Xbox One

[frostbyte06]

Re: Xbox One

Yup, Cloud processing is the feature that has me most excited about the Xbox One. Can't wait to see how developers will harness that added power further down the line.

What are some games people are thinking about purchasing when it launches? I've got my eye on Dead Rising 3 and NBA 2K14. Both look very promising to me. I'm also a tad bit surprised that the next iteration of Gears of War isn't a launch title.

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For now looking at Battlefield 4, Watch Dogs, one of the NBA games, and will of course download Killer Instinct since it's a free download and decide if I want to purchase the full game or more characters. I'm surprisingly very excited to see how Project Spark could turn out with community support.

[Trapper700]

Re: Xbox One

So far they have mentioned dedicated servers for games, and actual games can use the cloud to help run it instead of it just the xbox ones hardware.

The cloud doesn't have any real ability to compensate for power deficiencies in the hardware, though.

I mean, Respawn's making one of the major "cloud powered" Xbox One games, and the article on their official website states that they're only really using it for dedicated servers.

They also mention Forza 5 as an example of using cloud power for games, and I'm almost certain that I know exactly how that setup works, and it's not as impressive as they would want you to believe. The big cloud feature for Forza 5 is drivatars, right? Drivatars have been a feature of the Forza franchise for a very long time now, and it's basically a system where the AI learns how to drive based on your on-track performance. What's the difference between drivatars in old Forza games and this new one for Xbox One? You can race with drivatars from your friends.

I'm pretty sure that the cloud powered drivatars for Forza 5 simply work in a way whereby each player uploads a small file containing their drivatar traits to the servers (something like "Aggressiveness: 8", "Cornering: 4" etc) and when you play the game, it will quickly grab those files from storage in the cloud and apply those parameters to the AI racers in the game. I'm confident that Turn 10 are merely using the cloud for simple storage and pulling of files such as that.

Both of these examples of cloud use by Respawn and Turn 10 are prime examples of what cloud services could do for games, but I think people who expect cloud services to make up for hardware deficiencies and somehow magically make games look and run better will likely end up being disappointed. If you want to go into the more technical aspects of this, I can try to explain further.

[m1ke_nyc]

Re: Xbox One

The cloud doesn't have any real ability to compensate for power deficiencies in the hardware, though.

I mean, Respawn's making one of the major "cloud powered" Xbox One games, and the article on their official website states that they're only really using it for dedicated servers.

They also mention Forza 5 as an example of using cloud power for games, and I'm almost certain that I know exactly how that setup works, and it's not as impressive as they would want you to believe. The big cloud feature for Forza 5 is drivatars, right? Drivatars have been a feature of the Forza franchise for a very long time now, and it's basically a system where the AI learns how to drive based on your on-track performance. What's the difference between drivatars in old Forza games and this new one for Xbox One? You can race with drivatars from your friends.

I'm pretty sure that the cloud powered drivatars for Forza 5 simply work in a way whereby each player uploads a small file containing their drivatar traits to the servers (something like "Aggressiveness: 8", "Cornering: 4" etc) and when you play the game, it will quickly grab those files from storage in the cloud and apply those parameters to the AI racers in the game. I'm confident that Turn 10 are merely using the cloud for simple storage and pulling of files such as that.

Both of these examples of cloud use by Respawn and Turn 10 are prime examples of what cloud services could do for games, but I think people who expect cloud services to make up for hardware deficiencies and somehow magically make games look and run better will likely end up being disappointed. If you want to go into the more technical aspects of this, I can try to explain further.

I understand what your saying but its a new technology at its earliest stages. I think its best to give it a shot and see how it works before deciding what it can and cant do. Developers will also have to learn how to use this new tech. Your probably right but M$ invested alot of money in this tech and are really pushing it on us. Maybe its the next big thing, or maybe its being overhyped. I for one hope its everything they are saying it is. If they have figured out a way to go beyond the consoles specs to power games then just think of the possibilities.

Yup, Cloud processing is the feature that has me most excited about the Xbox One. Can't wait to see how developers will harness that added power further down the line.

What are some games people are thinking about purchasing when it launches? I've got my eye on Dead Rising 3 and NBA 2K14. Both look very promising to me. I'm also a tad bit surprised that the next iteration of Gears of War isn't a launch title.

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I have both consoles pre ordered and havent decided on which im going to go with at launch yet. But I want Madden, one of the NBA games(gonna give Live a fair shot to impress me) and if its the Xbox One probably Ryse or BF4, PS4 either WatchDogs, KillZone, or BF4. Going extra controller and 3 games at launch.

[Trapper700]

Re: Xbox One

I understand what your saying but its a new technology at its earliest stages. I think its best to give it a shot and see how it works before deciding what it can and cant do. Developers will also have to learn how to use this new tech. Your probably right but M$ invested alot of money in this tech and are really pushing it on us. Maybe its the next big thing, or maybe its being overhyped. I for one hope its everything they are saying it is. If they have figured out a way to go beyond the consoles specs to power games then just think of the possibilities.

That's true. It really is best to wait and see how other developers are going to take advantage of it.

I'm just saying that we also have to temper our expectations on what it's realistically going to be able to do, because despite Microsoft's investment on their own servers and technology, latency and bandwidth are the main factors that will limit possibilities.

Unless Microsoft is paying for everyone's internet and for the underlying infrastructure (due to how the internet works - you aren't connected directly to a server, so all paths that your traffic is using would also need to be upgraded), I don't see it being all that helpful or even possible. Sony will be facing the same exact issues with Gaikai.

Internet's infrastructure just isn't good enough. And as much as Microsoft would like us to believe, the cloud would not have "infinite power." It'd be limited to a theoretical maximum of the speed of light, which we can't even get to just yet with our internet.

[DaveDQ]

Re: Xbox One

That's true. It really is best to wait and see how other developers are going to take advantage of it.

I'm just saying that we also have to temper our expectations on what it's realistically going to be able to do, because despite Microsoft's investment on their own servers and technology, latency and bandwidth are the main factors that will limit possibilities.

Unless Microsoft is paying for everyone's internet and for the underlying infrastructure (due to how the internet works - you aren't connected directly to a server, so all paths that your traffic is using would also need to be upgraded), I don't see it being all that helpful or even possible. Sony will be facing the same exact issues with Gaikai.

Internet's infrastructure just isn't good enough. And as much as Microsoft would like us to believe, the cloud would not have "infinite power." It'd be limited to a theoretical maximum of the speed of light, which we can't even get to just yet with our internet.

I agree with you that the cloud won't be another console in the sky, but I disagree with what you write here.

Everything MS has done with their console philosophy has be that of vision. They are constantly looking ahead and basing their momentum on that. From the very first Xbox, to what we'll see next, MS has done a great job of implementing a very stable online experience. Something like smartglass comes out and people brush it aside, but it never stops there. They are constantly building on things and the cloud will be another means of implementation that continues what has been a very solid gaming experience with MS.

[Trapper700]

Re: Xbox One

I agree with you that the cloud won't be another console in the sky, but I disagree with what you write here.

Everything MS has done with their console philosophy has be that of vision. They are constantly looking ahead and basing their momentum on that. From the very first Xbox, to what we'll see next, MS has done a great job of implementing a very stable online experience. Something like smartglass comes out and people brush it aside, but it never stops there. They are constantly building on things and the cloud will be another means of implementation that continues what has been a very solid gaming experience with MS.

Which part do you disagree with?

I agree that Microsoft has done a great job of making their online great, as the online experience on Xbox Live is amazing. But I strongly disagree with their claims that the cloud could be used for "heavy lifting" of processes that make up for a hardware deficiency, such as physics or real-time lighting.

[Boltman]

Re: Xbox One

More good stuff on XBox One Cloud (Azure)

If Microsoft’s Cloud is nothing more than a PR Gimmick. Then it has to be one of the largest gimmicks in recorded history. Adding up to a total that goes well beyond $10 Billion so far. It sounds as if this could actually be a system that could provide a lot of flexibility for the future of the Xbox One. And if dedicated servers are available to all developers. That is probably going to be a nice selling point for both game developers and players.
And Developers are already talking about the power of the cloud. One of the year’s most anticipated titles, Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs, the developer just told NowGamer that the Xbox One city will be more dynamic than any other version of the game.

“There are quite a few, obviously there are the graphics but you don’t need me to tell you, but there’s also everything related to the dynamism of the city,” continued Guay. “For example, we’re able to simulate the water in full 3D, if you go on a boat the waves that form will affect other boats. We’re also able to spend more time giving brains to the other people on the streets so that they can basically be smarter, andthere can be more of them. It’s what I call dynamism; basically, the way the city reacts to you, we are able to push further on the Xbox One.”

Link below

http://videogamesandnews.com/xbox-on...the-real-deal/


There are a few good videos in that link but if you aren't in the mood to go follow them...

<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nsg-noqp7KY?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640"></iframe>

<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6F8kI_kWIMk?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640"></iframe>

<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/L1QsjRI4XNY?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640"></iframe>

[greenegt]

Re: Xbox One

I'm really excited about the cloud infrastructure. I've been primarily offline gaming for the last few years, but this has me excited to get back into it.

[DaveDQ]

Re: Xbox One

Which part do you disagree with?

I agree that Microsoft has done a great job of making their online great, as the online experience on Xbox Live is amazing. But I strongly disagree with their claims that the cloud could be used for "heavy lifting" of processes that make up for a hardware deficiency, such as physics or real-time lighting.

I disagree that the cloud is just some big hard drive in the sky that houses game saves and player tendencies. They introduced a tiny version of that with the 360.

They would not invest huge amounts of money in this if they didn't have a plan in place and a plan that they are assured would be beneficial, meaning it will go beyond having drivatars.

[Trapper700]

Re: Xbox One

More good stuff on XBox One Cloud (Azure)


Link below

http://videogamesandnews.com/xbox-on...the-real-deal/

Lots of misinformation in that article. It states that dedicated servers and access to Azure will be completely subsidized by Microsoft and that it will cost developers nothing, when we know that it's not true at all (Respawn had to pay for theirs).

Respawn also seemingly contradicts themselves by saying to GiantBomb that they won't be using Microsoft's servers for the PC version of Titanfall, but on their website it says that they are. And if something is done on the cloud in the first place, there's no reason that it wouldn't be accessible for all versions of the game. Unless they are intentionally handicapping the PC version just so that the xbox one version is superior.

They're also stretching the quote they chose from the interview with the Watch Dogs producer. It doesn't even mention the cloud at all. If you read the linked article, he's comparing the current gen (360) to next gen (xbox one), not the two next-gen consoles. It even states earlier on, that the two consoles are comparable and prefaces the quote with "He also spoke about some of the advantages next-gen power affords Watch Dogs," which is followed by “There are quite a few, obviously there are the graphics but you don’t need me to tell you.” The stuff even mentioned in the quote (rendering of water in full 3d and its corresponding physics) can't be powered from the cloud, anyway.

[jb12780]

Any news on a 400 dollar one w/o Kinect?

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[m1ke_nyc]

Re: Xbox One

Any news on a 400 dollar one w/o Kinect?

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Not gonna happen. You need the Kinect in order for the console to function. And they want a Kinect with every Xbox One so devs can focus on developing for it knowing every Xbox One owner has it.

[DaveDQ]

Re: Xbox One

Lots of misinformation in that article. It states that dedicated servers and access to Azure will be completely subsidized by Microsoft and that it will cost developers nothing, when we know that it's not true at all (Respawn had to pay for theirs).

Respawn also seemingly contradicts themselves by saying to GiantBomb that they won't be using Microsoft's servers for the PC version of Titanfall, but on their website it says that they are. And if something is done on the cloud in the first place, there's no reason that it wouldn't be accessible for all versions of the game. Unless they are intentionally handicapping the PC version just so that the xbox one version is superior.

They're also stretching the quote they chose from the interview with the Watch Dogs producer. It doesn't even mention the cloud at all. If you read the linked article, he's comparing the current gen (360) to next gen (xbox one), not the two next-gen consoles. It even states earlier on, that the two consoles are comparable and prefaces the quote with "He also spoke about some of the advantages next-gen power affords Watch Dogs," which is followed by “There are quite a few, obviously there are the graphics but you don’t need me to tell you.” The stuff even mentioned in the quote (rendering of water in full 3d and its corresponding physics) can't be powered from the cloud, anyway.

It's really not about whether or not Respawn has to pay, it's about if it's more beneficial for them. I think the "whether or not they are paying" is muddy right now, but you have several of Respawn's staff being interviewed there and they are saying it is indeed a huge benefit.

Also, Respwn doesn't say in the video interview that the PC side isn't using the cloud, they are simply saying there will have to be re-engineering on the PC side to utilize it.

I would again look back at where MS is putting their money and how much money they are putting there. They don't just sit around one day and throw money at things. This is a long, thought out process that has huge investment ramifications. The Cloud technology is something that is going to be a long term divider in these gaming consoles. And you can already see how developers are supportive of it.

It should have never been talked about that MS is requiring you to "always be on." They should have come out of the gate showing us that we will want to always be on. I think that's beginning to happen.

[Dispatch]

Re: Xbox One

It's really not about whether or not Respawn has to pay, it's about if it's more beneficial for them. I think the "whether or not they are paying" is muddy right now, but you have several of Respawn's staff being interviewed there and they are saying it is indeed a huge benefit.

Also, Respwn doesn't say in the video interview that the PC side isn't using the cloud, they are simply saying there will have to be re-engineering on the PC side to utilize it.

I would again look back at where MS is putting their money and how much money they are putting there. They don't just sit around one day and throw money at things. This is a long, thought out process that has huge investment ramifications. The Cloud technology is something that is going to be a long term divider in these gaming consoles. And you can already see how developers are supportive of it.

It should have never been talked about that MS is requiring you to "always be on." They should have come out of the gate showing us that we will want to always be on. I think that's beginning to happen.

Exactly, what Microsoft is doing is allowing game developers to focus on developing games. They no longer have to waste time trying to rent servers because Microsoft has come up with an affordable solution for them. Microsofts servers are way more affordable for the devs and they don't have to worry about running them.

Microsoft has been spending nearly 90% of their R&D money over the past few years on Azure. It's currently in it's infancy but it is the direction Microsoft plans on heading with all of their products. Azure already raked in over a one billion in revenue last year so it is a fully functional system that works. It involves making cloud computing storage, and yes processing power just as straight forward as local resources. Why was Microsoft able to do this? Because over 90% of the computers in the world are Windows based. If any other company were to put his much money it would be a total waste. Not for Microsoft though.

Here's a good article that discusses what the Xbox One will be able to do. http://venturebeat.com/2013/05/21/xb...2odxdWszLxt.99

This is why I'm choosing the Xbox One. Because maybe the PS4 will have the "cloud," but I know it's not going to be even close to what Microsoft is going to be able to provided. To be able to have a piece of cloud computing in my living room? Thats awesome.

[xcrushx]

Re: Xbox One

I know we have no real shot at getting an Xbox One without the Kinect but I'd love a way to disconnect the Kinect. I don't see myself really using the voice commands or motion gaming that goes along with Kinect. I'd rather just disconnect it for privacy reasons. Microsoft can assure me all they want that the Kinect won't record anything but I'd still feel much better if I could just use the console without Kinect.

Edit: I think like many, the more information I hear about the Xbox One and specifically the Cloud, the more I'm leaning towards the Xbox One. Initially, I think PS4 might have the edge but the money Microsoft is pumping into the Cloud cannot be matched by Sony. This is where I think the Xbox One will win out. Xbox One looks a lot more future proof.