Xbox One: "Where I Stand"

Okay. Many of you will likely think after reading my latest Xbox One email breakdown that I'm sold on the offerings of the console, that I'm a "fanboy" of it. This couldn't be more wrong. In fact my opinions about the Xbox One are completely the opposite, and "Hell No!" I'm not just saying this to jump in with the bandwagon of haters out there. The fact is that my last Xbox One article was meant to spark an open-ended discussion about the offerings of the console, nothing more and nothing less. I DO NOT for one second think that "Always Online", or any of the game practices implemented by Microsoft for this Next-Gen console are good. One thing people forgot to mention is WTF happens if your power goes out, and you cannot access your internet!? Power outages are a commonplace occurrence here in the United States. The fact that Microsoft added such a feature is BULLSHIT! Why the fuck can't a gamer go back, and download an update, and be done with it!? It's an easy solution, that could easily be applied to the console. This along with the "Always On" Kinect is what makes me believe all the Microsoft spying comments floating around the interweb.

The fact that the new Kinect sensor is basically on all the time regardless of what Microsoft claims only further leads me to believe that they are indeed into some sort of online espionage/personal data collecting & sharing. As far as the game offerings go Awesome graphics, and life-like AI means shit if the game is not really yours to own. I agree with what others have said about the digital games/cloud nature of the console being a giant leap in the wrong direction. It is truly bullshit that games will have become "Glorified Installation Discs". Microsoft has basically, as many gamers have rightfully said implemented a system that only allows you to "Rent" the right to use the game (for lack of a better term).

I do realize that these are quotes from a lot of different sources than myself, but I actually 100% feel this way about every aspect described/talked about. I will not rehash all of that hatred though, because gamers and journalists have said enough of the same thing to give you a good idea of what Microsoft is trying to pull. The fact remains that many of you have seen me talk on my twitter timeline about how I think that gaming is falling victim to greed. I have mentioned it time, and time again. Gaming companies want your money, and will do anything to get it even if that means controlling how you spend it on your favorite hobbies. In fact they want to give you as little as possible while taxing the hell out of you without seeming overly suspicious (which they have failed miserably at). Gaming publishers, and console creators alike have been working for years figuring out ways how to get more of your money for less. It's a fact. Microsoft's Xbox 360 is a prime example of this. In the past several years game developers for the Xbox 360 have jumped willingly on the greed bandwagon with various DLC offerings that should have been included with their games in the first place. There have also been apps featured that cost the gamer money to use, and even that sneaky "Xbox Tournaments" app which had a secret hidden charge for not being used for a certain amount of time. I even wrote an article about the hidden charges of the "Xbox Tournament" app if you want to go back, and read it.

I'd even go as far as saying the current Xbox Live subscription fee was an outright act of greed on Microsoft's behalf as well. I bet you noticed how many people accepted that as the norm? It's the same type of shit that's going to happen with the Xbox One, assuming gamers are persuaded enough to give into the bullshit. I for one will not be buying an Xbox One. I can promise you that. My reasons not only include the greedy, and invasive nature of the Xbox One's offerings, but also the fact that Microsoft could be tied to government agencies who intend on spying on you/me. You have to weigh the benefits folks, and honestly all I see coming from the Xbox One are negative features. Sure it has Awesome graphics, and AI that is supposed to be life-like. Who gives a fuck!? I don't. The rest of the features that fall into place greatly overshadow the graphic nature, and performance offerings that Microsoft has in store for you.

I'm going to leave it at that. As always I want you to come to your own decision by doing the proper research. There are many legit sources out there that are all basically voicing the same concerns. I believe in making an educated decision, and hope you do the same.

Sincerely,
Brad (OtakuDante)