The Xbox One won't play Xbox 360 discs or XBLA games, and that doesn't really bother Microsoft Head of Interactive Entertainment Business Don Mattrick.
"If you're backwards compatible, you're really backwards," he told the Wall Street Journal.
Mattrick said only 5 percent of customers play games from previous generations on new consoles, so spending time to make that possible isn't worth it. Sony's PlayStation 4 isn't backward compatible from a hardware standpoint, but with cloud service Gaikai, it should offer a way to play games from the PS3 and older consoles.
It's been eight years since the previous generation transition, meaning players have had longer than ever to build up their libraries. That's a lot to lose – and even more so with the onset of downloadable games in the middle of this generation.
"If you're backwards compatible, you're really backwards," he told the Wall Street Journal.
Mattrick said only 5 percent of customers play games from previous generations on new consoles, so spending time to make that possible isn't worth it. Sony's PlayStation 4 isn't backward compatible from a hardware standpoint, but with cloud service Gaikai, it should offer a way to play games from the PS3 and older consoles.
It's been eight years since the previous generation transition, meaning players have had longer than ever to build up their libraries. That's a lot to lose – and even more so with the onset of downloadable games in the middle of this generation.
Throughout the summer, Metro: Last Light developer 4A Games is planning to release four different content packs, all bundled together today in a season pass available on Xbox Live, PSN and Steam for 1200 MS Points ($15).
The Faction and Chronicle packs are the first listed, each aimed at continuing the single-player story of Metro: Last Light - Faction is due first, in June. The Tower pack will be aimed at Metro veterans, offering "a unique solo challenge." Finally, the Developer pack aims to offer some additional tools aiding in exploration. All season pass purchases will also unlock an exclusive semi-automatic shotgun rifle; each piece of DLC will be available for individual purchase, of course.
Metro: Last Light launched on May 14, a game our review said is deserving of being in the company of Half-Life. The game was originally set to be published by THQ, but after the studio's fall, Deep Silver came in and acquired the game.
The Faction and Chronicle packs are the first listed, each aimed at continuing the single-player story of Metro: Last Light - Faction is due first, in June. The Tower pack will be aimed at Metro veterans, offering "a unique solo challenge." Finally, the Developer pack aims to offer some additional tools aiding in exploration. All season pass purchases will also unlock an exclusive semi-automatic shotgun rifle; each piece of DLC will be available for individual purchase, of course.
Metro: Last Light launched on May 14, a game our review said is deserving of being in the company of Half-Life. The game was originally set to be published by THQ, but after the studio's fall, Deep Silver came in and acquired the game.
While no such thing is planned for the Xbox One launch window later this year, Microsoft Studios VP Phil Spencer isn't ruling out the possibility of video game shows like 1 vs 100 for the Xbox One.
Microsoft learned "a ton" from 1 vs 100 about bringing "hundreds of thousands of people together in a virtual game environment and have them play with each other and give away real prizes," Spencer told OXM. "I think that's a category that lends itself to our kind of community and interactivity," but he added no such thing would likely make launch. "We'll see how our timelines go."
1 vs 100 was a big hit with the Joystiq staff when it launched in 2010. 1 vs 100 was a weekly free game show played through Xbox Live at a specific time, where contestants could win real prizes. Microsoft pulled the plug in July of that year, though ex-host Chris Cashman was kind enough to produce a goodbye video of sorts.
Microsoft learned "a ton" from 1 vs 100 about bringing "hundreds of thousands of people together in a virtual game environment and have them play with each other and give away real prizes," Spencer told OXM. "I think that's a category that lends itself to our kind of community and interactivity," but he added no such thing would likely make launch. "We'll see how our timelines go."
1 vs 100 was a big hit with the Joystiq staff when it launched in 2010. 1 vs 100 was a weekly free game show played through Xbox Live at a specific time, where contestants could win real prizes. Microsoft pulled the plug in July of that year, though ex-host Chris Cashman was kind enough to produce a goodbye video of sorts.
Video and music purchased through the Xbox Live Marketplace will transfer to the Xbox One for storage and playback, Microsoft corporate vice president Phil Harrison confirmed to Polygon.
Harrison noted the cross-platform media compatibility when asked about the Xbox One's reported inability to play Xbox 360 discs and downloaded games. "Actually, to be clear music, movies, television will [transfer]," Harrison said. "All that comes across. Anything that you've acquired from Xbox Video or Xbox Music will move across."
Currently, Xbox Live Marketplace movie, television, and music purchases are playable across an individual user's Xbox 360, PC, and tablet and smartphone devices.
Harrison noted the cross-platform media compatibility when asked about the Xbox One's reported inability to play Xbox 360 discs and downloaded games. "Actually, to be clear music, movies, television will [transfer]," Harrison said. "All that comes across. Anything that you've acquired from Xbox Video or Xbox Music will move across."
Currently, Xbox Live Marketplace movie, television, and music purchases are playable across an individual user's Xbox 360, PC, and tablet and smartphone devices.
FIFA 14 on PC won't use Ignite, the new engine EA Sports announced at yesterday's Xbox One conference. Ignite will power FIFA 14 on Xbox One and PS4, EA Sports Global Communications Manager Steve Frost told Joystiq.
"Ignite will be the engine that drives our sports games on PS4 and Xbox One," Frost said. "It will not be used for FIFA 14 on PC."
Ignite also runs Madden NFL 25, EA Sports UFC and NBA Live 14, as EA Sports said on the Xbox One stage – right before it showed off pre-rendered footage of all of these games.
"The video uses assets pulled directly from the in-game engines, and was rendered to create this first look multi-product trailer," Frost said. "It's representative of where we expect our games will be when they launch."
EA Communications Specialist Brad Hilderbrand promised us a closer look at Ignite at E3.
"Yes, given the timing and planning required for the Xbox One reveal event the EA Sports Ignite video was developed in a pre-rendered video format," Hilderbrand said. "We'll be showing off the game using in-game assets at E3."
"Ignite will be the engine that drives our sports games on PS4 and Xbox One," Frost said. "It will not be used for FIFA 14 on PC."
Ignite also runs Madden NFL 25, EA Sports UFC and NBA Live 14, as EA Sports said on the Xbox One stage – right before it showed off pre-rendered footage of all of these games.
"The video uses assets pulled directly from the in-game engines, and was rendered to create this first look multi-product trailer," Frost said. "It's representative of where we expect our games will be when they launch."
EA Communications Specialist Brad Hilderbrand promised us a closer look at Ignite at E3.
"Yes, given the timing and planning required for the Xbox One reveal event the EA Sports Ignite video was developed in a pre-rendered video format," Hilderbrand said. "We'll be showing off the game using in-game assets at E3."
After clearing its $70,000 goal more than a week in advance, the A.N.N.E. Kickstarter has concluded at $100,272. The total is enough to unlock three of ANNE's stretch goals, namely Mac & Linux versions, gender swap mode and achievements, and New Game+. While stretch goals for Ouya, PSN/Vita and Wii U versions were not met, creator Moise "Mo" Breton promised in a previous update that these versions will still be made, though it will take longer.
Mo, whom we interviewed back in April, also posted an inspirational thank you video on YouTube, which retells the whole experience and, more importantly, heavily features his adorable children. "From now on, it's all about making the game," said Mo, thanking supporters for allowing him to develop full-time. He is planning to make monthly updates throughout development. ANNE is planned to launch in early to mid 2014.
Xbox One will not have separate sections for indie or download-only games, such as Xbox Live Indie Games and Xbox Live Arcade on the 360 – instead, Microsoft's new console will feature games, and "just games," Microsoft Corporate Vice President Phil Harrison told Eurogamer.
"In the past we had retail games which came on disc, we had Xbox Live Arcade and we had Indie Games, and they had their own discrete channels or discrete silos," Harrison said. "With Xbox One and the new marketplace, they're games. We don't make a distinction between whether a game is a 50-hour RPG epic or whether it is a puzzle game or whether it is something that fits halfway between the two."
In this new approach, indie games, AAA games and everything in-between will co-exist in the same "Games" marketplace. Harrison said this will solve discoverability problems that indie games face today, and Microsoft will still be able to highlight titles that it thinks players should pay attention to.
"We don't give up the ability to put a spotlight on the products that we think are going to be exciting to our user base, but in addition to that, what your friends are playing, what other people think is hot in your area, your country, your continent, will propagate up the most interesting and exciting games," Harrison said.
The Xbox One "Games" tab will feature game recommendations and trends, and will have catalog and search functions. The entire system is a blend of curated and popular games, Harrison said. Microsoft will maintain its current strategy with indie developers, meaning indies won't be able to self-publish their games on Xbox One, as they can on PS3, Vita, Wii U, Steam, and eventually, the PS4.
"In the past we had retail games which came on disc, we had Xbox Live Arcade and we had Indie Games, and they had their own discrete channels or discrete silos," Harrison said. "With Xbox One and the new marketplace, they're games. We don't make a distinction between whether a game is a 50-hour RPG epic or whether it is a puzzle game or whether it is something that fits halfway between the two."
In this new approach, indie games, AAA games and everything in-between will co-exist in the same "Games" marketplace. Harrison said this will solve discoverability problems that indie games face today, and Microsoft will still be able to highlight titles that it thinks players should pay attention to.
"We don't give up the ability to put a spotlight on the products that we think are going to be exciting to our user base, but in addition to that, what your friends are playing, what other people think is hot in your area, your country, your continent, will propagate up the most interesting and exciting games," Harrison said.
The Xbox One "Games" tab will feature game recommendations and trends, and will have catalog and search functions. The entire system is a blend of curated and popular games, Harrison said. Microsoft will maintain its current strategy with indie developers, meaning indies won't be able to self-publish their games on Xbox One, as they can on PS3, Vita, Wii U, Steam, and eventually, the PS4.
Don't expect any cross-platform play between Xbox 360 and Xbox One. That's what Microsoft Xbox UK marketing manager Harvey Eagle confirmed to Videogamer.
"Because of the different architecture of the systems it's not possible. Your Xbox Live account on 360 will carry over to Xbox One. That same account will work on both platforms. The multiplayer won't," Eagle told Videogamer. The Xbox 360 is built on PowerPC architecture, while the Xbox One utilizes an x86 chipset – so no purchased games will transfer to the new system.
The Xbox One was announced by Microsoft yesterday during its Redmond campus Xbox reveal event. The Xbox One is due to launch later this year. Xbox Live profiles and corresponding Achievements on Xbox 360 will carry over to Xbox One, which also bumps up the friends limit to 1,000.
"Because of the different architecture of the systems it's not possible. Your Xbox Live account on 360 will carry over to Xbox One. That same account will work on both platforms. The multiplayer won't," Eagle told Videogamer. The Xbox 360 is built on PowerPC architecture, while the Xbox One utilizes an x86 chipset – so no purchased games will transfer to the new system.
The Xbox One was announced by Microsoft yesterday during its Redmond campus Xbox reveal event. The Xbox One is due to launch later this year. Xbox Live profiles and corresponding Achievements on Xbox 360 will carry over to Xbox One, which also bumps up the friends limit to 1,000.
Stompy Bot Productions and Mektek Studios have launched their Kickstarter project for Heavy Gear Assault, the return of the mech combat game originally introduced by Dream Pod 9, with later games published by Activision.
The multiplayer e-sports-focused, Unreal Engine 4-powered game is in development for PC and will be free-to-play with premium subscriptions options available for players. The development team is seeking $800,000 by June 29, with a dozen stretch goals already planned for the funding project.
Microsoft didn't have anything to say to smaller independent developers during its Xbox One announcement. Such studios might have been hoping for bigger news from the company's E3 press conference, but it looks like there out of luck. Unlike the PS3, Vita, Wii U and, soon, the PS4, indie devs will not be able to self-publish their games on Xbox One, reports Shacknews.
Matt Booty, general manager of Redmond Game Studios and Platforms, told the site that Microsoft will "continue to court developers in the ways that we have." He did add that the company will "explore new business models and new ways of surfacing content," but ultimately concluded that "Microsoft Studios is a publisher that works with a wide range of partners, as do a lot of other people, to bring digital content to the box."
Currently, the only way self-publish on the Xbox 360 is via Xbox Live Indie Games. While the niche channel has seen a few successful developers, most see greater success on other platforms like Steam and PSN. Furthermore, the XBLIG service is stagnating according to some developers, and its future remains unclear.
Matt Booty, general manager of Redmond Game Studios and Platforms, told the site that Microsoft will "continue to court developers in the ways that we have." He did add that the company will "explore new business models and new ways of surfacing content," but ultimately concluded that "Microsoft Studios is a publisher that works with a wide range of partners, as do a lot of other people, to bring digital content to the box."
Currently, the only way self-publish on the Xbox 360 is via Xbox Live Indie Games. While the niche channel has seen a few successful developers, most see greater success on other platforms like Steam and PSN. Furthermore, the XBLIG service is stagnating according to some developers, and its future remains unclear.

The Ultimate version of DoA 5 is confirmed to arrive in the west this fall, both at retail and on digital platforms.
The Komplete Edition of the 2011 Mortal Kombat finishes Windows PC this summer, with the digital distributed fatality pinned for July 3. Retail annihilation is due a month later, so duck and cover on August 2 in Europe, and on August 6 in North America.
As per the version released for consoles last year, Komplete Edition features all the game's DLC, with the expanded roster including a certain Freddy Kreuger (the regular creepy kind), Kenshi, Scarlet, and Rain. Conduit and Kinect Star Wars developer High Voltage Games, who've just released the "addictive" puzzler Zoombies for iOS, is handling the PC port.
As per the version released for consoles last year, Komplete Edition features all the game's DLC, with the expanded roster including a certain Freddy Kreuger (the regular creepy kind), Kenshi, Scarlet, and Rain. Conduit and Kinect Star Wars developer High Voltage Games, who've just released the "addictive" puzzler Zoombies for iOS, is handling the PC port.

The countdown also features the year 2013 in Roman numerals, perhaps pointing to the game being released this year for the new console. A blurb on the countdown reads, "Fight as a soldier. Lead as a general. Rise as a Legend," and the game is described as "controller-based gameplay enhanced by Kinect."
We'll have more details on Ryse for Xbox One as we learn them.
Microsoft says it's bringing the newly unveiled next-gen Kinect to PC as well as the Xbox One. The company disclosed its plans to Polygon and Shacknews. Microsoft Corporate VP of Interactive Entertainment Business Ben Kilgore told Polygon the device will come to PC "at some point down the line," while Kinect Program Manager Scott Evans told Shacknews Microsoft will have "more information soon."
The new Kinect features a 1080P HD RGB camera, 30 FPS color, Time of Flight technology, and microphone arrays. It has a greater sense of depth and field of view compared to the original Kinect, and thanks to infrared tech it can see in the dark. Microsoft showed us how the sensor can track two player profiles, each tied to a controller, and also demonstrated how it can estimate players' heart rates.
Each Xbox One ships with the device. The console launches later this year.
The new Kinect features a 1080P HD RGB camera, 30 FPS color, Time of Flight technology, and microphone arrays. It has a greater sense of depth and field of view compared to the original Kinect, and thanks to infrared tech it can see in the dark. Microsoft showed us how the sensor can track two player profiles, each tied to a controller, and also demonstrated how it can estimate players' heart rates.
Each Xbox One ships with the device. The console launches later this year.
In an E3 conference not so far away, EA will offer a first look at its upcoming Star Wars games. The ink has barely dried on the exclusive contract with Disney in the wake of LucastArts' demise, but with next-gen consoles around the corner, it's no surprise EA is keen to offer a glimpse of what's to come.
The news was spilled on EA's The Beat blog by Labels President Frank Gibeau, who name-checked Battlefield 4, EA Sports games, and the Need for Speed franchise as part of the company's E3 showcase of next-gen games.
Around the time the post went up, Need for Speed's Facebook page uploaded a new screenshot (below the break) of what's very likely the next game in the racing series. The shot was tagged with the description "Have no rules, show no mercy."
The screenshot completely negates any possibility of it, but we're gonna call it anyway. At E3 next month, prepare to meet Need for Hyperspeed. You heard it here first.
The news was spilled on EA's The Beat blog by Labels President Frank Gibeau, who name-checked Battlefield 4, EA Sports games, and the Need for Speed franchise as part of the company's E3 showcase of next-gen games.
Around the time the post went up, Need for Speed's Facebook page uploaded a new screenshot (below the break) of what's very likely the next game in the racing series. The shot was tagged with the description "Have no rules, show no mercy."
The screenshot completely negates any possibility of it, but we're gonna call it anyway. At E3 next month, prepare to meet Need for Hyperspeed. You heard it here first.
Crysis has thrown its card into the hat of today's Xbox One announcements, to say that CryEngine 3 does indeed run on Microsoft's new console. The company is already licensed to provide middleware and tools for Xbox One, which means that any developers looking to use CryEngine 3 to make their games will have no problem running the code on the new box.
There are a number of titles already announced for the Xbox One, but nothing using CryEngine 3 just yet. Don't weep, though; We're sure to hear about something soon.
There are a number of titles already announced for the Xbox One, but nothing using CryEngine 3 just yet. Don't weep, though; We're sure to hear about something soon.
Microsoft confirmed to Joystiq only Xbox One controllers and accessories are supported by the new console. The new system won't support the Xbox 360 controller or Xbox 360 Kinect. When approached, a Microsoft spokesperson provided us with the following statement:
However, while it isn't explicitly said, Microsoft's statement seems to indicate the Xbox One won't support any Xbox 360 accessories. When asked on Twitter if the new system supports Xbox 360 headsets, Xbox Support reiterated the statement we received, saying, "Only Xbox One accessories will work with Xbox One, which helps us deliver better headset audio and other benefits."
"Xbox One was designed from the ground up with entirely new technology to deliver a new generation of experiences for both games and entertainment For example, the Wireless Controller will connect to the console using high speed data transfer to enable higher fidelity headset audio and future controller add-on experiences that are not possible with Xbox 360 wireless technology. Additionally, the all-new Kinect sensor's ability to locate the wireless controller is dependent on new technology. In order for Xbox One to deliver robust, meaningful gaming scenarios for all users across all experiences, only Xbox One controllers and accessories will work with the new console."Microsoft previously confirmed to Polygon and Engadget the Xbox One won't support the Xbox 360 controller or Xbox 360 Kinect respectively. Neither is surprising, given Microsoft's new system has a redesigned controller and a next-gen edition of the Kinect sensor.
However, while it isn't explicitly said, Microsoft's statement seems to indicate the Xbox One won't support any Xbox 360 accessories. When asked on Twitter if the new system supports Xbox 360 headsets, Xbox Support reiterated the statement we received, saying, "Only Xbox One accessories will work with Xbox One, which helps us deliver better headset audio and other benefits."
Nintendo released what looks like a minor system update for the Wii U this week, and it's available to download now. Going by the patch notes, 3.0.1 U offers "further improvements to overall system stability and software compatibility."
We've downloaded the update and can't see any obvious changes. Maybe the Wii U just wanted to make itself heard over the clamor of a certain other box.
We've downloaded the update and can't see any obvious changes. Maybe the Wii U just wanted to make itself heard over the clamor of a certain other box.
Skullgirls, the little fighting game that could, just keeps on chugging. The magazine image above was discovered by NeoGAF, showing Skullgirls listed for release in Japanese arcades (7th from the bottom). That's a very big deal for an independently developed American fighting game. Developer Lab Zero Games acknowledged as much on NeoGAF, with studio head Peter "Ravidrath" Bartholow confirming the news saying, "We are stupidly excited for this, just because I can't think of a single other non-Japanese dev that can say they have a game out in Japanese arcades."
He added that a Japanese company is handling the port. Furthermore, the game will be out "as soon as possible," and the recently crowd-funded DLC characters will be added in future updates.
He added that a Japanese company is handling the port. Furthermore, the game will be out "as soon as possible," and the recently crowd-funded DLC characters will be added in future updates.
So who wants to hear some cool stuff about WildStar? Thought so!
Massively's Gavin Townsley recently attended a WildStar media event in San Francisco, at which he was treated to a hands-on look at the upcoming sci-fantasy MMORPG's Scientist path and Esper class. He also chatted with Carbine Studios executive producer Jeremy Gaffney, who pulls a Gaffney (I'm coining that) and can't resist leaking a bit of new info about tradeskills while filling Gavin in on how endgame will work, why we should play the Settler path, and whether talent trees are passé. If you think making 10 pairs of cotton space pants sounds boring, then yeah -- you're going to like what he's got to say.
Enjoy all three articles plus the brand-new path videos we've embedded past the cut!
Massively's Gavin Townsley recently attended a WildStar media event in San Francisco, at which he was treated to a hands-on look at the upcoming sci-fantasy MMORPG's Scientist path and Esper class. He also chatted with Carbine Studios executive producer Jeremy Gaffney, who pulls a Gaffney (I'm coining that) and can't resist leaking a bit of new info about tradeskills while filling Gavin in on how endgame will work, why we should play the Settler path, and whether talent trees are passé. If you think making 10 pairs of cotton space pants sounds boring, then yeah -- you're going to like what he's got to say.
Enjoy all three articles plus the brand-new path videos we've embedded past the cut!
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Hands-on with WildStar's Scientist path and Esper class There is something exciting about taking your first steps into the mysteries of a new planet. I was anxious to mingle with the locals, analyze artifacts, and even pick a few plants -- that is, until I saw a flower burst from the ground as a giant vine-like beast. |
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WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney on the Settler path WildStar's Settlers don't just build bonfires for sappy Explorers to sing around; these titans of construction will save you time in dungeons, establish bigger outposts, and open up new realms of quests for everyone. |
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WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney on progression, tradeskills, and endgame Jeremy Gaffney divulges the beautiful details on essential parts of the game: character progression, tradeskills that don't suck, and life in the elder game. |
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— Splinter Cell: Blacklist Producer Sébastien Ebacher on evolving Spies vs. Mercs multiplayer.
The Joystiq Podcast
Super Joystiq Podcast Special: Xbox One revealed
Latest episode: Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

