180°

Lanning: Xbox One team should be fired over indie stance

VG247: According to Oddworld Inhabitant’s boss, Microsoft should cull its Xbox One team and start again. Lorne Lanning speaks out on Redmond’s great next-gen indie disaster.

Gazondaily3940d ago (Edited 3940d ago )

“At the business level, Microsoft isn’t acknowledging people like us,” said Lanning. “It’s as if we don’t matter.”

That's very damming.

Microsoft needs to get its act together and fast.

And if it means firing people then Microsoft should do it because the situation is becoming increasingly untenable.

bessy673940d ago

You hear very different stories from other companies like The Behemoth. The guy needs to just shut up and make his game. As of now, there doesn't seem to be anything to set Oddworld apart from the many other indie platformers.

nirwanda3940d ago

So you think that Microsoft should stop devs releasing a game on xbox live if they want to charge less.

bessy673940d ago

Nope, I think that the guy should just shut up and continue to develop the game for whatever platforms he wants to develop for. Seriously, new n tasty looks pretty generic.

pompombrum3940d ago (Edited 3940d ago )

^^ Maybe he wants to make games for the Xbox One too but wants to do so without being backed against a wall and bullied into handing over some of his revenue because of stupid BS policies? It's not like he is blindly hating for the sake of hating.

die_fiend3940d ago

Guessing you've never played an Abe game if you think that's generic. Go back to sleep. Or COD

nirwanda3940d ago

I take it you didn't read the part about MS refusing to release strangers wraith on live because it was priced at too low of a price point on psn, he wanted to release on xbox live.

Seafort3940d ago

@bessy67 New n Tasty generic?? Abes Oddysee was one of the first games to really bring back 2d platform/puzzle games.

Games like Limbo, Braid, and many more should be thankful for Oddworld and Lanning for bringing the genre back from extinction.

Oddworld Munch's Oddysee was a launch title for Xbox. I think MS owes Lanning and Oddworld Inhabitants a bit of leeway.

If it was me though I would just launch on all other platforms apart from Microsofts and wait till they get their act together in a year or 2.

ginsunuva3939d ago

Guys he's just trolling.
There's no one in their right mind that could actually think Oddworld is an "indie platformer."

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 3939d ago
nirwanda3940d ago

What's worse is they wouldn't let them publish strangers wraith on the 360 even though they attempted many times because they charged too little on PSN.
Thats an awful way of forcing high price points on indie devs who probably would have preferred more downloads.

Thepharaoh3940d ago

Honestly. Some of my greatest experiences have come from the indie developer's the amount of creativity and incredible attention to detail sometimes rival the AAA games of this generation.Why put so many restrictions on a part of the industry which already has problems with funding and watching restrictions

jimmywolf3940d ago

i agree 100% but it all about control, they have issues with giving liberty too anyone even us. proven with their policy with online DRM.

i know their in a business too make money but they need take a step back an realize were not cattle or sheep an stop trying farm us...

Valkyre3940d ago (Edited 3940d ago )

They should actually fire everyone involved into that mess...

It started with that "DEAL WITH IT" dude, then that asshole Don Mattrick "stick with 360" in charge of xbox one, Major Nelson etc etc.

At least they fired and got rid of the first 2 and now only that Major is left.

But all this is just ugly... they fucked up big time.

DragonKnight3940d ago

"but right now people like us are clearly not in Xbox One’s business model. And there’s nothing we can do about that.”

Join the club. Xbox One's business model is all over the place for the most part, but they do have a focus more on the Apple/Google crowd then on indie developers or even core gamers. The proof of that is in what they decided was the most important first impression to make, their extreme disconnect with core gamer sensibilities to the point that they were forced to reverse their controlling policies, and the generally poor handling of virtually all their public relations issues.

nirwanda3940d ago

If they had concentrated more on apple and google they would have noticed the price that they charge for apps/games and how they are pretty open to everyone to create games at a very low price point.

DragonKnight3940d ago

I didn't say a complete focus on Apple/Google. Just a focus.

nirwanda3940d ago (Edited 3940d ago )

I was agreeing with you, I understood what you ment, MS want apples cool and high price point without realising whats at the core of apples success.i.e. low prices for apps and also an attractive price on music that started it all.

DragonKnight3940d ago

Oh, my apologies. I misunderstood.

pompombrum3940d ago

Microsoft just doesn't care about the little guys.I think they're being arrogant and expecting the Xbox One to sell so well that indie developers will feel releasing it on the Xbone will be just too good to turn down.

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300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest1d 22h ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN1d 10h ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

thesoftware7301d 8h ago

A much bigger screen than what?

Number1TailzFan1d 7h ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor15h ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic15h ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv7217h ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts14h ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares1d 21h ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv721d 11h ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka1d 10h ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion1d 11h ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer1d 11h ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow11d 9h ago (Edited 1d 9h ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy1d 7h ago (Edited 1d 7h ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer1d 4h ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

Read Full Story >>
news.xbox.com
bionicstar1d 17h ago

Will they show Fable 4, Stalker 2, GoW 6 & Perfect Dark?

PhillyDonJawn1d 17h ago

Crossing fingers for Fable and perfect dark. And State of Decay 3

RaidenBlack1d 12h ago (Edited 1d 12h ago )

And maybe Clockwork Revolution, South of Midnight, Contraband, Project 007 & OD? lol
and whatever happened to Everwild ?
+ that rumored Wu Tang RPG

Sonic18811d 11h ago (Edited 1d 11h ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast1d 17h ago

Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming.

1d 17h ago
Lightning771d 16h ago

It's an Xbox showcase that they have every year.

Make smarter comments for once.

anast1d 13h ago (Edited 1d 13h ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole19h ago

@Anast
Anything you didn't type. Good day sir!

1d 16h ago
1d 15h ago
1d 14h ago
1d 13h ago Replies(1)
Lightning771d 12h ago (Edited 1d 12h ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

1d 12h ago
anast1d 8h ago (Edited 1d 8h ago )

"Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming."

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning771d 8h ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast1d 7h ago

You don't know what a smart comment is or isn't. You're welcome for the help.

Lightning771d 4h ago

No you said something dumb then you tried to back track and mention GP.

Again make smart comments for once.

anast20h ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 19h ago
dumahim1d 17h ago

How click-baity can you get?

anast1d 13h ago (Edited 1d 13h ago )

....

darthv721d 17h ago

Wonder if they will address the handheld rumors....?

jimb0j0nes1d 17h ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

KyRo1d 13h ago

It is COD. That's the Cerberus logo.

Show all comments (44)
290°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv726d ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle6d ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic18815d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio5d ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning775d ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga5d ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

darthv725d ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

neutralgamer19925d ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff21835d ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga5d ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan5d ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit5d ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus235d ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv725d ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

Chevalier5d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan4d ago

@chevalier

It looks like made a great purchase. Much better then Sony buying Bungie. 😉
Cheers

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 4d ago
purple1016d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos6d ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

DOMination-5d ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac6d ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple1016d ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic5d ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead5d ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 5d ago
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