nikolino840
Member
Plus..steam..of your connection go away you can't play,unless you predict the future and play offline in the option..but you can't shutdown your pc
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Microsoft wants to be the "Netflix of Gaming"
- Thread starter Mista
- Start date
Plus..steam..of your connection go away you can't play,unless you predict the future and play offline in the option..but you can't shutdown your pc
mejin
Member
“We have a structural position in that we have both a console business as well as a PC business, which happens to be bigger than the console business when it comes to gaming.”
I would need clarification here. They have both worlds (console and pc gaming) but they don't excel in any. That's why Sony and Valve beat them silly every year.
Anyway, things could change if the promised exclusive content is good.
I would need clarification here. They have both worlds (console and pc gaming) but they don't excel in any. That's why Sony and Valve beat them silly every year.
Anyway, things could change if the promised exclusive content is good.
mekes
Member
Can't wait for the future with unplayable input lag in my fighting games.
Pessimism aside it does make sense to thoroughly explore this avenue. The internet isn't quite there yet but that doesn't mean it won't be in the near future. For me at least, living in a big city. Some type of games already run perfectly.
Pessimism aside it does make sense to thoroughly explore this avenue. The internet isn't quite there yet but that doesn't mean it won't be in the near future. For me at least, living in a big city. Some type of games already run perfectly.
Lightsbane
Member
The "Netflix" of gaming?
The more I hear about this stuff, the more I feel like gaming's moving away from me. I just want to buy a damn cartridge, stick it in the console, and play it.
All digital, games as services, subscriptions... bloody hell.
The more I hear about this stuff, the more I feel like gaming's moving away from me. I just want to buy a damn cartridge, stick it in the console, and play it.
All digital, games as services, subscriptions... bloody hell.
Mista
Banned
Bagofdicks
Neo Member
If they can keep the pricing as low as Netflix I se no problem with it. As long as he traditional model still exists along side it
FrankCaron
Gold Member
Agree to disagree with your perspective, but... this is nonsense. My position in no way implies that I think Microsoft will dip out of console hardware. On the contrary. The Surface line isn't the only hardware that runs Microsoft's OS, yet they still make it. Why? Because it's great hardware which is purpose-built to experience Microsoft's software products and will become a business that is / will be profitable unto itself. The Xbox console will be the same thing in the long run for the Microsoft 365 Gaming ecosystem.
And Windows OS-toting PCs, in the long run.
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Rhazer Fusion
Member
I don’t mind having physical and digital or even streaming on consoles, but I will have a serious problem the moment physical media becomes unavailable or is rendered obsolete. The “Netflix” of gaming is fine and even probably inevitable, but I will need physical games to go along side with it if it really does take off. I don’t exactly expect the gaming companies to be looking out for my best interest when it comes to digital and streaming. Sure, it’s more convenient and less clutter, but I will never figure out the new generation of gamers who are begging and embracing an all digital or streaming future.
Hinedorf
Banned
When I consider the major differences between movies and video games it all comes down to input responses.
I'm pretty sure real gamers are going to dump this product in the trash the moment they experience a few instances of input lag versus having a physical console and installed media.
I'm definitely the old man yelling at clouds thinking it can't be done until I see it happen, I'm sticking with streaming games being a complete disaster until I see that it's on a massive scale. Don't give me 1 person, don't give me 100 people, give me EVERYBODY during the holidays and then we'll know.
I'm pretty sure real gamers are going to dump this product in the trash the moment they experience a few instances of input lag versus having a physical console and installed media.
I'm definitely the old man yelling at clouds thinking it can't be done until I see it happen, I'm sticking with streaming games being a complete disaster until I see that it's on a massive scale. Don't give me 1 person, don't give me 100 people, give me EVERYBODY during the holidays and then we'll know.
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Rhazer Fusion
Member
Microsoft to allow streaming and their services on other consoles? Mobile or PCs? Sure. Consoles? I highly doubt Microsoft will allow that. IF that happened, I know they could make more money obviously, but then there will be literally no reason to own an Xbox platform. People already joke on Microsoft lacking exclusives and that decision will escalate the joke to new heights.
DunDunDunpachi
Banned
That's not true.
A subset of Xbox fans will still be happy to pay for Microsoft-branded hardware, controllers, headsets, etc.
The "console sales" of the next Xbox wouldn't be as impressive as the X360 days, if they decide to go this route. However, Microsoft has already made it painfully clear that they aren't chasing victory in the "console wars" space.
FrankCaron
Gold Member
They've already landed the positioning on how they view this; they view the physical Xbox as the best place to play super high fidelity games. As streaming games become a thing, they're going to suit a certain audience who aren't hardcore gamers. The hardcore will be the audience that will go buy the Xbox 2 X for full 4K local high fidelity gaming. The larger group of "average" gamers will buy the low-end stream box or Xbox 2 S equivalent. The largest group of the rest? Streaming on whatever device they own.
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Azelover
Titanic was called the Ship of Dreams, and it was. It really was.
Yes, I agree with you. But they really want to make streaming as wide spread as possible. Why? Because they don't want you to own anything, including the real hardware.
It will NEVER be entirely suitable to a hundred percent of the games, and a lot of gamers will not adopt this. But they will make sure a significant number of people to buy into it. Like I said, it may only be suitable for certain kinds of games. Perhaps even specifically designed around streaming. But I have no doubt that it's going to happen in some way, a considerable degree.
Fake
Member
Yeah. I agree. Hope not too soon.
Gander
Banned
I don't know if this model works for games but it might be better than paying for DLC every time. I had frustrating weekend playing SF5 seeing all the characters I'd have to buy because it would take me seven years to unlock them on my own. I'm officially done with SF5, it's poor netcode, and it's characters you have to pay for eventually.
Night.Ninja
Banned
A lot of the comments in here are just wow, Zero forward thinking, letting a console war cloud your mind lol
imo it would be great for going on holiday plugging a stick into the tv and play my xbox collection, instead of having to lug around my console, its just more convenient. The big thing is the price.
imo it would be great for going on holiday plugging a stick into the tv and play my xbox collection, instead of having to lug around my console, its just more convenient. The big thing is the price.
GribbleGrunger
Dreams in Digital
Two words 'Playstation Now'. I swear I've stepped into the twilight zone.
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Panajev2001a
GAF's Pleasant Genius
True, but how was this a good argument for Sony to push back on cross platform games then and against MS pushing back on the same topic the generation before?
In a way one would say that especially from a company pushing multiplatform streaming technology that the only pro consumer move is to support PS5 too
.
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Panajev2001a
GAF's Pleasant Genius
... and saying bye bye to used games and cheaper physical game prices while the publishers enjoy fatter profits as they cut the middle man off and your broandband bill rises
.
bitbydeath
Member
That’s nice and all but don’t pin your hopes and dreams on the mobile phone crowd to get there.
Rhazer Fusion
Member
I see what you are saying, but i would think the point of buying Microsoft branded hardware over the competition is to get access to exclusives games, features and experiences you cannot get anywhere else. Even if the next Xbox offered the best version of all software, your average gamer will not care as long as they can get access to the Xbox software library on their console of choice, especially if it’s of comparable quality.
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Rhazer Fusion
Member
True, but how was this a good argument for Sony to push back on cross platform games then and against MS pushing back on the same topic the generation before?
In a way one would say that especially from a company pushing multiplatform streaming technology that the only pro consumer move is to support PS5 too
Sony probably saw little benefit in allowing cross play since they owned an immense portion of the market. Allowing all platforms to access Microsoft games would benefit the competition much more then crossplay would of benefitted Sony.
Deputy Moonman
Member
I'm not really into streaming games, but if the service allows locally downloading games I might be on board. Netflix continues to knock it out of the park with their made for netflix movies and shows.
TLZ
Banned
Well, you can also direct this question at yourself and many others who say and think MS is already ahead of Sony in streaming games because Azure, even though they don't have such service currently while Sony already been running one for years.
Panajev2001a
GAF's Pleasant Genius
... but it is still the same argument in a way really. Massive super ubiquitous multiplatform streaming solution, by xCloud’s most vocal fans PSNow does not even compare, and you prevent the PS5 players from joining in? Anti consumer should the media scream
.Not sure I will see many from the Sony is “super” evil for the lack of crossplay to say that xCloud would make MS “a bit” evil if xCloud excludes PS5 users
.
Rhazer Fusion
Member
They are doing everything in their power to get rid of physical media which means less control and over ownership of games and to get long term commitment from gamers through subscriptions/microtransactions meaning constant revenue. I like advancement in technology as much as the next guy, but as soon as we start losing options and ownership, that’s when we get in trouble and the industry will make a turn for the worst.
FacelessSamurai
..but cry so much I wish I had some
I’ve yet to see music CDs, DVDs and Blu-Rays go away even though you can stream music and movies.... and saying bye bye to used games and cheaper physical game prices while the publishers enjoy fatter profits as they cut the middle man off and your broandband bill rises
Have sales of physical media reduced tremendously? Sure! But it is still and will still be made available for those who prefer to own the real thing, in the same way I prefer owning 4K blu-rays, because the quality is better, but I do enjoy a lot of movie streaming anyway because it is incredibly convenient.
The gaming industry is the same, you will always have the option to do both, anyone thinking otherwise is incredibly close minded!
RiccochetJ
Gold Member
There's more people on MS operating systems than there are Xbox's out in the wild. I think that's what he's talking about. Tell me more about the install base on the Valve OS.
Clear
CliffyB's Cock Holster
The point of streaming is to access beyond current MS controlled ecosystems, specifically the mobile spaces dominated by Apple and Google.
Everyone is looking at this the wrong way; MS is offering a service, and the biggest and most lucrative market for services is phone and mobile. That's the prize MS has their eyes on, games are just a means to end.
Even going back to their original Xbox One pitch, their goals have always been far bigger and more expansive than just winning a console war. Xbox is a Trojan horse to access the mass-market, not just the gaming market.
12Dannu123
Member
TBH no one gives no shit about the Loss of disc, people, especially younger generations generally don't buy disc anymore.
bitbydeath
Member
Winter John
Member
Suits me fine. I could give a shit about discs and not having another console under the TV is very much a bonus. If MS can provide an affordable, lag free, Netflix style service I'll be happy to sign up.
Rhazer Fusion
Member
Yeah, you are correct about most gamers, especially younger gamers caring about discs anymore, but in not sure how they will embrace streaming. Pretty sure you need adequate internet to get the best out of streaming games. Then again, we are probably a good ways off from an all digital future with data caps and fluctuations in internet speeds across the world.
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FacelessSamurai
..but cry so much I wish I had some
You mean, data caps and fluctuations in the US. Here in Canada, everyone I know has access to stable and unlimited Internet, heck even my mom has a 120Mbits unlimited package. I’ve been to Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, France, and Portugal and while I didn’t always have speeds as fast as that 120, it was always unlimited. Go in Asia and it’s the same situation.
Don’t know why companies in the US decided to go backwards and start implementing data caps while everyone else around the globe started doing otherwise to be honest. But it’s pointless to generalize when tons of places have no issues with data caps!
Also, MS is looking a lot into cellphone streaming where 720p will be plenty, even maybe 480p. As far as I know unlimited data plan for phones are available. I could see lots of people playing on their cellphones on their daily commute. I had a friend stream God of War from his PS4 across the internet on his laptop using LTE and it was playable.
The technology is already there and will be supported by some early on, and it can only grow from there! Lots of countries prioritize cellphone coverage, and I believe that is where MS is looking to expand the most with xCloud.
It will not be huge in the beginning, but this is a long term investment. Wouldn’t be surprised if at some point it’s implemented in Apple TVs, Rokus, TVs, Tablets, etc. This has loads of potential if done right.
Roitorb
Member
My kids hate bothering to change discs and would rather play games that are stored on the hard drive. Lazy gits!
MS's been talking up their strategy as becoming the "Netflix of games" - keeping it attached to a hardware ecosystem would only guarantee that will never happen.
And being attached to hardware will be that much more counter productive if this actually turns out to require software built FOR the online platform(the whole hybrid rendering/not totally cloud stuff that's been going around as the magic-pill for latency issues), as opposed to just streaming games.
Elenchus
Banned
Not entirely clear why folks keep desperately trying to force PS Now into the conversation. It’s been running for 5 yrs or so and very clearly has not become the Netflix of games.
It started out on many devices and is now down to PC and PS4 consoles. So as a service it’s retracting, not expanding.
It’s not even attempting to reach the same customers being targeted by MS, Google, & Amazon. Sony quit that race in the first few laps.
The only notable news about PS Now is that it copied the download feature from Game Pass but even that was unimpressive since the feature only works on some games.
So what exactly is the argument? That if PS Now runs for a few more years that it will outpace everyone merely because it exists? What exactly is supposed to happen to expand PS Now’s very limited reach?
Let’s just stop. The reason PS Now is not in the conversation is because it hasn’t earned the right to be. It’s a low priority project for Sony that lacks any actual ambition. It checks a box and shows they have a service.
But is anyone actually excited about PS Now or its prospects? Well if they were you wouldn’t have to keep begging for people to pay attention to it would you?
It started out on many devices and is now down to PC and PS4 consoles. So as a service it’s retracting, not expanding.
It’s not even attempting to reach the same customers being targeted by MS, Google, & Amazon. Sony quit that race in the first few laps.
The only notable news about PS Now is that it copied the download feature from Game Pass but even that was unimpressive since the feature only works on some games.
So what exactly is the argument? That if PS Now runs for a few more years that it will outpace everyone merely because it exists? What exactly is supposed to happen to expand PS Now’s very limited reach?
Let’s just stop. The reason PS Now is not in the conversation is because it hasn’t earned the right to be. It’s a low priority project for Sony that lacks any actual ambition. It checks a box and shows they have a service.
But is anyone actually excited about PS Now or its prospects? Well if they were you wouldn’t have to keep begging for people to pay attention to it would you?
Snake29
RSI Employee of the Year
The current PSNow is more like a testbed for PS streaming service in the future. It was never something that needed more attention in those early years. I think they have enough knowledge inhouse to create a competitive streaming service for the next generations. Rumors are that they are working on a new cloud infrastructure for PSN in general.
What's so special about gamepass? It's a download store nothing more and nothing different from the normal Windows Store on the Xbox. Only difference is the subscription model on top of it. So how can they copy a feature that is also available in the PSN store? It's not like Microsoft invented the download feature or something.
It also works and that's the difference and not just a checkbox. Things like gamepass or Sony's solution with subscription will work great next-gen but streaming. I don't know why anyone can be excited about that and really thinks that it will be some high quality shit, with no latency, no lag/input lag, low bitrate, low resolution. Microsoft is not gonna fix that shit for everyone.
Mainstream won't care much..
Sorne
Member
Subscription based gaming is perfect for me. I don't wanna pay $60 for a game I know I'm probably never gonna finish anyways. As I've gotten older, this happens more and more often. I rarely buy AAA games anymore. That's why I love Game Pass. I can pay for a month, play that little I now get to play, and come again later when I crave something new.
I really like this approach they're doing.
I really like this approach they're doing.
kyubajin
Member
Like many of us here, I enjoy the prospect of collecting games as much as I love playing them. Having said that, I’m very much intrigued in seeing how streaming might become another way for playing games and having MS, Sony, Amazon, etc competing for the so-called “Netflix of gaming” position could only mean good news for us consumers. I’ll cautiously wait and see what the near-future brings to the table.
Son_of_Zardoz
Banned
I'm looking forward to it and I'm not worried in the slightest that it will replace traditional gaming (discs, digital downloads) anytime in the near future.
Makes no sense to think this would be available on Sony consoles, just look at their stance on EA Access and that tells you all you need to know.
Makes no sense to think this would be available on Sony consoles, just look at their stance on EA Access and that tells you all you need to know.
Rhazer Fusion
Member
Good points and that is interesting. Yeah, there are still data caps in the US and the internet even goes down every now and then. Not a lot, but enough to notice. I guess I’m just not comfortable with my hobby requiring a constant internet connection with ample speed. I figure internet should add to the gaming experience, not be a requirement for the gaming experience.
I could definitely see Microsoft implementing their services in Tvs, mobile phones, pc’s, tablets, Roku boxes, etc, but I think it unrealistic expecting to see their services in competing consoles. I guess we’ll see enough.
ResilientBanana
Member
Considering the back log of exclusives that they could unleash on xCloud, I think they have quite the catalog including whatever comes out in the future.just waist a little. they just acquired a "few" studios.