Microsoft is apparently close to finalizing a deal to buy Minecraft developer Mojang. These rumors seem to be very credible and there is a real possibility this may actually happen. Here’s why you shouldn’t worry if you don’t own an Xbox.
Former Xbox executive Ed Fries comments on the early days of Xbox, the opinion of Japanese game companies, and more.
I dont think that'll ever happen. But i must say back in the day, they were definitely trying because they were more cash rich than their competitors.
There was Nintendo as well, Sony wouldn't have had a monopoly. In fact, the world would be better today if Xbox never existed in the first place. They pretty much brought all bad practices we have today. We might have gotten all of it either way, but not this early. In term of franchises, I don't think there is anything Microsoft released that would actually be missed if it didn't exist. Even Halo the world wouldn't notice if Halo didn't exist.
I think almost everyone will agree that a monopoly is not good for the industry. But that being said, the competition needs to be smart and strategic with their business. Simply buying up publishers and traditional third-party studios just to keep them out of the other companies reach is not a sustainable practice. That goes for all parties so don't think I'm just referring to Xbox.
I'm no business guru by any stretch of the imagination but I firmly believe that the best way to drive consumers to your software and hardware is to invest smart in your first-party studios. Give them full support and guidance in making unique, fun games that are only available to play in your ecosystem and the gamers will come.
Microsoft’s new Xbox chief, Asha Sharma, has signaled that Xbox Game Pass pricing is about to change. In an internal memo to Xbox employees, obtained by The Verge, Sharma admits that “Game Pass has become too expensive for players” and that Microsoft needs “a better value equation.”
Microsoft has been talking about adding commercials to get the cost down. Not in game, but before you start a session. I would just open my game then get all the stuff I need to done, before sitting down to play.
If they cut the price down enough to justify it, I'd do it. Most Sub services are giving the option now. If it's worth it!
Seems to me that all of the gaming biz is struggling with high prices. The new MS CEO realizing that prices are too high is hardly a reflection of her being pro consumer. Sales and subs must be missing targets, so it’s merely a reflection that something needs to be done to improve sales/subs.
Microsoft owns a massive collection of iconic IPs, yet somehow they keep proving they have absolutely no idea how to run the video game business.
Its not their job to run the game business. Everyone has a business model. You do what works for you. You react to changes in the market. Thats really all you can do.
Content creators are receiving Xbox Project Helix merchandise alongside a note from Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma.
Well they are doing what they can to revive the brand. They have a lot of work to do.
yep agree 100% ... and some more. The hype machine is warming up and the performance numbers sheet will be filled in no time to guarantee that the winner on paper is revealed way before the launch day ... BUT as we all know only 1st party games and brand idenity will declare the real winner. Only problem is the price tag needed to get into next gen ...
Next gen will be a massive failure for Microsoft and Sony, you could say it's already started. Game sales at an all-time low and the high cost of consoles and controllers, the PlayStation 5 Pro is the first indication on the pricing of next gen consoles and that's been a sales flop for Sony. Some people will say that people are paying eye watering prices for PCs, but that's an entirely different market, what I call OCD gaming. As I mentioned in another post, the PlayStation 5 Pro here sells for just under £800, which is just over $1000, games can top £75 ($100), including Switch 2 games. Some of us would like to see a single format, but that'll never happen. Microsoft and Sony would laugh at the idea of stepping off the gas pedal with the tech and do what Nintendo has done with the Switch 2. Three hybrid consoles fighting against each other, basically taking current tech and adding a few bells and whistles. Who's up for a PlayStation 6 for $999 and $99 games? Let me know in the comments.
The simple solution is dont buy what you cant afford. You dont have to move on just because the companies do. If people want better hardware and better games theyre gonna be more expensive. People need to be content with what they have.
You know a lot of those sales are dads and moms buying for their kids and teens. Consoles have alway been a reasonable price to a degree. But you start heading far north of $500, I don’t see as many parents buying for their kids or teens……will it still sell? Yes but will it sell a hundred million or more…..that’s the real question. Hopefully ram prices drop.
@Agent75 There is no need to lie to make your point. The ps5pro is selling as a percentage about as well as the ps4pro. The recent pssr2 update has actually improved its value. Your attempt to group the ps5 a console (that is about to cross 100 million sold and is by far Sony's most profitable generation) with the abject failure that is xbox is laughably stupid. Truth is Sony shouldn't even consider launching another console until 2029 at the earliest.
Everyone except you knows the pro is a profit machine that is why its expensive.
Ps6 will not be even close to it in price
What happens if ram prices remain high? Do you think Sony or MS would eat those costs? Depends on how much they would have to absorb.
This doesn't make sense because they are not just buying a licence but the developers who made the game. The reality is that the only reason microsoft would even consider buying them out is off a simple hunch that the next game they make will be as successful as minecraft and will be the reason to own said console or a pc/mac with emulated os.
I'm not so much worried about Microsoft attempting to remove the Playstation ports, but rather the amount of skin/texture packs (which are depressingly few despite Sony's large catalogue of available franchises to choose from) that would come to PS3/4 after the acquisition.
Did anyone actually click the link? This has to be the most laughable "story" ever written..
Why Microsoft buying Minecraft doesn't matter :
Money
Game is already Published
REALLY?!?!?
time will tell author, but thanks for trying to make up our minds for us (before we even know anything really)