Microsoft is putting all its stakes in the belief that the games for Windows Live service in Japan will push the waning sales of its gaming console, the Xbox 360. The company is trying all the tricks in the trade to push the sales of the console.
Early April, Microsoft had launched a new service called Windows Live Messenger on Xbox 360. The aim of the service is to let users of Xbox Live friends lists to join those with Windows Messenger friends lists. This service hopes to kick start on May 7.
The service will allow users to message each other, regardless of whether they're using an Xbox 360, a Windows PC or a Windows Mobile device.
Microsoft is also planning to unveil a new text input device, which will attach to the Xbox 360's controller. This will allow users type messages using a QWERTY keyboard. At present if a users wants to send a message of this nature from his Xbox he will require an on-screen keyboard or will have to plug in a Universal Serial Bus (USB) keyboard.
Companies, particularly public companies like Microsoft, need to grow.
i mean its pretty simple, they spent close to 30 billion in acquiring activision, they thought they'd make it bk no problem, and that didnt happen.
its just shit that because of MS's miscalculation alot of people lost their jobs.
They are going to use AI for a large portion of the game development process. Upper management need bonuses and the shareholders need more money. So, people will lose their jobs.
They shouldn't have bought any studios. Some is okay...but they went on a shopping spree...stupid
The better question is why did Microsoft buy publishers for a service they were subsidizing they knew couldn't support.
And why are so many websites trying to make people feel sorry for Microsoft instead of truly criticizing the fact they are closing studios and killing jobs that would have been fine if Microsoft themselves hadn't gotten involved.
Quit feeling sorry for Microsoft and start feeling sorry for the industry and the all the gamers who are actually losing out.
THIS IS MICROSOFTS FAULT.
The first thing that happens after any major acquisition or merger is a consolidation of the whole new portfolio, which includes cutting any excess, bloat or portfolios that don't fit the larger MO of the big boy. So far, it's been par for the course with Microsoft and that's why gamers have been so against this acquisition. Tango Gameworks is the beginning. You think Microsoft wants to pay to keep small timers like Ninja Theory in business?
There is absolutely zero evidence to suggest that Microsoft will improve any of these studios, but plenty to suggest that they will get rid of what they don't need and hold onto the IP. The real agenda of the acquisition was always to acquire The Elder Scrolls, Diablo, Fallout, Call of Duty, Candy Crush etc. that will create millions in passive revenue stream for Microsoft regardless of where the games release. Microsoft simply wants their cut.
Because of Games Pass Microsoft has no interest in investing in new IP which is risky and requires creative talent they can neither nurture nor manage. Game Pass has also not grown in the way Microsoft expected it to, even post acquisitions. Therefore the logical thing to do, without serious money makers to release, is to cut as much cost as possible.
Backward compatibility works for many games on newer consoles, but titles such as The Simpsons: Hit and Run have been left out.
From base building to swinging willies, here are the best survival games around, which include a couple of less than obvious picks.
Waste of time and money
well japan is missing out. their loss.
then again there have never been an American made console to come out in that market, so whatever Mountain MS is climbing over there, quiting is not the Answer.
I think eventually the 360 will assimilate. I'm sure MS knows they are loosing money but I think they knew that from the very start so I guess they wanna stick to the plan until the tides starts to sway. Whatever is bought over there is always good news, after all, it is huge underdawg.
Well you don't come fresh into this industry not expecting to loose big cash. We all know why we didn't see a 3D0 2, or SEGA Saturn 2, or the Jaguar 128 bit console. MS will have another Xbox after the 360.
Japan buys games that were made by American Companies. They buy alot of other American products and services. So to say they don't by the 360 because it's American is without any meritt. Maybe they just don't want it.. you know? I do agree with #2 as it's their loss, but they don't look at it that way.
They couldnt even sell a million windows vista in china they only sold like 244 and thats it. thats how terrible Microsoft is doing there a joke.