Microsoft Isn't Done Acquiring Game Studios and Is Setting Its Sights on Asian Developers Next

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Obscure_Observer1621d ago

They should be go big and acquire From Software or Sega!

Sonyslave31621d ago

And capcom or if not get some of devs from these companies sega& capcom and let them make their own new studio like the intative from ground up.

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Shiken1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

There are laws in Japan that prohibit foreign companies from buying Japanese companies. If the big three, only Nintendo is in a position to do that. Maybe Sony still can, but I am not sure now that they are based out of California.

So by Asian, they are probably referring to countries like China or Korea.

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ReadyPlayer221620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

@Shiken

That's a complete lie. There are many Japanese companies owned by foreign investors. It would absolutely kill an economy as huge as Japan if you limit foreign buyers that strictly, no investors in their right mind would trade there then. Sharp is an example, they're now own by Foxconn.

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Segata1620d ago

Kadakaowa owns From Software. They are a massive multimedia corp and no leave SEGA alone. That is not happening ever.

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Sophisticated_Chap1620d ago

@ Shiken

If that were the case, then they wouldn't be allowed to sell their shares in any stock exchange around the world.

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KillBill1620d ago

@Shiken... it takes but a moment with Google to prove that wrong.
https://www.quora.com/Can-n...

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rainslacker1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

I think the laws only apply to hostile takeovers by foreign investors. Otherwise, I dont think it applies to privately owned companies, or a foreign company gaining a majority share.

MS couldn't buy playstation unless sony sold it. Playstation is a privately owned subsidiary. Its questionable if MS would see value in buying PS considering the costs. MS could in theory take over Sony through gaining enough shares, which would give them control of PS, but I doubt that's worth it to them.

Nintendos pretty much in the same boat, except its not a subsidiary.

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RedDevils1620d ago

xbox fans are so desperate, that they want M$ to buy every companies hilarious.

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ifrit_caress1620d ago

I think Activision bought From Software. Look at Sekiro, developed by From Software, published by Activision.

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lelo2play1621d ago

The going to buy Sony.

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TakashiKomuro1620d ago

Amazing.

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timotim1621d ago

That would be awesome! Could even use them on future KI titles. Makes a lot of sense.

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Segata1620d ago

Won't happen. team Ninja is no longer a dedicated team. The the entire internal staff of Koei Tecmo. It's a brand now.

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FallenAngel19841620d ago

Why would that require Microsoft buying them? Koei Tecmo would just commission that themselves

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Chris_Wray1621d ago

It makes sense that they would, expanding their output of games into that of a different variety. Microsoft would also be smart looking at asian devs that make F2P & mobile titles, a massive market and source of revenue in Asia.

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RpgSama1621d ago

Please no mobile developers or freemium developers, we don't need more of that here.

timotim1620d ago

Speak for yourself. I love games I can play on the go and get achievements with. Just maxed Make it Rain on my Surface Go. Did the same for Halo Spartan Strike, Dragon Mania and others. Still playing Rayman Fiesta Run, Gears POP, Asphalt 9, Forza Street and others. Microsoft wants Xbox on every device...sure, xCloud will cover a lot of that, but smaller games that can be played on a phone or tablet is valid too.

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rainslacker1620d ago

Most of those are owned by tencent. Somehow I doubt ms is going to buy them

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Battlestar231621d ago

Buy Square Enix and make Final Fantasy exclusive to Xbox.

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Ricegum1620d ago

What a waste of money. JRPGs don't sell at all on Xbox.

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No Way1620d ago

They would, if it's the only place to get Final Fantasy.

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nommers1620d ago

No u

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rainslacker1620d ago

Hope not. Square is one of the few big publishers left that actually still make good SP games. MS buying them would probably change their output to nothing but service based games.

Obscure_Observer1620d ago

@rainslacker

Funny how you like to acuse Microsoft of turning game studio´s into "GaaS factorys" when Sony just promoted a guy who is know to make service based games as Head of Worldwide Studios. Hypocrise has hit a new low!

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Wasabi1620d ago

@rainslacker

***"MS buying them would probably change their output to nothing but service based games"***

How many Xbox Games Studios service based games can you actually list rainslacker?

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rainslacker1620d ago

Yeah, funny. Especially since all the games they just showed, except maybe Everwild since i don't know much about that, all seem to be GaaS games.

Sony didn't just promote a guy whose known to make service based games, he just has had service based games in his portfolio. He also was part of producing other games as well.

@Frag

SoT.
Forza games have heavy service elements, but I'll be willing to remove that because it's nothing out of the ordinary for the series, and people don't understand that service based games have been around for a while.
Gears 5 MP is service based.
Halo Infinite is likely to be service based.
Crackdown 3.
Gears POP
Minecraft
Killer Instinct
SoD2

Upcoming

Bleeding Edge
Grounded
And I'm going to assume Gears Tactics

Probably some more. That was off the top of my head. I don't care to look up any more.

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Wasabi1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

@rainslacker

The only game from your list that I agree with is Sea of Thieves, You seem to be using a very broad definition of what defines GaaS to justify your comments.

When I think of GaaS, I think of games like Destiny, Anthem, WoW and as you quite rightly highlighted SoT.
You seem to be defining GaaS as any game with DLC, do you consider Insomniac's Spider-Man a GaaS title?

As an example, You include Gears 5 multiplayer in your list, would you also define Naughty Dogs The Last of Us as GaaS?

https://www.destructoid.com...

We can also discount games that are unreleased, this is pure speculation on your part and not in any way fact. Neither you nor I can argue either way, so...

"Halo Infinite is likely to be service based" and "I'm going to assume Gears Tactics" don't really stand up in court.

In addition, both Crackdown 3 (Free DLC) and SoD2 feature DLC, but neither contain microtransactions,

https://www.tweaktown.com/n...

https://www.n3rdabl3.com/20...

For comparison, both TLoU and Rockstar's original RDR have fantastic DLC available for them, would you define these classic games as GaaS?

Killer Instinct is free to play, that is the business model, hardly a negative.

Minecraft was created by Mojang not MS, they bought the company, they didn't implement the business model.

You also include Gears POP, I'd be interested to hear your views on Super Mario Run, Mario Kart Tour and Animal Crossing Pocket Camp and whether you'd include Nintendo in your list of companies that specialise in GaaS?

So from your original list of 12 games, There is only 1 that we can clearly define as GaaS, hardly justification for your original comment of;

***"Hope not. Square is one of the few big publishers left that actually still make good SP games. MS buying them would probably change their output to nothing but service based games"***

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DiRtY1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

Being on GamePass does not make your game a “Service based” game. FYI there are great single player games available on GamePass.

Outer Worlds, Forza Horizon, Tomb Raider, The Witcher, Banjo Kazooie, Devil May Cry etc. are service based games then? I doubt it.

What defines a service based game anyway?

A multiplayer game? If so, is Counter Strike a service based game for example? Or Halo? Or Age of Empires?

This catch phrase makes zero sense. It is a buzzword for some haters though. At the end of the day you just wish that your console manufacturer of choice would offer something like GamePass. Don’t hate Microsoft for it though.

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Wasabi1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

@DiRtY

***"What defines a service based game anyway?"***

Aware that your comment was aimed at rainslacker, but allow me to define what defines GaaS in my opinion and also in the eyes of the law (US and European), as it will provide some clarity for rainslacker in his inevitable response to my post.

A service based game (GaaS) is a game that utilises a Client and Server relationship to work, the user has part of the software installed on their system (the client) the remaining software required to make the product work is located externally to the user (the server).

Examples of this are Destiny, Anthem, SoT etc.

Without the server GaaS will not work at all, you cannot even log in. You are effectively purchasing a product that requires a service (the server and server software) provided by the company to use.

A game that features single player gameplay as well as online an online component that ceases to work when servers are shut down is not GaaS.

GaaS may feature DLC, but a game with DLC is not automatically GaaS.
GaaS may feature microtransactions but a game with Microtransactions are not automatically GaaS.
Games as a service are always online, but a game with online components is not necessarily GaaS.

Games that are accessed through a subscription service such as PS Now or XBGP are not GaaS, unless they meet the above criteria.

My definition of GaaS is based upon the defining of a product vs a service in the eyes of the law, a product being something that works standalone, on its own without further support from the manufacturer.

Using methods of travel as an example a car or bike is an example of a product, whereas a rail journey or airline flight are examples of a service.

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Kribwalker1620d ago

wow fragnun, you really got him there. I’ve never seen rainslacker so speechless. Normally at this point we would have had a 3 page long rebuttal that didn’t really make much sense and didn’t really prove anything, and we still haven’t gotten that.

I agree with you 100%. If the games rainslacker listed were GAAS then he should be adding a tonne of other games. I believe sony has more GAAS games this gen based off that list
Killzone Shadowfall had free dlc and MTs
UC4 had MTs
MLB the show 2014-2019 all have fifa ultimate team elements and MTs
TLOU Rematered is service based with MTs
GT Sport, you betcha
drawn to death
Dreams is 100% service based
driveclub, yep service based
on the mobile side sony has Fate/Grand order, one of the biggest mobile service based games out right now

I sure hope sony doesn’t buy anymore studios or they’re gonna be making strictly service based games

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Obscure_Observer1620d ago

@rainslacker

"Sony didn't just promote a guy whose known to make service based games, he just has had service based games in his portfolio. He also was part of producing other games as well."

He´s a pro-GaaS developer/director so quit with the damage control BS! It´s pretty clear to me that no just you, but a bunch of PS fanboys has double standards when comes to GaaS! Sony has a guy that has a positive stance regarding GaaS as Head of Worldwide studios and that´s an undeniable fact! Next time, try and choose your worlds more carefuly! You know what they say:

"People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones"

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rainslacker1619d ago (Edited 1619d ago )

@Frag

GaaS is a very broad definition. It's inclusive of a lot of different types of game distribution paradigms. It can mean games like Destiny which have continuous patch updates which can be distributed through various means. It can mean a subscription based game, such as an MMO. It can mean a standard release game, which also has added DLC after the fact, or MT right at release. Can mean games which completely require user connection to a server, then connect to other players, such as farmville.

All GaaS is is a nice little wrapper marketing term, but it's inclusive of a lot of practices that many people didn't like for most of last gen.

That is the way Spencer first used the term, that is what it means. Just because you want to reduce the list of GaaS games for your own argument does not change what GaaS is. Not all GaaS games are bad, and I've said that many times. Some distribution models are really good, others are really crap.

We can't discount unreleased games because my original comment was about MS output, both past, present, and to come, if only by implication.

In the end, it doesn't really matter what you think GaaS is, all that matters is what it actually is. I use the term the way the industry uses the term, and they'll continue to use the term until the idea of GaaS sours in people's minds, and they have to think of some new term to distract that they're doing stuff consumers don't like, even if some of it they do like.

@Dirty

Never implied that Game Pass is what made it service based. I implied that MS is making games which are based around service models, as described above. They're putting these games on Game Pass. Those games you mentioned would fall into the category of GaaS, however, they're more on the side of things that people actually like.

Believe it or not, GaaS is not a new term within the industry. What's new is that it's now a marketing term used to lump together any and all games that get post launch support through content updates, paid or otherwise, content distribution, paid access to games(like MMO's), or games which work on some service based method, such as all those facebook games. I would include TLOU and Gears 5 in the list, and maybe some of those games Frag is trying to distract from my point with, or at least their MP. Like I said above, sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad. With or without game pass, these games would still be service based to some degree. The reason it's now a marketing term is because it gave the industry a new way to market ideas that have been getting more push back since the beginning of this gen.

@Krib

If the only way he can get me is to redefine what GaaS is, then he didn't get me.

@Obscure

I'm not damage controlling. What I said is true. I do believe he's pro-GaaS. But as of now, he hasn't shown that he's taking Sony's game that direction in a heavy handed way. That may come in the future, but I was speaking about what we know of MS now, not what Sony may do in the future. I also don't doubt that Sony will have service based games, but they still have plenty that aren't, and I believe SE is one of the few big SP publishers which doesn't spend as much time focusing on the less attractive side of GaaS.

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Wasabi1619d ago

@Kribwalker

***"Normally at this point we would have had a 3 page long rebuttal that didn’t really make much sense and didn’t really prove anything"***

As you predicted, right on cue.

rainslacker1618d ago

Sorry lots of words confuses you guys.

I'll make a TL:DR version.

GaaS is a broad term that MS is using for marketing purposes. Redefining what it is to support your own arguments doesn't make what I said untrue.

If you think it doesn't prove anything, then that's because you don't care to challenge yourself to think anything different than what you believe.

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ccgr1621d ago

They're getting serious now

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Kurisu1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

As a PlayStation gamer I'm really considering getting a Scarlett at launch over a PS5.

I had an Xbox One (never owned an Xbox console before) but I sold it after playing Quantum Break. I don't have a PC so it was the only way to play it. It was stupid buying it for one game but if Game Pass was a thing back then it would have been a reason to keep it. I mean, it's really good value.

littletad1620d ago

I'm still getting both. With Yakuza, that was the last main franchise I was hoping would make the jump. That leaves only Spider-Man and God of War for the games I would play on a Sony machine. But still, I think serious competition will make both companies churn out great stuff down the road. It's a great time to be a multi-console gamer.

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Sonyslave31621d ago

Team ninja is a must and also some of these small devs that make mmos and mobile games if they want too increase their presence in Asia.

Segata1620d ago

They belong to Koei Tecmo and TN is the entire internal dev staff. It's not a small dedicated team anymore.

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timotim1621d ago

That's good to hear. Would love them to acquire Sega. The IP gained alone would be tremendous. Make it happen Sega!

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AngainorG7X1621d ago

Platinum Games
Capcom
From Software
Team Ninja

They need to go BIG on Asia

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pwnmaster30001621d ago

Platinum
Capcom
From software
Never gonna happen.

Team ninja tho yes. MS should acquire them. I can see it happenjng

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Segata1620d ago

Leave Plat alone. MS fucked them over. Plat loves to work with Nintendo and Plat doesn't want to be bought at all.

Capcom. Never going to happen.

From Soft is owned by another massive corporation. Kadakowa

Team Ninja is not a studio. It's the entire dev staff of Koei Tecmo. It's just a label now.

Donnie811620d ago

Ms fucked platinum over? Really? It must be nice to just see things how you want instead of what’s really going on. Platinum got fired because scalebound was a complete mess technically and they weren’t meeting deadlines. Platinum probably took the $$ from ms and used it on other projects. I’d love to see them buy platinum so Phil could put the smack down on them

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timotim1620d ago

Platinum Games Sad Microsoft was Blamed for Scalebound Cancellation
https://twinfinite.net/2019...

Scalebound Cancellation Was at Both Platinum and Microsoft’s Fault, Says Platinum Head
https://www.dualshockers.co...

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Obscure_Observer1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

@Segata

I don´t care how you feel about Microsoft! If they want to be relevant in Japan, they need to go BIG. They have the money to easily acquire Sony or Nintendo if they want them!

Platinium, From Software, Capcom, Koei Tecmo or Sega, they just need to write them a check and it´s over! Piece of cake!

Money speaks louder than your empty assumptions!

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Segata1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

Obscure_Observer

Kadokawa is a massive multimedia company. They are not going to sell From. FS makes them good money.

No it's not as simple as writing a check. The other side has to agree and PG has expressed many times they do not wish to be owned by a larger publisher. Capcom is doing well. They don't need to sell. Their assets are worth over 10 billion. Sony would not let them buy them because they are not interested. Neither is Nintendo. You can't buy if not willing to sell. Xbox will never do well in Japan. MS already tried to buy Nintendo and SEGA. Didn't go well. Nintendo laughed in their face.

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Obscure_Observer1620d ago

@Segata

Insomniac and Respawn also said that they didn´t wanted to be owned by a big publisher. How things turn out again?

Everybody has a price. None of these companies are in this business for love, honor or pride. They´re there for MONEY!

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MasterCornholio1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

@Obscure

"Insomniac and Respawn also said that they didn´t wanted to be owned by a big publisher. How things turn out again?"

"None of these companies are in this business for love, honor or pride. They´re there for MONEY! "

Your a bit wrong about Insomniac. In a period of two years there big publishers offered them a ton of money to buy them out. It's been assumed that one of the three was Sony. Even with all this money offered to them Insomniac said no and rejected all three offers.

"Insomniac has turned down three buyout offers in two years."

With that said it is indeed possible for an independent developer to reject huge amounts of money made to them by publishers.

And now you ask why did they reject that money? Well it was to remain independent so they could make decisions on games that they make.

“The people who work here came because we’re independent,” said Insomniac’s chief executive and co-founder, Ted Price, 34. “There’s a pride that comes from knowing we live or die by our decisions, that we’re always on the precipice. The feeling that we’re able to choose our own destiny is very important to people here.”

That to them is alot more important than being bought up by a huge publishers.

This article was written back in 2002 which is a long time for Insomniac to reject constant offers from huge publishers. Since that date they have produced multiple multiplatform games and an exclusive for Xbox.

Now the real question is why did they let Sony buy them when the others offered so much more?

It's because their games failed to be as successful with the other publishers. And they also stated multiple times that they have a very good relationship with Sony. In addition being owned by a big publishers can bring them many benefits like financial stability. They choose Sony for other reasons besides money because if all they cared about was money they would have gone with a much wealthier company like Microsoft for example.

https://www.latimes.com/arc...

History speaks louder than your empty assumptions about money! It is a big reason but not the only one.

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Obscure_Observer1620d ago

@MasterCornholio

"It's because their games failed to be as successful with the other publishers."

What publishers? Sunset Overdrive sold almost 2 millions on Xbox One when the console didn´t even had a full year in the market and its userbase were pretty small! Since when 2 million copies of a NEW IP sold to a very small userbase became a failure.

Sunset Overdrive is the very reason why Insomniac left Sony at that time! Sony didn´t want them to own their own IP! That´s why they approached Microsoft, and it´s because the fact that Microsoft allow them to keep their IP, that Sony owns Sunset Overdrive today. So spare me of this "friendly relationship" between Sony and Insomniac because that´s not what history tell.

Interesting enough, Sony acquired Insonmiac after the tremenduous success of Spider Man! Very convenient, don´t you think? After the BIG money they made out of Spider Man, all of sudden they don´t want to be independent anymore? Yeah, right...

There´s a difference when your offers is on par with the market value of a company. Another thing is you offering double+ what the company is worth!

Insomniac saw the money after Spider Man and all of their "Dreams of Freedom" goes to $%*!

But hey, don´t let me ruin your dream of a perfect world where companies make big bussiness decisions out the kindness of their hearts because they´re greatful and friendly among each other.

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MasterCornholio1618d ago (Edited 1618d ago )

"That´s why they approached Microsoft, and it´s because the fact that Microsoft allow them to keep their IP, that Sony owns Sunset Overdrive today."

Yeah they could have made more money by releasing the game on the PS4 but instead of that they chose to side with Microsoft. The reason why is what you said. They wanted to remain independent and keep the IP. That's proof that money wasn't the only thing driving them in that deal.

"Interesting enough, Sony acquired Insonmiac after the tremenduous success of Spider Man! Very convenient, don´t you think? After the BIG money they made out of Spider Man, all of sudden they don´t want to be independent anymore?"

Well Sony tried to aquire them multiple times in the past but Insomniac rejected Sonys offer because they wanted to remain independent. After seeing that they didnt have much success with other publishers and having alot more success with Sony they decided to team up with them.

"Insomniac saw the money after Spider Man and all of their "Dreams of Freedom" goes to $%*! "

But you are admitting that they tried to remain independent but it didn't work out for them. Same thing happened to many of the Studios that Microsoft bought.

I think in the end your right that a business wants to make money but according to your imagination it's the only thing that makes them exist. There's alot more to a business than just the amount of money that they make. Everything from brand loyalty, good will, treatment of their employees, passion for their products are many other reasons why businesses exist. Believe it or not some people make video games because they enjoy that. Money is always involved because people have to eat but many times there are people who are passionate about the work that they do. Pretty sure your wrong about Insomniac not being passionate about making games and only focusing on the money. Heck an example of that passion is that they could have chose a more popular hero than Spiderman but they chose him because they would enjoy making the game the most.

It was very nice talking to you and have a wonderful day.

Edit: I admire your passion but you need to be a little more respectful of others on N4G.

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oakshin1621d ago

I just don't trust them i would like to believe they are pro consumer but the people they fired over Xbox one was just fall guys Scarlett will be great it's the next Xbox I'm worried about after Scarlett I can't give my money to them I don't care I can't do it it's wrong game pass is great but supporting them is wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong.....wrong come on Sega don't call it a come back

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DaDrunkenJester1620d ago

The head director is a fall guy?

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oakshin1620d ago

Yep I said it didn't i people that thank Phil is the boss are cute fest fan boys fest on my comment get it out let that brand loyalty ride you to the promise Land

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timotim1620d ago

Pro consumer? All you have to do is look at the evidence.

Xbox Play Anywhere
Xbox Gamepass
Microsoft Rewards
Digital returns
Microsoft family settings
keeping Minecraft multiplat

These are all pro consumer choices made by them. Getting rid of people is apart of the business...Microsoft has been under new leadership SINCE Xbox One was announced...they got rid of people who weren't doing their jobs very well. The people in charge of something cant be the "fall guys"...they are the ones directly at fault.

Sophisticated_Chap1620d ago

Not to mention that Backwards Compatibility is also pro-consumer, avoiding the need for Re-Mastered games.

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timotim1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

Back compact with FREE enhancements at that! These guys are living in the land of opposites haha. The disagrees dont mean anything guys unless you back it up...where is YOUR proof???

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XabiDaChosenOne1620d ago

Always online DRM makes all that negligible to be honest. And Xcloud and gamepass is just DRM 2.0

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timotim1620d ago

@ChosenOne

Who doesn't use DRM these day except for CDP Red??? And how is what you said even applicable... what does Microsoft Rewards have to do with DRM??? What does Digital Returns have to do with DRM??? Just because DRM exists doesn't mean that Microsoft has to offer these PRO CONSUMER benefits!!!

Play Anywhere...the feature that allows gamers to buy once and play on both console and PC...yeah very anti consumer🙄 Where do you guys come up with this stuff haha?

Xbox Gamepass...the service that allows gamers to play hundreds of games for a low monthly fee...even streaming those titles to your phone or table in the future...yeah sounds very anti consumer to me. Some of you just want something to say, but the crap that comes outta your mouth makes no sense.

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XabiDaChosenOne1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

"Who doesn't use DRM these day except for CDP Red"
**disconnects PS4, Switch, PC from internet...games are still playable***
Apparently its not just CDPR, imagine that.

"what does Microsoft Rewards have to do with DRM??? What does Digital Returns have to do with DRM???"
You asked for proof of anti consumer practices, gave you a pretty big one. Also lying and/or over exaggerating about the power of the cloud this entire generation doesn't seem to pro consumer either, and then there is F2P games being locked behind a paywall.

I never claimed play anywhere was anti consumer, Ill even give them props for BC. But if you look at the sales of the Xb1 this generation, its clear that these pro consumer moves has not swayed people for Microsoft's sins this generation.

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timotim1620d ago

@ChosenOne
Always comes back to hardware sales for you guys dont it. It gets pretty old dude. This conversation isn't about hardware sales...its about Microsoft being PRO CONSUMER in their decision making.

For starters...YOU FORGOT TO MENTION XBOX! If I unplug my Xbox, the games will still work too! Why you mentioned every other platform but Xbox shows me where your head is. But that doesn't mean those platforms are DRM free. Can you take a PS game and pop it in on PC and play it...the reason behind that is that Sony put DRM on PS games, not allowing it to be played on anything other than a PS haha. EVERYONE uses DRM of some kind🤭.

And if anyone is lying here, its YOU! You said "Always online DRM makes all that negligible to be honest"...meaning it makes back compact, XGP and Play Anywhere anti consumer in your opinion. This is why I bought it up. What you said is false! DRM does NOT make Play Anywhere, digital returns and XGP anti consumer like you implied. And its Microsoft that over exaggerates? If you didn't mean ALL then you should have said such a thing. For the last time, DRM does not negate pro consumer choices.

Lastly...while xCloud might use DRM (just like every platform and service uses today), how is xCloud anti consumer??? It allows gamers to take ANY game they have ALREADY purchased on Xbox and stream it to any device...that's pro consumer buddy!

The power of the cloud stuff is simply fanboy war fodder. That has nothing to do with anti consumer...especially when Sony is signing up to use Microsoft's cloud...you make very little sense.

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XabiDaChosenOne1620d ago

"YOU FORGOT TO MENTION XBOX! If I unplug my Xbox, the games will still work too!"
Awww did I hurt your feelings? I was referring to platforms that I own genius lol.

"Sony put DRM on PS games, not allowing it to be played on anything other than a PS haha. EVERYONE uses DRM of some kind🤭."
Oh wow, your so clever!! What a rebuttal!! Except... The DRM I was referring to was Always Online DRM, nice straw-man argument though, almost got me there!/s

"You said "Always online DRM makes all that negligible to be honest"...meaning it makes back compact, XGP and Play Anywhere anti consumer in your opinion."

I don't think you understand what negligible means, Ill help you out.
Negligible: Not significant or important enough to be worth considering; trifling.
As in considering that Xbox one sales continue to plummet at a rate faster than the PS4 despite being cheaper, the pro consumers features are negligible since their Always Online DRM attempt still resonates in the minds of consumers.
"how is xCloud anti consumer???"
Its pretty much Always Online DRM 2.0, give it some time you'll see.
"The power of the cloud stuff is simply fanboy war fodder. That has nothing to do with anti consumer."
So lying about server side processing for crackdown 3 is not anti consumer? lol ooooook

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DaDrunkenJester1620d ago

@Xabi

I'd like to offer some points. How is Xcloud DRM 2.0? You're streaming games to devices that arent even MS hardware lol Also, you're streaming games that you have already purchased, which means Xcloud is just an extension and is by no means forced upon anyone. You dont need to purchase games twice to play it normally or play it streaming.

The Always Online DRM was a foolish thing and the people who came up with that have been fired. Or at least the "fall guys" have been fired. Xbox has never had Always Online DRM as it was reversed before the console even launched.

I'll give you requiring XBL for F2P games is dumb and that should absolutely be a concern though. But everything else you have said is hogwash my friend.

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+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 1620d ago

ReadyPlayer221621d ago (Edited 1621d ago )

Makes sense, Europe and North America was the push early on, now eastern developers is the next logical step. They should purchase Team Ninja & Mistwalker. Beef up the latter and let us get a next gen Blue Dragon RPG!

There are some great developers in South Korea too that they could look into as well.

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manabyte771620d ago

Typical Microsoft. Trying to buy their way to the top. Any time you hear about Sony eyeing acquisitions, the MS sheep panic and preach they should build studios from the ground up so as not to take games of their preferred console. When It’s MS though, suddenly they want them to buy some of the best multi plat studios in gaming, and damned if PlayStation gamers have those games taken off their system. Xbox faithful are pathological hypocrites.

bluebenjamin1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

Thats what companies do itS BiZZNess not an actual console war, hell how long do you think we will be dealing with consoles, much as I hate for us to become streamers but eventually it will be the norm I mean when was the last time you listened to music from a CD?

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timotim1620d ago

😆 Google just bought Fitbit...Apple bought the ex Kinect guys...Facebook bought Instagram...Disney bought Marvel and Starwars...Sony bough Naughty Dog... ITS CALLED BUSINESS! Stop being fanboys for a second and understand that business will take place regardless of how you feel. Microsoft could not do a hostel take over of any of these companies...they would have to be WILLING to be acquired first. smh

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ghostrider321620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

Buying studios, is how companies got a lot of their best developers. I wonder if you had that same energy, when Sony bought Naughty Dog, Insomniac, etc. That's how business works. Sony Justice Warriors always trying to be business gatekeepers. Chill out.

DEEHULK881620d ago

Your an idiot. I bet you have Disney plus which is selling you on some of the brands thst Disney bought to get to the top. Marvel, Star wars and Fox

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Kiwi661620d ago

Right because no other companies buy studios only MS /s

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DOMination-1620d ago

When was the last time Sony built a studio from scratch?

Microsoft have built several over the last few years so I'm not sure what point you are trying to make!

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1620d ago

Kribwalker1620d ago

“Any time you hear about Sony eyeing acquisitions, the MS sheep panic and preach they should build studios from the ground up so as not to take games of their preferred console.”

lol. what you just said has applied to every article about a studio MS has bought in the last 2 years on this website lol. I said what you’re saying as mockery when Sony bought Insomniac, but really, companies have been buying studios forever, it’s a way for platform holders to grow their base. There’s nothing wrong with that

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BlackIceJoe1620d ago

Mistwalker easily comes to mind, but they'd need another developer to help make the game, so I'm going to say something crazy Level 5. I know it isn't who people would like to see bought, but if this helps Level 5 to stop making cell phone games and go back to making games for consoles, plus PC, I'm for it.

Another game company that would be great is Konami. This way Konami can start making games again. There is tons of great IPs Konami owns and just does nothing with them, then on top of that they also own Hudson Soft games, so there is great potential of many games to come from a Konami revival.

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Knushwood Butt1620d ago

Level 5 are in desperate need of a hit. They've sat on their laurels milking old IPs and nobody buys them anymore. Prof Layton, Yokai Watch, Inazuma Eleven...

Thing is they are tied into other media like TV too so I doubt that aligns with MS's plans.

BlackIceJoe1620d ago

It is sad, because in the PS2 days, they were easily one of my favorite developers and sadly these days their games are mostly just phone games. I'd be fine with Sony or Nintendo buying them too, because who ever can bring them back to the good old days, is fine by me.

As for the part about tv and not working with Microsoft you never know, because it looks like finally the Halo series will become a reality and this would allow Microsoft to diversify their portfolio.

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Toiletsteak1620d ago

It took them a whole generation to actually start doing something.

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1620d ago

monkey6021620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

And 2 days ago they said they were done with acquiring studios that they wanted to make sure the new ones were putting out quality materials instead.

Typical Microsoft. All talk with no substance they contradict themselves constantly and rarely back up the claims. Moving on...

ElementX1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

I thought the previous article said they were shifting focus. It doesn't mean they aren't keeping an eye out, but they're probably concentrating on other things for now.

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SolidGamerX1620d ago

lol, exactly more wishy washy mixed messaging from Microsoft.

Kiwi661620d ago

They actually said that studio acquisitions were coming to an end which to me sounds like they had been looking at other studios when buying the one's they did

EDKICK1620d ago

Matt Booty, one person on the games studios team, said his focus was shifting to execution. They never said they were 100% done acquiring. Focusing on one thing more doesn't eliminate your ability to do something else but no call it wishy washy and contradictory lol

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1620d ago

gamer78041620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

Still can’t wait to play pso2

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LightofDarkness1620d ago

Oh god, I hope no studios with actual talent get swallowed up in this. Their train-wreck track record with acquired studios is second only to EA's.

DOMination-1620d ago

Sony have as far as I'm aware killed these studios over PS3 and PS4 era:

Zipper, Liverpool Studio, Team Soho, Evolution, Guerrilla Cambridge, Bigbig. LightBox, EatSleepPlay, SuperBot, Relentless, Game Republic.

Microsoft have axed a similar number and the list is comparable (a lot of mostly studios who created casual games or didn't release anything and a few larger studios like Lionhead and Ensemble).

The point is, either Microsoft is not nearly as bad as people think when it comes to shutting down studios or at the very least, they are no worse than other publishers, Sony included. imo.

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Segata1620d ago

Leave Platinum Alone. MS almost bankrupt them with Scalebound. Nier saved them.

Also for ANY ONE SAYING FROM SOFTWARE. Kadakowa owns them. Kad is a huge multimedia corp in Japan. They are like a smaller Tencent but of Japan.

Team Ninja is just a brand. A label. It's not a dedicated team. It's the internal staff of Koei Tecmo. Ninja Gaiden began in Arcades and NES and Master System. Not Xbox.

battlegrog1620d ago

That would be smart to widen the market of buyers. Get asian devs onboard to appeal to the asian market ! which is also big to

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gold_drake1620d ago

is that smart? most of the Xbox fanbase is not rly into Asian games. or j-rpgs etc.

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ApocalypseShadow1620d ago

Correct answer right here. Most of them shunned Japanese offerings as hentai or tentacle games. And don't even buy enough of the games to see ports without a big fat check from Microsoft.

Now they want them and Japanese studios. Go figure.

rainslacker1620d ago

They like the japanese games made with a more western focus or presentation. Things like resident evil. If people want to predict what studios ms is likely to buy from Asia, look at the studios who make those kinds of games. Looking at studios who have more otaku games is not likely to be something MS will look at, and I personally think thatd be pretty crappy of them to do given their history of giving up on Asia as soon as it was apparent no one cared. Having one or two studios from Asia isnt going to change their fortunes over there, unless they manage to get someone like atlus, sega, or square, which have a significant amount of software that's appealing to the Asian market. Even then, unless ms is going after the portable market, I dont see the point, and making those games for game pass or xcloud doesnt sound that appealing in terms of potential quality

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ZwVw1620d ago

Then go buy VGS. I hear Itagaki is looking for work.

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Knushwood Butt1620d ago

The Devil's Third!!

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nommers1620d ago

I’m not worried. They’ve done this schtick before and it didn’t go anywhere. They can’t do hostile takeovers like they can in the west because of Japanese laws.

rainslacker1620d ago

They didn't do any hostile takeovers for their current studios, so it's unlikely theyll do it in asia. Theyll look for quality studios that are willing to sell. Make an offer, and hope they say yes. Otherwise, theyll look for andifferent dev to buy.

Xavi4K1620d ago

I love reading Rain's comments even if it doesn't go with my thoughts or view its always educated unbiased comment

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Goozex1620d ago

I thought ms said they were done buying and starting to execute

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EDKICK1620d ago

Matt Booty said his focus was shifting more to execution, not that they were 100% done acquiring.

GamingInFrames1620d ago

I'd look into Crytek. Also, maybe try and collaborate with Gabe on Half-Life 3

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CDbiggen1620d ago

There's something about this that just annoys me.

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Father__Merrin1620d ago

same talk during last generation oh microsoft should just buy everything, sorry but xbox is at 50k per week worldwide its dropping off and scarlett will be more of the same i just dont want anyone to set themselves up for disappointment

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timotim1620d ago

Did you just mix Microsoft's capital with how many pieces of hardware their selling a week??? What non paring. The difference is, last gen they weren't acquiring studios at a break neck pace like they are now. What does how much units Scarlett sells have to do with how many studios Microsoft acquires, or how many gamers can play those games world wide? What is disappointing is your weak troll.

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Auron1620d ago

Mistwalker you fools!

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Segata1620d ago

They are not a developmental studio. Just a concept studio. They don't make games. They sell ideas to small sudios to make.

Acecalibur1620d ago

Oh God no.

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william_cade1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

They are going to be making more cellphone games...joy.

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1620d ago

fonger081620d ago

If they wanted to make a move that would best play to their western audience and bring in “some” eastern gamers all while making one of the biggest positive PR moves would be to buy Konami or at least their IPs. Because let’s face it, their IPs appeal to both audiences and need saving from the doldrums that is Konami.

hanko141620d ago

they should of partner with sega years ago when they where almost out of the hardware business. but kept sega name for the console, but powered by microsoft. and would had a mix of xbox and sega games. then that would of brought more asian consumer etc

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HighPlayer281620d ago

Facts very dumb move on Microsoft part.

HighPlayer281620d ago

From Software for a new Otogi and Team Ninja for Ninja Gaiden. And if you cant buy these studios Phil than do a lot of 2nd party deals with these japanese studios like Sony did with Insomniac.

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Segata1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

Kadakowa owns From Soft. They are not selling. Team Ninja is not a dev studio. It's a label used by the entire interal staff of KT.

HighPlayer281619d ago

I stand corrected about Team Ninja being just a label but you can not just boldy claim these studios will not sell off if a ocean of cash is presented which Microsoft has brought to the Xbox division thanks to Phil Spencer. Remember know one thought Ninja Theory would sell their studio to Microsoft this gen but it happened so your post is total speculation not fact.

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Segata1619d ago

Ninja Theory was an indie dev studio, not a massive publisher. NT being bought was not a shock. Indie studio, it made sense. KT is not a small indie studio. Nobunaga's Ambition is big in Japan and would die on Xbox. It had a Pokemon crossover game. They also don't want their Warriors games to be locked to Xbox. Then we have Fatal Frame which Nintendo is the co-owner of the IP. That's another wrench. Atelier series does well on PS4 and Switch. MS isn't about to publish those in the west as they have been on Xbox. Western Xbox owners don't want it. Japan doesn't want the Xbox. Welp another series just died.
It doesn't matter what Japanese games you put on Xbox. Japan doesn't want it.

battlegrog1620d ago

MS is already making good moves by bringing super popular new versions of crossfire and kart rider.Those games are going to be super popular on that platform and probably become really secuessull. I could see them just buying those studidos to

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ufo8mycat1620d ago

Microsoft cheaping out.
How about acquiring some great studios with a resume? Like Sony did with Insomniac Games?
Little name studiios don't help much sorry.

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BlaqMagiq11620d ago

Hopefully none of them are dumb enough to be bought out by MS

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bluefox7551620d ago

I hope they don't ruin any more good ones.

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1620d ago

Magog1620d ago

The blackhole of gaming. Good studios go in and are never heard from again.

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vinniects1620d ago

Microsoft should buy blue hole and give pubg the resources they deserve

Parasyte1620d ago

You have no idea how much I would love for them to have the resources to fix that game on consoles.

1620d ago

derek1620d ago

I'll believe when I see it.

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BrainSyphoned1620d ago

I guess Microsoft learned that China is in Asia. Of course when they find out Russia also exists in Asia they will be stricken with fear and the deals will all be canceled.

343_Guilty_Spark1620d ago (Edited 1620d ago )

Team Cherry
Moon Studios
Studio MDHR
Square Enix
Team Ninja

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TheColbertinator1620d ago

Mistwalker!

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Segata1619d ago

They are not a game developer. Just a concept pitch studio. MS already owns the Blue Dragon and LO IP so they can already make a successor without them if they want. Sakagushi has made it clear he is retired from console games.

ShadowWolf7121620d ago

I'm not sure whether I'd rather learn all this suspect comment activity of late is actual corporate astroturfing from Xbox or just very rabid fanboys.

Not sure which would be more sad.

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- Comments (76)

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LG_Fox_Brazil10d ago

If I had a 100% way to be sure that this money would go to a fund or a reserve dedicated only to the guys who develop the games, be them designers, artists, programmers and so on, I could think about it.

But we all know that this 'tip' would only end up in a publisher's CEO pocket to buy a new yacht, so, no, I ain't tipping anyone anytime soon on this industry

neutralgamer19929d ago

Exactly these companies were raising money for good causes and gamers were donation and come to find out they are keeping a good chunk of be pie

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PapaBop8d ago

Yeah tip your developer, 5% proceeds go to developer, 95% to the publisher or whoever. Isn't tipping for staff not making minimum wage? How about they just pay their developers properly and like you know, give them fair bonuses? Too much to ask from Blizzard these days, Kotick saw to that and is now laughing all the way to the bank.

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MrDead9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

It's the t**ts at the top looking at ways to cut devs wages and get the players to tip them like waiting staff, and I'll guarantee a percentage is skimmed and kept by Activision Blizzard. This is 100% for shareholder and CEO playouts.

Popsicle9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

I have to agree with this. On the surface tipping devs sounds like a great idea, but in the end it leads to pay cuts and subsidization of pay. Tips then become an expectation or the devs “can’t make a living.” Lastly, especially in the US, tip culture has gotten out of control, and it serves as an excuse not to properly pay employees. Sounds good but doesn’t end well.

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drizzom8d ago

@ Popsicle

I think your right on the nose with how much tipping has become rampant. Instead of it being a relationship directly between the customer and the developer or employee, it now has a middle man ingrained in the system. DoorDash is one example. It ends up becoming a metric where the company can measure 'just how much more money you are willing to part with' before raising the price on the main product.

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1Victor9d ago

Uh so they’re trying triple dip or more we buy the game that they’re already withholding/cutting content for dlc we was told that season pass would help the developers thrive we felt for it.
Now on top of all that plus their sales bonus they want tips enough is enough whatever happens to you create/built a good game get a bonus for sales milestones you care about your game and community we reward you with more sales not for doing 3/4 of a game then save the other 1/4 for dlc and passes after

raWfodog8d ago

The 'tip' is me buying your game in the first place.

Demetrius8d ago

Lmao ikr

S2Killinit8d ago

Very well said. If it was possible to send the money to either the developer or some organization for the betterment of gaming, sure. But we all know that will not be the case.

Rynxie8d ago (Edited 8d ago )

No, it would go to those on the top. They will still fire developers, have a bunch of microtransactions, raise prices of games and so on.

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GoodGuy0910d ago

Oh shut up.

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H910d ago

So they eventually don't pay their workers and depend on our tips to pay them like the case with waiters!

Deeeeznuuuts9d ago

That kind of practice is only normal in the states, as far as I know anyway, what a backwards system

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H99d ago

No it's as well in a every country that wants to amercanize

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bloop9d ago

Ireland is literally the first stop across the pond and we don't have a tipping culture. The only establishments here that would expect a tip are the tourist haunts that Americans visit. Other than that, you might tip in a restaurant as a sign of gratitude for great service and waiting staff would be paid a full wage anyway.

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Rebel_Scum8d ago

Tipping is not customary iin most countries dude. Get a passport lol.

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Jin_Sakai10d ago

Is this a joke? How about the big wigs giving up some of their pay for their hard working developers.

MrBaskerville9d ago

Maybe the CEO could earn his money based on tips.

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mastershredder9d ago

good god. The devs are not baristas dude. Total 1% ideals. Fing Chadosaurus.

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-Foxtrot9d ago

Here's a tip...shut the f*** up

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Relientk779d ago

All they care about is the money. It's pure greed, and it's disgusting

Crows909d ago

Caring about making money ain't the problem. It's the greed which turns into predatory interests in making money at the loss of humanity and customer trust.

Caring about making money helps you keep everyone employed...but they only care about lining their own pockets not making many for everyone to benefit.

You nailed it as greed...that's the problem.

OtterX9d ago

Them: "We've figured out a way to squeeze you of more money, come on let us stick it in."
Us: "No."
Them: "Please! just the tip."
Us: "That's how it always starts."

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XiNatsuDragnel9d ago

Where's that tip is actually going the CEOs pocket.

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staticall9d ago

"Interesting concept"?! This is beyond idiotic.

First of all, developers have a salary and they earn a pretty decent wage.
Next, tipping culture is awful overall and should be abolished, i think. People don't see it as a token of gratitude for the job done well (as it should be), they see it as their own money that you must give them, no matter how they do the job. Look at some places, tips became mandatory and they are a fixed percent of your order, for some reason (especially in kids playrooms). You'll give them an inch and they'll take a mile and then another one on top. Look at macrotransactions, started on free to play games, was costing around $2-$5, now it's everywhere, even in $70 AAA games and cost more than a game, up to $100.
On top of that, you'll have to waste resources adding this system, integrate with payment providers and fix the bugs, who will do that? What, another company should make it and take a fee from every transaction? No, thanks, there're already enough parasites around.

Even if we ignore that this is dumb idea and should never be a thing ever:
Who can guarantee that the money will go to developers ONLY? That's right, no one.
How many developers are working on a AAA game? 100+? Who would you tip, some particular developer? How would you know who? All 100? The wouldn't even notice a few cents bonus.

Hey, as long as we're throwing (dumb) ideas around - how about the other way around, CEOs and top management will tip the players who play their game? I read everywhere about the record profits and firing development staff, yet CEOs and top management are keeping theirs, so how about sharing some of your wealth? Oh, what, you don't want that? Oh, i guess it should only work in your favor, huh?

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VENOM OF SINS9d ago

It’s called Kickstarter, since 99% of games are broken upon release and are essentially still in development.

Tipping culture is getting out of hand. I just see this as moving in a direction where employers no longer want to be held accountable for their employee’s salaries or investments.

Why aren’t you showing your appreciation and providing me with a tip for purchasing your game? Did I do something wrong by only dropping $130+ on your Ultimate Edition that is plagued with matchmaking issues for the next 2-3 months and only includes a bonus game soundtrack that is totally forgettable?

Hofstaderman9d ago

Just the tip?

Barlos9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Give me the option by all means. I can then choose to refuse.

drizzom8d ago

Next thing you know, articles appear on the usual gaming news sites stating "Gamers are ungrateful to the developers!"

DrDoomer9d ago

We will then immediately see games designed from the ground up around tipping.

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SimpleDad9d ago

Yeah tipping the developer only to find later that he was laid off.

Skuletor9d ago

I'd like to tip a few off a cliff

Profchaos9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

How about they get paid a proper wage.
American tipping culture is just madness I've seen it's starting to expand beyond just waiters and Batista's into things like real estate agents and self service kiosks like at Macdonalds along with other place's it should never even be considering I don't tip anyone in Australia ever and no one is mad about it.

CrimsonWing699d ago (Edited 9d ago )

I think the developers should tip us for essentially buying dome $70 games to basically play test. Doesn’t really sound so good does it? Y’all make more than most people and still want more.

Btf_19919d ago

Fuck off

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Kaozz19799d ago

Whats next, I dont tip and then they remove my access to the game?

Chocoburger9d ago

This wouldn't work for games published by a big company, of course. But it could work for smaller indie game projects that have a very low cost, such as a $5 game made by 3 people, and you can choose to tip them an extra $3 - $5 as a sign of appreciation.

However, this would be a disgusting practice if it was allowed for games published by Ubisoft, Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, EA, Namco, Capcom, S-E, Sega, etc.

MetroidFREAK219d ago

On top of $70 games? No

anast9d ago

This is how food delivery apps put more of the responsibility and cost on the customer. Blizzard finds the sleaziest managers.

ClosetRebel9d ago

Give me a f@cking break!

MrBaskerville9d ago

First thet introduce tips, then they cut pay as much as possible, so they can profit more.

Vits9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

I could see this being a cool thing for Indies. But often you can do just that already if they have a patreon or something similar. For major developer companies that would be super silly, to start there is a huge chance that the devs that worked on that particular game has already been fired as the project is over. And obviously the money would not reach the developers that are still there, the suits would gobble it all up.

Also we all know that if this get implemented by a American. It would stop being a small bonus for good work and become a integral part of the salary of the devs in no time.

ocelot079d ago

I'll be honest I don't think I'm 100% against this. Like it would be a very rare thing for me. It would only donate/tip Devs that have not only made a incredible game. But also don't make me feel like I'm getting nicked and dimed.

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purple1018d ago

You should be able to tip an individual team, such as if you really liked the audio, the graphics, or the animations teams,

Perhaps the art team or special effects teams too, how about that idea?

ocelot078d ago

Yer it could work.

Toecutter009d ago

I love it when these CEOs and the ilk speak about the video game industry. They say the wildest, headscratching rubbish that only seems reasonable to a soulless husk whose myopic pursuit of profit make it seem reasonable to him and him alone.

PiNkFaIrYbOi9d ago

Tipping culture is out of hand and it needs to stop.

gold_drake9d ago

excuse me? lol

nmbr1esq9d ago

To Mike Ybarra, In the words of Elon Musk, "go fk yourself!" Is that clear enough.

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cell9899d ago

They're trying to be restaurant owners 😂😂 have the consumer pay for their wages smh

Walalon9d ago

In a couple of years:

Horse DLC $80 dollars.. oh you buy it! Wanna tip another $20 for the demon son of Bobby Kottick?!

Abear219d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Go work in a restaurant if you want to work for tips. You get no insurance and paid $5/hr.

How about you make something worth buying? He can blame constant video game sales if anything. Most Games are half price in just months.

Everyone knows games go on sale constantly, devs need to make and market properly and maybe we get excited enough to drop $70. I remember seeing WAY more game commercials back in the day. They don’t spend money marketing anymore and just expect us to build hype on our own when day one gaming is risky. These devs have F’d up so many times and just fix via patches…this is bullshit and why we all just wait for your buggy rushed game to go on sale.

jambola9d ago

Wow that sounds like a wonderful idea
Then the multi billion dollar company wouldn't have to pay them as much
And if there's one company I trust with this stuff, it's blizzard
Always thinking about the little guy

LeShin9d ago

My 'tip' is buying good games.

Dandizzle9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Oh yeah so then blizzard can justify paying employees less. What a scummy dude

Miacosa9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

These games are produced for the most part at multiple million to trillion dollar companies. How about they be fiscally responsible with scope and budget so they can pay the developers better. It is not the consumers responsibility to bail out failing business plans.

RonnySins9d ago

How about NO!

Crows909d ago

The USA doesn't understand tippIng....knowing them they'd reduce wages across the board for all devs in order to guilt trip customers to tip.

Lionsguard9d ago

No no no no no no no way in hell would I ever support ANOTHER tipping avenue. "Oh it's optional" you say? Say that to the "forced 20% gratuity on some checks". What next? Unskippable 1 minute donation begging before we can play so they can write it off in their taxes?

Tzuno8d ago

Look at that stupid smile...

Michiel19898d ago

I'm not gonna tip you when I have to pay 30 dollars extra for 2 days of early access. You should have probably also tipped your coworker when she got paid less for the exact same role you were given and didn't say a word about it.

PRIMORDUS8d ago

Oh what was that? I should torrent more games on PC? Don't mind if I do. LOL I have the Starcraft collection already what else shall I take hmmmm...

Kyizen8d ago

I thought micro transactions was tips...

DivineHand1258d ago

The moment they implement that option, they will reduce the developers' pay and expect tips to makeup the difference.

enkiduxiv8d ago

Tipping is a wonderful thing to do, but an executive is the last person who should suggest it for an industry. This is just shady.

RhinoGamer888d ago

Actually, if I buy a game on sale, I would be open if the funds went to the developer NOT the publisher. For example, buy a $70 game at $39.99. If the game is great and updated properly, I would tip $10.

Jobu8d ago

Okay but if your game is trash, then it's only fair you pay me for having to go through that hardship of spending my money on a terrible game.

kaos898d ago

If games did not have microtransactions and released complete and games weren't broken on release and patched later then this might have a little bit of merit. Non multiplayer games connected to the internet have lead to intolerable experiences.

jznrpg8d ago

If you want the ability to give tips then totally stop selling MT’s and battle passes and I will consider it.

rlow18d ago

What a pure idiot. Stupid is what stupid does……so don’t be on the “does” category.

PassNextquestion8d ago

Don't these guys earn enough?

jwillj2k48d ago

Here’s to incoming “your tips make up for it” salary cuts

zero_jp8d ago

Mike Ybarra is a joke. This man goes from company to company like the town wh*re.

I didn’t like him at Microsoft, didn’t like him at Blizzard. And while I would tip developers who deserve it.

I’ll never tip developers who are more than happy to force diversity and inclusion just because.

If it makes sense for the story and game okay. But often times it’s just there to check DEI boxes.

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DaniMacYo8d ago (Edited 8d ago )

Or perhaps the big greedy companies that hired said developers and what not pay out of their billion dollar pockets. Instead of pocketing it all or most of it and then complaining how expensive it is to make AAA video games nowadays. You greedy perverted F’s. Stop job cuts too so you maintain a disgusting life style while the real hardworking people struggle to get by while working tirelessly to make your F’ing games. There should be more capital from these companies that have a reserve for the devs and give them a fair bonus when the games launched.

The amount of money these CEO’s rank in compared to the peanuts the devs and various studio employees make could go towards a better funded gaming experience. The big dogs don’t work anywhere near as much or as hard as the poor devs who often end up on the short end of the stick. Get used and abused then let go while they have a house to pay off.