MS announce new dev platform/Factor 5 no longer Nintendo exclusive?

[Freak of Kane]

"Microsoft has announced their new development platform (not the console) called the XNA that will create games for PC (Windows-based machines), Xbox 2, and Microsoft's mobile devices. The focus will be on getting as many developers to work with the platform as possible. It will reduce costs for developers and make porting easier. Microsoft will continue to blur the line between PC and gaming consoles by making the same peripherals, such as new controllers, for PC and Xbox 2. Programs like Xbox Live are also planned to be available on both PC and Xbox 2.

"Software will be the single most important force in digital entertainment over the next decade," said Bill Gates, founder and chief software architect of Microsoft. "XNA underscores Microsoft's commitment to the game industry and our desire to work with partners to take the industry to the next level."

The announcement was made at the Game Developers Conference that is happening today through Friday. Over twenty game developers have pledged support for the XNA development platform. Some of the more important ones include Visual Concepts, ATI, NVIDIA, Valve, Vicarious Visions, Criterion, and Factor 5."

Taken from http://www.n-philes.com

Looks like the inevitable has happened. It was more or less guaranteed after the whole "Rebel X" rumors (which I believe are fact) started last year. However, pledging support for the platform could simply mean designing technology for it...F5 develops technologies too. Didn't they create something (tech wise) for the XBox? Personally, I think they'll be creating software for it too. We'll have to wait till E3 to truly find out I guess.

About the development platform...I think MS wants all (or most) games created for PC to be released on XBox 2. Great idea. Nice way to eat even more into the PC market.

BTW, no more Starwars for GC for now. Gameinsustry.biz have stated Lucas Arts "have no more titles in the pipeline" for the GC - http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=3179 - I don't think they'll be releasing anymore.

[Miggy-AMN]

Well isn't that stupid. Star Wars Games sell better on GCN. It's a fact.

Look at all the multiplatform Star Wars games.

[Matt]

XMA is HUGE for PC, Xbox, and mobile gaming.

It is going to allow developers to better develop with high quality tools, including many of those found in .NET and Visual Studio.

[XboxEvolved]

Well isn't that stupid. Star Wars Games sell better on GCN. It's a fact.

Actually...no, anyways I consider this another easily won battle between Xbox and GC.

[Miggy-AMN]

I have the TRST charts John, all you have are Microsoft's overhyped press conferences. ;)

[Freak of Kane]

Xbox 2 to be unveiled this summer?

"The rumour mill turns again for Xbox Next

After remaining silent on the topic at GDC, Microsoft is to finally unveil the next incarnation of Xbox this summer, according to a senior development source.

Speaking to our correspondent on the GDC show floor today, the source revealed: "Microsoft has told us, and other developers that it doesn't plan to show anything of Xbox 2 until the summer."

Development kits, based on Apple's G5 hardware, are already in circulation, but Microsoft has allegedly ordered devs not to allow them out of their studios, such is the firm's determination to keep a lid on information leaking out about its next move in the console race. "They've been incredibly strict about it," the source added.

Microsoft has been as slippery as an eel when tackled on anything relating to Xbox 2 so far at GDC, and asked whether it would be using E3 as a platform to lauch Xbox 2, Microsoft's Peter Moore told us: "It's too early in the cycle of Xbox to be talking about its successor."

However, asked whether Xbox 2 games or anything related to Xbox 2 would be at the event, he admitted: "We haven't finalised our plans as yet", which - reading between the lines - suggests that the firm hasn't ruled out the possibility yet.

In the absence of a big E3 splash, it looks likely that the firm will use its X04 event to formally run through its plans for the next Xbox, after last years X03 event proved to be a little light on headline grabbing news in comparison with its previous efforts."

Taken from http://gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=dev&aid=3181

Wouldn't be surprised. Hopefully we get to see Perfect Dark Zero then, too.

[Link]

"Microsoft has announced their new development platform (not the console) called the XNA that will create games for PC (Windows-based machines), Xbox 2, and Microsoft's mobile devices. The focus will be on getting as many developers to work with the platform as possible. It will reduce costs for developers and make porting easier. Microsoft will continue to blur the line between PC and gaming consoles by making the same peripherals, such as new controllers, for PC and Xbox 2. Programs like Xbox Live are also planned to be available on both PC and Xbox 2.

I'm not sure, but wouldn't this kind of hurt the sale of the XBox 2 hardware? Most people have PC's, and if they can get the games, online services, and controllers for their PC's, I would find it hard to believe that consumers would spend $300 for an XBox 2 over spending nothing for hardware by sticking to their PC's. Just a thought.

[prime_timer]

well, thats somewhat true. All you'll really need will be a Pentium 4 and a 128 mb video card. and it wouldnt matter either way. The money would still go to MS Game Studios be it a PC or Xbox 2 game (although they'll apparently be same platform).

Anyways, having Xbox Live as a PC program sounds kinda moron to me. People can play their favorite games online for free. Why in gods name would they download and install Xbox Live for the PC for $50 a year, just for a couple more bells and whistles?

[Link]

True, money would still go to M$, but wouldn't they be losing a lot more money on XBox 2 if it doesn't sell?

[prime_timer]

yeah, they would, but with this whole XNA deal, they're trying to push software sales more than hardware. so, there will be the usual console crowd who buys an X2 and the games and accessories that will come out for it, then you have the PC crowd who will buy just the games and accesories. They're not trying to push hardware like they are with Xbox 1 right now, but rather more on software. They've realized that the software is the bread & butter, or at least, cracker and mustard in the video game industry... not to mention MS wised up and will be using WAY cheaper parts this time so they wont lose any, or no money at all. Losing the hard drive is a big help, not to mention the memory cards for X2 will be gigantic. and memory cards also rake in some mad cash as well. so again, software and accessories.

[Sean-AMN]

http://www.gcadvanced.com/images/content/specials/gcaatfable.jpg

[prime_timer]

how does it suck for GCN fanboys? please explain.

[Robert-AMN]

Many people are starting to buy new computers now. If they aren't buying whole systems, they are upgrading their components. The pc's that are/will be out by the time the next Ms console comes out will easily be able to handle the games that come out then. There will be less incentive to buy the console if so many games are going to be on both platforms.

True this may make it easier for developers to make games cross platform more easily, but that could mean less sales of the console and higher income from softwre. A smaller marketshare for the system means that less games will come out for it.

Factor 5 was never an exclusive developer party. They just liked working with Nintendo very much and they made the agreements. They did develope the DivX codec to use in Xbox game development like they did for Cube. They had every oppourtinuty they wanted to to make something for another system. They just chose not to.:)

[Cooolcorey]

Originally posted by Robert-GCA
The pc's that are/will be out by the time the next Ms console comes out will easily be able to handle the games that come out then. There will be less incentive to buy the console if so many games are going to be on both platforms.


Well, not necessarily. If the games are on both console and PC, then wouldn't they want to buy the console for $150-$300, rather than a decked out PC for $1,500+?

That's not what I'm gonna do of course, I'll have a decked out PC and the consoles, I just have to say that what you said won't necessarily be the case.

[Robert-AMN]

There are pc's out now you can get for under $1000 that could run em. Now I didn't say they could run them good, so add a couple hundred more for a upgrade in the graphics card.

[Link]

Corey, people use computer for things other than gaming. Now, because of this, people will want the best computers, and if they already have a PC that can run these games, do you think they would go out and buy an XBox2, which is basically a PC with fewer features? I think not.