EXCLUSIVE | Microsoft plans Starfield launch for PlayStation 5 (rumor)

[Shortbread]

Like I said, it's not up to them.
The very instant that gamers believe all Xbox games will be available on Playstation, Xbox console sales will cease permanently.
Simple value calculation:
"I can buy a Playstation and get Playstation and Xbox games, or I can buy an Xbox and get Xbox games."

I don't disagree from a value standpoint, or how gamers perceive value (one console versus another) based on game exclusivity.

What I'm simply stating, is that Microsoft will manufacture another console for the next-generation regardless of the poor outlook of doing so. They'll either find success carving out more space for cheaper all-digital alternatives (i.e., hybrid, cloud, streaming, mobile, etc.), or become the biggest third-party game publisher on all platforms.

What you describe sounds like Sony providing the premium all complete console experience and MS the cheaper lower end.

I believe Microsoft is shopping around far more than Sony for better SOC/APU pricing (potentially, ARM or Intel components) and other cheaper BoM components on reducing overall console manufacturing cost, but still have capable and performant hardware to match (or stay relatively close) to whatever Sony/AMD may provide. Microsoft (it's OS/APIs/Tools) has far more flexibility to change hardware vendors without the negative impact of having to start from scratch with backwards compatibility, Windows based OS, XB UI and features.

 

[Shortbread]

Satya Nutellla! I guess Gamepass has stalled and suddenly they looked from different perspective at all the IP, potential revenues from their acquisitions. I predict next steps would be be xboxOs mode for windows and optional third party xbox consoles from for example asus.

Any potential profit would be too low for Asus (or any other OEM) to consider manufacturing consoles, IMHO.

Besides the licensing fee and/or revenue cut that Microsoft will gleefully take, the OEMs will also have to contend with the headaches and costs associated with BOM component sourcing, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution (worldwide), customer support, and so-on. We're talking 3DO OEM levels of pain...

 

[metacore]

an official gaming layer like say a Windows Lite OS, is something I've been hoping for for years. Then if you needed productivity, the OS could accept extra bloat, but switching between a Windows gaming mode on and off would be ideal.

They certainly have a lot of work to replicate xbox experience on PC in coherent way. UX/UI , store integration, discoverability, quick resume and more. I don't believe there is huge gulf on DirectX side. For two gens there are wishers about late apis, an not so optimal for console probably because some parity requirements with pc directx.

 

[metacore]

Any potential profit would be too low for Asus (or any other OEM) to consider manufacturing consoles, IMHO.

Besides the licensing fee and/or revenue cut that Microsoft will gleefully take, the OEMs will also have to contend with the headaches and costs associated with BOM component sourcing, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution (worldwide), customer support, and so-on. We're talking 3DO OEM levels of pain...

All of this is true. But maybe Microsoft don't care see this as is. You want a console, here it is. Yeah they probably will bring something cost effective themselves but not so "dedicated", unless sales colapse.

 

[B m A]

I believe Microsoft is shopping around far more than Sony for better SOC/APU pricing (potentially, ARM or Intel components) and other cheaper BoM components on reducing overall console manufacturing cost, but still have capable and performant hardware to match (or stay relatively close) to whatever Sony/AMD may provide. Microsoft (it's OS/APIs/Tools) has far more flexibility to change hardware vendors without the negative impact of having to start from scratch with backwards compatibility, Windows based OS, XB UI and features.

At this point, they’d have to make a console as powerful as PS6 at like a half of the price to appeal the consumers. Given the fact all of their games would come to other plataforms.

But then that would mean each console to be sold at a loss, not to mention R&D and marketing costs for a HW. But this movement (going multiplatform) shows they want the exact opposite: they want immediate return of the investment made at Bethesda & ABK, not more expenses.

Gamepass is not making Xbox consoles to have very good selling numbers, maybe they took note of it and want to market Gamepass on Smart TVs, PCs and mobile, etc, not on consoles anymore. While having additional profit by selling their games on PS & Nintendo.

So, considering all of this, maybe they actually want to leave the console market.

 

[Charlietus]

Who knows, maybe the activision acquisition attracted investors and executives eyes towards the Xbox division, and they're unsatisfactory results forced this new strategy.
But once you announce a 70 billion acquisition, you have to show results.

The biggest investment ever on Xbox could probably spell it's downfall.
Meanwhile Microsoft will become the biggest third party publisher, with 40+ studios you can't really fail, ever.

We should really hope that switch 2 will run every third party game coming out, or playstation will really be without competition. I can't see anything other than a downward spiral for Xbox hardware.

 

[arandomguy]

An interesting hardware/platform strategy would be to take a two pronged approach by separating the console market into two low/high segments and basically leave the middle -

1) Those who want simplicity and low price, and just a "serviceable" experience

2) Those want simplicity and a high end experience but aren't very price sensitive

Group 1 would be served by something by a traditional cost optimized console. It'll be way slower than the PS6 but "good enough" for a significant segment of buyers.

Group 2 would be served by basically the PC but with software platform and consistent hardware/branding with OEMs.

 

[Inuhanyou]

If this is the case I hope Forza horizon makes it over.

As far as this news is concerned Sony and Nintendo will be the last men standing in the traditional way of doing things because they don't have any way to easily orient themselves to another position. They will go hard on what they are good at. I expect Sony to repivot back to investment in single player games as the "threat" from MS taking away their market share through exclusives and owning popular ip fizzles out. But they will still need more ways to fund those bigger titles they are constantly wanting to invest in so they may still keep some of their gaas plans around

 

[cheapchips]

Any potential profit would be too low for Asus (or any other OEM) to consider manufacturing consoles, IMHO.

Since they're going all digital, Microsoft can chose to include a revenue split on game sales with third party manufacturers. They do this at some retailers already for digital only consoles. It might make it a worthwhile business for OEMs in a way it hasn't been before (with 3DO and Steam Machines).

 

[Silent_Buddha]

Hah! I'd speculated prior to Starfield's launch that it was likely to just be a timed exclusive. People didn't think there was anyway that would happen, but here we are.

IMO, that's the smart way to approach things. Timed exclusivity and then release on rival platforms after X amount of time.

This was likely accelerated with the EU looking set to force all platforms to allow 3rd party storefronts. Currently just iOS and Android in their targets, but I'd expect consoles are next once the precedent has been set for mobile platform holders.

Regards,
SB

 

[Globalisateur]

Hah! I'd speculated prior to Starfield's launch that it was likely to just be a timed exclusive. People didn't think there was anyway that would happen, but here we are.

IMO, that's the smart way to approach things. Timed exclusivity and then release on rival platforms after X amount of time.

This was likely accelerated with the EU looking set to force all platforms to allow 3rd party storefronts. Currently just iOS and Android in their targets, but I'd expect consoles are next once the precedent has been set for mobile platform holders.

Regards,
SB

Yeah I thought the same. It was expected, they technically became third party with their acquisitions and they sorely need Playstation to sell their new games. Soon they'll release day one on Playstation...

 

[RobertR1]

Buying up studios for a console that isn't selling isn't the smartest of plays. This makes logical sense.

They want games to be a service and the underlying hardware can be anything.

 

[Nesh]

I get the impression that MS noticed that ABK and Zenimax are way too big to manage and keep profitable with their games off the PS5. They probably put themselves in a position that it makes it mandatory to make themselves an MP publisher, or they could crash under their own force unless they get Sony's market share at some point.

Interestingly recently it has been heard that MS is behind Sony in next gen XBOX's development because they delayed the contract.

Either they were hesitant after reconsidering their future strategy (no more direct competition with Sony in the console space), or they are reconsidering their hardware partners for the next console

 

[cheapchips]

Interestingly recently it has been heard that MS is behind Sony in next gen XBOX's development because they delayed the contract.

This Is coming from a terrible source. Until it's stated directly by someone reliable, it's just semi plausible clickbait spreading across news sites.

 

[Nesh]

This Is coming from a terrible source. Until it's stated directly by someone reliable, it's just semi plausible clickbait spreading across news sites.

Possible

 

[Subtlesnake]

Like I said, it's not up to them.
The very instant that gamers believe all Xbox games will be available on Playstation, Xbox console sales will cease permanently.
Simple value calculation:
"I can buy a Playstation and get Playstation and Xbox games, or I can buy an Xbox and get Xbox games."

Well they still have Xbox Live + Game Pass. And if the delay is like 1 year for PS releases, not everyone will want to wait.

 

[Cyan]

Buying up studios for a console that isn't selling isn't the smartest of plays. This makes logical sense.

that was what Satya Nadella hinted at, perhaps. Wonder what Phil Spencer is "painting" in all of this 'cos he said nothing. Xbox raging fans might want an explanation from him soon. Anyways, this is logical indeed

 

[Davros]

Interestingly recently it has been heard that MS is behind Sony in next gen XBOX's development

I wasn't aware Sony were even involved in next gen XBOX's development

 

[Nesh]

I wasn't aware Sony were even involved in next gen XBOX's development

 

[Nesh]

that was what Satya Nadella hinted at, perhaps. Wonder what Phil Spencer is "painting" in all of this 'cos he said nothing. Xbox raging fans might want an explanation from him soon. Anyways, this is logical indeed

I dont want to check other forums. There must be a lot of mayhem in the discussions there
It's funny because they were rejoicing that MS stole all these franchises to make them exclusive and now even their own games may be hitting PS