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David Jaffe to Phil Spencer: 'You suck...... get some therapy.'

Whitecrow

Banned
Dont forget that studios are not 100% independent. Money and executives play a major role.

If there are so many studios struggling to put out games, maybe its not the studios fault, and theres something more going on behind the scenes.

Anyone who looks at Phil should recognize how he knows no more that posing in front cameras and he anything but genuine.

And dont let the therapy comment distract you. Xbox have been struggling to put out games a long time ago.

It may be Phils fault, or not, but some one is there to blame for that.
 

Black_Stride

do not tempt fate do not contrain Wonder Woman's thighs do not do not
Was Phil Spencer actively involved with StarField and Redfall.
Werent they all already deep in development with ZeniMax?

Exactly

Where is The Initiative?

Where is Rare?

Where is The Coalition?

Where is Ninja Theory?

These are studios that haven’t released games in 3-5 years!!

And worse, they’ve shown no tangible gameplay whatsoever. You’re telling me that not one of them can get a game out to fill a huge void in 2022?
I always assume with AAA games a ~4 year dev cycle, so lets see what these devs could be up to.

The Coalition "remastered" Gears 5 and did Hivebusters in 2020, theyve been getting to grips with UE5, assuming a ~4 year dev cycle even if they started immediately after Hivebusters that would still be a game only coming out in 2024 or 2023 at best.
Turn10 will hopefully show off something at the June event.
The Initiative....I honestly dont know shit about that studio.
Ninja Theory have shown us gameplay of Hellblade 2, and Mara seems to be moving forward, id assume 2023 is a lock for Hellblade atleast.
Rare are working on Everwild, which is in a who knows state because and I agree we havent seen anything after that reveal trailer.
DoubleFine just released Psychonauts 2 we can assume they are in preproduction of their next game/
Compulsion are working on a third person something and will likely show it off at the June event....or atleast announce it.
inXile are still supporting Wasteland 3 and likely atleast someways into preproduction on their next title.
Obsidian announced Outer Worlds 2, the size of those games we shouldnt expect anything soon.
Playground just released FH5, and we know are working on Fable...how far along they are...who knows.
Undead Labs is a mess of a studio and im sure MS regrets buying them/
 

davidjaffe

The Fucking MAN.
Jaffe is talking out his ass again
Phil is CEO of Microsoft Gaming he does not produced games
He has people that does that for him same thing that Jim Ryan does lol


You don't understand.

I am not suggesting Phil needs to have a spreadsheet open trying to figure out how many days artist #42 can have to work on the lighting on the Halo map.

Matt Booty doesn't need to be doing that either.

But as the head of the whole damn thing, his job IS to recognize the problems and fix them (however he chooses to do that but more often than not that fix looks like bringing in the right people and getting rid of the wrong ones).
 

Rykan

Member
I mean, kind of?

Yeah the unveiling of Xbox one was disastrous messaging, but he at least delivered on getting early next gen games signed and released

Phil just had to release good hardware and create GP, that doesn’t take 8 years of your time

The studios are mismanaged under his leadership, enough is enough
Mattrick just misread the room.

He did a really good job with the Xbox 360, but he predicted that the industry would go in a direction it didn't end up going and the Xbone became a failure because he went all in on it. The Xbone is very compareable to the Wiiu, just not to such an extreme extend.
 

Godot25

Banned
Just what?
People wants quality, but when quality requires time they get mad?
Like. You can't have it both ways.

Nobody is happy with those delays, especially Microsoft, because they suck. But blaming Phil Spencer for delays of games from Bethesda, which Microsoft only acquired last year is just plain silly. Like, both Redfall and Starfield were in development before acquisition. So what the fuck is Spencer supposed to do? Make The Coalition cancel their next game to finish Redfall faster? Make Obsidian cancel Avowed just to make Starfield done quicker? Just fuck off.

It's not like both of those games are mismanaged or are in development hell. They just need more polish. And Microsoft is giving them time to have a better product. Which is commendable. It just sucks because Microsoft has literally nothing (that we know of) to replace them.
Practically only ways to "save" situation for them is
A: Either magically have some unannounced games ready for fall (Gears: Marcus Fenix Collection, Wolfenstein 3, Forza Motorsport?)
B: Throw around huge chunks of money to secure 3rd party titles into Game Pass.

So no. Delaying both games is not bad. It is bad because of situation it puts Xbox into.
But whatever. You still can't go to store and buy Series X, so only way it will hurt Microsoft is "we are not growing Game Pass fast enough."

But it's funny that we went from "343 should delayed Halo Infinite to have more content" to "Muh, Microsoft is delaying their games so they have nothing" in span of few weeks.
 
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You don't understand.

I am not suggesting Phil needs to have a spreadsheet open trying to figure out how many days artist #42 can have to work on the lighting on the Halo map.

Matt Booty doesn't need to be doing that either.

But as the head of the whole damn thing, his job IS to recognize the problems and fix them (however he chooses to do that but more often than not that fix looks like bringing in the right people and getting rid of the wrong ones).
Love your work on GOW David respect your opinion but i don't agree with them here
Firing is not that simple yes i agree some of them are doing a bad job but it is unlikely that they can find someone better
Same goes for Sony it is not that easy to just fired and hire new people
 

Whitecrow

Banned
Love your work on GOW David respect your opinion but i don't agree with them here
Firing is not that simple yes i agree some of them are doing a bad job but it is unlikely that they can find someone better
Same goes for Sony it is not that easy to just fired and hire new people
Agreed with both, but, replying to this, what is Phil there for then?

I mean, if he doesnt produce games, neither bring solutions... Then?
 

davidjaffe

The Fucking MAN.
Love your work on GOW David respect your opinion but i don't agree with them here
Firing is not that simple yes i agree some of them are doing a bad job but it is unlikely that they can find someone better
Same goes for Sony it is not that easy to just fired and hire new people
#1- Thanks for playing- and liking!- our stuff :).
#2- If the head XBOX can't get the resources to hire and fire (be it people under him and/or HR) then there's massive issues happening at MSFT. That's the job- who cares if it's simple? Hell, you have BILLIONS invested in this: can't fire Person X? Fine, stick them in an office and pay them to just sit there. It's worth it vs. the damage these terrible managers are doing.
#3- There are PLENTY of people with this experience. And a few of them are amazing- even savant like- at the job. And those are just the ones I know about. MSFT has the HR resources to probably know about a hell of a lot more. These guys are not trying to save Apollo 13 or cure cancer; people have been making mega scoped games for over a decade- we know how to do it.
 

Ozriel

M$FT
Bonnie, Matt Booty, Spencer all have to go. Jaffe is right. They continue to talk the good talk time and time again. Like when do we say enough is enough? I mean how are you going to launch Halo as a 10 year service game and have nothing lined up for months? What was the plan here? Now we are delaying seasons? Seasons? Why does she still have a job?

Matt booty has been head of XGS since what 2013 when Phil took over Don's job? How do you get to keep your job after launching with zero games? cross gen or otherwise and then punting the first two years? He was saved by Phil when they bought Bethesda and got two free exclusives for 2022, but the man had nothing lined up from ANY of his 16 studios. 16. and no next gen games for two years. now 24 including bethesda and nothing for the first two years.

Phil has been fine with acquisitions. Minecraft, Zenimax, Activision, Ninja Theory, Playground Games, Obsidian, the man knows how to spend money, but he cant keep stringing us along year after year. At some point, someone has to go.

Get Shawn Layden. He was done dirty by Sony and Jim Ryan. The man knows how to run productive studios. He will go up against Jimbo with extra motivation and just kill it. I am sure of it. Stay away from talky used car salesmen types like Phil Harrison, Reggie, Jack Tretton and Herman Hurst. Go for guys who dont like to talk and just know how to get shit done. I am tired of excuses and being talked down to.


Love how some of you make a ton of effort not to give MS/Spencer credit for Bethesda and Double Fine games released in 2021, but are perfectly happy to lever all the blame at Starfield and Redfall delay on Spencer.


Agreed with both, but, replying to this, what is Phil there for then?

I mean, if he doesnt produce games, neither bring solutions... Then?

You’ve been given insider opinions that he isn’t bringing solutions?
Delays ARE a solution in themselves. If the games in question aren’t as polished as they should be, then making the call for delay is a great move…and that falls on Phil’s table.
 
You don't understand.

I am not suggesting Phil needs to have a spreadsheet open trying to figure out how many days artist #42 can have to work on the lighting on the Halo map.

Matt Booty doesn't need to be doing that either.

But as the head of the whole damn thing, his job IS to recognize the problems and fix them (however he chooses to do that but more often than not that fix looks like bringing in the right people and getting rid of the wrong ones).
👆

Agree, the buck stops with Phil. And it's not like he just started 2 weeks ago and inherited a bad situation. He got MS to agree to spend more than $70B + fuck knows how much more to buy publishers outright and yet they can't release a game worth shit for years and years.
People throw stones at Don Mattrick for years, but at least the X360 was a real contender and games releasing steadily. The Xbox1 had multiple exclusives at release even if the whole DRM/kinnect/sports tv tv sports worked against them.

Absolutely terrible management at Xbox and some fanboys sucking Phil's dick at every opportunity because... 12 is greater than 10 I guess 🤨
 

Ozriel

M$FT
You don't understand.

I am not suggesting Phil needs to have a spreadsheet open trying to figure out how many days artist #42 can have to work on the lighting on the Halo map.

Matt Booty doesn't need to be doing that either.

But as the head of the whole damn thing, his job IS to recognize the problems and fix them (however he chooses to do that but more often than not that fix looks like bringing in the right people and getting rid of the wrong ones).

Delaying games that aren’t ready falls firmly under ‘fixing the problems’.

Tearing apart studios and firing people for delays isn’t exactly standard in the industry.
 

Ozriel

M$FT
👆

Agree, the buck stops with Phil. And it's not like he just started 2 weeks ago and inherited a bad situation. He got MS to agree to spend more than $70B + fuck knows how much more to buy publishers outright and yet they can't release a game worth shit for years and years.
People throw stones at Don Mattrick for years, but at least the X360 was a real contender and games releasing steadily. The Xbox1 had multiple exclusives at release even if the whole DRM/kinnect/sports tv tv sports worked against them.

Absolutely terrible management at Xbox and some fanboys sucking Phil's dick at every opportunity because... 12 is greater than 10 I guess 🤨

Publisher of the year 2021, multiple games scoring in the 87 -92% Metacritic range. Multiple games showing up in GOTY lists.

“They can’t release a game worth shit”

I believe it’s clear where the fanboyism is coming from. Seeing people tell lies over video games is just weird.

phil is an awful producer and manager, yet gets so much praise (and even awards?!)

Given the awards and praise, and the fact that they released multiple award winning games last year, I suppose a scenario where you’re the one with the wrong opinion never crossed your mind? 😂
 
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BeardGawd

Banned
You don't understand.

I am not suggesting Phil needs to have a spreadsheet open trying to figure out how many days artist #42 can have to work on the lighting on the Halo map.

Matt Booty doesn't need to be doing that either.

But as the head of the whole damn thing, his job IS to recognize the problems and fix them (however he chooses to do that but more often than not that fix looks like bringing in the right people and getting rid of the wrong ones).
You have no idea what he's taking accountability for behind the scenes. Hell he just very publically made a statement when he didn't have to. Are we going to ignore all the games delayed from other publishers this year? Are we going to ignore COVID? Is he supposed to fire a whole studio that's under performing? Do you think that would somehow speed things up while retaining quality?

Sure he should crack the whip but he can't go scorched earth with his decisions. Shit takes time.
 
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davidjaffe

The Fucking MAN.
You have no idea what he's taking accountability for behind the scenes. Hell he just very publically made a statement when he didn't have to. Are we going to ignore all the games delayed from other publishers this year? Are we going to ignore COVID? Is he supposed to fire a whole studio that's under performing? Do you think that would somehow speed things up while retaining quality?

Sure he should crack the whip but he can't go scorched earth with his decisions. Shit takes time.
Sorry, that's bullshit. We're not talking about launch with ZERO software or the problems at The Initiative or 343 or Playground Games or UndeadLabs. And we're not talking about Halo being delayed and (while a great game) still launching with anemic content. And we're not talking about Halo taking SIX MONTHS post launch to get us 2 maps (with no new maps coming- apparently- for 4-6 more months). This is a NEW thing we're talking about.

I'm a fan of Phil and a fan of Xbox but I'm no abused spouse who is ok going back to their abuser over and over. How many chances are you gonna give this guy to do what so many other execs in the biz can do and have done for decades?
 
Publisher of the year 2021, multiple games scoring in the 87 -92% Metacritic range. Multiple games showing up in GOTY lists.

“They can’t release a game worth shit”

I believe it’s clear where the fanboyism is coming from. Seeing people tell lies over video games is just weird.
Are you talking about the games Sony hand picked in a deal with Bethesda before MS was ever in the picture and are not available on Xbox? Uncle Phil gets credit for those too? Come on man...
I hope they do better, no fanboyism here since I play the games I like, I don't play companies. Just calling it out as I see it.
 

TVexperto

Member
Publisher of the year 2021, multiple games scoring in the 87 -92% Metacritic range. Multiple games showing up in GOTY lists.

“They can’t release a game worth shit”

I believe it’s clear where the fanboyism is coming from. Seeing people tell lies over video games is just weird.



Given the awards and praise, and the fact that they released multiple award winning games last year, I suppose a scenario where you’re the one with the wrong opinion never crossed your mind? 😂
awards mean nothing:

a8ecedgkbxy71.jpg
 

Godot25

Banned
Are you talking about the games Sony hand picked in a deal with Bethesda before MS was ever in the picture and are not available on Xbox? Uncle Phil gets credit for those too? Come on man...
I hope they do better, no fanboyism here since I play the games I like, I don't play companies. Just calling it out as I see it.
Ehh. Nope. He is talking about Psychonauts 2, Age of Empires IV, Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5.

But it's funny. Because Phil does not get credit for quality of Deathloop from Bethesda, but somehow he gets blame for Starfield and Redfall delays from Bethesda :D
 

Ozriel

M$FT
If this were a 1 or 2 time issue, I would agree 100% with you.

At the individual studio level, it’s a 1 or 2 time issue.

You think it’s sane management to issue a company wide mandate that delays are forbidden and punishable by sacking? you think that’d fix game quality?

The fact that you’re actually recommending Phil fires Todd Howard is so hilarious
 
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#1- Thanks for playing- and liking!- our stuff :).
#2- If the head XBOX can't get the resources to hire and fire (be it people under him and/or HR) then there's massive issues happening at MSFT. That's the job- who cares if it's simple? Hell, you have BILLIONS invested in this: can't fire Person X? Fine, stick them in an office and pay them to just sit there. It's worth it vs. the damage these terrible managers are doing.
#3- There are PLENTY of people with this experience. And a few of them are amazing- even savant like- at the job. And those are just the ones I know about. MSFT has the HR resources to probably know about a hell of a lot more. These guys are not trying to save Apollo 13 or cure cancer; people have been making mega scoped games for over a decade- we know how to do it.
Im guessing you know more about this then i do since you actually have experience in it before
But i have a hard time seeing Phil or the Higher ups at MS just firing people like example Todd Howard or the higher up at Bethesda
i can't see that happeing maybe the ones that get fire will be just the lowly Devs that does drawings arts and stuff
but i can't see any of the higher up getting fire they will just take the delay and backlash instead of firing any of the upper people
 

Ozriel

M$FT
Are you talking about the games Sony hand picked in a deal with Bethesda before MS was ever in the picture and are not available on Xbox? Uncle Phil gets credit for those too? Come on man...
I hope they do better, no fanboyism here since I play the games I like, I don't play companies. Just calling it out as I see it.

I see, so MS and Spencer doesn’t get credit for those, but he gets the blame for Starfield and Redfall delays ?

As for the ‘fanboyism’ comments, I wonder if you realize we can see your post history?
 

Pantz

Gold Member
Phil Spencer seems to be a bit of a therapist himself. He's always listening and hearing our feedback. What a guy.

You're right though, who gives therapy to the therapist?

We love you Phil, take all the time that you need and remember to take some time for yourself too! :pie_sfwth: 🙌
 
Ehh. Nope. He is talking about Psychonauts 2, Age of Empires IV, Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5.

But it's funny. Because Phil does not get credit for quality of Deathloop from Bethesda, but somehow he gets blame for Starfield and Redfall delays from Bethesda :D
Are you honestly talking about Halo Infinite as an example of success? I can see where the fanboyism is coming from alright lol
AoE is also not an xbox game.
Psychonauts I never played, but we're talking a double fine game which normally make creative games but by no means AAA. Tim managed to survive so long in the industry because unlike Phil Spencer, he actually had to manage a studio to profitability for decades. Actually, I'd have Tim Schafer as head of Xbox in a heartbeat over Phil if that was possible :)
 
MS got publisher of the year 2021. Phil isn't doing so bad.
I am still confused as to how the main complaint for almost a decade now has been that MS had nothing to rely on but Halo, Gears, and Forza. Then in 2021, we get another Forza and a mixed bag (at best) Halo Infinite, and suddenly, they're publisher of the year? Then we're going to go an entire year without another big game after ALL those acquisitions? And sorry, but it has now been quite a few years that they started buying up studios. The constant goalpost-shifting from Phil Spencer is definitely getting old.
 
I never understood people's faith in Phil Spencer. His track record is abysmal.

He is just good at stringing people along and looks like he is doing it to Nadella too.

Dude got people to pay for years of Gamepass over false promises, including blatatly false trailers like that Halo one in 2018, trailers for games that barelly entered development, etc.
 
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Shmunter

Member
David Jaffe has been unhinged for a while. Failed has-been who should really know better about the realities of game development. Is he aware that Phil Spencer had nothing to do with the way the studio was run for most of Starfield's development?
Nope. When you’re at the top, there is accountability for patterns of underachieving.

Remembering Phil was ready to launch Halo in the original form till a wake up call came when everyone laughed it off the stage. The guy is clueless in all but smiling and winking at his fanclub.

He has he/him on his org chart. Speculation but it speaks volumes to the work culture being fostered. Mental health breaks for staff for the most trivial nonsense, working (not really) from home, diversity as priority. No ‘crunch’ lol, Etc. You do not run a successful outcomes driven business like this.
 
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Reallink

Member
Seems pretty clear that if the studios can present promising/compelling enough vertical slices, daddy MS commits effectively unlimited budgets, which means lax or non-existent deadlines, which gets you delays on top of delays. There's been no accountability, the head honchos who manned half decade+ money pits are still gainfully employed. Of course they're gonna drag their ass and take 6 years to make a 10 hour game, who wouldn't?
 
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I am still confused as to how the main complaint for almost a decade now has been that MS had nothing to rely on but Halo, Gears, and Forza. Then in 2021, we get another Forza and a mixed bag (at best) Halo Infinite, and suddenly, they're publisher of the year? Then we're going to go an entire year without another big game after ALL those acquisitions? And sorry, but it has now been quite a few years that they started buying up studios. The constant goalpost-shifting from Phil Spencer is definitely getting old.
You forgot Halo Infinite, is GAF GotY:lollipop_anxious_sweat:
 

Godot25

Banned
Are you honestly talking about Halo Infinite as an example of success? I can see where the fanboyism is coming from alright lol
AoE is also not an xbox game.
Psychonauts I never played, but we're talking a double fine game which normally make creative games but by no means AAA. Tim managed to survive so long in the industry because unlike Phil Spencer, he actually had to manage a studio to profitability for decades. Actually, I'd have Tim Schafer as head of Xbox in a heartbeat over Phil if that was possible :)
Well. We are talking about ratings on OpenCritic. That's why Ozriel was talking about Xbox having games that had high critics score.
Because when you throw subjective opinion in the mix, then it will get weird. Because there are plenty highly regarded PlayStation and Nintendo games that I don't like. So please, let's not get there. Also, problems with Halo Infinite are slow trickle of new content and some systems in MP. At launch it was a great game.
AoE is not on Xbox, but it is still Xbox Game Studios game. So it counts of course.
Also Ozriel was talking about XGS games. Not AAA specifically. :) But go on. Move the goal posts ever further.

Facts are.
Xbox was a publisher of a year (according to Metacritic) with 5 games with 80+ rating, 4 games with 85+ rating and 1 game with 90+ rating. When you are counting Deathloop it is 6 games with 80+ rating, 5 games with 85+ rating and 1 game with 90+ rating. If you want to cry about "this game is not AAA" then be my guest. Because it takes nothing from their quality.
Also facts are that Xbox will have probably shit year 2022. And it's their fault because they didn't invested in first-party until 2018. But it is not like that they are not capable to make great games. 2021 is the proof.
 
Well. We are talking about ratings on OpenCritic. That's why Ozriel was talking about Xbox having games that had high critics score.
Because when you throw subjective opinion in the mix, then it will get weird. Because there are plenty highly regarded PlayStation and Nintendo games that I don't like. So please, let's not get there. Also, problems with Halo Infinite are slow trickle of new content and some systems in MP. At launch it was a great game.
AoE is not on Xbox, but it is still Xbox Game Studios game. So it counts of course.
Also Ozriel was talking about XGS games. Not AAA specifically. :) But go on. Move the goal posts ever further.

Facts are.
Xbox was a publisher of a year (according to Metacritic) with 5 games with 80+ rating, 4 games with 85+ rating and 1 game with 90+ rating. When you are counting Deathloop it is 6 games with 80+ rating, 5 games with 85+ rating and 1 game with 90+ rating. If you want to cry about "this game is not AAA" then be my guest. Because it takes nothing from their quality.
Also facts are that Xbox will have probably shit year 2022. And it's their fault because they didn't invested in first-party until 2018. But it is not like that they are not capable to make great games. 2021 is the proof.
The publisher of the year line is so cringe... it doesn't fool anybody but yourselves. I love to see it and it will 100% backfire.
 
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Shmunter

Member
I've been in therapy on and off since I was 20.

I see ZERO shame in therapy; saying someone needs therapy is NOT an insult; it's a suggestion that perhaps Phil would be happier (and certainly more successful) if he figured out why he can't seem to see what has been clear as day to so many others for years. And that is: he's not good at running product development. Guess what? Jim Ryan probably isn't either. Phil is AMAZING at a number of things and I want to see Gamepass succeed because I believe in his vision and what it can bring to the medium of games. But the fact that he doesn't seem to be able to recognize this very clear flaw suggests he's got a mental blind spot to the issue.

Again tho: never let ANYONE shame you into not going to therapy if you think you need it. Therapy is SO important, even if it's just a check in with an objective source 1-2 times every few years. Our world would be a MUCH happier and safer place if everyone got some therapy. I have no doubt about this.


Jaffe
I’m still perplexed how you can support Gamepass with your years on the field. What is your view on Jim Ryan proclaim all you can eat subscription services with Sony caliber 1st party being unsustainable without diluting down the high watermark?
 

Boss Mog

Member
When you listen to Phil Spencer you really feel like he's the right guy for the job, he seems passionate, he seems to want to deliver quality content to Xbox and he also seems like a likeable guy you might want to grab a beer with. But the reality is that Phil has overpromised and underdelivered since the day he came on the scene. Whether it was Crackdown 3 cloud physics or the Phantom Dust remake or Scalebound or various delays, it just seems like it's par for the course at this point.

Gamepass seems to have had a detrimental effect on first party games. Halo infinite is being launched in chunks over the course of a year instead of as a complete package. I still haven't really played the campaign because I'm waiting for the co-op to drop in August (supposedly) so I can play it with my friend, like we always have. I feel this is unacceptable for the platform's premiere franchise. I don't think they would have launched the game like this if it was a boxed product only. I feel like they said to themselves, gamepass users are getting the game for "free" so it's okay to release it like this. Gamepass isn't free though and the delay of Starfield has made me rethink my sub because I don't really see a need to keep it until Starfirld is out. It'll save me over $150 that I could invest into something else like a new TV or PSVR2.
 
People forget that when Phil took over, Xbox had basically nothing. The meme that Xbox was just Halo, Gears and Forza was 100% true. Check out the wiki page for MS Studios. They only bought up studios starting in 2018, and obviously they'd need to wrap up production on current projects before they could start making Xbox exclusives. So call it a 2019 start really. Then we had a global pandemic delaying everything and the fact that games now often need 4+ year dev cycles. People have extremely unreasonable expectations about how quickly these studios can turnaround content (which some already have btw).

He's also lead two successful Xbox console launches (One X and Series S/X) after the relative failure of the Xbox One, plus oversaw Game Pass. Xbox revenue has tripled so his overlords are happy too. Phil is doing an incredible job resurrecting a dying brand that MS even considered ending.



Sometimes shit just works out that way due to key games needing more time (and because of a pandemic) - it did for PS5 last year and I didn't see any sperg fits from Jaffe demanding Jim Ryan seek therapy.
The notion that none of these studios could possibly be ready with games after 4 years is pretty clearly belied in the fact that a 4 year dev cycle is fairly normal in today's environment. FROM Software just pushed out Elden Ring, the probable GOTY, a mere couple of years after releasing Sekiro, a previous GOTY winner. Not to mention they pumped out Bloodborne and Dark Souls III in back to back years, making it 4 highly regarded games launched in just SEVEN YEARS from one studio!
I'm also seeing a lot of sequels to games that launched in 2017-2018 coming out right about now, once again proving that we should be seeing something from the MS studios by this point, but we're not. It is entirely reasonable for players to expect these studio acquisitions to start putting games out.
 
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When you listen to Phil Spencer you really feel like he's the right guy for the job, he seems passionate, he seems to want to deliver quality content to Xbox and he also seems like a likeable guy you might want to grab a beer with. But the reality is that Phil has overpromised and underdelivered since the day he came on the scene. Whether it was Crackdown 3 cloud physics or the Phantom Dust remake or Scalebound or various delays, it just seems like it's par for the course at this point.

Gamepass seems to have had a detrimental effect on first party games. Halo infinite is being launched in chunks over the course of a year instead of as a complete package. I still haven't really played the campaign because I'm waiting for the co-op to drop in August (supposedly) so I can play it with my friend, like we always have. I feel this is unacceptable for the platform's premiere franchise. I don't think they would have launched the game like this if it was a boxed product only. I feel like they said to themselves, gamepass users are getting the game for "free" so it's okay to release it like this. Gamepass isn't free though and the delay of Starfield has made me rethink my sub because I don't really see a need to keep it until Starfirld is out. It'll save me over $150 that I could invest into something else like a new TV or PSVR2.
I think the only reason why Phil Spencer gets a free pass is because he's the ONLY corporate suit that we have ever seen that seems comfortable speaking publicly. I'm still not sold on his performance to this point.
 

NahaNago

Member
This is pretty much all on phil spencer. He shouldn't have had to rely on a Bethesda to save his holiday when they just bought the studio. Like did they really not have anything planned for this holiday before the acquisition.

I do kind of feel like I'm falling into the mindset of next year will be amazing simply because they have so many studios that have been working on games for quite awhile. I really do think that 2023 will be the year of the xbox and 2024 will be the year of the playstation.
 
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