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[RetroGamingUK]

So from 80 million to 56 million to 35 million to 6 million.

The future sure seems bright.

Phil Spencer said it himself, they're done trying to compete with Sony and Nintendo on subsidised consoles

Their focus now is Windows PC and Gamepass, if they sell 6 million "console" boxes without making a loss on units then they'll be pleased

This is the new reality and not one that Microsoft were planning for when they made the acquisitions, but it is what it is.

Question: If Microsoft were releasing PS5 games when Xbox Series launched, how many consoles would they have sold by now?

Phil Spencer says Xbox is not trying to "out-console Sony or Nintendo," and "great games" alone won't solve its problems

Spencer says even games like Starfield won't dramatically affect console share

www.gamesradar.com

 

[Steve Holt]

I highly doubt it does anything for them in the sells figures and honestly we don't know what they are comfortable with even

I also can appreciate them trying something different as I have said before they no longer wanted to release almost the same product in the same launch window as the PS6 and get destroyed again

Do you have any idea whether there would be a big marketing campaign around it, or they happy to just keep it very niche and low key?

 

[Parazels]

That's fine. KeplerL2's words should be taken above mine, always.

We'll see how it goes. If it comes in 2026, I'll be very interested to see if it plays GTA 6 at launch - before the PC version is out .

There are no indications of a pc launch for GTA 6.
Therefore it's highly unlikely to ever happen!

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Do you have any idea whether there would be a big marketing campaign around it, or they happy to just keep it very niche and low key?

No idea honestly

 

[Astray]

I highly doubt it does anything for them in the sells figures and honestly we don't know what they are comfortable with even

I also can appreciate them trying something different as I have said before they no longer wanted to release almost the same product in the same launch window as the PS6 and get destroyed again

It's honestly kind of weird that they're still attempting to focus their messaging on the hardcore fanboys again.

You would expect them to try and appeal to the longtime console players who are maybe curious about PC and want to try that, but they won't game outside the living room, yes it's a v. niche segment, but it actually exists (my brother in law is one of them) and it's probably willing to pay their $1000 price or whatever it ends up being.

 

[Heisenberg007]

And PC
from 400M to 1.8B, they understand PC is the primary platform, It's the first time actually someone from MS said that in this video, they really don't care now.

PC is not their platform though. The overwhelming majority of PC gamers is on Steam. Microsoft is just another publisher on Steam.

How many PC gamers are using Microsoft Store, though? That's the question.

 

[Heisenberg007]

The current Xbox runs on a modified version of Windows already…

That is totally irrelevant. Can you play a PC-exclusive game on Xbox?

Nope.

So an Xbox is an Xbox, and a PC is a PC. Two completely different things.

 

[Negotiator101]

I highly doubt it does anything for them in the sells figures and honestly we don't know what they are comfortable with even

I also can appreciate them trying something different as I have said before they no longer wanted to release almost the same product in the same launch window as the PS6 and get destroyed again

Given what you've heard is this likely to be more than just a traditional console?

 

[JohnnyFootball]

Do you have any idea whether there would be a big marketing campaign around it, or they happy to just keep it very niche and low key?

All of this is happening because MS big wigs finally told Spencer, Bond, Greenberg and Booty that they can no longer treat Xbox as a toy, that they actually have to start making money.

 

[Heisenberg007]

There is more to it than just hardware sales.

Players will get great hardware. Xbox gets to become biggest game dev out there.

Its a win win situation.

Trying to sell highest no of consoles will come in the way of what both of them want.

It will cripple the specs to make it mass market friendly. Their software adaption will be limited by install base.

I think they are going in right direction.

I agree. Third-party publishers should not waste money and efforts and consoles. Be like EA, Activision (pre-acquisition), and Ubisoft.

But if console-agnostic is the right direction, why are they creating these consoles?

Both things cannot be true at the same time.

 

[GHG]

The current Xbox runs on a modified version of Windows already…

The why don't they just release an update to the Series consoles which would enable people to access steam etc on their current hardware?

 

[Physiognomonics]

An Xbox with Steam and others stores makes sense. Even PS5 can access to EA and Ubisoft games with a sub.

But still I don't see how they are going to compete with PCs + Steam and Steam deck 2.

Both Sony and MS are losing against Steam. They were lost the day they put their games on it.

 

[JohnnyFootball]

PC is not their platform though. The overwhelming majority of PC gamers is on Steam. Microsoft is just another publisher on Steam.

How many PC gamers are using Microsoft Store, though? That's the question.

There is NO chance of it ever competing with Steam. Windows Store games are less polished, don't always get the latest patches (Control being an example), are barely modable. It doesn't come remotely close to the felxibility you get with Steam or GOG and is only barely more open than just buying the game on an actual Xbox console. Games like Fallout and Skyrim are disasters for people who like to mod their games on the Windows store. Having said that, it's mostly fine for people who don't mod their games.

The few Xbox games I have on PC are on Steam.

 

[JohnnyFootball]

An Xbox with Steam and others stores makes sense. Even PS5 can access to EA and Ubisoft games with a sub.

But still I don't see how they are going to compete with PCs + Steam and Steam deck 2.

Both Sony and MS are losing against Steam. They were lost the day they put their games on it.

In what way is Sony losing against Steam? Steam's gaming revenue dwarfs Sony's revenue.

Sony PC games need Steam to be successful, that I will agree with.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Given what you've heard is this likely to be more than just a traditional console?

Can't really answer your question and didn't want to just ignore it, sorry

 

[Astray]

Can't really answer your question and didn't want to just ignore it, sorry

The curse of knowledge.

 

[Baemono]

Question: If Microsoft were releasing PS5 games when Xbox Series launched, how many consoles would they have sold by now?

Pretty much the same amount, don't pretend people buy Xbox because of their games, they don't buy them anyway

 

[adamsapple]

So you think it'll be a dual boot? Xbox OS for Xbox games and the Windows with ROG Ally UI for multiple PC store access?

At this moment I can't fathom what the end result's gonna be, if I were to guess it *could* be

- A dual boot, like you suggested
- An interface like the current xbox where the other 'storefronts' are launched like apps and launch in say .. like how Big Picture Mode launches in Steam
- The whole interface is more like an OS and *everything* is an app, like if you want your traditional Xbox interface and games, you "launch" it like an app

 

[DenchDeckard]

The current Xbox runs on a modified version of Windows already…

I find it really surprising that users on here dont know this already....

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

The curse of knowledge.

Just outside forces

I do want to stress the mods here have been great and very willing to listen and even make changes to things like closed topics in the past, it has nothing to do with anyone here

 

[DenchDeckard]

The why don't they just release an update to the Series consoles which would enable people to access steam etc on their current hardware?

Maybe they do once the os is ready? Or might just leave that console family out in some bullshit way to try and coax people to buy the new platform.

 

[DeltaPolarBear]

I find it really surprising that users on here dont know this already....

That doesn't change the fact that it still isn't the same as a PC. And that there is no easy way to run Xbox games on PC.

Xbox OS and Windows had been going their separate ways for DECADES now. Just because the hardware for both are becoming similar these days, doesn't make the software difference go away.

From my perspective this is all a waste of everyone's time. Xbox should have pulled off the band-aid and declare Play Anywhere titles are the only Xbox games to be supported in the future. But it isn't like my money is on the line so whatever.

 

[djjinx2]

Player options, choices. Gotta love ms for that right? So pro consumer with them choices that they are taking away physicals. You corporate boot lickers sure amaze me.

Fuck you you motherfucker you.
The only corporate loving balloon I see is you. I couldn't give a fuck what console I have, past few years I'm Xbox, before that was Playstation, before that Sega and before that Nintendo and Before that Commodore and before that Amstrad.

YOUR a fanboy rat. I am allowed a choice no? Did Phil fuck your mom? Why can't I have an Xbox without being a crazy fanboy?


/Endrant

 

[GHG]

Maybe they do once the os is ready? Or might just leave that console family out in some bullshit way to try and coax people to buy the new platform.

So you think there's a chance that they will update the Series consoles to have the OS that the Xbox ROG Ally launches with?

 

[vaibhavpisal]

I agree. Third-party publishers should not waste money and efforts and consoles. Be like EA, Activision (pre-acquisition), and Ubisoft.

But if console-agnostic is the right direction, why are they creating these consoles?

Both things cannot be true at the same time.

Believe it or not, they do have a fanbase.

Also, its a good thing we are getting more options for Hardware, is it not?

Or you want to choose just Playstation for home, Switch for portable and thats it?

 

[KeplerL2]

The why don't they just release an update to the Series consoles which would enable people to access steam etc on their current hardware?

Because they were sold at a loss. The current business model is dependent on getting a 30% cut on everything.

 

[RetroGamingUK]

The why don't they just release an update to the Series consoles which would enable people to access steam etc on their current hardware?

Because those machines weren't sold at a profit?

How are Microsoft supposed to make money on them without that 30% cut on games?

 

[Astray]

Just outside forces

I do want to stress the mods here have been great and very willing to listen and even make changes to things like closed topics in the past, it has nothing to do with anyone here

Yeah that's what I meant.

Great to see the mods being cooperative, I think this is playing a role in the resurgence of this site as a leak source (aka GAF > Internet > GAF).

 

[Baemono]

I find it really surprising that users on here dont know this already....

It is surprising that the offspring of the bloated mess is the best OS for gaming

 

[DenchDeckard]

That doesn't change the fact that it still isn't the same as a PC. And that there is no easy way to run Xbox games on PC.

Xbox OS and Windows had been going their separate ways for DECADES now. Just because the hardware for both are becoming similar these days, doesn't make the software difference go away.

From my perspective this is all a waste of everyone's time. Xbox should have pulled off the band-aid and declare Play Anywhere titles are the only Xbox games to be supported in the future. But it isn't like my money is on the line so whatever.

Oh, I absolutely know all of this. Xbox is now directly working with the WIndows team to create a new OS, this is exactly what they are talking about.

So you think there's a chance that they will update the Series consoles to have the OS that the Xbox ROG Ally launches with?

Your guess is as good as mine. I doubt they will allow it as they will use it as a selling point to purchase the new systems as a benefit over previous generations, even though the consoles could probably run it.

We will have to see.

 

[Negotiator101]

Can't really answer your question and didn't want to just ignore it, sorry

Thanks.

 

[GHG]

Because they were sold at a loss. The current business model is dependent on getting a 30% cut on everything.

Those are some Apple tier margins (excl. Mobile phones which are typically >50%) that they are aiming for there then.

Best of luck to them.

 

[SomeNorseGuy]

This thread is delightfully confusing, got to give MS the props for making people talk about them.

Tbh, all I'm really interested in is this new OS. I hope it's more then just an overlay with a few Windows services and processes turned off. I want them to suprise me.

 

[adamsapple]

Fuck you you motherfucker you.
The only corporate loving balloon I see is you. I couldn't give a fuck what console I have, past few years I'm Xbox, before that was Playstation, before that Sega and before that Nintendo and Before that Commodore and before that Amstrad.

YOUR a fanboy rat. I am allowed a choice no? Did Phil fuck your mom? Why can't I have an Xbox without being a crazy fanboy?


/Endrant

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Fuck you you motherfucker you.
The only corporate loving balloon I see is you. I couldn't give a fuck what console I have, past few years I'm Xbox, before that was Playstation, before that Sega and before that Nintendo and Before that Commodore and before that Amstrad.

YOUR a fanboy rat. I am allowed a choice no? Did Phil fuck your mom? Why can't I have an Xbox without being a crazy fanboy?


/Endrant

 

[djjinx2]

This thread is delightfully confusing, got to give MS the props for making people talk about them.

Tbh, all I'm really interested in is this new OS. I hope it's more then just an overlay with a few Windows services and processes turned off. I want them to suprise me.

It will be a launcher of sorts, then add to that changes to gamepass to allow Steam library integration and cloud backwards compatibility (Steam will be locked behind Ultimate, the backwards compatibility stuff could be a seperate app but I can't see why they would do it that way)

All tales from my ass of course

 

[SomeNorseGuy]

It will be a launcher of sorts, then add to that changes to gamepass to allow Steam library integration and cloud backwards compatibility (Steam will be locked behind Ultimate, the backwards compatibility stuff could be a seperate app but I can't see why they would do it that way)

All tales from my ass of course

We'll see I guess, at this point all we can do is guess in bewilderment. Can't wait for deepdives and benchmarks when the Xbox Ally releases later this year.

 

[DeltaPolarBear]

One thing is for certain. If they want to run more than Play Anywhere titles, Xbox really had to ring-fence the console functions enough to satisfy the lawyers of all the third party studios.

I originally, months ago, thought that Microsoft should just make Xbox an App on Windows and call it a day. But the legal issues does make me pause for thought. By all means Xbox can fight third party studios in court but there isn't enough profit here to be worth the hassle. So no matter how they are going to emulate it, it had to be in a console-like fashion to avoid problems. And as i say, which ever way they go about it, they are not getting their time and money back. it will be a thankless job.

 

[Darsxx82]

Fuck you you motherfucker you.
The only corporate loving balloon I see is you. I couldn't give a fuck what console I have, past few years I'm Xbox, before that was Playstation, before that Sega and before that Nintendo and Before that Commodore and before that Amstrad.

YOUR a fanboy rat. I am allowed a choice no? Did Phil fuck your mom? Why can't I have an Xbox without being a crazy fanboy?


/Endrant

I understand your reaction, it's annoying to see people whose contribution to the forum is reduced to giving laughing and mocking emojis to everything that doesn't sound "PlayStation is the best and Xbox is the worst" shamelessly accuse others of being almost insane without their own criteria and corporate shil for not being blue soldiers and without fear of being sanctioned by moderation...
But then it's more beneficial to think about who the character in question is and you'll realize that it's better to ignore it and laugh at how ridiculous there are people in the world.

 

[Fess]

Its not difficult to make an app to run on a console that is just steam etc. Doesnt seem difficult to understand, imo.

Valve can port the Steam app, if they want, but it's not going to run games made for Windows if the console has an Xbox OS. I don't think the OS's are that similar.

So I see it like this:

1. For PC stores and games to run on Xbox, without porting, the console need to run Windows.
In other words, it needs to be a Windows device with console-shell, a PC.

2. For Xbox games to run on a Windows device with console-shell, a PC, there needs to be an Xbox emulator on it.
In other words, it's definitely difficult.

But as you say, no point getting into details when they haven't announced any details. As it is I'm still interested in both the PC/console/thing and the ROG Ally so they're pulling the right strings for me.

 

[PlayStaytion]

It's honestly kind of weird that they're still attempting to focus their messaging on the hardcore fanboys again.

You would expect them to try and appeal to the longtime console players who are maybe curious about PC and want to try that, but they won't game outside the living room, yes it's a v. niche segment, but it actually exists (my brother in law is one of them) and it's probably willing to pay their $1000 price or whatever it ends up being.

That's basically reversing the cause for consumers to buy a pro, and from what's happening realistically speaking, the 5 pro is their current easy target.

 

[Darsxx82]

AMD own announcement

 

[mayham2199]

It's honestly kind of weird that they're still attempting to focus their messaging on the hardcore fanboys again.

You would expect them to try and appeal to the longtime console players who are maybe curious about PC and want to try that, but they won't game outside the living room, yes it's a v. niche segment, but it actually exists (my brother in law is one of them) and it's probably willing to pay their $1000 price or whatever it ends up being.

I actually think this is the perfect play for them. It will get them to keep most of their current userbase and then they can focus on spreading their ecosystem everywhere with a good 4-5 years before they even have to think about talking about next gen. The only issue could be price. If it's to expensive they are going to lose a ton of customers. With so many people on Xbox One still having the new console be to expensive is a very risky move. Most of those users could say F this and decide to just go with PS. I actually think a normal moderately priced traditional console would have been an even better play.

 

[Bigfroth]

"the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation" Sarah Bond, The prophecy is coming true

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

AMD own announcement

Added to first post

 

[adamsapple]

AMD own announcement

The real winners out of all this is AMD.

They made long term contracts with both Sony and MS in the last 12 months.

 

[Astray]

I actually think this is the perfect play for them. It will get them to keep most of their current userbase and then they can focus on spreading their ecosystem everywhere with a good 4-5 years before they even have to think about talking about next gen. The only issue could be price. If it's to expensive they are going to lose a ton of customers. With so many people on Xbox One still having the new console be to expensive is a very risky move. Most of those users could say F this and decide to just go with PS. I actually think a normal moderately priced traditional console would have been an even better play.

I don't think they will keep most of the current fanbase with this strategy. It's more pitched around keeping the biggest spenders imo.

We're talking about a 4 digit console, this might be unobtainium for even the majority of their Series X owners (nevermind the S).

 

[PlayStaytion]

I actually think this is the perfect play for them. It will get them to keep most of their current userbase and then they can focus on spreading their ecosystem everywhere with a good 4-5 years before they even have to think about talking about next gen. The only issue could be price. If it's to expensive they are going to lose a ton of customers. With so many people on Xbox One still having the new console be to expensive is a very risky move. Most of those users could say F this and decide to just go with PS. I actually think a normal moderately priced traditional console would have been an even better play.

Come on, who doesn't want a closed $2000 box? I've been dreaming about that actually since the psone era. Sony and Nintendo can't do it.

 

[Griffon]

His AI broke down.

 

[akaFullmetal]

Crazy times. It must calm the nerves of those who weren't sure they were going to make another console or have 3rd party take care of it. They might do both and see what does better.