@get2sammyb Exactly. And with Microsoft wanting a foothold in Japan this also proves a Japanese buyout is far, far less likely for them. If they get hit this hard over western deals a buyout in Japan would go far less smoothly for a foreign acquisition.
This is why it makes me laugh when Xbox fans say "Microsoft should buy this publisher/dev or that publisher/dev" next. They can't just throw their money around as they like without attracting legal scrutiny, and this proves it, even though they said 'but Sony is allowed to do it'.
Every deal gets reviewed and I doubt Microsoft will be allowed to buy a massive publisher after Activation so soon if at all, because their purchases so large would end up triggering anti-competitive legislation since the other two major platform holders can't match them.
Either way, I don't care this is happening to Sony. Their buyout literally affects no one because Bungie are remaining multiplat/independant' yet it still gets reviewed.
@Justjuzy @mucc
Sony have a tendency to buy studios they've worked almost exclusively with most of the time. It's a pattern to their acquisitions.
In addition they seem to have jumped on the 'live service' bandwagon and FF has already dipped it's toes in that, and being a hugely recognisable IP would solidify their plans even more.
Plus, since Microsoft have been on a spending spree and Sony paid for timed exclusivity for FFVII Remake I doubt they'd want to lose the franchise to MS forever.
It all just makes sense and I think it's going to happen. Cutting out Crystal Dynamics and Tomb Raider shows something is stiring up over there. Along with the news of losing 2bn over Marvel's Avengers means they're in financial trouble.
I hope this isn't 'the big news' we were supposed to be hearing about.
The downward spiral is progressing. By the next gen gaming won't be recognisable anymore. Thank god for retro consoles, the best days are behind us. And that's where I'll be going one day.
I'm just glad that Tomb Raider will highly likely remain multiplatform with Embrace. We get to play it either way.
Although I still think it all seems like a strange situation. Acquisition rumours and now a sale of a branch? I do think Sony are buying the Japanese side of Square Enix for better or worse.
Tomb Raider was/is a massive IP for me. The only other franchise from SE I have a little interest in is Dragon Quest.
@RevGaming Who knows. 🤷♂️ I mean I've considered building a new PC for myself because of all the consolidation going on, as I said to him, console gamers have something to worry about when one of the platform holders buy something, PC does not.
And look how he reacts. Racist? Really? Looking at his comment history, how he hasn't been banned yet I'll never know.
I really don't want to build a new PC again but considering I want to be able to play all the games I might have to, we'll see how bad the situation gets. It's depressing to say the least when you hear of MS or Sony buying something.
@RevGaming I actually thought he was joking at first until I saw his comment history of pretty much being an aggressive PC fanboy. Wow, just wow, that's extreme fanaticism on another level.
@Bismarck
I pretty much just said that. When either Sony or Microsoft buy a dev or publisher one of the consoles will lose out and PC doesn't, that's why PC doesn't count in the comparison.
Why are you so hostile? What's your problem? And call me ignorant?
I used to game on PC when I was younger but have less patience for it now, I'm not ignorant, and I happen to have worked in the industry due to my Cisco certifications. And saying anything perceived against PC isn't racist btw, gamers and gaming platforms are not a race. That's the problem with fanatics, you're too obsessed.
@Martsmall
Ah it's them making a Bond game. That's even more of a relief because I thought Xbox had a deal with a new exclusive Bond game. I've been saying for ages we never got one through the PS4 gan and wanted a new one.
So SE doesn't own IO? I thought they did. I've got Hitman 2 from PS+ but never touched it because I was put off by the episodic news, maybe I'll give it a chance. I thought it was also online based and not single player, just the wording confused me so I never touched them.
As for Sega, if anyone were to make a bid I'd prefer Nintendo, they work closely together and would be the best fit. I'd prefer them to stay independant' though and hope to god they do.
Yakuza is an awesome series. I thought I wasn't going to like 'Like a Dragon' when I heard about the new combat system but I LOVED it! Absolutely amazing game and a breath of fresh air.
I've got the platinum to Yakuza 1-7 now which I'm a little proud of.
Persona is another I couldn't bear to lose out on, one of my favourite series of all time.
Y'know, last month I spotted the PS2 copies of Persona 3&4 sitting behind a glass case in CeX, it was slightly under a shelf and obscured so all I could see was a yellow label, I gasped and yelled out "OMG IT CAN'T BE". I literally ran to the counter like a madman with arms flailing almost tripping over people to claim them. Got to the counter struggling to breath and just went "Yeah, them Persona games in the case? I want 'em".
@UltimateOtaku91
Maybe that could drive Hitman back to its roots. Even since after Hitman Absolution when it followed it new episodic (from what I understand) direction I've been like ehh :/
@Apfelschteiner
I don't know much about Tencent but everyone seems up in arms about them. What makes me relieved about them or any other is to not hear the words Sony or Microsoft, then someone always loses out.
I know everyone thinks Disney ruined Star Wars, and the movies were not as great as their previous Saga's but I'm glad that the games are still multiplatform as a result. (I enjoyed Mandolorian though and I think Obi-Wan will be good.)
I forgot about Amazon and their app store, that being said IP's like Tomb Raider surely couldn't be just a mobile game? It's a big AAA franchise. It could even open the door for them to become a publisher, for better or worse.
Either way I'm just relieved that the other two, aren't getting so many big franchises. Microsoft in particular are getting on my nerves buying huge publishers, if they do a huge purchase a third time I hope they get hit with an anti-competitive legislation because the other two (Nintendo and Sony) can't match that spending power.
My biggest fear is Sega, or more importantly Atlus better be left damn well alone. Especially since Atlus seems to be warming up to going multiplatform with the PC release of P4G.
@Martsmall I see. I suppose yes, there could be third party exclusive deals, that does happen. But probably more towards unlikely since unless the platform holders throw a huge sum of money at them they'll want as much profit as possible.
I'm just glad either way that it's not one of the other two, atleast we all have a better chance of playing their games. All this talk of 'Sony needs to buy this' and 'Xbox needs to buy that' it upsets me personally because they'd be restricted to one console (PC doesn't count in my eyes).
I'm actually glad about this. I don't like Sony or Microsoft buying everything because they have a platform to sell and the games would be 'console exclusive' to PlayStation and Xbox. Atleast this way the games remain multiplatform.
This is why I don't see what all the fuss is about with Tencent, Disney, Amazon etc buying studios, presumably they remain third party multiplatform and that would be preferable?
Even though I expected this, it's not going to go down well. And it's not going to earn them any good will when they're about to launch a service that needs paying customers.
I get why they're doing it but they should honour the codes people have bought until they're pulled from store shelves.
The Vita had so much potential and Nintendo have proven that with the right games there is still a market for handhelds.
I have two Vita's and a VitaTV. One is on OFW, one is on CFW for PSX, PSP, GB/A N64, SNES emulation.
And the Vita TV is for all of that on.. well the TV. Plus autopluginII has an HD upscale filter for Persona4 Golden. And I can play my favourite PSX and PSP games that Sony neglected to port over. MG Acid was sadly overlooked.
@S1ayeR74
I said primary, not only method. It's not a narrative you just want to ignore reports of what is happening. You want facts, then a quick search will show you how many reports there are about this. Again i know you don't want to believe it but it's just what companies do. Funny how a sudden PR line of 'servers and surface' devices were used when they historically use intel.
I can see there is no convincing you, end of the day you've just got to look at what's happening and the dots line up.
I won't be wasting my time with you any longer, any rational person knows why this happens. The industry is very cut-throat and Microsoft are no exception.
@S1ayeR74 Console sales are the primary (but not only) method to get people on GamePass, so console sales are still very important. Deny it all you want. Web wide reports will have weight to them and as I said, an abundance of consoles becoming available at the same time? Wake up dude.
Microsoft are not this big friendly company you think they are, none of them are and they'll try anything to get ahead, it's what companies do.
Again, when the PS5 is more readily available it'll do what PlayStation always has every gen.
@S1ayeR74
Keep telling yourself that, we all know why. Eerie how a steady stream of Xbox consoles are suddenly becoming available around the time these reports came in while the PS5 is still practically non-existant. I know you don't want to believe it, but when the PS5 is more readily available it will outsell the Xbox as it always does and Microsoft knows this, they still haven't caught up to PS5 despite shortages which was reported around a 2-1 outselling in January.
These stories have been coming out everywhere over the web. It's claimed to be for servers and surface devices. Do some searching and you'll find they tend to use intel for a lot of those devices.
I suppose it's impossible that it had anything to do with Microsoft paying for chip priority, can't possibly be that.
And let's not kid ourselves, it's not for server racks and surface devices, they tend to be mostly intel.
We know it was for an edge in console sales. After all, it's odd how Series X's are strangely getting a lot of supply lately while PS5 is barely trickling out of the factories.
I'll bet RTU on YouTube would still cherry pick holes in this somewhere. Whether Sony tries or not it's a 'damned if you do, damned if you don't' train for them these days.
Calling it now, his videos will be "BuT iT's StReAmInG!" Or "iT's BeHiNd A pAyWaLl!"
Seriously? C'mon Sony that's your HQ's main turf! Stop crapping on them! Put Japan back as your number one priority or it could mean Japanese developers could be less favourable to you. And we don't want that.
Japanese favouring PlayStation (and Nintendo) is what differentiates PlayStation from Xbox. Otherwise what's the point of you? You'll just look like another primary westernised platform. (And I don't mean that in an insulting way for the record)
@Gh05tm4ch1n3
It sounds exactly the same as Microsoft. Both wanting and announcing ads in f2p games on their platforms. Do you really think Microsoft wouldn't be making money out of it? They're a corporation, it won't be out of the goodness of their hearts there'd have to be something in it for them.
If you're against one you're against both. What's good for the Goose is good for the gander.
This is not a 'Microsoft good, Sony evil!' mentality that people try to throw around.
@REALAIS
I do get what you're saying but can you honestly say that £39.99 is justified for an in-game car? Or £11.99 for a couple of characters in a Lego game that could have already been there while charging £50 per copy?
They are trying to push it too far. I get they need to make money but I mean seriously, those are not 'microtransactions'.
How far will they take this advertising? First billboards? Then loading screens, maybe even like YouTube where it plays prior to the start screen or during a kill cam on death? How far will they go?
And what if it becomes internet based 'targeted ads' like Google Chrome? That means they'll be collecting personal data from their users affecting privacy.
Just some possible scenarios, you just never know.
@Blaze215 I share your sentiment that Sony are losing my respect/trust. The current management are turning it into something disgusting. The PlayStation of today seems like a completely different platform all together from the PS1 and PS2.
I was speaking to my brother earlier about buying a Series X and going back to Xbox as I dislike the current direction under Jim and co.
Even though they can both be as bad as each other and popularity can change any platform. And even though I have my PS5 I fear for its current direction. Although at the moment that goes for gaming in general. The future is not so bright. Thankfully there is still the past.
@REALAIS
Remember this comment when it spirals out of control, because it will. When it becomes accepted in small unobtrusive ways to begin with they'll see how far they can push us. That's how these things work, greed will get the better of them.
Like MTX's were once very small 0.99 accessories and skins and such, now you can pay £39.99 for a car or content that is removed and sold back to us for the sake of capitalism. How is £39.99 considered a 'microtransaction?' that's the price full games used to cost.
People can't 'vote with their wallet' if a majority support/accept it. Don't give them the benefit of the doubt.
@RubyCarbuncle
Yeah, I know. But I tend to stay away from all other kind of social media. FaceBook, Twitter, left those years ago. One is full of nosy people and the other is a cess pit full of the worst kind of 'humans' you could possibly meet.
I even try to limit my presence on gaming forums just because people can be far too opinionated if you dare say anything against their favourite game or platform, then you're automatically branded a 'fanboy'.
But yeah, Reddit is too full of A-*****
@get2sammyb
I made this point on Reddit the other day and got a ton of abuse. They're saying "but it's just free to play."
Yeah, for now.
Give them an inch and they'll take a mile. Just like we all thought MTX's weren't a big deal when they started and got out of control, this will too and slowly creep its way into full priced games when people become more accepting/used to them.
It's the easiest one yet. I've got the whole platinum set from Demon Souls, DS Trilogy, Bloodborne and this.
Elden Ring feels more casual than past entries, whether that's because it got a wider audience or why it got a wider audience is unknown.
A friend of mine constantly complains how bad the aiming and control system is which are the same as they always have been and he's never played a souls/borne game ever. He says "it's too hard" and "it's cheap game design." For me, it was right back in the saddle.
Then he tries telling me "but, but, veteran players are also complaining" to which I simply said "git gud".
I think a lot of people bought this on hype not knowing what they were getting into. PC players have even supposedly made an 'easy mode' mod. 🤦♂️
Unfortunately, much like how paid online began and everyone else followed there is no stopping it now either way. Whether we want it or not, which I don't.
When it becomes the only way to play then I think I'm done. I've got a library of games that I doubt I'll ever get through. My backlog just keeps growing even going back 2 generations ago.
That being said I'm thinking of getting a Series X. I'm growing worried about PlayStation and losing faith. While Microsoft are practically, slowly buying up the industry and Sony have been silent about their future plans for a while, we've heard nothing. I feel like they've become complacent. I know they bought Bungie, but that's not enough reassurance.
If Microsoft are going to keep buying everything, and I doubt it's going to stop then switching will end up being a safe bet. I fear they'll get their hands on Square Enix and Sega, and if they do, not even Sony's first parties would be enough to stay. I was on my Xbox account the other day making some changes in preparation just in case. The direction the industry is going is awful, but might as well be with the platform likely to have everything.
Call me crazy but I got both. I downloaded the PS+ version and played it and I pre-ordered the PS5 Day One Oddition because I wanted it on disc forever.
Because if my PS+ ever expired I can't play it. Although since I have it downloaded it's still sealed. No reason to open it yet. But I love and have always supported the Oddworld series.
I was even a backer for the Kickstarter book and my name is printed in the back, I'm quite honoured with that.
"but the Xbox maker has said that it'll continue to release Activision Blizzard titles on PlayStation platforms for the foreseeable future."
Yeah, I still don't buy it. What they say and what they do are two different things. CoD maybe because it's one of the biggest IP's and makes a crap ton of money from MTX, plus it would look bad since Sony will still allow Destiny on Xbox.
Anything outside of CoD like Crash and Spyro, highly likely isn't happening. Just look at Phil's wording for Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Single player IP's won't come to PlayStation. And that makes me sad.
If Microsoft were smart they'd play both sides of the fence. GamePass day one for their loyal fans and customers who may be enticed by a small monthly fee. And still release them on PlayStation at £70 full price. It's a win-win for them really. Money from both sides whole people may still be swayed by GamePass.
@OrtadragoonX I didn't say we're not getting games I said their limited funds are better invested in making games rather than funding a service f2p game that doesn't do much for PlayStation.
And I also lived through the N64 generation and grew up with the NES, SNES, and remember vividly the PS1 launch. Games were not exactly few and far between but they took you much longer to complete back then so they lasted longer. Finding secrets and working for months on unlocks as opposed to paying for 'unlocks' in the form of DLC these days.
Nice one, Sony. Pouring your very limited funds reserved for the PlayStation division into a metaverse, service based, microtransaction filled pile of crap, for what exactly?
Money that could've been better spent on.. oh I dunno, games for the PlayStation platforms?
The customers know the funds for PlayStation are limited and you waste it on this? Well, I hope something comes of that 'investment' because your customers want games.
People saying physical won't last forever, well maybe. But I guess I'm lucky that I have a big physical collection with a lot of game discs even going back nearly 30 years which still look like the day I got them.
No scratches or the fabled 'disc rot' that I've never ever seen, and they all work.
I was playing my physical copy of Dino Crisis 2 on my still working perfectly PS2 just recently.
I'm not knocking digital because I see the convenience factor and the space saving but as long as the option exists I can't bring myself to put the fate of my games in the hands of the platform holder.
And this scenario, while a possible bug, is the reason why.
Generally, yes. And I'm among one of the few who has been begging for a Dino Crisis remake since the PS3 days.
That being said, if we had proper backwards compatibility with resolution upgrade software similar to what Microsoft is doing then we can settle for that rather than full remakes, it'll be like a remaster. But Sony will never do that. (Disc based I mean).
It's why I'm actually starting to consider getting an Xbox Series X. Microsoft are really starting to gain ground. Plus I'm convinced they're slowly buying up the entire industry.
I'm worried about the possible news that Sega and Square Enix get bought. Then I'd have to switch.
@Flaming_Kaiser I don't know because I think Sony would keep their games exclusive too. With the eventual exception of PC. This buying up studios is getting out of hand. And in a buying war between them Sony stands no chance against Microsoft.
There will come a point that government officials will have to rule that Microsoft's buying spree of huge publishers is unfair competition that the other platform holders can't match. They're already facing barriers with Acti-Bliz.
I agree that Square Enix works very closely with Sony, but buying up third party publishers where the games will already come to your platforms does nothing but give fanboys satisfaction. Which is why the comments on PXB right now are exactly that.
As for Phil claiming he's 'protecting the industry' from Google, FB, Amazon etc, well these publishers just could simply refuse to sell to them so I call Phil's statement as a load of crap. He's just trying to bolster GamePass and uses that as an excuse.
Well, let's hope the rumours of Sony buying Square Enix aren't true because they'll be a lot of people missing out.
Edit.
And there they are over on PXB right now hoping MS buy CD/SE. Why? They get the game anyway and all it does is lock out PlayStation users yet they have the audacity to complain about timed exclusives all the time.
Hypocrites.
@Gelly To be fair you can't really blame people for wanting to save money. And it will help Sony in the long run. The more attention this service gains the more people will consider subscribing when news and word of mouth travels
Let's face it, Sony are awful at communicating and getting news out there. And even though I have no interest in a service, if it becomes a success that means more money for Sony and more games for us.
@Apfelschteiner
"No one has PS3 discs anymore or a PS3 to play them."
Um, I do. My PS3 is sat right next to my PS5 and I was recently playing Mercenaries 2 on it
Y'know what else? I was also playing my PS2 a couple of weeks ago. A little blast on Mercenaries 1, Silent Hill 4, Star Wars Starfighter and Simpsons Road Rage
Some of us kept our consoles and games. And mine still work as perfectly as the day I got them. Even my PS1 from 27 years ago, I was playing Dino Crisis 2 on it last year
@thedevilsjester I'm well aware of that, I think you may have missed my point. I'm not saying that's the way it should be (streaming) I'm just saying (native) is the way it won't be. Despite this either way people will complain as I said, because in gaming, you can't please everyone. Someone somewhere will always be overentitled.
Myself, I have my PS1, PS2 and PS3 because I won't rely on a corporation to provide me access to backwards compatibility or preservation. I know not everybody does that but it's better than asking for something you might never get.
Even if they did as unlikely as it is it won't be disc based compatibility. If they were going to offer physical disc backwards compatibility then they'd already be doing it with the PS2 since the games will be able to be played natively but locked behind the subscription.
And even if they got an emulator working via the subscription people will still get the pitchforks out because the consumers and fanboys love to complain and stir up trouble.
PS1 though is an impossibility as it has been confirmed prior to launch that the PS5 is incapable of reading CD's because it doesn't have the correct laser. And even that being the case people will still moan even though it is out of their hands. 😪
As much as I hate thie direction gaming is going and for the first time since playing games from the NES all the way to now, I'm afraid for gaming.
That said I highly doubt it will be Konami. They have their hand in other areas outside of gaming such as gambling that use their IP's. It'll be a complicated mess.
I doubt it'll be FromSoft either. It just doesn't feel right. It is highly likely to be Square Enix. Since the failure of Marvel Avengers I feel they could be struggling. A perfect time to sweep them up.
Sometimes I hope they partner with a large stake in Sega just to keep Microsoft's grubby mitts off them. I think Microsoft would ruin Sega and their beloved IP's.
There are folks over on PureXbox that keep consistently saying they want Microsoft to buy Sega while also some have commented here they don't want Sony to buy Sega.
They would riot if Sony bought Sega but would cheer and gloat if Microsoft did and I can't stand that hypocrisy.
In an ideal world Sega would be off limits because I'd rather everyone gets to play their games. Nintendo are in a relationship with them and that's where a majority of their games go. I also don't want to lose Persona and Yakuza. If MS bought Sega that would force me back over to Xbox and throwing their money around at big publishers that the other two can't financially compete with feels like bullying.
Hopefully if Microsoft tries to make any more huge acquisitions in the near future their government blocks it since they're too frequent and large. There already barriers and controversy over Activision and I'm guessing anti-trust/anti-competitive rules will trigger eventually. Or atleast I hope so.
Even though I've already got most of them on disc it would be nice to see.
Dino Crisis/2 Metal Gear Solid Nightmare Creatures Star Wars Jedi Power Battles 007 Tomorrow Never Dies Guantlet Legends Casper Ready 2 Rumble Spider-Man 2 Enter Electro Silent Hill All the Tomb Raider games.
And that's just PS1, PSP, Metal Gear Acid 1/2 Death Jr
PS2, Persona 3/4 Mercenaries Playground of Destruction Metal Gear Solid 2/3 Star Wars Starfighter Simpsons Road Rage/Hit and Run Silent Hill 2/3 Harry Potter games Lord of the Rings The Third Age Tomb Raider Angel of Darkness
Comments 1,067
Re: Sony's Bungie Buyout to Be Investigated by the FTC
@get2sammyb
Exactly. And with Microsoft wanting a foothold in Japan this also proves a Japanese buyout is far, far less likely for them. If they get hit this hard over western deals a buyout in Japan would go far less smoothly for a foreign acquisition.
Re: Sony's Bungie Buyout to Be Investigated by the FTC
This is why it makes me laugh when Xbox fans say "Microsoft should buy this publisher/dev or that publisher/dev" next. They can't just throw their money around as they like without attracting legal scrutiny, and this proves it, even though they said 'but Sony is allowed to do it'.
Every deal gets reviewed and I doubt Microsoft will be allowed to buy a massive publisher after Activation so soon if at all, because their purchases so large would end up triggering anti-competitive legislation since the other two major platform holders can't match them.
Either way, I don't care this is happening to Sony. Their buyout literally affects no one because Bungie are remaining multiplat/independant' yet it still gets reviewed.
Re: Sony Buying Square Enix Was the Big Acquisition Rumour, Apparently
@Justjuzy @mucc
Sony have a tendency to buy studios they've worked almost exclusively with most of the time. It's a pattern to their acquisitions.
In addition they seem to have jumped on the 'live service' bandwagon and FF has already dipped it's toes in that, and being a hugely recognisable IP would solidify their plans even more.
Plus, since Microsoft have been on a spending spree and Sony paid for timed exclusivity for FFVII Remake I doubt they'd want to lose the franchise to MS forever.
It all just makes sense and I think it's going to happen. Cutting out Crystal Dynamics and Tomb Raider shows something is stiring up over there. Along with the news of losing 2bn over Marvel's Avengers means they're in financial trouble.
Re: Sony Dumps Funds into Live Service Software Firm
I hope this isn't 'the big news' we were supposed to be hearing about.
The downward spiral is progressing. By the next gen gaming won't be recognisable anymore.
Thank god for retro consoles, the best days are behind us. And that's where I'll be going one day.
Re: Sony Buying Square Enix Was the Big Acquisition Rumour, Apparently
I'm just glad that Tomb Raider will highly likely remain multiplatform with Embrace. We get to play it either way.
Although I still think it all seems like a strange situation. Acquisition rumours and now a sale of a branch? I do think Sony are buying the Japanese side of Square Enix for better or worse.
Tomb Raider was/is a massive IP for me. The only other franchise from SE I have a little interest in is Dragon Quest.
Re: Embracer Group to Buy Multiple Square Enix Studios and IPs in Huge Acquisition
@RevGaming
Who knows. 🤷♂️
I mean I've considered building a new PC for myself because of all the consolidation going on, as I said to him, console gamers have something to worry about when one of the platform holders buy something, PC does not.
And look how he reacts. Racist? Really? Looking at his comment history, how he hasn't been banned yet I'll never know.
I really don't want to build a new PC again but considering I want to be able to play all the games I might have to, we'll see how bad the situation gets. It's depressing to say the least when you hear of MS or Sony buying something.
Re: Embracer Group to Buy Multiple Square Enix Studios and IPs in Huge Acquisition
@RevGaming
I actually thought he was joking at first until I saw his comment history of pretty much being an aggressive PC fanboy.
Wow, just wow, that's extreme fanaticism on another level.
Re: Embracer Group to Buy Multiple Square Enix Studios and IPs in Huge Acquisition
@Bismarck
I pretty much just said that. When either Sony or Microsoft buy a dev or publisher one of the consoles will lose out and PC doesn't, that's why PC doesn't count in the comparison.
Why are you so hostile? What's your problem? And call me ignorant?
I used to game on PC when I was younger but have less patience for it now, I'm not ignorant, and I happen to have worked in the industry due to my Cisco certifications. And saying anything perceived against PC isn't racist btw, gamers and gaming platforms are not a race. That's the problem with fanatics, you're too obsessed.
Seriously, chill out dude, Sheesh.
Re: Embracer Group to Buy Multiple Square Enix Studios and IPs in Huge Acquisition
@Bismarck
I just mean it's not a console and they pretty much get everything anyway. That's why 'it doesn't count'.
Re: Embracer Group to Buy Multiple Square Enix Studios and IPs in Huge Acquisition
@Martsmall
Ah it's them making a Bond game. That's even more of a relief because I thought Xbox had a deal with a new exclusive Bond game. I've been saying for ages we never got one through the PS4 gan and wanted a new one.
So SE doesn't own IO? I thought they did. I've got Hitman 2 from PS+ but never touched it because I was put off by the episodic news, maybe I'll give it a chance. I thought it was also online based and not single player, just the wording confused me so I never touched them.
Re: Embracer Group to Buy Multiple Square Enix Studios and IPs in Huge Acquisition
@Apfelschteiner
Yeah, I didn't know that either.
As for Sega, if anyone were to make a bid I'd prefer Nintendo, they work closely together and would be the best fit. I'd prefer them to stay independant' though and hope to god they do.
Yakuza is an awesome series. I thought I wasn't going to like 'Like a Dragon' when I heard about the new combat system but I LOVED it! Absolutely amazing game and a breath of fresh air.
I've got the platinum to Yakuza 1-7 now which I'm a little proud of.
Persona is another I couldn't bear to lose out on, one of my favourite series of all time.
Y'know, last month I spotted the PS2 copies of Persona 3&4 sitting behind a glass case in CeX, it was slightly under a shelf and obscured so all I could see was a yellow label, I gasped and yelled out "OMG IT CAN'T BE". I literally ran to the counter like a madman with arms flailing almost tripping over people to claim them. Got to the counter struggling to breath and just went "Yeah, them Persona games in the case? I want 'em".
Re: Embracer Group to Buy Multiple Square Enix Studios and IPs in Huge Acquisition
@UltimateOtaku91
Maybe that could drive Hitman back to its roots. Even since after Hitman Absolution when it followed it new episodic (from what I understand) direction I've been like ehh :/
Re: Embracer Group to Buy Multiple Square Enix Studios and IPs in Huge Acquisition
@Apfelschteiner
I don't know much about Tencent but everyone seems up in arms about them. What makes me relieved about them or any other is to not hear the words Sony or Microsoft, then someone always loses out.
I know everyone thinks Disney ruined Star Wars, and the movies were not as great as their previous Saga's but I'm glad that the games are still multiplatform as a result. (I enjoyed Mandolorian though and I think Obi-Wan will be good.)
I forgot about Amazon and their app store, that being said IP's like Tomb Raider surely couldn't be just a mobile game? It's a big AAA franchise. It could even open the door for them to become a publisher, for better or worse.
Either way I'm just relieved that the other two, aren't getting so many big franchises. Microsoft in particular are getting on my nerves buying huge publishers, if they do a huge purchase a third time I hope they get hit with an anti-competitive legislation because the other two (Nintendo and Sony) can't match that spending power.
My biggest fear is Sega, or more importantly Atlus better be left damn well alone. Especially since Atlus seems to be warming up to going multiplatform with the PC release of P4G.
Re: Embracer Group to Buy Multiple Square Enix Studios and IPs in Huge Acquisition
@Martsmall
I see. I suppose yes, there could be third party exclusive deals, that does happen. But probably more towards unlikely since unless the platform holders throw a huge sum of money at them they'll want as much profit as possible.
I'm just glad either way that it's not one of the other two, atleast we all have a better chance of playing their games. All this talk of 'Sony needs to buy this' and 'Xbox needs to buy that' it upsets me personally because they'd be restricted to one console (PC doesn't count in my eyes).
Re: Embracer Group to Buy Multiple Square Enix Studios and IPs in Huge Acquisition
I'm actually glad about this. I don't like Sony or Microsoft buying everything because they have a platform to sell and the games would be 'console exclusive' to PlayStation and Xbox.
Atleast this way the games remain multiplatform.
This is why I don't see what all the fuss is about with Tencent, Disney, Amazon etc buying studios, presumably they remain third party multiplatform and that would be preferable?
Re: Sony Confirms PS Plus Subscription Stacking Has Been Blocked
Even though I expected this, it's not going to go down well. And it's not going to earn them any good will when they're about to launch a service that needs paying customers.
I get why they're doing it but they should honour the codes people have bought until they're pulled from store shelves.
Re: PS Vita's PS Store Says Content Is No Longer for Sale
The Vita had so much potential and Nintendo have proven that with the right games there is still a market for handhelds.
I have two Vita's and a VitaTV. One is on OFW, one is on CFW for PSX, PSP, GB/A N64, SNES emulation.
And the Vita TV is for all of that on.. well the TV. Plus autopluginII has an HD upscale filter for Persona4 Golden. And I can play my favourite PSX and PSP games that Sony neglected to port over. MG Acid was sadly overlooked.
Re: Microsoft Bigwig Implies PS5 Is Losing Marketshare to Xbox
@S1ayeR74
I said primary, not only method. It's not a narrative you just want to ignore reports of what is happening. You want facts, then a quick search will show you how many reports there are about this. Again i know you don't want to believe it but it's just what companies do. Funny how a sudden PR line of 'servers and surface' devices were used when they historically use intel.
I can see there is no convincing you, end of the day you've just got to look at what's happening and the dots line up.
I won't be wasting my time with you any longer, any rational person knows why this happens. The industry is very cut-throat and Microsoft are no exception.
Re: Microsoft Bigwig Implies PS5 Is Losing Marketshare to Xbox
@S1ayeR74
Console sales are the primary (but not only) method to get people on GamePass, so console sales are still very important. Deny it all you want. Web wide reports will have weight to them and as I said, an abundance of consoles becoming available at the same time? Wake up dude.
Microsoft are not this big friendly company you think they are, none of them are and they'll try anything to get ahead, it's what companies do.
Again, when the PS5 is more readily available it'll do what PlayStation always has every gen.
Re: Microsoft Bigwig Implies PS5 Is Losing Marketshare to Xbox
@S1ayeR74
Keep telling yourself that, we all know why. Eerie how a steady stream of Xbox consoles are suddenly becoming available around the time these reports came in while the PS5 is still practically non-existant. I know you don't want to believe it, but when the PS5 is more readily available it will outsell the Xbox as it always does and Microsoft knows this, they still haven't caught up to PS5 despite shortages which was reported around a 2-1 outselling in January.
Re: Microsoft Bigwig Implies PS5 Is Losing Marketshare to Xbox
@S1ayeR74
Here you go.
https://www.purexbox.com/news/2022/04/rumour-microsoft-paid-for-chip-priority-to-increase-xbox-series-xs-stock
These stories have been coming out everywhere over the web. It's claimed to be for servers and surface devices. Do some searching and you'll find they tend to use intel for a lot of those devices.
Re: Microsoft Bigwig Implies PS5 Is Losing Marketshare to Xbox
I suppose it's impossible that it had anything to do with Microsoft paying for chip priority, can't possibly be that.
And let's not kid ourselves, it's not for server racks and surface devices, they tend to be mostly intel.
We know it was for an edge in console sales. After all, it's odd how Series X's are strangely getting a lot of supply lately while PS5 is barely trickling out of the factories.
Re: Scores of PS Now Games Being Scrubbed from the Service
@Snake_V5
I got it for £20 sealed on eBay. Even though I still prefer the originals.
To be fair that was about two years ago.
Re: Looks Like Sony Is Hiring for a 'Newly Created Game Preservation Team'
I'll bet RTU on YouTube would still cherry pick holes in this somewhere. Whether Sony tries or not it's a 'damned if you do, damned if you don't' train for them these days.
Calling it now, his videos will be "BuT iT's StReAmInG!" Or "iT's BeHiNd A pAyWaLl!"
Atleast they're not completely ignoring it.
Re: PS Plus Extra, Premium Release Dates Shared By Sony
Asia Markets (Excluding Japan).
Seriously? C'mon Sony that's your HQ's main turf! Stop crapping on them! Put Japan back as your number one priority or it could mean Japanese developers could be less favourable to you. And we don't want that.
Japanese favouring PlayStation (and Nintendo) is what differentiates PlayStation from Xbox. Otherwise what's the point of you? You'll just look like another primary westernised platform. (And I don't mean that in an insulting way for the record)
Re: Sony Experimenting with Ads in Free-to-Play PS5, PS4 Games
@Gh05tm4ch1n3
It sounds exactly the same as Microsoft. Both wanting and announcing ads in f2p games on their platforms. Do you really think Microsoft wouldn't be making money out of it? They're a corporation, it won't be out of the goodness of their hearts there'd have to be something in it for them.
If you're against one you're against both. What's good for the Goose is good for the gander.
This is not a 'Microsoft good, Sony evil!' mentality that people try to throw around.
Re: Sony Experimenting with Ads in Free-to-Play PS5, PS4 Games
@REALAIS
I do get what you're saying but can you honestly say that £39.99 is justified for an in-game car? Or £11.99 for a couple of characters in a Lego game that could have already been there while charging £50 per copy?
They are trying to push it too far. I get they need to make money but I mean seriously, those are not 'microtransactions'.
How far will they take this advertising? First billboards? Then loading screens, maybe even like YouTube where it plays prior to the start screen or during a kill cam on death? How far will they go?
And what if it becomes internet based 'targeted ads' like Google Chrome? That means they'll be collecting personal data from their users affecting privacy.
Just some possible scenarios, you just never know.
Re: Sony Experimenting with Ads in Free-to-Play PS5, PS4 Games
@Blaze215
I share your sentiment that Sony are losing my respect/trust. The current management are turning it into something disgusting. The PlayStation of today seems like a completely different platform all together from the PS1 and PS2.
I was speaking to my brother earlier about buying a Series X and going back to Xbox as I dislike the current direction under Jim and co.
Even though they can both be as bad as each other and popularity can change any platform. And even though I have my PS5 I fear for its current direction. Although at the moment that goes for gaming in general. The future is not so bright. Thankfully there is still the past.
Re: Sony Experimenting with Ads in Free-to-Play PS5, PS4 Games
@REALAIS
Remember this comment when it spirals out of control, because it will. When it becomes accepted in small unobtrusive ways to begin with they'll see how far they can push us. That's how these things work, greed will get the better of them.
Like MTX's were once very small 0.99 accessories and skins and such, now you can pay £39.99 for a car or content that is removed and sold back to us for the sake of capitalism. How is £39.99 considered a 'microtransaction?' that's the price full games used to cost.
People can't 'vote with their wallet' if a majority support/accept it. Don't give them the benefit of the doubt.
Re: Sony Experimenting with Ads in Free-to-Play PS5, PS4 Games
@RubyCarbuncle
Yeah, I know. But I tend to stay away from all other kind of social media. FaceBook, Twitter, left those years ago. One is full of nosy people and the other is a cess pit full of the worst kind of 'humans' you could possibly meet.
I even try to limit my presence on gaming forums just because people can be far too opinionated if you dare say anything against their favourite game or platform, then you're automatically branded a 'fanboy'.
But yeah, Reddit is too full of A-*****
I hate the internet these days.
Re: Sony Experimenting with Ads in Free-to-Play PS5, PS4 Games
@get2sammyb
I made this point on Reddit the other day and got a ton of abuse. They're saying "but it's just free to play."
Yeah, for now.
Give them an inch and they'll take a mile. Just like we all thought MTX's weren't a big deal when they started and got out of control, this will too and slowly creep its way into full priced games when people become more accepting/used to them.
Re: Sony Experimenting with Ads in Free-to-Play PS5, PS4 Games
No Sony, BAD SONY! 🗞️🐶.
Don't copy Microsoft even more.
Re: Elden Ring's Platinum Trophy Stat Is Shockingly High
@KingPev
Thanks! I'm currently on 109 Platinums. The one I'm most proud of is MGS4..
Re: Elden Ring's Platinum Trophy Stat Is Shockingly High
It's the easiest one yet. I've got the whole platinum set from Demon Souls, DS Trilogy, Bloodborne and this.
Elden Ring feels more casual than past entries, whether that's because it got a wider audience or why it got a wider audience is unknown.
A friend of mine constantly complains how bad the aiming and control system is which are the same as they always have been and he's never played a souls/borne game ever. He says "it's too hard" and "it's cheap game design." For me, it was right back in the saddle.
Then he tries telling me "but, but, veteran players are also complaining" to which I simply said "git gud".
I think a lot of people bought this on hype not knowing what they were getting into. PC players have even supposedly made an 'easy mode' mod. 🤦♂️
Re: Video: Is Live Service Really the Way Forward for PlayStation?
Unfortunately, much like how paid online began and everyone else followed there is no stopping it now either way. Whether we want it or not, which I don't.
When it becomes the only way to play then I think I'm done. I've got a library of games that I doubt I'll ever get through. My backlog just keeps growing even going back 2 generations ago.
That being said I'm thinking of getting a Series X. I'm growing worried about PlayStation and losing faith. While Microsoft are practically, slowly buying up the industry and Sony have been silent about their future plans for a while, we've heard nothing. I feel like they've become complacent. I know they bought Bungie, but that's not enough reassurance.
If Microsoft are going to keep buying everything, and I doubt it's going to stop then switching will end up being a safe bet. I fear they'll get their hands on Square Enix and Sega, and if they do, not even Sony's first parties would be enough to stay. I was on my Xbox account the other day making some changes in preparation just in case. The direction the industry is going is awful, but might as well be with the platform likely to have everything.
Re: PS Plus Deal Devastates Oddworld: Soulstorm Developer
Call me crazy but I got both. I downloaded the PS+ version and played it and I pre-ordered the PS5 Day One Oddition because I wanted it on disc forever.
Because if my PS+ ever expired I can't play it. Although since I have it downloaded it's still sealed. No reason to open it yet. But I love and have always supported the Oddworld series.
I was even a backer for the Kickstarter book and my name is printed in the back, I'm quite honoured with that.
Re: Crash Trilogy, Tony Hawk Remake Dev Now Officially Merged with Blizzard
"but the Xbox maker has said that it'll continue to release Activision Blizzard titles on PlayStation platforms for the foreseeable future."
Yeah, I still don't buy it. What they say and what they do are two different things. CoD maybe because it's one of the biggest IP's and makes a crap ton of money from MTX, plus it would look bad since Sony will still allow Destiny on Xbox.
Anything outside of CoD like Crash and Spyro, highly likely isn't happening. Just look at Phil's wording for Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Single player IP's won't come to PlayStation. And that makes me sad.
If Microsoft were smart they'd play both sides of the fence. GamePass day one for their loyal fans and customers who may be enticed by a small monthly fee. And still release them on PlayStation at £70 full price. It's a win-win for them really. Money from both sides whole people may still be swayed by GamePass.
Re: Sony Invests a Further $1 Billion into Fortnite Maker Epic Games
@OrtadragoonX
I didn't say we're not getting games I said their limited funds are better invested in making games rather than funding a service f2p game that doesn't do much for PlayStation.
And I also lived through the N64 generation and grew up with the NES, SNES, and remember vividly the PS1 launch. Games were not exactly few and far between but they took you much longer to complete back then so they lasted longer. Finding secrets and working for months on unlocks as opposed to paying for 'unlocks' in the form of DLC these days.
Re: Sony Invests a Further $1 Billion into Fortnite Maker Epic Games
Nice one, Sony. Pouring your very limited funds reserved for the PlayStation division into a metaverse, service based, microtransaction filled pile of crap, for what exactly?
Money that could've been better spent on.. oh I dunno, games for the PlayStation platforms?
The customers know the funds for PlayStation are limited and you waste it on this? Well, I hope something comes of that 'investment' because your customers want games.
Re: Classic Games Including PS1 Curiously Expiring on PS3, PS Vita
People saying physical won't last forever, well maybe. But I guess I'm lucky that I have a big physical collection with a lot of game discs even going back nearly 30 years which still look like the day I got them.
No scratches or the fabled 'disc rot' that I've never ever seen, and they all work.
I was playing my physical copy of Dino Crisis 2 on my still working perfectly PS2 just recently.
I'm not knocking digital because I see the convenience factor and the space saving but as long as the option exists I can't bring myself to put the fate of my games in the hands of the platform holder.
And this scenario, while a possible bug, is the reason why.
Re: Poll: Do Remakes of Old Games Get You Excited?
Generally, yes. And I'm among one of the few who has been begging for a Dino Crisis remake since the PS3 days.
That being said, if we had proper backwards compatibility with resolution upgrade software similar to what Microsoft is doing then we can settle for that rather than full remakes, it'll be like a remaster. But Sony will never do that. (Disc based I mean).
It's why I'm actually starting to consider getting an Xbox Series X. Microsoft are really starting to gain ground. Plus I'm convinced they're slowly buying up the entire industry.
I'm worried about the possible news that Sega and Square Enix get bought. Then I'd have to switch.
Re: New Tomb Raider Game Confirmed, Uses Unreal Engine 5
@Flaming_Kaiser
I don't know because I think Sony would keep their games exclusive too. With the eventual exception of PC. This buying up studios is getting out of hand. And in a buying war between them Sony stands no chance against Microsoft.
There will come a point that government officials will have to rule that Microsoft's buying spree of huge publishers is unfair competition that the other platform holders can't match. They're already facing barriers with Acti-Bliz.
I agree that Square Enix works very closely with Sony, but buying up third party publishers where the games will already come to your platforms does nothing but give fanboys satisfaction. Which is why the comments on PXB right now are exactly that.
As for Phil claiming he's 'protecting the industry' from Google, FB, Amazon etc, well these publishers just could simply refuse to sell to them so I call Phil's statement as a load of crap. He's just trying to bolster GamePass and uses that as an excuse.
Re: New Tomb Raider Game Confirmed, Uses Unreal Engine 5
Well, let's hope the rumours of Sony buying Square Enix aren't true because they'll be a lot of people missing out.
Edit.
And there they are over on PXB right now hoping MS buy CD/SE. Why? They get the game anyway and all it does is lock out PlayStation users yet they have the audacity to complain about timed exclusives all the time.
Hypocrites.
Re: Savvy PS5, PS4 Users Stocking Up on PS Now Subs to Convert into PS Plus Premium
@Gelly
To be fair you can't really blame people for wanting to save money. And it will help Sony in the long run. The more attention this service gains the more people will consider subscribing when news and word of mouth travels
Let's face it, Sony are awful at communicating and getting news out there. And even though I have no interest in a service, if it becomes a success that means more money for Sony and more games for us.
Re: PS3 Emulation Allegedly in Production for PS5
@Apfelschteiner
"No one has PS3 discs anymore or a PS3 to play them."
Um, I do. My PS3 is sat right next to my PS5 and I was recently playing Mercenaries 2 on it
Y'know what else? I was also playing my PS2 a couple of weeks ago. A little blast on Mercenaries 1, Silent Hill 4, Star Wars Starfighter and Simpsons Road Rage
Some of us kept our consoles and games. And mine still work as perfectly as the day I got them. Even my PS1 from 27 years ago, I was playing Dino Crisis 2 on it last year
Re: PS3 Emulation Allegedly in Production for PS5
@thedevilsjester
I'm well aware of that, I think you may have missed my point. I'm not saying that's the way it should be (streaming) I'm just saying (native) is the way it won't be. Despite this either way people will complain as I said, because in gaming, you can't please everyone. Someone somewhere will always be overentitled.
Myself, I have my PS1, PS2 and PS3 because I won't rely on a corporation to provide me access to backwards compatibility or preservation. I know not everybody does that but it's better than asking for something you might never get.
Re: Poll: Are You Happy With Your PS Plus Games for April 2022?
Actually, my friends laughed at me last night because I downloaded SpongeBob. I'm 34 and they think I shouldn't be playing a 'kids game'.
How is it any different to enjoying Spyro? Doesn't matter how old you are to enjoy games and it looks like it might be charmingly fun.
Re: PS3 Emulation Allegedly in Production for PS5
Even if they did as unlikely as it is it won't be disc based compatibility. If they were going to offer physical disc backwards compatibility then they'd already be doing it with the PS2 since the games will be able to be played natively but locked behind the subscription.
And even if they got an emulator working via the subscription people will still get the pitchforks out because the consumers and fanboys love to complain and stir up trouble.
PS1 though is an impossibility as it has been confirmed prior to launch that the PS5 is incapable of reading CD's because it doesn't have the correct laser. And even that being the case people will still moan even though it is out of their hands. 😪
Re: PlayStation Boss Promises More Acquisitions Are Planned
As much as I hate thie direction gaming is going and for the first time since playing games from the NES all the way to now, I'm afraid for gaming.
That said I highly doubt it will be Konami. They have their hand in other areas outside of gaming such as gambling that use their IP's. It'll be a complicated mess.
I doubt it'll be FromSoft either. It just doesn't feel right. It is highly likely to be Square Enix. Since the failure of Marvel Avengers I feel they could be struggling. A perfect time to sweep them up.
Sometimes I hope they partner with a large stake in Sega just to keep Microsoft's grubby mitts off them. I think Microsoft would ruin Sega and their beloved IP's.
There are folks over on PureXbox that keep consistently saying they want Microsoft to buy Sega while also some have commented here they don't want Sony to buy Sega.
They would riot if Sony bought Sega but would cheer and gloat if Microsoft did and I can't stand that hypocrisy.
In an ideal world Sega would be off limits because I'd rather everyone gets to play their games. Nintendo are in a relationship with them and that's where a majority of their games go. I also don't want to lose Persona and Yakuza. If MS bought Sega that would force me back over to Xbox and throwing their money around at big publishers that the other two can't financially compete with feels like bullying.
Hopefully if Microsoft tries to make any more huge acquisitions in the near future their government blocks it since they're too frequent and large. There already barriers and controversy over Activision and I'm guessing anti-trust/anti-competitive rules will trigger eventually. Or atleast I hope so.
Re: Talking Point: What PS1, PS2, and PSP Games Do You Want on PS Plus Premium?
Even though I've already got most of them on disc it would be nice to see.
Dino Crisis/2
Metal Gear Solid
Nightmare Creatures
Star Wars Jedi Power Battles
007 Tomorrow Never Dies
Guantlet Legends
Casper
Ready 2 Rumble
Spider-Man 2 Enter Electro
Silent Hill
All the Tomb Raider games.
And that's just PS1,
PSP,
Metal Gear Acid 1/2
Death Jr
PS2,
Persona 3/4
Mercenaries Playground of Destruction
Metal Gear Solid 2/3
Star Wars Starfighter
Simpsons Road Rage/Hit and Run
Silent Hill 2/3
Harry Potter games
Lord of the Rings The Third Age
Tomb Raider Angel of Darkness
And that's just off the top of my head.