MICROSOFT IN THE OFFICE LOOKING OUT WINDOWS AT THE CLOUD

We start off the war between consoles with Sony slaughtering Microsofts armada. Now Microsoft is changing its war plan and is adopting Sony’s war pattern. Well you’d have to be a fool to believe that Microsoft is recanting their always online policy due to feedback from users. The numbers have spoken and now they are in complete retreat mode. But even if they adopt Sony’s policies towards next gen consoles drm, used games, region locks, and system connectivity. You still have to understand this was not their original plan.

The folks at Sony placed the voice of the consumer ahead of some bizarre view of the future. Sony’s teams showed love for the people who make their system possible. Better believe that this is philosophy within the company, satisfy the video gamers first. While over at Microsoft's headquarters video gamers perceivably were not the priority.

From the very first presentation of the Xbox One, we saw tv, sports, and COD. Then come E3 time we see some promises of exclusives. Yes some content was their but you really have to know that its a ways off. More than likely the exclusive heavy hitters won’t appear till 4-6 months after launch. Which is fine for people who are convinced to be onboard for the Microsoft ride this time around. Just for me I did not see the “killer app” that I needed to have the was exclusive to any console, especially Microsoft.

A few disappointing points was the presentation of Minecraft Xbox one edition. Literally nothing new at all. I mean you can speculate there is a possibility that consoles players may have access to mods, but I would say not likely. I did want to play Dead Rising 3, but that wore off pretty quickly because the feeling of been there done that overrode the thrill.

Yes the promise of exclusives was there but they were not done wholeheartedly in my opinion. Just like the revival of Killer Instinct. I came from the era where friends were kicking each others asses in 2-d fighters. But Killer Instinct should have not been brought back unless its mechanics rivaled some choice fighters for the evo tournament circuit. Killer Instinct will surely be swept under the rug shortly after release.

The lack of Crackdown 3 was a devastating blow to Microsoft’s image of exclusivity. No mention of World of Tanks on Xbox One so to me they spoiled the whole partnering with a PC exclusive franchise. World of Tanks won't come to Xbox One because they do not want a f2p game of that caliber at launch. Instead they want you with the planned line up.

With the recant on the always online factor of the xbox one. I now view the whole cloud based gaming as a gimmick to sell systems that was flawed and poorly delivered. Forza’s demonstration of using the cloud for “ghost racing” was not that amazing to me. With Microsoft backing away from their always connect approach I feel as if the “project” or “goal” they had in mind was not that worthwhile. Very much so comes off as corporate bullshitting.

Microsoft is losing everything that it had from the past. I am glad to see consumers showed some intelligence and did not so much buy into this corporate scumbag mentality. Personally I want to thank Sony for not going along with that corporate bullshit strategy of alienating users. If you want a positive spin on how well Microsoft is doing with the release of their system check back when they really start listening to the consumers of the video game community and not just financial forecasts.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE HALO 5 MULTIPLAYER KEEP THIS IN MIND

http://tobylewin.deviantart.com/

If Microsoft releases Halo 3 for free on Xbox 360. We will see so many fans return to the servers they grew up on. I know I will be there day one for some old school Halo 3 with my buddies. But with this re-release Microsoft's puppet 343 should take some notes on this great game. Yes I know 343 Industries consists of plenty of former Bungie guys. With that said they are not the whole original Halo team. So issues with netcode have been pointed out from plenty of Halo 4 users. In fact many issues with the series have been pointed out and some of them made fans leave the series altogether. I would like to see Master Chief styled gameplay return to the Halo franchise's multiplayer. I am not big on Spartan VI or whatever those suits are called in Halo 4. Hopefully we can see some more Master Chief not only in story but in essence of gameplay. Honestly it will take a lot to get me back into the Halo universe. Halo Spartan Assault is  definitely not going to lure me back Microsoft. So back to the drawing/storyboards hopefully Steven Spielberg can help you guys because we all know he's a huge Halo fan.  

Bottom Line: Halo was doing fine without Steven and I think it will be fine without him
FUCK MICROSOFT
Image credit: http://tobylewin.deviantart.com/

A WEEK IN GAMING 5.27.13-5.31.13

By: Jamaal Ryan

Let’s take a looking at a week in gaming from 5/27/13 through 5/31/13

Square Begins to Shift its Focus (5/27)

Square Enix, the troubled publisher who’s suffered a loss of over 13 billion yen at the end of 2012 and 13,714 million yen at the end of its fiscal year along with underperformed sales for their published titles such as Tomb Raider, is beginning to branch away from big budget AAA titles towards a less financially demanding focus such as mobile gaming – specifically bringing console like gaming to handheld platforms, and the use of Kickstarter.

Upcoming president Yosuke Matsuda pins one of the main causes for their losses on dodgy marketing; claiming that they spoke to a global scale without considering regional individuality. But he believes that their new business approach will be lucrative and points out that Kicstarter “not only serve[s ]as a method of financing for developers, but I believe should also be seen as a way to unite marketing and development together by allowing us to interact with customers while a game is in development.”

Having a big name publisher turn to mobile gaming and Kickstarter is a true sign of industry climate. And while Kickstarter will be new to Square, they’ve already demonstrated success on the mobile platform.

However, this shouldn’t be taken as Square abandoning console AAA publishing and development. We should expect a proper Final Fantasy title to be debuted at E3 after their presence at the PS4 event, and we know that they’ll be involved in other future next gen titles such as the new Thief set to release next year.

Neglecting Wii U Third Party Releases (5/28)

The Wii U version of Sniper Elite V2 is out, but it released without the co-op content available on the other platforms. Developer Rebellion’s CEO John Kingsley stated that their focus was on “making the core game as good as can be”, sacrificing the integration of co-op content.

This is nothing new, as Wii U owners with titles such as Mass Effect 3, Injustice: Gods Among Us, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 do not have access to the same content released on  other current gen systems.

There’s third party support on Wii U – if you want to call what little they have “support”—but with games that has less content than versions available on other platforms, what reason do owners of multiple systems such as myself have to invest in the Wii U copy?

I picked up Black Ops 2 on Wii U curious as to how the system can handle an online shooter such as Call of Duty, and it runs smoothly. Now, I also own it on 360 where I have access to timed exclusive DLC. As an owner of a PS3, I know that I would benefit to have a copy on that system (not that I would own three copies of the game) because I’m aware that the 360 content will eventually release on PS3. I cannot be so certain on Wii U.

Nintendo is whirlpooling into the same predicament that they’ve suffered from for the past two console generations. But unlike the solid library of titles on Gamecube, and the popularity of the Wii, the Wii U – granted this is only 7 months after launch – has little third party support as well as attractive first party titles to hold gamers to keep players invested. This absolutely shows in its abysmal sales, even in comparison to their readjusted forecast.

Upcoming large profile titles such as Splinter Cell: Blacklist and Watch Dogs are set to release on Wii U later this year, however I have little confidence that these will be the ideal or even comparable versions to purchase in comparison to both the 360 and PS3. E3 is right around the corner, and I cannot depend on the nebulous presenting of “We will have third party support” followed by a wall of publishers akin to last year’s press conference, nor can I base my anticipation off of actual games shown.

Seeing this pattern of Wii U getting the “lesser version” I would have to keep my ear to the ground and listen out for exclusive content on other systems and cautiously wait as critics and other consumers react to what’s actually included in the game.  

Video Games: The Movie & The Untold Stories of Japanese Game Developers (5/29)

Two Kickstarters caught the attention of the gaming press this week.

The awaited Video Games: The Movie reached its Kickstarter goal, awaiting higher funding benchmarks that will increase the film’s production value. Video Games: The Movie will feature some of the industry’s best and brightest such as Cliff Bleszinski, Randy Pitchford (try not to think about the Aliens scandal), and Warren Spector. 

In response to the incessant criticism that has tirelessly painted video games as a bad influence on our children from LT. Col. Dave Grossman’s frantic rants, to Joe Biden’s tax consideration, to Jim Steyer’s grossly misunderstood commentary in Katie Couric’s violent video games special, Video Games: The Movie  pokes logic holes in the constant misrepresentation, but most importantly it delves into the culture and creation within the video games industry.

In an attempt to breach the culture barrier of the Japanese game development landscape, journalist John Szczepaniak has taken on the responsibility to author his book called The Untold Stories of Japanese Game Developers. But it cannot come to fruition without the help of Kickstarter supporters.

Szczepaniak hopes to fly to Japan and sit face to face with the country’s industry members to develop a better understanding of their experience and perspectives along with uncovering undocumented facts of the marriage of business and culture in the Japanese games industry.

Hopefully this will answer our many questions that have sprung up over the years this generation in regards to the country’s decline in influence and impactful innovation. We’ve seen the diminishing pizzazz of the Tokyo Game Show, heard Phil Fish’s and even Kenji Inafune’s criticisms on Japanese game development. But it’s always better to have an open conversation – or in this case, read the perspective of one – than point accusational fingers. 

Holding a Controller with a Wedding Band? (5/30)

MSNBC’s Morning Joe went on a rant of his hopeful would-be primary bread winning daughter, claiming that all men in this day and age sit at home and play video games and are weak and unmarriable, and he willfully exempts his son and his friends (who probably play video games). While we should give him the benefit of the doubt that he might see video games as one of the reasons why men sit home with little ambition, this feeds into the consistent attachment of video games and a perceived deterioration in our society.

He seems to be making an underlying point that before the advent of video games, that men were strong and forward thinking individuals. That men weren’t sitting at home, consumed in unproductive activities. And while video games is certainly an activity one can drown in, fogging real life priorities, many gamers have flourished in games publishing, marketing, development and gaming press.

The two writers of this blog are in committed relationships, one awaiting marriage, the other awaiting engagement after seven years. Let us remind ourselves of the successful gamers with careers in the games industry; with careers outside of gaming such as photography and social work; gamers who happily await or are happily married.    

Looking Forward to Microsoft’s E3 Press Conference (5/31)

As gamers, our takeaway from the Xbox One reveal was largely unanimous. Where were the games? Who was Microsoft addressing this message to? Microsoft is losing its audience. Let’s not forget the used games mixed messaging and the vitriol against online requirements.

But Microsoft’s strategy might demonstrate some tact. Whether we liked it or not, the theme of Xbox One reached 8.5 million viewers. They might not have been talking to us, but Microsoft certainly reached its target audience within those millions.

Knowing that the company has 15 exclusive titles in development, 8 of them new IP’s to be released in the next year, only knowing one of those titles – Quantum Break – we can look forward to a hopping E3. In fact, in response to a Twitter user asking of Microsoft will be showing off more TV features in addition to what we saw at the Redmond event, Major Nelson responded,  "I can confirm that we will have TV's (or similar) on stage to show the games… That should be the [extent] of TV talk in your E3." 

And that's this week's A Week in Gaming. Be sure to tune in next week for more gaming coverage.

A WEEK IN GAMING 5.20.13-5.24.13

By: Jamaal Ryan

Well, the next gen console race has officially kicked off. Let’s take a look at a week in gaming from Monday 5.20.13

Finding More Meaning than Violence (5/20)

Rally Games head Jeremy Pope has long since departured from the development of violent videogames since his production job at Rockstar Games where he worked on GTA 3, Vice City and Max Payne. He admits to the influence of his family values helping steer his decision to pull away from violent videogame development, but he also brings up points that have been echoed before from within-industry critics.

Pope encourages developers (and most importantly, publishers) to take risks in finding a more abstract meaning of conflict rather than its most basic depiction, the infliction of violence. He sheds light on platforms such as Steam and the App Store that avoid focus testing and publishing constraints which allow artists to create content that’s conceptually abstract rather than iterating on more graphic and visceral images of violence.

The Rally Games head admits that, “I think it’s often easier to do violence that it is to generate meaningful, interesting conflict through nonviolent ways.” 

I argue this: while the criteria that equates to an ESRB rating of M is certainly content not meant for young, impressionable minds, they’re largely sophomoric fantasies nonetheless.

Here’s to a more fulfilling meaning of mature content with more complex dilemmas, life choices and emotional themes.  

The Big Day: Xbox One (5/21)

Microsoft held their long awaited new Xbox reveal at their Redmond campus in Washington. Here are some of the major points of the conference:

Operational Features

-          

      Xbox One is capable of instant saves, allowing users to resume their content from their previous session even after the system was off, much like the Playstation 4.

-          

            The system’s three operating systems allow it to seamlessly jump from running application to running application. It was demonstrated switching from TV to movies, to games, to the web browser.

-          

      The system is also capable of what’s called Xbox Snap, where you can operate two applications simultaneously.

-          

      Kinect functionalities are deeply integrated into the system in both navigation and software input. At 1080p with photon measuring speed, Xbox One’s Kinect tracts movement with higher accuracy recognizing your face, voice, and even allegedly, your pulse.

-          

      Users can pinch applications to the home screen via Kinect, or expand them to full screen.

-          

      Skype is used through Kinect.

-          

      Xbox One will be connected to their cloud service powered by 300,000 servers (larger than the world’s networking power in 1999, as they say) where they can offload computation in games and likely other cloud expected features not mentioned in the event.

-          

      Games can be edited and shared thanks to the system’s DVR like functionalities.

-          

      Xbox One works with SmartGlass.

-          

      The new controller is redesigned with an improved D-pad, round edged triggers with impulse feedback, an unknown “Guide surface” at the top, and recently revealed buttons now known to be View and Menu.

-          

      Achievements now track how they’re achieved.

Media

-          

      TV, movies, music and the web browser can all be accessed via Kinect.

-          

       Live TV allows users to switch to live broadcasted television via HDMI input.

-          

      Xbox Guide allows the browsing through trending and your favorite media as well as free navigation through channels by saying “Xbox, HBO, CBS, MTV, etc.”

-          

      ESPN allows you to access your fantasy teams via Kinect.

-          

      Xbox teams up with NFL.

-          

      Steven Spielberg partners with 343 to create the Xbox exclusive Halo television series.

Games

-          

      New EA Sports games -- FIFA, Madden, NBA Live, and UFC -- will all run on the new Ignite Engine.

-         

      Forza 5 announced.

-          

      Max Payne and Alan Wake developer Remedy announces new IP Quantum Break which appears to join the television series with the game. Theme centers on time manipulation.

-          

      Call of Duty: Ghosts shown

·         Written by Oscar Award winner and writer of Traffic and Syriana, Stephen Gaghan.

·         Canine companion integral to the story and gameplay.

·         Newly improved engine that, though not quite as technically impressive as other next gen titles, will still prioritize 60 fps and low latency controls.

·         New manuverabilites will be featured such as fast mantling which allows you to vault over obstacles similar to Brink’s S.M.A.R.T. system, sliding which allows you to slide from the line of fire, and you can now fire from behind cover akin to what was used in Rainbow Six.

·          New dynamic maps will be featured that can spur earthquakes, floods, and allow players to interact and manipulate them

·         Players can now customize cosmetic features such as the head, body and gear of their multiplayer avatars.

-          15 exclusive titles are being developed, 8 of them are new IP’s.

What Microsoft Didn’t Address

-          

      How will players keep games and other media with only 500 GB of hard drive space?

-          

      What are the full system specs?

·         Blu-ray

·         Game DVR

·         8GB DDR3

·         8 Core Microsoft custom GPU

·         500 GB hard drive

·         USB 3.0 support

·         External Storage support

·         Cloud Storage

·         Mandatory installs

·         Required internet

·         No Backwards Compatibility

·         HDMI input and output with 4K support

·         Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi

-          What are the specifics behind recording and sharing tools?

-          

       Is Illumiroom compatible with the system?

-          

       Is it always online

·         Only every 24 hours

Takeaway.

The conference set out to be exactly what Microsoft stated that it would, to be heavily entertainment focused. The ability to seamlessly jump between different forms of entertainment, TV, games, web browser, etc., is super baked into the Xbox One’s entertainment push. People question X Box One’s departure to the entertainment space -- particularly with television -- as more and more people are moving away from cable. However many forget that the 360 was one of the leaders in non-cable entertainment with Nextflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, and HBO GO. Microsoft is covering all of its bases with entertainment in a hyper aggressive and all-encompassing way.

What was missing from the conference we can only guess will be at this year’s E3. The system specs (listed above) as well as more and more games should be revealed to make up for the deliberate lack that we witnessed at the conference. Microsoft still didn’t put some concerns completely to rest. Can gamers access games if they have four concrete walls with an outlet and a television? (No). What freedom do gamers have when taking games away from their “assigned” console? (Addressed later).

The X Box One’s reveal was half as long as the PS4’s, but didn’t necessarily trim all of the fat into a satisfying show, leaving us with almost as many questions as we received answers. We’re three weeks away from E3, let’s hope that this year’s press conference ditches the entertainment pitch and discusses everything we gamers care about.

Xbox One: The Make Up for the Fuck Up. (5/22)

Microsoft responded to the questions asked by many gamers. Is the system always online? How will the system handle used games?

Microsoft finally answered the long awaited question of the rumored always online feature. While the system won’t require a consistent internet connection, it has to be able to connect every 24 hours. This is fine and dandy for a large part of the United States, but what about other parts of the globe that aren’t as fortunate as us with easy internet access? Playstation 4. That’s what’ll happen.

Turning to the topic of used games, they painted an interesting yet confusing scenario, illustrating one taking a game to a friend’s house. The copy you play on a friend’s system can only be accessed in two ways, if you’re playing on your own account or if they purchase the rights to it. This left services like Gamefly and retailers like GameStop in question, which was clarified later in the week.

An Impressive yet Old Engine (5/23)

The Call of Duty franchise doesn’t get enough credit. In a two year development cycle and releasing annually, Call of Duty has managed to deliver a great shooter every year since the very beginning of this generation at the Xbox 360’s lunch.

Kicking off next gen with Call of Duty: Ghosts, Infinity Ward’s animation lead Zach Volker reports that the engine used in this next generation of Call of Duty is still based off of the Quake III engine that they’ve been using for years since Call of Duty 4. 

…but that’s still pretty damn impressive.

He explained that it would be impossible to build a new engine from the ground up in just 2 years.

Xbox One’s Used Games Sales Explained (5/24)

After days of speculation, we finally have a firmer understanding of how Xbox One will handle used game sales. Microsoft allegedly will certify certain retailers to participate in their used game sales program. When a customer trades in a game into that retailer, that game is logged into Microsoft’s Azure cloud system and then their system’s rights to that game is terminated. For every copy of that game sold, the publisher and Microsoft will get a cut of that sale, leaving retailers with what is reported now as roughly 10%.

Even more questions generate from this unveiled system.

What will become of retailers like Gamestop who previously earned 100% of the profit of used games?

Will publishers favor Xbox One since they’ll now be receiving a cut from almost every game sold?

Will Sony respond to that shift by launching a used games program of their own after being the only console publisher who participated in online passes?

And how much healthier will game publishers be health now that they’ll be receiving more money from consumers?

Only time will tell.

COULD XBOX 720 MEET THE SAME FATE AS DREAMCAST?

I've loved video games for such a long time. That is why I have a blog about video gaming as do many others. I have been up and down about the future of video games hence the name of this blog. What is continuing that roller coaster of mixed emotions about video games, right now is Microsoft. Yes, I am going to give my piece about always online systems and subscription models for future xbox live members. This is where I believe my points will maybe reach that one person who they need to reach.

I will get right into it and say that always online systems are pretty much here folks. So sad but true as all heck. I want you to capture how you feel about in a bubble. In fact write down how you feel about always online systems right now...i'll wait. Okay now that you've done that save it and ask yourself if you feel the same way after microsoft's press conference. I can almost guarantee you won't feel the same. If so just wait until the console is available to buy and tell me if you truly feel the same way.

"write down how you feel about always online systems right now..."

By the time May 21st rolls around the debate of always online will change for a different course. Why, because Microsoft will actually tell you the rumor is true.  With them stepping up and making this announcement and confirming the rumors what's next. I give you a hint its one of the stages of grief. Yes just as simple as that you will go through one of the stages of grief till you finally come to the one that matters to most in my eyes Acceptance.

"Yes just as simple as that you will go through one of the stages of grief"

I have already accepted that the next xbox is going to require a constant online connection. I am okay with that because it just simply will not enter my home. Off of that preface alone. I am not sad, nor am I angry, I have already gone through those phases.  I can see how this move will solidify a future in gaming for Microsoft. What I cannot see is how it solidifies a future of Microsoft for gamers. I speak to everyone who says that always online consoles are not going to be what they are going to buy next-gen and hope that they stay true to their word.

"What I cannot see is how it solidifies a future of Microsoft for gamers."

As a respected colleague of mine questioned what device in your home right now requires a constant internet connection? I quickly answered a cellphone but I was incorrect. The truthful answer is nothing, not one item in your home right now requires a constant internet connection to work. So why should you invite microsoft with a camera/kinect to be the first. In my eyes the answer is you should not. Simply put it's an invasion of privacy, its wrong, and it violates the core premise of why the Xbox was invited into your home. We as gamers invited Microsoft into our home as guest because they said they were there to provide entertainment in the form of video games.

"Not one item in your home right now requires a constant internet connection"

With the next following months leading to the announcement and this years E3. We will see how a billion dollar giant will use the marketing industry in order to trojan horse its agendas. It will be interesting to watch from my perspective. Unfortunately it will be like sitting back and watch the city burn. It can burn because millions let a ruler in and destroy their way of life. On the other hand it can burn in riots of opposition. Sadly I know every mainstream video game news media is going to side with Microsoft vs. standing up and really placing an emphasis on the harm an always on console/camera really can be to the future of electronics and electronic media.

Bottom Line: We are on the verge of a digital revolution, and I already know what side I am on.