Juding by their E3 conferences as of late and the lack of first party exclusives on the 360 recently, I think it's fair to say that they've shifted and not expanded away from gaming.
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Microsoft sells Mediaroom, Xbox to be their TV strategy going forward
- Thread starter infinityBCRT
- Start date
antiquegamer
Member
To me this seems like they are going for On-Live gaming ... streaming your game and contents directly.
I'm new to this HTPC shit. So I already have Cable box DVR, and a device that has all streaming services (BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Lovefilm, 4OD, Sky Go and etc). What does a HTPC or Durango provide that would sell me on it being the ultimate media box?.
As a gamer I'm outraged. Just kidding, they haven't revealed anything at all about their plans for gaming. Probably because they haven't announced the console yet. Them having games is the least of my worries, the always online rumor/no used games is more damaging for me.
I'll probably just wait an see what these new studios are doing. Perhaps you think they're all making Kinect games and tv shows but that's just silly.
I'll probably just wait an see what these new studios are doing. Perhaps you think they're all making Kinect games and tv shows but that's just silly.
soul creator
Member
I see Microsoft behaving similarly to Apple. Apple doesn't necessarily "focus" on games, but the iPhone obviously gets tons of games, and is pretty much the standard as far as mobile gaming goes. I have a feeling MS thinks that console hardware has reached a mature enough level where you can be a "jack of all trades", while still getting a bunch of great games. Closer to the smart phone/tablet market, as opposed to the traditional console market.
It's not like the PS4 and Durango are going to be drastically different on the hardware front anyway, so they're probably willing to give up a little bit of power for a potentially cheaper price and omg services and Kinect. Obviously they'll still make their key gaming investments, but they no longer have to market the thing as solely a games console, just like Apple doesn't market an iPhone as solely a mobile gaming platform (even though it obviously dominates there.)
It's not like the PS4 and Durango are going to be drastically different on the hardware front anyway, so they're probably willing to give up a little bit of power for a potentially cheaper price and omg services and Kinect. Obviously they'll still make their key gaming investments, but they no longer have to market the thing as solely a games console, just like Apple doesn't market an iPhone as solely a mobile gaming platform (even though it obviously dominates there.)
You mean judging by their e3 conferences within an environment where they clearly shifted gears to the next generation? And Microsoft has expanded the amount of studios under their first party umbrella, many of which are working on games for their next generation console.
SenjutsuSage
Banned
Exactly, it's nonsense. You're stunned that people even believe it. Everybody seems all bent out of shape because Microsoft is talking about other things in addition to games. To Microsoft's credit, they have brought a lot of innovation to the console space with Xbox Live. They've pushed consoles forward in some key ways, so I don't exactly fault them for reaching into new directions. They've mostly paid off on the original Xbox and on the Xbox 360.
That said, Microsoft knows games are the main event and it's why their first parties have been so quiet. Anyway, can't wait for the unveiling.
Tripp Daily
Member
I still don't see this, but if it comes true (which I don't know if we will ever know because MS isn't going to come out and say it and I don't see them cutting games out completely) then I will eat crow.
I'm truly not being defensive. If I can spur one person on this forum into an actual conversation without someone posting ridiculous statements I would be happy. Sadly we are in a time where if I voice a disagreement about something or their opinion than I have to be either "pissed off and defensive" or "attacking that person and their way of life". Which apparently is a big "no no" now.
It's stupid shit like this that...stupid shit like this...I don't even know.
Yeah, you tend to start putting things together alright. What certain things have even remotely stated that there is no focus on video games? That the nextbox will not play games? Seriously, tell me.
Well, I can't say for Durango since I have no idea what they have planned. But an HTPC is basically an all in one device. It can play DVDs and Blurays. It can automatically rip those DVDs and Blurays to your HTPC and embed them within your library of movies. Using something like Plex, you can stream your movies to anywhere in the world using the MyPlex server (IOS, Android devices included). Use it as a server. It has software like you've mentioned (Netflix, HBOGO, etc.). It can any play file type you can throw at it. Basically, the HTPC is what you want it to be considering the fact that you're effectively building it, and it condenses a few devices (DVR Box, DVD/Bluray player, Roku like device, etc) into one single entity. The customization in something like XBMC is just insane.
That's what I've been saying, all gaf does is post stupid shit like this.
It will probably record live tv and that content will be streamable/downloadable/queued to other devices.
It will probably stream live gameplay footage.
It will most likely have the capabilities to stream network attached content to compatible devices (phones, tablets, other tvs, computers, etc)
If they will have an application marketplace, a PLEX client will be there fairly quickly I would imagine. They had a W8 client available very shortly after release. It will be much better than the Roku and GoogleTV PLEX clients due to the power this thing will have.
Perhaps remote play for some games?
Skype.
Im sure they have thought of lots more capabilities for this thing.
I don't understand what Microsoft is trying to do that can't already be done with existing consoles or $99 hardware. I'm not buying a nextbox for $500, along with $60 a year for XBL, on top of what I'm already paying for cable service.
I understand that HTPC market is ripe and Microsoft has already gone in somewhat of that direction with the X360, but what's the point in having a HTPC that's going to be behind a paywall?
I understand that HTPC market is ripe and Microsoft has already gone in somewhat of that direction with the X360, but what's the point in having a HTPC that's going to be behind a paywall?
statham
Member
wonder what they have been working on... hmm...
cpp_is_king
Member
If developers completely abandoned Xbox next gen it would be a major triumph for gaming. Developers having one less platform to worry about, and everyone being able to spend all of their technical expertise mastering a single platform's hardware would be awesome.
I can't really comment on the cost of the console and Xbox Live, or what features are going to be locked behind Gold membership since the console has yet to formally be announced, but the point of the platform is pretty clear. They want to be the entertainment box in the living room. Kids want to play games, they turn on the Xbox. Parents want to watch a movie, they turn on the Xbox. Feel like watching/recording television? Turn on the Xbox. Want to Skype family members? Turn on the Xbox. They want to be the all-in-one/go to device for everything living room entertainment related.
So you're fine with Sony getting to bend you over to their every whim and force you to pay whatever they want because they have no competition? Yeah, that sounds great.
Recording Live TV is useless when most people already own DVR's or just use TV catchup services.
Streaming network attached content is nothing new, PS3 already does this, and I am sure PS4 will do this as well.
Application marektplace is nothing new, things like Roku, AppleTV and Smart TV have been doing this for ages, I am sure PS4 will do this as well. All themain and popular applications that matter like Netflix will be or are on most devices
The only unique thing MS has is Windows 8 client, and sharing the apps between Windows 8 devices. However I don't think this is a big deal, after all Windows 8 hasn't really took the world by storm on their PC OS, Tablet or Mobiles.
EDIT:
People saying MS will have a big hit due to media box features with mainstream market have no idea. Media features are a bonus, what the Durango will sell people on is what games consoles always sell people on. GAMES.
ShroudOfFate
Member
I think it would be quite the opposite. Less competition means less innovation. Microsoft may not be churning out as many first-party games as Sony or Nintendo but having them there is still a good thing.
Developers would have fewer systems to work with and games would look better but not having MS in the game would be a shame.
Wow next gen wars are going to be glorious.
CassidyIzABeast
Member
Hasn't Microsoft published a ton of Arcade games in the last 2 years? I'm not seeing where they're shifting away from games.
cpp_is_king
Member
I distinctly remember some pretty damn good games from the PS1 era / pre-Xbox era. Less competition = less innovation does not apply here, because innovation in software is not tied to how many varieties of hardware there are, unless it's an inverse relationship.
infinityBCRT
Member
Xbox Lite as in a stripped down one based on the Durango is not happening this year according to Paul Thurrott. However the 360 being repackaged as a $99 box will happen according to him.
I guess I wouldn't be surprised to see the 360 receive a brand new update which gives it the same IPTV features that Durango will have.
I think the gist of their approach is to have an all in one, whole home approach to content and entertainment. I have a 360, PS3 and Roku currently, in addition to my multiple cable boxes. None of those devices in and of themselves provides me with all my content in one place. Nor do most of them allow streaming to tablets, etc (Although the cable companies are moving in that direction)
If I could use my xbox (And perhaps some add-on low cost set-top boxes for other rooms) to access all of my content + get rid of my cable boxes, that's largely a win. The XBL Gold fees are sunk cost from my perspective, because I already have that subscription for my online gaming needs anyway.
EscoBlades
Ubisoft Marketing
Tripp Daily
Member
Holy crap, are you serious?
Do you not remember the awesomeness that was the Dreamcast?
Not to mention NINTENDO
Absolutely not. Competition is why the PS4 and xbox continue to push the envelope in terms of services and hardware. If one or the other didn't exist, the situation would be a lot worse as neither would have as much reason to strive for the cutting edge.
statham
Member
saturn?
and this is the closest to unified system as you can get between 720/pc/ps4
astroturfing
Member
i don't really buy the bolded. it's repeated often but i doubt it's an absolute truth.. i mean, there'd still be competition among game developers, right? why wouldn't they still want to make amazing games just because there is only one platform?
ShroudOfFate
Member
Those good games in the pre-ps1/xbox era were on many different consoles. Sega was still in the game back then, as were many other console manufacturers that died off.
Maybe innovation isn't the word I was looking for, but competition does push others to act and react. Microsoft's lead in the online space this generation pushed Sony to make their service better. Things like that are what I mean.
Fox Mulder
Member
everything rumored about it so far is awful, and people are just eager to to about anything next gen. All they have to do is show some fucking games and lots of people will start yelling day one.
cpp_is_king
Member
Yea, I still have one sitting in my closet, with almost no games.
Point is, any game that was exclusive my comment doesn't apply to by definition. Any game that is multi-platform is going to be at best the same as if it were exclusive but obviously not better. And there's a chance it could be worse.
So yea, color me whatever. I don't think multiple consoles are a good thing.
Funny that if this were an Origin vs Steam debate then everyone would be saying that Origin can DIAF, fuck competition, Steam is the only platform that should exist.
"It allows Microsoft to commit 100 percent of its focus on consumer TV strategy with Xbox."
Ugh.
So, do most of you think third party developers are going to cancel all plans for Durango development because of TV watching capabilities? Can any third party designers or developers here on Gaf tell us if they're going to not develop for the Durango because of this fact? Are developers going to cancel plans over the Kinect existing?
I also just remembered that Steam has a category of software not related to gaming at all. Where was the outrage or fervor then?
Anything that's been confirmed for a PS4 release that isn't Sony developed or published by Sony is going to end up on the Durango. If you're talking about first party stuff, well yeah, Microsoft hasn't shown any of that.
I also just remembered that Steam has a category of software not related to gaming at all. Where was the outrage or fervor then?
Anything that's been confirmed for a PS4 release that isn't Sony developed or published by Sony is going to end up on the Durango. If you're talking about first party stuff, well yeah, Microsoft hasn't shown any of that.
When people say the next Xbox will have no games? What will they launch with the console if they don't have no games? Could they be the first company in history to launch with nothing?
The stupidity is hilarious. They will reveal thier new first party output at thier reveal in May, plus E3.
The stupidity is hilarious. They will reveal thier new first party output at thier reveal in May, plus E3.
Uno Venova
Banned
I can tell some people just skim posts in here and emotionally respond.
No, innovation is right. It's not necessarily innovation in the software space, as all developers would still be competing against eachother, but the hardware manufacturers would have much less incentive to innovate in the hardware space leading to underpowered consoles, crappy OS UI/UX, and lackluster services.
I actually don't know if people think that at this point. Also I didn't need to skim posts to notice a trend in this thread, it's like a shotgun blast to the face of obviousness.
I don't think you understand what that really means.... Just because they're selling off mediaroom and moving that part of a service onto Xbox does not mean the next Xbox will strictly be an IPTV platform. Games will still be Microsoft's focus with the Durango, the media is all there to make a cohesive machine that allows you to transition from thing to thing seamlessly.
It'll be easy to be playing something, get a notification that a show you like is coming on soon and suspend that game and instantly and go to that channel to watch it. You could resume where you left off in the game whenever you wanted.
If Microsoft hadn't entered the industry, then online console gaming and arcade style gaming would be a fraction of itself right now. Hard drives in the next generation of consoles? Thank Microsoft. If Nintendo weren't in the industry, it's unlikely that motion and touch based gaming would be as prominent as it is today. If Sony hadn't been in the industry, graphics on consoles might not have been as advanced as they are today and we might still be using proprietary cartridges. Regardless of whether you're a fan of those technological innovations, the hardware developers provide a lot to the game developers. If hardware developers fail to innovate, which a monopoly will help to make a reality, then you're stuck maintaining current forms of gaming instead of evolving into new ones. Sony forced the transition from 2D to 3D. Microsoft forced gaming online, and helped to make Arcade/Indie style gaming a lucrative possibility. These companies made these innovations because they were forced to. It was either innovate and draw distinctions between themselves and the competition in an attempt to one up them, or potentially fail.
LumpOfCole
Member
30 minute queue to log into Xbox dashboard and servers to then watch television.
Don't worry though, it'll be worth it as a social media experience that will have no rival.
That'll be $60 a year, please.
Don't worry though, it'll be worth it as a social media experience that will have no rival.
That'll be $60 a year, please.
statham
Member
you must have bad internet, I can load up the 360/hulu in about a minute.
Tripp Daily
Member
I couldn't disagree more with you. Without competition companies would become complacent. I also think developers look at other developers and try to one up them or be better than them. Just for a sense of accomplishment and pride. Multiple consoles lead to a sense of nationalism as well (as NeoGAF shows in almost every next gen thread) leading to developers wanting to do better than the competition for their "home country".
Uno Venova
Banned
I'd be shocked if you can show even one person suggesting that third parties are bailing on durango.
WrenchNinja
Member
The damage control here is pretty hilarious.