170°

Forza 5 "A Flagship Title" In Japan - Microsoft Japan Interview 1 of 2

Microsoft Japan is picking Forza Motorsport 5 as a title to really heighten the appeal of Xbox One in Japan. Along with Titanfall and the OS, MS Japan is full of confidence heading into the next console generation.

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gamerevolution.com
jhoward5853871d ago (Edited 3871d ago )

Seems like the x1 is going to do much better than the 360 in japan.

majiebeast3871d ago (Edited 3871d ago )

Yeah much better...

http://i.minus.com/iMpfC7fT...

If an onslaught of jrpgs cant do anything for the 360 it doesnt stand a chance against a ps4 thats getting Yakuza,Suda game,FF14RR and Deep Down.Xbone is launching later then PS4 and with no games that appeal to the audience there.

If it even does a million in its lifetime i would be shocked.

jhoward5853871d ago (Edited 3871d ago )

I don't think the x1 is going to do well either. But by the looks of things it seems like the x1 is going to do much better than the 360 in japan.

Edit:

Yeah jrpgs are definitely needed if MS wants to win the heart of gamers in japan.

Personally I think every jrpgs games released for the Japanese market sucks, accept for phantasy star.
So hopefully MS make better jrpgs title for the x1 or it will fail like the 360.

Mario183871d ago (Edited 3871d ago )

Lol Xbox One will fail in Japan just like the 360. They tried the jrpgs and it barely sold. Look at Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey when it was released in Japan

Forza 4 sales in Japan 0.06m < lmao
BEST selling Xbox 360 game in Japan
Blue Dragon 0.2 million LMFAO

badz1493871d ago

LOL @Forza

I'm not implying that Forza is bad game but racing fans over there will be too busy playing GT6 released this fall for them to even care about Forza 5!

mcstorm3871d ago

Lol I love hope people go off last gen numbers to say what will and wont sell. No one knows if the xbox one will sell well in Japan or not. It was said the beginning of last gen that the PS3 was going to walk all over the Wii and the 360 and it got off to a very slow start.
Then people were saying Sony were pulling out the market and they managed to get the sales up.
Then it came out the 3DS was going to be walked all over by the PSV yet that did not happen too.

No one knows what is going to happen with any of the consoles and the xbox one maybe a flop but it may not be. The WiiU may become the best selling console of the new gen but then again it may not and the same with the PS4.

At the end of the day Japan is a market that is full of gamers and Microsoft might as well try and get into the market because if they do there is money to be made there.

Golden_Mud3871d ago

Actually we don't know the release date of the Xbox One in Japan.....

mikeslemonade3871d ago

The X1 will be lucky to sell better than what the 360 did in its life time in Japan.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3871d ago
BitbyDeath3871d ago (Edited 3871d ago )

Probably do worse actually since -

1. No year long head start
2. Sony has the cheaper console this time around
3. No RROD sales boost
4. Kinect

ape0073871d ago (Edited 3871d ago )

great points but let's extent the argument

1- X360 needed 1 year head start to go against the massively dominating ps2, MS had to make a name for themselves, they needed a strong 1 year head start plan and they succeeded, X1 doesn't need a year head start, "XBOX" is already established as a strong/serious player in the market

2- MS can drop mandatory kinect at any time

3- saying that RROD boosting sales is half the truth, the reality is that the RROD could've ENDED the xbox 360 but the system stayed strong because it's great

4- MS may have the potential to capture the casual with kinec 2.0s features, u know Japanese people are bit crazy, they can TOTALLY fall for something like kinect 2.0

yes ps4 might seems to have a bit upper arm at launch but it's far from over

BitbyDeath3871d ago

1. PS2 -> PS3 transition shows just how much things can change in a generation. Sony had a series of unfortunate events leading up to PS3 and it looks like the Xbone is going above and beyond those.

2. They should, it is not for everyone.

3. It also received little media attention so most did not know what they were buying into.

4. Kinect requires a large family space which Japan is generally not privy too.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3871d ago
knifefight3871d ago (Edited 3871d ago )

Some real lack of answering the question in the middle.

Q "Forza 4 didn't sell in Japan. Why do you think Forza 5 will be a system seller?"

A "Because you can drive a Ferrari!"

Q "Right, so that's what will sell it to Japanese people?"

A "Look! You can see the stitches on the steering wheel!"

This is seriously sad.

jhoward5853871d ago (Edited 3871d ago )

@knifefight

Q "Forza 4 didn't sell in Japan. Why do you think Forza 5 will be a system seller?"
----------------------------- -------------------

The reason why I think Forza 5 will do better than foza 4 in japn is because I notice japan gamers like a challenge.I also notice japan players like lots of characters/objects on screen at the same time. So being that FoZA has a 24 players slot(not 2-16 player slot like foza 4) it might be more changeling to them. Drive clubs only have up to 2-16.

knifefight3871d ago

If only the interview could have been with YOU. See, YOU actually provided a real answer to the question, heh. ^^; MS Japan, meanwhile, seemed like they were avoiding a real answer.

Mario183871d ago (Edited 3871d ago )

@jhoward

"The reason why I think Forza 5 will do better than foza 4 in japn is because I notice japan gamers like a challenge."

So Forza 5 will sell better because Japan like challenges... dude, take your head out of wonderland

Hicken3871d ago

This is another case of someone taking false information and running with it.

http://www.examiner.com/art...

"That info came from a Forza Motorsport 5 product description that was on an online retailer site. It was inaccurate and was pulled once we became aware of it. We plan to reveal more details on our car list and multiplayer car count in the coming weeks."

As for Japanese gamers liking a challenge, what are you basing that on, and what makes you think Forza 5 will offer that? That it has a number of players it doesn't actually have?

AznGaara3871d ago (Edited 3871d ago )

Man by that logic I guess Japanese gamers absolutely hate fighting games then. I mean only 2 characters on the screen.... oh wait -_-

paul-p19883871d ago

If Japanese gamers want a challenge they would get Gran Turismo or any simulator game, not an arcade racer.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3871d ago
rainslacker3871d ago (Edited 3871d ago )

LOL. I tend not to read interview articles until I read a few comments to see if they're worth the time, but this comment made me have to see if that's what he actually said.

Seriously, do they think Japanese people are so stupid to think that the impulse triggers will truly give a representation of what it's like to drive a Ferrari...or even a Prius for that matter. Rumble has been around for years, and they do make these things called racing wheels which offer much better feedback. Using my racing wheel though doesn't make my chair vibrate, nor do I feel the force of acceleration or tight cornering, nor that feeling you get when your car begins to slide out. I've had the luxury of driving a Ferrari, and a Lamborghini, and I can say, that no controller or super fancy seat/wheel setup on the market can offer the feeling that those kinds of cars can provide. They don't even come close, and an extra couple rumble motors isn't going to change that.

I love how much they tout Titanfall as an XBox game always saying how many awards it's won, and in this article he goes on to say, "I don't know, it's EA's title. It's not our title". I'm sure this guy knows full well if Titanfall is releasing on PC in Japan.

Mario183871d ago

Xbox One will be a fail in Japan. Microsoft stated the same thing with the 360 and NO ONE bought it

AznGaara3871d ago (Edited 3871d ago )

Can't see this over taking GT6 in Japan.

Riderz13373871d ago

Yeah it won't happen...

Forza series (1-4 + Horizon) sales in Japan = 220K

Gran Turismo 5 sales in Japan - 800K

fsfsxii3871d ago

LOL, yea, nice thing to wake up on

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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.

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twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest3d ago

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

GamerRN2d ago

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

Number1TailzFan2d 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.

1Victor2d ago

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

Kosic2d ago

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

darthv722d ago

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

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts1d 22h 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.

KicksnSnares3d ago

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

darthv722d 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.

mudakoshaka2d 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.

PassNextquestion2d 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.

TiredGamer2d 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?

rlow12d ago (Edited 2d 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.

Traecy2d ago (Edited 2d 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.

TiredGamer2d 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.

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news.xbox.com
bionicstar3d ago

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

PhillyDonJawn3d ago

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

RaidenBlack2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

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

Sonic18812d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast3d ago

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

3d ago
Lightning773d ago

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

Make smarter comments for once.

anast2d ago (Edited 2d 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.

InUrFoxHole2d ago

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

3d ago
3d ago
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2d ago Replies(1)
Lightning772d ago (Edited 2d 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.

2d ago
anast2d ago (Edited 2d 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.

Lightning772d 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.

anast2d ago

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

Lightning772d ago

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

Again make smart comments for once.

anast2d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 2d ago
darthv723d ago

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

jimb0j0nes3d ago

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

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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
darthv727d 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.

solideagle7d ago

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

Sonic18817d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio7d 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:

Lightning777d ago

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

Cacabunga7d 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.

darthv726d 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.

neutralgamer19926d 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

shinoff21837d 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.

Cacabunga7d 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

itsmebryan7d 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

S2Killinit6d 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.

romulus237d ago

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

darthv727d 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.

TheEroica6d ago (Edited 6d 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.

Chevalier6d 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/...

itsmebryan6d ago

@chevalier

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

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 6d ago
purple1017d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos7d ago

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

DOMination-6d 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.

XBManiac7d ago

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

SimpleDad7d ago (Edited 7d 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.

purple1017d ago

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

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos7d ago (Edited 7d 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

Kornholic7d ago

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

MrDead7d 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 7d ago
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