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[Drek]

What a dumb article. Microsoft (presumably) has been actively engaging lots of developers; they don't need GDC to do so.

Microsoft have been actively engaging the established developers who work for major publishers.

Over the past generation the industry has changed dramatically in that regard and now the biggest runaway hits often come from small indie teams no one sees coming.

GungHo is a small Japanese start-up who's flagship title (Puzzles and Dragons) is quite possibly the most profitable game at this point in time.

Mojang's Minecraft is a multi-million seller on Xbox 360, where it's sold far less than it has on PC.

Unless you think MS has a crystal ball and is identifying every break out indie/small tier developer this far in advance there is a VERY real weakness by not getting to pitch the next Xbox at GDC.

What was Sony's PS4 unveil really focused on? Ease of development from a technical standpoint with a shout out to a far easier to access storefront.

So what do you think they're going to do at GDC? Likely disseminate a TON of information on just how easy it is to get on their storefront. To thousands of smaller developers who can't afford an Xbox dev kit even if MS knew who they existed and was willing to offer access.

It isn't a "disastrous mistake" like CVG is calling it, but it's leaving a pretty significant opening for Sony to further pitch their "system for developers and gamers, by developers and gamers" mantra uncontested.

Not only does that get more developers interested in Sony's platform, it likely results in more quality unaffiliated titles passing through their screening process for first party distribution.

 

[iamvin22]

They have more secret sauce.

 

[nib95]

Microsoft have been actively engaging the established developers who work for major publishers.

Over the past generation the industry has changed dramatically in that regard and now the biggest runaway hits often come from small indie teams no one sees coming.

GungHo is a small Japanese start-up who's flagship title (Puzzles and Dragons) is quite possibly the most profitable game at this point in time.

Mojang's Minecraft is a multi-million seller on Xbox 360, where it's sold far less than it has on PC.

Unless you think MS has a crystal ball and is identifying every break out indie/small tier developer this far in advance there is a VERY real weakness by not getting to pitch the next Xbox at GDC.

What was Sony's PS4 unveil really focused on? Ease of development from a technical standpoint with a shout out to a far easier to access storefront.

So what do you think they're going to do at GDC? Likely disseminate a TON of information on just how easy it is to get on their storefront. To thousands of smaller developers who can't afford an Xbox dev kit even if MS knew who they existed and was willing to offer access.

It isn't a "disastrous mistake" like CVG is calling it, but it's leaving a pretty significant opening for Sony to further pitch their "system for developers and gamers, by developers and gamers" mantra uncontested.

Not only does that get more developers interested in Sony's platform, it likely results in more quality unaffiliated titles passing through their screening process for first party distribution.

Good post. Some points I hadn't considered.

 

[Four_Chamber]

I love hyperbole. This article is fantastic hyperbole. It is SEVEN MONTHS OUT from the rumored reveal. I'm sure publishers (and some developers) have already been given a heads-up about what Microsoft is doing at this point.

 

[ThisWreckage]

Hopefully they'll have another Usher concert, or maybe another Cirque du Soleil performance.

Gamers have short memories. Look at Microsoft's past two E3 conferences to get a good idea about where they want to go and where they're headed. There will be games there for the core gamer, but a good portion of their conference is going to be devoted to Kinect, apps, their OS, etc.

 

[shinobi602]

Terrible article anyone who is interested in developing for next xbox (and is relevant) already has devkits and documentation

To suggest that you need to fly half way round the world to somehow 'reveal' somethng to developers who already know about it is laughable

Typical article from press who are attending a games developers conference looking for news

I love hyperbole. This article is fantastic hyperbole. It is SEVEN MONTHS OUT from the rumored reveal. I'm sure publishers (and some developers) have already been given a heads-up about what Microsoft is doing at this point.

If that is the case, why is Sony there?

 

[not_so_special]

Bullshit, publishers are far more important than developers.

yeah im sure boby kottick made the games in his spare time

 

[L1NETT]

The article seems to be more born out of frustration than out of any genuine logic. Sure, they might lose a little bit of ground, but in the long run I think MS have a strict plan and nothing will knock them of it.

 

[Syphon Filter]

Gamers have short memories. Look at Microsoft's past two E3 conferences to get a good idea about where they want to go and where they're headed. There will be games there for the core gamer, but a good portion of their conference is going to be devoted to Kinect, apps, their OS, etc.

Basing it on past conferences is not a good idea since we are already at the end of this generation.

 

[Four_Chamber]

I agree the longer MS doesn't comment on speculation of anti used/always online the more me and all my friends resolve ourselves to be PC/PS4 only next gen even if before those rumors we likely would have all likely been there day 1 for nextbox.

This is absolutely crazy

So Microsoft not commenting on a rumored (likely not true) feature of a console that they have not even acknowledged will lead you to not purchase the Xbox, a decision that you've made 7 months in advance?

 

[enzo_gt]

Microsoft have been actively engaging the established developers who work for major publishers.

Over the past generation the industry has changed dramatically in that regard and now the biggest runaway hits often come from small indie teams no one sees coming.

GungHo is a small Japanese start-up who's flagship title (Puzzles and Dragons) is quite possibly the most profitable game at this point in time.

Mojang's Minecraft is a multi-million seller on Xbox 360, where it's sold far less than it has on PC.

Unless you think MS has a crystal ball and is identifying every break out indie/small tier developer this far in advance there is a VERY real weakness by not getting to pitch the next Xbox at GDC.

What was Sony's PS4 unveil really focused on? Ease of development from a technical standpoint with a shout out to a far easier to access storefront.

So what do you think they're going to do at GDC? Likely disseminate a TON of information on just how easy it is to get on their storefront. To thousands of smaller developers who can't afford an Xbox dev kit even if MS knew who they existed and was willing to offer access.

It isn't a "disastrous mistake" like CVG is calling it, but it's leaving a pretty significant opening for Sony to further pitch their "system for developers and gamers, by developers and gamers" mantra uncontested.

Not only does that get more developers interested in Sony's platform, it likely results in more quality unaffiliated titles passing through their screening process for first party distribution.

Wait.. wait what? So why would they be interested in the PS4 unless you have knowledge of how much cheaper the PS4 dev kit is?

Otherwise, good points, same goes for mrklaw's post on the previous page. Getting the smaller/indie devs on board early is even more important this gen and Sony has made it clear they're going to capitalize it, especially during Playstation Meeting.

 

[mrklaw]

Terrible article anyone who is interested in developing for next xbox (and is relevant) already has devkits and documentation

To suggest that you need to fly half way round the world to somehow 'reveal' somethng to developers who already know about it is laughable

Typical article from press who are attending a games developers conference looking for news

Yeah, they should just cancel GDC, clearly anyone that matters is already looked after

 

[ThisWreckage]

Basing it on past conferences is not a good idea since we are already at the end of this generation.

They're including Kinect into every box because of last generation. It definitely is a good indicator.

 

[radioheadrule83]

Its reassuring to me that CVG think the development community is so fickle and stupid as to base future support on arbitrary disclosures (or lack of), made by a manufacturer at a specific non-consumer event... It reminds me why I don't read that shit.

Absolute crap.

 

[i-Lo]

Wait.. wait what? So why would they be interested in the PS4 unless you have knowledge of how much cheaper the PS4 dev kit is?

Otherwise, good points, same goes for mrklaw's post on the previous page. Getting the smaller/indie devs on board early is even more important this gen and Sony has made it clear they're going to capitalize it, especially during Playstation Meeting.

Didn't Sony mention that there are trying so that smaller developers whose games will not be extracting every ounce of performance from PS4, can make games without having the dev kit (some sort of licensed software for emulating the hardware, I'd assume)?

 

[THE:MILKMAN]

They have more secret sauce.

Of course! Secret Sauce

 

[Syphon Filter]

They're including Kinect into every box because of last generation. It definitely is a good indicator.

I'm talking about in terms of the games they released. This time expect new ips from the studios they recently set up.

 

[ThisWreckage]

I'm talking about in terms of the games they released. This time expect new ips from the studios they recently set up.

There is absolutely no reason to have confidence in new IPs from Microsoft. They haven't given me a reason to. In fact, a lot of their past efforts in new IPs have resulted in borderline embarrassment.

 

[Zombie James]

To suggest that you need to fly half way round the world to somehow 'reveal' somethng to developers who already know about it is laughable

So why is Sony there? If developers already know everything why is anyone there?

 

[sangreal]

Yeah, they should just cancel GDC, clearly anyone that matters is already looked after

Isn't the point of GDC for developers to talk to each other? It is unfortunate that developers won't be able to do presentations on next-gen xbox development but I don't think it is terribly important that Microsoft is not presenting. Direct communication between MS and developers working on xbox games I'm sure is not an issue (since they're all registered etc anyway). They also have their own meetings for that, like Gamesfest.

 

[Ding-Ding]

Its not disastrous but it is a mistake.

The fact is we are only half a year away from these next gen consoles and you can bet developers & publishers want to talk openly about there next gen titles.

By the end of GDC, you can bet we will know about some more titles incoming. We will also likely see some more PS4 spec footage.

The one thing you would have thought MS would have known is the power of brand association. The longer they wait, the more 3rd party titles will get associated with the PS4

 

[Cidd]

The wait is better with Kinect.

 

[Just_myles]

They sound rather upset that Microsoft won't announce 720. Kind of funny reading that article.

 

[aganu]

You are GDC. Wait what.

I don't see this as a big deal. I think having a stand-alone event to reveal the console is the way to go. Should grab everyone's attention with no interference from other parties in the industry. PS4 has GDC spotlights and that's an advantage, but MS absence won't be a "disaster" because they too will have the spotlights all to themselves come late April. It just happens to be at a later date.

 

[Sean]

People are being way too silly about this.

I didn't see stories about Samsung making a "disastrous mistake" by not announcing the Galaxy S4 at CES and holding their own event a few weeks later. These companies have their own reveal strategies and time tables.

 

[prwxv3]

Its not disastrous but it is a mistake.

The fact is we are only half a year away from these next gen consoles and you can bet developers & publishers want to talk openly about there next gen titles.

By the end of GDC, you can bet we will know about some more titles incoming. We will also likely see some more PS4 spec footage.

The one thing you would have thought MS would have known is the power of brand association. The longer they wait, the more 3rd party titles will get associated with the PS4

This

 

[enzo_gt]

Didn't Sony mention that there are trying so that smaller developers whose games will not be extracting every ounce of performance from PS4, can make games without having the dev kit (some sort of licensed software for emulating the hardware, I'd assume)?

That sounds pretty damn awesome, but I'm skeptical that that's a proper solution and won't lead to a whole bunch of poorly optimized games/apps when running on the actual hardware.

 

[KageMaru]

Seeing how the general public, and even much of the gaming public, doesn't pay attention to GDC, I don't really see how the silence is "disastrous".

 

[SlickShoesRUCrazy]

it's a mixture of cockiness and arrogance.

Basically same thing that happened to Sony coming from the ps2 to the ps3.

Microsoft needs to get slaughtered the first few year to get a kick on the ass.

 

[Syphon Filter]

There is absolutely no reason to have confidence in new IPs from Microsoft. They haven't given me a reason to. In fact, a lot of their past efforts in new IPs have resulted in borderline embarrassment.

black tusk is working on a "core" title. go check their website out. you are in for a rude awakening if you think they aren't making multiple new ip's for the core.

 

[Vamphuntr]

From all of their indifference and silence regarding all the rumours and the PS4 reveal, it seems MS is in no hurry to announce it yet. If they were scrambling for support or felt intimitaded by all the rumours they would have done something by now.

People need to be patient. The reveal is rumoured for E3 or in the last week of April.

 

[Baconsammy]

They're including Kinect into every box because of last generation. It definitely is a good indicator.

And every single Dual Shock has a light sensor on it. Dun Dun Dunnnnnnnnnn.

 

[nib95]

Wait.. wait what? So why would they be interested in the PS4 unless you have knowledge of how much cheaper the PS4 dev kit is?

Otherwise, good points, same goes for mrklaw's post on the previous page. Getting the smaller/indie devs on board early is even more important this gen and Sony has made it clear they're going to capitalize it, especially during Playstation Meeting.

I think Sony are offering tools to smaller developers whereby they can use normal PCs to develop PS4 games.

 

[KageMaru]

From all of their indifference and silence regarding all the rumours and the PS4 reveal, it seems MS is in no hurry to announce it yet. If they were scrambling for support or felt intimitaded by all the rumours they would have done something by now.

People need to be patient. The reveal is rumoured for E3 or in the last week of April.

This is kind of what I don't understand. A site is registered after Sony's reveal, and it's a knee jerk reaction and they are scrambling to make their own reveal (even though it's been planned for months in advance with no effect by Sony) or they are keeping quiet (like now at GDC) and some people think they are being arrogant.

So they are either a scrambling nervous wreck or they are too cocky to worry about revealing it soon. lol

Edit:

I think Sony are offering tools to smaller developers whereby they can use normal PCs to develop PS4 games.

This is one of the big things I care about. The ability for smaller devs to put up indie games on an actual video game system, similar to XBLI this gen.

 

[Cidd]

MS will be fine, they got billions of dollar to throw into marketing like they always do.
TVs will be flooded with "Everything is better with Kinect" ads and the masses will buy it.

 

[Withnail]

Isn't the point of GDC for developers to talk to each other? It is unfortunate that developers won't be able to do presentations on next-gen xbox development but I don't think it is terribly important that Microsoft is not presenting. Direct communication between MS and developers working on xbox games I'm sure is not an issue (since they're all registered etc anyway). They also have their own meetings for that, like Gamesfest.

Developers can't talk to each other about Durango without breaking an NDA.

The vast majority of professionals take NDAs very seriously (for obvious reasons) and the consequence is that they will abstain from talking about Durango at all.

 

[Raven77]

You guys think you're ready for Kinect 2.0 but honestly, you're not, nobody is.

 

[i-Lo]

That sounds pretty damn awesome, but I'm skeptical that that's a proper solution and won't lead to a whole bunch of poorly optimized games/apps when running on the actual hardware.

Well, given their record of imbibing the evolution of their dev tools/software with tremendous improvements (according to some devs their tools are now as good if not better than what MS provides), Sony would know that a lot hinges upon this paradigm altering endeavour.

This is one of the reasons why their architecture so closely mimics a PC. Plus, as aforementioned, these small titles may be nowhere near as resource intensive as more mainstream AA/AAA titles.

EDIT: Looks like the software driven approach is for Playstation mobile developers atm and Sony wants an middle ground for next gen indie developers on PS4.

 

[mrklaw]

Its not disastrous but it is a mistake.

The fact is we are only half a year away from these next gen consoles and you can bet developers & publishers want to talk openly about there next gen titles.

By the end of GDC, you can bet we will know about some more titles incoming. We will also likely see some more PS4 spec footage.

The one thing you would have thought MS would have known is the power of brand association. The longer they wait, the more 3rd party titles will get associated with the PS4

Yup

 

[Mr.Wreckless]

This is hilarious.

If MS announced soon after Sony they would have been accused of rushing an announcement to stall Sony's momentum. Since they are staying on their own schedule and keeping to their plan now people are blasting them for taking too long.

If MS announces next month they will have 7 months to convince people to buy the thing. 7 months is more than enough time to sell a game console to consumers. With as much money MS has to throw into marketing getting their console out into the minds of the public wont be a problem at all.

 

[Baconsammy]

MS will be fine, they got billions of dollar to throw into marketing like they always do.
TVs will be flooded with "Everything is better with Kinect" ads and the masses will buy it.

More importantly, they have the money to pay for the development of games like Minecraft 360. That's all it takes. One compelling bit of software/media, and suddenly you're the darling.

If MS announces next month they will have 7 months to convince people to buy the thing. 7 months is more than enough time to sell a game console to consumers.

Apple does it with a week. If your product is compelling, you don't need to slowly dribble out bits of info for months to sell it.

 

[Bgamer90]

Even hybrid Kinect integration is going to be a failure. Most hardcore gamers showed that they hated the Kinect and that's who picks up consoles first.

If anything, core gamers LIKE the hybrid features for kinect and prefer them over the kinect-only games.

You really seem to already be deeply invested into the Xbox being a failure and the PS4 completely taking over based on your recent posts. I find that funny since nothing about the next Xbox has been officially shown.

 

[scently]

Ms, I am sure, has been engaging the development community. Both big and small. They are not at GDC because it conflicts with their schedule. They organised and event last year with the sole aim of informing developers about the console.

I am sure those who want to get access to the devkit has one. I am sure MS regularly disseminate documentation about the next box regularly to developers.

I am sure they have guidelines on how to start developing for and porting to the nextbox.

Apart from all this, there is still SIGGRAPH to come, and ofcourse if they feel they need a dedicated event for developers they will host one. Also MS also has their yearly TechFest event to come, which is mainly for information on developing for MS platforms. Expect the nextbox to be a major feature in this year's event.

So while not being in GDC might be construed as a mistake by some, it doesn't really affect them much.

 

[Bgamer90]

This is hilarious.

If MS announced soon after Sony they would have been accused of rushing an announcement to stall Sony's momentum. Since they are staying on their own schedule and keeping to their plan now people are blasting them for taking too long.

Yep. Either way people would be complaining.

 

[la flama blanca]

Yep, Baconsammy is definitely in this thread lmao. Still not getting paid, for shame.
It is most likely because they have big plans for the Xbox 360.

 

[Zoe]

Seeing how the general public, and even much of the gaming public, doesn't pay attention to GDC, I don't really see how the silence is "disastrous".

Because the article isn't talking about the general or gaming public. It's talking about the developers.

 

[Cerebral Assassin]

yeah im sure boby kottick made the games in his spare time

The organ grinder doesn't dance, but he is still in charge of the playlist.

 

[IrrelevantNotch]

My honest assumption is that they're just not ready yet. They're probably still tweaking elements of the hardware, OS and Kinect 2.0, which is probably more of a heavy undertaking than we're led to believe. Now that Sony have gone 8GB GDDR5, I'll be surprised if Microsoft stick with the 8GB DDR3, but who knows. Depends on how costly Kinect 2.0 will be to put in the console whilst remaining affordable.

Why do non tech people love to talk tech?

 

[Drek]

That sounds pretty damn awesome, but I'm skeptical that that's a proper solution and won't lead to a whole bunch of poorly optimized games/apps when running on the actual hardware.

Not if....

1. Sony has OpenGL as a native API, which has been rumored.

and/or

2. Sony continues to do their standard screening process for PSN releases, just at reduced (read: not a healthy 4 figure sum per title) costs.

I don't think most indies/small devs would even be able to really tap the full power of the PS4 (or the next Xbox) strictly from an asset generation standpoint, so the need for high level optimization isn't going to be that significant. How many indie devs are making games that require comparable PC specs to the PS4/Durango? Not many at all. Its all about the idea and the game play there, and those people are going to be given a very clear roadmap from Sony at GDC on how they can bring those ideas to the PS4, while MS is only talking about Durango behind closed doors with "cleared" developers.

 

[sangreal]

Its not disastrous but it is a mistake.

The fact is we are only half a year away from these next gen consoles and you can bet developers & publishers want to talk openly about there next gen titles.

By the end of GDC, you can bet we will know about some more titles incoming. We will also likely see some more PS4 spec footage.

The one thing you would have thought MS would have known is the power of brand association. The longer they wait, the more 3rd party titles will get associated with the PS4

Again, when has that ever mattered? Assassins Creed? RDR? LA Noire? DMC4? I see little evidence that games being marketed as exclusive for awhile before eventually releasing at the same time makes a difference (as opposed to actual timed exclusives).