Microsoft Releasing Exclusive Games on PC Is Great for Xbox Owners
- Thread starter dancrane212
- Start date
Every platform has it's own objective advantages, great first party titles are one of them. If you were to take all those advantages and give them to one platform you would risk creating a monopoly and monopoly is always bad for the industry.
Jonneh3003
Banned
An open platform controlled by a monopoly where the majority of consumers won't even move to an application integrated into the operating system. EA doesn't want to give Valve an undeserved 30% of all their sales, EA is terrible! Valve and Steam are the problem with PC gaming and while Windows may be an open platform Valve control it on a gaming front.
Monopoly? I am talking about PC as a platform, not Steam. When companies do well, their storefronts work, look at GOG with The Witcher 3.
Nobody wants to buy at Microsoft Store because it is shit, not because it isn't Steam.
nekkid
It doesn't matter who we are, what matters is our plan.
I can't believe how much this has blown up. I'm only an XB1 gamer at the moment, and when I saw the news I didn't even flinch. It wasn't until I read the threads and the news feeds that I heard there was outrage. Ridiculous.
I genuinely can't see this as a bad thing, and is a pretty good indication of Phil's intentions for next gen - that a dedicated Xbox will basically be a Steambox, which is fine by me.
Everyone knows that consoles aren't money spinners - it's the games where the money's at. This is fucking smart by MS, and anyone who says otherwise has their head firmly embedded in their own ass.
I genuinely can't see this as a bad thing, and is a pretty good indication of Phil's intentions for next gen - that a dedicated Xbox will basically be a Steambox, which is fine by me.
Everyone knows that consoles aren't money spinners - it's the games where the money's at. This is fucking smart by MS, and anyone who says otherwise has their head firmly embedded in their own ass.
Sounds like people are saying two almost contradictory things.
1) Adding Xbox games to Gaming Pc market means game sales will be increased by a large margin.
2) Gaming Pc market is not significant enough to affect Xbox sales. People still want the simplicity of a living room box so the system should be fine.
I agree with #1 but not so much #2. Hardcore gamers now have less reason to want an Xbox. Also these people who are usually the trend setters would probably recommend interested consumers to just buy something like an Alienware box for maximum options. This mindset would continue to future console generations. When a new Xbox comes out why should hardcore gamers, the early adopters, care?
Sure it's great for gamers as a whole but I do think the console will absolutely suffer. I'd probably sell the system now if I owned one.
1) Adding Xbox games to Gaming Pc market means game sales will be increased by a large margin.
2) Gaming Pc market is not significant enough to affect Xbox sales. People still want the simplicity of a living room box so the system should be fine.
I agree with #1 but not so much #2. Hardcore gamers now have less reason to want an Xbox. Also these people who are usually the trend setters would probably recommend interested consumers to just buy something like an Alienware box for maximum options. This mindset would continue to future console generations. When a new Xbox comes out why should hardcore gamers, the early adopters, care?
Sure it's great for gamers as a whole but I do think the console will absolutely suffer. I'd probably sell the system now if I owned one.
This makes zero sense. If somebody doesn't have a gaming PC he won't care that the games are also on PC when making a purchase decision between PS or Xbox.
I already posted this on the Media Event thread but here is my half-realistic prediction:
- from now on, every Xbox exclusive is also coming to Windows 10
- Xbox One receives possibility to Stream games from a W10 PC like Steam Link
- They announce a Xbox One Mini, no possibility to play games natively, has only streaming option and runs apps like netflix. Pricepoint: $100.
- They announce a line of Xbox branded PCs that run W10 games at the recommended level. (Think GTX970 etc)
--> Giving more choices to play Xbox Games. They still commit to the dedicated console business.
- from now on, every Xbox exclusive is also coming to Windows 10
- Xbox One receives possibility to Stream games from a W10 PC like Steam Link
- They announce a Xbox One Mini, no possibility to play games natively, has only streaming option and runs apps like netflix. Pricepoint: $100.
- They announce a line of Xbox branded PCs that run W10 games at the recommended level. (Think GTX970 etc)
--> Giving more choices to play Xbox Games. They still commit to the dedicated console business.
Bornstellar
Member
Jonneh3003
Banned
The Rise of the Tomb Raider PC reveal thread begs to differ. When it was announced it was unclear if it was Windows 10 store exclusive or not and you had people in there saying "I'm not buying it if its only on the Microsoft Store". Pretty much every PC gamer has Steam installed on their PC, not that many do their purchases outside of Steam. People are loyal to the platform and want all their library in one place, I'm well aware you can just put shortcuts into your Steam library but for some reason a lot of people don't want to move away from Steam even when there's a program on the operating system that doesn't require a client. Origin, GOG and other stores may work to some extent but they are very niche compared to Steam, I imagine a lot of EA's PC sales are from The Sims which people tend to buy physically which installs Origin regardless.
The PS4 exclusives look more appealing because you can't get them anywhere else, there's more value to them. That and there's so many more.
Dictator93
Member
You are missing the point of minimum and recommended SPECS tbh. They are not set in stone, they are often just rough guidelines, and tons of below "min" spec hardware runs games. Please take note of the amount of VRAM in the minimum recommended cards, that shouldgive you a hint.
How many of the big PC games are even on steam, 2? Even if you only look at western pubs, Blizzard has their own store, EA, Ubisoft, GOG, neremind a plethora of third party sellers that offer keys. Not any of those is set to go bust anytime soon.
I don't see this monopoly or negative effects of a monopoly on PC. In fact, all the competition is a major reason prices are as low as they are.
Lanrutcon
Member
I'm not sure you understand what a monopoly is. All games being on all platforms is exactly the opposite of a monopoly. Players then get to choose which platform they invest in, without any platforms having a monopoly on key franchises. Like they do now.
As far as PCs are concerned: you can't give one platform all the advantages of every platform, as a number of them are mutually exclusive. For example, PCs will never be simple enough to build and maintain for your core console crowd to win them over. PCs will never be 'plug and play' enough for your couch junkies to step over to the dark side. Switching from a console to a PC is a pretty massive change in gaming habits.
Now, if every Nintendo game suddenly appeared on PS or Xbox on PS or whatever console swap you can imagine, that's a different story and one I don't care to speculate on.
nekkid
It doesn't matter who we are, what matters is our plan.
I kinda hope this bit isn't true. Console gaming is about simplicity - options in hardware would be a negative.
I still think there should be one dedicated Xbox console with standard hardware - a fixed target for developers, and an easy choice for those who want to just buy a box that plays the latest games. If you want options, then you get a PC with Windows 10.
I think of it more as an addition. Some Xbox logo simply slapped on a Dell PC. Nothing out of the ordinary.
nekkid
It doesn't matter who we are, what matters is our plan.
I get you. That's incredibly likely, I suspect, an "Xbox Compatible" sticker or something. Just so long as it's not sold as Xbox Premium, Xbox Everyman, Xbox Budget.
No, there isn't. "Console exclusives" got the same "Value" to them for people that don't game on PC because he can't get those anywhere else either (On the platforms that user cares about)
You think somebody stops caring just because a game also popped up on a platform that very user got zero interest in? Please.
Yes you do quite regularly
I know you can add things into steam, but with all the different third party stores, I wish someone would write an app that acts like a launcher for everything.
I mean most PS4 exclusives are coming to PC.SFV, NMS, Shenmue. No reason to own PS4 either.
I'm glad all these games are coming to PC
I think MS have realised there is more money to made via accounts than by pushing sales of their console hardware. By bringing everything under one umbrella they're basically empowering the MS account and I think this is how they plan to combat Steam accounts.
To me the value of a console lies in it's exclusives, and in that sense the Xbox One is less valuable if this trend continues. But the benefits to MS outweigh this:
MS accounts become more valuable to people -> the Windows store becomes more valuable to people -> Windows 10 becomes more valuable to people. There is also the fact that QB is DX12 and will no doubt force reluctant W7 holdouts over.
It's understandable that diehard Xbox fans are upset. The console is absolutely devalued by this. But MS still stands to benefit and that's why they are doing this. So does everybody who doesn't own an Xbox One which is alot of people.
To me the value of a console lies in it's exclusives, and in that sense the Xbox One is less valuable if this trend continues. But the benefits to MS outweigh this:
MS accounts become more valuable to people -> the Windows store becomes more valuable to people -> Windows 10 becomes more valuable to people. There is also the fact that QB is DX12 and will no doubt force reluctant W7 holdouts over.
It's understandable that diehard Xbox fans are upset. The console is absolutely devalued by this. But MS still stands to benefit and that's why they are doing this. So does everybody who doesn't own an Xbox One which is alot of people.
The Witcher 3 sold the same on GOG and Steam at launch, despite what people can say, if the service is good and non intrusive(the opposite of Windows Store) it will be embraced by gamers.
GOG and Origin are niche because most games are only on Steam, if all three platforms had the same catalogue we could judge fairly.
And this has nothing to do with the fact that PC games have advantages for consumers, no matter if they release on GOG, Origin or Steam.
Except you will, when we were wondering where Kojima would go next I said M$, Sony and Nintendo would be the worst choices because exclusives hurt consumes, idk friend maybe it's just your bias showing.
I doubt they will try to compete with Steam in the Game-Store PC market. They need to make their games available on Steam and as an alternative on the Windows Store. They did so in the past so I'm positive it will continue. (Halo Spartan game, ROTTR, Ori, Fable, State Of Decay, Lococycle... http://store.steampowered.com/search/?publisher=Microsoft Studios )
Jonneh3003
Banned
I mean most PS4 exclusives are coming to PC.SFV, NMS, Shenmue. No reason to own PS4 either.
I'm glad all these games are coming to PC
I'm glad they get to play them, I really am. I also like high quality first party software and there's little reason for those games to exist if they aren't manufactured to push hardware. The best way to assess the future is to check out the past and lets see what Sega and Atari did after they ceased console production. Very little compared to when they made consoles.
nekkid
It doesn't matter who we are, what matters is our plan.
Why do you need this when you can create shortcuts of all of them outside their respective clients, making whichever client they use irrelevant?
That's what I'm saying in my first post. This isn't about all games being available on all platforms, it's about all games being available on PC.
As for you second point, we are already there with steam machines.
Steam Machines are a very risky movement that in the future will be imitated by everybody.
nekkid
It doesn't matter who we are, what matters is our plan.
And doing themselves out of not one, but two copies of the game, haha.
Black Mantis
Member
Yeah, I think it's a good move. Ben Kuchera sums up my thoughts nicely.
http://www.polygon.com/2016/2/11/10966970/xbox-one-anger-quantum-break
http://www.polygon.com/2016/2/11/10966970/xbox-one-anger-quantum-break
Yeah a few crazy ones rubbing salt into their own perceived wounds.
They are making games games because they want to make money off of them.
When did they announce ceasing console production? I can see them doing steambox-like console in the future and not abandoning consoles all together.Also, people need to remember they are releasing their games on THEIR OS on THEIR store.
Liamario
Banned
This decision is good for Microsoft and it's also a financial cushion that could potentially enable MS and its studios to develop new and riskier IP.
BUT if someone chose say the xbone over buying a PC for the purpose of its exclusive games, they're understandably not happy. Also, MS currently don't have a good reputation of developing new IP (this could change).
So, I do see both sides. It's certainly not a clear cut, positive decision.
BUT if someone chose say the xbone over buying a PC for the purpose of its exclusive games, they're understandably not happy. Also, MS currently don't have a good reputation of developing new IP (this could change).
So, I do see both sides. It's certainly not a clear cut, positive decision.
But why? I don't get this attitude - you can still play the game as intended. It is just, that it is also releasing on PC. A Xbox One is also $349 or even cheaper whereas a proper PC to run QB is much more expensive.
If this was a financial move why would they develop new and riskier IP's instead of milking more from Minecraft, Forza, Halo, Fable and Gears?
Ninja Sharingan
Banned
I am confused as to who these poeple who choose an xbox overa gaming PC.
Salty Hippo
Member
It's not understandable at all. They still have all those exclusive games to play and a machine to run them that offers a better bang for the buck than a high end PC. If they have the means they can sell it and invest on a PC. They lose nothing, absolutely nothing. They just have one more option like everyone else.
I could of got a gaming PC instead of an Xbox, I still can play the games I bought an Xbox for, and I'm not upset that I spent around £600 less than I would of done if I bought a PC.
Dictator93
Member
The optimisation part of that article is a bit old school in thinking, as DX12 is a thing along with the very low specs in consoles, but everything else makes sense.
Jonneh3003
Banned
I didn't say they were ceasing console production. I'm saying companies making first party software for their hardware is different to making third party software. I'm saying not every game should be on PC.
hydrophilic attack
Member
This all seems pretty realistic. Maybe not already at the event, but it's likely that they will take these steps eventually.
Only issue is: how do you get PC gamers to pay for a subscription service like XBL?
e: who would use streaming to XBO though? I can see them needing the technology for the Mini box, but why stream PC to XBO? Playing on XBO natively or just hooking the PC to the TV seems a much better option, which doesn't introduce extra input lag
wapplew
Member
What about PC master race now laugh at xbox owner and their 900p "inferior" version?
It's not hard to understand people getting emotional about things they love right? It's like human nature.
.
I'm fascinated in how he never argued against MS going from late PC ports in Gears of War to no PC ports for Gears 2, 3, and judgment.
It also does not square with his argument that "exclusivity" would help Rise of the tomb raider.
About the only logical consistency Kuchera seems to have is a water carrier for MS decisions leavened with "history starts today" in order to allow for pro spinning of any MS decision.
That sentence is contradictory in and of itself. The very fact that you can buy games for the platform (which in turn comprises a wide choice of hard- and software from many manufacturers) while bypassing the operating system vendor is one of the many things which makes it more open than any other. People are in fact doing the best they can to maintain this openness if they refuse to go along with more vertical integration.
And many actually do buy games on GoG, or Origin, or Uplay, or even elsewhere entirely. Hell, some of the most popular PC games ever aren't even on Steam!
Liamario
Banned
You're missing the point. The games aren't lost, but some feel the value of the console is diminished. Not everyone of course, but some. I can understand why they feel that way. Also consider that the PC seems to getting some PS4 console exclusives as well.
I have a Steam Link to stream all my PC games to my PC and I never felt like it's controlling worse .
Do y'all think Microsoft would be doing this if Xbox One had strong sales? I think Microsoft is looking to maximize its return on investment from their 1st party games. The Xbox One hasn't sold as well as they hoped because they screwed up the launch. People who invested day 1 in an Xbox One now feel betrayed since they spent $500 on a console plus the $60/yr gold subscription. If they had known Microsoft would eventually go this route, they could've spent that money on building a high-end PC. Putting your exclusives on PC does devalue the Xbox One platform. I don't understand arguments saying that this is great for Xbox One gamers - it's not. It's a signal that the Xbox One isn't doing that well.