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[Haint]

So the proposal is that the third party games that are probably being made right now for the future consoles are going to get completely dropped on one of the consoles?

They both have an install base of 0 and likely very similar architecture, so there would be virtually no loss from dropping a port at this point. More likely are multi-month exclusivity windows, though the first batch of games could get by with permanent exclusivity.

 

[zephervack]

How many days till the 20th??? I hope they say something about this.

 

[gofreak]

Publishers would never leave free money on the table like that, an easy port job between these two systems for little cost they wouldnt with hold software as they would take a kicking from investors wondering why they are limiting there returns.

And if one publisher decided to sit it out, others would see an opportunity to corner the market on that console and put the former at more risk still.

I can see publishers using carrots and sticks, or promises thereof, to get this out of platform holders, but I don't think sticks will see much use in the long run if one calls their bluff. They'll be delighted if one caves, of course.

I sort of have a feeling, though, that if any of this is happening it's not as simple as one saying yes and one saying no.

 

[Salaadin]

Edge is already running articles like this is confirmed news? Wont they look silly if it turns up being false?

 

[AgentP]

Whatever MS does, it will be done to benifet third parties.

I think you spelled Microsoft wrong.

 

[madmackem]

They should get the support of the third party publishers, they're the ones who are asking for it. And I suppose Sony would follow too, especially considering the simultaneous launch : supposing that MS has this system and Sony doesn't, there would be a big initial support of third parties, that could tip the balance in favor of MS (imagine a time-exclusive Call of Duty for example...).
Even if there is a risk of backfire, it's worth trying for them ; if the support from third parties and sales to the public don't follow, they can easily "unplug" it and allow second-hand games again...

Come on son, third partys arnt going to leave money on the table why do people keep saying this.

 

[EdibleExplosives]

It's gonna be fucking awful if the next Xbox has amazing exclusives compared to the PS4 but has this 'always on' bullshit.

 

[harSon]

Why would Microsoft play their hand before Sony? If Sony comes out and says they're using their anti-used DRM they patented, Microsoft can come in and dance all over them by saying they'll allow used games or maybe they'll just say "Yeah, we're doing it too because that's what publishers want. Deal with it." and let Sony take most of the blow.



So, how exactly did you play games this generation?

I'm trying to figure out why you'd be okay with this if you don't purchase games. Unless of course your suggesting you'll just pirate them, in which case you shouldn't do that.

I meant used games Lol

And I was wrong, I actually purchased Too Human used years ago. That's also probably most most regrettable video game purchase of the generation.

 

[ironcreed]

Everyone is saying that all of the publishers will flock to Microsoft, which is indeed plausible. But don't ignore the fact that a huge swath of savvy consumers would opt out and gleefully buy a more consumer-friendly PS4. It works both ways, and if enough consumers show interest in something that respects them more, publishers will not be able to ignore putting their games on that system for long.

I'm sorry, I just can't see everyone cheering this on and rushing out to buy the next Xbox with these kinds of anti-consumer ties attached. The used and rental markets are just way too big. Once this kind of news went mainstream, I think Microsoft and the big boys at mega-publishers like EA would find that it did not quite go as planned. This has backfire written all over it. Force this shit on me, and I am not buying your machine... simple as that.

 

[phosphor112]

Retailers will also be pushing the PS4 if all of this is true. Whats the point in owning physical anymore if you can't lend it out or resell it. Retailers where also into the whole 2nd hand business.

This is exactly right. Gamestop and other "used game" stores wouldn't sell those games. Maybe sell download codes since they are easy to ship and doesn't take much space like full retail disks.

 

[RotBot]

No used games + full publisher controls over price + deregulated online store sounds awesome to me.... I don't think that this will happen on Xbox though.

I feel like no used games would actually be pretty cool/steamlike on ps4...

I think PC gamers accept the digital situation right now because price competition between Steam, GMG, Amazon, and the like create a situation where months old PC games can be bought for even cheaper than used copies of the same games on console.

Publishers and platform makers have no incentive to emulate the PC pricing trends that have emerged, and will try to keep prices as high as feasible. If digital sales are locked solely to the platform store, I don't think the pricing will be beneficial to consumers at all. If codes can be sold by 3rd party retailers like Amazon (which has happened to a limited extent this generation), then maybe we'll see more competitive pricing.

 

[KissVibes]

I wouldn't bet against 3rd party's playing it safe to begin with (if MS and Sony are on opposite sides)

Yes, they would definitely prefer the console that blocks 2nd hand games. However, they will be very nervous as they know that this could cause one hell of a consumer backlash.

They hate 2nd hand games but not as much as the fear their sales would nosedive of a cliff as they backed the wrong horse

This doesn't make sense. Gamers go where the software is, if the PS4 has no software then they'd get the system that does. Whatever horse they back is the winning horse.

Retailers will also be pushing the PS4 if all of this is true. Whats the point in owning physical anymore if you can't lend it out or resell it. Retailers where also into the whole 2nd hand business.

What if MS gives them better profit margins on new games or hardware? Considering the next Xbox will have the option to be subsidized by a 2-3 year contract, that could be a good source of profit for retailers to consider.

I meant used games Lol

And I was wrong, I actually purchased Too Human used years ago. That's also probably most most regrettable video game purchase of the generation.

That makes more sense, thanks for the clarification.

 

[NeoUltima]

If Xbox intends to always be online, what's the point of a physical disc? Might as well just go download only, fuck it all.

sighhh

There is also no reason you shouldn't be able to play downloaded games offline. But with discs, you would have to be online for MS to enforce the policy (unless they create weird thing like that sony patent). Which would make digital even more attractive.

 

[UberTag]

Why wouldn't third parties flock to MS? the userbases are zero. Try and kill force Sony to join or close up shop. Microsoft wouldn't do this without knowing the repercussions they probably have some third party agreements.

The other variable is that I can't see Microsoft pulling this and Sony not (as EDGE is perpetuating... but, once again, none of us believe is true) if they not only had third-party exclusives locked up but ALSO planned to aggressively price their console compared to the PS4. I'm talking $199-249 (without Kinect provided you make a 2-year commitment to XBL).

If they make the hardware upgrade cost painless (taking a loss on each console sold) and at least a full $150 less than what Sony can possibly charge for the PS4 (even subsidized by a Plus subscription) they could offset the damage that would follow from GameStop positioning the PS4 as the ONLY next-gen platform and make the install base balance between both systems more tenuous to predict.

The biggest wrench in all of this is actually the Xbox 360. Why would Microsoft sabotage the legacy sales of their widely successful platform in order to get this venture off the ground? With the X360 undoubtedly the biggest mover in all used software revenue for GameStop, Microsoft adopting this measure would be putting it at war with its own hardware along with PS4.

None of this makes any sense. I hope EDGE is blacklisted after the fallout from today's shenanigans (unless Sony is doing this as well).
I also hope GameStop takes them to court.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

Edge is already running articles like this is confirmed news? Wont they look silly if it turns up being false?

yes....which must mean they believe and are confident in their source.

 

[Ponn]

Really wouldn't want to be the guy who announces this for MS at E3 (if it turns out to be true).

The boo's when Sony announced ATT as the 3G provider for Vita will sound like thunderous applause in comparison. It will be a mouth hanging open full moment of disbelief and will be the main headline news coming out of E3 for Xbox 720.

 

[Lakitu]

All the rumours don't bode well for me... always online, no used games, less powerful hardware. I'm leaning towards PS4. I hope consumers do aswell. That's if the rumours are true.

 

[Foffy]

people keep saying "publishers will absolutely love this" but i'm not so sure...
im gonna guess they will make less money from people refusing to buy their games if they do this

Let's be honest; western publishers love this. The ones who expect you to buy their game at $60, play online, and spend another $60 on their DLC. I think the massive bombas we've been getting for nearly every major release that isn't Cowwadooty is a sign the core consumer is tired of this charade. The publishers loving this will hopefully be in a rude awakening when their customer is less interested in their products, supporting them less and less.

 

[Geoff9920]

I don't pay any more than $10-$15 for games on those platforms so its no big deal.

$60+ on the other hand....

I think it's all going to depend on how it's implemented and if Microsft can take a page from Steam's playbook in regards to sales. If there are winter / summer sales where anyone could grab some games off amazon for cheap, enter the code in a console, and start downloading I think it would change a lot of people's minds.

 

[michaelius]

I thought that a strong majority of multiplatform sales go to Xbox.

USA+UK != World

 

[Alx]

Come on son, third partys arnt going to leave money on the table why do people keep saying this.

But they're the ones asking for that system. MS wouldn't grant their wish if there wasn't something to be gained in return.

 

[OldJadedGamer]

I think you spelled Microsoft wrong.

They make the most money from third party royalties.

 

[Walshicus]

I take it you don't play games through Steam/Origin and you don't play games on a smart phone or tablet?

Apparently that's not a valid comparison because of reasons.

 

[params7]

I think it's all going to depend on how it's implemented and if Microsft can take a page from Steam's playbook in regards to sales. If there are winter / summer sales where anyone could grab some games off amazon for cheap, enter the code in a console, and start downloading I think it would change a lot of people's minds.

If they haven't taken the clue from Steam on their digital PC platform (Games for windows live), why do you think it will with consoles?

 

[I-hate-u]

To think all of this could have been avoided if Gamestop gave the publishers/devs a cut from used games.

 

[ChaosXVI]

I imagine that Microsoft (and probably Sony too) are being forced to cave under the pressure from big third party publishers like EA or Activision who want them to shut out used game sales, or they threaten not to support the console. Because Microsoft is far more reliant on 3rd party games than Sony and Nintendo, they had to cave in to their demands.

Sorry if someone already posted that explanation, but I didn't feel like reading through pages of posts where a new page is made every 2-3 minutes.

 

[ThatStupidLion]

heres the thing, if ps4 plays used games... but publishers and devs prefer making games for a console that doesn't play used games....wouldnt that end up hurting the ps4?

i geuss the real question is what do devs value more larger audience pool or selling new games/missing 2nd hand sales.

 

[FourMyle]

The always online thing would seriously cause mass outrage.

Companies like Comcast are unreliable as hell and go out all the time.

That's not even the worst part. ISP companies across the nation are introducing bandwidth caps. With next gen games being increased in size and all the other media capabilities that MS is rumored to focus on, people are going to be hitting that cap VERY quickly.

 

[FordGTGuy]

Not true for everyone.

Not trying to speak for everyone but some people would rather not have to interact with other humans if they had the choice. I like going to Gamestop and looking around and going to midnight launches but it doesn't take away the merits of starting a download and just going to do something else while you wait.

To think all of this could have been avoided if Gamestop gave the publishers/devs a cut from used games.

Even more so considering the amount they charge for used games. $55 used games when you can buy it brand new for $60 is just insane.

 

[Zombie James]

E3 is going to be amazing.

I doubt this is something they'd proudly announce on stage.

 

[Dali]

Come on son, third partys arnt going to leave money on the table why do people keep saying this.

Besides there's always... Japan. No way they're bailing on the next Playstation. But yeah, not gonna happen. It's not like Playstation is an unknown brand and they're not sure it'll get market penetration. Ignoring the next PS would just be plain stupid.

 

[Ol No Bones]

I honestly don't care if they ban secondhand games as long as they have a steamesque marketplace. I think it is very important that publishers reap the benifits of their work so they can find more projects. If this works over time publishers should feel more comfortable funding games because they will make money on every game sold. The games could get less expensive because of this. I'm not saying they will but steam like service would be great in my opinion. The huge downer for me is not being able to borrow a friends game.

 

[PatientRain]

Just to echo what a number of people have been saying, there are times when my internet goes down. It's sad to me I might not be able to play games then. Often when the the internet's down, or lagging, is when I have a day off work because of terrible weather.

First world problem, I know, but it's also a luxury, spare-time machine.

 

[JoexBLU]

"choice could be simple: PlayStation 4 is more powerful, and plays second-hand games."

PS3 is also more powerful than XBOX 360 and the PS3 still sells less in the U.S.

 

[Thoraxes]

I just love how none of these companies take in consideration the crappy bandwidth limits we get here in Canada.

Somebody's going to have to adjust.

I'm willing to bet I know who Microsoft thinks is going to make adjustments.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

heres the thing, if ps4 plays used games... but publishers and devs prefer making games for a console that doesn't play used games....wouldnt that end up hurting the ps4?

i geuss the real question is what do devs value more larger audience pool or selling new games/missing 2nd hand sales.

they value a larger audience pool. Like said a lot before, WAYYYYY too much money left on the table to ignore the other console. And as gofreak said, it also leaves openings for other publishers who don't give a shit to make more headway.

 

[Dabanton]

This is such big news make me amazed that all the 'insiders' that have appeared lately have never talked about this been told by their 'sources'.

Surely all the big devs would have been talking about this?

 

[Proxy]

Surely publishers would understand the gravity of refusing to develop for a pro-used game Sony console right? I mean would publishers be okay with the potential outcome of a near Microsoft monopoly?

 

[params7]

Edge is already running articles like this is confirmed news? Wont they look silly if it turns up being false?

It'll only be silly if Edge's source is unreliable. If they are talking with people from a major publisher who have the devkits or someone within MS itself, they can sound confident, like they are. At least the people selling their gamestop shares think its all real.

 

[2San]

Not true for everyone.

Sure for the tiny fraction that has more than 100mbit connection. Assuming that MS's service can even deliver at those speeds.

 

[Haint]

So, how exactly did you play games this generation?

I'm trying to figure out why you'd be okay with this if you don't purchase games. Unless of course your suggesting you'll just pirate them, in which case you shouldn't do that.

There exists this magical service called Gamefly that is kind of like a Netflix of videogames. How many Netflix subscribers do you think have bought movies in the past 5 years?

 

[ACH1LL3US]

I've blindly been supporting MS with the Windows Phone, bought a Windows 8 hybrid, all with the hope something will change for the better.

They confirm this, and I'm done. I'm selling my Lenovo Yoga, my Lumia 920 and my 360, never associating myself with this company again.

Hahahaha...

I have been on GAF since the Marty fiasco of VF3tb on the Dreamcast.. Love GAF... this
statement above is SO hilarious ( his user name just clinches it!)and its not the only statement on here like this since this RUMOR hit this morning.

Many GAFers are seriously over reacting over this IMHO. Most main stream gamers and dudebro players won't even care about this always online and no used games.

Edit: if you were blindly following them... does this mean this rumor if true has opened your eyes?

 

[Blueblur1]

...then I buy a PS4 and not the new Xbox.

I will not buy any system that controls my ability to buy and sell physical games as I wish.

I feel the same way. I would have never dreamed of switching my primary gaming platform to a PlayStation until now. I still doubt Microsoft would so be brazen to go through with it though. Gonna have to wait and see.

 

[Geoff9920]

What would be wrong with download-only? Printing discs is a waste of money and environmental resources.



Not true for everyone.

It is true for the majority of the world not on 100 Mb connections.

 

[BadWolf]

Wonder how Japanese devs will react, won't they completely back Sony?

MS consoles are a non issue there and the used market is a major part of the system there.

 

[Puppet Shadow]

Wow, i dont know why people are spinning this, if it turns out that ms is the only console to do this the word of mouth and bad press would be damaging.

Perhaps you're right. Lets first wait and see which consoles don't screw over gamers by not offering backwards compatibility. Or, perhaps like used games, that's not a big an issue as you think it is. Again, the two biggest gaming markets have DRM and people accept this.

Then your trying to say third partys would walk away from a machine rumoured to be the more dev friendly and all the cash on the table from sales on that machine for the sake of not allowing used sales. I have no words.

See OldJadedGamer's post above. Publishers don't always seem to take into account market share (when they probably should).

 

[gofreak]

This is such big news make me amazed that all the 'insiders' that have appeared lately have never talked about this been told by their 'sources'.

Surely all the big devs would have been talking about this?

This would presumably be more of a publisher level issue than a developer level one, so not all devs would necessarily know about this.

 

[T.M. MacReady]

so did Sony leak this out to make sure the 2/20 announcement is an overwhelming success?

 

[Xater]

This is such big news make me amazed that all the 'insiders' that have appeared lately have never talked about this been told by their 'sources'.

Surely all the big devs would have been talking about this?

Huh? The rumor has floated around for a while. This is now such a big discussion because Edge seems so sure about it.

 

[Kup]

I don't buy pre-owned games so this doesn't bother me. But I can understand that some people will be shot down by this decision.

It will be interesting to see how retailers handle this...