Welp, the Xbox version is dead in the water. What were they thinking?

[kaynide]

So, some information that might have already been said (apologies, didn’t read every page). Hopefully this will help frame why it is the way it is.


1) There is a lot of power-playing/posturing in place between companies.
While I can’t speak to details, there is a good chance SE negotiated w/ Sony to get no additional fees in exchange for exclusive titles/delayed release on non-PlayStation platforms.

In a real world example, Fortnite users don’t need a Switch online sub to play it because Nintendo really really wanted it on their system, enough that Fortnite was able to deny Nintendo rights to a percent of micro transaction sales outright (indeed, you can’t even purchase vbucks on switch; or at least you couldn't..I haven't really kept up with Epic vs Nintendo).

2) Xbox just isn’t a thing in Japan, really.
Outside of major major cities (like Tokyo), electronics stores don’t even sell xbox games or accessories. Switch and PS all day long, including off the wall crazy stuff. I don’t even remember the last time I saw an xbox and I’m in the equivalent of like.. Boston or Austin in USA (aka big but not NYC or LA).

[sindriiisgaming]

Star Trek online


It'll be interesting to see how hard they press the advertising for this, because - as things stand (and assuming there isn't something in the small print) - it's hard to see how they could put much of a positive spin on something like this.

lodestone post sevral weeks from now saying it was a communication error. or.. lodestone post sevral weeks from now doubling down

[Mosha]

Game Pass is also on PC, but yet MOST PC gamers (myself included) have steam...Steam costs NOTHING to use. It's just a video game hub/shop, but I get to CHOOSE what I want. Game Pass decides for you with a collection of games and I would say 40% of what I had on Game Pass...was garbage...Sony isn't immune to this either to some extent.

So if Microsoft wants to expand their gaming on XBOX and get some SERIOUS numbers...they need to make Game Pass more like Steam and ditch the cost attached. A Game Hub where I can purchase PC/XBOX games at the crazy steam discounts we are used to. This way I can play online...collect my games...play on PC or XBOX whichever I choose....and build my library of games I want. I buy it on PC...play it there....or XBOX...doesn't matter. I don't need 100 titles where maybe 1/2 of those are good. I didn't like Game Pass when I had it, and I don't miss my XBOX at all. PC, PS5, and Switch pretty much let me play everything on the market. Microsofts XBOX division has no idea how to sell an XBOX to people that already don't have a PC. If you have a PC...you pretty much have and XBOX...don't waste $500...if you don't have a PC...then maybe.

Two things: From what I've read Game Pass has been very successful for Microsoft from the financial documents they published they raked in $2b back in 2021 from GP alone. 2. Literally every Microsoft game is on Steam, You can buy it there instead of ranting about Game Pass on a Japanese Video game forum. They get to have their cake and eat it.

[NanaWiloh]

I am with holding judgement until after the beta. They got the beta restricted to trials and new accounts. So in a way they are testing the waters with the game pass knowledge now out. Seeing how many people are going to jump on board before the ship sets sail. If the numbers dont look promising MS may drop the gamepass entirely.

[Mosha]

I am with holding judgement until after the beta. They got the beta restricted to trials and new accounts. So in a way they are testing the waters with the game pass knowledge now out. Seeing how many people are going to jump on board before the ship sets sail. If the numbers dont look promising MS may drop the gamepass entirely.

People are also missing the point that Game Pass already has a fairly large install base with Xbox players who use online services.

[ReynTime]

its honestly a shame. they have some really talented industry giants working there. (nomura, sakaguchi, yokotaro, matsuno, akira toriyama) why not invest in another big franchise instead of these easy cash grabs

Sakaguchi, Yoko Taro, Matsuno and Akira Toriyama aren't SE employees. Sakaguchi has his own studio and hasn't worked with SE since Mistwalker was founded. Yoko Taro and Matsuno are freelancers. Akira Toriyama only works with Armor Project.

[Sqwall]

Two things: From what I've read Game Pass has been very successful for Microsoft from the financial documents they published they raked in $2b back in 2021 from GP alone. 2. Literally every Microsoft game is on Steam, You can buy it there instead of ranting about Game Pass on a Japanese Video game forum. They get to have their cake and eat it.

Yes I agree...I was pointing out the fact of why need an XBOX at all if you have a PC.

[Mosha]

Yes I agree...I was pointing out the fact of why need an XBOX at all if you have a PC.

Cheaper price of entry and it's a lot more plug-and-play than a PC.

[sindriiisgaming]

Sakaguchi, Yoko Taro, Matsuno and Akira Toriyama aren't SE employees. Sakaguchi has his own studio and hasn't worked with SE since Mistwalker was founded. Yoko Taro and Matsuno are freelancers. Akira Toriyama only works with Armor Project.

freelancers are still very much at there disposal

[NanaWiloh]

People are also missing the point that Game Pass already has a fairly large install base with Xbox players who use online services.

But how many are willing to pay for a second service just to play a MMO? Playstation players and PC are not double dipping to play FF.