Does Microsoft still has an ace up its sleeve?

We already know of several high profile games that will be coming out in 2008 on the Xbox 360. Games such as Ninja Gaiden 2, Fable 2, Gears of War 2, GTA 4, etc...are guaranteed to be huge hits. But I keep asking myself if MS has something big in the cooker that it has yet to announce.

While the lineup for 2008 is looking really good, I am of the opinion that MS needs something else, something big, something that will shatter our expectations. Otherwise, there is a strong possibility that MS could be left far behind by Sony and Nintendo. Let face it, Sony is poised for a comeback and Nintendo, well, they have their Wii thing doing just fine.

Where is Rare? I think it is time MS made a return on the multi-million dollar investment. What will be the big annoucement at E3 this year and The Tokyo Game Show later on? We all knew Gears of War 2 was coming so what else is left?

Right now, the biggest ace up their sleeve is where they're going with the price. The price needs to come down; they're in their third year and they've only dropped $50 from what the system launched at, and a lot of that goodwill was squandered by adding an even higher-priced sku.

A $299 360 for the launch of GTA4 would set them up nicely until Q4, at which point they need to drop another bombshell. As to what that would/will be, who knows? I know Microsoft is willing to spend the money to make this system competitive, as they've shown by spending 50 million on exclusive GTA content, and 20 or so million funding Mistwalker games (money well spent after seeing how Lost Odyssey turned out). They've proven that they're in this for the long haul and that they're not going away, and it isn't like publishers are really keen on keeping games off the system when they see how games sell on it. It won't take more than a nudge, anyway. Microsoft's biggest assett is its base, and that operates completely independent from how many units are out there. If a company sees that they could sell another million units of their game, the seed is already planted. All Microsoft needs to do is water it.

I'm sure there's another notable title that will be released in '08. Until E3 comes around, you can't get an accurate picture of a console's release schedule for the whole year.Robio_basic

Yah, E3 has yet to come i'm sure they have saved some annoucments for that event aswell.

Right now, the biggest ace up their sleeve is where they're going with the price. The price needs to come down; they're in their third year and they've only dropped $50 from what the system launched at, and a lot of that goodwill was squandered by adding an even higher-priced sku.

A $299 360 for the launch of GTA4 would set them up nicely until Q4, at which point they need to drop another bombshell. As to what that would/will be, who knows? I know Microsoft is willing to spend the money to make this system competitive, as they've shown by spending 50 million on exclusive GTA content, and 20 or so million funding Mistwalker games (money well spent after seeing how Lost Odyssey turned out). They've proven that they're in this for the long haul and that they're not going away, and it isn't like publishers are really keen on keeping games off the system when they see how games sell on it. It won't take more than a nudge, anyway. Microsoft's biggest assett is its base, and that operates completely independent from how many units are out there. If a company sees that they could sell another million units of their game, the seed is already is already planted. All Microsoft needs to do is water it.

Shame-usBlackley

Good comments all around.

I personally don't think $50 is enough for the GTA4 timed price drop that I'm convinced will occur. If Too Human is coming in May and NG2 in June, the console is going to have a VERY strong Spring. An $80-100 price cut (if anyone can name a GOOD reason why they couldn't do this at this point in the consoles life, please share) across all SKU's would be major for those on the fence about he system. In fact, it would put them closer to that 2nd system price that the Wii has been at (Wii60, anyone). A $199 Arcade system would be huge.

But to answer the TC's questions, there is a lot that we haven't seen yet. Its been over a year and a half since we've seen Alan Wake, a while since we've seen Halo Wars, we've never seen Banjo or Halo: Chronicles (the Peter Jackson game that is supposedly more Indigo Prophecy than Halo: CE) and apparently Rare has more cooking than Banjo. So do they have more to show for 2008? Unquestionably. That's not even counting key 'exclusive' 3rd party games like Splinter Cell: Conviction and A.P.B. (if you didn't read/see the new info from late last night, prepare to be impressed).

The future is quite bright for this console. Brighter than people that keep talking about MGS4 and GT Prologue (honestly, what else hugely important does the PS3 have this year) are willing to realize.

The future is quite bright for this console. Brighter than people that keep talking about MGS4 and GT Prologue (honestly, what else hugely important does the PS3 have this year) are willing to realize.

Darth_Tigris

I guess my issue is that in the past you have made several threads solely for the purpose of baiting PS3 fans into looking like idiots. You even admit to it in those threads. I don't think anyone here on the GGD has made a habit of downplaying the 360's lineup for 2008, so it is lame when you say that Sony fans aren't 'bright', and you downplay the lineup of the PS3.

but god forbid someone actually liked both systems. :shock:rragnaar

Thats blasphemy!

I think Microsoft has a good enough lineup imo. Especially if you own a PS3 along with it (PS360 anyone?) there will be thousands of hours of games to play. Im more than pleased and at this rate, I wont have enough time to play all these games. Luckily, unlike last year, the games are actually spread out, with MGS and NG coming in spring, LBP in september, hopefully GT5 this holidays (or am I importing?), and all the other big hits in the holiday season.

A $199 Arcade system would be huge.

Darth_Tigris

I dont know, I think Sony prvoed tard packs dont sell that well.

The future is quite bright for this console. Brighter than people that keep talking about MGS4 and GT Prologue (honestly, what else hugely important does the PS3 have this year) are willing to realize.

Darth_Tigris

el o el

In the beginning I am not gonna lie i hated PS3, Then outta nowhere *cough*E3 07*cough* I had a new found respect doe PS3. I had a PS3 last year for a bit but you have to admit there was not much out then. I decided for now I would sell my PS3 and repurchase when it has more games. I forgot about Echochrome thou lol looks really good. I still think PS3 has a little bit farther to go before it is equal to the 360 but it has made a huge comeback since it launched.

360=Great(Lowered because MS is lazy and wont get rid of RROD for good)

PS3=Great(Just get some of those amazing games out and everyone will be even)

[QUOTE="Darth_Tigris"]

The future is quite bright for this console. Brighter than people that keep talking about MGS4 and GT Prologue (honestly, what else hugely important does the PS3 have this year) are willing to realize.

rragnaar

I guess my issue is that in the past you have made several threads solely for the purpose of baiting PS3 fans into looking like idiots. You even admit to it in those threads. I don't think anyone here on the GGD has made a habit of downplaying the 360's lineup for 2008, so it is lame when you say that Sony fans aren't 'bright', and you downplay the lineup of the PS3.

Wow, wha-???!!! I don't want to derail the thread, but I have no issue with fans of PS3, 360 or the Wii. In fact, if I hadn't been laid off for over a year now, I'd have all 3 systems like several of my friends do. I do have a problem with FANBOYS of any console and any effort to spread FUD about the others. And that is what I have been reading consistently (even on the GGD) concerning the PS3 lineup in comparison to the 360 for 2008. EGM even got in on it, as have many gaming sites, media sites and publications.

What you listed were a number of potentially great software for the PS3. Things any PS3 owners and gamer should be excited for. The 360 has an exciting line-up too, though. So why is it commonly accepted as FACT that the 360 line up this year is severely lacking compared to the PS3? And don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about because its EVERYWHERE.

I'm not sure what other threads you are referring to, but I try hard to not create flame-bait topics or comments and have no disrespect for fans of any console. Just fanboys that spread FUD.

[QUOTE="rragnaar"][QUOTE="Darth_Tigris"]

The future is quite bright for this console. Brighter than people that keep talking about MGS4 and GT Prologue (honestly, what else hugely important does the PS3 have this year) are willing to realize.

Darth_Tigris

I guess my issue is that in the past you have made several threads solely for the purpose of baiting PS3 fans into looking like idiots. You even admit to it in those threads. I don't think anyone here on the GGD has made a habit of downplaying the 360's lineup for 2008, so it is lame when you say that Sony fans aren't 'bright', and you downplay the lineup of the PS3.

Wow, wha-???!!! I don't want to derail the thread, but I have no issue with fans of PS3, 360 or the Wii. In fact, if I hadn't been laid off for over a year now, I'd have all 3 systems like several of my friends do. I do have a problem with FANBOYS of any console and any effort to spread FUD about the others. And that is what I have been reading consistently (even on the GGD) concerning the PS3 lineup in comparison to the 360 for 2008. EGM even got in on it, as have many gaming sites, media sites and publications.

What you listed were a number of potentially great software for the PS3. Things any PS3 owners and gamer should be excited for. The 360 has an exciting line-up too, though. So why is it commonly accepted as FACT that the 360 line up this year is severely lacking compared to the PS3? And don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about because its EVERYWHERE.

I'm not sure what other threads you are referring to, but I try hard to not create flame-bait topics or comments and have no disrespect for fans of any console. Just fanboys that spread FUD.

The general consensus is that its the "year of the ps3" not "year 360 turns to crap". I dont recall anyone besides system wars fanbois stating that the 360 lineup is severly lacking. IMO its lineup is better or close to 07s 360 lineup, which was better than any other systems lineup,

You also just stated that 360 has a brighter lineup than ps3 does, how is that any different?

if it had some kind of portable system it would kill all the other competition

Spoilered to avoid further derailment:

...anway, like I said, I think both systems are on par this year. Both have an incredible lineup, and I'm sure there is more to come from both. There have to be a few surprises left in store for the year.rragnaar

Thanks for clarifying. I could see how you'd feel that way from your example, but I maybe should've explained myself better back then. Regardless, this should be a great year for gaming. In fact, too great. Not enough time or money for all of these great games (missed out on enough still from 2007). Regardless, the industry has proven it can truly support 3 consoles. Amazing and fantastic.

The general consensus is that its the "year of the ps3" not "year 360 turns to crap". I dont recall anyone besides system wars fanbois stating that the 360 lineup is severly lacking. IMO its lineup is better or close to 07s 360 lineup, which was better than any other systems lineup,

You also just stated that 360 has a brighter lineup than ps3 does, how is that any different?

F1Lengend

The existence of this thread is evidence that people think the 360 lineup is lacking. And if proving my point was of the utmost importance, I could find a number of threads, stories and comments on GGD and even the 360 board that are similar. But, I'm sorry, I just don't have that much time.

My earlier statements were not to imply the 360 lineup is better. Truth is both the PS3 and 360 look to have some potentially great software coming. What I meant was that the existence of MGS4 and GT Prologue (two very successful series with a strong fanbase) doesn't elevate the PS3 lineup significantly over the 360's. That is all.

Otherwise, there is a strong possibility that MS could be left far behind by Sony and Nintendo. Let face it, Sony is poised for a comeback and Nintendo, well, they have their Wii thing doing just fine.

rbenavidez

And you base this on what exactly?

No offense, but that is some pretty outlandish conjecture when you consider what MS already has lined up, including exclusive GTAIV content and Gears of War 2. Gears 2 could end up outselling Halo 3 and everything else this year; I seriously doubt anything on the PS3 will even touch its numbers, MGS4 included. Most people also seem to forget that MS purposely opted to only show games that were supposed to come out in 2007 at last year's E3, meaning this year's show will probably be full of newly announced games.

Even as an owner of the PS3 I think the notion of a Sony comeback is wishful thinking at this point. As for the Wii, it will continue to sell very well but the library doesn't even approach what the XB360 has and it probably never will. The Wii will enjoy a couple of truly killer apps this year but it will never possess the volume of either the PS3 or the XB360.

Like Shamus stated, if MS simply bit the bullet and made some deep price cuts, they could potentially increase sales by three fold.

As others have said the most important thing right now would be to cut the price by at $50-100 in time to cash in on the 360's suprisingly robust spring lineup (GTAIV+exclusive DLC, NG2, plus Too Human and Fable are rumored to come out in May). I think the 360's lineup is pretty underrated, sure they don't have an MGS4 or SSBB, but they have some solid titles on the way and the big 07 titles are still selling well. That will carry them through 2008 and at E3, TGS, and possibly X08 (should MS decide its worth having one) they can announce 2009 titles that could include titles like Perfect Dark 2, Killer Instinct 3, Mass Effect 2, Forza 3, a new Crimson Skies, a new Mechwarrior and others. I think the biggest threat to MS right now isn't the PS3 or Wii, but MS over-analyzing and going after short-term gain over long term potential.

Even as an owner of the PS3 I think the notion of a Sony comeback is wishful thinking at this point. As for the Wii, it will continue to sell very well but the library doesn't even approach what the XB360 has and it probably never will. The Wii will enjoy a couple of truly killer apps this year but it will never possess the volume of either the PS3 or the XB360.

Like Shamus stated, if MS simply bit the bullet and made some deep price cuts, they could potentially increase sales by three fold.

Grammaton-Cleric

I dont think its wishful thinking, I think its a high possibility. Im not saying it will happen, but the odds of Sony making a comeback are not far fetched. So many things are in its favour, and if all goes well, I dont see why it wont double 360 sales worldwide this year. Atleast 1.5 times it. And if Gran turismo 5 comes out, than Gears wont touch it.

I really don't think we'll seen any AAA games coming out that we don't know about. MS must have some fun announcements for 09 but with the current line-up, they're set:

Lost Odysses: Already out but I think as word of mouth spreads, more people will experiance this gem as the year goes on..

Too Human: (if it's half as good as I think it'll be then I'm going to sink my teeth into it for quite some time. Diablo with DMC combat... count me in).

NG2: if you've played NG then you'll know this is a garuanteed hit

Fable 2: Say what you will about the first game and the hype surrounding it, but it was a fun as hell. Fable 2 seems to build upon that with online co-op and deeper interaction with the world.

Gears 2: While I didn't think the first was that spectacular, I was defiantly in the minority. This franchise is much bigger than Killzone and Resistance and just as big as MGS in NA.

Halo Wars : Halo in the name, garuanteed 1 mil+ sales

SC: Conviction: I believe in Ubi Monreal, their SC titles are always AAA and they're really trying something special with this one.

Post '08 I think we'll see Banjo if it isn't released this holiday season. Rare is probably working on a couple of other titles (they've released about 2 games a year). I'm afraid Alan Wake will be pushed back to'09, during which will acompany Halo Chronicals, APB, and more.

In summary, anyone that says the 360's lineup pales in comparison to either the Wii or PS3 hasn't done their homework. The exclusives coupled with third party games will leave 360 owners either very poor or very busy. I'm confident that I'll be able to hold off for a $300 PS3 because of this.

[QUOTE="Grammaton-Cleric"]

Even as an owner of the PS3 I think the notion of a Sony comeback is wishful thinking at this point. As for the Wii, it will continue to sell very well but the library doesn't even approach what the XB360 has and it probably never will. The Wii will enjoy a couple of truly killer apps this year but it will never possess the volume of either the PS3 or the XB360.

Like Shamus stated, if MS simply bit the bullet and made some deep price cuts, they could potentially increase sales by three fold.

F1Lengend

I dont think its wishful thinking, I think its a high possibility. Im not saying it will happen, but the odds of Sony making a comeback are not far fetched. So many things are in its favour, and if all goes well, I dont see why it wont double 360 sales worldwide this year. Atleast 1.5 times it. And if Gran turismo 5 comes out, than Gears wont touch it.

Possibility and probability are two different issues entirely. Of course it's possible the PS3 will make a comeback but I haven't seen any evidence to suggest it.

As to Gran Turismo coming out this year and Gears not being able to touch it, I really don't follow your rationale at all. The GT series has enjoyed tremendous success but at the same time GT4 sold less than GT3 and regardless, the user base for the PS2 was massive where by contrast the PS3 sales are still paltry, even anemic when compared to the competition. Even assuming sales pick up, that will do nothing to change the fact that the XB360 will also continue to sell and the attach rate for Gears 2 will be astronomical.

Again, I could be wrong and if I am I'll happily give you a nod this time next year but as of now I really haven't seen a shred of evidence to support the notion that Sony "shall rise again."

Lol you are right, GT3 (bundled game) sold more than the 9+ million copies of GT4. Install base is rather pointless when you reach that 100mil plateau as well, considering the majority of the fans for said franchise already own and are prepared to buy the games they want. GTA VC and SA sold relatively close, and to en extent so did GTA3 but the difference in install base from one to the other is astronomical.

Anyway, I never claim that my opinions are facts, they are just my opinions. As for GT, I would hope you give GT the benifit of the doubt that it could sell more than Gears. If not, thats nearminded on your behalf. Especially when games come out for the first time on a new system, they have that hype to drive sales. (MGS2, GT3, FF10). GT is massive, period. Gears relies heavily on N.A, GT has the world. I dont see why it cant flourish.

Lol you are right, GT3 (bundled game) sold more than the 9+ million copies of GT4. Install base is rather pointless when you reach that 100mil plateau as well, considering the majority of the fans for said franchise already own and are prepared to buy the games they want. GTA VC and SA sold relatively close, and to en extent so did GTA3 but the difference in install base from one to the other is astronomical.

Anyway, I never claim that my opinions are facts, they are just my opinions. As for GT, I would hope you give GT the benifit of the doubt that it could sell more than Gears. If not, thats nearminded on your behalf. Especially when games come out for the first time on a new system, they have that hype to drive sales. (MGS2, GT3, FF10). GT is massive, period. Gears relies heavily on N.A, GT has the world. I dont see why it cant flourish.

F1Lengend

I think the death of exclusivity comes into play here, and that's why the PS3 will never be what the PS2 was. It wasn't just having the Final Fantasy franchise on lockdown, but the GTA franchise, the Devil May Cry franchise, and so on. It wasn't one exclusive that built the PS2, it was built out each exclusive like a pyramid is constructed of much smaller (but still ten ton) blocks. That pyramid no longer exists. The market has gone towards looking after themselves instead of looking after one company and hoping for the best. What third-party exclusives are left for Sony after Metal Gear and Final Fantasy hit? There might be one or two, but for the most part they're gone. It's a completely different landscape this generation, and Sony is probably going to be hit the hardest by it simply because they had the most to lose going into it.

And in the long run, that's good for developers. And that's all the developers need to worry about -- making money so they can make more games.

[QUOTE="F1Lengend"]

Lol you are right, GT3 (bundled game) sold more than the 9+ million copies of GT4. Install base is rather pointless when you reach that 100mil plateau as well, considering the majority of the fans for said franchise already own and are prepared to buy the games they want. GTA VC and SA sold relatively close, and to en extent so did GTA3 but the difference in install base from one to the other is astronomical.

Anyway, I never claim that my opinions are facts, they are just my opinions. As for GT, I would hope you give GT the benifit of the doubt that it could sell more than Gears. If not, thats nearminded on your behalf. Especially when games come out for the first time on a new system, they have that hype to drive sales. (MGS2, GT3, FF10). GT is massive, period. Gears relies heavily on N.A, GT has the world. I dont see why it cant flourish.

Shame-usBlackley

I think the death of exclusivity comes into play here, and that's why the PS3 will never be what the PS2 was. It wasn't just having the Final Fantasy franchise on lockdown, but the GTA franchise, the Devil May Cry franchise, and so on. It wasn't one exclusive that built the PS2, it was built out each exclusive like a pyramid is constructed of much smaller (but still ten ton) blocks. That pyramid no longer exists. The market has gone towards looking after themselves instead of looking after one company and hoping for the best. What third-party exclusives are left for Sony after Metal Gear and Final Fantasy hit? There might be one or two, but for the most part they're gone. It's a completely different landscape this generation, and Sony is probably going to be hit the hardest by it simply because they had the most to lose going into it.

And in the long run, that's good for developers. And that's all the developers need to worry about -- making money so they can make more games.

I think sony hyped the ps3 to the point that it was going to fail. Sony promised a lot of things and it busted right in their faces. Square enix has stated they are not going to support either system just create games and see which system that will benefit them most. I am sure final fantasy 13 will do good but I do not really see them carry sony like the way they did on the ps1. A lot of things have changed it is a different playing ground for developers like you said. Metal gear is a good series but when both come out with there main titles who else is sony going to come to. No third party companies are coming to mind. It is going to be a hard battle for sony to keep the console afloat and remain where it is.

Lol you are right, GT3 (bundled game) sold more than the 9+ million copies of GT4. Install base is rather pointless when you reach that 100mil plateau as well, considering the majority of the fans for said franchise already own and are prepared to buy the games they want. GTA VC and SA sold relatively close, and to en extent so did GTA3 but the difference in install base from one to the other is astronomical.

Anyway, I never claim that my opinions are facts, they are just my opinions. As for GT, I would hope you give GT the benifit of the doubt that it could sell more than Gears. If not, thats nearminded on your behalf. Especially when games come out for the first time on a new system, they have that hype to drive sales. (MGS2, GT3, FF10). GT is massive, period. Gears relies heavily on N.A, GT has the world. I dont see why it cant flourish.

F1Lengend

I never asserted GT can't flourish but at the same time the market has changed and new franchises and genres are dominating the charts. 9 million copies for GT4 is an impressive feat but considering that Halo 3 has already moved more than 8 million units (in about 5 months no less) with a much smaller user base illustrates that things have changed. Shooters and sandbox titles carry far more weight than racers at this point, and once all the hype and promotion for Gears 2 hits full force next holiday season, it could easily surpass Halo 3 in terms of sales, especially considering that it is a sequel to an established franchise.

I´m more worried about Nintendo...I don´t see anything to wait for...Mario Kart maybe,but there´s not a single on my mind to really wait for.The PS3´s lineup is dominated by Killzone 2 (TBA),MGS4 (maybe Summer or earlier) and Final Fantasy XIII (TBA,but officals say NOT this year).All a bit questionable...but possibly good.I think that the 360´s lineup is a bit better suited and since Mistwalker seems to plan on more 360-Titles and Rare has still something unknown planned and there are more then egnough PC-companies who support it...I whouldn´t ask if M$ has a ace on it´s sleeve,I whould ask after the other two.

It doesn´t matter if I like N or Sony...I really,really,really don´t see that much there.By far not egnough to pay for the consoles.

[QUOTE="F1Lengend"]

Lol you are right, GT3 (bundled game) sold more than the 9+ million copies of GT4. Install base is rather pointless when you reach that 100mil plateau as well, considering the majority of the fans for said franchise already own and are prepared to buy the games they want. GTA VC and SA sold relatively close, and to en extent so did GTA3 but the difference in install base from one to the other is astronomical.

Anyway, I never claim that my opinions are facts, they are just my opinions. As for GT, I would hope you give GT the benifit of the doubt that it could sell more than Gears. If not, thats nearminded on your behalf. Especially when games come out for the first time on a new system, they have that hype to drive sales. (MGS2, GT3, FF10). GT is massive, period. Gears relies heavily on N.A, GT has the world. I dont see why it cant flourish.

Shame-usBlackley

I think the death of exclusivity comes into play here, and that's why the PS3 will never be what the PS2 was. It wasn't just having the Final Fantasy franchise on lockdown, but the GTA franchise, the Devil May Cry franchise, and so on. It wasn't one exclusive that built the PS2, it was built out each exclusive like a pyramid is constructed of much smaller (but still ten ton) blocks. That pyramid no longer exists. The market has gone towards looking after themselves instead of looking after one company and hoping for the best. What third-party exclusives are left for Sony after Metal Gear and Final Fantasy hit? There might be one or two, but for the most part they're gone. It's a completely different landscape this generation, and Sony is probably going to be hit the hardest by it simply because they had the most to lose going into it.

And in the long run, that's good for developers. And that's all the developers need to worry about -- making money so they can make more games.

QFT. With multiplatform games tending to run better on the X360 and the X360 being the cheapest console, the new playing field favors the X360.

I don't think things are without hope for Sony due to their strengths as a publisher (they have a good eye for talent, release a wide variety of games, don't tie developers to successful franchises and don't kick developers in the head for failure) but its an uphill battle.