Microsoft: We Won't Abandon Core Gamers

[Anton P. Nym]

The Kinect development kits have only been out less than 2 years, that is very little turnaround time to have a AAA game be Kinect ready, unless they had developed the game and all they had to do was to reprogram it for the Kinect, and those decisions do not come at the end of a development cycles usually.

Good point. I agree entirely.

Again, because the forum-goldfish here keep forgetting, there are "hardcore" Kinect games coming; I know of a Rez sequel, a Panzer Dragoon, and a new Steel Battalion all in the pipe. So quit whining that Kinect is sapping and impurifying your precious bodily fluids. I'll also point out that bringing up Halo and Gears was just an example, and not a full listing folks.

(Sheesh, why do I keep expecting better from the commentariat here?)

-- Steve

 

[Treblaine]

This is basically my problem now. Games for Windows Live has been improving, but it's not even close to catching up with Steam.

And I know it's almost a cliche by now, but I'm tired the 360 exclusives with no hopes for PC getting the same treatment. Looking at you Gears of War 2-3, Halo 3, Fable 2, etc etc.

It's the inconsistency I can't stand. First game gets PC version, but not sequels.

It's like they only put the first on one PC to... wait... just to have you hankering for the next iteration that you can only get on their console... so you have to buy and Xbox 360.

My god that just occurred to me. Those evil geniuses!

It works perfectly in Microsoft's interests to lure PC gamers in with the first game on PC then say:

"HA HA! Want to play the next game? Well then you'd better invest in our $300 system, and pay $60 per year, and pay through the nose for peripherals, and since you're paying for all that it would be a waste to get only one game for that system, better buy ALL your games for Xbox, $10 premium from each and every 360 game goes to Microsoft!

MUAH HA HA HA!"

or words to that effect.

 

[Imperioratorex Caprae]

Like people need an opportunity to bash MS for anything. Sony or MS, doesn't matter who they are, they still are interested in your dollar, not your opinion of their practices. But its nice to see them supporting the idea of keeping non-motion games alive, in theory. And more than likely in practice since they don't have control over (except licensing) what 3rd party companies choose to develop.
PC's never get love, because they're the bottom rung of the market and PC gaming is much more expensive to the average person. Upgrading a Video CArd/CPU/RAM every 6-8 months to play new games isn't cheap, and game makers know this, MS knows this, only PC die-hards seem to forget that the average user doesn't know how to upgrade their own box.
Hardcore game enthusiasts aren't the norm, and thus need to understand that minority is minority and doesn't rule.
I am a PC/Console user (and have been a PC gamer since 5.25" floppies were standard) and have both sides of the issue to deal with on a regular basis. Some games are good on PC, some are better on console, but its all dependent on the player's preference, and a lot of average users (again the ones who make companies money) aren't that good with KB/mouse and don't usually buy PC controllers to play games they can already buy for their consoles (which don't need upgrading til the next gen comes out).

 

[GiantRaven]

MS should stop charging for people to use their hardware, software and internet connection - none of which MS pay for - to play online. It's a scam.

As much as that might be true it doesn't answer my question - why, if 20 million people are willing to pay for Xbox live (it's worth noting I'm not one of those people), would they provide the service for free?

 

[Baldr]

MS should stop charging for people to use their hardware, software and internet connection - none of which MS pay for - to play online. It's a scam.

As much as that might be true it doesn't answer my question - why, if 20 million people are willing to pay for Xbox live (it's worth noting I'm not one of those people), would they provide the service for free?

Hmm, let me phrase this so I don't get suspended this time, many believe they are entitled to games and everything game related and don't have to pay for them.

 

[SL33TBL1ND]

Core gamers aside, what about the hardcore gamers?

And what would your definition of a hardcore gamer be? Because I've never seen a good definition of what a hardcore gamer is that mentions that they play different games to core gamers.

 

[Kakashi on crack]

I really don't think Microsoft is going to keep their word considering how many times they haven't in the past...

Meh. Don't even get me started on my hatred for the games they mentioned...

 

[Me55enger]

The fact they have had to OFFICIALLY declare that they will not be abandoning core gamers suggests that they already have.

And, to be honest, I'd call a Halo and Gears of War sequel textbook abandonment.

 

[Zipa]

Well microsoft have kind of done this before. They even said the same thing "We won't give up on PC gaming" now they are saying the same about core gaming on consoles. Why would they even have to say that.

When PC gaming turned out to be too much like hard work and they realised could make more money with consoles they have neglected them more and more ever since. Now Steam and so many others have filled that void that those burnt bridges can likely never be rebuilt.

Don't think it is impossible that they will do the same again, if MS thinks they can make more money focusing on Kinect casual then there is a very good chance they will.

Kinect has sold 8 million in only 2 months... THIS could be the Halo killer, but no in the way halo fans are hoping for.

This. MS long ago stopped giving a damn about PC gamers. They have been screwing that pooch for a long time now.

As you say MS left the PC platform with a void that steam , impulse and other direct download platforms have filled in. If MS really cared about PC gamers then GFWL would be more than it is... they would of intergrated it with MSN because lets face it MSN user numbers are absolutely huge.

 

[The_Graff]

Halo Kinect?

Master Chef's cooking challenge. Flip those buns!

It WILL happen!

dear god no!! someone from microsoft might see that post!

 

[Saucycarpdog]

Aren't Halo and Gears the only games they've ever made?

They never really supported core gamers with games in the first place. Most people rely on all the other developers do that.

 

[LoganN]

Hey, remember all that PC love Microsoft promised us?

Remember how that ended?

Ended? Last time I checked they were currently developing three PC exclusive titles.

 

[Exort]

Hey, remember all that PC love Microsoft promised us?

Remember how that ended?

They promised us again with Window 8. Nice isn't it.

 

[Gindil]

Microsoft - Listen to Valve. That will make me a believer in you yet.

But, since Sony is shooting themselves and Nintendo is still beating the pants off you, it's a far cry to have them listen to me...

 

[Dusk17]

Good because i will never use a kinect, i dont care what games they make for it i will abandon gaming before i use one

 

[Krion_Vark]

Didn't they say 2011 was all about Kinect? That's not exactly 'core'. I'll just patiently wait and see what Rockstar has up it's sleeve, and enjoy my backlog when the shovelware storm comes a-blowin'.

Halo is a core game, hmmm, maybe they can have core and Kinect?

Halo Sports anyone?

Grunt bowling.

Brute boxing.

Jackal Javelin Throwing.

Sticky Grenade Tennis (Don't ask me how that will work).

Halo golf on all the Halo rings' finest golf courses.

Sounds like fun to me.

You forgot Brute Spike Grenade Jarts.

OT: Why does everyone think that they won't be abandoning core gamers if they start making casual games?
Hell you can still make games that appeal to the core and make games that are casual but its a fine line and if you trip up you can't do it but it can be done and I believe that it can make a great game out of it but only if its done correctly.