View Full Version : Microsoft's (lack of) committment to PC gaming
Sonarman
02-04-09, 04:28 PM
In the wake of last weeks news about the demise of Flight Sim & Rail Sim here is an interesting article (http://www.edge-online.com/features/is-microsoft-really-committed-pc) from the Uk's Edge magazine on Microsoft's commitment or lack thereof to PC gaming.
SteamWake
02-04-09, 04:30 PM
Its not just Micro$oft. :hmmm:
Zachstar
02-04-09, 04:39 PM
It seems the whole gaming industry is interested in more outsourcing. Look at the cuts to the Xbox teams and such.
Frankly I think PC gaming is going to suffer alot over the next few years. These big companies have been salivating over the chance to drop US workforce to go to India or elsewhere where they can hire 2-3 workers for the cost of 1 over here.
This will mean less team members worried about the so called "quality" of the game and more people just getting it out as fast as possible.
It had to happen. These companies are stunned at the cost of making games these days.
Sonarman
02-04-09, 04:42 PM
Its not just Micro$oft. :hmmm:
No that's true, but for a company that set it's self up as the saviour of PC gaming with their "Games for Windows" initiative they seem to have turned tail & run pretty quickly.
Sonarman
02-04-09, 04:46 PM
These big companies have been salivating over the chance to drop US workforce to go to India or elsewhere where they can hire 2-3 workers for the cost of 1 over here.
Sometimes it works, I'd take the Romanian produced SH3 over the US produced SH2 any day of the week!
nikimcbee
02-04-09, 04:48 PM
It seems the whole gaming industry is interested in more outsourcing. Look at the cuts to the Xbox teams and such.
Frankly I think PC gaming is going to suffer alot over the next few years. These big companies have been salivating over the chance to drop US workforce to go to India or elsewhere where they can hire 2-3 workers for the cost of 1 over here.
This will mean less team members worried about the so called "quality" of the game and more people just getting it out as fast as possible.
It had to happen. These companies are stunned at the cost of making games these days.
Just look at all of the games coming out of Russian studios. Having been in the frontline trenches in the "gaming industry", I think it's pretty $#^$ed up place to work. I'm so glad I got out of it.
The big companies only worry about the deadline, quality be damned; and the small companies don't have the capitol to do much.
SteamWake
02-04-09, 04:50 PM
Its not just Micro$oft. :hmmm:
No that's true, but for a company that set it's self up as the saviour of PC gaming with their "Games for Windows" initiative they seem to have turned tail & run pretty quickly.
Yep well remember "New Coke" :rotfl:
One of the biggest problems for PC games is after their release and it hits 10's of thousands of different platforms, many of which will 'fail to launch'. Hell just read SH4's forums for a bit to see some examples.
Game producers just dont want to have to deal with that. Espically with a (for the most part) wholy ungreatfull public. "Your crappy game wont run on my machine and its all YOUR fault !!!"
Sonarman
02-04-09, 04:57 PM
Yes, In some way what we really need is just a console with a keyboard, that would bring back a level playing field as we had in the days of the Amiga, where games were almost guaranteed to work. But the last thing console manufacturers seem to want to do is add a keyboard for gameplay or allow the development of complex software like sims on their "oh so cool" platforms .
I'd actually read that 5 more FSX expansion packs would be released this year. :06:
Which actually doesn't effect me, as I'm still using the far superior FS2004....
SteamWake
02-04-09, 05:47 PM
I'd actually read that 5 more FSX expansion packs would be released this year. :06:
Which actually doesn't effect me, as I'm still using the far superior FS2004....
:O: Here we go again.... :har:
:O: Here we go again.... :har:
Care to share? :hmmm:
I'd actually read that 5 more FSX expansion packs would be released this year. :06:
Which actually doesn't effect me, as I'm still using the far superior FS2004....
PFFFT try again. FSX rocks... on a system that rocks... steamwake :DL
Oh, my system is more than up to the task. FSX was too much of a video game and not enough of a flight simulator for me. Sure, it's prettier. If that's what your going for, FSX is the way to go.....I use FS2004 for procedure, instrument approaches, training, etc....
So, I stuck to FS2004. I felt it a much better simulation. And, I get to compare it to the real world, being a pilot and all. There's no right or wrong, only preference...
Maybe one day I'll PFFFt try again. Whatever that means....
SteamWake
02-04-09, 07:20 PM
:O: Here we go again.... :har:
Care to share? :hmmm:
The old 'which version is better' debate.
Ive seen it turn ugly on other forums.
All the features you mention specifically ILS, approaches, procedure turns... Does FS2004 have a 'procedures' page in its GPS? No ? /shrug.
I really dont see a hell of a lot of difference between the two other than graphics and steep system requirements. Sometimes you just prefer what your used to.
Its akin to sayin SH3 is better than SH4.... meh there both good play the one YOU like.
surf_ten
02-04-09, 07:48 PM
The only thing that keeps me playing PC games are the ease of which PC games can be modded and the keyboard/Mouse interface. Okay, I guess PC games I tend to play don't appeal to today's twitchy, attention deficit generation.
Yeah, you wont see it get ugly from me. That seems a bit silly. :timeout:
I use all my own approach plates, procedures, etc. Also, there is several modded GPS units available, both free & payware that have everything the SR-22 I fly has in it....
My biggest peeve with FSX are the all virtual cockpits with equipment that I found unreadable or unusable...
FIREWALL
02-04-09, 08:04 PM
I'm not going to get into a pissing contest. :nope:
In FSX there's a tutorial for every system.
Over at avsim.com FS9 is the bigboy but, alot is being converted to FSX.
Sorry but FS2004 is going the way of the dodo. :dead:
MS gave out the SDK and said have at it.
You can do anything you want to FSX but, make MONEY off it. :haha:
SteamWake
02-04-09, 09:31 PM
Yeah, you wont see it get ugly from me. That seems a bit silly. :timeout:
I use all my own approach plates, procedures, etc. Also, there is several modded GPS units available, both free & payware that have everything the SR-22 I fly has in it....
My biggest peeve with FSX are the all virtual cockpits with equipment that I found unreadable or unusable...
How can you NOT like the virtual cockpits :hmmm:
Two words my friend "Dual Monitors" :yeah:
Ive been flying flightsim since version one. Have over 100 hours in a VA (Captain Rank) I just prefer FSX but many others there dont.
Again its a matter of taste.
But this thread took a fork in the road somewhere so Ill let it go at that.
By the way if anyone wants to know which VA I fly for its Livewire. :salute:
Been on flightsim since day one myself. My Dad got me into it as a scamp. Haha...
Love virtual cockpits, just love 'em in FS2004.
Big VA guy myself. Fly for DCA (50 some hours) , and Execjet (over 200 hours). used to fly for Eastern, Was one of the first 20 pilots with with Metro, and co founded Capitol before it went under some years ago. (flying Coniies. Was great!)
Dual monitors? Got 'em. :salute: Don't get on Vatsim much anymore though. Don't have the time....but, back in the early days, I was on there allll the time...
Real airplanes? about 600 hours. :yeah:
Off topic for sure, but these new smileys are horrible! :timeout:
SteamWake
02-05-09, 12:04 PM
In a shocking reversal of its previous stance Micro$oft announces...
Flight Simulator XI !
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh312/UlteriorModem/ground_school.jpg
It just seems since Bill left M$ has went to the suits, and isn't about the fun anymore. It all started when they killed the zone.
Two words my friend "Dual Monitors" :yeah:
I'll go one better "triplehead2go"
http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/th2go/
http://www.matrox.com/graphics/surroundgaming/media/zone/flightsim/screenshots/DeHavilland.jpg
SteamWake
02-05-09, 02:45 PM
Two words my friend "Dual Monitors" :yeah:
I'll go one better "triplehead2go"
http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/th2go/
Ive heard some not so great reviews on that thing.
Wow this thread is wandering all over the map :rotfl:
Buisness as usual :salute:
Tarnsman
02-07-09, 01:32 PM
Its ironic that M$ is so lax about PC gaming, because gaming is about the only reason to buy a Hi end PC. Macs seem to do everything else better. And if they dont the general public seems to think so. Even business is moving more and more to Macs. Buying a PC is almost like buying a film camera, people look at you like you're a nut or something. M$ is quite delusional if they think PCs are still cool among the general public. PC Gaming should be a driver for their business. M$ should be the biggest investor in PC gaming development.
That said, consols are ok for arcade type games. But when it comes to depth ie simulation or hard core persistant online gaming you need a computer. Besides, an xBox or equivalent costs nearly as much as a PC.
If PC gaming ends, I know I wont need to buy: RAM, Graphics Cards, Sound Cards, peripherals or all the othr stuff I gladly buy now to feed my addiction(hobby). I'll just buy a Mac once every couple of years and be done with it.
Two words my friend "Dual Monitors" :yeah:
I'll go one better "triplehead2go"
http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/th2go/
Ive heard some not so great reviews on that thing.
Wow this thread is wandering all over the map :rotfl:
Buisness as usual :salute:
I got one of those... and I m loving it. :D
SteamWake
02-07-09, 05:51 PM
Here is a link for an online petitoin to get Microsoft to continue its support of flight simulator series.
http://www.supportflightsim.com/
If your a msfs fan it cant hurt to sign it.
Zachstar
02-07-09, 06:45 PM
They never work. Trust me when we Star Trek fans sent a BOX full of petitions asking for a new season of Enterprise on DVD. It was ignored.
SteamWake
02-07-09, 09:34 PM
They never work. Trust me when we Star Trek fans sent a BOX full of petitions asking for a new season of Enterprise on DVD. It was ignored.
Yea... I know. But somehow it makes me feel better that at least some effort is being made.
Blacklight
02-08-09, 12:16 AM
It seems that most companies, not just Micro$oft are getting out or lessening their PC game releases. Go to any retail store and you'll see the PC game department shrunk to levels I've never seen before. There are WAY less releases now than there used to be. I'm beginning to wonder what the magazines like "Computer Gaming" are going to be reporting on in the near future.
The only people really producing now are the small independents and what you get out of most of them is a crapshoot ranging from groundbreaking to broken buggy crap.
FIREWALL
02-08-09, 12:24 AM
What a Weak Suck petion.
But I signed it anyway. :O:
Task Force
02-08-09, 02:45 AM
I'd actually read that 5 more FSX expansion packs would be released this year. :06:
Which actually doesn't effect me, as I'm still using the far superior FS2004....
PFFFT try again. FSX rocks... on a system that rocks... steamwake :DL
Never liked the FS damage model though. I hate just getting that (aircraft crashed, or airframe overstressed.) I want my wings to rip off!!! (and a better damage model.):yep: I have ran a plane at 100% for a half hour and the motor dosent seem to overheat.
FIREWALL
02-08-09, 03:07 AM
I'd actually read that 5 more FSX expansion packs would be released this year. :06:
Which actually doesn't effect me, as I'm still using the far superior FS2004....
PFFFT try again. FSX rocks... on a system that rocks... steamwake :DL
Never liked the FS damage model though. I hate just getting that (aircraft crashed, or airframe overstressed.) I want my wings to rip off!!! (and a better damage model.):yep: I have ran a plane at 100% for a half hour and the motor dosent seem to overheat.
The Modders over at Avsim.com and other sites are fixing that and a whole lot of other things.
" MS gave out the SDK and said have at it.
You can do anything you want to FSX but, make MONEY off it "
geetrue
02-10-09, 02:43 AM
Never liked the FS damage model though. I hate just getting that (aircraft crashed, or airframe overstressed.) I want my wings to rip off!!! (and a better damage model.):yep: I have ran a plane at 100% for a half hour and the motor dosent seem to overheat.
MS FSX teams more than likely thought of that and the subject had to be part of any serious development at the higher levels ...
Sick people want to crash and see the damage not only to the flight sim, but to the surrounding area, buildings etc, etc.
I suspect they went with the 12 year old not becoming a twisted youth in order to have the finished product the way it is presently moded.
I hit that blimp more than once wanting to see it crash in flames, but nay not in MSFS's.
Two words my friend "Dual Monitors" :yeah:
I'll go one better "triplehead2go"
http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/th2go/
Ive heard some not so great reviews on that thing.
Wow this thread is wandering all over the map :rotfl:
Buisness as usual :salute:
I got one of those... and I m loving it. :D
Hey glad to meet another TH2G guy!
It has certainly made Eve Online a new game for me, and I have high hopes for IL2:1946 (should be arriving in the mail tomorrow).
The only FPS i've tried is Armed Assault and that was absolutely stunning!
Two words my friend "Dual Monitors" :yeah:
I'll go one better "triplehead2go"
http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/th2go/
Ive heard some not so great reviews on that thing.
Wow this thread is wandering all over the map :rotfl:
Buisness as usual :salute:
I got one of those... and I m loving it. :D
Hey glad to meet another TH2G guy!
It has certainly made Eve Online a new game for me, and I have high hopes for IL2:1946 (should be arriving in the mail tomorrow).
The only FPS i've tried is Armed Assault and that was absolutely stunning!
ArmA with a triplehead is awesome, especially when flying helos.
Unfortunately, I quit Eve way before I got this contraption, but tried it on a trial account just for kicks and giggles.. :up:
I do love the huge desktop.. lots of room on it.
If somebody should be interested in something like that, but does not want to shell out the money for it, there is a software emulator that almost does the same thing, though. It does not has this big list of compatible games yet, but it supports different monitor sizes and screen resolutions on each of the monitors used.
http://www.kegetys.net/SoftTH/
Best thing... it's for free :yeah:
However, I haven't tried it myself, just found this on a different board.
SteamWake
02-10-09, 11:45 AM
Never liked the FS damage model though. I hate just getting that (aircraft crashed, or airframe overstressed.) I want my wings to rip off!!! (and a better damage model.):yep: I have ran a plane at 100% for a half hour and the motor dosent seem to overheat.
MS FSX teams more than likely thought of that and the subject had to be part of any serious development at the higher levels ...
Sick people want to crash and see the damage not only to the flight sim, but to the surrounding area, buildings etc, etc.
I suspect they went with the 12 year old not becoming a twisted youth in order to have the finished product the way it is presently moded.
I hit that blimp more than once wanting to see it crash in flames, but nay not in MSFS's.
They actually have a pat answer to this....
"Its Microsoft FLIGHT simulator, not Microsft CRASH simulator" ;)
goldorak
02-10-09, 01:20 PM
Never liked the FS damage model though. I hate just getting that (aircraft crashed, or airframe overstressed.) I want my wings to rip off!!! (and a better damage model.):yep: I have ran a plane at 100% for a half hour and the motor dosent seem to overheat.
MS FSX teams more than likely thought of that and the subject had to be part of any serious development at the higher levels ...
Sick people want to crash and see the damage not only to the flight sim, but to the surrounding area, buildings etc, etc.
I suspect they went with the 12 year old not becoming a twisted youth in order to have the finished product the way it is presently moded.
I hit that blimp more than once wanting to see it crash in flames, but nay not in MSFS's.
Thats stupid politically correct nonsense.
If you want to see flames from an airplane crash get flightgear. In the latest development version they have included "flames, and fire".
FIREWALL
02-10-09, 01:26 PM
With this economy the game industry is going to tighten up like, a Sphincter. :haha:
Kapitan_Phillips
02-10-09, 01:54 PM
EA are, of course, also terrible with PC gaming.
For example, NFL Head Coach 09, a sports management sim was only brought out on Playstation 3 and 360. If there was ever a genre the PC is suited for, then management games is it.
Morons.
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/4261/2495rpssv5.jpg
SteamWake
02-10-09, 01:59 PM
They (EA) also are not going to release Tigerwoods golf 09 for the PC either. Platform only.
Probably several other titles I am unaware of as well.
vBulletin® v3.8.11, Copyright ©2000-2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.