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[Boglin]

You gotta admit it was a fucking brilliant move to destroy DF threads here. People are comparing it to leaks but it's not, because with those leaks you eventually get some information to verify the leaker (like when a game or hardware is finally unveiled). So we are left with the poisoned well of eternity over someone saying MS wanted to buy DF off I've got proof but we don't know if the proof is they tried or they did and we never find out anything more.

This stuff has been brought up in the past and talk of it usually levels off pretty quick, fortunately.
I think most of the people who claim DF is biased are completely unaware of what we're talking about here and they base their judgment on their own perceptions and biases.

 

[sircaw]

The funny thing is that I was saying that since it was largely PS5 games getting praise in the video it shows how fair DF is. Now people are more convinced than ever than DF has been paid off by MS. Perhaps MS paid DF to praise Sony as some sort of reverse physiological 4D chess move. Maybe MS should ask for their money back. I suppose King Thrash will be even more popular here now.

Those games you're talking about are sony's biggest and best games of the year, it would look ridiculous if they were not on that list considering the praise they had received.

Also, at the end of the day, after many convos with H Heisenburg over the course of the last year + he does not strike me as someone who just makes shit up, couple that with the fact that he is a serious Xbox fan, I think there is some serious weight to this story.

In some shape or form, i bet all these multi-billion-trillion dollar companies do the same shit.

 

[On Demand]

Once again.......

Just because DF says a good thing about PS5 or PS5 games does not mean they don’t have a preference for Xbox.

There’s more evidence that they’re MS shills than whatever few times they praise Sony.

 

[adamsapple]

Can I have a link to this stuff?

Just because ms went after digital foundry doesnt mean DF accepted the money.

Hmm, so you think it's possible DF favors PS5 exclusives more because they have a vendetta against MS for trying to buy them out ? *

Spoiler

* see how easy and ridiculous making conspiracies like this sounds ?

 

[On Demand]

Also, not the first time the meth cooker brought up DF and MS close ties. He talked about many times before.

I think most people just choose not to believe it.

 

[It's all in the wrist]

60 FPS forever. This year has been wonderful. I never wanna play 30 again.

Also, give the DF shill stuff a rest. These nerds clearly just love thech, and it's glorious that we can have this kind of stuff now, free on YouTube.

 

[adamsapple]

60 FPS forever. This year has been wonderful. I never wanna play 30 again.

Fingers crossed this 60 FPS trend continues once we're out of the cross-gen period too.

Between all the 60 FPS offerings and value added things like FPS Boost on so many games, this year has been good for higher FPS on console games.

 

[Topher]

Just because ms went after digital foundry doesnt mean DF accepted the money.

Supposedly they did....

Also during the said transcripts I shared it also shows Xbox brass saying John was the least likely to be swayed (though without digging through messages I can not remember the exact wording) as they knew John wouldn't be "bought"


The "recruiting" began with the Xbox One X deep dive and its not like they were 100% bought to sell Xbox they were just swayed to be more pro Xbox and of course they accepted the money

This would have been fine if DF had just declared their analysis of Xbox One X was a paid promotion. Providing that analysis in the guise of independent journalist coverage is disingenuous at best. Obviously this does not mean every game analysis done by DF is suspect and their even coverage of the games suggests that is not the case, imo.

In the back of my mind, I'm wondering who else Microsoft has paid for positive coverage. Somehow I doubt this is an isolated case.

 

[SlimySnake]

Supposedly they did....



This would have been fine if DF had just declared their analysis of Xbox One X was a paid promotion. Providing that analysis in the guise of independent journalist coverage is disingenuous at best. Obviously this does not mean every game analysis done by DF is suspect and their even coverage of the games suggests that is not the case, imo.

In the back of my mind, I'm wondering who else Microsoft has paid for positive coverage. Somehow I doubt this is an isolated case.

Does the transcript show that DF accepted the money?

 

[Topher]

Does the transcript show that DF accepted the money?

According to HeisenbergFX4 , yes.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

According to HeisenbergFX4 , yes.

100% also in some detail

Sorry was just catching up a little as some family running a little late

Btw I think I have said before but I will follow through this time as I wont mention this again as I know if causes a lot of uproar.

Only reason I did there are a hand full of posters here I really do respect their contributions here and you are 100% one of them Topher so just wanted you to know this had happened.

And I do love Mod of War analogy of car manufacturers as this was never designed to say DF is bought and paid for shills, just when possible shine a little more light our way type of thing

Now to the fam and Christmas

 

[adamsapple]

Btw I think I have said before but I will follow through this time as I wont mention this again as I know if causes a lot of uproar.

Thank you, but I think the damage has already been done for the foreseeable future now

 

[mejin]

Ratchet is just Crazy on an Oled TV with 120hz.

In the back of my mind, I'm wondering who else Microsoft has paid for positive coverage. Somehow I doubt this is an isolated case.

Since the start of the current gen I think they infiltrated everywhere and anyone is game, even users on foruns.

 

[SLB1904]

Returnal would be my number one pick.
ratchet is technically better looking.
but returnal is a trip. also, the gameplay is god tier

 

[Orbital2060]

Thats it folks - we gonna need a Congressional Hearing on this. Digital Foundry-gate is now a thing and there is no going back.

Forget Covid, forget Ukraine, forget Taiwan. This corruption in the videogame business is threatening the integrity of freedom of movement and speech in the civilised parts pf the world and must not be allowed to carry on.

Spoiler

/s

 

[mansoor1980]

looks like DF are disappointed with halo infinite campaign graphics . it should be in the list IMO
rest of the list is great

 

[DarkMage619]

In the back of my mind, I'm wondering who else Microsoft has paid for positive coverage. Somehow I doubt this is an isolated case.

It's obvious MS didn't pay enough because DF didn't even cover one of the highest rated games MS published this year. It was multi-platform too so they could have always put it under the guise of typical technical analysis. Maybe MS doesn't know how to pay people off.

 

[Boglin]

Ratchet is just Crazy on an Oled TV with 120hz.



Since the start of the current gen I think they infiltrated everywhere and anyone is game, even users on foruns.

What about my friends and family? Can I trust them!?

 

[Topher]

It's obvious MS didn't pay enough because DF didn't even cover one of the highest rated games MS published this year. It was multi-platform too so they could have always put in under the guise of typical technical analysis. Maybe MS doesn't know how to pay people off.

Like I said, I doubt the arrangement they had for Xbox One X extends to all DF coverage.

 

[adamsapple]

It's obvious MS didn't pay enough because DF didn't even cover one of the highest rated games MS published this year. It was multi-platform too so they could have always put it under the guise of typical technical analysis. Maybe MS doesn't know how to pay people off.

Or .. hear me out and stay with me here .. this whole thing is just a false narrative. *gasp*

The folks who want to stick to it aren't even letting it go in a topic where the PS5 "wins". There's little hope of it being dropped in any future topic where either console "wins" now.

I think DF topics on GAF are a lost cause now.

What about my friends and family? Can I trust them!?

 

[MasterCornholio]

Any reason why this wasn't sent to gaming press already? If the allegations are true, and there is credible evidence, it should absolutely be made public. Anyone trying to buy off an outfit like DF should be exposed.

Any reason why the transcripts are not made public even here?

Why it isn't made here I'm guessing it's to protect the leakers identity. And we have to question if that information was given with confidentially or not. It could get someone fired if the leakers (whether intentional or not) identity was revealed.

I know I won't be pushing HeisenbergFX4 to get anyone fired by revealing that information.

 

[Three]

It's really simple TBH.

Either provide the transcript or stop talking about it. If it's something that can jeopardize someones livelihood, all the more reason to not keep bringing it up over and over if you can't provide the receipts.

No, that's not how it works. When we get leaks in order to protect the leak we get information and that information verified by a mod. We don't get the actual receipts. The information here is that MS went after DF to buy favourable coverage for the xbox and John was the least likely to be bought. You can choose not to accept that but it is what it is.

Just because ms went after digital foundry doesnt mean DF accepted the money.

He says that they did.

 

[mejin]

What about my friends and family? Can I trust them!?

You can! Careful with the wife though.

 

[DarkMage619]

Like I said, I doubt the arrangement they had for Xbox One X extends to all DF coverage.

But in the back of your mind you'll still wonder right? adamsapple is right there will be a never ending stream of 'MS paid for DF to say that!' nonsense forever now. And this is all without any actual evidence and as you said even if true was about X1X coverage which last time I checked wasn't MS' latest console.

 

[adamsapple]

No, that's not how it works. When we get leaks in order to protect the leak we get information and that information verified by a mod. We don't get the actual receipts. The information here is that MS went after DF to buy favourable coverage for the xbox and John was the least likely to be bought. You can choose not to accept that but it is what it is.

If I see any shred of evidence supporting it, I will accept it for what it is and even openly apologize for doubting Heisenberg here, you have my word.

Please excuse me if I don't believe it otherwise, I'm sure I'm not saying anything highly controversial by asking for some evidence before buying into a false narrative.

If no party is able to provide any evidence for whatever reason, then we should really stop bringing it up as it does nothing but poison the literal well.

That's just my 2 cents on the subject.

 

[Topher]

Or .. hear me out and stay with me here .. this whole thing is just a false narrative. *gasp*

Are you saying HeisenbergFX4 and Mod of War are lying?

 

[adamsapple]

Are you saying HeisenbergFX4 and Mod of War are lying?

See my post above.

 

[MasterCornholio]

Anyone remember that developer that posted that fake PS5 dev kit foto?

Then he posted a prototype of the controller which was a DualShock 4 right next to a Sony laptop.

Mod of War I believe he sent you those pictures if I'm not wrong and you shared them with the community.

 

[Topher]

See my post above.

That doesn't answer the question. You are declaring this a "false narrative". So what part is false? You don't believe these transcripts exist? Or what?

 

[Heisenberg007]

But in the back of your mind you'll still wonder right? adamsapple is right there will be a never ending stream of 'MS paid for DF to say that!' nonsense forever now. And this is all without any actual evidence and as you said even if true was about X1X coverage which last time I checked wasn't MS' latest console.

Can you blame people for that? MS and DF should have thought about it before making that arrangement.

And the evidence is real and is with the mods. Just because we haven't seen it doesn't mean there is no "actual evidence". That's how leaks work everywhere. A poster leaks something, mods verify the leak in private, and allow the poster to share the leak, all while protecting the identity of the leaker.

 

[Heisenberg007]

You can! Careful with the wife though.

Too late. Turns out she was a man in disguise.

 

[adamsapple]

That doesn't answer the question. You are declaring this a "false narrative". So what part is false? You don't believe these transcripts exist?

Unless I see them with my own eyes, yes. I don't believe these transcripts exist at least in the way some folks here have latched onto their perceived existence.

Those who believe in it don't have to take my word for it, y'all are free to believe whatever you want. Digital Foundry's content has already been tainted to the point of no recovery on GAF now.

 

[Boglin]

You can! Careful with the wife though.

Too late. Turns out she was a man in disguise.

Jokes on you guys. She left me last year so I already don't trust her or her manhood anymore

 

[adamsapple]

Jokes on you guys. She left me last year so I already don't trust her or her manhood anymore

 

[MasterCornholio]

That doesn't answer the question. You are declaring this a "false narrative". So what part is false? You don't believe these transcripts exist? Or what?

I believe that there was an exchange between the mod and HeisenbergFX4 . And whatever he gave didn't look fake otherwise the mod wouldn't let him talk about it here. With that said it's possible that HeisenbergFX4 was given bad information from somewhere. But I don't believe HeisenbergFX4 is the type to fabricate said information just to get people riled up. He's a pretty level headed poster and he doesn't troll or delve into the console wars just to get a kick out of this. Which is why I like reading what he has to share with us. Always with a grain of salt like anything we get from insiders.

 

[8BiTw0LF]

#3: Returnal

1o8oPgAmE in the top 3!

 

[sircaw]

I believe that there was an exchange between the mod and HeisenbergFX4 . And whatever he gave didn't look fake otherwise the mod wouldn't let him talk about it here. With that said it's possible that HeisenbergFX4 was given bad information from somewhere. But I don't believe HeisenbergFX4 is the type to fabricate said information just to get people riled up. He's a pretty level headed poster and he doesn't troll or delve into the console wars just to get a kick out of this. Which is why I like reading what he has to share with us. Always with a grain of salt like anything we get from insiders.

NEVER TRUST A MAN WITH DOBERMANS.

God damn tax Collectors dog.

I had one once.

Rhodesian ridgebacks are 500% better, you can take that to the bank HeisenbergFX4

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

I believe that there was an exchange between the mod and HeisenbergFX4 . And whatever he gave didn't look fake otherwise the mod wouldn't let him talk about it here. With that said it's possible that HeisenbergFX4 was given bad information from somewhere. But I don't believe HeisenbergFX4 is the type to fabricate said information just to get people riled up. He's a pretty level headed poster and he doesn't troll or delve into the console wars just to get a kick out of this. Which is why I like reading what he has to share with us. Always with a grain of salt like anything we get from insiders.

In all fairness what I gave him was probably now a 2 year old conversation (if not 3 years now) and who it came from leads zero doubts of if this was bad info or not as many here know who I have gamed with for a few years

Do i think this practice continues today? Probably

Do I have proof it continues to this day? Nope

And as far as the damage being done that was done by the parties involved and any "damage" done here is just a kill the messenger mentality

 

[adamsapple]

Do I have proof it continues to this day? Nope

Thank you, again.

Glad we can finally drop this now.

Here's hoping the discussion on GAF can continue with this knowledge at hand.

 

[Fredrik]

In the back of my mind, I'm wondering who else Microsoft has paid for positive coverage. Somehow I doubt this is an isolated case.

In the back of your mind you should accept that it’s more than likely that Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Valve, LG, etc has paid for positive coverage. Trust no one blindly, always check multiple sources. And then you should wonder who did it all for free just because they have a preference.
There is no spoon unbias.

 

[SlimySnake]

In all fairness what I gave him was probably now a 2 year old conversation (if not 3 years now) and who it came from leads zero doubts of if this was bad info or not as many here know who I have gamed with for a few years

Do i think this practice continues today? Probably

Do I have proof it continues to this day? Nope

And as far as the damage being done that was done by the parties involved and any "damage" done here is just a kill the messenger mentality

I haven’t seen any anti Sony or pro MS content from them lately so it probably doesn’t exist today. The worst thing I’ve seen is them feign surprise every time ps5 performs better. After 50 odd face offs perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise anymore. I would also like to see them compare the 13 tflops 40 cu 6700xt with the xsx to confirm if the Xsx has too many CUs and not enough clock speeds to perform like a 12 tflops rdna 2.0 gpu.

The only thing that bugs me right now is Alex’s dumb 2060 comparisons in non rt games. Its just dumb and makes him and DF look like PC snobs.

 

[Topher]

In all fairness what I gave him was probably now a 2 year old conversation (if not 3 years now) and who it came from leads zero doubts of if this was bad info or not as many here know who I have gamed with for a few years

Do i think this practice continues today? Probably

Do I have proof it continues to this day? Nope

And as far as the damage being done that was done by the parties involved and any "damage" done here is just a kill the messenger mentality

I think you did what was necessary to vet this information. There is some hot air being blown around by some here, but it is just silly to suggest you and Mod of War just made all this up. Nothing wrong with skepticism though and I'm always full of that. Trust but verify and so on.

In the back of your mind you should accept that it’s more than likely that Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Valve, LG, etc has paid for positive coverage. Trust no one blindly, always check multiple sources. And then you should wonder who did it all for free just because they have a preference.
There is no spoon unbias.

Sure, but that doesn't excuse any of it. Like I said above, the only thing done wrong here, imo, is that the coverage done by DF on Xbox One X was not disclosed as a paid promotion. Same applies to all companies and if they are found out to be engaging in bribery, as it were, then their reputations take a hit. I don't think we should go down the road of "well they all do it so it is ok".

 

[Zathalus]

If pro Xbox coverage exists then DF is doing a remarkably poor job of it. You would think they would cover less games where the PS5 has the advantage or try and fudge the numbers somehow. Oh, and it's odd how they consistently praise Sony 1st party visuals. Just check the graphics of the year videos from the past 4 years, a common theme is the consistency of having Sony titles listed.

 

[squarealex]

Thanks to Topher for taking the time to make the list for those who can't watch the whole video.

Digital Sony

 

[Boglin]

I haven’t seen any anti Sony or pro MS content from them lately so it probably doesn’t exist today. The worst thing I’ve seen is them feign surprise every time ps5 performs better.

I agree. At first I just attributed their surprise as their own assumptions getting the better of them but they were so slow to learn that it bugged me.
I still never felt like they were lying to me or anything like that and I always appreciate their content.

 

[adamsapple]

If pro Xbox coverage exists then DF is doing a remarkably poor job of it. You would think they would cover less games where the PS5 has the advantage or try and fudge the numbers somehow. Oh, and it's odd how they consistently praise Sony 1st party visuals. Just check the graphics of the year videos from the past 4 years, a common theme is the

There's no deliberate pro Xbox coverage. This very thread and the video it's about is living proof.

 

[Topher]

I haven’t seen any anti Sony or pro MS content from them lately so it probably doesn’t exist today. The worst thing I’ve seen is them feign surprise every time ps5 performs better. After 50 odd face offs perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise anymore. I would also like to see them compare the 13 tflops 40 cu 6700xt with the xsx to confirm if the Xsx has too many CUs and not enough clock speeds to perform like a 12 tflops rdna 2.0 gpu.

The only thing that bugs me right now is Alex’s dumb 2060 comparisons in non rt games. Its just dumb and makes him and DF look like PC snobs.

I agree. If DF is still getting money from Microsoft then someone at Microsoft needs to be fired.

I can just see the video call from Phil Spencer to DF right now....

 

[Hobbygaming]

Hey if you guys believe that, more power to you.

I don't buy the absurdity of the claim unless I see the evidence myself. If there was a trend of it actually showing in their articles or content, at least there'd be more reason to believe it.

When MS has done similar things before and the person who is giving the info prefers to play on Xbox, It isn't hard to believe

 

[Zathalus]

The only thing that bugs me right now is Alex’s dumb 2060 comparisons in non rt games. Its just dumb and makes him and DF look like PC snobs.

He uses a 3090, 6800XT and 2070 Super as well, off the top of my head they were used in the FH5, Deathloop and Far Cry 6 videos. He uses the cards he has access to, so he doesn't use a 2080 as he doesn't have one. Same thing goes for Nxgamer, dude mostly has been using his 2070 for comparisons.

 

[VAVA Mk2]

Halo Infinite is not ugly now but definitely not at the top of graphics.