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[Aenima]

Thread title made me think it was some kind of Marketing deal made by the competition, but its just what i told years ago. If you dont put an effort in selling your hardware and instead spend the generation pushing your renting subscribtion service, then eventually there will be devs that will not make an effort to port games to your platform if they see the userbase is just too small to bother.

 

[RedC]

 

[Kacho]

I don't know why everyone wants to harass one of the only devs that openly posts here. This is a nothing thread. He'll post whatever they want to make public.

If you think tagging him in jest is harassing you should grow thicker skin.

 

[Pasta la Vista]

Makes sense, if the "Xbox pc" is the future of the platform.

 

[PSFore]

I don't know why everyone wants to harass one of the only devs that openly posts here. This is a nothing thread. He'll post whatever they want to make public.

I don't think this is "nothing". While it's probably going to be released on the Series X and S, it shows studios are prioritizing the console less and less.

 

[Guardian Monkey]

The game is an unoptimized mess currently, it will probably run like shit on all platforms.

 

[Punished Miku]

I don't think this is "nothing". While it's probably going to be released on the Series X and S, it shows studios are prioritizing the console less and less.

They already announced they're moving to some kind of AMD open store future.

So it's really just a question of what publishers want to try to sell to the tens of millions that already own the Series consoles. For people that get the next console / PC / whatever, they'll have everything regardless.

If you think tagging him in jest is harassing you should grow thicker skin.

I mean, sure I get that. But it seems like a ridiculous question honestly lol. Like, come on. I'm just saying if anyone wants these people to comment here with their real name, I just show a tiny bit of respect because otherwise they just leave.

 

[Hayabusabruh]

Isn't this the Ori studio that's always talking shit about Microsoft?

 

[Skifi28]

I don't know why everyone wants to harass one of the only devs that openly posts here. This is a nothing thread. He'll post whatever they want to make public.

This is harassment as much as replying to your posts is bullying you.

 

[Guardian Monkey]

Isn't this the Ori studio that's always talking shit about Microsoft?

How many Ori studios are there?

 

[Varteras]

This is harassment as much as replying to your posts is bullying you.

 

[AREYOUOKAY?]

Isn't this the Ori studio that's always talking shit about Microsoft?

That said I would have still bought a physical Xbox copy if it's even possible at this point. I bought both Ori games for the Xbox One after all.

 

[clarky]

The game is an unoptimized mess currently, it will probably run like shit on all platforms.

Its in EA, running like shit is par for the course.

Besides that, it ran fine last time I played.

 

[RetroGamingUK]

You can tell a lot about a person from their avatar.

I'm sorry you hate PlayStation so much it offends you.

Shame Xbox consoles won't make it to 30 hey

 

[Kacho]

I mean, sure I get that. But it seems like a ridiculous question honestly lol. Like, come on. I'm just saying if anyone wants these people to comment here with their real name, I just show a tiny bit of respect because otherwise they just leave.

It's not that serious dude lol. People here get super agro with Thomas over retarded shit and he doesn't bat an eye. Peep this post

Post in thread 'VGC: Toys for Bob and Moon Studio have made pitches for new Banjo Kazooie game'

Jul 7, 2025

I wasn't even on any Discords back then.

So put down your TikTok and get real, my man

I always said that Hollow Knight is a good game, but I just wasn't that big of a fan of it. Which apparently the Hollow Knight community grilled me over.

Ultimately, I don't care. We're dedicated to making insanely good games in the style that I love. And it looks like lots of people like what we're doing, so we'll keep doing it

You were on the XBOX Era Discord at this period, bitching about it personally, you liar (I was there); those peeps would be happy to...

• SamuraiEdge

A handful of tags isn't going to phase the guy.

 

[Ar¢tos]

The game is an unoptimized mess currently, it will probably run like shit on all platforms.

Baldur's Gate 3 had plenty of problems in EA and look at how it turned out...

 

[Varteras]

It's not that serious dude lol. People here get super agro with Thomas over retarded shit and he doesn't bat an eye. Peep this post

Post in thread 'VGC: Toys for Bob and Moon Studio have made pitches for new Banjo Kazooie game'

Jul 7, 2025

I wasn't even on any Discords back then.

So put down your TikTok and get real, my man

I always said that Hollow Knight is a good game, but I just wasn't that big of a fan of it. Which apparently the Hollow Knight community grilled me over.

Ultimately, I don't care. We're dedicated to making insanely good games in the style that I love. And it looks like lots of people like what we're doing, so we'll keep doing it

You were on the XBOX Era Discord at this period, bitching about it personally, you liar (I was there); those peeps would be happy to...

• SamuraiEdge

A handful of tags isn't going to phase the guy.

He certainly has thicker skin than Zhuge and Jaffe had. Jaffe especially surprised me because he seemed like the kind of guy to relish shit talking. I'm not sure if either of them still lurk but I definitely haven't seen them post in a long time.

 

[Ebrietas]

Is this supposed to be surprising?

 

[Baemono]

Damn Sony moneyhat, they even moneyhatted Thomas Mahler's X account

 

[Punished Miku]

He certainly has thicker skin than Zhuge and Jaffe had. Jaffe especially surprised me because he seemed like the kind of guy to relish shit talking. I'm not sure if either of them still lurk but I definitely haven't seen them post in a long time.

Jaffe was constantly harassed on here nonstop anytime he posted anything with some of the dumbest posts I've ever seen, and then he left and the forum is worse off for it. The guy stuck here with his public name longer than almost everyone. He doesn't have thin skin.

 

[Mr Moose]

He certainly has thicker skin than Zhuge and Jaffe had. Jaffe especially surprised me because he seemed like the kind of guy to relish shit talking. I'm not sure if either of them still lurk but I definitely haven't seen them post in a long time.

ZhugeEX

Banned

 

[Varteras]

ZhugeEX

Banned

 

[laynelane]

It sounds like the game may release later on Xbox - although that could change depending on MS. Wish he was more specific with what he meant by "current market conditions", though.

 

[Freelance Yakuza]

Xbox owners feeling like third class citizens
Phil, what have you done??

 

[Kacho]

His last post was before the split. Back then sneezing could get you banned.

 

[Ass of Can Whooping]

Hohohoho

 

[Buggy Loop]

He certainly has thicker skin than Zhuge and Jaffe had. Jaffe especially surprised me because he seemed like the kind of guy to relish shit talking. I'm not sure if either of them still lurk but I definitely haven't seen them post in a long time.

Zhuge was a dev? of what?

 

[winjer]

Phill's strategy is really paying off for Xbox users.

 

[Astray]

The ecosystem support doesn't end with the XSeries; the interest in receiving a larger catalog of games goes beyond that... including the upcoming new XBOX "console"

Here we have the same person seeking to be the center of attention once again. A few months ago, he was positioning himself to return to work for Xbox...

Then, on the question of near-future support:

1- Instead of looking a very concrete layoff, you can also look at the latest and recent movements and new job offers aimed at expanding and increasing agreements and collaborations with third parties. Those say something different than what you're implying.

2- We've been having the same reactions for 2-3 years every time a studio or game (counted on one hand) questions or casts doubt on the release of an XBOX version. It turns out that in ALL cases, that Xbox version ends up being released.

3-When this game is released we may be in year 7 of the generation... and who knows if the new Xbox will be on the market.

The game was already announced for Xbox when it was first revealed. See the reveal trailer for confirmation.



I can't really claim to understand what's going on here (they could be angling for a gamepass deal or whatever). But this kind of u-turn is honestly very weird.

Like Xbox won't die without this very specific game, but it's not a great sign that anyone is openly thinking of dropping already-announced support pre-release.

Do you have a source for this?

Remember him posting about being part of the layoffs, but can't find it now for whatever reason.

 

[Filben]

Understandable.

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

@grok is this true?

 

[Varteras]

Zhuge was a dev? of what?

Not a dev, but someone who made a name for himself. An industry insider of sorts.

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

when Sony supports a dying (and direct competitior) platform more than indies . this world is really upside down

 

[Fbh]

For a AA game like this Xbox probably only makes sense if they get a Gamepass deal (assuming they want to be on Gamepass to begin with).
Otherwise it makes sense to prioritize the platforms where games actually sell.

 

[DragonNCM]

I smell licking Sony ass for few $ more....
Any whey I have it for PC...early access & I'm not impressed..........

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

4 days ago the game was less than $2 on a steam key site. It was sold out before I could grab it.

 

[ByWatterson]

Like Xbox won't die

 

[Chuck Berry]

I have been wanting to play this game so fucking bad.

Here Tom, take my money.

 

[geary]

thomasmahler So this is not a shakedown like @Klayzer suggested? Please confirm.

@grok is that true?

 

[Darsxx82]

The game was already announced for Xbox when it was first revealed. See the reveal trailer for confirmation.

I don't know what you mean. I already know the game is announced for Xbox... I don't know what that changes.

I can't really claim to understand what's going on here (they could be angling for a gamepass deal or whatever). But this kind of u-turn is honestly very weird.

The U-turn has to do with the fact that the game's development is having serious problems and its costs are skyrocketing, and he is desesperate trying everything he can to raise money quickly to be able to cover the payments. These are problems that many indie studios face, but they're more formal and professional and don't use social media to gain attention and exert pressure.
Then, situations where a small studio prioritizes some platforms over others when things go wrong have always happened. It's another thing to want to make it an event or a sign of something every time it happens. Of course, when the games are finally released on Xbox (in some cases even on the same day), everyone goes silent...

Certainly, putting one's hand in the fire regarding MS's strategy with Xbox isn't the best idea... but I don't think drawing conclusions from the fact that they fired someone in charge of third-party relations when there are plenty of job postings for similar positions can be taken as objective evidence of anything.

Like Xbox won't die without this very specific game, but it's not a great sign that anyone is openly thinking of dropping already-announced support pre-release.

"Anyone"?? Is Thomas Maler. All he is a great dev and videogames creator.... All he is the most controversial person in the industry recent years.

 

[Vlodril]

The game is an unoptimized mess currently, it will probably run like shit on all platforms.

Played it a couple of weeks ago it run great.

 

[Crayon]

Gimme game pass deal.

 

[thomasmahler]

Folks, can we drop the conspiracy theory insanity? If NeoGAF becomes more and more like the purple forum, don't be surprised if people stop posting here as well.

So no, it's not a shakedown, it's called common fucking sense.

What our community has been wanting the most is Co-Op and Console support, so we want fulfill those wishes as soon as humanly possible. We're already hard at work on Co-Op so people can play Wicked in Multiplayer pretty soon. And after that the idea is that we'll release 1.0 sooner than initially expected so that we don't have to deal with the hassle of being an Early Access Game on Consoles. Wicked is already in a pretty great state, so by the time we exit Early Access, we'll be golden.

And in order to get there fast, we'll first support the platform that has the most users purely out of resource reasons. We're a comparatively small indie studio, so doing a console port at the quality level we want is not a small task. Porting to Xbox means porting to Xbox Series X and Series S and that'll take more time to optimize compared to porting to PS5 and PS5Pro. So we're most likely going to do PS5/PS5Pro first and launch there in order to make fans happy and supply other ports later.

That's literally all there is to it. And yes, we'll need to discuss with Xbox and Nintendo what the best strategies are to support their platforms and their features in the best way possible and that'll be an ongoing discussion.

So there's nothing to see here, it's just common sense with us having to make the right moves given the resources we have while making sure we give players what they want as fast as possible.

 

[Fess]

Sucks for Series-only gamers but the Series is dead on the market so… It is what it is.

Also, if there is a new PC console thingy coming in 2026 it makes little sense to waste resources to get this to run well on especially Series S, it's a quite demanding game.

 

[Shmunter]

Moneyfatting

Fat

 

[SneakersSO]

The choice to convert the Xbox platform into primarily being driven by the PC Windows Xbox SKU is motivated in significant part by the loss of 3rd party support in the future.

Every year will get exponentially worse on the 3rd party front for the traditional Xbox SKU in terms of support going forward.

 

[RCX]

Unless it goes on Gamepass it simply wont sell enough units on Xbox to make the porting effort worth it.

And given the current situation with MS firing the person/people responsible for 3rd party GP relations it looks like getting that bag is going to be a whole lot more difficult from here on. I'm guessing those might be the "market conditions" they allude to.

Making games isn't a charity. Odds are that the studio is more than correct in shifting their priorities and resources elsewhere.

 

[Little Mac]

It wouldn't surprise me. I remember Moon Studios and MS having a falling out …

Game Dev  Thread 'Moon Studios CEO says playing Ori and the Blind Forest on Xbox Game Pass doesn't help the studio'

Mar 4, 2024

Developer Moon Studios gained its popularity in the gaming industry by developing the games Ori and the Blind Forest in 2015 and Ori and the Will of the Wisps in 2020.Both games were developed in partnership with Xbox Game Studios and obviously for this reason, both are available right now to play via Xbox Game Pass.

However, according to Moon Studios' CEO on social media, Thomas Mahler Gennadiy, playing Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps via Xbox Game Pass doesn't help the studio, and he recommends that players buy their copies via Steam:

Appreciate all the...

• Draugoth
• Replies: 150
• Forum: Gaming Discussion

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Regardless, I bought NRFTW on Steam months ago based off the quality of the Ori games. Not touching it during early access though. Hope it runs great on the Steam Deck when I finally play it at launch.

 

[dorkimoe]

Guess I'll just wait a little longer.

 

[kruis]

If he was a gaffer he'd be banned for port begging. He clearly wants the GamePass money. Very unprofessional.

If a developer has to go port begging for Gamepass money to make a release on Xbox financially worthwhile, then that platform is commercially dead.