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[gofreak]

Windows RT is for ARM wouldn't it make more sense to port Windows 8...

RT might make more sense from an app compatibility POV than full blown Win8.

They can map all RT apps to a TV/Durango setup using Kinect as a surrogate for touch, no?

 

[stephentotilo]

I have to applaud you for providing a voice of reason even while reporting potentially alarming news. Thanks for being one of the good guys.

BTW, did your source distinguish between WinRT and Windows RT? Similar names but very different things.

Unclear. Forgive me for not knowing the difference.

From what I just added to the piece:

Update: To expand on this a bit since I noticed it grabbed some attention: in early April, a top source told me Durango devkits were running Windows RT and used the same APIs for opening files and creating threads as the OSes for Microsoft Surface and Windows Phone 8 do. ...

 

[gofreak]

Since you folks jumped on it, I added a little more about the OS to flesh that out. It's in the piece now as an update. I'd been told in April by one source that Durango was running Windows RT. I've not heard more on that either way. How that squares with a sense that even at the OS level they're not where they want to be yet is for us all to wonder about! The bottom line is that this thing is still in the oven and may be taken out and served a wee bit earlier than is ideal.

Do you know if Durango games run through that OS, or run through something different?

The problems may relate to juggling, effectively, two OSes, merging a 'hard' OS for games that has strict resource requirements with one that isn't so strict (WinRT), in order to guarantee a fixed performance profile for the games' OS.

Although that's pure guesswork. I don't know if that kind of mixing would create unexpected problems or if it ought to be trivial.

 

[Dave Long]

not a big deal, OS can be fixed by patches

I really hope your post history won't show you as someone slagging the Wii U for similar OS issues... because that has been a huge talking point for the Wii U bashers the last six months. Apparently fixing the OS via patches isn't something people like.

 

[HigherLevel]

OK OK OK - last thing from me.

Microsoft's marketing strategy is not the problem. In fact, the marketing is the least of any one's concerns. They have plans to drown out any racket Sony can muster. Whether that means partnering with soft drink manufacturers, fast food chains, or product placement in television shows; it isn't even a question.

The problem is half baked development. The Xbox team has some very specific goals, ambitions, and constraints. They have some brilliant minds working under the roof. The team who works on Direct X, ex-AMD folk, and hardware engineers with laundry lists of accolades. With all that said, if you have a thermal constraint and a maximum size in mind; no amount of talent can give you 2 TF.

The other side of the coin is first party. Studios, from what I am hearing, are having a hard time establishing a proper development culture. This is mostly in reference to Black Tusk, and a heavy reliance on third party titles from unproven studios (Respawn's Titan, Lucid's PGR6, etc).

The last little bit: they started late. Sony actually started developing before MS. Microsoft wanted to launch last year, believe it or not, but things didn't pan out than, and they are hurrying their teams now. There is actually a game released now that was supposed to be a Durango launch title.

It's the constellation of difficulties that is causing Microsoft to work harder and faster. It's frenetic, but it will eventually iron itself out. The most concerning thing is the games, and I am told to not get my hopes too high for their first party effort at launch.

Two questions,

first off, can you elaborate on the Black Tusk situation? Is it a problem with tech, game direction, or just a lack of cohesiveness between developers in the studio?

Second, do you know anything about the studios MS has opened outside of Black Tusk? Victoria, and the others?

 

[pharmboy044]

Since you folks jumped on it, I added a little more about the OS to flesh that out. It's in the piece now as an update. I'd been told in April by one source that Durango was running Windows RT. I've not heard more on that either way. How that squares with a sense that even at the OS level they're not where they want to be yet is for us all to wonder about! The bottom line is that this thing is still in the oven and may be taken out and served a wee bit earlier than is ideal.

Thanks dude.

 

[gofreak]

Huh, if devs are using the same APIs as on WinRT...I assume there has to be some Durango specific ones. But that is still really significant.

I can see them introducing WinRT software compatibility to Durango but I think they're also eyeing bringing Durango software compatibility to Windows in the longer run. The platforms will merge, Xbox will be Window's games API in the future? I think they may be at least keeping that option open on the technical side.

Might also explain some of the concerns Edge reported about the kind of APIs devs were being told to use and not being allowed too close to the metal. All of this would make sense if MS was leaving the door open to making Durango software playable on, distributable on, other Windows devices at some point.

 

[thuway]

Two questions,

first off, can you elaborate on the Black Tusk situation? Is it a problem with tech, game direction, or just a lack of cohesiveness between developers in the studio?

Second, do you know anything about the studios MS has opened outside of Black Tusk? Victoria, and the others?

I have to be careful what I say, since I don't want anyone in trouble. I have heard that most of the studios are new and are going through growing pains. I don't know if it is anything to do with tech or internal quibbles or the fact that they are working on incomplete devkits.

 

[-MB-]

MS in panic mode is Best MS amirite?

 

[HigherLevel]

I have to be careful what I say, since I don't want anyone in trouble. I have heard that most of the studios are new and are going through growing pains. I don't know if it is anything to do with tech or internal quibbles or the fact that they are working on incomplete devkits.

Ok thanks. I understand you can't say too much haha.

 

[fiyah]

I think all the console players are scratching their heads at this moment and Microsoft especially. According, to the rumors they seem to be banking on an unproven market with all the services that they are offering. AFAIK, Apple TV is the only product from the company to not bring in the "herd" and this seems to be what Microsoft is aiming for along with the Wii/Kinect market. If this is true then all the rumors of Microsoft scrambling would make sense. While one might be able to argue that the console gaming industry is shrinking, you can't argue that people are willing to buy a console for enhanced TV functions. Especially when TV's exists and have been largely ignored by the public. In contrast, console sales this generation out performed that of the last by a very very large margin.

 

[gaming_noob]

OK OK OK - last thing from me.

Microsoft's marketing strategy is not the problem. In fact, the marketing is the least of any one's concerns. They have plans to drown out any racket Sony can muster. Whether that means partnering with soft drink manufacturers, fast food chains, or product placement in television shows; it isn't even a question.

The problem is half baked development. The Xbox team has some very specific goals, ambitions, and constraints. They have some brilliant minds working under the roof. The team who works on Direct X, ex-AMD folk, and hardware engineers with laundry lists of accolades. With all that said, if you have a thermal constraint and a maximum size in mind; no amount of talent can give you 2 TF.

The other side of the coin is first party. Studios, from what I am hearing, are having a hard time establishing a proper development culture. This is mostly in reference to Black Tusk, and a heavy reliance on third party titles from unproven studios (Respawn's Titan, Lucid's PGR6, etc).

The last little bit: they started late. Sony actually started developing before MS. Microsoft wanted to launch last year, believe it or not, but things didn't pan out than, and they are hurrying their teams now. There is actually a game released now that was supposed to be a Durango launch title.

It's the constellation of difficulties that is causing Microsoft to work harder and faster. It's frenetic, but it will eventually iron itself out. The most concerning thing is the games, and I am told to not get my hopes too high for their first party effort at launch.

Any insider info is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[GavinGT]

The way I see it, heat concerns have to be their number one priority right now. Third parties can largely carry them at launch if necessary, and Microsoft is uniquely equipped to rapidly handle OS issues (unlike Nintendo).

 

[PhatSaqs]

If things are seriously as hectic as they are being painted here at MS Xbox HQ then they really have been caught with their pants down. Sony is about to come full circle and hit that enemy weak point for massive damage.

 

[thuway]

If things are seriously as hectic as they are being painted here at MS Xbox HQ then they really have been caught with their pants down. Sony is about to come full circle and hit that enemy weak point for massive damage.

Both company's have headaches. One less than the other, but they are both in the 11th hour figuring things out. Right now the troubling thing is worrying about testing / retesting / reretesting. Hardware failure's can make any dick go limp.

I don't think there has ever been a generation where we have had such transparency into hardware design. The luxury of waiting until everything is gold is not on either company's side.

 

[AgentP]

Unclear. Forgive me for not knowing the difference.

From what I just added to the piece:

Sound like WinRT, not the Arm OS that is Windows RT.

 

[Linkified]

OK OK OK - last thing from me.

Microsoft's marketing strategy is not the problem. In fact, the marketing is the least of any one's concerns. They have plans to drown out any racket Sony can muster. Whether that means partnering with soft drink manufacturers, fast food chains, or product placement in television shows; it isn't even a question.

The problem is half baked development. The Xbox team has some very specific goals, ambitions, and constraints. They have some brilliant minds working under the roof. The team who works on Direct X, ex-AMD folk, and hardware engineers with laundry lists of accolades. With all that said, if you have a thermal constraint and a maximum size in mind; no amount of talent can give you 2 TF.

The other side of the coin is first party. Studios, from what I am hearing, are having a hard time establishing a proper development culture. This is mostly in reference to Black Tusk, and a heavy reliance on third party titles from unproven studios (Respawn's Titan, Lucid's PGR6, etc).

The last little bit: they started late. Sony actually started developing before MS. Microsoft wanted to launch last year, believe it or not, but things didn't pan out than, and they are hurrying their teams now. There is actually a game released now that was supposed to be a Durango launch title.

It's the constellation of difficulties that is causing Microsoft to work harder and faster. It's frenetic, but it will eventually iron itself out. The most concerning thing is the games, and I am told to not get my hopes too high for their first party effort at launch.

Oh really cause that internal roadmap has down 2013 for launch of the 720, so you know ...

 

[Dave Long]

The way I see it, heat concerns have to be their number one priority right now. Third parties can largely carry them at launch if necessary, and Microsoft is uniquely equipped to rapidly handle OS issues (unlike Nintendo).

Because the company that released Windows 8 knows what people want in an OS. Amirite?!

I really hope they just make a hardware box that's reliable. No one should have to go through what people did with the 360 and its failure rate.

 

[Can Crusher]

Incredible, they had years to get ready, years to build their first party teams. And they had the public opinion about their "weak" first party lineup. Still they started late, still they rushed things up?

A mess. This does not sound like a company that had games at the core of their next platform.

 

[RobotRocker]

OK OK OK - last thing from me.

Microsoft's marketing strategy is not the problem. In fact, the marketing is the least of any one's concerns. They have plans to drown out any racket Sony can muster. Whether that means partnering with soft drink manufacturers, fast food chains, or product placement in television shows; it isn't even a question.

The problem is half baked development. The Xbox team has some very specific goals, ambitions, and constraints. They have some brilliant minds working under the roof. The team who works on Direct X, ex-AMD folk, and hardware engineers with laundry lists of accolades. With all that said, if you have a thermal constraint and a maximum size in mind; no amount of talent can give you 2 TF.

The other side of the coin is first party. Studios, from what I am hearing, are having a hard time establishing a proper development culture. This is mostly in reference to Black Tusk, and a heavy reliance on third party titles from unproven studios (Respawn's Titan, Lucid's PGR6, etc).

The last little bit: they started late. Sony actually started developing before MS. Microsoft wanted to launch last year, believe it or not, but things didn't pan out than, and they are hurrying their teams now. There is actually a game released now that was supposed to be a Durango launch title.

It's the constellation of difficulties that is causing Microsoft to work harder and faster. It's frenetic, but it will eventually iron itself out. The most concerning thing is the games, and I am told to not get my hopes too high for their first party effort at launch.

Microsoft has more repeats at launch than BBC at Christmas Time. I'm pretty sure we had the same situation back in 2005 sans 3rd party exclusives and more "proper development culture is fucked". See Perfect Dark Zero for the results of that screw up.

The difference being that this time, Sony's launching against them and Nintendo will likely be firing out it's top level 1st Party games (Mario Kart always sells consoles). So it will be a harder battle for the wallet than there was for the 360. We're living in interesting times, now.

 

[Ushae]

I have no idea <sigh>. I was predicting a new Xbox 360 (XTV and EPA Energy star) just before I found the 4/2010 Leaked Xbox 720 powerpoint and it stated a Xbox 361 would be out Holiday 2012 to support XTV. This matches exactly to Oban hitting forges Dec 2011 for a Holiday 2012 release.

Something happened and likely it's related to Energy star power regs. I assumed a more modern AMD GPU and scaleable (Freq and Voltage) hardware would allow the refreshed Xbox 360 SoC to meet the regs. I might have underestimated the difficulty in emulating the Xbox 360 using more modern hardware. Best guess now with the rumors of a Xbox 360 with ARM Win RT/Windows 8 is that OS Dashboard is running on ARM IP and Games side is the Xbox 360 SoC. Very similar to how the PS4 and Xbox 720 will work.

Adding a h.264 encoder to ARM and ARM Trustzone married with Xbox 360 SoC can support Gaikai like BC on Durango and the microsoft-sony.com domain registration might have Sony AND Microsoft supporting Gakai like streaming from 22nm PS3 and 32nm Xbox 360 between each others hardware platforms over the home network. AOAC is also needed here for the Xbox 360 to comply with EU power Regs (500mw standby) and still respond to LAN discovery requests as well as requests by other platforms like Durango to support remote Xbox 360 play.

I can only use the guesses in my above two posts.

1) PS4 has a second ARM chip and Xbox 720 Kryptos (Means Hidden in Greek) includes ARM IP hidden inside Kryptos. 64 bit ARM v8 CPUs were just released Jan 2012 so a design incorporating 64 bit CPUs would have to be stalled till ARM was ready. PS4 Thebe could be forged earlier and the second separate ARM chip later. Sweetvar26 said PS4 Thebe was delayed but still on track and Xbox Kryptos was scheduled for after Thebe and it was on track also. PS4 before Xbox 720 might be related to my guess but both on schedule means it's something else or rumors are wrong.

2) Rumors of Kryptos running hot? Poor code can do that. This could just be bogus or it's exceeding EPA power regs for some of the regulated modes. Writing the Xbox 720 operating system is going to be harder for Microsoft as the AMD HSA HSAIL virtual engine and open standards like OpenCL provided by AMD will be replaced with the WinRT virtual engine and DirectX.

3) PS4 second custom chip is likely 28nm HPM silicon and will perform better than ARM IP in Kryptos that's using LP Silicon. (Assuming they aren't using TSVs and 2.5D or 3D assembly).

Jeff I'm curious, what do you do for a living? (if you don't mind saying of course)

 

[Alx]

Software features not making it in time would probably not be that big of a deal, depending on what they are. I'm not expecting all of the stuff Sony showed off to be there at launch either.

It may be a bigger deal for MS, since they're probably counting on those features to differentiate themselves from the competition. If their console can't do anything special apart from playing games, and if launch games are rushed too, they'll have a harder time convincing people to buy a Durango rather than a PS4.
But I agree that it mostly depends on what the missing features will be, in the end.

 

[Jhriad]

If things are seriously as hectic as they are being painted here at MS Xbox HQ then they really have been caught with their pants down. Sony is about to come full circle and hit that enemy weak point for massive damage.

Even if true it probably won't translate into significantly better sales for the Playstation over Xbox in the States. As was said previously I'd expect Xbox Infinite to be plastered everywhere drowning out whatever message Sony is pushing to the public. Sony hasn't exactly had the most consistent marketing (or even existent marketing for some recent exclusives). If 360 can thrive while MS kept mum on RRoD I doubt a slow start is going to hobble them much.

 

[gofreak]

Did the idea of using Windows RT as the OS - or of app compatibility between Durango and Windows - show up in earlier leaked docs?

If it was something decided relatively recently, it could explain if things on the OS side are behind where they would like them to be.

Plus if Durango is using vanilla Windows RT, it would create a dependency between Durango development and Win RT development. Any problems in the latter would impact on the former.

 

[slider]

I've not really paid attention but have seen comments about MS' first party support being less than good. If these rumours are on the money I'd hope it means MS will have sustained first party support throughout next gen.

Of course my start point could be wrong...

 

[Miles Quaritch]

OK OK OK - last thing from me.

Microsoft's marketing strategy is not the problem. In fact, the marketing is the least of any one's concerns. They have plans to drown out any racket Sony can muster. Whether that means partnering with soft drink manufacturers, fast food chains, or product placement in television shows; it isn't even a question.

The problem is half baked development. The Xbox team has some very specific goals, ambitions, and constraints. They have some brilliant minds working under the roof. The team who works on Direct X, ex-AMD folk, and hardware engineers with laundry lists of accolades. With all that said, if you have a thermal constraint and a maximum size in mind; no amount of talent can give you 2 TF.

The other side of the coin is first party. Studios, from what I am hearing, are having a hard time establishing a proper development culture. This is mostly in reference to Black Tusk, and a heavy reliance on third party titles from unproven studios (Respawn's Titan, Lucid's PGR6, etc).

The last little bit: they started late. Sony actually started developing before MS. Microsoft wanted to launch last year, believe it or not, but things didn't pan out than, and they are hurrying their teams now. There is actually a game released now that was supposed to be a Durango launch title.

It's the constellation of difficulties that is causing Microsoft to work harder and faster. It's frenetic, but it will eventually iron itself out. The most concerning thing is the games, and I am told to not get my hopes too high for their first party effort at launch.

Oh dear.

Dat credibility.

Serious question, where on Earth did you get the 2012 release info from? Their own roadmap shows a 2013 release? As for Black Tusk, it's fairly well documented that their projected wasn't greenlit until a few months ago.

Jesus Christ, stop talking out of your arse. It's pathetic.

 

[digoutyoursoul]

With regards to these ITKs , If you're right once the system is unveiled, full credit but if you are wrong, don't just suddenly stop posting for a while. At least be man enough to say you got it wrong

 

[GavinGT]

Oh dear.

Dat credibility.

Serious question, where on Earth did you get the 2012 release info from? Their own roadmap shows a 2013 release? As for Black Tusk, it's fairly well documented that their projected wasn't greenlit until a few months ago.

Jesus Christ, stop talking out of your arse. It's pathetic.

What leads you to say this? If he wasn't a trusted source, he wouldn't be allowed to continue posting.

 

[AstroNut325]

Oh dear.

Dat credibility.

Serious question, where on Earth did you get the 2012 release info from? Their own roadmap shows a 2013 release? As for Black Tusk, it's fairly well documented that their projected wasn't greenlit until a few months ago.

Jesus Christ, stop talking out of your arse. It's pathetic.

He's been wrong in the past but he hasn't been completely wrong. There might be some grain of reality in what he/she says.

 

[Sorc3r3r]

Oh dear.

Dat credibility.

Serious question, where on Earth did you get the 2012 release info from? Their own roadmap shows a 2013 release? As for Black Tusk, it's fairly well documented that their projected wasn't greenlit until a few months ago.

Jesus Christ, stop talking out of your arse. It's pathetic.

The bird has been proved legit...many times.
He only missed the 8gb thinghy, even asking for an autoban when proved wrong.

 

[Moobabe]

The bird has been proved legit...many times.
He only missed the 8gb thinghy, even asking for an autoban when proved wrong.

It's easier not to believe him for some

 

[thuway]

Oh dear.

Dat credibility.

Serious question, where on Earth did you get the 2012 release info from? Their own roadmap shows a 2013 release? As for Black Tusk, it's fairly well documented that their projected wasn't greenlit until a few months ago.

Jesus Christ, stop talking out of your arse. It's pathetic.

Wow you guys think I really am full of shit? I'll even tell you folks the game that was supposed to launch on Durango.


Blacklight: Retribution was to launch on Durango in 2012. In time if any of the developers on the game actually come out and say it, please do.

2012 launch. Fuck outta here callin me a liar.

 

[Takuya]

Oh dear.

Dat credibility.

Serious question, where on Earth did you get the 2012 release info from? Their own roadmap shows a 2013 release? As for Black Tusk, it's fairly well documented that their projected wasn't greenlit until a few months ago.

Jesus Christ, stop talking out of your arse. It's pathetic.

He is not going to blurt out his sources... Come on now.

 

[ekim]

Wow you guys think I really am full of shit? I'll even tell you folks the game that was supposed to launch on Durango.


Blacklight: Retribution was to launch on Durango in 2012. In time if any of the developers on the game actually come out and say it, please do.

Well... You are right with Blacklight.

 

[chubigans]

Since you folks jumped on it, I added a little more about the OS to flesh that out. It's in the piece now as an update. I'd been told in April by one source that Durango was running Windows RT. I've not heard more on that either way. How that squares with a sense that even at the OS level they're not where they want to be yet is for us all to wonder about! The bottom line is that this thing is still in the oven and may be taken out and served a wee bit earlier than is ideal.

That was a great update. Much appreciated!

I didn't even think about Windows RT being the OS for Durango, but it does make a lot of sense. Should make developing for indies a little bit easier too, if MS is willing to open that gate.

 

[R3TRO]

Seeing the letters PGR in a post makes me smile But other than that I'll wait for the facts instead of "Insiders" rumors.

 

[Raide]

Not sure about my feelings of a 720 Blacklight: Retribution port. Game is all kinds of jacked up with the paid items. Was a fun team game but what they did with the upgrades is just wrong and will murder the online community on consoles.

 

[Linkified]

Wow you guys think I really am full of shit? I'll even tell you folks the game that was supposed to launch on Durango.


Blacklight: Retribution was to launch on Durango in 2012. In time if any of the developers on the game actually come out and say it, please do.

The leaked power point presentation for the roadmap had the 720 pegged for 2013 - that leaked in June 2012. So how does that work then?

 

[Miles Quaritch]

Wow you guys think I really am full of shit? I'll even tell you folks the game that was supposed to launch on Durango.


Blacklight: Retribution was to launch on Durango in 2012. In time if any of the developers on the game actually come out and say it, please do.

2012 launch. Fuck outta here callin me a liar.

It's easy to question your claims when the goddamn official source contradict exactly what you're saying. Are you suggesting the leaked roadmap is wrong? That MS intentionally aimed to mislead by claiming a 2013 release when they were aiming for 2012?

What makes me question you further is that if they were indeed aiming for a 2012 release, why in the hell are they struggling at the moment? All signs point to a 2013 release, regardless of what one game intended to aim for.

Such BS. Either you're lying or your sources are shit.

 

[B.O.O.M]

The leaked power point presentation for the roadmap had the 720 pegged for 2013 - that leaked in June 2012. So how does that work then?

It's entirely possible. They would have realized they can't do a launch in 2012 with a lot of time left

 

[captscience]

The leaked power point presentation for the roadmap had the 720 pegged for 2013 - that leaked in June 2012. So how does that work then?

It's easy to question your claims when the goddamn official source contradict exactly what you're saying. Are you suggesting the leaked roadmap is wrong?

Why is it so hard to believe that the decision to delay to 2013 was made before that leaked document was made? Any game planned to release at the end of 2012 would have been well under way.

 

[1-D_FTW]

It's easier not to believe him for some

Was definitely hilarious to go back through the old WiiU threads. Even when a mod specifically stated someone had been verified and was legit, when the words spoken upset the expectations of some, they lashed out anyways.

 

[BruceLeeRoy]

Oh dear.

Dat credibility.

Serious question, where on Earth did you get the 2012 release info from? Their own roadmap shows a 2013 release? As for Black Tusk, it's fairly well documented that their projected wasn't greenlit until a few months ago.

Jesus Christ, stop talking out of your arse. It's pathetic.

I'm sure you will look at this with just as much credulity(which you should) but he isn't making this up.

 

[Takuya]

It's easy to question your claims when the goddamn official source contradict exactly what you're saying. Are you suggesting the leaked roadmap is wrong? That MS intentionally aimed to mislead by claiming a 2013 release when they were aiming for 2012?

What makes me question you further is that if they were indeed aiming for a 2012 release, why in the hell are they struggling at the moment? All signs point to a 2013 release, regardless of what one game intended to aim for.

Such BS. Either you're lying or your sources are shit.

Is it hard to believe that Microsoft got ahead of themselves with a previous "expected launch window" and are still feeling the effects of that failure even today?

 

[Miles Quaritch]

Why is it so hard to believe that the decision to delay to 2013 was made before that leaked document was made? Any game planned to release at the end of 2012 would have been well under way.

So let's get this straight. They were aiming for a 2012 release, couldn't make it and decided to push back until 2013 but are still struggling and possibly, as unlikely as it might be, won't even make this year?

Not to mention the release of two of the flagship titles in the latter part of 2012.

Jesus Christ.

 

[thuway]

It's easy to question your claims when the goddamn official source contradict exactly what you're saying. Are you suggesting the leaked roadmap is wrong? That MS intentionally aimed to mislead by claiming a 2013 release when they were aiming for 2012?

What makes me question you further is that if they were indeed aiming for a 2012 release, why in the hell are they struggling at the moment? All signs point to a 2013 release, regardless of what one game intended to aim for.

Such BS. Either you're lying or your sources are shit.

There are people reading this thread right now who have yet to say a damn thing and know I am telling the truth. I am not arguing the road map, I am intentionally telling you that Durango at ONE point in time was scheduled for a 2012 release to usurp Sony and go head to head with the Wii U. Don't believe me if you don't want. Thanks.

 

[BloodMoney]

thuway's provided gaf more solid information than 99.9% of members.
don't understand why he's getting so much heat.

 

[Thorgal]

OK OK OK - last thing from me.

Microsoft's marketing strategy is not the problem. In fact, the marketing is the least of any one's concerns. They have plans to drown out any racket Sony can muster. Whether that means partnering with soft drink manufacturers, fast food chains, or product placement in television shows; it isn't even a question.

The problem is half baked development. The Xbox team has some very specific goals, ambitions, and constraints. They have some brilliant minds working under the roof. The team who works on Direct X, ex-AMD folk, and hardware engineers with laundry lists of accolades. With all that said, if you have a thermal constraint and a maximum size in mind; no amount of talent can give you 2 TF.

The other side of the coin is first party. Studios, from what I am hearing, are having a hard time establishing a proper development culture. This is mostly in reference to Black Tusk, and a heavy reliance on third party titles from unproven studios (Respawn's Titan, Lucid's PGR6, etc).

The last little bit: they started late. Sony actually started developing before MS. Microsoft wanted to launch last year, believe it or not, but things didn't pan out than, and they are hurrying their teams now. There is actually a game released now that was supposed to be a Durango launch title.
It's the constellation of difficulties that is causing Microsoft to work harder and faster. It's frenetic, but it will eventually iron itself out. The most concerning thing is the games, and I am told to not get my hopes too high for their first party effort at launch.

My money is on Halo 4.

EDIT: damn it

 

[artist]

Holy shit at the turn of events in this thread. Have we reached the lowest point (for MS) yet?

edit: thuway, mate stop wasting time on Miles' posts. Pretty sure whatever info you provide is always appreciated here.

 

[CassidyIzABeast]

It could be possible that they were going to launch in 2012. It would explain why Square, Ubi, and Lucasarts brought next gen demos to E3.