It seems like the idea of Fable becoming an exclusive title for Xbox is a bit too late to even consider. The letters page from Tuesday's edition is convinced that selling Call Of Duty: Zombies separately is not a wise move. One reader even expressed their lack of sadness in saying goodbye to Phil Spencer. It's interesting to see how our readers feel about these gaming topics. If you want to join in on the conversation, feel free to email us.
When I first heard about the new Xbox boss hinting at a return to exclusives, I couldn't help but think that she didn't fully understand the issue or was teasing something that she knew wouldn't happen. It reminded me of Microsoft's usual playbook - their desperate need for people to like them. It's not something you would see from Sony or Nintendo. However, in reality, I don't see how they can make exclusives work. If they were to make a game like Fable exclusive to Xbox, how many people would actually buy it when it's available on Game Pass on day one? Microsoft needs to make money off their games, but with the poor sales of Xbox Series X/S, it's not looking promising. They can't wait for the next generation either due to the current RAM shortages.
There's no logical way for Xbox to bring back exclusives, and the only illogical way would be to sell the games at a loss. I'm pretty sure Microsoft has had enough of wasting money at this point.
I couldn't help but chuckle when I initially misread the headline about Phil Spencer being replaced by an AI expert. For a brief moment, it didn't seem that far-fetched. It's funny how it's never the executives who are in danger of being replaced by AI, even though it would probably make more sense.
Well, it looks like Phil Spencer has been given the boot at Xbox, just like the ones he has fired in the past. I wonder if he was let go or if he chose to leave. As for who will be taking over, I don't think Sony or Nintendo are losing any sleep over it. The only issue with getting rid of Phil is that it's about 10 years too late. Spending $69 billion on Activision Blizzard and buying Bethesda for $7.5 billion just to keep Starfield off Sony's console was a costly mistake. And the first full Call Of Duty game under Xbox's control was a flop. The only Xbox game I've played was Indiana Jones And The Great Circle. I know I said I would never buy an Xbox game, but it was a gift from my partner, and it was so bad that it was actually entertaining.
I don't understand the report about Call Of Duty. I can believe that Activision would try to sell Zombies as a separate game, but what's all this talk about Microsoft wanting faster development? They already release a new game every single year, which is rare in the gaming industry. Sure, there are questions about how much the new Xbox boss knows about games, but she hasn't even started yet. Who are these people who think you can just press a button and make games faster? The Call Of Duty games are already being made in less than five years when they probably should take longer. Rushing the process will only result in a lower quality game. I guess the answer is no Zombies mode, but I doubt that will sit well with players who are already frustrated with the direction of the series.
I know you guys are busy keeping up with games, but have you ever considered adding a TV show and film review section for games that have been adapted? It would be interesting to hear from people who have actually played the game rather than a film student who couldn't make it in the industry. I always agree with your game reviews, except for the early God Of War titles. Thanks for being my go-to site for game reviews.
Thank you for your article on the Virtual Boy games now available on the Nintendo Switch subscription. I remember when it was released out of nowhere in the mid '90s. It was costly, even after it was discontinued, but I always had a small interest in the console. I haven't upgraded to the Switch 2 yet, and your article mentioned that I can still use my Nintendo Labo VR headset on my Switch 1 to play the Virtual Boy games. So I dug it out of my games room and gave it a try. I didn't feel like waiting weeks for it to arrive in the mail, and your article was right - it works perfectly fine with the Labo VR. It was a much cheaper option than buying the actual console. Thank you for reminding me of the potential of VR in gaming.
It seems that the possibility of Fable becoming an exclusive game for Xbox is now out of the question. According to the letters page on Tuesday, the idea of selling Call of Duty: Zombies separately is not a popular one. One reader even expressed their lack of sadness over the departure of Phil Spencer. Our Games Inbox section is a place for our readers to share their thoughts, comments, and opinions. You can join in on the discussions by sending us an email.
Initially, I was taken aback by the new Xbox boss's statement about bringing back exclusives. I thought she either didn't understand the issue or was purposely teasing fans with something that was unlikely to happen, just to win them over. It seemed like a typical move from Microsoft, who are always desperate for people to like them. This is not something we would see from Sony or Nintendo. But upon further reflection, I realized that it would be difficult for them to do so. If they made a game like Fable an Xbox exclusive, how many people would actually buy it when it's already available on Game Pass from day one? Microsoft needs to make money from their games, and with the poor sales of the Xbox Series X/S, they cannot afford to wait for the next generation. Plus, the current RAM shortages make it impossible for them to do so anytime soon. It seems there is no sensible way for Xbox to bring back exclusives, and the only option would be to sell games at a loss, which is not something Microsoft is keen on doing.
I couldn't help but misread the headline about Phil Spencer's replacement as Xbox boss. At first, I didn't realize that the headline continued on the next line after the phrase "AI." For a brief moment, it didn't seem so far-fetched that an AI expert would take over as the CEO of Xbox. If you want expert analysis on exclusive gaming, make sure to sign up for our GameCentral newsletter. We offer a unique take on the week in gaming, in addition to the latest reviews and more. You'll receive it every Saturday morning in your inbox.
In reality, Phil Spencer has been let go from Xbox, just like the employees he had fired in the past. I wonder if he was pushed or if he left voluntarily. I highly doubt that Sony or Nintendo would be worried about who is taking over. The only issue with letting go of Phil is that it's ten years too late. He spent $69 billion on Activision Blizzard, and the first full Call of Duty game under Xbox was a flop. They also acquired Bethesda for $7.5 billion just to keep Starfield from being released on PlayStation, but now it's been announced that it will come to PlayStation after all. The only Xbox game I've played is Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which I had sworn I would never buy, but my wife gave it to me as a gift. Surprisingly, it was so bad that it was actually good, if you know what I mean.
I find it hard to believe the report about Call of Duty. While I can see Activision trying to sell Zombies as a separate game, I don't understand the part about Microsoft wanting faster development. They already release a new game every year, which is not something many other games do. I know there are doubts about the new Xbox boss's knowledge of games, but she hasn't even started yet. So who are these people that think you can just press a button and make games faster? Call of Duty games are usually made in less than five years, when it should take longer. So if they rush it even more, what kind of game can we expect? I guess the answer is no Zombies mode, but I doubt that will sit well with players who are already unhappy with the direction of the series.
I know GameCentral is primarily a gaming site, but have you ever considered adding a section for reviews of TV shows and films based on games? I believe a review from someone who has actually played the game would be more accurate than one from a film student who couldn't make it in the industry. GameCentral is the only site I trust for game reviews, and our scores are usually in agreement, except for early God of War games.
I want to thank you for your article about Virtual Boy games being available on the Nintendo Switch subscription. I remember when it was released in the mid-90s, and it was quite a surprise. I also remember how expensive it was, even after it was discontinued. Despite that, I always had a curiosity about the console. I haven't upgraded to the Switch 2 yet, and your article mentioned that I could still use my Nintendo Labo VR headset on my Switch 1 to play these games. So, I took it out of my game room. I didn't want to wait weeks for it to arrive in the mail, and as your article suggested, it works perfectly fine with my Labo VR. I took the plunge and bought it, and it was much cheaper than buying the actual console. Thank you for reminding me that VR is still the next big thing in gaming.
