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[NullPointer]

The problem is a lot of publishers are dicks.

Gaming in a nutshell, right here.

 

[Galacticos]

Gaming in a nutshell, right here.

 

[see5harp]

No I won't stop. Can't stop.

And yeah, those "seasonal" achievements are pretty scuzzy if they're used for more than seasonal holiday playing type of stuff and you can't grab them later. The fact Polygon is calling it "achievement modification for player behaviors" is pretty telling. Not enough people are playing your online? 2XP achievement and event thrown out!

It could just be the way they currently handle achievements and challenges in windows 8 games like solitaire, minesweeper, etc. There are a standard set of achievements but they add challenges and badges every month. There is a precedent set for adding achievements for paid DLC and that's nothing new but I couldn't easily see Challenges being something the publisher or dev would have control over without having to pay extra.

 

[Satchel]

Not liking those achievement changes. Not one bit. Blech.

 

[yankeehater]

Cross game achievements sounds fucking amazing. That is such an amazing feature.

 

[freddy]

The sources for The Verge and Polygon should get together and compare notes.

Bank notes?

 

[soulassssns]

Achievements won't be scrapped? I hate next gen already.

I love it already

 

[XtremeXpider]

It's too bad we won't know anything for sure until E3 at the earliest. Microsoft will most certainly side-step anything that could be bad press, just like Sony did with their announcement.

 

[NullPointer]

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130213005641/fallout/images/d/dd/Oh-you-93067263235.jpeg

Feels like it enough of the time. Very Us vs. Them when it comes to feature sets and pricing and policies.

Gotta be wary when dealing with publishers to make sure you're not standing over a trap door or on some big plastic tarp.

I'm too old for this shit.

/Murtaugh

 

[Leucrota]

I like how developers can tailor achievements to how people are playing the game. That is an awesome way to explore parts of the game you might not have been interested in.

 

[Izick]

the average console owner doesn't even know what DRM is... they have DRM on their phone and ipad... they use walled gardens all the time.

this is being blown up way too far.

most of the people complaining about DRM have downloaded games which they effectively don't own... read the XBLA and PSN terms carefully.

Now it's being blown up way too far? It didn't seem too far yesterday before this news broke.

 

[Sean]

Its called passing the buck.

They want nothing to do with this shitstorm.

They're leaving themselves an out so they can come out of the toilet smelling like a rose when the first publisher flips the switch on this.

"Bu..bu..but..dont be mad at us guys, we aren't the ones who are doing this. Its up to our publishing partners".

Yeah...but who is giving them the option to do it?

Not sure why you think the console manufacturers have any say in this matter.

The content creators (publishers) ultimately hold all the power in cases like this. Want support from third parties? Then you need to play by their rules.

 

[Ninja Moomin]

Now it's being blown up way too far? It didn't seem too far yesterday before this news broke.

Yeah. it is. there's a lot of negativity for the sake of it... I'm pleased to see they are innovating and if they are revamping achievements that means they are def still interested in the hardcore.

EDIT: Though I still think in general they are handling things poorly in terms of their silence in the face of fans getting annoyed.

 

[Serenity]

The only thing I find weird is that if ps4 and 720 are both following the same DRM policy this whole time, why did the always online rumor only come out about Durango? Could this be a last minute change? Just don't see how they are so similar but only the Durango was thought to have persistent DRM.

 

[Izick]

Yeah. it is. there's a lot of negativity for the sake of it... I'm pleased to see they are innovating and if they are revamping achievements that means they are def still interested in the hardcore.

EDIT: Though I still think in general they are handling things poorly in terms of their silence in the face of fans getting annoyed.

I don't get it. People seemed to be ready to mob together when this was just rumored to be happening on the Nextbox.

Also, Microsoft doesn't comment on rumor or speculation.

 

[SenjutsuSage]

I get a bit of sick enjoyment over seeing some try their best to freak out over the simple idea that a game developer or publisher might want to protect their game from piracy.

The nerve of those idiots in the game industry, to think they might actually have a right to consider methods to protect their games from possible piracy that is happening. It's a publisher's decision, and if they want to take on the potential risks of persistent online or one time activations, then that's a decision they make that will impact their game in whatever way that it can.

The only thing I find weird is that if ps4 and 720 are both following the same DRM policy this whole time, why did the always online rumor only come out about Durango? Could this be a last minute change? Just don't see how they are so similar but only the Durango was thought to have persistent DRM.

Selective outrage. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if Sony is offering devs and publishers the same choices, but nobody is choosing to make a fuss over that. Microsoft is just an easier company to hate, always has been. It won't change anytime soon either.

 

[Ninja Moomin]

The only thing I find weird is that if ps4 and 720 are both following the same DRM policy this whole time, why did the always online rumor only come out about Durango? Could this be a last minute change? Just don't see how they are so similar but only the Durango was thought to have persistent DRM.

it could be a simple system update any time

 

[travisbickle]

What's the point of one-time online activation?

Can you resell a game after it's activated? Can you play a game without an Internet connection?

I thought no "secondhand market" and "no internet no play" we're the reasons we disliked this rumour?

 

[Rand0m TAG]

cant believe people are bitching about achievements being modified on the go...
things to be picky about

 

[sangreal]

What's the point of one-time online activation?

Can you resell a game after it's activated? Can you play a game without an Internet connection?

I thought no "secondhand market" and "no internet no play" we're the reasons we disliked this rumour?

It would kill used games, but not offline play. Same as Steam and similar systems. I don't think nearly as many people are worried about "no internet, no play" compared to "constant internet connection required." The former is the state of most PC games

 

[HardRojo]

So MS's always online approach will be basically like Sony's, where they leave it up to the publisher? A bit less than a month till we know the truth.

 

[ThisWreckage]

I don't believe a single article that comes from Polygon.

 

[TheKayle]

Oh god the achievement thing sounds disgusting, everything about this system is repulsive at this point.

dont buy it..millions ppl will pay also for u dont worry....

 

[Squire]

What's the point of one-time online activation?

Can you resell a game after it's activated? Can you play a game without an Internet connection?

I thought no "secondhand market" and "no internet no play" we're the reasons we disliked this rumour?

It could function like an online pass. You'd buy the disc used, for cheap. Then once you pop it into your console and the network notices that discs ID has been registered before you're prompted to pay $10.

Assuming you can't connect your system to the Internet at all, then yeah, you're done with used games. Certain ones, anyway.

Like I said, most publishers won't use the functionality or will and then stop once it backfires. (It will backfire.)

 

[Kleegamefan]

So the source of these rumors is Polygon?

Home of ageis???


You don't say???

 

[Izick]

It could function like an online pass. You'd buy the disc used, for cheap. Then once you pop it into your console and the network notices that discs ID has been registered before you're prompted to pay $10.

Assuming you can't connect your system to the Internet at all, then yeah, you're done with used games. Certain ones, anyway.

Like I said, most publishers won't use the functionality or will and then stop once it backfires. (It will backfire.)

That's what I was thinking as well. Basically an unlock pass for the whole game, not multiplayer. Not sure how much that would help out publishers though, as they're only getting 10$ instead of whatever cut they'd normally get out of a new copy.

 

[TheKayle]

i think that gamers go where game r..and if devs push for always on...we will just accept it

 

[Seance]

I hope multiplayer games require always online and no-party chat in matchmaking.


Seriously.

Edit:

dont buy it..millions ppl will pay also for u dont worry....

i think that gamers go where game r..and if devs push for always on...we will just accept it

huh?

 

[Squire]

That's what I was thinking as well. Basically an unlock pass for the whole game, not multiplayer. Not sure how much that would help out publishers though, as they're only getting 10$ instead of whatever cut they'd normally get out of a new copy.

They'd be recouping that $10 from each person that buys the game used, so that's how it'd help. The people that buy games new would just continue to do so. Plus, people's e to express how much they don't care for MP anyway, so this would be more effective.

 

[PG2G]

I like how developers can tailor achievements to how people are playing the game. That is an awesome way to explore parts of the game you might not have been interested in.

Yeah, I actually think people are taking the achievement stuff in a very glass half empty fashion.

There are times where multiplayer achievements end up ruining things for a while. Isn't it a good thing that developers could review those achievements and adjust them accordingly?

 

[Izick]

They'd be recouping that $10 from each person that buys the game used, so that's how it'd help. The people that buy games new would just continue to do so. Plus, people's e to express how much they don't care for MP anyway, so this would be more effective.

Yeah, I guess it's better than nothing for publishers. I hope that you can activate a disc on like two or three console instead of one, but that's likely not going to happen. Might even just be tied to the gamertag.

 

[DopeyFish]

They'd be recouping that $10 from each person that buys the game used, so that's how it'd help. The people that buy games new would just continue to do so. Plus, people's e to express how much they don't care for MP anyway, so this would be more effective.

What about a credit system?

Depending on title age, when you sell the game via XBL you get a credit which you can use towards another game instead of money, but the catch is there's a third party... The new player gets the game at a discount too! (The "price" you sell at reflects what credit you get

This a) helps bargain hunters- reinforces community
B) allows you to sink money into another title
C) keeps developers in the loop

Like GameStop renting to a new extreme

 

[Izick]

What about a credit system?

Depending on title age, when you sell the game via XBL you get a credit which you can use towards another game instead of money, but the catch is there's a third party... The new player gets the game at a discount too! (The "price" you sell at reflects what credit you get

This a) helps bargain hunters- reinforces community
B) allows you to sink money into another title
C) keeps developers in the loop

Like GameStop renting to a new extreme

That would be awesome, but sounds like one of those things that would be too good to be true.

 

[Squire]

Yeah, I guess it's better than nothing for publishers. I hope that you can activate a disc on like two or three console instead of one, but that's likely not going to happen. Might even just be tied to the gamertag.

This is absolutely how they'll do it, if they do it. Verification would go: Network -> Account -> Game.

Because obviously you could break your console, but they'll re-release a slimmer version down the road to cut production costs as well. No one re-purchases a system and their whole library, haha.

What about a credit system?

Depending on title age, when you sell the game via XBL you get a credit which you can use towards another game instead of money, but the catch is there's a third party... The new player gets the game at a discount too! (The "price" you sell at reflects what credit you get

This a) helps bargain hunters- reinforces community
B) allows you to sink money into another title
C) keeps developers in the loop

Like GameStop renting to a new extreme

I'm intrigued. It's be interesting to see how a system like that is received.

 

[Miles Quaritch]

Don't believe his lies.

 

[Kaako]

I don't believe a single article that comes from Polygon.

Considering they're the PR outlet for MS, I think it's safe to assume these "rumors" come from the horse's mouth, no?

 

[SirIgbyCeaser]

Considering they're the PR outlet for MS, I think it's safe to assume these "rumors" come from the horse's mouth, no?

I came to post this.. its like the xbox blog bscly.

 

[androvsky]

I don't believe a single article that comes from Polygon.

Just because they don't know how the Share button works on the PS4, even though that's had ample discussion and a big chunk of a press conference describing it, why shouldn't we trust them to accurately describe second-hand rumors?

Considering they're the PR outlet for MS, I think it's safe to assume these "rumors" come from the horse's mouth, no?

Okay, there is that.

 

[3rdamention]

I like the idea of per-game communities and constant in game updates and feedback.

For example when making a conversation choice in Mass Effect, you could see who on your friends list or the total # of people who picked what choice. It'd be pretty awesome

This exact thing was confirmed for PS4 at the Sony Conference. You can see what decisions your friends made.

 

[specialguy]

I think the whole idea of "following" people could be monstrously big. It's basically the fulcrum that propels twitter to massive popularity.

Imagine lets say, following CliffyB and other celebs, gaming or otherwise. Or that cute gamer chick you saw on youtube...you know, people you dont actually KNOW but want to keep up with.

I am not exactly sure how this would work but i'm sure the details can be figured out. and then sony and nintendo will copy it of course, lol, like achievements.

 

[androvsky]

I think the whole idea of "following" people could be monstrously big. It's basically the fulcrum that propels twitter to massive popularity.

Imagine lets say, following CliffyB and other celebs, gaming or otherwise. Or that cute gamer chick you saw on youtube...you know, people you dont actually KNOW but want to keep up with.

I am not exactly sure how this would work but i'm sure the details can be figured out. and then sony and nintendo will copy it of course, lol, like achievements.

I thought the Wii U already allowed you to follow people. Or is that just what happens when they don't friend you back? I'm not sure how that whole thing works.

 

[Estocolmo]

"With the next Xbox, developers and publishers will be able to add more achievements to a game after launch, without the need to add DLC. This is designed specifically to allow developers to tweak player behavior, perhaps urging players to check out specific areas of a game or get past a difficult spot. Next-gen achievements can also be tied to broader events, like a weekend challenge or a communal goal, like contributing a set number of kills to the bigger goal of 10,000 kills over one weekend. Companies can also create cross-title achievements, like awarding points for finishing the first chapter in two different and unrelated games published by the same company. Some of these bigger, cross-title, communal achievements will be a requirement for all titles."

Its amazing that Microsoft and some of the game developers still have not understood that multiplayer achievement ruins the online community. And this is especially true for Epic Games with GoW Judgment and Halo 4 DLC maps. If quote is true, then its going to be a hell on multiplayer games on Xbox3.

 

[Klocker]

What about a credit system?

Depending on title age, when you sell the game via XBL you get a credit which you can use towards another game instead of money, but the catch is there's a third party... The new player gets the game at a discount too! (The "price" you sell at reflects what credit you get

This a) helps bargain hunters- reinforces community
B) allows you to sink money into another title
C) keeps developers in the loop

Like GameStop renting to a new extreme

oh god please make this shit happen

 

[Mihos]

So if I plan on never linking a Twitter, Facebook, Skype, or YouTube account to this, will the console even boot up? If they start giving out achievements for 'liking' on Facebook, they will face all my rage.

 

[Iacobellis]

"With the next Xbox, developers and publishers will be able to add more achievements to a game after launch, without the need to add DLC. This is designed specifically to allow developers to tweak player behavior, perhaps urging players to check out specific areas of a game or get past a difficult spot. Next-gen achievements can also be tied to broader events, like a weekend challenge or a communal goal, like contributing a set number of kills to the bigger goal of 10,000 kills over one weekend. Companies can also create cross-title achievements, like awarding points for finishing the first chapter in two different and unrelated games published by the same company. Some of these bigger, cross-title, communal achievements will be a requirement for all titles."

Its amazing that Microsoft and some of the game developers still have not understood that multiplayer achievement ruins the online community. And this is especially true for Epic Games with GoW Judgment and Halo 4 DLC maps. If quote is true, then its going to be a hell on multiplayer games on Xbox3.

Bungie was smart in making the on-disc achievements for Halo 3 multiplayer only five points each.

 

[digoutyoursoul]

Don't believe his lies.

Why would he lie?

 

[Zen_Arcade]

I get a bit of sick enjoyment over seeing some try their best to freak out over the simple idea that a game developer or publisher might want to protect their game from piracy.

The nerve of those idiots in the game industry, to think they might actually have a right to consider methods to protect their games from possible piracy that is happening. It's a publisher's decision, and if they want to take on the potential risks of persistent online or one time activations, then that's a decision they make that will impact their game in whatever way that it can.



Selective outrage. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if Sony is offering devs and publishers the same choices, but nobody is choosing to make a fuss over that. Microsoft is just an easier company to hate, always has been. It won't change anytime soon either.

No one is mad that people want to protect their games from piracy. People are mad because the way they're doing it (If the rumors are true) is by cutting off a portion of gamers who have no desire/don't have the ability to have their console hooked up to the internet all of the time. It's completely unfair that the people who actually did buy the game can't play the game whenever they want because other people try to steal it.

 

[fi3rypho3nix]

You know, I have followed every leak related to Xbox v. Next and it is amazing how contradictory they are all. The only consistent rumor has been some form of online requirement... and those are all over the map. To me it is amazing we know so little about the platform and yet there have been weekly, sometimes daily, "leaks."

 

[Orca]

Selective outrage. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if Sony is offering devs and publishers the same choices, but nobody is choosing to make a fuss over that. Microsoft is just an easier company to hate, always has been. It won't change anytime soon either.

They already said they have the same kind of 'publisher decides' system. I don't think there was much reaction, much less outrage.

 

[nomis]

This article is 10x better if you read it in Crescente's voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZKoTfY84sU