View Full Version : Microsoft Pledge to Support Xbox
Interesting article. I hope the original Xboxers are still getting their fair support.
WMS: 360 Going Strong; Original Xbox 'Abandoned'
Is the original Xbox dead? It certainly seems that way. According to Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter, while 360 software sales have been solid, the original Xbox has been practically abandoned. Xbox software sales were down 57 percent in September. [Update: MS responds]
Following our breaking news on the amazing sales (http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=14093) the U.S. video game industry had this September, Wedbush Morgan Securities (WMS) has chimed in with its own report on the data.
Similar to NPD analyst Anita Frazier, WMS analyst Michael Pachter was impressed by the software sales for both the current and next-gen platforms. It would appear that the effects of the console transition really haven't been that terrible. "It appears that the recent sales strength on current generation platforms is sustainable, given strong sell-through performance over the last several months. Consumers appear willing to purchase compelling content for current generation consoles in spite of the imminent launches of the PS3 and Wii, and have embraced software for the DS and PSP, driving monthly sales higher," he noted.
While the PS2 continues to perform admirably—software sales are up 12 percent year-over-year and September marked the fourth consecutive month that sell-through of PS2 software was up—Microsoft's original Xbox seems to be fading away in the presence of the 360. "It is important to note that Xbox software sales were down 57%, as the console has been all but abandoned in favor of the next generation Xbox 360," Pachter stated. "While we expect to see further declines in Xbox software sales throughout 2007, the platform contributed less than 25% of the amount contributed by PS2 software sales during September, so further declines will not be particularly meaningful to the overall sales results."
The Xbox 360, on the other hand, surprised Pachter. "In particular, sales of Xbox 360 software were better than we expected, increasing to $104 million from $89 million in August. We had expected Xbox 360 software sales to contribute $50 - 70 million per month until October (when a strong lineup is scheduled for release), and the strength over the past four months suggests to us that contribution may continue at the $100 million level in October, with significantly higher sales in November and December," he said.
Deutsche Bank analyst Jeetil Patel looks at the 360 business in a different light, instead focusing on the hardware which seems to be underperforming. "260K hardware units were sold in Sep-06, which is an improvement from Aug-06 (200K). However the Xbox 360's installed base is still smaller than the original Xbox's equivalent after the same number of months of sell-through. Xbox 360 sales are even more lackluster if you consider that the original was an unproven product that was trying to sell-in against the hugely popular PS2," commented Patel. "Finally we highlight that the gap between Xbox 360 and PS2 hardware sales at equivalent time periods in their lives continues to widen. In 2001, the PS2 was consistently selling-through >300K units a month, whereas the Xbox 360 has not broken 300K since its launch in November."
[UPDATE] Regarding the original Xbox, a Microsoft spokesperson told GameDaily BIZ, "Xbox (V1) is a robust platform with more than 24 million units in living rooms worldwide with a portfolio of over 800 games. Microsoft will continue to support V1 Xbox hardware units, our Xbox Live service and general game issues." The representative added that while third parties continue to support Xbox, Microsoft Game Studios has no titles planned for the platform at this time.
http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=14095
This is a good comment that made me think. It's from a fellow Xboxer.
Ha! Nice to see some public attention on this issue.
Xbox consoles and even 1st party accessories are near impossible to locate anymore. A friend of mine was telling me how impossible it was for him to locate a f'n Xbox controller (non-3rd party)! Consoles were becoming scarce before the 360 was even released. I offer mods on Xbox consoles and have heard from a number of my customers that they were only able to locate a console on eBay. Ridiculous.
Microsoft has clearly stopped distributions and support completely. In fact, I'll bet they aren't even offering licensing for Xbox software anymore. The only software that is still being released is 3rd party that has been in development for some time.
That's simply how Microsoft works. The world is forced to upgrade when they decide. We're already seeing "Vista only" software on the horizon. As soon as Vista is released, I guarentee they'll abandon support of XP as well.
In spite of opinion, that is one thing that I can appreciate about Sony and Nintendo. They're going into the next generation with continued support for current generation products (new 1st party games for PS2 and Gamecube). Not to mention 100% backward compatibility with previous generation software.
http://forums.maxconsole.net/showthread.php?t=32710
__________________
Perfect Sin
10-14-2006, 17:38
UPDATE: Regarding the original Xbox, a Microsoft spokesperson told GameDaily BIZ, "Xbox (V1) is a robust platform with more than 24 million units in living rooms worldwide with a portfolio of over 800 games. Microsoft will continue to support V1 Xbox hardware units, our Xbox Live service and general game issues." The representative added that while third parties continue to support Xbox, Microsoft Game Studios has no titles planned for the platform at this time.In other words..."Yes we have abandonned the Xbox."
I don't think they should do that...
I mean, keep giving it some games and such...
arfi-gorgona-O
10-14-2006, 17:54
Thats why Sony is no1 and thats why the Ps2 sells are still strong.Its how Ms works and that "never" gonna change.They just giving me another reason not to buy their products.And of course they are showing the respect they have for their customers..
KingJordan
10-14-2006, 17:59
I think the new Mortal Kombat game could help. But yeah, it's basically dead.
TonyMeola
10-14-2006, 18:12
i usually buy the newest console when it comes out so it doenst bother me much at all.
acereborn
10-14-2006, 18:18
I don’t think the software support for the xbox is that bad. There are new xbox games coming out all the time.
You have to consider that selling ps2s is still good business for Sony, probably even after the ps3 comes out, while selling xbox are not good business for MS due to the cost of the hd and nvidia-gpu.
The overall market focus is obviously on next-gen now. And as far as I know, Sony did not even show the ps2 at TGS.
Xbox was popular among “adult” gamers, and an adult gamer that want a new console now can afford a 360. That’s why 360 software sales are so good considering the relatively low number of 360 units (compared to ps2 and even xbox1) out in the market.
The Taskmaster
10-14-2006, 18:23
Xbox was popular among “adult” gamers, and an adult gamer that want a new console now can afford a 360. That’s why 360 software sales are so good considering the relatively low number of 360 units (compared to ps2 and even xbox1) out in the market.
Yes I agree, the Xbox is geared more towards the adult gamer, I do NOT want to play silly emo games like Final Fantasy. Give me some GeoW!
Yes I agree, the Xbox is geared more towards the adult gamer, I do NOT want to play silly emo games like Final Fantasy. Give me some GeoW!
You can't say Resistance is for kids either ;)
The playstation brand has always appealed more internationally
and to all age groups. And that's where Microsoft Fails.
Yes I agree, the Xbox is geared more towards the adult gamer, I do NOT want to play silly emo games like Final Fantasy. Give me some GeoW!
That's precisely the reason why 360 is going to fail...AGAIN.
Silly little emo games like Final Fantasy sales very very well. Ask GB Advance, PS1 or PS2. The 360 is going to get countered by it's own friend, the PC. That's will be it's biggest enemy and the reason why M$ tries to hold things off the PC for a bit.
The overall market focus is obviously on next-gen now. And as far as I know, Sony did not even show the ps2 at TGS.
Yes, but there are still AAA titles coming to the PS2
-FFXII
-Okami (out now)
-Bully
-God of War II
-etc.
acereborn
10-14-2006, 18:41
That's precisely the reason why 360 is going to fail...AGAIN.
Silly little emo games like Final Fantasy sales very very well.
MS is trying to fix this with the 360, hence exclusives like blue dragon, viva piñata, banjo etc
But adult gamers have more money (just look dead rising sales) so you certainly want them to buy your system also.
MS is trying to fix this with the 360, hence exclusives like blue dragon, viva piñata, banjo etc
It's a good try.
But adult gamers have more money (just look dead rising sales) so you certainly want them to buy your system also.
I guess the DS sales for kiddie games are fake.
MiNiMaL_sAnItY
10-14-2006, 18:50
Yes I agree, the Xbox is geared more towards the adult gamer, I do NOT want to play silly emo games like Final Fantasy. Give me some GeoW!
i quite agree with you there! +rep! :DD
Yes I agree, the Xbox is geared more towards the adult gamer, I do NOT want to play silly emo games like Final Fantasy. Give me some GeoW!
....WOW here I thought the word "emo" still had some basic meaning but it appears just like the word "noob" and "fanboy" all traces or meaning have been forgotten and it's used for some of the oddest things
dbakerstl
10-14-2006, 18:54
This is a good comment that made me think. It's from a fellow Xboxer.
Ha! Nice to see some public attention on this issue.
Xbox consoles and even 1st party accessories are near impossible to locate anymore. A friend of mine was telling me how impossible it was for him to locate a f'n Xbox controller (non-3rd party)! Consoles were becoming scarce before the 360 was even released. I offer mods on Xbox consoles and have heard from a number of my customers that they were only able to locate a console on eBay. Ridiculous.
Microsoft has clearly stopped distributions and support completely. In fact, I'll bet they aren't even offering licensing for Xbox software anymore. The only software that is still being released is 3rd party that has been in development for some time.
That's simply how Microsoft works. The world is forced to upgrade when they decide. We're already seeing "Vista only" software on the horizon. As soon as Vista is released, I guarentee they'll abandon support of XP as well.
In spite of opinion, that is one thing that I can appreciate about Sony and Nintendo. They're going into the next generation with continued support for current generation products (new 1st party games for PS2 and Gamecube). Not to mention 100% backward compatibility with previous generation software.
http://forums.maxconsole.net/showthread.php?t=32710
__________________
Nope this aint gonna happen - you have to understand that MS gaming and corporate division are seperate. EOL for XP is WAY down the road. Many corporate users will not be moving to Vista for YEARS to come. This is where MS makes the BANK, software licensing...
Dasimpse
10-14-2006, 18:55
On the 1up show they said they were shocked at TGS just to how much sony had sacked off the PS2. they said there was one game their and it was a singstar game or something.
i cant remember exactly but they said sony acted exactly like MS did with the xbox one, and they were surprised.
sevendesigns
10-14-2006, 19:03
On the 1up show they said they were shocked at TGS just to how much sony had sacked off the PS2. they said there was one game their and it was a singstar game or something.
i cant remember exactly but they said sony acted exactly like MS did with the xbox one, and they were surprised.
And yet, I can still expect God of War 2 to come out for the ''dead'' PS2. Might not be your cup of tea. But I can't wait for that game.
Perfect Sin
10-14-2006, 19:10
On the 1up show they said they were shocked at TGS just to how much sony had sacked off the PS2. they said there was one game their and it was a singstar game or something.
i cant remember exactly but they said sony acted exactly like MS did with the xbox one, and they were surprised.
Considering everyone would probably want to see as much PS3 as possible, I wouldn't expect Sony to differ their layout in any way shape or form then the way they had it at TGS. You don't show off an old product when you're trying to get everyone to buy your new product, especially when your competitors are showing off new products.
The PS2 can carry it's own weight without Sony having to devote booth space to it. PS2 still has great games coming out for it and that's all that matters. Let the fanbase carry the PS2 weight. Sony's full effort should go solely into marketing the PS3, selling the PS3, and make sure Japan doesn't go solely to Nintendo.
TonyMeola
10-14-2006, 19:15
Considering everyone would probably want to see as much PS3 as possible, I wouldn't expect Sony to differ their layout in any way shape or form then the way they had it at TGS. You don't show off an old product when you're trying to get everyone to buy your new product, especially when your competitors are showing off new products.
The PS2 can carry it's own weight without Sony having to devote booth space to it. PS2 still has great games coming out for it and that's all that matters. Let the fanbase carry the PS2 weight. Sony's full effort should go solely into marketing the PS3, selling the PS3, and make sure Japan doesn't go solely to Nintendo.
Ya id agree. If this article said that microsoft was putting a lot of support into the origonal xbox, the same people would say "they should put its effort into the 360, it needs it" or some ****. The xbox is fine where it is. Im glad microsoft is moving on, look at all the titles comming out on the 360 in the next 6-12 months. There is almost twice the amount of AAA titles on the 360 than the ps3.
chopchopyep
10-14-2006, 19:35
On the 1up show they said they were shocked at TGS just to how much sony had sacked off the PS2. they said there was one game their and it was a singstar game or something.
i cant remember exactly but they said sony acted exactly like MS did with the xbox one, and they were surprised.
Overall, the PS2 had the most games of the show.
The Taskmaster
10-14-2006, 19:40
I understand why some people would have a problem with it, but as others have stated the xbox is aimed towards a more "adult" crowd so when it's time to update to the newest Xbox most of us don't have an issue with it.
Hell, I never even owned an original Xbox, so it matters even less to me, but when the next Xbox comes out I will gladly shell out the cash again.
EbonySeraphim
10-14-2006, 19:48
Nope this aint gonna happen - you have to understand that MS gaming and corporate division are seperate. EOL for XP is WAY down the road. Many corporate users will not be moving to Vista for YEARS to come. This is where MS makes the BANK, software licensing...
There is no such thing as software licensing to release software for Windows. Microsoft earns money for direct sales of their operating systems, associated development tools and libraries for their operating systems, and the developer support they offer. It's entirely free to develop applications for Windows but anything professional will be made using professional Microsoft development tools, which are far from free. And they'll also likely want Microsoft support to ensure their questions about the operating system behavior is well defined.
Considering everyone would probably want to see as much PS3 as possible, I wouldn't expect Sony to differ their layout in any way shape or form then the way they had it at TGS. You don't show off an old product when you're trying to get everyone to buy your new product, especially when your competitors are showing off new products.
The PS2 can carry it's own weight without Sony having to devote booth space to it. PS2 still has great games coming out for it and that's all that matters. Let the fanbase carry the PS2 weight. Sony's full effort should go solely into marketing the PS3, selling the PS3, and make sure Japan doesn't go solely to Nintendo.
Yeah, I think the current PS2 owners carry a lot of marketing weight already. Simple word of mouth can make an unheard of game because massively popular. I'm a PSP owner myself, and I simply "know" what they are coming out with in the future. For a big show like TGS, I'd rather see what the offerings of something I haven't already bought are to make sure it is something I want to buy.
Ya id agree. If this article said that microsoft was putting a lot of support into the origonal xbox, the same people would say "they should put its effort into the 360, it needs it" or some ****. The xbox is fine where it is. Im glad microsoft is moving on, look at all the titles comming out on the 360 in the next 6-12 months. There is almost twice the amount of AAA titles on the 360 than the ps3.
I think the support difference is with accessories and new games actually coming out for it. If you got a PS2 now, or in the past few months, you wouldn't be screwed finding what you need on it in terms of controllers, acessories, and even new games (assuming you don't like to go back to play what you missed). With the original XBox, you'd probably have a harder time finding accessories for it, and the new games coming out for it are somewhat lacking. They are usually multiplatform games that have next generation versions. PS2 still has very strong(AAA seems to be the term of choice) exclusives coming to it.
And that last sentence was "ewwww." Kinda didn't need to be said.
Ha! Nice to see some public attention on this issue.
Xbox consoles and even 1st party accessories are near impossible to locate anymore. A friend of mine was telling me how impossible it was for him to locate a f'n Xbox controller (non-3rd party)! Consoles were becoming scarce before the 360 was even released. I offer mods on Xbox consoles and have heard from a number of my customers that they were only able to locate a console on eBay. Ridiculous.
Microsoft has clearly stopped distributions and support completely. In fact, I'll bet they aren't even offering licensing for Xbox software anymore. The only software that is still being released is 3rd party that has been in development for some time.
That's simply how Microsoft works. The world is forced to upgrade when they decide. We're already seeing "Vista only" software on the horizon. As soon as Vista is released, I guarentee they'll abandon support of XP as well.
In spite of opinion, that is one thing that I can appreciate about Sony and Nintendo. They're going into the next generation with continued support for current generation products (new 1st party games for PS2 and Gamecube). Not to mention 100% backward compatibility with previous generation software.
Did he try looking at Best Buy, Circuit City, Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, Sears, Gamestop, EB Games, or any other electronics retailer? I still see this stuff everywhere.
This guy is dead wrong and is obviously not an "Xboxer".
/\ssassin
10-14-2006, 20:45
I'm gonna have to get Vista soon aren't I?
paranoia13
10-14-2006, 20:50
If I were a PS3 owner and GodoW is for PS2, I'd be pissed, no one wants to play a game that *could* have been more amazing then what it is on a next gen console.
If I were a PS3 owner and GodoW is for PS2, I'd be pissed, no one wants to play a game that *could* have been more amazing then what it is on a next gen console.
I kinda was when it was announced, but there will be more GoW sequels to follow. I can wait.
paranoia13
10-14-2006, 20:56
I kinda was when it was announced, but there will be more GoW sequels to follow. I can wait.
Well people here are making it a one sided argument to FLAME Microsoft, there are 2 sides to the story, I would be FURIOUS if they had made Forza 2, Halo 3, or fable 2 for the xbox.
unr3stricted
10-14-2006, 20:59
I feel that this isn't so much a case of Microsoft abandoning the Xbox, but rather a case of the fans abandoning the Xbox.
Why? Cause 6 million (mostly) original Xbox owners have switched to the 360. Those owners were the most hardcore, and probably made up a good 50% of the software sales the original Xbox had. So, its more a case of the fans moving on to something better, than Microsoft forcing us to upgrade.
I mean, look at the stores. Yes, the Xbox section has gotten smaller, but they keep putting out new games and such for it, so its not like it has been abandoned.
Also, i think the "vista" comparison doesn't really work. I don't like microsoft for their OS's but on this I will defend them. You aren't forced to upgrade to Vista, you can still use XP and XP works fine. I had windows 98 up until mid 2005 and never had any problems. During that time ME and 2000 were released, but I was never forced to upgrade.
I'm gonna have to get Vista soon aren't I?
I'm afraid so.:cry:
Expect Vista only games soon.
/\ssassin
10-14-2006, 21:22
Any hope that you can just download Vista like a service pack? Or will I have to ask my dad to drive us up to circuit city, which is like 70 miles away. Damn, 16 cannot come any sooner.
Well people here are making it a one sided argument to FLAME Microsoft, there are 2 sides to the story, I would be FURIOUS if they had made Forza 2, Halo 3, or fable 2 for the xbox.
What are you talking about?
Nintendo fans were PISSED when they found out that Nintendo was holding Zelda back for the Wii FIRST.
Nintendo fans were PISSED when they found out that Nintendo was holding Paper Mario back for the Wii FIRST.
I think you need to get your facts straight, sir.:-D
paranoia13
10-14-2006, 23:03
What are you talking about?
Nintendo fans were PISSED when they found out that Nintendo was holding Zelda back for the Wii FIRST.
Nintendo fans were PISSED when they found out that Nintendo was holding Paper Mario back for the Wii FIRST.
I think you need to get your facts straight, sir.:-D
Wii is different, spec wise its hardly capable of anything more then the GC, except with a fancy controller, when zelda comes out I will buy a GC
1. The Wiimote videos with link shooting arrows looked clunky
2. GC is cheaper.
Wii is different, spec wise its hardly capable of anything more then the GC, except with a fancy controller, when zelda comes out I will buy a GC
1. The Wiimote videos with link shooting arrows looked clunky
2. GC is cheaper.
Like I said before, PLEASE try to make sense...because you're not.
Please learn how to make a point.:-D
paranoia13
10-14-2006, 23:12
Like I said before, PLEASE try to make sense...because you're not.
Please learn how to make a point.:-D
Then point out what doesn't make sense, because as far as I can tell, you are the only one not getting it?
dead_zen
10-14-2006, 23:36
It forces people to adopt the new product.
If they offer no support and no updates, and basicaly nothiing to keep the product around for, why would you want to keep using it, especially with as holy as Windows is?
The only thing they did was force their Xbox fanbase to spend another 400 dollars for the new product, their business practices that work in the PC world don't work in the gaming world where they don't hold majorit market share.
The best package for Christmas the Wii60. One for the adult and one for the kid . Of course everybody has a kid in them Lol. As for the xbox too bad Microsoft won't support it more everybody knows Microsoft lost billions and is still loosing money over the xbox and the xbox 360 so after all the years of bleeding money it is not a big surprice . Now the great hope for Microsoft is the 360 wich despite a slow launch will have plenty of games to enjoy .
Wii60 sounds like a pathetic attempt for 360 to gain marketshare by riding Wii's slight popularity. Well, that's pretty much what M$ does anyway, it's no surprise.
What is surprising, is they both have to stand together to attempt to dent the PS3. Months and months of internet FUD won't be able to stop it. Sorry M$ :)
MaD-bOnZo
10-14-2006, 23:59
If I were a PS3 owner and GodoW is for PS2, I'd be pissed, no one wants to play a game that *could* have been more amazing then what it is on a next gen console.
Isn't the whole point of having god of war 2 on the ps2 so they still have thing on the the ps2 and it won't be considered dead
Wii60 sounds like a pathetic attempt for 360 to gain marketshare by riding Wii's slight popularity. Well, that's pretty much what M$ does anyway, it's no surprise.
What is surprising, is they both have to stand together to attempt to dent the PS3. Months and months of internet FUD won't be able to stop it. Sorry M$ :)
Every corporation is in it for the market share as for your opinion it is what it is . Microsoft , Sony , Nintendo are in the business for the same reason . Where is the probe that Microsoft is getting together with the Wii to beat Sony? LOl .
Here is the release list for both Xbox and Xbox 360 in Australia.
Xbox
12th October 2006 NBA Live 2007
13th October 2006 Jaws
20th October 2006 V8 Supercars (Classics)
20th October 2006 NBA 2K7
26th October 2006 Destroy All Humans 2
26th October 2006 Melbourne Cup Challenge
26th October 2006 Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 4: Double Agent
27th October 2006 Family Guy
31st October 2006 Eragon
2nd November 2006 Legend Of Spyro A New Beginning
2nd November 2006 Marvel Ultimate Alliance
8th November 2006 Tony Hawks Project 8
9th November 2006 Need For Speed Carbon
16th November 2006 Call Of Duty 3
17th November 2006 Justice League Heroes
30th November 2006 Open Season
30th November 2006 Scarface: The World is Yours
30th November 2006 Superman Returns
31st January 2007 Xiaolin Showdown
Xbox 360
12th October 2006 Import Tuner Challenge
13th October 2006 LMA Manager 2007
15th October 2006 Crackdown
19th October 2006 Tom Clancys Splinter Cell 4 Double Agent
19th October 2006 NBA Live 2007
20th October 2006 NBA 2K7
26th October 2006 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007
26th October 2006 FIFA 2007
31st October 2006 Bomberman Act Zero
31st October 2006 Eragon
31st October 2006 FEAR
31st October 2006 Football Manager 2007
2nd November 2006 Marvel Ultimate Alliance
3rd November 2006 Pro Evolution Soccer 6
8th November 2006 Tony Hawks Project 8
8th November 2006 World Series of Poker
9th November 2006 Need For Speed Carbon Collectors Edition
16th November 2006 WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2007
16th November 2006 Call Of Duty 3
16th November 2006 Rainbow Six Vegas
23rd November 2006 Sonic The Hedgehog
23rd November 2006 Gears of War
24th November 2006 Superman Returns
24th November 2006 Viva Pinata
30th November 2006 Phantasy Star Universe
30th November 2006 Open Season
30th November 2006 Dead or Alive Xtreme 2
30th November 2006 Fusion Frenzy 2
1st December 2006 Bionicle Heroes
15th December 2006 Championship Manager 2007
31st January 2007 Battlestations Midway
19 for Xbox and 31 for Xbox 360. There is still suport for the Xbox, just not as much as there is for the Xbox 360.
So what? It's not like all the Xboxes on the market now will suddenly stop playing Xbox games.