Forgot password?  |  Register  |    
User Name:     Password:    
Blog - Staff Blog   

Unofficial Rage Quit: Microsoft Comes Clean


On 06/07/2013 at 04:49 PM by Jesse Miller

See More From This User »

Yesterday Microsoft made clarifications and revelations on aspects of their next console’s online functions and used games policy.  This new information serves as confirmation that all of our worries were indeed reality

Always on Connection

To be fair, the Xbox One does not require a consistent connection in order to play all games.  It has to “check in” every 24 hours to check for game patches and updates, or whether you traded-in or lent your game to a friend (more on this later).  For a lot of people that isn’t a deal breaker, but for some this could be a major issue. 

Deployed military personnel will find the system difficult to use since a broadband connection is something that’s hardly ever guaranteed in the field.  Those living in areas with shoddy internet coverage – whom may not yet have access to broadband at all – won’t be able to use the system consistently.  Gamers who simply cannot afford an internet subscription won’t be able to use it. 

And this doesn’t even address general issues with relying on getting connected.  If a gamer experiences an internet outage for more than 24 hours will be unable to play their games.  People moving from one residence to another often times go a few days or even a couple of weeks before internet is hooked up; they’ll be unable to pass the time playing their games.

And let’s not forget that Live is not impervious to outside forces – the kind that took out Sony’s network for six weeks just a couple years back.  If something like that happens to Microsoft, the affects would be much more disastrous than they were for Sony.

The kicker for all this is that publishers can also require a consistent connection to play their games.  Microsoft has wisely played this part down, because it is not unlikely that most games in the AAA sphere will indeed require this connection, which will only exacerbate the issues above.

Resell and Lend with Permission

 While the online requirement will not be a show stopper for many people, the restrictions now put in place on reselling, trading in, and lending games will likely give them pause.  Microsoft has been saying that they will not disallow these actions, but they may as well have with some of their more draconian policies.

A user may trade in a game to a publisher preferred partner (read: GameStop) only.  The reason for this is because that partnership will ensure that the publisher gets some monies from the used game market.  While this won’t entirely kill the used game market, it does certainly limit the players and may do harm to mom and pop game retailers, as they won’t be guaranteed preferred status.

What this also does is eliminate the ability for me to sell a game personally.  Say goodbye to picking up games (imports included!) on eBay, at flea markets, craigslist, etc….  The only way you can even lend a game is if they’ve been on your friends list for at least 30 days – and this is a “feature” that won’t even be available at launch!

These policies seek to ensure that the publishers (Microsoft included) get as much money as possible, without giving the consumer anything in return.

Some people will try to defend these policies by saying that popular services like Steam and GOG don’t allow reselling or lending of games.  This is true, but those services give their consumers something in return – specifically value on your purchase.  PC games are almost always cheaper ($50 for high end in most cases as opposed to $60 on consoles), and deals are plentiful.  I also don’t have to worry about backwards compatibility being an issue, and Steam allows for the user to play offline much longer than Microsoft’s new machine will.

For those saying “Screw the Xbone, I’m getting a PS4!”, be wary.  It is very likely that Sony is just being quiet – letting Microsoft take all of this initial heat – before they let out that the PS4 will be just as restrictive.

Suddenly it makes sense why EA would pull almost all of their support from Nintendo.  With the Wii U possessing none of these “publisher friendly features”, it would only stand to reason that they would try their damndest to push them out of the hardware business.  EA, Activision and all the other big publishers are starting to feel the squeeze of the AAA model starting to fail.  Instead of restructuring and changing how they budget, market, and produce games, they blame the consumer for “stealing” from them.

This is anti-consumer behavior, and you should all be mad as hell about it.  I don’t give a rat’s ass how pretty the next Halo or Gears of War is.  Don’t fall into the trap of buying it because of the “gamers buy everything” mentality.  Take a stand with your wallet – let’s earnestly try to change the industry for the better.

Because this all makes me want to rage quit.


 

Comments

Matt Snee Staff Writer

06/07/2013 at 05:21 PM

Suddenly it makes sense why EA would pull almost all of their support from Nintendo.  With the Wii U possessing none of these “publisher friendly features”, it would only stand to reason that they would try their damndest to push them out of the hardware business.  EA, Activision and all the other big publishers are starting to feel the squeeze of the AAA model starting to fail.  Instead of restructuring and changing how they budget, market, and produce games, they blame the consumer for “stealing” from them.

Yup. 

Travis Hawks Senior Editor

06/07/2013 at 05:26 PM

Yes! Yes! Yes! I am glad you wrote this since I have about three similar attempts open on my desktop that always went down the road of insane angry ramblings of a mad man. You, sir, were able to be cogent about it all. 

Even though I rarely buy used games and rarely lend or borrow games, it does happen. Just the fact that this option is made cumbersome, complicated, and irritating makes me want to avoid this console all together. I have no problem with the used games market, but a lot of problems with an industry that continues with the same bad business practices it's always had and then blames the customer for its problems. These new methods are one step beyond crying about it, though, and are flat-out antagonistic. 

It's going to take a lot of convincing for a device with all of these convoluted restrictions to get into my wallet. We'll see what happens next week, I suppose, but they're going to have to do something seriously amazing to make me interested.

I will also point out that games on GOG are DRM free. I will also point out that I spent the last week playing Gunpoint, a game made by one person in his spare time that you can buy DRM free and/or on Steam for nine bucks. It was a game unlike any other I've played and worth every cent. I can't imagine getting this sort of experience on a machine that has shut out independent developers and made playing games by the big boys somewhat sickening.

Michael117

06/07/2013 at 05:28 PM

Yesterday's official confirmations and clarifications should be appreciated with a huge grain of salt from a consumer standpoint because we have a right to know these policies and they needed to tell us all, and they did. So I'm glad they're actually talking, unlike Sony who is keeping quiet and probably wrongly gaining the love of the entire web simply because they haven't said much at all about any of these topics. In the end the clarifications were like nails in a coffin. The connection requirements were what put me off. Halo will be great, Fable will be great, some of the new first party IPs will likely be cool, Kinect is rad finally for the first time (and effective), and the controller is great but the policies wreck the whole train. I'm planning to be a developer and having to move around to different parts of the country for new work is practically part of the territory for most people in the industry so if I can't have my console games for weeks at a time simply because I'm waiting to move and have infrastructure set up at my new place pisses me off. When I'm moving and my PC is packed up and and internet isn't set up and I can't game on it, with these new policies I ALSO can no longer play my console if I were to buy the XBone. No games at all during internet down time unless I have some installed on my phone or on a handheld.

A console based upon the assumption that owners will have broadband connection all day everyday is silly. This works for the PC because internet comes with the territory, people who play PC games and use PCs almost all seem to have internet at least most of the time. Consoles are suppose to be different, they're suppose to be a platform where things are SIMPLER than PCs and all you need is electricity and the proper cables and a TV. My Gamecube is just fine without internet, all I need is to plug it into an outlet and I'm playing Resident Evil 4 anytime I feel like it. With XBone if I don't have a connection for 24 hours I can't play Halo 5 single player, or Elder Scrolls single player, or Dragon Age single player, I get boned in the ass and told I can't play games, and all of it comes without the benefits and perks that PC gaming gives you as you detailed here.

They're trying to be PC gaming and they're certainly looking like they're not doing it right. I wish consoles and PCs could stay separate and embrace the qualities they've always had. Consoles are suppose to be simpler and quicker, now they're not. They're trying to be PCs and adopt PC gaming systems but they don't seem to understand what makes PC gaming work and what makes PC gaming digestible to all those who enjoy it.

I already let you and Mike know I'll be building a PC sometime, which I'm scared to do just yet since all the cards and tech are going to be changing wildly (so I've heard) in the next couple years as this new generation starts. But in the console world my last hopes are Sony and Nintendo. Nintendo isn't interesting enough for me to sink 300 into, sadly it'll only fit in as a second console and even then only if the price is dropped and there's a lot of games for it. I really WANT to like the PS4 and I want to get one and not deal with Microsoft policies, but if it turns out that PS4 does internet checks like that I won't be able to get it. I'll just get a PS3 and start building a library from all the games I missed out on this gen.

Nick DiMola Director

06/07/2013 at 05:43 PM

"Xboned in the ass"

Fixed that for you.

Michael117

06/07/2013 at 05:53 PM

Thanks Nick lol. They're trying to be PC gaming except they're "XBoning" consumers in the ass every step of the road and not having any of the perks the PC gamers enjoy or appreciate.

mothman

06/07/2013 at 05:44 PM

I think they are going to find out very quickly that this model is going to bite them in the ass, and frankly I am hoping that it does.

As I've already mentioned, I'm done with M$ and hope to never again give them any of my money. I take a wait and see attitude with the PS4, I may also be done with them to.

Which leaves me with the Wii U which I still don't own but likely will in the future. Oh, and EA you can go take a long walk on a short pier for all I care. The absence of your shit would likely go unnoticed in my house.

Casey Curran Staff Writer

06/07/2013 at 05:47 PM

Anyone else on board for Steam U next gen?

Jesse Miller Staff Writer

06/07/2013 at 05:49 PM

That's the combo I'll be rocking this next generation.  Waiting for new graphic cards to come out before I complete my PC, and I already have my Wii U/3DS. 

Twilight Sea

06/07/2013 at 05:49 PM

I wasn't plannning to get the Xbone and now I have no reason to get it. Thanks MS! You just helped me saved $500+ dollars! Your idiocy is so grand, any future games I plan to get will be on the PC and not on the 360!

Super Step Contributing Writer

06/07/2013 at 06:06 PM

Yeah, but it's more just reconfirming One specifics announced around the console that themselves were just reconfirming bad internet rumors.

I couldn't say illegal downloading had nothing to do with it, and that theft is somehow not an issue; I think that's a bit rosier of a painting than reality; but at the same time if you respond to it by doing this to actual consumers, actual consumers jump ship, too, and frankly I don't think I was ever on-board to begin with, but now I'm not even considering it.

Alex-C25

06/07/2013 at 06:34 PM

I'll just say an statement that i've been repeating ever since the Xbox One was announced: "Look at the bright side, atleast Microsoft made me consider getting a Wii U"

I still hold to that...... even if I haven't bought one....

Homelessrook

06/07/2013 at 06:44 PM

I am ready to play some Battlezone on the Atari ST. Next Gen is just pissing me off.

Aboboisdaman

06/07/2013 at 07:07 PM

lol. I'm with Larry. I still need to beat Ninja Gaiden on NES after all. Damn birds! Yell

Plus my backlog is already insane. I have pretty much given up on modern gaming. If Sony adopts these same practices than I'm done. It's like M$ wants this system to bomb. I just hope that there aren't enough ill informed consumers that buy it.

Homelessrook

06/07/2013 at 07:36 PM

Thanks for the support Aaron. LOL.

BrokenH

06/07/2013 at 07:09 PM

Well, fuck microsoft and fuck sony too if they try pulling the same shit later! (Pardon my french!) Sorry I wasn't more eloquent but these simple words get across how I feel.

asrealasitgets

06/07/2013 at 07:47 PM

So are we all willing to forgive these new policies in exchange for shiny graphics? I'm not really sure how much of all this internet rage actually reflects customers. The thing is that now Microsoft when asked about these policies they defer you to the publishers. So now it's the publishers to blame? Should we hate Konami and Bungie equally as MS?

BrokenH

06/07/2013 at 07:57 PM

It's difficult for me to defend publishers if they're going along with all this. However, I do not know to what extent they're "agreeing" with these new policies. I imagine there are some grey areas and room for conjecture.

Personally "purdy new graphics" aren't enough to buy my loyalty but you are right, I don't speak for everyone else.

I do "hope" consumers stick to their guns though. If we buy into all this now it's just going to get worse and worse. We're in a down-hill spiral right now as buyers. We should fight for our rights instead of handing them over to greedy tyrants. (In my personal opinion)

V4Viewtiful

06/07/2013 at 07:49 PM

I read a piece on Eurogamer which pretty much explained the situation

I was never an Xbox fan but this is 3 generations in a row now 

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-06-07-microsoft-kills-game-ownership-and-expects-us-to-smile

Vice's Assistant

06/07/2013 at 08:35 PM

I watch a Giant Bomb disambiguation of the Xbox One policies and while they explained a lot of things clearer than most game outlets, they still ended up confused about what it really all meant. Many gaming outlets basically echo that sentiment. Honestly, if I was an editor in chief at a gaming publication (magazine or website), I'd strongly consider not even covering the damn thing. Its rude to readers but at the same time this thing is corrosive on the whole market, not just Microsoft. Hell, what's really confusing is the fact that Microsoft is keeping the 360 around longer and not even considering to phase it out quickly like the original Xbox. That's the most backward message ever and its not going to end well.

GeminiMan78

06/07/2013 at 09:24 PM

Music labels and book publishers don't try to double dip and shake down used music and book stores for a percentage. This has nothing to do with pirating safeware this has everything to do with used games sales. I would say 85% of my PS3 games are used and at least half of my PS2 collection. Not everyone can afford to buy games new, so unless the trade off was a dramatic decrease in the price of new games say like $30 it would not be quite as bad. I really hope Sony does not follow along, they might lose the support of EA and some other publishers, but they could still ravage Microsoft by allying with gamers on this. If Sony sold 10 games for every one microsoft sells, the Xboner would be done.

Chunopo

06/08/2013 at 04:11 AM

for the first time ever I'm seriously considering a decent PC set up, I couldn't care less about the 'home entertainment guise' that Microsoft are peddling here and I ve heard rumours about a 360 attachment for the X Box one which would allow 360 games to be played on their new system, plus Microsoft have confirmed that the X Box has nearly five more years of life due to continued support (how true this is remains to be seen) but if it is correct I think they are trying to do a Nintendo, i.e. the Wii is still selling strong and the DS is still selling despite the 3DS launch. They want a cheaper console in the 360 to still make money and cover more of the market which sounds good but I think has some severe pitfalls. Giving the one backwards compatibility would have encouraged more to purchase their new model plus not pressured everyone into such a huge financial leap.

transmet2033

06/08/2013 at 07:43 AM

At this point, I am starting to hate any sort of news that deals with the next generation of gaming.  It doesn't help that there are still details that safe left out, or left in a state of ambiguity.  Sony is not helping anything because they are keeping their mouth shut on all of these details.  So what do I really have to look forward to next generation?  Apparently only the Wii U and 3DS.

come on Sony, play your frickin cards.

Ranger1

06/08/2013 at 08:48 AM

I was already leaning toward not jumping into the next generation of consoles and this is a pretty good shove in that direction. I have a huge backlog and I could probably just play what I currently own and not need to buy another game for at least five years, if not longer. And I still have all of my old consoles in working condition and there are plenty more games for all of those old consoles out there that I don't already have. I'm gonna say it...I don't need to buy another console...ever.

Serraxor

06/08/2013 at 11:14 AM

I am SO out this gen. 

Coolsetzer

06/08/2013 at 11:55 PM

I really hope the public shuns this "game console" and it truly fails. No magazine coverage, no internet coverage, no store coverage. These new policies are ridiculous.

Log in to your PixlBit account in the bar above or join the site to leave a comment.