Some very strange pronouncements from Microsoft

Analysis: Microsoft have made an outstanding success of this generation of game consoles. However some of the things they have been saying recently are very worrying indeed. Are they starting to lose their way?

[exnihilonihilfit]

3D in the home is something that microsoft isn't in a position to pioneer like Sony.

There's no need for a new console yet, as the current gen consoles still have a ways to go before genuinely being maxed out, and Apple isn't going to try to jump into a crowded gaming market when they don't have any developer or publisher support. None of the third parties wants to learn how to develop games for a whole new system right now.

[iMad]

Sonys 3d tech is worse and have more limitations then Samsungs and other companies. Samsungs C9000 can convert any 360 game to 3D without glasses. Sony’s 3d tv's still needs a glases. So MS no need to worry. They will have 3d on 360 and next xbox with ease. Sony went a wrong way with their 3d. 3D without glasses is a future.

Next xbox is in a final design stage and it is a beast. AMD&Microsoft&parthers are cooking a surprise for Sony for allready about 4 years. Sony can go bankrupt to cath them. next xbox will be in 2011 with backward and forward compability.

[exnihilonihilfit]

Every report I've read on Samsung's tech states that it requires specifically designed images and that it's very painful to watch, so no, it won't make any Xbox game 3D, and if it could make any xbox game 3d, it could do the same thing for any Playstation game. I don't mind the glasses, especially if they're comfortable and fashionable. And what Samsung can do has nothing to do with what Microsoft can do. I was saying that it doesn't make sense for MS to invest in the tech, but it does make sense for Sony to do so. Why? because they are different companies in different industries. Sony is involved in every aspect of 3D because they not only make projectors, TV's and Game systems, they actually own movie, game and television studios. Sony has no choice but to invest in this type of technology. Why wold MS invest in developing a technology that they don't need to utilize until other companies have implemented it?

MS has said a million times they don't intend to rush the next generation.

What you can't seem to understand is that I'm not dissing MS, I'm actually defending them because this article claims that those are strange statements when in fact they make perfect sense. You're such an Xbot you can't even see when someone is on your side. How retarded are you exactly?

[captain-obvious]

" Sony can go bankrupt "

lol
good luck with that

[Venatus-Deus]

Sensible and intelligent commentary there from exnihilonihilfit on an article that seems to lack a full understanding of both MS and Sony Business models.

I think Bruce is being a little short sighted with his comments in this particular article.

@iMad – I think exnihilonihilfit clearly highlighted that finishing school is your first priority rather than giving extreme views on subject matters you have no real understanding of.

exnihilonihilfit – Bubble+

[RedDragan]

"Sony can go bankrupt"?

What, from the PS4?!

LMFAO! You know nothing about businesses then. There is more chance of Microsoft going bankrupt because 90% of the business in 3 products: Windows, Office Suite and ermmm... oh yeah, support for those two!!!

Sony's business are far more widespread to withstand a downturn!

It takes one rival, who can run Windows designed programs for free without the need of an emunlator, to destroy Microsoft. Fanboys of the 360 are blind to this reality!

Sony don't sell TVs... no matter, they get their fingers in much wider ranging products. Don't sell PS4's so what... samething.

Microsoft don't sell Windows... crash! Microsoft don't sell Office... crash!

[PimpHandHappy]

yes you are but not mad in the sense your going to rip some heads
more like
padded room mad

what a fewl

[Foliage]

They lost their way when the Wii and PS3 came on to the scene, since their console can't compete.

It's why they forced their console out the door, even though it wasn't finished and incredibly faulty (the most faulty mass produced piece of technology in history, that's a fact, look it up), just to beat the PS3 to the market. Otherwise they wouldn't even have lasted this long.

[reintype]

Aaron Greenberg: “there’s a lot of challenges about 3D in the living room. I don’t know about you, but when I play games or watch TV, I’ve got my phone, I’ve got all kinds of things going on. I get up, I get down, I’m looking outside at the weather and it’s…I’m not in a dark theater, wearing glasses, staring at a screen. I think it’s just a different environment.”

I guess Greenburg won't be playing NATAL then:
“there’s a lot of challenges about NATAL in the living room. I don’t know about you, but when I play games or watch TV, I’ve got my phone, I’ve got all kinds of things going on. I get up, I get down, I’m looking outside at the weather and it’s…I’m not in a circus, playing monkey, fapping at Milo. I think it’s just an Eyetoy.” XP

[Sarcasm]

Not to mention Natal probably won't work in the dark

[andron]

If you look up Bruces earlier posts, he has some delightful praise for the 360 making N4G label him a MS fanboy. Just glad to see he can see MS faults too...

http://www.bruceongames.com...

[vhero]

reading that though he screams out fanboy saying things like Sony are on the backfoot right now compared to MS when in reality they are almost on track and in fact a lot more future proof than 360. That was a very fanboyish comment by him. He is a total fanboy don't try to stick up for him it doesn't suit you.

[andron]

The 360 praise article is a bit much, I was just pointing out the irony in the disparity between his newest post and his older one.

I'm sure we can look forward to some more MS praising from Bruce later...

[The Lazy One]

it does work in the dark... there's plenty of previews from independent news sites saying so o.O

[Kushan]

Natal uses an ACTIVE Infra-red camera. What does that mean? It means it produces its OWN light for the 3D camera, but as the light is infrarred, you'll never see it (You might if you view it through a phone or camera, similar to how you can see light from your average remote control).
Or to put it another way - it works in the dark. If you disagree with this, you obviously have a minute understanding of how light works, the electromagnetic spectrum, basic science or are quite simply an idiotic fanboy who presses disagree on anything they don't like the sound of.

If you really wanted to bash Natal, you should say that due to it working on infrared, it has a bigger chance of not working in direct sunlight than pitch blackness - but that would also be unsubstantiated.

[JonnyBigBoss]

That was arguably the best comment on N4G EVER.

[mikeslemonade]

This reminds me that Microsoft has no soul. All there games are generic and they are sticking to the xbox 360 for the next few years which is already been maxed out.

[2cents]

touche! Well played sir.

MS really shouldn't run their gums. Im happy for sony to perfect 3d and ms to perfect physical motion and gesture capture. Life is good with choice.

It's stupid disregarding comments like this that legitimately cause the opposing camp to justify its repulsion towards its rival. MS just be proud of what you are achieving with this generation of gamers, dont rag... its not a good trait.

[DaTruth]

"Natal works in the dark"

Natal doesn't even work in the light!

Ever see the bottom of an Xbox avatar's foot... Bam there it is!

[Greywulf]

theres no footage anywhere of Natal working in the dark.

[hagla]

I beg to differ... The reason the Natal knows what you are doing and where you are on cam is because it uses both an infra red camera and a normal camera. Without both of these together it doesn't work and there is no way the normal camera is going to see you in the dark.

[thesummerofgeorge]

And Natal is designed to distract you from that, so you'll be all excited about your 360 again, cause the systems abilities have been virtually exhausted. It's actually quite obvious. Listen, the 360 had and still has plenty to offer, but it's a dated machine struggling to keep up with its competition. The only reason it has done so well thus far is smart short term business practices; saturating the market during their year long head start and delivering in games via deep pockets, it was enough to distract from shoddy hardware. I think Natals success will depend on how willing MS' customers are to settle for a possibly decent distraction and a dated system in lieu of a new console capable of competing with the, well, competition.

[edgeofblade]

I see two classes of people here. One interested in the truth, the other interested in ridicule and... looking like fools by way of leaving their pants on the ground.

[BeastModeYMOB]

PPL here on N4G aren't making any cash from it so LET IT GO.

[free2game365]

"I have predicted in the past that eventually Microsoft’s Xbox/Live/Zune business would grow to become bigger than their PC business."
The Xbox is a halo project (no pun intended), windows is a money making project. Whoever wrote this is stupid.

[hmmmm]

-

[strickers]

Actually the only success in consoles this gen in Ninty.Why?because success can only be measured in profit and MS need to re coup something like 9 billion dollars before they are successful in any way.Sony have 4 billion to make up although 2 hugely successful generations for them has been a success.MS have had no success yet.

[mfwahwah]

Success isn't only measured by wealth.

[Armyntt]

You spewed numbers but id like to know where u got the info from.

[Godmars290]

A bank robber, drug dealer and pimp can be wealthy. Doesn't mean their success is actually worth anything.

Corporate success might be measured by wealth, but considering the companies consumer success has to be measured too.

[Anon1974]

Microsoft isn't running a charity for gamers. They're in it to make money. No other reason. In the short term it might be about building a base or establishing a new brand but both of those are goals designed to make money. At the end of the day, that's what it's all about. If it's over a console generation, or two, or even over a period of only a year the goal is the cash. That's it.

[Bnet343]

Actually darkride, the only reason Microsoft got in the console business is because they were afraid that one day Sony might take over the media space with the PS.

[Anon1974]

But I'm still going to go with money. In my decade of working in the brokerage industry, years of pouring over research reports, company forecasts, forward looking statements and financial updates it's always about the money. Someone in the board room might have once said "Hey, we might want to make sure Sony doesn't use the PS to dominate the media space." And you know why? Because Microsoft saw that as a potential future way to...you guessed it, make money!

Why is Microsoft going after the casuals right now with Natal? Is it more to make sure Nintendo doesn't corner the casual player, or is it more about going after the mountain of cash the casuals will bring in? It's probably a bit a both, but a lot about making money.

If you go to your board/shareholders and say, "We want to enter this space because we're afraid Sony might corner the market," the board/shareholders will say "So? How does this make the company, and us, more money?" And that's the question that always has to be answered before any new venture goes forward.

I can't believe that anyone could come on here and with a straight face say that Microsoft's business decisions aren't motivated by the pursuit of profit, first and foremost. Everything else is simply a means to that primary goal. And if it isn't, you need to fire your execs and make sure that it is because that's your primary responsibility to your shareholders.

[DJ]

Xbox 360 has about 4 billion in debt on its shoulders, thanks to the failure of the original Xbox and the 360's warranty issues (red ring of death).

Sony spent about half a billion developing the PS3, and lost another half billion during the console's first year on the market, but has erased that through the PSP and PS2's profitability, as well as the PS3's incredible profitability as well.

[Armyntt]

Well then by that logic if Sony got out of the red with PSP and PS2 im sure the $ MS got from LIVE helped out them too. I love how people spew numbers but never say where from. Like when MS bought SE to bring FF over. Wheres the proof or a pic of big check getting handed out?

[edgeofblade]

mfwahwah illustrates how to change the criteria for success when you don't like the results...

[strickers]

Natal will work in the dark but with standard one person lag at 200 ms plus the normal 100ms lag on a 30fps game,my question is more will it be good enough at all?I think it's a lot of hype and many of the die hard 360 MS mugs will buy into whatever their told.

[starchild]

And people like you who are naive enough to think that Microsoft and all those developers are so stupid as to overlook something like that and not even consider whether the thing works or not, or whether it is fun, are the biggest idiots of all. I mean, seriously?

[YogiBear]

RROD anyone?

[N4Flamers]

beat me to it. short term memory over there.

[DaTruth]

Pwned!

[Wh15ky]

You should stop being so niave Starchild.

This is the way I see it:

The 360 is most 3rd party developers console of choice this gen, easy to develop for and their software sells well on it.
Microsoft are using Natal to try to tap into the casual market as Nintendo have shown there is big bucks to be made here.

Whether Natal works as advertised or not is not really a concern for Microsoft or the developers, the fact that it will appeal to the casual crowd is. It should sell like hot cakes based on how marketable it appears to be, the interest it's garnered since E3 is evidence of this.
You see, the Wii doesn't work as well as advertised (sword fighting on red steel springs to mind) yet it stills sells at an unbelievable rate because of it's marketability.
Alot of 3rd party developers have tried and failed on the Wii so they are now switching their attention to Natal.

[VenGencE999]

@starchild
Really? I mean seriously bro? How old are you? You really think MS as a company cares about you? This is a business son, they are not your friend. They will and have put out a product that DOES NOT work as it should.
Vista? The first batches of 360's? C'mon man! Wake the fuk up! Be a gamer, not a mindless sheep. If it means making a quick buck from suckers who will buy anything and everything NEW, they are quick to get it to the consumer. Natal COULD be the same way. I don't know enough about it so I can't say for sure. But I won't be surprised either way.
STOP BEING THE SHEEP

[edgeofblade]

On the contrary, I have every intent on playing a demo of Natal before shelling out for it. And it's funny how not I, the... ahem.... "die hard 360 MS mug", am not the one really pumped for it. That would be my wife, the die hard Wii Nintendo mug.

And don't call my wife a mug!

[The real killer]

Remember 10 years back, Samsung/LG and other electronic companies?

They have nothing Sony or Phillips was always the best and still the best companies in the world for TV/gaming/and other electronic stuff.

When Sony/Panasonic and Phillips take there plants to China for produce cheaper stuff they also lost great technology, because China is corrupt and pass all the info to other company's like Samsung or LG.

In less than 5 years Samsung has all the stuff what Sony/Panasonic has, very strange that a Korean company has nothing and suddenly when the LCD technology came and Samsung become the biggest in 5 years with there lcd TV's.

Samsung also stole technology from Nokia and Ericsson to try make good mobile phone, Sony invent and samsung copy and past and sell it cheaper to the dumbest people like you.

And now Samsung and Sony work together with in some area's like LCD panels, Sony can't ignore Samsung even samsung has stole Sony's IP's and cannot proof it, just like Microsoft stole the Windows from Amiga and reprogram it and put a patent on it.

I know i get allot disagreem but the fact is where was Samsung 7 years back? nothing and suddenly in number one.

LCD TV from samsung is not better than Sony made LCD TV's, because they are cheaper will mean better.

[starchild]

Sony worshipers like you are funny. I bet you think they invented the internet too.

Yes, yes, Sony invents everything and then companies like Samsung and Microsoft just steal it. But you are wrong. Samsung earned where they have got, and so did Microsoft.

Forget it, you are to deluded to even talk to.

[iMad]

For me your post is another proof that Japans can't lose. They lose dirty. Sony is a prime example with their PS3.

Go cry another place.

[The real killer]

Amiga was the first with a open cource OS, Bill gates use Amiga's windows to copy and reprogram it with different bron codes and stole the windows from Amiga.

The fact is, when Japanese/Dutch and even USA companies setles in China because it's cheap to produce and suddenly couple of years after Korean company's like Samsung has the same copy like Sony has/ camera/TV and even mobile pfone from Nokia and Ericsson.

I know there are no proof, but there is a link about it between China and Korea and China is corrupt, look at google what happened? and that's is just a start ;)

[duplissi]

crap!.... i clicked on the link before i realized that its from from bruce on games

[techie]

Bruce should be removed from the internet, with force.

[Tzuno]

Bravo!!! Microsoft keep the Xbox360 because it's perfect as it is. Sony is desperately trying to do something new because they see Microsoft power and they fear.

[bjornbear]

but when Sony does it, its out of fear?

Wow, you have double standards like no one i've ever seen

do you also wear your underwear on your head?

[Meryl]

sony always has done new things even before your beloved xbox came out and by the way Natal is a bad clone of eyetoy.
i am glad sony still tries out new things, the 3d-tv push is a brilliant idea.

[davekaos]

"Sony is desperately trying to do something new because they see Microsoft power and they fear"
Sony have always tried new things and taken chances thats why they are one of the most successful companies in the world.
PS1 for e.g. Sony entered a market that they never had entered before, The risk was that there was already 2 major console brands on the market SEGA and Nintendo.
Sony though executed there plan well though resulting in sega packing up and sicking to software only.
Then they took the risk with the ps2 because at the time the system that they tried to launch was far ahead of its generation and with the cost of it could well of put sony out of the market.
It didn infact it made Sony the biggest console brand in the history of gaming FACT!
now Sony are taking a chance with 3d. you only have to take a look at hollywood and treaters to see its taking off.
Titanic was the biggest selling movie ever avatar. Avatar came along with its 3d version and absolutely destroyed box office records.
The proof is there that 3d will sell, it already is (Nvidia 3d vision)
Sony ain't stupid, they do their market research unlike Microsoft.
When Microsoft do things well they are exceptional but when they don't put the effort in you get something crappy that don't work properly.
Xbox 360 and windows Vista.
If any one needs to take a chance it has to be Microsoft because otherwise they will end up flat on there face and i don't think natal will be the key they need to succeed afterall Sony had this tech years ago with the ps2. it didn take off.
If anyone is scared its Microsoft NOT Sony

[Seven_ate_Nine]

http://tinyurl.com/ydskwpn

[DragonPrince]

Where were you and your asinine comments when Eyetoy came out?...

[iMad]

"I was at CES and I spoke with a lot of people about 3d gaming, every one had the same comment that there was no way they wanted to wear glasses while gaming or even watching tv. For the record Samsung had the best, Sony and Toshiba had the worst. The flicker was so bad that 5 minutes and everyone got a headache."

Why Sony can't make a 3D without 200$ glasses like samsung?

[The real killer]

it's a begin, not final.

Philips and Sony working years to this technology.

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

3D has a ways to go, but I think in 5 years we will see it in home gaming. Movies like Avatar are already getting the idea significant mind share. What is disappointing is that 3D and motion controls would be better together - like chocolate and peanut butter.

[Meryl]

sony are pushing for 3d games as well, they may even combine it with their motion controls, but no one knows yet, they are keeping lots of secrets so they can surprise us all, I am sure of it.

[Redlight]

Sony has an interest in pushing 3D not because of it's gaming division, but mainly because of it's TV division.

All TV manufacturers need to introduce new rounds of tech in order to convince us to stay on the upgrade bandwagon. HDTV has been successful, but now they need a new sensation to make that 1080p plasma you just bought look old.

3D is it, for now. If that doesn't take off it will be something else.

[iMad]

Capitalism - It only needs your money.

[1nOnly]

Thats the thing I hate about this generation of technology, they come up with newer things faster than I can blink and before I know it my current tech kit seems like from the 90's. But one thing is for sure, I'm not going to buy any of these 3D Tv's until they are the new standard. The only thing I regret not buying at launch is the PS3( as it had the PS2 BC and now my ps2 is dead)

[mastiffchild]

Mate, you can pick up PS2s(fat or slim) for less than twenty sheets here in the UK with tons of games and extras preowned so I just don't see the lack of BC in current model PS3s as any real issue my friend.

For that matter there aren't any big PS2 releases anymore(the last real ones you needed, or I did, my BC for were the last two Personas really-so is it much of an issue anymore? You could also get a 60gig off Ebay reasonably these days, no? Just make sure you get the like for like insurance(like CP used to offer-I'm luckily still with them as my policy was running before they shut it down because of people using loopholes)if you go that way though.

[Dorwrath]

Not interested in 3d yet. Waiting to see if it will be another fad or become something for years to come.

3d gaming won't be common place until at least the next generation of consoles, so that gives me time to wait and see what happens.

Besides there is no point wasting all that money on a 3d tv now, when in three or four years time they will be 70% less in price.

[gamer2010]

That's exactly how I feel.

[mfwahwah]

Yeah I'm going to wait a little bit for the price to come down, but I am interested in 3D gaming.

I imagine it'd be a blast to have some friends over and play some 3D games. In real life I don't really know too many people who would complain, get pissy, and call it all a gimmick like how the internet does.

[Belasco]

Agreed, there is so much room for improvement in other areas before 3d is introduced, like maybe all games running at a solid 60 fps? Better animation? No clipping? Just saying.

[bozebo]

Yeah 3d would be quite fun for a bit. But I can't see it taking over. It'l be something you get out every now and again. When it's not expensive though people won't be coming round to play it because chances are they will have 3d too, and untill it's not expensive I won't be caring about it.

[bozebo]

How was the xbox designed for long life when it dies 1 year in? I have a broken jasper collecting dust in my corner because I am not calling up a stupid indian call centre and then probably being told I am supposed to pay for it.

Also, lol 3d.... no

[Juice360]

MS and Sony are dug in with this generation of console.

Neither of them have the stomach to go through another massive launch and install-base reset.

Remember folks both companies have sunk billions into manufacturing the 360 / ps4.

PC gaming is no longer leap-frogging the consoles like it did in the last gen where it threatened console sales due to more powerful hardware.

Game developers are all switching over to consoles and have established game engines and tools for them to crank out sequel after sequel.

Gears of War 3, Call of Duty 7, Halo 4 (Reach). the beat goes on

The biggest X-factor in the industry isn't 3d gaming and it isn't natal.

It's MMO's.

Who will be the first console to tap into a subscription based console MMO akin to World of Warcraft?

[bozebo]

"PC gaming is no longer leap-frogging the consoles like it did in the last gen where it threatened console sales due to more powerful hardware."

No I think you will find pc hardware is absolutely miles better than console hardware. Not at all affordable for a lot of people yes, but thats the way it was in other generations too of course.

Everybody I have persuaded to get a custom built gaming pc hasn't touched their console in a long time. Sure they develop better for consoles, but the pc versions of most games are still far better... some people actually buy the console version of mw2 rather than the pc version because the pc version doesn't have dedis, that makes no sense whatsoever the console version has none either! Plus you get all the other benefits of it being a pc, sure you lose the comfort and usability to an extent (depends how happy you are sitting at a desk I suppose), but it's still considerably better: higher frame rates, better image quality, better audio quality (sort of), mouse input! much more customization. Even though a gaming pc costs 3x as much as a console, its about 16x as good. And at the moment the bottleneck is pretty much firmly in the graphics card - most people already have machines capable of playing games they just lack a competent gpu - which costs less than a console! - pick up a 250gts and you are good to go; people are already sitting with 2+GB of ram and 2+GHz dual cores - they don't need that for web browsing, word processing or anything else they bought the rig for if they don't play games or do other demanding processes (moving to gpu acceleration anyway!). PC gaming is as big as it has ever been, people keep saying it is dieing and its just completely wrong. The way I think it, consoles are brilliant for fighting games, racing games, rpgs, hack+slash games etc. But when it comes to mmos, fps, simulators, rts - pc wins by miles. I would love to see a console mmo but it would have to be done right, and developers keep doing stupid things and ruining their games so I really don't know how it might turn out. Oh and there is free realms on the ps3. And I realise that retailers of computers are not giving a good impression, they consistently rip people off and lie about performance, and sell people old components pretending it is new (graphics cards mainly). I am also aware that a large number of people use laptops rather than desktops, and that makes sense; but laptops can be great for gaming, its just they are a lot more difficult to part together for a custom build: not only that but most of the retail models neglect graphics capabilities because Intel were screwing over the laptop gpu market for a while: nVidia might put an end to that soon with their new chips

A few friends and I are considering developing an XBLA mmo though, with unlockables that you can have on your dashboard avatar! Probably going to be a massive amount of work and require a lot more input for it to be a success (yes, we can program...), but thats the kind of idea the big developers are missing and if they get to it before us :( sigh

basically, consoles are in general better for the industry and worse for the consumer - they deserve a place in the home entertainment industry I completely agree, but they just want your money. And sure it's easier to develop for consoles once a base engine is employed (same hardware of course)... though if people were more aware and better skilled with computers then they would find it far easier to get games running well - I blame the noobification of retailers, they turn people stupid. Everybody is going on about their GHz and have no idea about anything really.

[mastiffchild]

You ignore the fact most of your mates are likely to game on a console as most don't know enough to build their own gaming rig(and even when you do they're always a far less reliable machine than a console SHOULD be)confidently and aren't always in a position to use their PC with thier widescreen TV and their couch.

Console gaming is about convenience out of the box and plug in and play-soemthing PC gaming just isn't about. Also I HAVE decent rig and use it less and less these days and especially online for multiplayer. I got jaded with not feeling the playinf field was anywhere near level as you didn't know what the other guys rigs are like, whether they tinkered with console settings to get in game advantages, whether they have better gaming mouse and keyboard than you while on a console I have more mates from realm life to game with and I know most people will have exactly the same kit making the games feel a fairer test of everyone's skill-to me anyway-and using a mouse, while undoubtedly I'm better with one and a keyboard, is about the least satisfying way of playing a shooter that there is-again for me.

Also,unfairly in generl , but also undeniably true-a lot of console gamers feel that PC gamers are elitist snobs who look down on other gamers. I know loads of great PC gamers who aren't like that ever but the fatc remains that a loud minority do knock other gamers and people outside find it annoying as all hell and are put off by it.

There's also the fact that a great deal of the franchises gamers on console know and love are only on PS3,Wii or 360 these days(and I think MS are going for more true 360 exclusives-I worry about the PC version of AW going the same way as Fable and Gears2 for example).P_C is capable of lots more than any console but that's to ignore WHY people choose a console.

[Ravenor]

Mastiffchild that's the biggest load excuses I've ever heard. Level playing field? Where in any competition is there a perfectly level playing field? I guess everyone in Formula 1 should give up because Mclaren and Ferrari have massive amounts of money to throw at R&D.

A) Look at your hardware, whats the most outdated about it and plot a rational, doable plan to upgrade it to the point you're happy with. I guarantee you turn your resolution down to 1280*720 you'll be pushing a much higher framerate then the console version of the game.

B) Look at console commands for FOV and other legal stuff that can be tweaked, this is the benefit to the PC that is lost on the most people. GOOGLE!

C) People who play on the PC are better, I've said it a billion times and I will say it again: The controller does not come close to the mouse in precision and speed. Try practicing.

D) There's such thing as a widescreen monitor 22+ inch monitors can be hard in Canada for less then 200. All supporting resolutions the consoles can't hope to match.(If they could even hit real HD to begin with.)

[DaTruth]

Sorry, but I'm just not seeing the superior aspect of PC gaming. 90% of the games are multiplatform with resolution and overdone AA being the only difference. It's the same gameplay, and no extra physics or anything else that really makes a game worth playing!

A suck game @ 2560x1600@120fps and 16xAA(as if you even need AA at those res's)is still a suck game. It's not like PS3 and multiplats where PS3 exclusives have better everything, including gameplay mechanics, physics and just an overwhelming feeling of quality and originality! If it weren't for all the dumbed down for multiplatforms games on the PC, which have a tendency to be churned out by developers and publishers just looking for a quick buck, PC would be a much better platform!

There is just fewer and fewer developers taking advantage of that PC power! Just look to Crytek! PC gaming is dieing a slow and painful death!

@Fanboys who will jump on this comment: When I say "overwhelming feeling of quality"; I mean it feels like Sony has given the developers the freedom and time to make the game they were inspired to make!

[VenGencE999]

@ravenor & bozebo
I'll tell you and the rest of the PC gamers who think your elite to us console gamers something, while you are spending loads of money on your rigs and constant upgrades, the vast majority of the rest of us gamers can spend that money on both consoles and still have extras for the great games.
Last I checked the average cost for a gaming rig was more than $700 us dollars. Yea, you have fun gaming at your PC desk with the mouse and the keyboard, and we'll enjoy kicking back in the lazy boy with the 52 inch in the living room buddy...
P.S. You guys spend ALL that money on rigs, then complain if a developer charges for DLC? HILARIOUS!

[bozebo]

I'm not a PC elitist. I have the consoles but I just don't want to play them, when a good exclusive comes out I hop on and play it sure. For multiplayer though I prefer the PC because I tend to play quite seriously, console games really have a place, it's just that fps games are just almost always better on pc - even if they are a bad port they can be better.

[Condemnedman]

idiots and the internet dangerous combination.
3d too early yet to be a real replacement for home use but it will get there down the line .

[AnotherGamerUser]

But those goggles you have to wear for 3D tv are just plain goofy looking.

[danielle007]

I'm glad they aren't coming out with a new console already.

[TABSF]

This guy is stupid, Microsoft would have to sell 300 million Xbox 360 to get the same profit they got from Windows Vista

Microsoft only makes money on Windows

[Persistantthug]

The way things are,

MS makes a ton of money from XBOX LIVE.

[TABSF]

How can people disagree

Windows Vista has sold over 200 million copies since release with the sale of Home Premium of £70 or Ultimate £160 Current Outlet prices, remember prices was higher are release and are higher on the high street.

Windows > Xbox

[DaTruth]

What is with the disagrees? There is hardly anything in the world making money like Windows! Vista didn't even catch on like XP and still it makes consoles look like a joke.

[ReBurn]

It's easy to disagree because Microsoft has profit centers other than Windows OS and gaming. The biggest one you missed is their Office line of productivity products. Next comes their pricey but very well designed software development tools. And then there's their SQL Server database platform. And they say their games and entertainment division is also profitable, whether anyone chooses to believe it or not.

Making a blanket statement that is obviously wrong will get you disagrees. Not sure what's so tough to understand there.

[keysy420]

sony can go bankrupt lmao. You want to know what is hilarious MS are some smart guys the go around toting that the xbox 360 made 4.8 billion dollars this year. first off that isnt net profit meaning how much the actually gained which could be negative. Look sony sold what 10 million ps3's in a year that were at $600 that's what 6 billion dollars that the ps3 brought in, in one year. These numbers are too big for some of you to even understand.Sony is no where near going bankrupt(its called investors, if sony stock fell to $3 tommorrow im putting everything i can sell and have into it immediately) hell they are starting a 3d network. There cameras are used to make avatar, the run the portable cd player market which is still huge in the world, they are the leading producers in camera camcorder's and make the best high end tv's in the world. they own like half the music industry/ movie industry/tv. they have moeny invested from your favorite company MS
dummies yes MS owns stock in sony and well as sony in MS also same with nintendo, ea, etc. all these compaines its called a Stock Market.

Next how many gens did nintendo loose before they won and there systems never lasted 10yrs. When sony say's they don thave advertising dollars to waste that is because if you have ever taken a marketing class.
50% of marketing dollars is wasted, all the time no matter what you do. 50% of the people you are trying to reach just aren't going to get the message. The best way to market something is by word of mouth if enough people are talking about it then its great for what ever it is. So when a company like sony has been in the red during a recession they are not going to throw away dollars when they can rely on brand recognition. but now that the ps3 is spitting out dollars and they are at a break even point.( MS would have real bad problem if the japanese market was up) you'll see a bigger push in 2010 to make.believe

[keysy420]

people your not going to tstill watch everything is 3d. this doesnt make sense what is you guys areguements, yes your going to use it. all the time no. specail events maybe, gaming sometimes, tv maybe, movies definetly, sports oh yeah. get over it all t.v's that come out in the next 5 yrs are going to be able to be upgraded to 3d.

ITS THE REASON WHAT WHAT GREENBURG SAID IS ONE OF THE DUMBEST COMMENTS I EVER HEARD. 3D IS A FAD.
hello dumba$$ you caould have said the same thing about HD. hd is what a technological advance in television, right! so what is the next step better hd and what 3d, until you have tv that are sensors that are around your house that once you sit down you enter the tv in a virtual space . 3d is here now and its not goign anywhere.

I GET YOUR STRATEGEY ms YOUR SYSTEM DOESNT SUPPORT 3D SO YOUDONT WANT TO SEE THAT. BUT WHEN EVERY ELECTRONIC TV MAKER IN THE WORLD ARE MAKING 3D T.VS YOU SOUND LIKE A$$HOLES. SAYING THAT ALL THE RESEARCH THAT THESE COMPANIES HAVE BEEN DOING. ALL THE MARKETING RESEACH AND YEARS OF PROTOTYPES HAVE BEEN WRONG. JUST TO GET FANBOYS ON YOUR SIDE DOES MAKE YOU LOOK LIKE A$$HOLES AND NOT JUST TO ME IT SHOULD BE TO EVERY ELECTRONIC COMPANY MAKING A PUSH IN HOME ENTERTAINMENT.

[avengers1978]

The article really dances around the subject, but a new console from microsoft is what should be expected if anything just to actually be made with current tech. Like Blu-ray and built in wifi, and bluetooth connectivity.
I'm still not sure how a standard DVD player, utilizing dual-layer dvd9's is HD gaming

[Allowen]

Not sure who said that Natal would not work in the dark because the Wii works very well in the dark or with artificial light.

The problem is when you want to play on my Wii with the curtins open and the .. the light of the sun interferes a lot with the wii remote.

My point is, Natal should work hell better in a dark room then if you light it by opening windows and curtins to let the "sun comes in".

[2cents]

I agree with the cloak and dagger approach that the writer describes that MS has adopted. Its always hard to determine which direction a giant will take. I like the unknown future, I like to be surprised. I dont care who does what. Im lucky enough to not sit on one camp and hope they will always trump the competition. I love the fact there are multiple angles of insertion into the media space.

I cant wait for the "next level" of entertainment, because the big players will no doubt impress in their chosen angle. Bring on the future of entertainment, no matter what form it takes.

[ruiner4482]

Bleh

[doctorspakles]

I almost agree with the 3D thing. I mean as far as movies are concerned, I am not a fan. I consider it a gimmick. Now with games on the other hand, they do offer a more interesting potential use. I suppose that even if I never get into the gimmick, it may lead to future tech that will better the experience.

As far as not needing a new console? Well I think they are in the same boat as everyone else. Someone is going to be first to the next console. They will get an early sales lead but suffer as the newer tech comes out on other consoles later. Much like what happened this generation.

[Imallvol7]

I don't think 3D is necessarily the way to go either, but I believe MS has lost their way. They have seen what Nintendo has accomplished and is attempting to copy it. However, if you are lookin for that kind of entertainment, you think Wii, not Natal. Sounds like MS and Nintendo are going to go for one market, leaving Sony free to go after hardcore gamers.

[ReBurn]

I read the editorial and I think its much ado about nothing. At this point there's no reason to believe that 3D is going to enjoy a long life in the living room. To me it's nothing like the switch to HD a couple of years ago because 3D is a change in experience, but not necessarily an upgrade in quality. Sony's betting the farm on 3D, but that doesn't mean everyone should. Sony doesn't always win when they make a bet.

And the comment about Nintendo being behind was just hilarious. Considering the rate at which people still seem to be buying their stuff compared to other consoles makes Bruce lose a few internet blogger points. Note to Bruce: Nintendo must have what people want right now because people are buying their stuff right now.

The only thing I really agree with is that Zune and Microsoft's smartphone strategy could be the same. That would probably make them stand a better chance of success than they're having individually. Throw games in with it and it could be a reasonable second-fiddle to the iPhone.

[ninjazfistz]

microsoft can't keep sony out they mouth

[ReBurn]

Wasn't aware that Microsoft wrote this editorial.

[mortalrage]

Reading this article was a big waste of time.....

Arguing about this article is a bigger waste of time.....

[kickerz]

hey noobs!! the amount of playstation fanboys on this site sickens me!!! THIS IS WHAT IM HEARING..."natal is crap" "natal wont work in the dark" "natal is just an eyetoy" "microsoft has no soul" BLAA BLAA BLAA!!!! have you played natal have you? To say Natal is just an eyetoy (REINTYPE) makes me realise how DUMB you actually are.and to get 67 people agree with you makes me realise how many DWEEBS use this site!!

All Aaron Greenburg was saying is 3d gaming is going to take a while to take off..but when it does microsoft will get into it..And considering you have to fork out whatever a new 3d TV will cost.. HEAPS!! I definately agree wit him.. I cant see everyone throwin away there new 42 inch plasma/lcd TVs for a new 3d tv anytime soon. only the rich will be geting them.. for the next few years anyway. And as much as I loved AVATAR in 3D, its goin to take a fairly long time for this technology to reach the average income household..

so yeah outa here.. click on DISAGREE like i know u will (noobs) and have a good night :P