***official*** all things Microsoft Xbox One (1 Viewer)

[toadstool]

There are still parts of the country that downloading Blu-Ray sized games is not an option. Physical games are still going to be the dominate force in the next gen console market. The trade in protection would mean I would pay less for games but I doubt this is what they have in mind, if M$ takes this route I will not upgrade my two 360s to a single 720.

 

[thecatch]

Love the 360, but the possible inability to play used games is a no-go for me. If this is true, I won't be getting a 720.

Me too, and I've been an Xbox guy from the beginning. Odds are Sony would implement this as well, though.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

How would you eliminate used games? Making it download only? No bluray drive for movies?

 

[Jobber]

How would you eliminate used games? Making it download only? No bluray drive for movies?

Maybe the same way they do it with Windows 7 or MS Office now. Where there's a license key associated with the game that the Xbox 720 authorizes at Microsoft. A one time only authorization.

 

[Steve Tasker]

How would you eliminate used games? Making it download only? No bluray drive for movies?

Maybe the same way they do it with Windows 7 or MS Office now. Where there's a license key associated with the game that the Xbox 720 authorizes at Microsoft. A one time only authorization.

It's becoming fairly common with multiplayer on used games. I think most, if not all, EA games are like that - the game is shipped with an online license, basically, and you input it at the beginning to access online mulitplayer. If you sell the game used, the new purchaser can still play it but needs to purchase a separate multiplayer code in order play online.Not directed at you in particular, just a note for anyone who may be unfamiliar.

 

[SlaX]

I long decided I won't be getting the next generation XBox. Most of the games I play are available cross-platform and not counting XBLA titles, I only own 2 XBox exclusives. Microsoft has gotten really bad with their exclusive library.

List of exclusive XBox titles in 2011:

Spoiler

Body and Brain Connection (Kinect) - 2/8/11

Dance Central 2 (Kinect) - 10/25/11

Forza 4 - 10/11/11

Gears of War 3 - 9/20/11

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary - 11/14/11

Hole In The Wall (Kinect) - 8/24/11

Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet (XBLA) - 8/3/11

Iron Brigade [Trenched] (XBLA) - 6/22/11

Kinect Disneyland Adventures (Kinect) - 11/15/11

Kinect Fun Labs (Kinect) - 6/8/11

Kinect Sports: Season Two (Kinect) - 10/25/11

Ms. Splosion Man (XBLA) - 7/13/11

The Adventures of Shuggy (XBLA) - 6/15/11

The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile (XBLA) - 4/6/11

Toy Soldiers: Cold War (XBLA) - 8/17/11

Out of those 15 exclusives, 6 of those games are for Kinect, another 6 are XBLA titles and one is an HD re-release from their top franchise, leaving only TWO new exclusive AAA titles.

List of XBox exclusive titles in 2010:

Spoiler

Alan Wake - 5/18/10

Crackdown 2 - 7/6/10

Dance Central (Kinect) - 11/4/10

Death By Cube (XBLA) - 2/20/10

Game Party: in Motion (Kinect) - 11/18/10

Halo: Reach - 9/14/10

Kinectimals (Kinect) - 11/4/10

Kinect Adventures (Kinect) - 11/4/10

Kinect Joy Ride (Kinect) - 11/4/10

Kinect Sports (Kinect) - 11/4/10

Lazy Raiders (XBLA) - 2/24/10

MorphX - 9/28/10

MotionSports (Kinect) - 11/4/10

Naval Assault: The Killing Tide - 6/11/10

Ninety-Nine Nights II - 6/29/10

Pinball FX 2 (XBLA) - 10/27/10

Raskulls (XBLA) - 12/29/10

Sonic Free Riders (Kinect) - 11/4/10

Toy Soldiers (XBLA) - 3/3/10

8 for Kinect and 5 from XBLA out of those 19.

Plus, I just can't justify paying for XBox Live Gold. I've been a free member since my subscription ran out last June and I haven't missed a thing. Everything Microsoft offers on the XBox can be done on another system that I own, be it a console or PC. The only thing I can't do is play multiplayer XBox titles, which is only a problem if they're exclusives (note above lists).

Add in the rumor that they will eliminate the ability to play used games (which for me is mostly a problem with borrowed and rentals, since I rarely actually buy used). That rumor is a wait-and-see for me, but the writing is on the wall, unless Microsoft improves it's first party titles. And a system cannot survive without quality first-party support.

Just my

 

[ren hoek]

I thought it was widely believed that the 360 and PS3 were to have 10-year life cycles....a fact that's been rehashed over and over by execs at both companies. Is this wrong? Or perhaps I'm misunderstanding the meaning of life cycle in this case?

PS3 could do it with Blu-ray and its hardware, 360, not so much.

Why do you all keep bringing up blu ray?There won't even be physical media for the next iteration of systems. You can already dl full games through the systems and steam on pcs shows the business plan for success.

Pinning their hopes to the superiority of BLu-ray is a big part of why sony lost this console battle. Because of the blu-ray player, their system was the last and most expensive to launch. All Microsoft has to do is allow us to swap out aftermarket hard drives on their new system, and we'll be able to download and store as much game content as we want.

The only thing separating the 360 from the PS3 in terms of production value in video games is space. And with the advent of Terabyte hard drives and cloud storage the digital form for distribution will inevitably take over. If we didn't have lastgen, inferior internet speeds then a service like OnLive would probably be dominating the market right now. I like physical hard copies as much as the next guy, but I'm all for having even less reason to leave my recliner when I'm playing videa games.

 

[culdeus]

I think M$ envisions the next cycle to have games be like Apps for a phone. You don't trade in apps. I also doubt there will be a drive at all. Blu-Ray drives are super cheap so it might be a throw in to just to consolidate hardware.

 

[belljr]

The dl'ing thing sounds great an all Except when you hit your providers max limit or it takes you hours to dl and install.

 

[Frank Drebin]

LMAO at all the folks ready to storm the gates at MS over RUMOR.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I long decided I won't be getting the next generation XBox. Most of the games I play are available cross-platform and not counting XBLA titles, I only own 2 XBox exclusives. Microsoft has gotten really bad with their exclusive library. List of exclusive XBox titles in 2011:

Spoiler

Body and Brain Connection (Kinect) - 2/8/11 Dance Central 2 (Kinect) - 10/25/11 Forza 4 - 10/11/11 Gears of War 3 - 9/20/11 Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary - 11/14/11 Hole In The Wall (Kinect) - 8/24/11 Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet (XBLA) - 8/3/11 Iron Brigade [Trenched] (XBLA) - 6/22/11 Kinect Disneyland Adventures (Kinect) - 11/15/11 Kinect Fun Labs (Kinect) - 6/8/11 Kinect Sports: Season Two (Kinect) - 10/25/11 Ms. Splosion Man (XBLA) - 7/13/11 The Adventures of Shuggy (XBLA) - 6/15/11 The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile (XBLA) - 4/6/11 Toy Soldiers: Cold War (XBLA) - 8/17/11

Out of those 15 exclusives, 6 of those games are for Kinect, another 6 are XBLA titles and one is an HD re-release from their top franchise, leaving only TWO new exclusive AAA titles.List of XBox exclusive titles in 2010:

Spoiler

Alan Wake - 5/18/10 Crackdown 2 - 7/6/10 Dance Central (Kinect) - 11/4/10 Death By Cube (XBLA) - 2/20/10 Game Party: in Motion (Kinect) - 11/18/10 Halo: Reach - 9/14/10 Kinectimals (Kinect) - 11/4/10 Kinect Adventures (Kinect) - 11/4/10 Kinect Joy Ride (Kinect) - 11/4/10 Kinect Sports (Kinect) - 11/4/10 Lazy Raiders (XBLA) - 2/24/10 MorphX - 9/28/10 MotionSports (Kinect) - 11/4/10 Naval Assault: The Killing Tide - 6/11/10 Ninety-Nine Nights II - 6/29/10 Pinball FX 2 (XBLA) - 10/27/10 Raskulls (XBLA) - 12/29/10 Sonic Free Riders (Kinect) - 11/4/10 Toy Soldiers (XBLA) - 3/3/10

8 for Kinect and 5 from XBLA out of those 19.Plus, I just can't justify paying for XBox Live Gold. I've been a free member since my subscription ran out last June and I haven't missed a thing. Everything Microsoft offers on the XBox can be done on another system that I own, be it a console or PC. The only thing I can't do is play multiplayer XBox titles, which is only a problem if they're exclusives (note above lists). Add in the rumor that they will eliminate the ability to play used games (which for me is mostly a problem with borrowed and rentals, since I rarely actually buy used). That rumor is a wait-and-see for me, but the writing is on the wall, unless Microsoft improves it's first party titles. And a system cannot survive without quality first-party support. Just my

This is an interesting post, because I'm sort of the opposite of this. I've never owned an Xbox, but I'll be looking at the 720 very closely. I'll definitely spring for a PS4, but I can afford a second console no problem, and it's mainly just an issue of MS showing me some good exclusives as a reason to buy their product. And while I agree that their exclusive lineup sucks right now, there's no way they're not launching their next console with a quality lineup. I'm guessing their current lack of exclusives is due in part to developers working on 720 launch titles. I almost never buy used games, so that's not an issue for me personally.It's going to be interesting to see how the online networks shake out in the next generation. A couple of years ago, I would have predicted confidently that XBL would be free the next time around, but people seem to be willing to pay for it, and now I'm starting to think that it's more likely that Sony will follow Microsoft's model that vice versa. That would suck obviously, but that's my best guess.

 

[wazoo11]

switching back to pc gaming if I can't buy used games.

 

[SlaX]

snip, read it up there if you want to read it ^Just my

This is an interesting post, because I'm sort of the opposite of this. I've never owned an Xbox, but I'll be looking at the 720 very closely. I'll definitely spring for a PS4, but I can afford a second console no problem, and it's mainly just an issue of MS showing me some good exclusives as a reason to buy their product. And while I agree that their exclusive lineup sucks right now, there's no way they're not launching their next console with a quality lineup. I'm guessing their current lack of exclusives is due in part to developers working on 720 launch titles. I almost never buy used games, so that's not an issue for me personally.It's going to be interesting to see how the online networks shake out in the next generation. A couple of years ago, I would have predicted confidently that XBL would be free the next time around, but people seem to be willing to pay for it, and now I'm starting to think that it's more likely that Sony will follow Microsoft's model that vice versa. That would suck obviously, but that's my best guess.

We still have plenty of time between now and NeXtBox launch, so it'll be a fun-filled ride til then. I'm a huge fan of video games (as I'm sure everyone here knows) and I'm sure that my thoughts on the Next XBox will change between now and then. Regardless of what I said above, I have tremendous interest in whatever is announced from Microsoft and all between now and then, and I already have e3 marked on the calendar.

 

[Tony Jabroni]

I've never bought used games for fear of breaking down etc. Are they REALLY that popular?

 

[SlaX]

I long decided I won't be getting the next generation XBox. Most of the games I play are available cross-platform and not counting XBLA titles, I only own 2 XBox exclusives. Microsoft has gotten really bad with their exclusive library. List of exclusive XBox titles in 2011:

Spoiler

Body and Brain Connection (Kinect) - 2/8/11 Dance Central 2 (Kinect) - 10/25/11 Forza 4 - 10/11/11 Gears of War 3 - 9/20/11 Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary - 11/14/11 Hole In The Wall (Kinect) - 8/24/11 Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet (XBLA) - 8/3/11 Iron Brigade [Trenched] (XBLA) - 6/22/11 Kinect Disneyland Adventures (Kinect) - 11/15/11 Kinect Fun Labs (Kinect) - 6/8/11 Kinect Sports: Season Two (Kinect) - 10/25/11 Ms. Splosion Man (XBLA) - 7/13/11 The Adventures of Shuggy (XBLA) - 6/15/11 The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile (XBLA) - 4/6/11 Toy Soldiers: Cold War (XBLA) - 8/17/11

Out of those 15 exclusives, 6 of those games are for Kinect, another 6 are XBLA titles and one is an HD re-release from their top franchise, leaving only TWO new exclusive AAA titles.List of XBox exclusive titles in 2010:

Spoiler

Alan Wake - 5/18/10 Crackdown 2 - 7/6/10 Dance Central (Kinect) - 11/4/10 Death By Cube (XBLA) - 2/20/10 Game Party: in Motion (Kinect) - 11/18/10 Halo: Reach - 9/14/10 Kinectimals (Kinect) - 11/4/10 Kinect Adventures (Kinect) - 11/4/10 Kinect Joy Ride (Kinect) - 11/4/10 Kinect Sports (Kinect) - 11/4/10 Lazy Raiders (XBLA) - 2/24/10 MorphX - 9/28/10 MotionSports (Kinect) - 11/4/10 Naval Assault: The Killing Tide - 6/11/10 Ninety-Nine Nights II - 6/29/10 Pinball FX 2 (XBLA) - 10/27/10 Raskulls (XBLA) - 12/29/10 Sonic Free Riders (Kinect) - 11/4/10 Toy Soldiers (XBLA) - 3/3/10

8 for Kinect and 5 from XBLA out of those 19.Plus, I just can't justify paying for XBox Live Gold. I've been a free member since my subscription ran out last June and I haven't missed a thing. Everything Microsoft offers on the XBox can be done on another system that I own, be it a console or PC. The only thing I can't do is play multiplayer XBox titles, which is only a problem if they're exclusives (note above lists). Add in the rumor that they will eliminate the ability to play used games (which for me is mostly a problem with borrowed and rentals, since I rarely actually buy used). That rumor is a wait-and-see for me, but the writing is on the wall, unless Microsoft improves it's first party titles. And a system cannot survive without quality first-party support. Just my

I would like to addendum my post with by saying that while the recent list of exclusive XBox 360 titles are low, the XBox Live Arcade titles themselves have been very good quality and almost worth owning the system for exclusively. Shadow Complex, one of my favorite XBLA titles, is one that came out a few years ago and isn't available on any other system. I believe there has even been announcement for a sequel.

 

[Jobber]

I've never bought used games for fear of breaking down etc. Are they REALLY that popular?

I don't see any reason why you'd fear a used game. It's just a disc. Getting one from a reputable place (not a white van) and you're fine. Yes, they are that popular. I buy mostly used games. For instance I bought Fallout New Vegas for under $8 for the 360. I could have bought it new when it came out for $60.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I just started buying used games lately. Except for mass effect 3 i probably will exvlusively do so from now on.

If M$ eliminates them that will really suck. They could put gamestop out of business.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I just started buying used games lately. Except for mass effect 3 i probably will exvlusively do so from now on.

If M$ eliminates them that will really suck. They could put gamestop out of business.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

Before I read your last line I was right with you. I almost never buy used because I don't support them. The prices are almost always redonkulous anyway.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I just started buying used games lately. Except for mass effect 3 i probably will exvlusively do so from now on.

If M$ eliminates them that will really suck. They could put gamestop out of business.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

Before I read your last line I was right with you. I almost never buy used because I don't support them. The prices are almost always redonkulous anyway.

I like selling my old stuff there. I call them and cd warehouse to compare prices of what im selling and buying and go from there.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I'll continue with being a little bit of a contrarian and further argue that many AAA video games aren't really that pricey when you think about what you're getting. I bought Skyrim for $60 back in November, and I played it more or less continuously for two months. Not sure about the exact number, but I think I put something like 170 hours into it before finally putting it down for a while. Honestly, $60 is fantastic bargain when you think about how much value I got out of that game. I could make a similar argument on behalf of a handful other games -- Killzone 2, Motorstorm Pacific Rift, Bad Company 2, and Demon's Souls are some games where I put in way more time than I care to admit. Those were all easily worth more than $60.

The games that are little harder to justify are the linear action/adventure games. Most of these have 15 hour campaigns if you're lucky, with 12 being more standard. Even if a game has some replay value, it's hard for something like that to stack up favorably compared to those in other genres. A couple of weeks ago, I picked up Uncharted 3 because I was getting burned out on Skyrim. It's a really, really good game, but I've already beaten it twice and my guess is that it's only going to be good for another couple playthroughs. When you consider the value of a linear, story-driven game versus what you could get from Battlefield 3 or Dark Souls or Skyrim, then that price point is a tougher sell.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I'll continue with being a little bit of a contrarian and further argue that many AAA video games aren't really that pricey when you think about what you're getting. I bought Skyrim for $60 back in November, and I played it more or less continuously for two months. Not sure about the exact number, but I think I put something like 170 hours into it before finally putting it down for a while. Honestly, $60 is fantastic bargain when you think about how much value I got out of that game. I could make a similar argument on behalf of a handful other games -- Killzone 2, Motorstorm Pacific Rift, Bad Company 2, and Demon's Souls are some games where I put in way more time than I care to admit. Those were all easily worth more than $60. The games that are little harder to justify are the linear action/adventure games. Most of these have 15 hour campaigns if you're lucky, with 12 being more standard. Even if a game has some replay value, it's hard for something like that to stack up favorably compared to those in other genres. A couple of weeks ago, I picked up Uncharted 3 because I was getting burned out on Skyrim. It's a really, really good game, but I've already beaten it twice and my guess is that it's only going to be good for another couple playthroughs. When you consider the value of a linear, story-driven game versus what you could get from Battlefield 3 or Dark Souls or Skyrim, then that price point is a tougher sell.

I have also gotten MUCH better at knowing what games I will like. I only get a handful of titles these days so it isn't like the old days when I bought everything.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

I just started buying used games lately. Except for mass effect 3 i probably will exvlusively do so from now on.

If M$ eliminates them that will really suck. They could put gamestop out of business.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

Before I read your last line I was right with you. I almost never buy used because I don't support them. The prices are almost always redonkulous anyway.

From a consumer's perspective, how could it possibly be a good thing? The more competitive a market the better it is for consumers. Even if you never shop there, and like you I don't, we're still better off having GameStop in business.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I just started buying used games lately. Except for mass effect 3 i probably will exvlusively do so from now on.

If M$ eliminates them that will really suck. They could put gamestop out of business.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

Before I read your last line I was right with you. I almost never buy used because I don't support them. The prices are almost always redonkulous anyway.

From a consumer's perspective, how could it possibly be a good thing? The more competitive a market the better it is for consumers. Even if you never shop there, and like you I don't, we're still better off having GameStop in business.

As apposed to who?? They are a monopoly.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I just started buying used games lately. Except for mass effect 3 i probably will exvlusively do so from now on.

If M$ eliminates them that will really suck. They could put gamestop out of business.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

Before I read your last line I was right with you. I almost never buy used because I don't support them. The prices are almost always redonkulous anyway.

From a consumer's perspective, how could it possibly be a good thing? The more competitive a market the better it is for consumers. Even if you never shop there, and like you I don't, we're still better off having GameStop in business.

As apposed to who?? They are a monopoly.

I couldn't edit since I'm on my phone atm, but monopoly was a bad choice of words, but it's close. You can buys games from many places, but gamestop is the only "game store" with the exception of a few small mom n pop places. No, I absolutely do not think we are better off with them. The use very questionable sales tactics and take advantage of their customers instead of informing them. Just a sleazy, sleazy, place.

 

[Bull Dozier]

I just started buying used games lately. Except for mass effect 3 i probably will exvlusively do so from now on.

If M$ eliminates them that will really suck. They could put gamestop out of business.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

Before I read your last line I was right with you. I almost never buy used because I don't support them. The prices are almost always redonkulous anyway.

From a consumer's perspective, how could it possibly be a good thing? The more competitive a market the better it is for consumers. Even if you never shop there, and like you I don't, we're still better off having GameStop in business.

As apposed to who?? They are a monopoly.

I couldn't edit since I'm on my phone atm, but monopoly was a bad choice of words, but it's close. You can buys games from many places, but gamestop is the only "game store" with the exception of a few small mom n pop places. No, I absolutely do not think we are better off with them. The use very questionable sales tactics and take advantage of their customers instead of informing them. Just a sleazy, sleazy, place.

Can you expand on that?

 

[culdeus]

I just started buying used games lately. Except for mass effect 3 i probably will exvlusively do so from now on.

If M$ eliminates them that will really suck. They could put gamestop out of business.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

Before I read your last line I was right with you. I almost never buy used because I don't support them. The prices are almost always redonkulous anyway.

From a consumer's perspective, how could it possibly be a good thing? The more competitive a market the better it is for consumers. Even if you never shop there, and like you I don't, we're still better off having GameStop in business.

As apposed to who?? They are a monopoly.

I couldn't edit since I'm on my phone atm, but monopoly was a bad choice of words, but it's close. You can buys games from many places, but gamestop is the only "game store" with the exception of a few small mom n pop places. No, I absolutely do not think we are better off with them. The use very questionable sales tactics and take advantage of their customers instead of informing them. Just a sleazy, sleazy, place.

do what now?

 

[SkyRattlers]

I just started buying used games lately. Except for mass effect 3 i probably will exvlusively do so from now on.

If M$ eliminates them that will really suck. They could put gamestop out of business.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

Before I read your last line I was right with you. I almost never buy used because I don't support them. The prices are almost always redonkulous anyway.

From a consumer's perspective, how could it possibly be a good thing? The more competitive a market the better it is for consumers. Even if you never shop there, and like you I don't, we're still better off having GameStop in business.

As apposed to who?? They are a monopoly.

You don't have to have direct competition in the used game market, they compete against retailers of new games.Retail stores have to account for the demand for cheaper priced games that Gamestop provides.

 

[culdeus]

IMO all gamestop does is push the price of ebay games up a little bit. Since usually people go in with used games and get a %discount on used or new there is a certain multiplier to that effort.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

You cant buy a game w/o being bombarded with offers to buy more crap. Magazine, discount card, pre-order? Over the years I have seen their "salesman" completely lie our mislead older grandparents and mothers who don't know beyer into buying strategy guide, saying things like the person they are nothing this for will NEED the strategy guide. It used to be that you could actually get honest opinions on a quality game. Now every game is awesome and MUST be pre ordered as "its THE ONLY WAY you can make sure you get the game".

Its one thing if this was an isolated incident, but it has been this way for a decade.

Horrible,.horrible company which will be out of business within 10 years.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Please excuse my spelling and grammar errors, I'm on my phone.

 

[culdeus]

You cant buy a game w/o being bombarded with offers to buy more crap. Magazine, discount card, pre-order? Over the years I have seen their "salesman" completely lie our mislead older grandparents and mothers who don't know beyer into buying strategy guide, saying things like the person they are nothing this for will NEED the strategy guide. It used to be that you could actually get honest opinions on a quality game. Now every game is awesome and MUST be pre ordered as "its THE ONLY WAY you can make sure you get the game". Its one thing if this was an isolated incident, but it has been this way for a decade.Horrible,.horrible company which will be out of business within 10 years.

ok, well on that I can agree. It is irritating.

 

[SkyRattlers]

Horrible,.horrible company which will be out of business within 10 years.

It will definitely be out of business in this time frame but it will have absolutely nothing to do with the service the provide. Technology stops for no one and Gamestop will die when digital downloads take over.

 

[Jobber]

I'm pretty confident the next Xbox and Playstation will have disc drives. Since both are pushing to be a your total solution in entertainment. People still have DVDs and Blu Rays.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

http://www.gamespot.com/news/no-new-xbox-in-2012-microsoft-6349399

Company's French marketing manager says Microsoft not ready to roll out new console this year, won't compete with Nintendo and the Wii U.

Microsoft won't release a new console in 2012. That's according to the company's French marketing manager, who recently told French website Le Point that Microsoft has no plans to compete with Nintendo and the Wii U this holiday season.

"What is certain is that there will be nothing new in 2012," Microsoft's Cedrick Delmas told the website (via Google Translate). Previous speculation pointed to Microsoft releasing a new console as early as this holiday.

Delmas added that, "The cycle of the Xbox 360 is by no means complete," noting the lack of price cuts for the system indicates Microsoft isn't ready to bring on the next console.

The marketing man also discussed Microsoft's position relative to Nintendo and the Wii U, which will be on-hand at the 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo, and will launch worldwide by year's end.

"We are not here to deal with Nintendo and they are not there to fight against other manufacturers," he said. "Nintendo has placed itself in a different cycle, they advance at their own pace, successfully as we have seen with the Wii, and now it is their turn to present their innovation."

As for the form and functionality of Microsoft's not-yet-announced console, the latest scuttlebutt suggests it will play Blu-ray discs and sport measures to block used games

 

[Time Kibitzer]

You cant buy a game w/o being bombarded with offers to buy more crap. Magazine, discount card, pre-order? Over the years I have seen their "salesman" completely lie our mislead older grandparents and mothers who don't know beyer into buying strategy guide, saying things like the person they are nothing this for will NEED the strategy guide. It used to be that you could actually get honest opinions on a quality game. Now every game is awesome and MUST be pre ordered as "its THE ONLY WAY you can make sure you get the game". Its one thing if this was an isolated incident, but it has been this way for a decade.Horrible,.horrible company which will be out of business within 10 years.

First off, I'm all for businesses dying due to their own poor practices. But seeing as they are still alive, I'm not going to penalize them and say I want them all closed down because they take advantage of ill-informed consumers. If it's not GameStop, it'd be BestBuy or FutureShop trying to do the same thing; and really that sort of thing isn't unique to video game markets either, that's how a lot of businesses operate.If a consumer isn't willing to do the research on their purchases, they can't really complain about being taking advantage of, particularly when comparing the prices of video games is so easy.

 

[SkyRattlers]

http://www.gamespot.com/news/no-new-xbox-in-2012-microsoft-6349399

Company's French marketing manager says Microsoft not ready to roll out new console this year, won't compete with Nintendo and the Wii U.

Microsoft won't release a new console in 2012. That's according to the company's French marketing manager, who recently told French website Le Point that Microsoft has no plans to compete with Nintendo and the Wii U this holiday season.

"What is certain is that there will be nothing new in 2012," Microsoft's Cedrick Delmas told the website (via Google Translate). Previous speculation pointed to Microsoft releasing a new console as early as this holiday.

Delmas added that, "The cycle of the Xbox 360 is by no means complete," noting the lack of price cuts for the system indicates Microsoft isn't ready to bring on the next console.

The marketing man also discussed Microsoft's position relative to Nintendo and the Wii U, which will be on-hand at the 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo, and will launch worldwide by year's end.

"We are not here to deal with Nintendo and they are not there to fight against other manufacturers," he said. "Nintendo has placed itself in a different cycle, they advance at their own pace, successfully as we have seen with the Wii, and now it is their turn to present their innovation."

As for the form and functionality of Microsoft's not-yet-announced console, the latest scuttlebutt suggests it will play Blu-ray discs and sport measures to block used games

Don't think anyone is making this claim anymore. It's pretty well established that Microsoft will announce the new system at E3 in June and it will have a fall 2013 release date.

 

[Bull Dozier]

You cant buy a game w/o being bombarded with offers to buy more crap. Magazine, discount card, pre-order? Over the years I have seen their "salesman" completely lie our mislead older grandparents and mothers who don't know beyer into buying strategy guide, saying things like the person they are nothing this for will NEED the strategy guide. It used to be that you could actually get honest opinions on a quality game. Now every game is awesome and MUST be pre ordered as "its THE ONLY WAY you can make sure you get the game". Its one thing if this was an isolated incident, but it has been this way for a decade.Horrible,.horrible company which will be out of business within 10 years.

I haven't experienced any of this in any of my shopping. When buying a new title, they ask if I want to buy a used one. That's about all I've experienced in upselling. Though, maybe being a 30-something male cuts down on that.If I was making comparisons, I'd definitely rather deal with the level of upselling and dishonesty you accuse GameStop of using than what I experience in Best Buy just about everytime I'm in there.

 

[bigmarc27]

I thought it was widely believed that the 360 and PS3 were to have 10-year life cycles....a fact that's been rehashed over and over by execs at both companies. Is this wrong? Or perhaps I'm misunderstanding the meaning of life cycle in this case?

PS3 could do it with Blu-ray and its hardware, 360, not so much.

Why do you all keep bringing up blu ray?There won't even be physical media for the next iteration of systems. You can already dl full games through the systems and steam on pcs shows the business plan for success.

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/03/xbox-720-wont-have-a-disc-drive/

While we know that there still is plenty of life left for the Xbox 360, rumors about its upcoming successor (tentatively named Xbox 720) are still sprouting all over the place. Apparently Microsoft recently held a secret developer meeting in London where it briefed game developers on what to expect from the Xbox 720. And it looks like one of the key points about the console that leaked from the meeting is that the next Xbox won’t feature a disc drive anymore.

The Xbox 720 is rumored to read games off a proprietary SD card format that will allow users to swap and store games. Other than that, all the apps and games that will run on the console will be downloadable or streamed to it. It’s not hard to believe since computers have been slowly shifting away from the traditional physical medium with internet-based app stores and there are rumors about the PlayStation 4 doing the same thing as well. But if it turns out to be true, retail outlets like GameStop will be in trouble, with no more hard copies of games to sell.

What do you think of digital-only games for video game consoles? Is it the right step forward? Or will you miss having boxes to unwrap and colorful manuals to read? The Xbox 720 is rumored to be arriving in 2013, so we should find out more about the console later this year – possibly at E3? Stay tuned for more details.

 

[The Hank]

I thought it was widely believed that the 360 and PS3 were to have 10-year life cycles....a fact that's been rehashed over and over by execs at both companies. Is this wrong? Or perhaps I'm misunderstanding the meaning of life cycle in this case?

PS3 could do it with Blu-ray and its hardware, 360, not so much.

Why do you all keep bringing up blu ray?There won't even be physical media for the next iteration of systems. You can already dl full games through the systems and steam on pcs shows the business plan for success.

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/03/xbox-720-wont-have-a-disc-drive/

While we know that there still is plenty of life left for the Xbox 360, rumors about its upcoming successor (tentatively named Xbox 720) are still sprouting all over the place. Apparently Microsoft recently held a secret developer meeting in London where it briefed game developers on what to expect from the Xbox 720. And it looks like one of the key points about the console that leaked from the meeting is that the next Xbox won’t feature a disc drive anymore.

The Xbox 720 is rumored to read games off a proprietary SD card format that will allow users to swap and store games. Other than that, all the apps and games that will run on the console will be downloadable or streamed to it. It’s not hard to believe since computers have been slowly shifting away from the traditional physical medium with internet-based app stores and there are rumors about the PlayStation 4 doing the same thing as well. But if it turns out to be true, retail outlets like GameStop will be in trouble, with no more hard copies of games to sell.

What do you think of digital-only games for video game consoles? Is it the right step forward? Or will you miss having boxes to unwrap and colorful manuals to read? The Xbox 720 is rumored to be arriving in 2013, so we should find out more about the console later this year – possibly at E3? Stay tuned for more details.

Wow I was hoping to play my old 360 games on the 720 too...

 

[SlaX]

I thought it was widely believed that the 360 and PS3 were to have 10-year life cycles....a fact that's been rehashed over and over by execs at both companies. Is this wrong? Or perhaps I'm misunderstanding the meaning of life cycle in this case?

PS3 could do it with Blu-ray and its hardware, 360, not so much.

Why do you all keep bringing up blu ray?There won't even be physical media for the next iteration of systems. You can already dl full games through the systems and steam on pcs shows the business plan for success.

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/03/xbox-720-wont-have-a-disc-drive/

While we know that there still is plenty of life left for the Xbox 360, rumors about its upcoming successor (tentatively named Xbox 720) are still sprouting all over the place. Apparently Microsoft recently held a secret developer meeting in London where it briefed game developers on what to expect from the Xbox 720. And it looks like one of the key points about the console that leaked from the meeting is that the next Xbox won’t feature a disc drive anymore.

The Xbox 720 is rumored to read games off a proprietary SD card format that will allow users to swap and store games. Other than that, all the apps and games that will run on the console will be downloadable or streamed to it. It’s not hard to believe since computers have been slowly shifting away from the traditional physical medium with internet-based app stores and there are rumors about the PlayStation 4 doing the same thing as well. But if it turns out to be true, retail outlets like GameStop will be in trouble, with no more hard copies of games to sell.

What do you think of digital-only games for video game consoles? Is it the right step forward? Or will you miss having boxes to unwrap and colorful manuals to read? The Xbox 720 is rumored to be arriving in 2013, so we should find out more about the console later this year – possibly at E3? Stay tuned for more details.

Wow I was hoping to play my old 360 games on the 720 too...

I'm sure they will continue an XBox Originals type service. But if you thought Microsoft was bring backwards compatibility to the next console, you didn't pay attention to this one. It sucks though. I still think doubling your games library is a huge advantage, especially during launch time.

 

[thecatch]

I know DVDs will get phased out, but I expect I'll still be watching them from time to time next year unless something drastically changes in the movie streaming realm. Not having a DVD drive in my console Seems like it would be a pain.

 

[culdeus]

The Xbox 720 is rumored to read games off a proprietary SD card format

So basically we've come full circle here?

 

[IvanKaramazov]

The Xbox 720 is rumored to read games off a proprietary SD card format

So basically we've come full circle here?

Yeah, this is pretty sad if true.

 

[culdeus]

The Xbox 720 is rumored to read games off a proprietary SD card format

So basically we've come full circle here?

Yeah, this is pretty sad if true.

It's probably because of pirating. Thing is SD cards are not that hard to spoof with an emulator. I haven't really looked lately, but I assume people are still doing emulator hacks of directv.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

The Xbox 720 is rumored to read games off a proprietary SD card format

So basically we've come full circle here?

Yeah, this is pretty sad if true.

It's probably because of pirating. Thing is SD cards are not that hard to spoof with an emulator. I haven't really looked lately, but I assume people are still doing emulator hacks of directv.

Maybe I'm interpreting this wrong. My reading was that games themselves would be download-only, and that you'd use SD cards for game saves, as opposed to the games themselves. Either way though, it seems like you could just use a standard USB drive for this, with in-game code that checks against your XBL/PSN ID to verify your right to play the game. It's hard to persuade me that the proprietary thing isn't just a money-grab.

 

[culdeus]

The Xbox 720 is rumored to read games off a proprietary SD card format

So basically we've come full circle here?

Yeah, this is pretty sad if true.

It's probably because of pirating. Thing is SD cards are not that hard to spoof with an emulator. I haven't really looked lately, but I assume people are still doing emulator hacks of directv.

Maybe I'm interpreting this wrong. My reading was that games themselves would be download-only, and that you'd use SD cards for game saves, as opposed to the games themselves. Either way though, it seems like you could just use a standard USB drive for this, with in-game code that checks against your XBL/PSN ID to verify your right to play the game. It's hard to persuade me that the proprietary thing isn't just a money-grab.

Plausible. However, most of the rom hacks get around the XBL check. Of course that limits your ability to play on XBL, but for many that does not matter. I think you can not force people to phone home to get authenticated. Slippery slope and all that. Steam handles this in a slightly different way to avoid this type of concern it still pisses a ton of people off.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

The Xbox 720 is rumored to read games off a proprietary SD card format

So basically we've come full circle here?

Yeah, this is pretty sad if true.

It's probably because of pirating. Thing is SD cards are not that hard to spoof with an emulator. I haven't really looked lately, but I assume people are still doing emulator hacks of directv.

Maybe I'm interpreting this wrong. My reading was that games themselves would be download-only, and that you'd use SD cards for game saves, as opposed to the games themselves. Either way though, it seems like you could just use a standard USB drive for this, with in-game code that checks against your XBL/PSN ID to verify your right to play the game. It's hard to persuade me that the proprietary thing isn't just a money-grab.

Plausible. However, most of the rom hacks get around the XBL check. Of course that limits your ability to play on XBL, but for many that does not matter. I think you can not force people to phone home to get authenticated. Slippery slope and all that. Steam handles this in a slightly different way to avoid this type of concern it still pisses a ton of people off.

Fair enough. I'm not very familiar with the tech side of this sort of thing.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I know DVDs will get phased out, but I expect I'll still be watching them from time to time next year unless something drastically changes in the movie streaming realm. Not having a DVD drive in my console Seems like it would be a pain.

I don't see too big a big deal. Tv's have a ton of inputs, simply hook up your current DVD/blu ray player to one input and a possible future non disc drive gaming console to another.You can still buy VCR players. DVD players will be around for a long long long time to come.

 

[NewlyRetired]

As someone who almost never buys a new game, I may get out of gaming if the used market goes away.

I average under $5 per game right now, which is incredible value when you consider the amount of hours you get out of a Fallout 3, Skyrim, Dark Souls kind of game.

 

[culdeus]

As someone who almost never buys a new game, I may get out of gaming if the used market goes away. I average under $5 per game right now, which is incredible value when you consider the amount of hours you get out of a Fallout 3, Skyrim, Dark Souls kind of game.

But what if games are actually $5? Have you seen the prices of games on Steam? Major PC titles like Civ 5 are only full price for a few weeks then they fall to <10. Also, when was the last time anyone sold a used copy of Angry Birds?