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[Voost Kain]

This memo was leaked by the Thurrot which was sent by Phil to various Microsoft employees.

We just wrapped up watching the Google announcement of Stadia as team here at GDC. Their announcement is validation of the path we embarked on two years ago.

Today we saw a big tech competitor enter the gaming market, and frame the necessary ingredients for success as Content, Community and Cloud.

There were no big surprises in their announcement although I was impressed by their leveraging of YouTube, the use of Google Assistant and the new WiFi controller.

But I want get back to us, there has been really good work to get us to the position where we are poised to compete for 2 billion gamers across the planet.

Google went big today and we have a couple of months until E3 when we will go big.
We have to stay agile and continue to build with our customer at the center. We have the content, community, cloud team and strategy, and as I’ve been saying for a while, it’s all about execution. This is even more true today.

Energizing times.

Phil

Is Phil's bluffing? Will Google call it out?

Phil got a little cocky it seems, saying no real surprises were at the event. While im interested in what Microsoft will show at E3, there's no way they have the massive 7500 200 country fiber infrastructure of Google.

They may have a surprise in store but Microsofts solution is based on hardware like Sony. Google can stream You a game running on 4 server GPUs and even mentioned 8k in the Keynote. No hardware needed.

It's looking pretty rough, Sony and Nintebdo will have many issues. Microsoft might hold on a bit longer but they won't be able to counter Google by themselves. A partnership with Amazon is the only way to have a competitive alternative im afraid.

 

[Bergoglio]

Phil is scared

 

[Verdanth]

Nobody is afraid of Stadia. Until actual hands-on and feedback from the consumers. Plain and simple.

 

[Dr. Claus]

Do. Not. Go. Streaming. Route.

For the love of all that is holy I hope they don't go the streaming route.

 

[ethomaz]

Xbox One 2 reveal... believe.

 

[mckmas8808]

The "no hardware needed" part from Google will end up being a big problem for them. I'm surprised so many on GAF don't understand this. Having tangible hardware will be a PLUS for the likes of MS, Sony, and Nintendo.

 

[DanielsM]

Do. Not. Go. Streaming. Route.

For the love of all that is holy I hope they don't go the streaming route.

If people don't start buying software from the Microsoft Store, all Windows/Xbox components will be moved to the cloud just like they have done with the rest of their products. Microsoft just released their Windows Virtual Desktop (AWS Workspace competitor) I believe a partnership with Citrix in the Fall.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/modern-desktop/enterprise/windows-virtual-desktop

Obviously you can expect game streaming and eventually you might get an application layer for running win32, uwp, or Xbox from the cloud. Generally, its all going to da cloud, not all the services are available and will probably take a few more years to roll out.

Everyone running and providing win32 applications/games need to start to think about this future i.e. looking for a new platform or more easy way of running from existing platforms.

 

[thelastword]

I mean, I love Phil something fierce, but he keeps overhyping this year's E3 as the second coming for MS.....Hell, even I am stoked......Yet surely, Phil must know that if he doesn't deliver at E3, there will be an even bigger backlash......This better not be another X018 extravaganza….....

 

[DanielsM]

I mean, I love Phil something fierce, but he keeps overhyping this year's E3 as the second coming for MS.....Hell, even I am stoked......Yet surely, Phil must know that if he doesn't deliver at E3, there will be an even bigger backlash......This better not be another X018 extravaganza….....

He got more money from Nadella last year, he has to go all in, what does he have to give Nadella in return, moving existing hardware users to eventually be cloud users. I expect the PR/marketing to be even more crazy than the last 4 months, they're losing market share and the services aren't done yet.

 

[Dee Dah Dave]

I would guess this E3 will be another 3rd party extravaganza like last year. Add a couple of new exclusives and a tease of next gen.

They can hardly go big when this gen is in its twilight, that will be next year.

 

[TheDreadLord]

Microsoft has a massive cloud infrastructure with Azure. I guess they will pose a good competition when it comes to streaming games.

 

[Grinchy]

It's looking pretty rough, Sony and Nintebdo will have many issues. Microsoft might hold on a bit longer but they won't be able to counter Google by themselves. A partnership with Amazon is the only way to have a competitive alternative im afraid.

lol did you become the world's first Stadia fanboy overnight? I've never seen anyone so convinced of something being the ultimate future after a reveal with so little concrete information.

You keep making these threads about how every other company in gaming is dead because Google is putting out their own game streaming service, but we don't actually know anything about it yet. At least let it come out and find out if it even works properly before all these insane threads.

 

[Gormless Noodle]

Meh, we'll see. I'mma not a believer. There's always the next new "thing" that will destroy all of console gaming and especially Nintendo. There's always doom for Nintendo. Meanwhile they're all still here and if something becomes the new way of gaming I'm sure they will find a way to carve out their own path if they want to.

 

[Shin]

Because you know sourcing and giving credit doesn't exist...

 

[StormCell]

It's looking pretty rough, Sony and Nintebdo will have many issues. Microsoft might hold on a bit longer but they won't be able to counter Google by themselves. A partnership with Amazon is the only way to have a competitive alternative im afraid.

Have you learned nothing from watching Nintendo over the past few decades? Nintendo is the one thing that Google can't stream and won't be able to compensate for... In fact, first party exclusives are and have been what largely defines market position. It's why Sony was never able to deliver a death blow to Nintendo (in spite of facing them in two markets: home, portable), and it's what has propelled them over Microsoft.

Google's cloud gaming will be like Steam: full of tons of games but none of that first party magic that only exists on Sony and Nintendo.

 

[Fuz]

The end of gaming has begun.

 

[JareBear: Remastered]

The end of gaming has begun.

Maybe.

You are probably right, it may have begun but I think it won't fully arrive for a long time. Next gen is definitely safe. Too many people have crap internet, too many people have data caps. Too many people still prefer physical media and powerful machines.

Streaming might become the new standard but not for a long time.

 

[Voost Kain]

Do. Not. Go. Streaming. Route.

For the love of all that is holy I hope they don't go the streaming route.

What are you talking about? It's already confirmed the cheaper next xbox is a streaming box and the expensive one is traditional. At least they are giving you a choice.

 

[Fuz]

Maybe.

You are probably right, it may have begun but I think it won't fully arrive for a long time. Next gen is definitely safe. Too many people have crap internet, too many people have data caps. Too many people still prefer physical media and powerful machines.

Streaming might become the new standard but not for a long time.

It's not the technology (or absence of) that worries me.

It's the gamers' mindset.

 

[J-Roderton]

Ain't eva scared.

 

[chinoXL]

even if Stadia ends up delivering on all its promises, that would never stop me from getting a traditional console as my primary..if anything Stadia would just come in handy for me for traveling so i don't have to lug a console...all the doom and gloom is comedy to me...Google still has to prove on so many levels before they can take down one of the giants

 

[Dr. Claus]

What are you talking about? It's already confirmed the cheaper next xbox is a streaming box and the expensive one is traditional. At least they are giving you a choice.

Was referring to using streaming as the sole means of game delivery, mate. Was pretty bloody obvious.

 

[Rodolink]

They may have a surprise in store but Microsofts solution is based on hardware like Sony.

Do you know about Azure the cloud platform from Microsoft that has been used by corporations since at least 7 years ago?

Microsoft i sthe strongest in this regard appart from Google. They are prepared to take the competition imo. I really wish they show something really good oat this E3.

 

[JimiNutz]

Even though Stadia looks far from perfected it does definitely look like a glimpse into the near future of gaming.
Google and MS are both right in jumping on this early and I think Sony will do the same.

 

[AgentP]

What are you talking about? It's already confirmed the cheaper next xbox is a streaming box and the expensive one is traditional. At least they are giving you a choice.

Please show me what is confirmed. More BS from you I'm guessing.

 

[DanielsM]

even if Stadia ends up delivering on all its promises, that would never stop me from getting a traditional console as my primary..if anything Stadia would just come in handy for me for traveling so i don't have to lug a console...all the doom and gloom is comedy to me...Google still has to prove on so many levels before they can take down one of the giants

Once these ones that are saying how great it is, yet have never used it nor subscribe to the services - try it. They will than get the joke.

Do you know about Azure the cloud platform of Microsoft that has been used by corporations since at least 7 years ago?

Microsoft i sthe strongest in this regard appart from Google. They are prepared to take the competition imo. I really wish they show something really good oat this E3.

It has very little to do with the backend and everything to do with in between i.e. latency and visual artifacts. Natively playing is generally going to be cheaper and better for the vast majority of gamers. Competitive multi-player isn't going to work for example. Streaming is okayish (single player) if you're not paying for it and you're streaming your own stuff in a pinch i.e. Streaming apps for PC or PS Remote Play but its not really a replacement for natively playing.

Even though Stadia looks far from perfected it does definitely look like a glimpse into the near future of gaming.
Google and MS are both right in jumping on this early and I think Sony will do the same.

Does anyone else find posts like this a bit ironic?

 

[FranXico]

Google and MS are both right in jumping on this early and I think Sony will do the same.

You think?

 

[Afro Republican]

Phil was on the edge of his seat at first, but then he saw the 10 second input lag live on stream and pulled up his recliner, grabbed his wine, took a sip, and said "Google's stock dropped 3% today, their bankrupt."

Nuthin to worry about guys. Nuthin to worry about.

 

[sublimit]

I mean, I love Phil something fierce, but he keeps overhyping this year's E3 as the second coming for MS.....Hell, even I am stoked......Yet surely, Phil must know that if he doesn't deliver at E3, there will be an even bigger backlash......This better not be another X018 extravaganza….....

He has been doing this ever since the 2013 fiasco.Sometimes he delivered more sometimes less but in my opinion all their conferences were underwhelming based on how much he was hyping up each one. Sensible people (not fanboys) should be weary of his big words by now.

 

[radewagon]

Game streaming is a dumb idea. It started out as a neat little novelty with some serious promise, but it just doesn't seem to ever work without sacrificing visual fidelity and controller responsiveness.

Coincidentally, visual fidelity and controller responsiveness happen to be hugely important to video games and video game players.

 

[JimiNutz]

You think?

I mean in the sense that Sony will make it a big part of their strategy.
PS Now is like a smaller side project at the moment. As streaming tech continues to improve I imagine it will become a much more important part of their overall strategy?

 

[Gamernyc78]

More free PR, advertising and bs for Microsoft and of course who started this thread? The loyal Green follower lol smfh.

Most of us are tired and use to MS hot air and big talk tht under delivers. Try again next year.

 

[DanielsM]

I mean in the sense that Sony will make it a big part of their strategy.
PS Now is like a smaller side project at the moment. As streaming tech continues to improve I imagine it will become a much more important part of their overall strategy?

They're going to invest more time, resources, and money in a product that exist with no customers? I have my doubts, right now they're just probably trying to figure out how they can get a fraction of their money back. At some point, you actually need paying customers, just saying. They would love for people to sign up.

 

[Saruhashi]

Phil got a little cocky it seems, saying no real surprises were at the event. While im interested in what Microsoft will show at E3, there's no way they have the massive 7500 200 country fiber infrastructure of Google.

They may have a surprise in store but Microsofts solution is based on hardware like Sony. Google can stream You a game running on 4 server GPUs and even mentioned 8k in the Keynote. No hardware needed.

It's looking pretty rough, Sony and Nintebdo will have many issues. Microsoft might hold on a bit longer but they won't be able to counter Google by themselves. A partnership with Amazon is the only way to have a competitive alternative im afraid.

Surely the games themselves are going to be the determining factor here?

If MS come up with a bunch of great exclusives at E3 then basically there's nothing Google can bring that will counter that?

It looks like the same with Sony and Nintendo, I would have thought.
Nintendo were already dabbling with streaming in Japan probably in an effort to find ways to have bigger 3rd party games running on their device.

For Sony especially I would think games would be their great strength if next gen they are offering Spider-Man 2, God of War 2, Horizon ZD 2, Bloodborne 2?

People are putting too much faith in Stadia being the place for high end gaming when it doesn't look like that's going to be possible from a streaming platform. It seems more like a device that would make games like Fortnite even more accessible to a larger audience.

Will people be playing games like Sekiro and The Division 2 on Stadia before 2019 is done? Will this be a smooth experience?

There are so many unknowns here but people are already jumping to how this will push one of the "big 3" out.

What's the cost of Stadia?
What are the technical requirements?
How will it run?
What's in the game library?

 

[CeeJay]

Phil got a little cocky it seems, saying no real surprises were at the event. While im interested in what Microsoft will show at E3, there's no way they have the massive 7500 200 country fiber infrastructure of Google.

Do you mean Google fibre that is only available in a handful of cities in the U.S.? Or perhaps you mean the Google Cloud? Azure is available in more regions worldwide so...

If the question is, which is the best cloud infrastructure, AWS, Azure or Google Cloud? Then it depends which way you are looking at it to determine who comes out on top but there is no clear leader in all important aspects, they each have their strengths and weaknesses. But, to phrase the sentence like you did to insinuate that Microsoft have nothing to counter the infrastructure that Google have then that's highly disingenuous and wildly incorrect.

 

[dolabla]

Game streaming is a dumb idea. It started out as a neat little novelty with some serious promise, but it just doesn't seem to ever work without sacrificing visual fidelity and controller responsiveness.

Coincidentally, visual fidelity and controller responsiveness happen to be hugely important to video games and video game players.

Yep, it's something to test games out for a little while but the two main things it takes a hit in.

 

[angelic]

Let me number my points for no good reason I can think of:

1/ It's not the end of gaming...let google do it, even let MS do it. It's their money, let them piss it away on snake oil tech.
2/ Don't get annoyed at all of this, sit back and enjoy it, laugh at them, teach yourself the art of shameful joy.
3/ It doesn't remove the back catalogue of 40+ years of gaming, we'll never be short on entertainment. Let the tech giants be fucking idiots for a bit, and fire up your PS1, Megadrive, whatever you fancy, and get in touch with your roots.

 

[Xenon]

People have been expecting this for a while. Other than a few nice options, it's still just gamestreaming which is just not ready for prime time. And in the end MS, Sony, and lol maybe even Nintendo could match whatever Google brings all while having a true console which most of the core gaming audience will prefer.

 

[DanielsM]

Let me number my points for no good reason I can think of:

1/ It's not the end of gaming...let google do it, even let MS do it. It's their money, let them piss it away on snake oil tech.
2/ Don't get annoyed at all of this, sit back and enjoy it, laugh at them, teach yourself the art of shameful joy.
3/ It doesn't remove the back catalogue of 40+ years of gaming, we'll never be short on entertainment. Let the tech giants be fucking idiots for a bit, and fire up your PS1, Megadrive, whatever you fancy, and get in touch with your roots.

I think that is what the majority of people are doing, at least the ones that have or do use game streaming tech. Its really the ones that haven't tried it, or don't game much, or some tech company executive with wishful thinking throwing out buzz words - that are the only ones taking this seriously. Its no real difference between this and all the other failed game streaming platforms, I mean there are a few new features but its just streaming still.

 

[angelic]

I think that is what the majority of people are doing, at least the ones that have or do use game streaming tech. Its really the ones that haven't tried it, or don't game much, or some tech company executive with wishful thinking throwing out buzz words - that are the only ones taking this seriously. Its no real difference between this and all the other failed game streaming platforms, I mean there are a few new features but its just streaming still.

Yup, one of the best things about this place is that most get it. In my life, people will say woah, google are doing games! And you have to say, no, listen, it's streaming, it's a faked stage demo of unusable tech, and it won't work on your 8mb talk talk (crap english broadband company) adsl, setting aside 10, 20 minutes to make them grasp it.

Or you log onto neogaf and see that everyone is already pointing and laughing at it.

 

[ANIMAL1975]

You think?

Sshhh,... Don't wake him up! _ In his dream it's still 2013 and he lives under a rock, with only news from the future in 2019.

 

[Stuart360]

I mean, I love Phil something fierce, but he keeps overhyping this year's E3 as the second coming for MS.....Hell, even I am stoked......Yet surely, Phil must know that if he doesn't deliver at E3, there will be an even bigger backlash......This better not be another X018 extravaganza….....

 

[JimiNutz]

They're going to invest more time, resources, and money in a product that exist with no customers? I have my doubts, right now they're just probably trying to figure out how they can get a fraction of their money back. At some point, you actually need paying customers, just saying. They would love for people to sign up.

Are you of the opinion that we've high the ceiling for steaming games currently and that PS Now is as good as it gets?
There may not be huge numbers of people steaming games currently (just as there aren't huge numbers playing VR games) but they doesn't mean that its not the future. This is just the beginning.

I'm not saying that Stadia is the end of traditional consoles or anything hyperbolic like that but at the same time I'm not short sighted enough to believe that the tech isn't going to improve significantly over the coming years.

 

[Klayzer]

Still pushing the "how will all the console makers compete with Google (except MS) nonsense". I hope you're enjoying all the attention that you're so desperate for.

 

[Bogroll]

Yup, one of the best things about this place is that most get it. In my life, people will say woah, google are doing games! And you have to say, no, listen, it's streaming, it's a faked stage demo of unusable tech, and it won't work on your 8mb talk talk (crap english broadband company) adsl, setting aside 10, 20 minutes to make them grasp it.

Or you log onto neogaf and see that everyone is already pointing and laughing at it.

Totally agree but the scary thing is they're not going after us they're after the masses, who won't notice if the quality drops to 720p, they'll just see 4k/8k headline and think its like it all the time. The big company's just see us as dinosaurs and they want us extinct, they want new blood who won't really know what lag is, they just think its meant to be like that.

 

[cormack12]

I think streaming will be 'popcorn gaming'. It's to capture a market, it will drive growth. It's about lowering the barrier to entry/trying. How many potential customers can just go and play AC Odyssey without dropping at least £250. They're probably trying to capture that market of gamers that play the first 60-120 minutes of a game then drop it. I'm not against cloud gaming, provided it can give the same fidelity and low latency inputs - which it can't atm. But then I (and by extension, most people on this site), are not the target audience really.

 

[Stuart360]

All these people scared of Streming and what its going to do to the industry. While ignoring the fact that streaming has been arounf for years, and Spencer himself said streaming wont take over anything and that traditional consoles will always be the best place to play.
If streaming couldnt kill DVD and BluRay, 10 years after we were told it will, then streaming certainly isnt going to kill an actual interactive medium like gaming.

 

[angelic]

Totally agree but the scary thing is they're not going after us they're after the masses, who won't notice if the quality drops to 720p, they'll just see 4k/8k headline and think its like it all the time. The big company's just see us as dinosaurs and they want us extinct, they want new blood who won't really know what lag is, they just think its meant to be like that.

Good points, and re: the 4k/8k stuff, in my opinion its nuanced. What I mean is Sony market the pro as 4k, which in my opinion is more than reasonable, I consider it enough to render 2k and checkerboard it...the difference is not that great. Where the difference between 1080p native and..basically, youtube 1080p which will be dynamically dropped to 720p per load demands, is huge.

I mean imagine if someone released a blu ray that only used 10% of the disc, because they used the stream version as the master. I mean, it's both 1080p right?

 

[ANIMAL1975]

Well... It says right there in op, it's an inside memo to motivate employees/gather troops. Some people are missing the point.

 

[SpartanN92]

Someone clearly has no clue just how big Azure is.