DF Direct: Xbox Series X First Party Games To Run On Xbox One - Is This A Good Thing?

Microsoft has recently revealed that all Xbox Series X first party titles for the next 1-2 years will also run on Xbox One and Xbox One X. Is the era of the groundbreaking next-gen launch game a thing of the past - for Microsoft at least? What are the pr…

[sibyl1]

Wow, I really expected Richard to collect the check but even he was pretty honest about it.

There will be limitations on the types games they can make by tying the games to the base Xbox One, that's just how it is.

[Gazondaily]

This is a new narrative getting primed now that DF are in MS' pockets in light of rumours and leaks suggesting that the new Xbox will have the best specs. It started building as the X1X got revealed and flexed its muscles and IF the leaks are true, I imagine we'll see more of the ill founded and frankly silly "DF collecting cheques" statements.

It really is silly and it isnt fooling anyone other than all those that force themselves to subscribe to it...

[_SilverHawk_]

Why would anyone want to buy the xbox series x. I cant wait to buy the ps5 day one

[Battlestar23]

Sounds like something a conspiracy nut would say Septic and trying to start a row here to stop people talking about the fact that Microsoft screwed up badly is typical of you.

[sibyl1]

Septic, it's not a "new narrative" people have said DF and Eurogamer especially Richard have been on Microsoft side since way back on PS3. It's hardly a new opinion, and people see it continuing evidence of it all the time still.

[Gazondaily]

So all those comparison videos were based on lies and being paid off and we will see conspiracy theory posts all the time in the event that the SX will be besting the PS5 technically. That's.....well....I'd be lying if I said I'm surprised

@Battlestar- the fact that you have so many agrees for such a nonsensical post is pretty typical

[Rude-ro]

The stigma is there because digital foundry did everything to boost Microsoft’s weaker Xbox one..
From “how close and the type of tv you need” to comparing to pc then grouping console as if nothing is different to fluffing 720p implementations etc.
They are pc focused... pc is Microsoft.

[sibyl1]

Septic I am not going to argue with you any further.

But let me say I think it's adorable that you seem to believe that people are above personal bias and that people are so noble that even if Microsoft offered money or just access that everyone would refuse it out of pure chivalry.

But that's not how the real world works, in the real world people have bills to pay or wages to pass out or they might just want something for free like early access to a console to report on. People who write articles on the internet are not above saying something for a company for money or free goods even if they didn't necessarily believe what they were saying.

Haven't you ever seen a commercial or a infomercial? Do you think people on those all believe everything they say and aren't doing it for money?

It's just the way the world works, it happens in every single industry.

[umair_s51]

The example of Witcher 3 on switch comes to mind. The series x version will shine but base Xbox one would be seriously limited.

[rainslacker]

Well...better than the old narrative that everything Sony does is anti-consumer, and MS is somehow Godly and can do no wrong. But, I didn't see you calling out false narratives during those times.

[S2Killinit]

Basically the series x is really a mid generation upgrade it seems. Its not like DF needs to spell this out for us either.

[Gazondaily]

No.

[Eldyraen]

A temporary one anyways, unless third party pushes a next gen game for them first. But next gen games from third party are already rather few and far between for 1-2 years anyways—and this could make that even more true.

I’m still buying a Series X because long term it will be what most want want from next gen—a true next gen console. Until then, I’ll treat it like I do my Pro/X or even pc gpu. I enjoyed having them as well.

But no denying that I was expecting 1-2 next gen exclusives even if smaller in scope than halo infinite (which we at least knew was crossgen for quite a while).

[BLizardXD]

series X will be able to take ps5 visuals and upgrade them if that's what you mean.

[RangerWalk267]

How is it a mid generation upgrade when it's more powerful than the PS5? Did you miss the video of hellblade 2?
Both consoles are a day one purchase for me. So I don't care what either decide to do about whether or not they leave those that invested in the hardware this gen. It would be a poor choice for the consumers to just drop those that invested. Sony did that going from the PS3 to the PS4 and then they charged people for remakes of the game instead of making them backwards compatible

[King_Noctis]

So what happen in one or two years when games stop release on Xbox One?

[gamer7804]

I mean honestly its not hard, games like dead rising, the design would work, but like other games they wouldn't have as many zombies on the screen or the draw distance in the open world would be reduced. PC games do this all the time. They could also add calls to different functions in the code to call on different types of physics to be implemented depending on the hardware. PC already does this... this video really didn't shed any new light on anything new.

[rainslacker]

I remember a couple years ago Bethesda gave some teasers for a couple next gen games. They couldn't specify the consoles, because at the time, they were still unnannounced. I recall how everyone was all excited for the next gen, and despite the frequent comments about how much Bethesda sucks, everyone seemed pretty much on board with the excitement about what next gen would bring.

Now, less than two years later, we're seeing some people say how they don't care so much, because the first two years there was nothing to look forward to anyways.

I'd be the first to say that this particular gen didn't really push the boundaries of game design. hell, I've been saying it since the beginning of the gen. But at the same time, I also said that the idea of a new generation should be more than just graphics increases. My criticisms of this gen weren't meant to mean we should become complacent and expect less.

With the new gen, there is hardware that can really bring advances to game design like we used to see between generations. That has me excited, because I want to see what creative devs can bring to the table. What I don't want is just another gen with prettier visuals.

I fully expect the first year or two that will be what we get, but some people are talking like this is a good thing as if it were going to go on indefinately for the generation, and that to me is just people who have no expectation of improvement, and are too blinded by shiny new graphics.

[NXFather]

Can you name a game on PS5 coming that will have revolutionary physics and ai? At launch or ever?

[sibyl1]

LoL... well considering we only know of one PS5 game and it's not from a first party you may as well ask me to guess what what number your thinking of between 1 and ∞.

[NXFather]

@sibl1
Take a guess with established franchises. I'll give you that. And explain.

[rainslacker]

If we guessed, then it'd just be speculation. What's the point in your question? How could we possibly know if any next gen game from Sony would take advantage of the new hardware features for sure?

What we can assume is that Sony's first party at least will make use of them. MS has pretty much said the first year or two, they aren't going to be doing that.

It's not about what Sony's doing, because people can discuss if their games are taking advantage of next gen when the time comes. Trying to deflect to Sony to say that what MS is doing is OK seems pointless with no known games for comparison. We know what MS is doing, so why not discuss how that is good or bad, and how that relates to their own decisions on how to advance their own first party.

I mean, for over a year now we've been hearing how these devs they brought, or their existing devs, were going to deliver all these great next gen games. It just takes time as I recall. But, as it is, if those games come out in the first year or two of XSX's life, they'll just be pretty current gen games.

[NXFather]

Take a guess with established franchises. I'll give you that.

[NXFather]

Are you not understanding that you have not seen either revolutionary physics or ai. That's the point. You have no proof of what you are talking about. Hence why I am asking you to take a guess. Thanks captain obvious.

[chiefJohn117]

That's played out, who the hell isn't on MS payroll? Y'all say everyone that has anything positive to say is getting paid by MS. Grow up already and get that hate out your heart

[NXFather]

I just find it funny how none of you back-wood/armchair developers can actually prove anything you say. For example give me just one example of physics and AI that would revolutionize gaming or a group of smaller ones that is plausible and possible with the target specs/confirmed specs by Microsoft or Sony. I will gladly walk it back if you can but, I already know you cannot. Just one suggestion that could be done even if they won't but, preferably something plausible and relevant. And it better be good. Or don't waste your time. Since I know you don't believe it with the established franchises or else you would just go with one of those and give examples.

[ApocalypseShadow]

DF is trying to be nice about it and taking a wait and see approach. But don't like the idea of it even if they understand the business sense of it. But as we have said, this design philosophy affects the next gen version. Worse if Series X online games have to play against lesser versions and there's no side mode for that. Next gen gamers want to play against next gen gamers with all the trimmings like physics and A.I.

Next gen will be about what's not possible on the previous gen. It's always been that way. Gamers will say it take 2 years to get a handle on next gen systems. But when you look at Sony's first parties, they already started preparing for next gen during this gen with split teams. And as we have seen, none of Sony's games coincided with another first party's release of a game. It's been round robin. To think it's not possible to have advanced games at launch is foolish.

Can't wait for the new narrative though. I know it's coming. Just like Xbox fans were saying that Sony was making gamers rebuy PS2 games(ludicrous with no gun to the head) when Sony didn't have BC to begin with on PS4. They are going to say this:

"Sony is making you rebuy games again across platforms." "With Xbox, all we have to do is buy one copy of a game and it will work on all systems including PC." "We just download a patch for new graphics and features."

That's what they'll say. Sony is making you buy a game twice. Only thing is, Sony's exclusive PS5 games won't be on PS4. So, how can you buy a game twice when it's offered only once to sell a new console?

Can't wait to see the articles and narrative.

[XabiDaChosenOne]

Spot on.

[Daz]

I just dont get this guy the hate is strong with this one. Does it make you fill better going to xbox artical, writing a couple of paragraphs why sony is best and xbox is crap or talk about fanboys when your clearly one yourself. It's like a full time job for you..

Also there allot of articals out that fits the narrative on both sides.

[ApocalypseShadow]

You mean, because I bring facts or highly possible speculation, it digs in your craw? DF just doesn't want to ruffle feathers and get on Microsoft's bad side.

***But they don't like it either***

You can tell from the video. That's not why gamers buy next gen games. For marginally better graphics. We want to see ***gameplay*** not possible on current gen.

Also, if Demon Souls Remake is true on PS5, you guys are going to say:

"Sony is making you rebuy Demon Souls." "You should be able to put your PS3 version in PS5 and download new features."

I know how you guys think. You already did that about PS2 games on PS4. You can't deny it. It's already truth.

[chiefJohn117]

Just ignore him shadow got his head so far up there he hasn't seen sunlight since the PS3 released. He's in his own little world.

[darthv72]

"Sony's exclusive PS5 games won't be on PS4." well that is by choice because they want to sell units. They are a hardware company first and software company second. MS is the opposite. They both have the same goal though. To make $$ and both have been successful in doing just that.

[ApocalypseShadow]

By producing consoles themselves instead of Nvidia,

**THEY ARE HARDWARE MAKER'S**

Sony makes great hardware and software. They have to sell both to be successful. You're giving Microsoft an excuse when they make tablets, laptops,etc. And software like Windows and games.

Excuses. Don't give very rich companies excuses.

[nucky64]

if MS is such a software expert - why, since the first xbox back in '04 have they struggled to consistently bring great 1st party games?

[ApocalypseShadow]

Makes you wonder Nucky. Makes you wonder. Especially with all that money they got.

[NXFather]

They have to take a wait and see approach since there won't be any revolutionary physics and ai from anyone next Gen much less launch window? Can you name one coming?

[Thundercat77]

I don't needed DF to tell me this. We all know there is going to be limitations. Only a certain group is on denial.

[darthv72]

There are always limitations. But know that the limitations of one will not effect the other.

[slavish0]

Seems like people that dont plan to buy xbox complain more about xbox. I love the fact sony, Microsoft and Nintendo are drastically different. It actually makes it better to get multiple consoles since your experience is so unique. Remember xbox ps2 and gamecube? Basically the same approach by every company.

[UltraNova]

Its like saying that only people who don't plan on voting for Trump complain about him...well duh did you expect Trump supporters to complain?

I always laugh when this argument comes up. This is democracy, you can support something or complain/criticize it as you see fit.

MS made an unpopular decision and they are rightfully criticized for it. Enough with this bullcrap.

[darthv72]

MS made a very popular decision that Sony fans are upset about because Sony didn't make it first. As is the case with many things MS has pioneered (and been criticized for) only for Sony to adopt in the next round (and take all the credit for).

[RazzerRedux]

"Seems like people that dont plan to buy xbox complain more about xbox. "

Right....cuz PlayStation fans were the ones mocking the logo reveal? Just saying.....this works both ways.

[Daz]

Razzer
That's what happens when some people hype things up and falls flat, happens allot on both sides less for sony..

All them streams for a logo.
But hey carnt have a bit of fun tacking the Michael might offend the snowflakes ^^. The bin and fridge mem also many others is funny for the xbox (tracking the piss out of the shape).But I bet you didnt say the same thing then.

[RazzerRedux]

I have no idea what you just said.

[RpgSama]

This is bringing back the entire generation, not just exclusives, third party games need to be the same across the board and now that MS has come out to say that they will keep developing the same game across generations for w whole years Third Party developer might follow suit, which is bad news for all of us.

[rainslacker]

I'd have more of a problem with it if MS were mandating it for 3rd party. That would hold back everyone that publishes on Xbox, because they're unlikely to make a special version for the PS5. They'd probably still be able to make a PS4 version if that's the case.

Since MS is not doing that, then I'm not that fussed about it. I do find it an interesting philosophical discussion. But if MS doesn't want to push the limits of it's hardware or it's dev teams to make use of that hardware, that's their decision. It's not even a bad thing for me, since maybe I'll get a bit of use out of my X1. I certainly am not buying an XSX, but that has nothing to do with what's being talked about here.

[NXFather]

The point rainslacker for the next gen games since I have to spell this out for you and some others is that since you don't have a reference point to judge what next gen games are capable of why are you people complaining about how Xbox games will be hindered in physics and AI due to choosing this forward compatibility strategy. Wow freaking DUUH. Read all of the text between me and people i am conversing with for proper context next time. Now if you are not talking about what we are talking about then kindly but out in those cases.

I will re-post for you:

"Are you not understanding that you have not seen either revolutionary physics or ai. That's the point. You have no proof of what you are talking about. Hence why I am asking you to take a guess. Thanks captain obvious."

"I just find it funny how none of you back-wood/armchair developers can actually prove anything you say. For example give me just one example of physics and AI that would revolutionize gaming or a group of smaller ones that is plausible and possible with the target specs/confirmed specs by Microsoft or Sony. I will gladly walk it back if you can but, I already know you cannot. Just one suggestion that could be done even if they won't but, preferably something plausible and relevant. And it better be good. Or don't waste your time. Since I know you don't believe it with the established franchises or else you would just go with one of those and give examples."

"They have to take a wait and see approach since there won't be any revolutionary physics and AI from anyone next Gen much less launch window? Can you name one coming?"

[rainslacker]

Unlike some in here, I do have a reference point, because I've seen what the new hardware can do. Reference points will also be made as time passes, and more games are shown. It's all good and fine to say we just don't know, so no big deal, but it's kind of foolish to assume that no major changes are coming, and to act like it's no big deal if devs don't push the software.

You don't need to keep spelling it out for me. I understand what you're saying. I just think what you're saying is wrong.

[NXFather]

Well then what is one suggestion bro damn? Are you trolling?

[rainslacker]

I've seen an in house demo which had exceptional detail built into the objects, and almost everything reacted to the player. It was a quick demo made by in house engineers. They were testing streaming textures and objects from an SSD, and using it as a virtual memory to hot swap objects. Going from one part of the scene to the next, things that weren't needed anymore were stored on the hard drive ready for quick access should the player come back to them, or they went into another area that used it. Databases kept information on these objects readily available on the hard drive, and only loaded what was needed to be drawn or potentially interacted with at any given moment. It was like occlusion culling that went beyond just not drawing what wasn't needed. Since not everything was stored in resident memory like it is for the most part now, about 40% of the typical memory usage was freed up to allow for better graphics or other applications to be applied to objects.

That is just an implementation that can utilize the SSD virtual memory space. Something that is not possible on current consoles, and would require a pretty heavy redesign of the fundamental core of the rendering process.

If that same scenario were to use older hardware, it would either have to be made different, and with much less interactivity and details, and likely wouldn't be any better than anything we have now.

That's just one example. I've seen numerous, and have personally done quite a few data transfer and data handling tests which are less exciting as they don't output anything visual, but the amount of data that can be used relatively quickly....at least within what is required for a game loop, far exceeds what is currently possible, and is more than what you see implemented on PC now. It's essentially giving the system more available memory, and allows for more data to be stored, and is currently not implemented due to lowest common denominator having to be considered. On PC there is the added OS overhead which makes it less effective even if the lowest common denominator called for SSD, as current PC API's don't allow direct access to the hard drive without going through the OS layer.

[TheEnigma313]

Stop writing these articles.MS is doing this because numbers are low. If they're doing this then fine, but don't try to throw shade at Sony for actually making next gen games. Knowing this, I will just wait to buy a series x when I can get it cheaper.

[darthv72]

What if I told you that Sony isnt making next gen games at launch but really just ps4 games in a ps5 packaging? They did it before with launch games on ps2 and ps3. They were games initially in development for the prior platform but were selected to be turned into launch games for the new platform.

Its not new and pretty well known. Dedicated platform games dont show up for at least a year or two. Hence why MS is not cutting off xbo support right away.

[Magog]

I hate it when an article asks a question but doesn't have the guts to deliver a definate opinion.

[Father__Merrin]

Series X is starting off on the wrong foot like xbox one did. You have to question who is in charge

[SyntheticForm]

This is disappointing. While I know I'll eventually get the Series X, I'm a little less excited than before.

Can't wait to refresh the PS5 purchase page on Amazon when these things are finally available for purchase.

[hiawa23]

Simple answer for me is yes, build the games for the XSeries and port them down to the X1X, X1S X1. Why leave anyone behind?

[StoneyYoshi]

Because thats how technology advances.

Only reason MS is doing this IMO is because they released the One X not too long ago, and they have such a smaller player base compared to Sony and even Nintendo right now. Keeping the older consoles supported for a couple more years helps them build up their player base more before they force people to upgrade. And having them release next gen games for current gen systems allows MS to have their player base feel more obligated to stick with their system since they bought games that can also work on the next gen system. This is their plan to avoid losing anymore of their loyal Xbox owners to Sony. Its a smart strategy but I can almost guarantee that this strategy wouldn't exist if MS didn't screw up the current gen so bad.

[Max_Eckhardt]

You gone done bad Microsoft

[Bruh]

Only on N4G is a commitment to ensuring that a lot of gamers aren't left behind...viewed as some kind of antagonistic principle.

Also most games aren't ever pushing the graphical boundaries of the hardware in Year 1/2. You have the past 7 generations to show you that. Nonetheless I think its a great move for those who may not be able to afford a brand new system but want to still play the newest games coming out. Elitism in something like gaming is about as pathetic as you can get. Good day trolls

[SolidGamerX]

Well there you have it, having all games in the "eco-system" has clear disadvantages and will only end up meaning developers will have to make sacrifices and not use the full potential of series x. Bad all around.

[SierraGuy]

Multiplats yes... exclusives no.

What's the point of releasing a new console gen.

[RangerWalk267]

Ask Apple why they create a new phone every year. Because an upgrade is an upgrade. Also, why did Sony and Microsoft make a mid generation upgrade to there original launch hardware? I'm not mad at it. As long as it doesn't screw over the people that invested a
year or two ago. We're in a different time and era. I'm much happier getting more out of my investment with the Pro and X knowing that the software, controllers, headset's, and mostly games....are still supported rather than the days of old where they were not. At least Microsoft has made it appoint to do so. and I'm willing to bet Sony is going to do the same. I'm all for change especially if it's change aimed at benefiting the consumer

[Melankolis]

Thia needs clarification. Will we be able to insert Xbox Series X game to Xbox One and play it? - - this i call the true forward compatibility even with downgraded performance - -

Or if it's just two different version of games for each consoles?. That's not forward compatibilities, that's port!¥

[RangerWalk267]

I guess we all need to ask ourselves... does it make sense that Apple and Samsung continue to support their devices aren't the newest pieces of hardware? It's very good for the consumer to not feel left behind and forced to purchase new hardware to play new games and IPs. I'm sure Sony will do the same thing as Microsoft. There's NO WAY they're going to leave a user base of 100mill + in the dust.