240°

Microsoft Dropping The Hardcore? I Disagree

Richard Of UltimateGameGorilla writes: Recently Microsoft has been accused of leaving the original hardcore fanbase that got them where they are today in the cold. I was one of those people, harshly attacking the company for its new childish direction... but not anymore. Within the past few days news has slowly been trickling out that Microsoft is pushing for a number of hardcore titles on the Xbox 360. Some are exclusive while others are multiplatform, but all are for the core fanbase.

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ultimategamegorilla.com
asphogears4713d ago

Interesting list. There are a few titles that I did not know about prior to reading. I am eager for more information about Blood Forge.

captain-obvious4713d ago (Edited 4713d ago )

"Core Exclusives

Kinect Star Wars"

talk about stuffing the list

@below
screaming "light spear on" and then doing this
http://www.youtube.com/watc...
in front of the screen to kill a enemies that look at you most of the time and moves slower than a turtle

that's not hardcore dude
im sorry but its not

now if it was faster style hack and slash with regular controller and combos
NOW THATS a hardcore game

asphogears4713d ago (Edited 4713d ago )

I do not understand why people don't see the potential for this to be a core game. Fighting sith with a lightsaber and the force could be pretty f-ing cool. I have high hopes for this game because I am a big Star Wars fan.

saladthieves4713d ago (Edited 4713d ago )

@asphogears

Spending some seconds waving your hands in the air a couple of times just so that you can lift a droid spaceship and push it over RATHER THAN pressing a button does not scream the incentive needed to make this game a core game!

The novelty sounds awesome. It makes it sound like as if you have the force and this is what will sell the game big time. I saw the demo, it looked like a gimmick. It's an on-rails game. That alone should debunk it as hardcore. Moving around, having trouble turning the camera towards the enemy and just swinging a light saber??? Where's the depth? Where's the challenge?? Where are my multiple button combos that I'm supposed to unlock and stuff?? I love long gaming sessions, surely I'm not going to stand say for 4 hours swinging some imaginary light saber in front of the TV??

Star Wars is popular among core gamers. I personally loved KOTOR 1 and 2. Why does Microsoft think that Star Wars + Kinect = Sold to hardcore gamers??

RCargill4713d ago

Please.

If you could go back to 2005 and show people Kinect Star Wars would be one of Microsoft's major exclusives in 2011 no one would believe you.

grailly4713d ago

I still believe that star wars could have been a core game. playing with a controller, but using kinect for the force would be fun. swinging your arms just seems wrong.

Rainstorm814713d ago

Watching the demo for Kinect Star Wars made me cringe, it was so laggy and unresponsive and looked more frustrating than fun.

Everyone in the crowd must have noticed it too by the lack of applause at the end of the demo.....i mean come one sesame street's kinect game got more claps than star wars...

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4713d ago
saladthieves4713d ago

Not dropping the hardcore but shifting their focus more onto the casuals. This sudden focus is also lacking a balance between casuals and hardcore gamers.

From Microsoft's point of view, they will focus more where there is a potential to increase cash, and Nintendo has proven that the casuals will do just about anything. This is also causing Microsoft to close down/reduce the number of 1st party studios and think that multiplats and timed exclusive DLC will satisfy these hardcore needs, and leave them with more cash to spend on casuals and Kinect stuff.

They are a bit wrong with their perception of core gamers. They think that all core gamers are very dedicated guys willing to buy the latest thing from Microsoft, even if it is targeted towards the casual market. This is why they think that "Kinect Starwars" and a bunch of on-rails shooters will do the trick.

Notice also that they've slightly changed their strategy to make Kinect popular among the hardcore gamers: take popular core games and make them Kinect compatible like voice support for Mass Effect 3, head-tracking for Forza 4 or Tom Clancy future soldier. This is ironic because people were laughing at how Sony was just taking the Move and implementing it to their games, rather than making these games only playable with the Move.

One thing is clear: the traditional controller is far more accurate and capable than Kinect. Microsoft knows that hardcore gamers will always be smarter and will always choose the controller over hand gestures of Kinect. Imagine what would happen if Forza 4 was only playable with Kinect...it would be a disaster!

asphogears4713d ago

I understand that using Kinect instead of a controller limits the possibilities of the game but there is still a lot of time in development for improvement. I think that we are going to have to wait until more videos are available to finally decide if it is a core or casual game. This is just my opinion.

saladthieves4713d ago

@asphogears

There seems to be a problem with Microsoft though. They first of all killed many 1st party studios. Hardcore exclusives are few. They thought that the hardcore could just grab up Kinect, like their casual counterparts, which was wrong.

Take a look carefully, they don't have lots of hardcore exclusives. Even if you add in Kinect, they STILL don't have games. They are going to have trouble attracting the hardcore to Kinect due to the very nature of Kinect: It is fun, but it lacks accuracy and in the use of gaming, its functionality is sort of limited.

iamnsuperman4713d ago (Edited 4713d ago )

Did you watch the kinect star war demonstration. It was an on rail slasher. Not something I would call a hardcore game

asphogears4713d ago

Just because it is on-rails does not mean it is not hardcore. If the controls are polished then Kinect Star Wars could be pretty fun. My only complaint with it is how it is "Prequel Star Wars" and not "Good Star Wars". Slicing droids could be quite fun and using the force will hopefully be cool. Just my opinion.

iamnsuperman4713d ago

I respect that but the only problem there seemed to be no skill just waving your arms. I assume/ god hope there will be more types of attacks but that demo didn't help my faith in the game

asphogears4713d ago

I agree that the video did not show that many types of attack. The game is coming out next year (I think) so there is still a lot of time for improvement.

JsonHenry4713d ago

I gotta agree with the man of steel here. The Star Wars videos I have watched all looked like a casual game to me. It just had light sabers.

Qwert1174713d ago

Maybe after they release some videos of the player fighting some sith then this game will be regarded as a more core game.

fluffydelusions4713d ago

Disney Adventures is pretty hardcore...right?

Dart894713d ago

What you talking about of course it's hardcore so is cod:P.
http://youtu.be/7XzYDpAQ-xg

Qwert1174713d ago (Edited 4713d ago )

That was hilarious! Thanks for sharing the funny video.

Qwert1174713d ago (Edited 4713d ago )

A simple but good list of hardcore games.

Der_Kommandant4713d ago

That list is weaker than a 5 year old girl

LoaMcLoa4713d ago

I really don't know why, but that sounded wrong

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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
EasilyTheBest5d ago

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

GamerRN4d ago

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

Number1TailzFan4d 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.

1Victor3d ago

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

Kosic3d ago

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

darthv723d ago

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

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts3d 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.

KicksnSnares4d ago

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

darthv724d 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.

mudakoshaka4d 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.

PassNextquestion4d 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.

TiredGamer4d 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?

rlow14d ago (Edited 4d 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.

Traecy4d ago (Edited 4d 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.

TiredGamer4d 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
bionicstar4d ago

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

PhillyDonJawn4d ago

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

RaidenBlack4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

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

Sonic18814d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast4d ago

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

4d ago
Lightning774d ago

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

Make smarter comments for once.

anast4d ago (Edited 4d 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.

InUrFoxHole3d ago

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

4d ago
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4d ago Replies(1)
Lightning774d ago (Edited 4d 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.

4d ago
anast4d ago (Edited 4d 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.

Lightning774d 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.

anast4d ago

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

Lightning774d ago

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

Again make smart comments for once.

anast3d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 3d ago
darthv724d ago

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

jimb0j0nes4d 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.

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theverge.com
darthv729d 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.

solideagle9d ago

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

Sonic18818d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio8d 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:

Lightning778d ago

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

Cacabunga9d 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.

darthv728d 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.

neutralgamer19928d 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

shinoff21839d 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.

Cacabunga8d 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

itsmebryan8d 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

S2Killinit8d 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.

romulus238d ago

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

darthv728d 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.

TheEroica8d ago (Edited 8d 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.

Chevalier8d 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/...

itsmebryan7d ago

@chevalier

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

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 7d ago
purple1019d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos9d ago

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

DOMination-8d 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.

XBManiac9d ago

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

SimpleDad9d ago (Edited 9d 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.

purple1019d ago

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

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos9d ago (Edited 9d 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

Kornholic9d ago

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

MrDead8d 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.

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