Microsoft says it's "doubling down" on PC games

[TomSEA]

Vrmithrax beat me to the punch (again ). Two weeks ago a senior MS rep was talking about how no one plays shooters on the PC anymore and now (GASP!) PC gaming is where it's at!

Between Steam and Google, MS can't figure out which way is up while trying to compete with them.

 

[Relic]

That's hardly a double-down, while yes it's nice that Microsoft is finally getting around to improving its marketplace and competition is always welcomed, it still doesn't really change anything. Microsoft needs to get back to publishing unique games for the PC. Over the years their library of published games shrunk dramatically and if Fable III doesn't come out NO games will be released this year, something that has NEVER happened before. So many great games and franchises Microsoft just let die off over the years like Freelancer and MechWarrior. Until this changes Orullian doesn't have much to stand on.

Regarding GFWL, I still see a lot of potential in it unfortunately at the moment it still feels like a beta program and lacks many basic features that PC gamers have to come to expect. It needs a serious overhaul at least imo for me to consider using it over programs like Steam/Xfire & even Impulse.

@ Vrmithrax & Tom That's not exactly what was said since the context is important but Kudo Tsunoda is kind of a fruitcake when it comes to PR =P .

 

[Guest]

This is the problem with how fragmented Microsoft is, the Xbox has done well but the people working on it are so segregated that they couldn't care less about PC gaming any more than Sony or Nintendo, which is *****ic for a company who's PC OS is their bread and butter.

What Microsoft should do/should have done is make Xbox architecture as close to PC as possible, so an X86-64 processor and a Direct X GPU. They should then stipulate to developers that anything released for Xbox has an adequate PC version, and offer some a scheme to consumers whereby when they buy a game for one platform, they also get it for the other - they could even just sell retail versions of all Xbox/PC games with two discs. Better integration in multiplayer, so those with Xbox versions of a game can play against their friends with PC versions would be a good idea too, although obviously you'd have to have some restrictions or handicaps with joint PC/Xbox multiplayer overall to prevent PC gamers having an unfair advantage.

 

[Nexus7Model]

chazz said:

"Buy the XBOX/PC version and get a free key to play it on the system that you did not buy it for"

Blood BRILIANT and why not?! You can get DVD/Bluray combos now! Let the PC ride Xbox coat tails as it's a Win/Win!

 

[mkillor]

I would love for Microsoft to start "doubling down" on PC games. Age of Mythology was awesome. Besides with all the recent hardware changes, console gaming should be fading more and more.

 

[n00bzZy]

MS should really focus on making a few new games for the PC. I doubt MS' platform will be better than Steam, whether at launch or in the long term. Making a new AoE game however could be great.

 

[oasis789]

they should do a combo with KFC. double down burger with double down gaming.

 

[ShiftedReality]

Well i hope they will keep there word. Would be nice to see them put as much effort in the PC games ad they do the Xbox 360. Also, Freelancer 2 would be great.. wont happen but would be nice!

 

[edison5do]

I really hope that they are sai}ying this after they say PC gaming was dying, to keep porting those low framerates and low resolutions console games to pc, it is that then PC gaming will keep diyng beacause us the pc gamers dont invest our money on expensive parts to keep playing games that a PIII with apropiate configuration could run.

 

[dustin_ds3000]

I bet Steam is going to have a HUGE sale on November 15. I hope they do, Steam FTW

 

[Xero07]

sounds great. I almost always get digital distributions rather then disks these days and it'll be nice to have a few options out there. I wouldn't mind some 360 ports but would also like them to make games designed for PC

 

[UT66]

PC gaming deserves MUCH better than what MS has to offer.

 

[Zilpha]

Microsoft needs to get back to publishing unique games for the PC. Over the years their library of published games shrunk dramatically and if Fable III doesn't come out NO games will be released this year, something that has NEVER happened before.

I agree their exclusives have decreased dramatically but that's more an issue with developers wanting to spread around their games to as many people as possible. Devs want a slice of all three pies - Xbox 360, PC, and Ps3, and the pool of companies that are sticking exclusive with one or the other is starting to dwindle fast.

And Fable III shipped yesterday, so not sure what you mean by "if it doesn't come out". It's out - go get your copy!

 

[frodough]

i have been a long time Steam user (since the beginnings), but i actually gave Windows Live Marketplace a try and bought Borderlands for $7.49! that's even better price than Steam's Borderland sale ($9.99)!! i gotta say you naysayers shouldn't play hard against your own wallet, everything is game when the price is right!

 

[pTk]

I'm just glad that PC Gaming hasn't been completely forgotten

 

[kevin1212]

Steam is indeed already taking over, the only thing i would welcome is more deals or better prices since some steam games are very overpriced, especially considering that they're digital downloads.

 

[DDG4005]

Recycle said:

nismo91 said:
Although I know M$ is not the main developer of M$ Games, I still enjoy playing some of their games, namely Halo 1, Age of Empires 2/3, Dungeon Siege 1/2. Hey M$ where is the next version?

Amen to Dungeon Siege! I hope 3 comes out anytime soon..

Dungeon Siege 3 is being developed by Obsidian and will be released by Square Enix next March. I'm looking forward to it as well.

 

[DDG4005]

If Microsoft is really serious about doubling down on PC gaming then they should have no problem porting Gears of War 2 (and 3 when it comes out), Halo 3 and ODST, and Reach to Windows. Otherwise they're just talking smack.

 

[sMILEY4ever]

What I would really like to read is that game developers are doing games for linux and windows on a more regular basis. This news right here sounds like steam for ms games.

 

[vangrat]

./facepalm

Here is an idea Microlimp, fire everyone who thinks they are "cool" or "hip" in the gaming area of your company. We geeks, nerds, and finks, know that we are none of these. If you do this, your gaming department will soar. Alternatively, move all those people to your marketing sector, thereby allowing the wannabe "cool/hip" people who are into gaming help develop marketing for your gaming. Oh and for the love of god, do not let your CEO talk to the public for marketing. He is a dip.

 

[Relic]

Zilpha said:
I agree their exclusives have decreased dramatically but that's more an issue with developers wanting to spread around their games to as many people as possible. Devs want a slice of all three pies - Xbox 360, PC, and Ps3, and the pool of companies that are sticking exclusive with one or the other is starting to dwindle fast.

You're right, exclusives overall are on a decline and as a gamer that is a good thing since everyone can enjoy the game no matter the platform. However PC games have a tendency to then become delayed with poor ports and not be properly optimized for us compared to the console releases.

Zilpha said:
And Fable III shipped yesterday, so not sure what you mean by "if it doesn't come out". It's out - go get your copy!

No that's the 360 version, we're talking about PC games . Fable III was delayed and I don't recall them setting a date for it. It's also the only game being published for PC this year IF it comes out.

 

[Zecias]

if they really wanna do something to help pc gaming, they should just port the console games to pc. a mediocre version of steam wont do anything.

 

[CyberChrist]

It really does bother me how it seems Microsoft has kind of brushed aside PC users these past few years since the 360 was so popular. As wonderful as an idea is to be able to use the same game across two platforms I don't think it would ever pass any sort of financial measurement. I do think the idea to have the next Xbox as PC like as possible and force developers to make sure that the standards are there for the PC when they have a cross platform game has legs. I would also like to say that the reason why the PC has been getting ignored is because of lack of marketing. People still think it costs thousands to have a decent PC and it really doesn't. MS should team up with hardware vendors like they did for Windows 7 to help push the hardware more. That way people would see it as a valid alternative to consoles. In addition if you favor the computer more, stop buying consoles. That is what I did. It probably didn't make much of a difference but it made me feel a bit better!

 

[KG363]

I like the GFWL and I hope they are being earnest. PC could use a boost, and real MS backing would be great

 

[Guest]

Wasn't there just an article a few weeks ago about how a certain Microsoft employee believed PC game was dying? Damn, they need to make up their minds.