Support NeoGAF

[yurinka]

Sony simply does not have the capital to make purchases this large. Their free cash flow for 2019 was 9 Billion, Microsoft's was 45 Billion

Well, they had enough cash and most of the times a portion of the payment is with shares, not only cash.
In any case, Sony doesn't need to make a purchase like this one.

They are distant leaders selling consoles (over 2x vs Xbox), 1s party games, overall amount of games for their consoles and game subscriptions in both revenue and user count.

And the only Zenimax big sellers for the last 2 generations are Elder Scrolls (specially Skyrim) and Fallout (specially 3 and 4). Maybe we can include Doom Eternal because it sold 3M in a month, a big increase over the 1M in 3 months that Doom 2016 did. The impact of Zenimax/Bethesda going console exclusive isn't that big, and this is considering that future Elder Scroll and Fallout games are kept console exclusive. To adapt their games to Game Pass they will want to go GaaS, and if they do so they will need as much users as possible so maybe they release on PS5 too, even if it's after a timed console exclusive.

 

[pixelation]

Meh, couldn't be less interested in any of the games they make (only one that mildly interests me is Doom, and I can certainly do without it).

 

[TooLateMate]

So you're saying their output of games is bad because of one game?

the biggest titles they have? elder scrolls and fallout? bethesda themselves...are not promising lol

skyrim was the beginning of the downfall, it's popularity allowed them to believe streamlining was a good idea, weaker entry than the previous to fans, fallout 4 was recieved pretty lukewarm by the community, fallout 76 was...fallout 76

so bethesdas first party output doesn't exactly have me confident their next game will be good.

so then you have doom and dishonored...but those are third party, id and Arkane, and like I said are the good ones...but not as big of titles as the former. and all of these are available on PC...

 

[Trumpeter]

From Twitter. Not even sorry if repost.

 

[Balducci30]

Sony simply does not have the capital to make purchases this large. Their free cash flow for 2019 was 9 Billion, Microsoft's was 45 Billion

They don’t have to respond by purchasing a publisher, they have enough good studios already - Microsoft didn’t.

 

[Kagey K]

Just got to give a big shoutout to S Slings and Arrows for calling this in Oct.

Didnt read every post in this thread (so I’m not sure if it’s been mentioned) but he called it.

Bethesda to be purchased

Bethesda are struggling financially and will be put up for sale shortly.

www.neogaf.com

 

[Mozza]

Thats not how any of this work lol I can technically buy Tesla and be broke is not same as I can buy tesla and be not broke.

Microsoft has close to $150B in cash reserve and their marketcap is absurd high, can easily just leverage that much cash on low interest. So at the end, this is a very low risk purchase for MS even if it goes side ways. For Sony, thats substantial amount of cash, would never get approved by shareholders, would rather be spent in R&D or other places when needed.

Exactly, that amount of money for a studio buy out would never get approved, it's just to much of a risk and a drain on their capital.

 

[Mozza]

So is MS going to pay Bethesda to not suck at making games anymore? Great

The games are great until all of a sudden they may not be coming out on the PS5, I get whiplash on here from all the sudden changes in direction.

 

[sinnergy]

So is MS going to pay Bethesda to not suck at making games anymore? Great

Yeah new DOOMS where terrible ?

 

[Gamezone]

Wouldn't it be a good idea for Microsoft to finally showcase Starfield before the release of the new consoles?

 

[D.Final]

A moves that change a generation

 

[Slings and Arrows]

Just got to give a big shoutout to S Slings and Arrows for calling this in Oct.

Didnt read every post in this thread (so I’m not sure if it’s been mentioned) but he called it.

Bethesda to be purchased

Bethesda are struggling financially and will be put up for sale shortly.

www.neogaf.com

Thanks for digging this out.

I wonder if I'll get any of my credibility back?

Wait, am I an insider now?

 

[D.Final]

Wouldn't it be a good idea for Microsoft to finally showcase Starfield before the release of the new consoles?

Yeah
November maybe

 

[j0hnnix]

 

[Starfield]

This 25 min interview just went up




starring Pete HInes Phil Spencer, Larry Hyrb and TODD HOWARD..

FUCK ME SOME NEW TODD FOOTAGE

 

[Andodalf]

This 25 min interview just went up




starring Pete HInes Phil Spencer, Larry Hyrb and TODD HOWARD..

FUCK ME SOME NEW TODD FOOTAGE

I've missed his face... I can't watch rn, is he wearing the jacket?

 

[Starfield]

I've missed his face... I can't watch rn, is he wearing the jacket?

a T shirt. V cut

 

[Starfield]

Todd said people at the office at Bethesda Game Studios found out the same day as we did about the purchase. There were mixed feelings and shock at first but generally people said they were glad its xbox who bought them

 

[IYAOYAS2019]

The amount of butt hurt in here is hilarious. If Sony had purchased Zenimax you would be cheering right now.

 

[hwraytracer]

Well done Microsoft and XBox .. BIG WIN !!!

Starfield and ES6 are going to be absolute juggernauts !!!

 

[Darkmakaimura]

One thing is I hope Bethesda will still release games on GOG.

A lot of their games, even newer ones like Prey and Dishonored 2, have gotten released on GOG recently.

I'm still hoping for Skyrim to eventually get on GOG.

 

[theclaw135]

Bring on the hype for reuniting Wasteland and Fallout under common ownership.

 

[alabtrosMyster]

Even if a few of MS's new IPs make it onto the PS5, Sony fans will be coughing up €80 to own a port of a game free on, and designed for, Game Pass.

How do you get free stuff on a paid service? Serious question, I have no idea how to do this.

Converting your other paid subscription service to this one does not count (you paid for it at some point)... or maybe, who knows with what passes for logic and arguments these days.

Anyway, GamePass is bad value... it gives you an actual new game once in a blue moon, and you have only like 200 games, PSNow gives you 700+ (mostly PS4 games, that can be installed locally, but you can stream ANY game, including PS2/3 games), the library is arguably better by the simple fact that you get some of Sony's exclusives, even if you don't have them "day and date", they're still better than whatever MS has to offer.

I mean, it's your money.

 

[Jimmyisback]

Biggest gaming news of the last 20 years.

 

[oldergamer]

How do you get free stuff on a paid service? Serious question, I have no idea how to do this.

Converting your other paid subscription service to this one does not count (you paid for it at some point)... or maybe, who knows with what passes for logic and arguments these days.

Anyway, GamePass is bad value... it gives you an actual new game once in a blue moon, and you have only like 200 games, PSNow gives you 700+ (mostly PS4 games, that can be installed locally, but you can stream ANY game, including PS2/3 games), the library is arguably better by the simple fact that you get some of Sony's exclusives, even if you don't have them "day and date", they're still better than whatever MS has to offer.

I mean, it's your money.

What are u talking about. Gamepass gives new games all the time. Some of those are the same day as release. Its a damn fine value.

 

[MiyazakiHatesKojima]

I couldn't sleep for 2 nights straight when I heard the news back in September....

 

[kretos]

I couldn't sleep for 2 nights straight when I heard the news back in September....

 

[Deleted member 801069]

I couldn't sleep for 2 nights straight when I heard the news back in September....

if I was a SONY fan I'd be on suicide watch

 

[Deleted member 801069]

What are u talking about. Gamepass gives new games all the time. Some of those are the same day as release. Its a damn fine value.

I got 3 years of gamepass ultimate for ~$3 a month. not sure what he is smoking.

you can also constantly find deals for gamepass ultimate. just make a deal alert on slickdeals.net

 

[bentanchorbolt]

If Microsoft is serious about the Xbox ecosystem, all Zenimax games need to be exclusive to the platform. That’s the long and short of it. Anything less than that is an apparent lack of respect of fans who exclusively game on Xbox.

 

[Deleted member 801069]

If Microsoft is serious about the Xbox ecosystem, all Zenimax games need to be exclusive to the platform. That’s the long and short of it. Anything less than that is an apparent lack of respect of fans who exclusively game on Xbox.

its obvious that this is what's going to happen

anyone who says otherwise is straight up delusional

 

[Sleepwalker]

What are u talking about. Gamepass gives new games all the time. Some of those are the same day as release. Its a damn fine value.

He revived a thread to reply to a comment made months ago. Better to not address him at all.

 

[Topher]

If Microsoft is serious about the Xbox ecosystem, all Zenimax games need to be exclusive to the platform. That’s the long and short of it. Anything less than that is an apparent lack of respect of fans who exclusively game on Xbox.

Phil Spencer has already said their future games would be coming to Steam. Pretty sure that qualifies as "anything less than that".

 

[bentanchorbolt]

Phil Spencer has already said their future games would be coming to Steam. Pretty sure that qualifies as "anything less than that".

I don’t think the average Xbox fan gives a crap if it’s on Steam or the Microsoft store. PC is PC in that respect. I think a lot of fans are hoping for console exclusivity.

 

[MiyazakiHatesKojima]

if I was a SONY fan I'd be on suicide watch

Nah, their games will eventually come to PlayStation even if it takes 3-4 years.

 

[Topher]

I don’t think the average Xbox fan gives a crap if it’s on Steam or the Microsoft store. PC is PC in that respect. I think a lot of fans are hoping for console exclusivity.

That is going to be a business decision that Microsoft will have to make. Phil Spencer has been direct and clear about future Xbox Game Studios coming to Steam. He has not been so when it comes to Bethesda games on consoles. So may want to temper those hopes a bit.

Personally, I don't care. I'll play Zenimax and Bethesda games on PC like I always have.

 

[Jboemios]

L

How do you get free stuff on a paid service? Serious question, I have no idea how to do this.

Converting your other paid subscription service to this one does not count (you paid for it at some point)... or maybe, who knows with what passes for logic and arguments these days.

Anyway, GamePass is bad value... it gives you an actual new game once in a blue moon, and you have only like 200 games, PSNow gives you 700+ (mostly PS4 games, that can be installed locally, but you can stream ANY game, including PS2/3 games), the library is arguably better by the simple fact that you get some of Sony's exclusives, even if you don't have them "day and date", they're still better than whatever MS has to offer.

I mean, it's your money.

Look at this clown and laugh

 

[quest]

How do you get free stuff on a paid service? Serious question, I have no idea how to do this.

Converting your other paid subscription service to this one does not count (you paid for it at some point)... or maybe, who knows with what passes for logic and arguments these days.

Anyway, GamePass is bad value... it gives you an actual new game once in a blue moon, and you have only like 200 games, PSNow gives you 700+ (mostly PS4 games, that can be installed locally, but you can stream ANY game, including PS2/3 games), the library is arguably better by the simple fact that you get some of Sony's exclusives, even if you don't have them "day and date", they're still better than whatever MS has to offer.

I mean, it's your money.

Bad value to you for others it is great. I stocked up black Friday 80 dollars a year. Great thing about gamepass like ps plus can always find a deal. Gears tactics, medium and the ascent will get me my 80 dollars worth plus ea access. Never tried games like dead space.

 

[CrustyBritches]

Just this year Game Pass got Gears Tactics, Ori Will of the Wisps, and FS 2020 from XGS. All highly acclaimed, unique games. Additionally, the whole EA Play basic is now included. On top of that, Streets of Rage 4 was day 1, and 2020 games like DOOM Eternal are on there.

 

[bentanchorbolt]

That is going to be a business decision that Microsoft will have to make. Phil Spencer has been direct and clear about future Xbox Game Studios coming to Steam. He has not been so when it comes to Bethesda games on consoles. So may want to temper those hopes a bit.

Personally, I don't care. I'll play Zenimax and Bethesda games on PC like I always have.

I don’t care one way or the other. I’m playing the games either way regardless of platform. But for the brand, ideally he makes the call that doesn’t alienate the base.

And I don’t think we know anything until after the deal is finalized.

 

[anothertech]

What was the last Xbox AAA first party game released on gamepass? Sea of thieves? What year was that?

lol give it a couple years, the exclusives will rain from the heavens. But honestly the output has been shit recently. And 0 first party releases at their console launch was klusterfuck. Craig indeed.

 

[Balducci30]

Dumb. This is the first Xbox I’ve owned in many many years - gamepass is awesome value for me. It was like $1? Then it’s gonna be what $14? Basically streaming service subscription (I also got ultimate so maybe that’s different). Get to try a bunch of games I never played - it’s been great.

 

[Clear]

Bottom line for me is that MS can only afford a certain number of loss-leaders to prop up GamePass. Unless the subscriber base literally explodes overnight most big expensive AAA titles will need secondary revenue streams to cover costs. That means GaaS, MTX, etc. should be expected as the standard model.

Games depreciate over time. Today's blockbuster is next years bargain-bin fodder, so there's a limited amount of time to generate maximum return on investment. GamePass flattens that, and opens a situation where no matter how good the pre-release hype is, bad word of mouth can kill a title before it has a chance to make an impression.

Yes, GamePass does offer a temptingly extended revenue stream, but in the end everything on the service needs to pull its own weight. Indies might be able to get away with earning a couple of thousand dollars a month, but for a Bethesda that's not going to cut it when they are burning tens of millions each month just on payroll and infrastructure. How's that going to work out when 5 years or more isn't an unusually long dev cycle?

 

[Team Andromeda]

What was the last Xbox AAA first party game released on gamepass? Sea of thieves? What year was that?

Dear God, what an utterly lame post.

 

[Balducci30]

Bottom line for me is that MS can only afford a certain number of loss-leaders to prop up GamePass. Unless the subscriber base literally explodes overnight most big expensive AAA titles will need secondary revenue streams to cover costs. That means GaaS, MTX, etc. should be expected as the standard model.

Games depreciate over time. Today's blockbuster is next years bargain-bin fodder, so there's a limited amount of time to generate maximum return on investment. GamePass flattens that, and opens a situation where no matter how good the pre-release hype is, bad word of mouth can kill a title before it has a chance to make an impression.

Yes, GamePass does offer a temptingly extended revenue stream, but in the end everything on the service needs to pull its own weight. Indies might be able to get away with earning a couple of thousand dollars a month, but for a Bethesda that's not going to cut it when they are burning tens of millions each month just on payroll and infrastructure. How's that going to work out when 5 years or more isn't an unusually long dev cycle?

To be real - EAplay being partnered with it is a big thing for me - I don’t know how long that will last but it’s pretty rad to have that in addition

 

[Clear]

To be real - EAplay being partnered with it is a big thing for me - I don’t know how long that will last but it’s pretty rad to have that in addition

Yeah its a great deal for gamers. My concern is simply that the nature of the marketplace ultimately ends up shaping the products for sale.

At the end of the day from the provider's standpoint the goal remains the same; sell product and turn a profit. So if release month income drops for whatever reason, it has to get compensated for somehow. Its especially difficult if its important to get a read on relative success or failure promptly, if it takes a year to exceed the result your previous product attained in a week, or a month, is that really going to be judged as a successful bit of business?

The plain truth is that the history of movies and games is littered with titles that were considered failures at launch, but proved themselves over time. Great for the creatives involved as they were eventually vindicated, but at the time business judged them flops and as a result their careers suffered, companies went bust, and similar/sequel projects got shelved/remodelled so as not to share the same fate.

That's the nature of the beast, and frankly I cannot see too many 9-figure bets being placed without plan-Bs being put into place to ensure a timely return on investment.

 

[Valued Gamer]

This was the definition of a megaton.

 

[LisaMariaMartin]

What was the last Xbox AAA first party game released on gamepass? Sea of thieves? What year was that?

lol give it a couple years, the exclusives will rain from the heavens. But honestly the output has been shit recently. And 0 first party releases at their console launch was klusterfuck. Craig indeed.

I didn't really like it but Gears Tactics is an AAA game.

Nah, their games will eventually come to PlayStation even if it takes 3-4 years.

You're right, I'm playing Halo on my Playstation right now

 

[anothertech]

Dear God, what an utterly lame post.

Sorry to be lame. Perhaps you can answer the simple question? Please don't say gears tactics.

 

[Team Andromeda]

Sorry to be lame. Perhaps you can answer the simple question? Please don't say gears tactics.

Well since Sea of Thieves launched on Gamepass. We've had Forza Horizon 4, Gears of War 5, Ori & The Will Of Wisps, but never mind