I think there will always be a place for NCAA Football. I'm not about to get into this argument, but the lackluster sales of NCAA Football this generation is not due to lack of customer interest.
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I think there will always be a place for NCAA Football. I'm not about to get into this argument, but the lackluster sales of NCAA Football this generation is not due to lack of customer interest.
I agree. I think any title that sells over a million copies has a place in the market. The NCAA just has to make sure they don't price their license too high. It would be a really nice benefit if the actual college football players each signed a separate agreement to allow for their likeness to be used in the video game while they are in college. I would be curious to see how the sales would be if real rosters were shipped.Quote:
Originally Posted by I OU a Beatn
I also agree with Smooth. I think the days of competing sports franchises are close to death. One sport, one game.
American Football might survive too. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffHCross
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2
True. I was ONLY thinking about the major American sports. FIFA will obviously survive.Quote:
Originally Posted by bdoughty
We'll see. Until Jordan became the cover boy for NBA 2k (and it suddenly became the IT game to have), NCAA was often outselling NBA, at least on the PS3. The Show hasn't had the greatest numbers, versus NCAA, either. And the top selling NHL games barely cleared half a million (on the PS3).Quote:
Originally Posted by SmoothPancakes
We'll see how it goes next generation. Maybe the sports developers will get their ass in gear and be the "IT" games again, like they were in the day of the SNES and Genesis. But unless that happens again, I expect fewer sales for sports games, across the board, and a few more licenses to stop being made. And, personal opinion, the NHL, MLB and NBA would be the first to go.
Funny how you've been a fan of the sport for a couple years and now you're trying to correct people on what you think is the correct use of Football (NFL) compared to Soccer :D ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by steelerfan
Not only that he is doing it wrong. any true footie fan would use the proper illustration.Quote:
Originally Posted by JBHuskers
http://i.imgur.com/GQt7T7Z.jpg
From Kotaku:
Quote:
The next-generation Xbox—the one that will follow the still-popular Xbox 360—will run multiple games at once, require game installations, and will only work when a much-improved version of the popular but divisive Kinect sensor array is plugged in, according to a source who says he has access to development hardware.
Those are a just a few details about the new console, codenamed Durango, that were shared with us by a person with access to next-gen information. Our source also claims to have a pair of Durango development kits.
We've also heard more about how the system apparently works and what it will be like to control it and play games on it, though we've not seen the unit ourselves. Our source even claims to have played some Durango games, describing the graphical leap from current-gen console gaming like going from playing Halo 2 on an original Xbox to playing Crysis on a powerful PC.
Our source for this new info goes by the name SuperDaE. He first came to the attention of lots of people last year, when he tried to sell a Durango development kit on eBay (he says the sale was blocked by Microsoft over a copyright issue; we've asked them to confirm and will let you know what they say, if anything). He's an unusual but surprisingly well-informed source. More recently, SuperDaE contacted Kotaku with information about the next-generation PlayStation, all gleaned from more than 90 pages of Sony development kit documentation. He had new details to share about the next Xbox as well.
Like Sony, Microsoft refuses to acknowledge that their next-gen system is in the works and that people are making games for it. They're focused on selling current consoles, not giving people reasons to hold out for the future, no matter how near that future may be. As a result, Kotaku sources who have told us about things such as the codenames of the new Wiis, Xboxes and PlayStations of the world have done so from the shadows of an industry still not able to beam brightly about the next generation of console hardware. Sources can be mistaken. They can mislead. And specs can change. Nevertheless, what SuperDaE told us synched with other reports, and some details—such as the Durango's support for Blu-Ray discs—lined up with rock-solid reports we've gotten from our own proven sources.
None of the details that follow have been confirmed by Microsoft. When contacted about some of the specifics of the story late last month, a rep cited Microsoft's policy not to comment on rumors and speculation. We've asked them again about both the Durango and about SuperDaE's claims that his eBay sale was stopped by Microsoft (though it's unclear how effective that was—he's put a "Durango PC" back on sale on eBay again). Should they comment, we'll let you know.
***
SuperDaE's information comes from what appears to be white papers—overview documents—crafted to prepare game makers for the next generation. Much of what we learned from them presents the notion of the Durango as being an exceedingly capable console that merges the traits of a powerful game console with the expectations of multi-tasking users of smartphones and tablets. Peripherals such as hard drives and the Kinect sensor that were optional in the last generation are mandatory in Microsoft's next go-'round, according to SuperDaE's information.
Here's what we learned from our source, with the understanding that, while what follows is fresh info relevant up through the state of Durango development in January 2013, specs and plans can change. The likelihood of further changes does diminish as the console's expected late-2013 release gets closer. An important note: many of the specs we were made privy to were said to be set not just for development kits but for the final retail consoles as well.
Kinect
As we reported a year ago, the new version of the Kinect motion-control sensor array will be included with every Durango sold. The unit seems far superior to the one currently found for the Xbox 360 (or the PC, for that matter).
Perhaps most importantly, this isn't an optional accessory. It's mandatory. Not only does a Kinect ship with every console, but it must be plugged in and calibrated for the console to even function.
This requirement is due to the way Kinect has been integrated with the Durango; because every console can be guaranteed of having the camera, developers can now program every game with the peripheral in mind.
It's also because the Kinect will always be watching you. The new version of the camera is able to track up to six individual "skeletons" in the same room at all times. This has clear gameplay implications, such as allowing a game to instantly identify a person, but could also be related to a recently-patented Microsoft system for monitoring and maybe even charging users based on who is watching what. SuperDae's Kinect documentation also makes mention of automatic player identification becoming part of a gameplay experience.
The camera has also been improved upon the models currently available, with the Durango's version capable of independently tracking your thumbs, determining whether your hand is open or closed, and even, it's claimed, reading your facial expression and seeing whether you're angry, sad or excited. The improved viewing angle is so wide that the new Kinect doesn't even need to nod to find the best viewing angle.
Storage & Installs
A point of confusion during the lifetime of the Xbox 360, and one of consternation for developers, was the way in which Microsoft split the install base of the machine, selling some consoles with a hard drive and others without. This meant games could not be programmed to specifically take advantage of a hard drive installation.
That divide is gone this time around, with all Durango retail consoles shipping with an HDD. That drive is 500GB in size, which should be enough for your media storage needs, but it'll mostly be used for games, which must now be installed immediately upon first insertion of the game disc.
What's more, this installation can take place automatically, while you're playing the game. Durango titles can be designed in "sections," so that you can pop your disc in, start playing and, in the background, the rest of the game will install. Installing games should bring performance improvements, we think, but doing so in the background should also get rid of pre-game install waits, one of the more annoying hold-ups of the current generation of consoles.
Durango game installations will also be mandatory, as games can't directly access data from the disc.
Game-Juggling
The Durango will be able to run more than one game or app at once, according to the information shared with us. If you're, say, a computer or smartphone user, this is not exactly sending-a-man-to-the-moon level of innovation. But game consoles have long been stuck just running the system-level functions (cross-game voice-chat, Achievement alerts, etc) while a single game runs. On an Xbox 360, even an app as simple as Twitter could only be used if whatever game the user was playing was shut down first. Durango, thankfully, gets past that.
The Durango is said to also allow games to be put into "suspend" and "constrained" states, which seemingly allow users to pause a game, switch to a second game, then return to the first game without losing their place, provided game developers follow some Microsoft protocols. Again, this is no revolution for users of computers, phones, or even Nintendo and Sony handheld gaming machines, but it is one giant leap for consoles.
Controller
The Durango's control pad will be a "natural evolution" of the Xbox 360's pad, according to SuperDaE's info. While this suggests a near-identical layout—not necessarily a problem considering the cross-platform popularity of the layout with the PC—Xbox 360 controllers won't work with the Durango, as they use what Microsoft is calling a "new wireless technology."
Companion App
Perhaps to complement the lack of direct advances to the 360's controller itself, Microsoft is looking to bolster support for its Xbox Companion App.
Some of the possibilities we've learned of are far more dramatic than those originally intended for the current version of the app, taking advantage of both a phone/tablet's motion sensing capabilities and Kinect to execute actions more like those you'd expect from Nintendo's Wii U controller.
Microsoft says, "There is no limit on the imaginative possibilities with this input medium and its screen real estate." The only question is if developers have the manpower (or willpower) to make the most of it.
Specs
While various outlets, including Kotaku, have shared information on the technical specifications of Durango development kits, the specs you're about to see here are those for the final retail units that consumers will be getting their hands on.
The next Xbox will run on custom hardware that includes an 8-core, 64-bit CPU running at 1.6ghz, an 800mhz DirectX 11.x graphics processor units and, alongside them, various "custom hardware blocks" that are able to handle certain individual tasks, taking the strain off the main CPU.
According to sketches from information shared by SuperDae, there's 8GB of DDR3 memory, along with a small amount of flash memory for system tasks. The Durango's optical disc drive is 50GB in size, while, as mentioned, there's a 500GB hard drive, with read speeds of up to 50 MB/sec.
If you've got a 3D TV set, the Durango is capable—if developers want to support it—of delivering stereo 3D content in 1080p.
Those reliant on wi-fi, and who were forced to pay for Microsoft's costly external adapter with the original Xbox 360, will be happy to know that the Durango ships with built-in wi-fi (though there's still an ethernet port for wired connections).
In terms of audio, the retail Durango will output via either HDMI or S/PDIF (optical) connections, and can support up to 7.1 channels.
***
There is always a high level of interest in a new generation of video game consoles, and things get particularly wild during the months before console-makers issue their official announcements. So much information flies around: some of it made up, some of it from sources we know, and some of it from sources we don't, characters who come knocking with extraordinary tales to tell.
No one seems to know everything about the new machines. SuperDaE, for example, offered nothing about the machine's name nor the look of the console or controller. He said nothing about the idea of the new Xbox requiring a constant online connection, something most recently reported by the respected Edge magazine. (One reliable Kotaku source has told us it's true, though, again, plans can change and the strictness of that online requirement—would it tolerate a spotty signal?—remains unclear.)
Soon, the leaks will be replaced by official statements and dazzling announcement events. It is nearly guaranteed that Sony will reveal its next PlayStation to the world at a major February 20 event in New York City. It's possible that Microsoft might try to spoil that event with a pre-show tease, or hold out as long as they can wait to announce—maybe until E3 in June.
For now, those who want to plan their console gaming future are left with whispers, rumors and leaks.
Our best sources continue to assume that the next Xbox will be out by the end of the year. With Xbox 360 sales remaining high, Microsoft doesn't have to put out a new machine, but with development so far underway and with hardcore gamers' apathy for circa-2005 console tech increasing, the time is increasingly right for a new gaming console.
We'll let you know as we learn more, and we'll be as clear as we can every step of the way.
kotakuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
http://kotaku.com/5982986/we-know-al...theyve-got-one
The Next Xbox Has Mandatory Kinect, Game-Swapping and New Controllers, According To Leaked Info
Beaten like a Stepchild. I do have to say that your really should post a link to the source, especially if you copy/paste a whole article. To give credit where credit is due and such.
I said from Kotaku at the top. Knowing Kotaku, it's all a load of hogwash anyway.
The Kinect thing bothers/scares me. I dunno why but I don't like the concept of being forced to have a camera on me 24/7 and can tell how many people are watching a movie with me, etc...
I've already seen some people suggesting to just tape a picture of your living room in front of the kinect...Quote:
Originally Posted by CLW
:D
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
yeah but what if "Big Brother"/Kinect is "smart" enough to recognize that and not allow you to play a game or watch a movie?Quote:
Originally Posted by gschwendt
I would be just as concerned with it's ability to record anything said and listened to back at MS. Now you can look forward to getting banned from XBL automatically for cussing or saying something negative about Bill Gates or Windows 8. Not only that but the talk that it will have Siri capabilities. Turn on the old Xbox 720 while in the company of your wife and kids only to have Siri ask if you would like to browse "Big ass titties and shaved GILF's" because you entered these things in private a few too many times.Quote:
Originally Posted by CLW
I want no part of Kinect, I play games for fun, not for :)).
http://youtu.be/XSCHNcTdBqo
same as above in video form with a funny joke asking why MS/Sony give this source all this shizzle.
The next generation of consoles are unlikely to accommodate older games with backwards compatibility, Electronic Arts' chief financial officer told an audience of investors in San Francisco today.
Blake Jorgensen, addressing how EA will manage when new consoles arrive later this year, as is widely expected, pointed to the company's sports catalog and particularly their multiplayer offerings in explaining why they should sell strong up to the changeover.
"An important thing to remember is that next-gen consoles will most likely not be backwards compatible," he said at Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference in San Francisco, according to a transcript of remarks published by Gamasutra. "And if you [play] multiplayer on a game, you'll most likely not be able to play with someone on a different generation."
These sports gamers will not wait until the holidays for the next console generation, Jorgensen reasoned, if their favorite games are releasing between July and October. "I think that works for us positively in both ways. It helps us continue to sell gen-three products, and it will help us sell gen-four product as that cycle finally gets into place."
Sports also present a strong draw for what Jorgenseen foresees—again, doing so very broadly—as a distinguishing feature of the next console generation. "You're going to see people playing on glass at the same time they're playing on the console," Jorgensen said.
This has several applications in keeping gamers connected to EA Sports' lucrative Ultimate Team modes. Jorgensen imagined gamers playing their matches at night, then in the morning, continuing their experience during a commute—trading players, managing rosters, and more. "And all along the way, we're either doing microtransactions or just simply staying connected to the customer," Jorgensen said.
Jorgensen didn't revisit backwards compatibility and was careful to be vague about potential features for the next console generation, saying that EA, of course, has seen their capabilities internally. He largely avoided a question about what the next Xbox or PlayStation would mean for used games. "I can't really comment on where the next generation boxes are going to be relative to used games," he said. "I will say that the trend in the business is to have that always-on connectivity and connect with a customer, and to the extent that the software identifies a certain customer is going to create some issues going down the road in the used game market," he said.
"But I do believe that the consumer likes it, and it's been good for the retail channel."
http://kotaku.com/5983793/next-gener...e-ea-exec-says
I call bullshit.
One week to go.
One week for what?Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffHCross
Playstation 4 unveiled, presumably.Quote:
Originally Posted by oweb26
https://us.playstation.com/meeting2013/
Yeah I'm tired of all this speculation crap. 2/20/13, let's do it!
shizzle that thing is going to be expensive as hell to replace when i throw it to the ground in a fit of rage. :nod:Quote:
Originally Posted by cdj
i also don't like the lost of "the sticks". trying to imagine moving my player with a touch pad and it just doesn't seem natural.
No way they get rid of the dual sticks. No happening.
you also claimed 720 wouldn't have blue ray which everyone else is taking as a given right now. who knows but it wouldn't shock me for sony to do something "stupid" and get rid of the sticks.Quote:
Originally Posted by morsdraconis
http://www.destructoid.com//ul/244985-ibb.jpg
It finally looks like we may have an actual picture of what the PlayStation 4 controller looks like. The picture comes by way of Destructoid, which posted the picture taken from an unknown source (if Destructoid updates its story to state where the picture comes from, we will make note of it).
Developing…
Story: IGN
If Microsoft goes Blu-Ray, they might as well just give the console wars trophy to Sony because the amount of money they'll have to pay to Sony will basically make it where Sony can DRASTICALLY change their current design and blow Microsoft out of the water hardware wise.Quote:
Originally Posted by CLW
I'm 95% sure that Microsoft will go with a proprietary disc format that will have pretty much the same disc space as a Blu-Ray but won't have to pay Sony anything for it. Nintendo did the same thing with the Wii-U and Microsoft would be insane not to do it as well.
well i "like" that controller better than the other "leak" today. it's tough to tell but the "trigger problem" looks like it will remain as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by cdj
No, just no. You are missing the point of why the next Xbox will have Blue-Ray. It is not just about having more disc space for games. They want their system to be the entertainment hub of choice. To do that you need to be able to play Blue-Ray as they are the only High Definition disc that matters in the world of movies, etc. MS gambled on HD-DVD and lost. They are not going make the same mistake again.Quote:
Originally Posted by morsdraconis
The ONLY way mors is right is if Xbox "gambles" and says go completely digital for your HD movie needs. I don't think we are there (yet) so I believe MS will go blue ray but they could conceivably not and "justify" it by saying just download your movies to your 720 and save the space in your living room and you don't have to get off your couch to change movies.Quote:
Originally Posted by bdoughty
This belongs in the "doing your business" thread sir, :glare:Quote:
Originally Posted by JBHuskers
Why would Microsoft have to pay Sony to use Bluray? I was under the impression that Sony was just a major supporter of Bluray...I was always under the impression they didn't actually own the rights to the tech.
I do agree about the controller. No way in hell Sony ditches the sticks. Not a chance.
Exactly, this is one of those things that people are usually mistaken. Not only that they have no clue that even Microsoft makes a tiny little royalty from Blue-Ray Discs. The VC-1 codec used in all Blu-Ray discs comes from... Microsoft They are no longer the patent holder but still get royalties for each Blue-Ray sold where the VC-1 codec is utilized.Quote:
Originally Posted by I OU a Beatn
Of course all royalties go through the Blue Ray Disc Association, which has grown a bit. I think it started with 9 or 10 companies. Now up to almost 20.
So again, Mors needs to hit the old R&D desk to reformulate what exactly will be the cause Microsoft's eventual doom.
"Dissecting" the PS4 controller:
http://youtu.be/D8kZCV621Tw
From IGN, an update on the PS4 controller:
Important Update: A trusted source has told IGN that this controller is real. However, our source notes that it's an early prototype. The controller, in other words, is likely to change between now and when the console launches.
Sony has responded to our inquiry to note that it "can't comment on rumors or speculation", its typical response. We'll almost certainly find out what the final controller looks like at the PlayStation event in NYC on February 20.
The original story (with a further update) is below.
We finally have an actual picture of what the PlayStation 4 controller looks like, at least in prototype form (see the above "Important Update" for more on that). The picture comes by way of Destructoid, which posted the picture taken from an unknown source.
There’s a lot of familiar stuff on the controller along with a litany of new and interesting features. For starters, the directional pad (d-pad) on the left seems to feature meatier, bulkier buttons that are put closer together than on DualShock 3. The face buttons on the right side of the controller seem standard.
The analog sticks look to be a bit further apart, though they remain level, unlike the Xbox 360 controller's unevenly placed sticks. However, the sticks themselves are concave, like the Xbox 360’s. PlayStation 3’s controller includes convex analog sticks.
The much-rumored touch pad – a la the back of PlayStation Vita – appears at the center of the controller. There’s a small, mystery button to the left of the pad, above and to the right of the d-pad. Is this the rumored share button? Or is it a start or select button, both conspicuously absent from this version of the controller?
Meanwhile, there’s a glowing “something” on the top of the controller – most likely PlayStation Move-related – as well as a PlayStation button seemingly identical to the one on the PS3 controller. Above the PlayStation button appears to be a speaker, and what looks to be an audio jack is underneath the controller, perhaps used to plug in a headset.
Sony has indicated, per usual, that it does not comment on rumor and speculation.
Update: Another source has told IGN that the mysterious space in the middle of the controller can be pressed like a button, something Kotaku's source has also stated. Our separate source also indicates that the R2 and L2 buttons may actually be more in line with spring-loaded Xbox 360-like triggers and that the light atop the controller is indeed a PlayStation Move sensor.