scalebound is very telling... They can be INTERESTED in games all they want. But releasing them? Especially single player? I'll believe it when I see it.

Scorpio's life support is third party games. It will be too little too late if and when MS releases a 1st party single player game.

In the meantime:
-In Final Fantasy VII Remake
-The Last of Us Part II
-Spiderman
-Shenmue III
-Death Stranding
-God of War IV
-Detroit

And those are just single player(main) 1st/2nd parties...

rainslacker2545d ago

Remember before launch, at E3, when MS said they had 1/2 billion dollars in games for the X1.

I'm curious where those games are, and when they're coming out. It's about that time if they were in development before this gen started. As of right now, I'm not even sure CD3 will be finished for this year.

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_-EDMIX-_2546d ago

Well you have to understand he could only do as much as Microsoft let's him, i think a lot of us need to consider that his hands are tied and it's not one hundred percent up to him.

gangsta_red2546d ago

Says who? You have inside knowledge of this?

XabiDaChosenOne2546d ago (Edited 2546d ago )

@gangsta_red Are you over the age of 16? Do you not understand how management works?!

gangsta_red2546d ago

@xabi

Being the head of a whole division in charge of millions, traveling abroad and making decisions that effect staff in the thousands plus, is a lot different than being the manager at the local Stop n' Shop.

Now if you have a better understanding on how Phils business works and actually provide proof that Phil's hands are tied along with what he's actually not allowed to do with the xbox division then I could take these comments a little more seriously.

If not then I'll just consider it more behind the keyboard "CEO Simulator 2.0" big talk.

_-EDMIX-_2545d ago

@Gred- you think he can turn Xbox into a ice cream shop or?

MS hires him, not the other way around.

gangsta_red2545d ago

Hires him to run the Xbox division with competence and with the expectation of providing a profit.

Or do you think Satya Nadella and the board of trustees start their morning wondering what single player games Phil is making for Xbox?

Now can you or Xabi actually tell us how Phil's hands are tied in relation to what? Since you two seem to be so well verse with how multi million dollar world wide corporations and their sub divisions work. Please enlighten us commom n4g folk.

_-EDMIX-_2545d ago

Yes they hired him with limitations in specific stipulations, they did not hire him with full immunity to essentially do whatever he wants , that might be the stupidest thing I've ever heard somebody even suggest any big company would ever do.

Some know he cannot turn the Xbox division Into My Little Pony.

I'm sorry but you're just too poorly educated, I mean you lack even the most basic knowledge and logic regarding this situation.

I mean using your slow logic he would be able to turn the Xbox division into SeaWorld 😂😂😂

It's not only idiotic it's almost comical how desperate you are to make this sound as if he has that type of power.

No.

That's not how any of this works

He is likely only doing what he is allocated to do and what Microsoft is allowing him to do.

gangsta_red2545d ago

@Emix

Simple question(s) mix 'ol buddy...

Exactly what is it that MS isn't allowing him to do? Do you have any examples of where Phil's hands (while in charge) were tied and where he couldn't make a decision on what he wanted for Xbox?

Instead of being a complete moron and deflecting the issue with the most absurd answers like "ice cream shops" or 'my little pony" how about in your infinite wisdom of business you answer the question.

I mean you seriously just wrote a whole lot of nothing that explained jack shit.

Give some examples of what Microsoft isn't allowing Phil to do? Where are his hands tied with the knowledge of direction that Phil has already stated where he wants to take Xbox?

Please, do it for me the uneducated, with my slow logic that thinks that Phil is actually trying to turn Xbox into a Foster Freeze.

Also when you answer can you use some more emoji's...nothing gets a mature point across like the over use of the same emoji a bunch of times.

_-EDMIX-_2545d ago (Edited 2545d ago )

@Gred- didn't read, don't care.

You just don't know enough about the structure of business. Doesn't matter, it would be like wasting time trying to explain physics to a child. No company is going to be hiring somebody with full immunity to basically do whatever they feel like it, he could not turn the Xbox division into some sort of cotton candy factory

That is not how any of this works.... I mean it's sad enough any human being even needs to explain this to you. How old are you for real? 🤔

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/...

Read
Learn child...

rainslacker2545d ago

I think Phil has some influence on the direction of the XBox, as well as leeway to make daily operating decisions, and likely the ability to make operational changes where needed. I also believe he is given some control over how the money he is allocated is spent.

However, I also believe that he has to operate within guidelines set forth by MS, and that he is tasked with achieving certain kinds of goals that MS as a corporation hopes to achieve with the brand.

For and example....just to illustrate my point.

MS decrees that the Xbox brand has to be brought into the Windows ecosystem fold in a way that makes the platform more relevant to MS overall goal of making Windows into what they want it to become.

Phil, at this point puts together his plan to do so, which involves things like cross play, play anywhere, and likely working with the Windows 10 team to integrate the OS more into the game console itself.

For another example

MS may not have had any desire as a corporation to push out the Scorpio.....because honestly, what MS is doing is an extremely risky move with no real gain on the end results for what they may have dictated in bringing Xbox more into the Windows fold. In fact, Scorpio as a whole is completely unnecessary for this end....but I digress.

But, because Phil has some discretion, and certainly has influence, he put together a plan to bring Scorpio to market, and in doing so, made a system that he was able to convince the powers that be at MS to greenlight the huge R&D expenditure which would be required...because Phil certainly wouldn't have been given enough leeway to push out a mid-gen upgrade on his own.

Not saying any of the above scenarios are true, or that's how it all played out. I'm just merely using them as examples on the extent of what he can and can not do. They are certainly not all encompassing, nor can any of us actually know the full extent of what he is allowed to do and not do.

But I feel both you and gangsta seem to be taking the extreme side of the topic, as opposed to just meeting in the middle and saying, he has "power", but it's not unfettered access to control everything.

trooper_2545d ago (Edited 2545d ago )

Lol @ gangsta_red.

You need to learn Business101. He had people above him. He has to get approval for decisions being made.

gangsta_red2545d ago

@mix

So basically as usual, you're just talking out your ass. You have no idea what are his limits and what aren't.

Especially related to the topic, which is why I asked. His hands are tied in relation to WHAT?

But as usual you have no clue yet pretend to know "the business" better than anyone here.

At least Rainslacker attempted to save you by at least giving some logical examples of ways MS might have set up goals that Phil must have when running the Xbox division.

Integrating Win 10 in a Xbox eco system sounds like a bigger picture MS may have given Phil to do. But MS requiring Phil to only make mp games or something similar in regards to this article, hardly.

Props to Rainslacker, even tho we have had some *discussions* in the past at least he can read and understand the point and crazy as it sounds....actually make one.

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 2545d ago
Tussin1872546d ago (Edited 2546d ago )

I just read the first interview. Now I see why he's trying to clear things up. I'm sorry but this is why Playstation is on top because of it's​ variety in games.

He actually tried to downplay the success of Horizon in a subtle way and that's fine because he's trying to push MS agenda.

In my eyes, Horizon was a complete success and I'm glad Sony actually has the balls to let their studios do something different.

What Phil is talking about is going to happen naturally as it already is. No need to force but let it happen on its own. I love single player games and I hope they don't go away anytime soon. I didn't mention Zelda.

Shouldn't​ have to clarify something if you said it right the first time. Glad you guys are focusing and investing more in first party.............again???

I could of swore that's what you guys have been saying this whole gen. I know in this day and age people's attention span is really short. But I do remember this same pledge at the beginning of this generation. Can't put my foot on it but something with the word billion in it.

Oh yeah, you were investing over a billion dollars in games. Remember that? Yes, we all do or at least some of us. The difference is Sony didn't have to tell us some numbers but showed us with games 1st, 2nd, and 3rd party.

That's the difference. I'm not saying you don't have any good games because you do. You have some excellent games. All I'm saying, less talking more showing.

E3 is going to be great and I hope to see you drop some bombs. I also read an article about a mixed reality headset that Acer is working on and it sounds great. E3 showing? It's like VR and halolens mixed together. Sounded pretty sweet.

I'm really excited for the Scorpio reveal but I'm more excited to see some new IPs from MS. Please don't disappoint.

rainslacker2545d ago (Edited 2545d ago )

What I found rather ironic about that comment about Horizon and BOTW not being as impactful anymore was that MS had to go to the competition to actually find some big games to actually cite, instead of bringing in some of the Xbox top tier games. I mean, why couldn't Spencer say that games like Halo or Gears or Quantum break, or whatever don't have the impact they used to? Why bring up two very popular and successful games on the competitors console?

The "pledge" you mention was that they had 1/2 billion invested in current game development. I've yet to see 1/2 billion in output from them since the announcement.

Mystogan2546d ago

why are you losing faith? from this year on and beyond, It's 100% phil games.

Remember games take 2-3 years to develop.AAA new IP's maybe much longer.

And he's only been in charge for 3 years.

tyasia02546d ago (Edited 2546d ago )

Only in charge 3 years... wow, you XBoners will settle for nothing and be happy about it. Xbox has been in business for 17 years, they should have had things in the works non-stop like Sony. It's not like Xbox started when Phil was put in charge.

Well good news everyone if he starts now in 2020 we'll have some games... yay...

ninsigma2546d ago (Edited 2546d ago )

He was head of Xbox games division during 360 so he should have been doing this since before this gen.

Edit: fixed auto.

rainslacker2545d ago (Edited 2545d ago )

Remember when I said it'd be years before we saw Cloud tech to actually bring out a game that shows its worth. 3-4 years as I recall. Remember when I said that after that first showcase, it'd take 2-3 more years at least for it to start showing up in other games....assuming it was successful? Remember when I said that cloud tech the way MS was talking about it was going to be completely irrelevant to this generation?

I remember.

I also remember how many Xbox fans acted like I was some hater, and that somehow cloud tech would be relevant this gen. I remember how they pinned so many hopes and dreams on 3X the power.

So, when you say it takes 2-3 years for games to get made, are you saying that at this point, by the time Phils efforts start to bear fruit, that this generation will be over, and that for the most part, MS phoned in this gen, and it took extreme measures to actually get some games? because honestly, if it took getting Phil in there for games to start coming in now, then MS had very little intention to provide games at the start of this gen. I also don't think we're going to see a huge influx of games at E3, and even if Phil has allocated money to game development since he took over, it's still going to take years before we start seeing those games.

At what point do people lose patiance? I don't care when Phil took over. People brought their console over the past three years. People want support. It's not on us to simply wait it out and give Phil time, when MS as a whole should have had the mindset of providing constant, and increasing output from the start. That is exactly what people are complaining about when they say MS has no games. They just look like they have/had no intention of ever doing so in a way that is anywhere close to the competition.

The fact that SoT and CD3 are being hyped to some top tier AAA epic masterpiece level by the MS fans with nothing else to even fall back on is just sad....and I imagine there are quite a few Xbox fans who if they really analyzed what they're getting, would actually feel like what they have to look forward to is utterly pathetic. Even if you're into the games themselves, they're mid-tier titles at best. These are the kind of supplemental games we get on PS, which are more footnotes of excitement to fill out the times between the AAA top tier games which go on to win GOTY awards, and receive raving critical acclaim.

MS job is to support it's customers. It's not our job to give MS the time to support us. It's not our job to support MS efforts to fix their screw ups and lack of incentive to actually provide games.

trooper_2545d ago

Take 2-3 years? Things should have been shown/talked about from the get go.

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vegasgamerdawg2546d ago (Edited 2546d ago )

Phill took over Xbox (Not MS) in 2014? Last I checked it takes years to build games. FanBOY's are time traveling now or just being impatient? Xbox was a mess when he took over. IMO...you wont see his vision until Scorpio is released. Reality sucks on N4G, we just whine and dine on our own ignorance.

2546d ago
IamTylerDurden12546d ago (Edited 2546d ago )

Just find talented developers and let them make the games they want, pretty simple. I think sometimes publishers dictate too much and negatively influence the create process. I don't think it's a good strategy to shoehorn devs into making only mp focused games, or only Kinect games, or free 2 plays bc you have great data showing the massive profit potential.

A major game development process is a long and harrowing journey that typically takes three or more years and potentially hundreds of ppl. If it is not a legitimate passion project for the developer and if they are being told what to make and how to make it, results likely will not be great.

I honestly think Microsoft approaches the xbox division in too similar a manner as they do the rest of the company, using data and allowing profit potential and numbers to blind them. Video games are art, this is a different type of software and it involves far more than what numbers and measurements can show you. Creative ppl need room to create, and they need to be one thousand percent passionate about a project in order to get the best result. We all saw what happened to Rare and Lionhead when they were forced to take on bad project after bad project. Luckily Rare survived, but unfortunately Lionhead did not, i'd like to think Microsoft learned something from those experiences but time will tell. Just focus on finding talented developers and allowing them to make games they are passionate about, and worry less about filling quotas and pushing a specific model or genre. If quality games are continually pumped out profit will take care of itself.

GamingIVfun2545d ago (Edited 2545d ago )

I disagree, there are many single player experiences, huge AAA experiences to play, granted some have tacked on multiplayer but for most, they are buying and playing the games for it's single player content. there is a huge audience for single player games on console and gaming PC's. What makes it seem like like multiplayer service type games is the majority is people playing games on smart phones and tablets, where most of the games are free to play with pay to play options. I think the single player to multiplayer ratio is pretty much equal on consoles, with most liking both.

The thing is Microsoft have been trying for several years to move everything to a service oriented business, including gaming, to create a constant stream of cash. Are enthusiast gamers moving to mostly service type games, No. Are casual gamers moving to mostly service type games, Yes, because service type games fit that type of audience pretty well.

There is no shortage of big single player experiences and I don't see there being a shortage in the future, if they weren't making big profits there would not be so many available and so many being made.

Jakens2545d ago

I'm a casual gamer "moving to mostly service type games" but also buy many sp on Xbox.

rainslacker2545d ago (Edited 2545d ago )

Phil's comment wasn't really about SP experience going away. He was talking purely from the standpoint of what was required to push a service base model. He said that SP AAA top tier experiences don't have the impact they used to have within this context, which IMO, is why he needs to clarify what he said now.

Anyhow, he is also at fault, because he extrapolated what it is he wanted to achieve with a "netflix of gaming" to be relevant to the entire gaming market. If he hadn't done that, or simply didn't even mention that AAA top tier titles all, then what he said wouldn't have been quite as controversial. I feel the misunderstanding that came from it is on him though, because of the way he framed his comment, because even if you understand the context of what he was saying in terms of a netflix style service, he obviously was also downplaying the importance of the tradtional market as if the netflix style service was more important to MS future than the traditional gaming market model.

I actually do agree with him, that for a netflix style service, the AAA top tier model is less profitable, and honestly, probably a loss in revenue, and won't have the long standing potential to keep players engaged. My problem with what he said though was that it seemed like that he was implying that MS was looking to go the netflix model as a primary way to deliver content. Because of this, it means their focus on the traditional market would wane in favor of the more profitable, and less risky, subscription model, which means their overall game output for AAA top tier titles would suffer....and right now, if it suffers anymore, they'll actually have to retroactively recall prior game releases because they'll be in the negative.

Gman322545d ago

Just because you didn't understand what he was trya say about single player games i think hes right about xbox game pass being a good way to try out newer smaller single player games

Saijahn2545d ago

He turned around Xbox One almost singlehandedly. Sought the union of PC and Console, done..promised the most powerful console ever, so far so good. Now focused on what matters, games. His track record shows he's a man of his word.

+ Show (10) more repliesLast reply 2545d ago
UCForce2546d ago

Then you have to prove it.

2546d ago
Obscure_Observer2545d ago

@UCForce

He got nothing to prove to fanboys and haters. Wake Up!

UCForce2545d ago

No, less talk, more action. Here the quote saying : "Silence is Golden". You are the one who need to wake up. Don't try to spin it ! Action is way more effective than talking. I remember how many years that Sony surprised us in every E3. Because Sony don't need to talk, they take action. So yeah, Phil need to take action rather than talking. And @Angel911 If you think I'm Xbox hater, think again, buddy. I don't mock or neither insult at my competitors. So both of you are need to see the bigger picture. I say it again Silence is Golden and Action is more effective than talking.

Angel9112545d ago

No need to prove anything to Xbox hater like you

2546d ago Replies(5)
SilverDemon2546d ago

saying one thing and doing it is another
look at the games xbox is focusing on. halo,forza,gears,sea of thieves,gigantic and crackdown3
all multiplayer focused
on the other hand we see SP games getting cancelled (scalebound,phantomdust remake) and singeplayer focused games studio like lion head turn to focus on multiplayer (fable legend)and got closed

Bigpappy2546d ago

Recore, Dead rising, sunset Overdrive, Quantum Break at all single player games he supported. Scale bound was to have multi player.
False outrage. He is just being honest about where the bulk of the money is being made. Not saying that Single player is not needed.

UCForce2546d ago

But those SP games which Phil didn't invest enough.

DragonDDark2546d ago

Funny thing is, none of those are 1st party...

ThatGuyDart2546d ago

Literally all of those are third party. Where is the first party SP support? Why close down Lionhead instead of starting from scratch and have them develop a proper Fable 4?

PlayableGamez-2546d ago

DragonDDark
You are half right.
DR and Sunset aren't first party, ReCore and QB are MS games.

SilverDemon2546d ago (Edited 2546d ago )

recore is a 3rd party game that had a very small budget(which shows how much faith MS have for SP games)

dead rising is capcom game (DR1,2 and soon 4 are available on ps4)multiplats
SSOD is owned by insomniac so if a sequal is to be made it most likely will be multiplats(again. not MS title)

quantimbreak is what left of the "tv,tv,tv,tv" direction that xbox was taking(can be clearly seen by how much cutscenes in the game)

MS had only 1 SP IP which was fable, now they dont have ANY (RPGs is my favorite genre and its sad and stupid how Xbox STILL haven't gave us a single exclusive RPG this gen)

gangsta_red2546d ago

Who cares if its first or third?

Seriously, its the most inane arguement.

yomfweeee2546d ago

4 third party games, all which sucked except SO. Good argument.

ziggurcat2545d ago

@playable: they're still not 1st party titles. 1st party titles are games that are made by studios that MS owns. MS doesn't own the studios behind QB or recore.

GamingIVfun2545d ago (Edited 2545d ago )

Recore needed much more work before they released it and it is still unfinished many months after it's release, Dead Rising 4, big disappointment, Quantum break pretty good but a technical let down. Sunset Overdrive, second worst Insomniac game made. Three of those are not first party developed games, they are only published by Microsoft and the other is a half baked game(Recore), which if given the proper support and development time could have been a really great game but as is it is just a game with promise that was miss managed and released to soon. Phill has been with Microsoft Xbox division since the Xbox 360 and even so should have had many games being worked on before he became the head of the Xbox Division. The xbox division is doing worse than when Don Matrix was head of it, much worse.

Angel9112545d ago

@ThatGuyDart1

Exclusive is exclusive first or 3rd party doesn't mean any thing..

Nioh and Yakuza are 3rd party not Sony first party, that means both are not exclusive?

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 2545d ago
gangsta_red2546d ago

Scalebound had 4 player co op, Phantom Dust also had a heavy mp component.

Gears, Halo and Forza all have sp gameplay or stories to play through.

Exactly what is wrong with sp games with added mp gameplay?

If anything MS should be applauded for providing both and getting the most out of a gamers 60 bux.

You have Sony, Nintendo and MS charging to use their network, the least each of these companies should do is provide games that justify paying to play online.

On another note I do find it hilarious how out of shape people get for mp only games at full price but have no problems with sp only games at full price.

Kaneki-Ken2546d ago

PS4 Horizon have a long great single player story which is why there no problem paying at full price.

SilverDemon2546d ago

1- scalebound had co-op but its wasnt a main part of the game.
2- those game do have singleplayer but are undeniably MP focused games and that were most of the budget went (with all those microtransaction)
3- xbox exclusive line up this year is lackluster to say the least but you call out sony for charging for psn?at least on ps4 you can play nioh(co-op and soon pvp) drawn to death(free w/ ps+) nier:automata(has online elements similer to nioh's). now tell me, what games did MS release this year to justfiy paying for xboxlive?(especially that pc gamers play of the SAME network for FREE).....and nintendo dont charge for online yet

4- out of shape? I call it "we want for our game to have value". I can go back and play my ps1/ps2 games you wont be able to go and play an old online only game. I mean, can you play a game like umberella corps(with no community) what will happen when EA shuts down battlefront's servers (can you play the game?) what about ffxi for ps2?

gangsta_red2546d ago

@silverdemon

1. And you know this specifically how? It was a part of the game, 4 player co op with a dragon, how can it not be a focus?

2. Again, how do you know this? And what difference does it make? And microtransactions? Sorry, really dont understand the point you're trying to make especially when the design of the sp is just as good as the mp.

3. I called out all three, and the point being is that all three should be providing games with a mp component not just a sp, one and done. And the fact that some gamers here are actually complaining about no sp only games even tho games the op mentioned do have sp gameplay.

4. The thing about mp games is all about how big the community is. Even now the recent CoD 360 game for bc Black Ops(?) is still going, most mp only games that have had their servers shut down mainly due to an decrease in players online.

But you honestly dont think a person who spent 100+ hours didnt get enough "bang for his buck" for an online only game?

guyman2546d ago

LMAO did you Just use scalebound to support your argument.. what a fail

gangsta_red2546d ago

Its not enough to read, you also have to learn context.

Shadyceaser2545d ago (Edited 2545d ago )

Somebody said they need to justify there online services... (i cant be botherd going back through the comments) Man you have got to be kidding ... I have not bought a game since forza 6 ... No need too .. As they give them to me every month ... Between... PSN ,Xbox live and ea access's there is no need to unless you really want something particular.

_-EDMIX-_2545d ago

@Gred- smh, no one cares.

If YOU want online games, fine, go play Ubisoft games and go nuts.

Gaming has many genres.

Stop arguing about subjective preference.

MS failed this gen bud, get over it. I mean, they failed so bad your using a cancellation as an example.

gangsta_red2545d ago

@emix

"- smh, no one cares"

You seem to care enough to keep coming back and replying to me. And not the usual 12 paragraphs of complete off topic nonsense which tells me you have no real answer that really matters to this topic.

"Stop arguing about subjective preference."

Lmao! Says this guy who is nothing but a subjective arguement.

"I mean, they failed so bad your using a cancellation as an example."

Does no one read the whole conversations?? Are you seriously this blind or sad, or a combo of both, blad?

Silverdemon is the one who said Scalebound and PD were sp games. He's the one who first brought it up as an examole of MS cancelling sp focused games. It's a shame that i even have explain this.

modelgod2545d ago

I would agree, but we we're playing SP games since Atari and the best games ever made are SP. I love MS to death bUT I think they underestimated SP games aND I would bet my life that they thought that EVERY game should be MP, or have a MP component. Although Sony has a much bigger SP library, there are a few games from the original Xbox, and 360 that they can make sequels to. KOTOR have birth to the Mass Effect game play and a sequel is much needed. MS saving grace will be if developers fall in love with the power of the Scorpio, and want to do more wit MS. Honestly. .... I didn't even purchase gears 4, Halo 6, OR forza motorsport 6. I'm tired of MP games, I'm playing older games on my 360 right now. Ill throw in a few hours here n there to play Smite, Neverwinter, and the Rare collection, but other than that. ......just waiting on Sea of Thieves and I'll grab scream ride just because I love to play hard games.

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 2545d ago
SilverDemon2546d ago (Edited 2546d ago )

3rd party=the 3rd part devs want to make it and they approached xbox to publish it after making a build to convince MS to publish it
1st party=xbox division wants to make it from the get go

it shows what xbox want

just like how bayonetta2 doesnt reflect Nintendo's vision of the games they want to make because they didnt make it

modelgod2545d ago

When dId Phantom Dust remake bet canceled? This is bullshit! !! WTF??

SilverDemon2545d ago

When the studio that wad working on it went under so MS decided to give us a remastered version instead

trooper_2545d ago

@Angel

Sony has more first party than third party games so yea, your argument still falls flat.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 2545d ago
XiNatsuDragnel2546d ago

Prove it or you will be questioned even though I like the guy.

Show all comments (262)
390°

Former Blizzard President Suggests Players Should Have Option to Tip Developers

Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra recently suggested an interesting concept that has sparked a debate among gamers - the idea of being able to tip developers after completing a game.

LG_Fox_Brazil5d ago

If I had a 100% way to be sure that this money would go to a fund or a reserve dedicated only to the guys who develop the games, be them designers, artists, programmers and so on, I could think about it.

But we all know that this 'tip' would only end up in a publisher's CEO pocket to buy a new yacht, so, no, I ain't tipping anyone anytime soon on this industry

neutralgamer19924d ago

Exactly these companies were raising money for good causes and gamers were donation and come to find out they are keeping a good chunk of be pie

PapaBop3d ago

Yeah tip your developer, 5% proceeds go to developer, 95% to the publisher or whoever. Isn't tipping for staff not making minimum wage? How about they just pay their developers properly and like you know, give them fair bonuses? Too much to ask from Blizzard these days, Kotick saw to that and is now laughing all the way to the bank.

MrDead4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

It's the t**ts at the top looking at ways to cut devs wages and get the players to tip them like waiting staff, and I'll guarantee a percentage is skimmed and kept by Activision Blizzard. This is 100% for shareholder and CEO playouts.

Popsicle4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

I have to agree with this. On the surface tipping devs sounds like a great idea, but in the end it leads to pay cuts and subsidization of pay. Tips then become an expectation or the devs “can’t make a living.” Lastly, especially in the US, tip culture has gotten out of control, and it serves as an excuse not to properly pay employees. Sounds good but doesn’t end well.

drizzom3d ago

@ Popsicle

I think your right on the nose with how much tipping has become rampant. Instead of it being a relationship directly between the customer and the developer or employee, it now has a middle man ingrained in the system. DoorDash is one example. It ends up becoming a metric where the company can measure 'just how much more money you are willing to part with' before raising the price on the main product.

1Victor4d ago

Uh so they’re trying triple dip or more we buy the game that they’re already withholding/cutting content for dlc we was told that season pass would help the developers thrive we felt for it.
Now on top of all that plus their sales bonus they want tips enough is enough whatever happens to you create/built a good game get a bonus for sales milestones you care about your game and community we reward you with more sales not for doing 3/4 of a game then save the other 1/4 for dlc and passes after

raWfodog4d ago

The 'tip' is me buying your game in the first place.

S2Killinit4d ago

Very well said. If it was possible to send the money to either the developer or some organization for the betterment of gaming, sure. But we all know that will not be the case.

Rynxie3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

No, it would go to those on the top. They will still fire developers, have a bunch of microtransactions, raise prices of games and so on.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 3d ago
H95d ago

So they eventually don't pay their workers and depend on our tips to pay them like the case with waiters!

Deeeeznuuuts4d ago

That kind of practice is only normal in the states, as far as I know anyway, what a backwards system

H94d ago

No it's as well in a every country that wants to amercanize

bloop4d ago

Ireland is literally the first stop across the pond and we don't have a tipping culture. The only establishments here that would expect a tip are the tourist haunts that Americans visit. Other than that, you might tip in a restaurant as a sign of gratitude for great service and waiting staff would be paid a full wage anyway.

Rebel_Scum3d ago

Tipping is not customary iin most countries dude. Get a passport lol.

Jin_Sakai5d ago

Is this a joke? How about the big wigs giving up some of their pay for their hard working developers.

MrBaskerville4d ago

Maybe the CEO could earn his money based on tips.

mastershredder5d ago

good god. The devs are not baristas dude. Total 1% ideals. Fing Chadosaurus.

Show all comments (76)
90°

The Reason Sega Lost The 32-Bit War? The 32X, Says Yosuke Okunari

"The company was unable to focus enough on its main hope"

Read Full Story >>
timeextension.com
ApocalypseShadow9d ago

Nope. Going back to the 32X as the reason Sega lost that generation doesn't go back far enough before the Saturn.

Sega executives need to blame themselves as to why Sega lost that generation. Not Saturn. Not 32X. Not Sega CD. Nope. Executives were the reason why. It wasn't the hardware. Those devices were either dropped early or released to soon resulting in a developer backlash the hurt the game catalog. They really shouldn't have been made at all because they should have planned their next move more carefully. It has nothing to do with the devices. Poor leadership decisions and lack of unity within the company are what happened.

Love how blame is always shifted away from what is the truth. Writing a book placing the blame on the 32X isn't the truth.

solideagle8d ago

I am pretty sure there are documentaries (Youtube) around it which highlights these points. I had Sega Mega drive and NES growing up but that's about it. I didn't even know there was a war going on between these companies but I do remember thinking why I can't play Sonic cartridge on Nintendo or Mario on Sega :D

FinalFantasyFanatic8d ago

I had the Genesis and the Saturn, also had the SNES and 64, I never got a Dreamcast for some reason, but I never saw one in the stores either.

60°

Talking Killer Klowns From Outer Space With The Chiodo Brothers

Chris D. Spoke with the Chiodo Brothers at PAX East about Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game and their Career.