I think this is somewhat true of what has been happening lately in regards to MS' game output. People keep screaming "we want new IP!" - and actually, MS has been releasing new (and at times innovative) IP - the problem is, much of that new IP hasn't been lighting sales charts on fire (I do think most have sold well enough to pay for their production costs, and a bit more - but I'm sure they wanted/expected more).
I think what people really want when they say "new IP" is "new AMAZING IP!" - and that's really, really hard to both develop and predict (as in what game will "catch on" next).
Agreed.
I think they need a new IP, or maybe a Destiny-like marketing deal for an upcoming game, that has the same effect that Gears of War had when it was first revealed. I think they believed Titanfall was that game when it was really Destiny.
Huh?, I don't think you and I saw the same XB1 reveal.
I'm most definitely sure that their way of thinking coming into this gen is what started their wave of misfortune, not really bad luck.
I'm not referring to the Always Online DRM, no used games, etc. I'm talking strictly about their investment in games. I think they had a great mix of new and old IP. If some of them had paid off better I think we would see even more new IP.
That's what they deserve for catering to only two crowds during most of last-gen. CoD dudebros and Kinect grandmas. Now they're hostage of their own audience. I wouldn't be too surprised if half of their current install base just plays CoD and Madden.
I agree their missteps started when they focused in on their pillar franchises and Kinect in the second half of the 360's life. Mattrick's insistence that they should focus on AAA franchises, multimedia, and Kinect is a stink that I think will take a very long time to completely shake.
I think they gave it an honest shot this gen to reset expectations that they are investing in new IP, but a lot of people just didn't care after the initial console reveal and many moved to PlayStation .
What I hope happens is, with the Windows 10 PC and console strategy, they see what they need in the way of users and revenue to take more gambles on diversifying their portfolio again. What I wouldn't give for sequels or spiritual successors to games like Kameo, Viva Piñata, Lost Odyssey, and Banjo.
I think you've provided an excellent summary of what their strategy has been (and likely will be). Good catch on Team Dakota as well, which I also remembered but forgot to write down in my earlier post.
I agree that it's totally valid for MS to tighten their belt on some of those studios, some of whom had less-than-stellar output. For now, Halo, Gears and Forza sell multiple millions, and Minecraft is a beast. Those are automatic. I think they feel bad for Rare, a company who I feel has been unfairly maligned in the face of constantly making games and trying to do what they can under the current mandate. Glad to see Sea of Thieves get some love, and hopefully that stokes some fires.
The second-party strategy of MS (own the IP, get others to make it) is a safe bet going forward, as you have the ability to jettison studios who stink out the joint or bail on a franchise that just doesn't work. Just the same, it helps them freshen up an IP by giving it to a new set of eyes. It is the right play.
I'd just like to see them continue to come up with a few new surprises. I'd agree that their output in many ways has been better than Sony this gen, but it's more been the console PR disaster that has sunk them.
That tension between companies (in a good way) is what creates quality content, so I just hope they narrow their focus but don't eliminate some of their software options entirely.
Agreed on all points, but I do think they are open to acquiring studios where it makes sense for both parties.
The only one that makes a lot of sense to me is Playground, because it seems they are consistently amazing and they are able to deliver highly polished AAA games on a pretty tight schedule. Perhaps MS has a contract in place that gives them first right to refusal or something if someone else tries to buy them.
Iron Galaxy has been pretty great for KI, but I'm not sure that game has been big enough to justify acquiring such a small team.