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Phil Spencer says Microsoft isn’t working on a “streaming-only console”

As Microsoft is getting ready to let gamescom attendees go hands with Project xCloud next week, Phil Spencer has just confirmed that a new Xbox console dedicated to game streaming isn’t in the works. The Xbox boss doesn't think that traditional consoles are going away for a while.

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gamespot.com
lxeasy2481d ago

Glad they are making Scarlett their top priority. I'm not interested in a streaming only console at the moment. besides we're getting Xcloud soon and we should see how that does first.

2481d ago Replies(6)
Obscure_Observer2481d ago

The myth that Xbox would turn into some streaming only platform is officially debunked; just like the one which told us that Microsoft would leave the console market and become a third party publisher.

Good work, Phil.

lxeasy2481d ago

yeah that rumor was only started by fanboys who want to see Xbox fail lol so glad Phil shut that down.

rainslacker2480d ago

I would think that them saying they were going to have a full console back when they first revealed scarlett would be enough to debunk the myth. Nothing new here, except that apparently they aren't going to have a cheaper, streaming only version, which I thought MS also said they were going to have, or maybe that was just a rumor.

If MS leaves the console market, it won't be until after next gen. That should be obvious with the fact they're releasing Scarlett. Again though, nothing new gleaned from this article, so I don't see why you're celebrating as if you've suddenly won some long drawn out argument.

Kingthrash3602480d ago

You do realize they already are 3rd party right? I mean where have you been? Even phil himself confirmed this.

mcstorm2480d ago

For me I see xcloud as more to use on pc/remote usage and as another option if people don't want the high end console/pc.

Intresting times for cloud gaming though and for me this seems to be what is now becoming the talk and VR is taking a backseat.

Obscure_Observer2480d ago

@Kingthrash360

"You do realize they already are 3rd party right?"

Not in the sense that you expected, that´s for sure. Microsoft are honoring previous multiplatform contracts made before those studio acquisitions by them.

Are you expecting the Scarlett´s new next games from The Initiative, Playground, Ninja Theory, RARE and Obsidian to be avaliable on Playstation?

Lol! I know you´re not! ;)

2480d ago
+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 2480d ago
AngelicIceDiamond2481d ago

@Easy My bad it was the less powerful console MS was suppose to release that got quietly cancelled. As far as I'm concerned there was never a streaming only Xbox ever in the works besides Xcloud but that's different.

"That's why I'm glad that Phil came out and flat out stopped that rumor because of people like you." Ok chill like I said I got it mixed up didn't mean to spread misinformation. As I said there were rumors of slightly less stronger Xbox that was suppose to be cost efficient. But that got silently cancelled. Here's a link of that. https://www.esquire.com/uk/...

Christopher2481d ago

Was pretty clear that Scarlett was the streaming console and the info was about turning it into its own cloud streaming tool without having to sub to a service.

Obscure_Observer2481d ago

Scarlett was never supposed to be *THE* streaming console. Scarlett is supposed to be a powerful console to run games locally with max performance and image quality.

A streaming only console would never require such beefy specs and would probably cost less than half.

Christopher2481d ago (Edited 2481d ago )

***Scarlett was never supposed to be *THE* streaming console. ***

Based on rumors from people who got it all wrong? Stop listening to people online for rumors.

I didn't say Scarlett was going to be it, I said Scarlett put those rumors to rest by being even more.

***A streaming only console would never require such beefy specs***

Yeah, but the fact is that anyone thought they were working on hardware just for streaming, knowing what it would require versus what already existed. With phones, tablets, and the current Xbox being more than enough to do that, what company in their right mind would make one with limited features when they don't need to? Just sell the model that can do that plus more and requires no additional work.

That's why all those rumors got it 100% wrong and when they announced Scarlett would be it's own cloud provider, it became very easy to see where all of those people got it wrong.

Obscure_Observer2481d ago

@Christopher

"Based on rumors from people who got it all wrong? Stop listening to people online for rumors."

"Based on rumors from people who got it all wrong? Stop listening to people online for rumors."

"People who got it all wrong"? Maybe the idea of a streaming only Xbox console is not interesting to you (or me), but i can see why it would work for Microsoft from a business standpoint and, for casual gamers who only desires the console experience but don´t want to spend a lot of money on a powerful console, since they don´t care about maximum performance or visual fidelity.

Christopher2481d ago

@Observer: people got it wrong, though. I get you would want it, and it would exist with just the regular Xbox Slim that you can get sub-$200 easily since it doesn't require much to do that and is primarily on the Cloud side, but that has nothing to do with the rumors being completely wrong on what Microsoft was doing.

AngelicIceDiamond2481d ago

The problem is this ins't news he stated that in that one lnterview a few weeks backs. Plus Scarlet was never the streaming only console, the streaming only console got quietly cancelled by MS.

lxeasy2481d ago

I wasn't so where you worked at Microsoft. Please can you source your claim that Microsoft "quietly canceled" their streaming only Xbox? Send us a link. That's why I'm glad that Phil came out and flat out stopped that rumor because of people like you.

Christopher2481d ago (Edited 2481d ago )

Scarlett wasn't the console but was a sign that they are focusing on better and not cloud-tailored hardware.

A streaming console would be pointless with hardware already out there that could stream games and the prices continuing to go down every year.

rainslacker2480d ago (Edited 2480d ago )

I'm kind of fuzzy on the original reveal about all this. Was the streaming only version actually announced? I can't remember if they were rumors, or they said they had a couple in the works.

I think some sort of streaming only device may be applicable to the market. Nothing as fancy as a console, but just something like a Chromecast or Roku. Not every device is going to support whatever they're doing to stream content, and there are millions of TV's out there already. On top of that, it's questionable if newer TV's will bother including all the necessary hardware to run a service of this nature....namely a way to have a controller input with low lag, and a good network card as most TV's use horrible network adapters since lag isn't typically an issue for TV content.

@Christopher

I don't think it would be pointless. It'd be a lot cheaper to have a device dedicated to streaming than require the customer to buy a full console. Even if they only require an X1, the X1 is going to feel like old tech next gen, so it would have the wrong stigma attached to something new they're doing. I wouldn't think a streaming device would require much in terms of hardware.

Christopher2480d ago

***I don't think it would be pointless. It'd be a lot cheaper to have a device dedicated to streaming than require the customer to buy a full console. Even if they only require an X1, the X1 is going to feel like old tech next gen***

Eh, gotta disagree 100%.

1. People already have things for streaming, just enable controller support on PC, Android, iOS.
2. It's cheap hardware, but people will find XBO 'old' so they should buy something lesser than that just to feel better?
3. Going with #1 and #2, then they should just use whatever new device they buy rather than having to pigeon-hole themselves into a console?

rainslacker2479d ago

I'm speaking of old hardware from a psychological viewpoint. However, thinking on it, the discless x1s makes more sense in that scenario. Rebrand it as a streaming device that can also run local x1 games and their back catalog of xbox games locally, and one can use it to also remote play their purchased games. Itll likely be pretty cheap when things really get rolling with streaming.

In any case, some sort if stand alone seems like it would make sense. Even if because it would be more easily portable for those that travel.

I still think that TV makers or other device makers arent going to jump on this bandwagon on the hardware side. There's more to what's required than just having the app on the tv. Google may be an exception since they make some of their own hardware, and they already will have a stand alone box

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 2479d ago
Profchaos2480d ago

Yeah I remember those very early rumours also typically they were bs

2480d ago
BlackIceJoe2481d ago

I personally hope Microsoft will start up several new game studios and then bring out their own vr headset.

I can't tell you enough how I've enjoyed my time with Oculus and if Microsoft would get fully onboard with vr, l can see it being a boon for not just Xbox, but Microsoft as a whole. Because this is where I see the industry going.

There is so many potential things with vr, that have nothing to do with video games. For example hospitals could use it to help with surgery, you could use it as a virtual shopping center, there even is military benefits and I'm just surprised Microsoft isn't investing more into that field of business.

DaDrunkenJester2481d ago

Even if they don't make their own, but teaming up with Oculus to use their headsets on Xbox would be awesome. If MS isn't ready to dive into the VR market yet.

lxeasy2481d ago

I think Microsoft has said in the past that they are keeping a close eye on VR. I know there are a lot of Windows 10 PCs that are compatible with VR, so I wouldn't be surprised if project Scarlet is also compatible with VR

Atanasrikard2480d ago

They are already doing these things with HoloLens. You just don't hear about it because it has nothing to do with video games.

2481d ago Replies(2)
AngainorG7X2481d ago

That's good, now make sure that we will have the most powerful console once again!

lxeasy2481d ago

That'll be impressive if they message the most powerful console again

AngainorG7X2481d ago

They MUST.

1) Most Powerful Console
2) 15 First Party Studios
3) Best Place to play 3rd Parties
4) Game Pass Ultimate
5) Elite Series 2.0
6) Xcloud

What else can we ask!?! ;)

lxeasy2481d ago

I don't think they are done buying First Party Studios

AngainorG7X2481d ago

No you are right, i expect something at the X019 event, if not sooner at Gamescom..

lxeasy2481d ago

I believe XO19 is going to be in London. They're definitely planning something big

2481d ago Replies(1)
MasterCornholio2480d ago

Microsoft doesn't know if their system will be the most powerful. Because if they did they would have announced it last E3.

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60°

Take-Two CEO Once Again Side Steps Grand Theft Auto 6 Price Point

Strauss Zelnick says price of GTA 6 is being carefully considered and that Rockstar is focused on "making the most spectacular piece of entertainment on Earth."

Kuma31d ago

If GTA 6 abandons everything that made GTA 5 great, it will crash and burn right out of the gate. GTA 5 was funny and not at all PC. My worry is that they will cave to the PC crowd and ruin the vibes.

Eonjay31d ago

They got freaking BBLs twerking on the top of trucks for the gram, the freaking Flordia joker, and dude running down the stree in their undies and you are worried about it being 'too PC'? The internet has runied gamers. It doesn't matter how non-PC they make the game, you will all listen to the grifters telling you not to believe your lying eyes lol.

gigoran830d ago

"Rockstar Games’ co-founder and former VP of Development Jamie King said he envisions GTA 6 as a game that’s “maybe not quite as edgy or quite as funny” as its satirical predecessors."

oh yeah, totally internet grifters spreading rumors...

blacktiger30d ago

That's part of the plan, they destroyed you but they need to destroy the shareholders? Only 1 shre holder is the true elite that don't care

1nsomniac31d ago (Edited 31d ago )

Meh.., if it’s above £55 I ain’t buying it.

Rockstar are genuinely not half the company they used to be. I was a die hard GTA fan I’ve purchased every game and expansion and spin off day 1.

My opinion of GTA6 is that I can take it or leave it. Not bothered. They burnt too many bridges.

DaReapa31d ago (Edited 31d ago )

So they're actually leaving the door open for an L.A. Noire sequel? Nice!

VaNdAl31d ago (Edited 31d ago )

He should just come out and say it already it's getting stupid it's going to be a 100 bucks $200 for the special edition🤡🤡; 29315;🤣♿

Storm2330d ago

I won't be getting this game until I can get it for $70. SHoot, I could wait for it to be even lower. I don't need the game that badly as my backlog is still huge and I am enjoying playing other things.

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40°

Talking Aliens: The Video Games With Author Mike Diver

Skewed and Reviewed have posted an interview with Author Mike Diver about his pending book on Aliens video games.

70°

Xbox boss: Memory crisis could impact next-gen hardware pricing

Xbox boss Asha Sharma has discussed how component shortages will impact the company's plans for Project Helix.

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gamedeveloper.com
Eonjay32d ago

When does this end? Its killing everyone. Consoles and PC. And for what? AI? The benefits of AI are completely outweighed by the negatives. And the government should have never allowed one company to buy up all the RAM.

Lexreborn233d ago

This kind of proves this is an after thought product, most products like this are in r&d 5 years before they start mass producing. So they typically have the cost of components and things worked out long before assembly starts.

This is an assumption still, but I wouldn’t be surprised if project helix is similar to Scalebound,perfect dark and sod3. They had an idea but no actual execution other than concept stage. Being impacted by the ram shortage likely would also put this device 3-4 years out.

I’m not even sure MS has that endurance with Xbox yet

Fishy Fingers33d ago (Edited 33d ago )

I mean.... what?

We're at a point that Samsung wont even provide their own phone department ram because they can sell it at higher prices to 3rd parties (AI). Its more profitable to sell the ram than make their own devices with it.

You think because R&D starts 5 years ago the 3rd party component manufacturers will honour that price? They'll sell it to whomever is paying the most today, not some gentlemens agreement they made years ago. AI farms will buy more volume at higher prices than any console manufacturer will. It'll be the same for Playstation.

Lexreborn232d ago

Contractual agreements are not the same as “gentlemen” agreements. If you think that they work with their distributors a month before production then their entire business model is trash. They work with companies like nvidia constantly for building the graphics cards they need. They work with companies that build motherboards years in advance. This is what proper business planning does.

They are not buying components on a whim like a consumer. So again, considering the ram isn’t a singular module and is integrated into the motherboard I highly doubt they wouldn’t have a final schematic that they are supposed to be building around.

If they are delaying production another 3 years then it’s obvious again this is an after though project and is just trying to be responsive to their bad execution they had the last 14 years.

It also isn’t far fetched to use their failure to produce first party titles the last 7 years including the highly anticipated games I mentioned all being cancelled. That they would continue to you know… lie

Sitdown32d ago

You don't really know how this works huh?

Profchaos32d ago (Edited 32d ago )

Helix is going to be stupidly expensive

Instead of leaning into smarter upscaling techniques they're brute forcing hardware that will cost them dearly and it remains to be seen if it's genuinely going to provide a meaningful differential

I know in the oc.doace people like to brag about not using frame gen or dlss to get to high on a game but for the majority of players they happily use those technologies without a second thought

That's going to be ps6 vs Helix

Eonjay32d ago

Yeah with FSR 5 they should be able to offer a much cheaper version of Helix.

Eonjay32d ago

While this does seem to be the case, I am encouraged by the statement from Microsoft about wanting to provide affordable options. If this means a Series S style Helix, at least there will be something affordable being offered.

XBManiac32d ago

Series S is what has killed Xbox Series so... Will they dare?

blacktiger32d ago

It's called systematic inflationary. Yes we get it Microsoft, keep raising in the name ofall kinds of stuffs

pwnmaster300032d ago

Honestly if there was thing I learned from this generation is that new consoles arnt day one anymore.
I can wait 1-3 years.

DarXyde32d ago

Another important lesson from this generation: while Nintendo showed us that prices don't necessarily need to ever drop, we've now learned that waiting 1-3 years does carry some risk that prices increase. This generation is just bizarre in all the wrong ways.

LucasRuinedChildhood32d ago (Edited 32d ago )

The factors are largely external. Covid and Russia-Ukraine war causing inflation led to the first price increase in 2022.

Then we get Trump's tariffs increasing hardware prices, AI boom causing a RAM crisis, war on Iran causing a worldwide fuel crisis which impacts the cost of everything.

Gaming doesn't exist in a vacuum. The last few years have been a shitshow and lot of it was definitely avoidable.

DarXyde32d ago

LucasRuinedChildhood,

For sure. No disagreement on the external factors doing a lot of this. Where I have to gently push back however is on two fronts:

1. The pandemic definitely caused some issues: asynchronous development was a big issue and really complicated timelines and affected game quality. At the same time, when it comes to price hikes, it's really difficult to know what was genuine necessity and what was taking consumers for a ride. The pandemic brought about "stag-flation" which was increasing prices and stagnant wages, which was a problem caused by supply chain constraints. There was also "Greed-flation", where companies that were slightly affected or had no issues took advantage of the situation and squeezed everyone citing supply chain issues when there were none.

2. It's definitely true that the tariffs, AI boom, and RAM crisis were all things enabled by tech broligarchs throwing money at this caricature of a world leader, one of them being Satya Nadella. I don't think Sony and Nintendo have contributed much to this problem if at all, but Microsoft's Nadella I feel was instrumental in causing every one of those issues. Microsoft as a company contributed to both candidates (though they gave Harris 4x as much if I recall), but Nadella was all in on letting AI run wild. He paid for unregulated AI, and got a war that's not a war (even though Trump called it that at least five times on television) that screwed up helium access. So for me, I feel that one of the players in the gaming industry is a key architect of these issues, and for that reason I struggle a bit to think of it as "external".

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