I understand their strategy, I just don’t like it as a console player. I also don’t think it is a very good one from business perspective. For me it seems like they failed in the console (hardware) market, so they pivoted to the cross-platform software focus.
I know like/dislike is subjective, so I understand if others have different opinion. And business-wise, these strategic decisions will show their true impact over many years, so there would be no point in comparing current numbers, let’s see if what they plan pays off in the future.
I have a PS5 and a Series S, so I’m not partial to either of them, just to consoles as a hardware platform. I don’t like this Windows-ification of Xbox, as I moved from PC gaming to consoles around 2 decades ago, and I like my choice. I also switched to iPhone from Android, and happy to have lost all the headaches that came from the more open platform.
Again, these are personal preferences. Maybe I’m the “old” man (gen Y) screaming angrily at the clouds, or maybe the Microsoft MBAs are wrong. Manufacturers are going back on large touchscreens in cars, which was also celebrated as the FUTURE^TM^ years ago, yet it’s just cost saving that sacrifices the safety of the driver.
Very disappointing, with arguably misleading marketing and videos.
I was so hyped watching the reveal, then only realized from comments that this only plays Windows compatible Xbox games. I was hoping for a true Xbox handheld, where I can play all Xbox games natively.
If somebody is already deep into handhelds, this might be obvious to them, but I think many buyers will be disappointed when they realize this.
I saw a 10 min video of MS and ASUS team explaining the device, and they intentionally dance around the issue, diluting the original meaning of words like “Xbox”, which is a video game console. Not a PC, not a launcher in Windows, and not a meaningless branding for MS published games.
There is a reason Nintendo and Sony is killing it in their focus segments: they make a console and sell video games you can play on it. Sony might release PS games on PC for extra revenue, while MS is trying to do that as a main focus, because they didn’t sell enough consoles. MS really shit the bed with Xbox this gen (again). Gamepass is not going to save them, they were first to the market, but Sony is also selling subscription, but in addition (and not instead) of console sales.
Such an amazing game. I’m not into RPGs but somehow got convinced to play this.
I don’t understand how I even had the energy to play 100+ hrs next to work. I often played until 2 am on weekdays, or woke up earlier to play.
I understand the complaints of the gameplay or controls, but the story and the characters are what makes this game special. It’s a journey I will never forget, some memories and feelings from it will stay with me forever
They also closed Monolith, a great studio behind e.g. FEAR amd Shadow of Mordor games. They are making all the wrong decisions, and then will wonder why they have lost to competitors.
Loved the new games, though Youngblood was the weakest. I wish Arkane would have made more of them, instead of being forced to do that live service shit Redfall.
Edit: I mixed up the studios, the new WE games were developed by Machinegames, Arkane only helped with Youngblood.
It’s definitely a “you get what you deserve” situation, yet I can’t help but be sad, thinking that more than a decade ago, Ubisoft made some of my favorite games (e.g Splinter Cell series, Far Cry 3, AC Black Flag).
Though that Ubisoft is long gone by now, and I haven’t touched their games for years.
Yes, not every game needs to appeal to everyone - the problem is that big publishers are always aiming for the lowest common denominator, that’s why we end up with many bland and similar games