Understanding the High-Risk, High-Reward Nature of Console Certification 

The high stakes of first-time console submission are a blend of risk and reward. Failure to pass certification can delay a game’s release by weeks or even months, costing studios in potential sales and eroding brand reputation. Conversely, passing on the first try saves time and resources, enabling timely releases that build momentum and boost profitability. The certification phase is where preparation meets platform-specific requirements, each critical to securing that coveted first-time pass. 

Why Getting It Right the First Time Matters for Release Timing and Costs 

Certification delays are costly in both time and money. A failed submission means paying teams to retest, make adjustments, and reapply, while every day of delay impacts potential revenue. For studios aiming to capitalize on a planned launch window, a missed release target can mean the difference between a major success and underwhelming sales. 

Complexities of Console Certification: A Deeper Look

Console platforms require adherence to complex and evolving standards that ensure performance, security, and user experience. Meeting these requirements necessitates an in-depth understanding of each console’s technical landscape.

1.Advanced Compliance Requirements: Meeting Platform-Specific Standards 

Console platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo have compliance standards that cover everything from accessibility to user data handling. Ensuring these platform-specific regulations are met requires teams to stay updated with each console’s guidelines and to execute compliance tests precisely, given that even minor oversights can trigger a submission failure. 

2.Functional Testing Beyond Basics: Ensuring Core Game Mechanics Perform as Expected 

Functional testing goes beyond identifying bugs; it verifies that every game feature aligns with the console’s performance standards. This includes gameplay stability, in-game transactions, and complex mechanics like multiplayer integration. Specialized expertise in functional testing for consoles is crucial, as overlooked issues here can lead to major setbacks. 

3.Technical and Performance Benchmarks: What Console Platforms Demand 

Beyond functional correctness, consoles demand optimized performance to meet user expectations. This involves intensive testing across graphics rendering, frame rates, and memory management, especially when games push hardware limits. Each console’s unique architecture must be factored into performance testing—a task best handled by teams with deep knowledge of these specifications. 

Identifying the Key Pitfalls of First-Time Submission

Certification failures are not uncommon, even for studios that run extensive QA. Recognizing common failure points can prevent last-minute setbacks and ensure compliance with platform-specific demands. 

1. Common submission failure points 

Key issues that often lead to certification failures include inconsistent frame rates, non-compliance with UI standards, improper save data management, and connectivity bugs. Each has serious implications: for example, subpar frame rates can impact user experience and lead to rejection, as was the case for games that required urgent patches post-release. 

2.Certification failures can often occur despite thorough testing 

Many certification failures result from underestimating the unique requirements of console platforms. Generalized QA processes can miss specific tests that console certifiers prioritize, which is why console-focused testing protocols are essential for success. 

3. The challenge of ensuring features don’t compromise requirements 

Creativity is the heartbeat of game development, but console platforms have boundaries. Features like unconventional control schemes or niche visual effects may need tweaking to pass certification. Effective testing must balance creative intent with platform requirements, ensuring that innovation doesn’t come at the cost of compliance.

The Role of an Expert in Console Submission Success 

First-time console submission success isn’t guaranteed, especially for teams unfamiliar with specific platform guidelines. Expert testing partners bring specialized skills that reduce risk and improve the likelihood of a first-time pass. 

The Expertise Edge: Why General QA Teams Often Struggle with Console Submissions 

General QA teams may lack the specialized knowledge required for console certification, particularly around ever-evolving platform standards. iXie’s experts, for example, specialize in these certifications, drawing on years of experience to identify and address subtle compliance issues that could otherwise cause delays. 

iXie also uses advanced tools and protocols to achieve console certification. These tools identify edge cases that often slip through conventional testing, providing greater confidence in the game’s compliance with platform standards 

Specialized Knowledge in Platform Guidelines and Compliance Updates 

Console platform guidelines can change frequently. Expert testing teams stay current with each platform’s requirements, such as new accessibility mandates or security protocols. This specialized knowledge keeps developers on track and reduces the chance of submission errors. 

iXie’s Approach: A Proven Methodology for First-Time Pass Success 

iXie has developed a rigorous, results-oriented methodology to maximize first-time submission success. Their specialized approach focuses on precision, platform-specific validation, and thorough documentation. 

Precision in Pre-Submission Testing: Tailored Checklist-Based Assessment 

iXie employs a checklist-based assessment tailored to each console’s requirements, ensuring no compliance aspect is overlooked. This method allows for streamlined validation, reducing the risk of surprise errors during submission. 

Platform-Specific Validation: Testing Beyond the Basics for Each Console’s Unique Standards 

Each console platform has unique requirements, and iXie’s approach includes tailored testing for each. This includes performance tuning for Xbox Series X, UI and compatibility testing for Nintendo Switch, and more. By prioritizing platform-specific needs, iXie boosts the likelihood of a first-time pass. 

Comprehensive Documentation and Reporting: Ensuring Clear Compliance Evidence 

Comprehensive documentation is a hallmark of iXie’s submission process. Detailed reports help streamline the certification review process, providing certifiers with clear evidence that every requirement has been met. 

Achieving First-Time Submission Success with iXie

Real-world examples highlight iXie’s expertise in delivering first-time console submission success. 

Real-World Examples: iXie’s Track Record with Console Submissions 

iXie has a history of securing first-time approvals for high-stakes titles. Complex launches demand agile response strategies. In one case, iXie rapidly addressed unforeseen compliance changes for a game launch, ensuring it hit the release window without setbacks. 

Quantifiable Benefits: Time and Cost Savings from First-Time Pass Success 

The benefits of a first-time pass are tangible: shorter timelines, cost savings, and fewer resources spent on last-minute fixes. For one client, iXie’s first-time pass saved them an estimated 15% in launch costs by avoiding repeat submissions. 

Looking Forward: Emerging Trends and Innovations in Multiplayer Testing 

iXie stays ahead of trends in console testing, continually enhancing their strategies and tools to meet evolving demands. 

AI and Machine Learning for Real-Time Issue Prediction 

AI and machine learning are reshaping testing, allowing experts to predict and address issues in real-time. iXie leverages these tools to increase test efficiency, offering clients robust testing solutions that adapt to emerging console requirements. 

Next-Gen Simulation Tools for Multi-Region, Multi-Device Testing 

As gaming platforms evolve, next-gen simulation tools are essential for ensuring cross-region compatibility. iXie uses advanced simulations to validate performance across regions, eliminating latency and compatibility issues before they reach certifiers. 

Why Relying on an Expert Partner is Essential 

For studios aiming for first-time console submission success, working with a specialized partner like iXie can be the critical difference. Their tailored approach and in-depth knowledge of platform guidelines ensure a higher probability of success and a streamlined path to market. 

iXie’s experience and proven methodology make them a trusted partner for studios aiming for flawless console submissions. With iXie’s guarantee, studios can confidently enter the certification process, knowing that every possible step has been taken to ensure a first-time pass. 

FAQs 

The post Guaranteeing First-Time Console Submission Success: Myth or Possibility?  appeared first on iXie Gaming.

While there have been no official announcements from the company yet, some recent leaks and rumors have all but confirmed that we can expect a PS5 Pro by the end of 2024. But will the PS5 Pro make business sense in the tumultuous market in 2024? What are the spec bumps the new machine is expected to have? And, more importantly, who is the PS5 Pro’s target audience? Let’s explore the answers to these questions and more.

Unraveling the fact from the fiction

Information on what is a potential Pro version of the PlayStation 5 started trickling on the internet not too long ago, before the news gained traction and major outlets started chiming in. The one almost unanimous thing among all those stories was the supposed spec sheet of the PS5 Pro. The specifications were pretty much identical adding weight to the authenticity of the information. Then Sony did the one thing which all but confirmed that the information was accurate. The company started taking down videos that reported on the story. So, taking all of this into account, let us first look at the rumored specifications for the PlayStation 5 Pro, of course, with a pinch of salt.

Exploring the Rumored Specifications of the PlayStation 5 Pro

The PS5 Pro is rumored to have the same AMD ZEN2 CPU as the standard console but will now be 10% faster capped at 3.85 GHz. Developers will have the option to use this high-frequency mode at the expense of the GPU being downclocked by 1%. Having said that, the GPU on the Pro model is believed to be 45% faster than the base PS5, at 33.5 TFLOPS enabling 2 to 3X raytracing performance. The Pro is also believed to get a plethora of minor upgrades in the audio department.

While memory is expected to remain the same as the standard console at 16GB, it is also believed to run at a higher frequency boosting performance. Plus, developers will now have access to an additional 1.2 GB from system memory which totals up to 13.7 GB as opposed to 12.5 GB on the base PS5. Then there is Sony’s proprietary upscaling technology “PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution” or PSSR which is believed to be powered by AI Machine learning. All of these add up to what appears to be a juiced-up PS5 rather than a big leap in terms of hardware specifications. There is some information still unclear like whether customers will finally get 1 TB of storage, or if the detachable disc drive from the base model will be supported on the Pro.

Examining the Discourse Surrounding the PS5 Pro

What is more interesting, however, is the discourse on the PS5 Pro as a product itself. With the PS5 releasing during the pandemic and consequently being hit by supply issues many see the console just starting to hit its stride this generation. So, the idea of a Pro model is seen as a lost cause by many gamers. On the other hand, there is Sony’s perspective on the matter. The PS4 Pro was launched in 2017 when the PS4 was at its peak in terms of popularity and sales. But, the PS4 Pro could not ride on the hype of the base console, which is evident by its sales numbers which amount to a small fraction of the total sales. Yet, Sony invested in the idea to cater to the customers who want a little extra with their games. The type of customer that appreciates the additional frame rate and better resolutions.

PS5 Pro is targeted squarely at that customer base, which may be small in numbers but is equally important to the business. The specifications, if true, should be able to provide a decent increase in visual fidelity while maintaining steady framerates. With 4K TVs and monitors being more common now than ever, this could result in a better reception for the PS5 Pro.

Conclusion

And that is where we are at with the PS5 Pro. However, developments are occurring almost every week, and it seems like it is only a matter of time before a formal announcement. Sony seems ever so committed to the idea of the Pro model, which according to the same outlets is code-named “Trinity” for the game development community. This is a cool parallel to “Neo” which was the code name for the PS4 Pro. Developers are said to have been encouraged to ensure their games have pro enhancements with more focus on features like ray tracing. So, we can expect games that come with the moniker “Enhanced for PS5 Pro” when the console inevitably launches.

With a rumored PlayStation Showcase on the way in June, the event looks like a safe bet for a formal announcement, with a proper reveal of the product and pricing announcements coming later in the year. But these are just speculations at the moment. As a PlayStation fanatic, I hope the company gets the pricing right, and that the overall value of the new console ends up being higher than the sum of all the improvements it offers.

FAQ’s

The post All you need to know about the PS5 Pro  appeared first on iXie Gaming.

The one thing that has remained prominent from the advent of home consoles at least until the mid-2010s is how videogames have been consumed. Through Physical media. Whether it was a cartridge, CD, UMD, or Blu-ray disc, physical media was the primary way through which games were distributed. But with technology comes evolution. The move to digital media from most companies that grew in prominence from the PS4 era, has always been met with mixed enthusiasm.

While one side of the gaming community embraced it for the convenience it offered, the other was not open to the idea, citing the numerous disadvantages it came with. Slowly, but steadily the industry seems to be moving towards an all-digital future, and this may have more implications than we think. Let’s look at why physical media is fading and what it means to gamers and game companies.

To understand what the evolution of digital distribution means to gamers and game companies’ vs physical media, we need to look at what both mediums offer from both perspectives. Let’s begin with….

Physical Media

From a consumer point of view, there is a sense of ownership with physical copies. When you buy a physical copy of a game, you own it outright and can trade, sell, or lend it to others, which is not possible with digital content. Then there is the collectability aspect of it. Physical games can become collectibles, especially limited editions or special releases, adding value to a player’s collection. Also, most physical games don’t require an internet connection to play, making them ideal for areas with poor internet connectivity.

They also eliminate the need for lengthy download times, allowing players to start playing immediately after installation. This of course means that there is no dependency on Digital Stores. Physical media isn’t subject to digital store closures or changes in licensing agreements, ensuring long-term access to the game. And consequently, there are no account dependencies. Physical copies don’t require online accounts or DRM checks, providing a sense of independence and privacy.

From a business perspective, selling physical copies allows game developers and publishers to establish partnerships with retail stores and expand distribution channels. Limited edition physical releases, collector’s editions, and merchandise associated with physical copies can generate additional revenue. Also, physical copies often have a higher perceived value than digital copies, allowing for premium pricing and increased profit margins. Companies can also cater to niche markets or collectors who prefer tangible products, potentially increasing sales.

Digital Distribution

On the flip side, for a consumer, owning digital copies of games means there is no risk of damage or loss. Physical discs can get scratched, lost, or stolen, potentially resulting in the loss of access to the game. Then there is the option for Instant access to games without the need to visit a store or wait for shipping. Gamers can also preload games before release, allowing them to play immediately upon launch. Plus, digital games can be accessed from any device linked to the player’s account, enabling gaming on multiple platforms based on the service provider.

From a business perspective, Digital distribution eliminates manufacturing, packaging, and shipping costs associated with physical media. Digital storefronts allow game development companies to reach a global audience without the need for physical distribution channels. Developers and publishers can sell games directly to consumers through digital storefronts, cutting out intermediaries and maximizing profits. Plus, the digital storefronts provide valuable data on player behavior and preferences, facilitating targeted marketing and game improvements. Digital storefronts offer flexibility in pricing, enabling dynamic pricing adjustments during sales based on demand and market conditions. Digital rights management (DRM) measures can help mitigate piracy risks, avoiding loss of revenue.

But……

Like with any product, there are also downsides to both mediums, for both the consumer and the companies that sell games.

Downsides of Both Mediums

Things like the resale value of physical games and their tendency to be prone to physical damage are among the prime concerns for a gamer who prefers physical media. While on the other side of the pond digital games heavily rely on the internet infrastructure for them to even be playable. Also, digital games cannot be resold or traded, unlike physical copies. Getting a refund on a digital copy isn’t as simple either as digital storefronts often have strict refund policies, leading to potential customer dissatisfaction and disputes. Perhaps, the most feared aspect of owning digital copies is the question of ownership rights. Ownership for digital games is often more ambiguous, as players usually purchase a license to access the game rather than owning it outright. So, if the store or platform decides to remove the game, the consumer loses it for good.

For Game companies, retail partnerships often involve revenue-sharing agreements, reducing the profit margin compared to direct digital sales. Physical distribution can also be limited by geographic location and shelf space in stores, potentially excluding gamers from regions with less access to retail outlets. Then there is the ever-looming risk of piracy as Physical copies can especially be vulnerable to it, with counterfeit copies impacting sales and brand reputation.

That said, the same can be argued for digital games too, as in some cases they reach more users wanting to use pirated copies than physical copies do. Also, the proliferation of digital storefronts has led to increased competition, making it challenging for smaller developers to stand out. Then there is the dependency on platform holders. Game companies rely on digital storefronts like Steam, PlayStation Store, or Xbox Live for distribution, subjecting them to the policies and fees imposed by platform holders.

What does this mean for the industry?

When all is said and done, the convenience offered by a digital storefront to both the customer and the company is undeniable. They far outweigh the benefits offered by physical media. However, the ambiguity of ownership of the product among gamers is real, and with recent events in the industry where an entire library of games from a certain publishing label is being removed, the arguments hold strong. Then there is the question of game preservation which can be a tough case to argue without physical media.

So, what does this mean to the average gamer? What is his best option? Well, while all signs point towards a future where digital media prevails and will contribute to most of the business, physical media will likely still be around. Companies will continue selling a product as long as there is demand for it. If it is not the game publisher, then there are companies like Limited Run that create physical copies for digital-only games. Then there are organizations like the Game Preservation Society and Video Game History Foundation, that work towards preserving older games.

Just like comic books that flourished once upon a time, then lost their audience to TV, and now exist as a niche but still important part of pop culture, physical media for games may still be present in some way or form for the foreseeable future.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The post Fading Physical Media and its Impact on the Gaming Industry appeared first on iXie Gaming.

Sony holds its exclusive State of Play event every year where they announce new products, intellectual properties and exclusive content for previously released games. Along with the PS5 having released almost two years ago, the transition into a new generation of gaming has begun. Console game testing is an ever-changing skillset as there are more advanced hardware with bigger and more complex games every generation. Millions of dollars are put into the production of certain titles that are almost in par with triple-A movie titles.

The event that went down on September 13^th at 6pm ET traced some new updates from their Japanese partners and developers from across the world alike. It was a 20-minute-long video release that featured a few new trailers and some advertisements for some exclusive Sony content.

Let’s take a look at what went down at Sony’s State of Play 2022:

Tekken 8

Bandai Namco had previously teased the release of the new entry in the long running fighting series as we get our first impressions on Tekken 8. Tekken 7 was released in 2015, for context- it was two US president tenures ago. The trailer shown was rendered game footage running on a PlayStation 5. The game’s graphics look incredibly smooth with dynamic weather effects and character models that look better than most CGI films made in the late 2000’s. Even though there exist a few side-game, namely- two Tekken tag tournament titles and Tekken: Dark Resurrection (PSP), the ongoing story for the realistic fighting game is continued with this new release after more than half a decade.

There is no release date announced, and the trailer came with a cryptic “stay tuned”.

Like a Dragon Ishin

This game is developed from the studio that created Yakuza: Like a Dragon. It traces its way back to the end of the samurai period of Japan. Unlike its namesake, this game is not a turn-based RPG, but rather a action-adventure title that is looking to incorporate certain open-world elements to it. Similar to how spaghetti westerns make up fictitious characters from time to explain the rise and fall of the Wild West in America, there are characters taken from the Yakuza series as historical figures to explain the end of the Samurai era. The gameplay shown is set in the 1860s where the protagonist wields a sword and gun which can be used at the same time in game. The dynamics in-game and in-combat would be very tough to get right as swords and guns do not usually work in tandem with each other in a fighting game. The Yakuza team makes a bold move with this title and the game is slated for release in February 2023.

PlayStation VR 2: Star Wars Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge

Previously only available on the Oculus Rift released November 2020, this Star Wars title is being enhanced and remade for the Sony VR 2. This game is inspired by the Star Wars theme park at the Disney World in California- where the player gets to experience a number of different stories across the Star Wars timeline, which all revolve around the Black Spire outpost. This outpost incidentally also doubles down as the Disney Land outpost. The shooting mechanics look sound along with a many interesting characters and locations being introduced in this title. The enhanced edition is set to release early 2023 for the PSVR2.

Pacific Drive

There has finally been more footage released on this original title that looks absolutely incredible. This survival game is set in the Pacific Northwest, where the player is driving a car and the gameplay is surreal with the radio announcing that there is an instability front in the weather. There are many alternate dimension-like elements coupled with a lot of standard survival elements with an interwoven mystery plotline that dictates the player find their way to what the developers are calling the Olympic Exclusion Zone. There is no solid release date for this title but the trailer tells that the game will be coming out 2023 for PS5 and PC.

PlayStation Stars & Exclusive Hogwarts Legacy content

This was initially announced in July 2022, where the player gets to login to their PSN accounts and finish a number of campaigns or achievements such as unlocking certain trophies in-game or login a specific number of times. Sony announced exclusive digital collectibles that can be acquired that range from a PlayStation 3, a scene from Ape Escape 2, Toro and Kuro celebrating with a birthday cake, the pocket station and the Polygon Man. These are things that can be unlocked for different reasons which are all things rewarded to players for playing games more.

The exclusive PlayStation Hogwarts Legacy quest is titled the “Haunted Hogsmeade Shop”. It includes access to the shop, the shopkeeper’s cosmetic set and an additional dungeon that can be explored in-game. The shopkeeper is essentially selling the shop and the goal is to investigate why through the events in the game. Hogwarts Legacy is set to release February 10^th 2023.

It might be interesting to know the fact that the Good & Bad of Hogwarts Legacy in the magical world

Synduality & Stellar Blade

The premise of Synduality is where a poisonous rain kills off a lot of humanity and sends life forms to find abode underground. The plot reveals that the inhabitants built an entire cyberpunk city with advanced artificial intelligence lifeforms and mecha suits that are going to be used to fight monsters in the real world. The environments and levels look other-worldly as the rain has changed how the world looks making it seem like an alien-looking planet. The protagonist is a drifter who takes off into the surface and collects red crystals which connect to the plot in some way and commands intrigue in the player. This interesting and new looking title is slated for release in 2023.

Previously titled “Project Eve”, Stellar Blade was shown in September 2021 for the first time. It is a stylish game that looks to mix up elements from Bayonetta and Dark Souls where Eve, the wielder of the Stellar Blade is on a mission to save earth.  Travelling to the last surviving city, Eve works to rebuild and save the city from siege from a nefarious force. The game has vibrant colors and an interesting take on post-apocalyptic designs that may be a breath of fresh air releasing sometime in 2023.

God of War Ragnarök & Rise of the Ronin

The recent reboot of the God of War franchise is coming to a close with this release and the new story trailer shown here tells the familiar story of resisting fate & making your own destiny. The way the developers have made it so that everything that had been set up with the first game pays off in this sequel and the gameplay looks like the story and the characters alike are going to build up to a massive crescendo towards the end of this game. Sony also announced a limited edition PlayStation 5 controller that is blue on white- with a bear and wolf insignia on the tracking pad available November 9^th 2022, on the release day of the game for the PS4 and PS5.

Team Ninja is releasing a brand new action-RPG called Rise of the Ronin. Team Ninja is known for franchises such as Ninja Gaiden, Dead or Alive, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, Hyrule Warriors & Nioh. Rise of the Ronin takes inspiration from Nioh and takes the gameplay into a much more open-world. The game similar to Like a Dragon: Ishin is set in the late 1800s at the end of the Edo period in Japan. The game looks ambitious enough to say that it is probably hoping to be what Elden Ring is to the Dark Souls franchise. The game is to release some time in 2024, but looks like it’s going to be well worth the wait.

Related Read: God of War: Father and Son Duo Against Norse Gods

This Sony State of Play has shown many releases and details about upcoming releases that look interesting for newcomers and veteran PlayStation users. What did you think about the announcements at State of Play 2022? Let us know down in the comments!

The post Sony’s State of Play 2022- Delving into the Exclusivity   appeared first on iXie Gaming.

This should not come as a surprise to anyone as the console maker has been putting their subscription service front and centre throughout the messaging and marketing right from the get-go of their new console generation.

Bottom line is that Microsoft cares more about whether or not you are a subscriber to the rather nominally priced service, than whether you buy their new console or not.

This also means that the company would throw as many options as possible at the service to make it more appealing to gamers worldwide. One such ancillary that comes bundled with the top tier subscription pack is Xbox Cloud Gaming, formerly known as Project Xcloud. But can Cloud gaming be the company’s Ace up its sleeve?

Listen to our Podcast on Games for Xbox in 2020

Not quite there yet!

Well…. Not quite. After being deployed as a preview program under the Project Xcloud badge for just under a year, the service saw a full launch – although in Beta – on 15 September 2020.

And in its current state the streaming service is a mixed bag of highs and lows. Let’s take a look at how Xbox Cloud gaming is tailor-made for Microsoft’s new business model and why it serves as a great value-add to GamePass, but not necessarily an alternative to consoles or PC.

Truly the Netflix of videogames.

The service boasts a fantastic selection of games ranging from top-of-the-line AAA titles to indie gems and everything in between making this one of the most robust line-up of games in a cloud gaming service yet.

So, in terms of the quality of the games available, Xbox Cloud is second to none. Especially when compared to the likes of Stadia or PlayStation Now. And this line-up is only going to be made stronger with future releases from Microsoft and their first party games being added to the library on day one.

Also Read: 5 Reasons Why Microsoft May Win Next Gen

Should Stadia be worried?

At first glance Xbox Cloud should make Stadia a pointless product. But in its current state the service does not quite match up to Stadia in terms of quality. Various outlets report that when directly compared with Stadia using the same network environment, Google’s service comes out on top in terms of latency management although not by a huge margin.

Plus, the service currently has its limitations as games currently stream at 720p and run on the Xbox One S platform, which means the service can see a significant upgrade with the inevitable migration to Series X platform. Things could be very different if that happens and perhaps Stadia should be better prepared for when Microsoft’s cloud platform gets better in the near future.

Work needed.

So, what is it that stops the service from being the best? Well, for one, Input lags are very prevalent according to many reviews and it varies between games. Generally, the more graphics intense the game is, the more it is observed.

This immediately makes the platform a not-so-ideal choice for a good number of games namely the likes of Halo and Forza which need precise inputs at any given time during gameplay. And in most cases, these were the results observed after fulfilling the minimum requirements of an internet connection with minimum of 10 MBPS download speed and a 5Ghz wifi.

So, the service is in beta for a reason and no doubt needs plenty of work. That said, the service does show promise as, according to various reviews, when it does work well it does offer a level of convenience and choice like never before. And this is a luxury that gamers can get used to if the service is brought up to the mark.

Ease of access

If you are in one of the many supported regions where the service is currently available, there isn’t a lot you need to get going. All you need is a GamePass Ultimate subscription, an Android phone or tablet, and a Bluetooth controller, like the Xbox one controller, Dualshock 4 (Yes, Dualshock 4) or any Microsoft supported controller and the aforementioned network environment. And you’re good to go. The are some fancy peripherals out there to help make your experience better, but you can make do without them just fine.

Inherent problems

If cloud gaming has taught us one thing so far, it is that no service is perfect. And Xbox Cloud does have its own set of problems. Firstly, the games you have access to are the ones available on GamePass.

So, you don’t technically own those games, and each game has the risk of being removed from the service when the company chooses to do so. So, if you have been investing 100-plus hours in a RPG reaching 70% of the game, you do stand a chance of not being able to complete it if Xbox cloud was your only mode of gaming. And there is no guarantee that any game you actually own will be part of the library that is available for streaming.

Secondly, the service may have seen a public release, but it is still in Beta which means various technical issues may still require ironing out. This also explains why big markets like India, where a service like this has huge potential has been left out as of now. If you want to get further insight on how India would serve as a great market for Xbox Cloud, check out our podcast on the same subject.

Conclusion

When project Xcloud was announced, speculations were rife that cloud gaming is the future and that it will replace gaming consoles very soon. While that is still a possibility, it is much far ahead in the future.

Microsoft is currently treating Xbox Cloud as value-add to GamePass and it is just that as of now. However, the service oozes potential for bigger things and is already giving other cloud services a run for their money while falling short only in a few areas.

The good news is that the only way to go from here is up and with the release of the Series X console and the migration of Xbox Cloud to that platform, it is only going to get better and better over time. Will Xbox Cloud eventually replace consoles? Who knows? Why not check out our most recent podcast that discusses just that. For now though, we’ll have to wait and watch how this platform evolves and what impact this will have on the market when it eventually arrives in India. That prospect does sound very exciting indeed.

The post IS XCLOUD MICROSOFT’S ACE UP IT SLEEVE? appeared first on iXie Gaming.

Needless to say, the DualSense is a massive departure from the traditional DualShock controllers that we are used to right from the PlayStation 1. But before we get into what this departure means and what Sony is trying to convey with it, we need to appreciate the incredible piece of tech that is the DualSense and what it brings to the table.

The Design

First off, let’s talk about the most obvious change which is the DualSense’s design. And I don’t mean just the Futuristic look or the colour scheme that is reminiscent of a PSVR headset. Look closely and you can find various little quality of life improvements with this controller. The curvier shape of the DualSense for example gets rid of the more bulky and rigid feeling edges of the DulaShock 4 providing more comfort for the one using it. Also, the protruding undersides of the left and right sticks are gone and integrated within the body of the controller. The lightbar, which most people hated, and served very little purpose outside of PSVR is now gone.

And finally, and this one is long overdue, the USB port is now Type C. All of these minor changes should make for a more comfortable user experience. But the change don’t stop there. The new two-tone colour scheme and the general aesthetics of the controller seem made solely for the purpose of crazy customizations to the controller. The internet is already going nuts with various interesting design ideas by fans, and a few of them are here below.

Here’s hoping that Sony has its own outlet like Microsoft to help players make their own custom DualSense. While this is something we can only wish for at the moment, what we don’t have to wish for are what is new with the DualSense. Here is the list of..

New Features

Perhaps the most touted feature by Sony and the one that provides the DualSense its namesake is its Haptic Feedback. Gone are the rumble motors from the older DualShocks. The DualSense features updated rumble motors that simulates game environments like the terrain the player is passing through and passes feedback to the player. This feedback also extends to the triggers as mentioned by a Sony executive with shooting a bow for example. When the button is pulled back it reflects the tension of a real bow, with more and more tension as you push back. This feature can be exploited in various other ways like adding various degree of weight to various types of guns and swords in different games.

Also new to the controller is the Create button, which is an evolution of the Share button in the DualShock 4. Not much has been revealed about its functions but it is safe to assume that this will open the doors to much more creative aspects of making your own content on the fly and sharing it with the world, rather than just record and share like in the PS4. Oh, and there is an in-built microphone for those quick conversations you need to have without having to look for a headset when your gaming crush logs in and you need to say Hi. So, these are the features that have been revealed. But there are a couple of…………

Unanswered Questions

It has been confirmed that the DualSense still has the 3.5mm headphone jack (thank heavens for that). But will it be able to output the PS5’s 3D audio that Sony is implementing in the console. I am hoping that the answer to this question is Yes. Because Sony’s bet on the 3D audio tech will be redundant if there will be a need to invest on special audio devices that can relay the audio as intended. And this is a lot more important than you think, which we will get to in a minute.

The second unanswered question – “Is there a back button?” or buttons or L4 and R4 or whatever you want to call it. The back-button attachment for the DualShock 4 sure raised some eyebrows when it was released so late into the PS4’s life cycle. Many had speculated that this may be a move to help the DualShock 4 reflect the then speculated “DualShock 5” which could have two back buttons as standard. And this made sense, considering the popularity of back paddles and special controllers among hardcore gamers, and Xbox’s lead in that game with the elite controller. While some industry figures have confirmed that the buttons do exist, it does make one scratch their heads as to why this was not revealed. Are there going to be two versions of the DualSense, one with and one without the back-buttons? Or is Sony just keeping some secrets to reveal another day. If so, how many more unannounced features can we expect from the company for the DualSense and the PS5. I guess, as has been the norm this generation, we have to wait and watch.

So, those were all that needed to be discussed about the DualSense’s features. But what does such a radical change mean coming from company that has been known to stick to traditions right from the beginning of its console game business? Are we looking at a bolder, more open-minded PlayStation brand? It certainly does look like it. Right from Sony’s approach towards marketing and revealing information about the PS5, to its outlook towards new features implemented in the console.

The company’s philosophy certainly looks to have taken a different, more grounded direction. Gone are the tacky and shoehorned feeling features like the lightbar and touch pad (Yes, the lightbar had a purpose, although very minimal and the touch pad still exists on the new controller). Sony is now looking at features that improve quality and immersion. Honestly, both the lightbar and touchpad felt like a gimmick to me when the DS4 was unveiled.

But the haptic feedback on the DualSense makes sense (no pun intended). Particularly when you consider the implementation of 3D audio which would compliment haptic feedback so well. This was the reason I expressed that it was really important that the 3D audio works on normal speakers or at the very least headsets. Because the combination of two genuinely feels like it will elevate the gameplay experience in new ways. Coming back to Sony’s outlook, Sony’s new approach is also very obviously reflective on the design choice of the DualSense with Two tone colours, and removal of colours from the face buttons like in the PSP and PS Vita.

Will this approach extend to the PS5 and, if so, what other innovation will the new console bring? These are yet to be seen. But, all of these questions sure do amp up the hype as the rumoured late May reveal for the PS5 approaches fast. I, for one, cannot wait for it.

Image Credits: https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2020/04/07/introducing-dualsense-the-new-wireless-game-controller-for-playstation-5/

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Lessons from The PS3’s Rocky Start

Way back in 2006, Sony released the PlayStation 3 following the massive success of the PlayStation 2. But, in pursuit of making the PS3 a competent powerful machine, Sony made a few questionable choices to make their new system stand out from the crowd. Case in point the overly complicated system architecture and the infamous ‘Cell processor’. This made the PS3 a nightmare of a platform to develop for and the resulting inferior looking multiplatform games did not help the PS3 in its initial days. The PS3 was off to a rocky start and it seemed like Sony was losing the ‘Console wars’ and another console from Sony seemed out of the question. It was about at this point that Sony began work on the PS4.

In an interview with Digital Trends, Mark Cerny, the chief architect of the PS4 said that it was a six-year process to build the PS4. The first two of which were pretty much figuring out what the next console needs to be. And given the PS3’s tumultuous start, Cerny had a good idea of what he wanted from the PS4. He said that in 2008 and 2009 the team had visited around 30 development studios to know what they wanted from the console and how things can be made easy. It was this developer-focused approach that would pay great dividends later on in the PS4’s life cycle.

The Paradigm Shift

They say “Luck” is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. While Sony had been preparing for 6 years, the opportunity was handed to Sony, on a silver platter no less, by none other than their rival Microsoft. Sony unveiled the PS4 back in February 2013, showing off its x86 system architecture, and giving loads of other information. But not a lot in terms of the smaller but important stuff like used game policies and price were discussed. This was reserved for E3 that year. Microsoft took its turn to unveil the Xbox One in May that year. The event focused more on Xbox One’s every other capability and very less on games. This combined with questionable DRM policies meant that the event was a disaster.

But Microsoft had a shot at fixing the damage at E3 which was just a few weeks away. Then at E3, Xbox went first and to be fair, had a good showing of games. But, failure to address any of the concerns and uproar that stemmed from the reveal, combined with a mandatory Kinect attachment and a price of $499 left a sour taste in people’s mouth. Some of the top executives’ comments on this matter, later that day, did not help them either.

Needless to say, Sony had a field day in E3 2013. Much of the show comprised of Sony showing off upcoming console games and showing the console itself. Then came the Xbox bashing, highlighting that Sony’s new console does not have any of the DRM policies that Xbox One has, complete with a quirky on-the-nose tutorial on how to share used games. This was it. The PS4 was going to be more powerful than the Xbox One (at least at the time), It was cheaper, made life easy, and promised a lot of support for indie games. Anyone ready to invest in a next-gen console was more inclined towards the PS4. It was safe to say that Jack Tretton’s mic drop in the Game Trailers interview following the show was totally earned.

Games, More Games and Exclusive Games

To this day, Sony enjoys a 2:1 sales ratio over Xbox One with the PS4. While much can be attributed to the boost they got initially, it was the way Sony capitalized on the momentum that kept them going. While Sony learnt from the mistakes made with the PS3, they also knew what redeemed the older console as well. Their first- and second-party exclusive games.

This was a strategy that did not need changing. And in catering to that strategy Sony’s Worldwide studios delivered a glorious generation of games that upped the ante for console gaming (And one of the best E3 shows in the history of the event with their 2016 E3 presentation). And this was delivered with great consistency year on year. While Microsoft managed to contain most of the damage and the Xbox brand caught its stride thanks to fantastic services like the Xbox Game Pass, Sony’s line up of exclusive games helped the PS4 best it’s rival constantly. And in doing so became one of the best-selling consoles ever.

The Future

The PS4 may have been a dream run for Sony, but the future poses new and interesting challenges. Microsoft has pretty much embraced Sony’s strategy for exclusive games and has been feverishly expanding its suite of studios. Head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, seems to be going all-in with the brands next console, doubling down on its Game Pass service by unifying it with PC and Xbox Live. This could be a problem for Sony if they do not counter them with something similar or something different that offers this sort of value to the consumer. Then there is the cloud gaming platform. Google seems to be diving headfirst with Stadia and rumours of Amazon joining the fray has been boiling up for some time now. What would all of this mean to Sony and how would they tackle these challenges to stay on top. It would be very interesting to see.

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Sony and Microsoft are serious about this

The notion that cloud gaming is the future has been floating around since the PS3/360 era. Several analysts have predicted it and some companies like OnLive actually took a shot at it way back in 2010. But thanks to barriers in technology and hesitancy from the consumer towards adopting the platform at the time resulted in cloud gaming never taking off. Fast forward nine years and not much has changed since. Cloud gaming still feels like a far-fetched concept to consumers. But the difference this time around is that companies like Sony and Microsoft have had experience in this area for a good portion of a decade now and they have a renewed focus in offering cloud-based gaming, now that a major entity like Google has entered the gaming landscape. For better or worse Google has shown the world that the technology available today could cater to cloud gaming much better than it did in 2010. And the fact that Sony and Microsoft are coming together despite their individual stance in the market only cements it even further. The only real questions are – Is the customer ready? And, Is the internet infrastructure good enough to handle it?

Internet infrastructure is getting better by the day

At least one of the two questions is easy to answer. The customer will be ready as long as he is provided with value for money. While the monetization method of Stadia is still a mystery, anything that sounds like an incredible value is sure to be appealing to customers. So, the real question is about bandwidth and the availability of it. To be fair, the internet today is far better than what it was a couple of years ago. Whether it is cable-based or wireless, things have been on an upward trajectory. And with 5G on the horizon, it is only going to get better. If Stadia could keep its promise of getting the games to run with a 25mbps connection, then things are looking much better than they did some time ago.

Games Games Games

What about the games then? Well, Google has stated that there are numerous games being developed for its platform. The platform has been portrayed as developer-friendly and seems to aim squarely at the indie development community. Throw in third-party developer support and a good library of games does not seem impossible on Stadia. It would all come down to the quality of games that would be available exclusively on Stadia. Here’s hoping that they emulate Sony in this case and not end up turning into the next Google Play.

What about games that don’t need internet?

But when all things are said and done, there are still a couple of looming factors that would make or break Stadia and cloud gaming in general. Convenience. And there are two ways to look at it. While getting to play your games when you want and where you want is a convenience in itself, it does need a constant internet connection. That isn’t the case with playing a disc-based game on a console. Especially the ones which do not have any multiplayer aspect. Story driven games which have its own chunk of the audience never did need a mandatory internet connection. And cloud limits that convenience. Yes, data shows that sales of digital games have been on the rise year on year, every year, but so has the number of people that play games. And the ones that prefer disc-based games still represent a good chunk of that population.

Then there is the question of owning what you purchase. This is a risk that is inherent with any game that is not in physical form. Several games have been pulled off online storefronts for various reasons. And the prospect of these games being run on cloud only amplifies this risk.

Moral of the Story

As with any new product or service, we will have to wait and see. Google seems to have entered the cloud gaming scene at the right moment and it might come right down to how it is all executed and handled. Google definitely has the resources to pull it off, and here’s hoping that they succeed, as at least some, if not many, are going to find some kind of value in the service. How this is going to play against Sony and Microsoft will also be interesting to see. Whatever the case, it will be an interesting next few years.

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Monetization Method

What is the price? That’s the most popular among Stadia’s mysteries right now. But the more important question, in my opinion, is, what type of business model will be adopted to monetize the service. The industry trend currently is that any game platform, be it PlayStation, Xbox or PC has a price of admission in the form purchasing the hardware required. Distribution platforms where a game can be purchased like Steam and Epic games store are free of cost. And game streaming service like PS NOW and Xbox Game Pass is monetized through subscriptions at the expense of free games as part of the service. But Stadia looks to take all of the above forms, by serving a platform to make games, be a streaming service to access those games (albeit without the need of downloading them unlike PS Now and Xbox Game Pass), and most probably sell those games in its own storefront. Google’s new service does not have hardware to charge a $300-400 premium to begin the service. A subscription model would mean that they have to cater to the expectation of free games that comes with such a business model. If so, how will game purchases be made? It looks like whichever model Google chooses will contradict to the market trends. The other way of looking at it is Google can choose whichever model it sees fit and make it look good with some clever PR. Whatever the case, I honestly feel that their approach would be pro-consumer and would offer immense value. And if there is one company that can afford to offer great value for the sake of a vast customer base, it’s Google. Microsoft is already doing it with its array of services. If MS can, so can Google.

Where are the games?

Doom Eternal is coming to Stadia. Great. But what else? Going into the live stream I was expecting some kind of game announcements or at the very least, support for a few already released AAA games. And at one point I really thought that this was going to happen as a shout out was given from the stage to Yves Guillemot who was in the audience, for Ubisoft’s partnership to offer AC Odyssey to be tested on this service last year. So just when I was ready to get hit by the announcement of games, the show drifted off elsewhere. What transpired later only brought my hopes further down, as any games mentioned seemed to be way too early in development or only existed as concepts. Furthermore, while mention of studios and developers kept floating in the event, big guns like EA, Take-Two, and even Ubisoft was never mentioned or hinted to be providing any kind of support. We have seen time and again that the games decide the success of a platform. And while Google’s own Stadia development studios is a positive sign, lack of third-party developers’ support may sound trouble for the service. Google has hinted at more being revealed later and from where I see it, this event needs to be big on games. Show only games. Speak only games. Then release your service. Here’s hoping they do just that.

A Streaming platform. But at what bandwidth?

Streaming is great. Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime has shown us the luxury of binge-watching along with other conveniences of streaming. Streaming games though is a whole other ball game. There have been companies in the past that have attempted this and failed, (remember OnLive?) and there are companies that still struggle to provide a consistent experience (PS Now). Both companies at one point claimed that a 5 Mbps download speed would suffice to get the best experience, which is far from the truth in practice. Considering Google’s lofty ambitions in terms of graphics fidelity and mechanics in its games, one would wonder what kind of internet speed is required to get the most out of the service? Unfortunately, this is a question that only Google can answer, as technology has indeed come a long way since OnLive. Optimisation often does wonders, and we can only wait and see how far Google will take it.

How many of the extended features will stay relevant in a few years?

With every new console/service come features that are new and exciting. Some of these features make sense and stand the test of time, like the rumble feature in game controllers. Then there are features like the Xbox One’s Kinect and DualShock 4’s touchpad that is exciting at first but then lose their significance rather quickly. With not much hardware to play with, Stadia’s features come in the form of different types of user experiences. Admittedly some of the features like Stream Connect and State Share are intriguing and may prove to add a lot of value to the service. However, features related to content creators do seem redundant from the get-go and it already has some raise their eyebrows. With the Crowd Play feature, for instance, streamers do have a great way to engage with their audiences. That said, considering the toxicity that is visible in YouTube comments for streamers, they also stand a chance of getting trolled by their own viewers in their own games. Google has mentioned that the content creators will have full control over these features, so here’s hoping that this is put to good use.

Will Stadia evolve into the next Google Play?

All scepticism aside, what Google showcased in the event was truly impressive. If we assume that everything revealed stays true and functions as promised, Stadia would turn into a haven for developers big and small. This, of course, comes with its own set of problems. The initial drought of games that occurs in any new game console/service may mean that Google gives the green light for any new game that is made for the platform which may result in rushed, lack lustre games making it to its library. Google needs to implement strict quality checks before a game hits its platform to ensure that it does not mutate into another Play Store or Steam filled with shovel ware. It would be interesting to see what sort of approach Google takes in managing the sales of games on its platform.

Google revealed plenty while holding back even more during the event. By the looks of it, Google does seem like a legitimate competitor for Sony and Microsoft. It all depends on how well Google executes the service, the pricing, and above all, the games. With Microsoft also rumoured to unveil their new console at E3, 2019 just turned out to be more interesting than it already was.

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The press conference made a few things clear. That Google is serious about this and has invested heavily with a huge resource pool. They seemed to have checked all boxes to deliver a compelling experience in terms of content with a focus on ease of access. But it was also as Google like as it could be. Here is a breakdown of the most noteworthy points from the conference.

A platform which is Gamer, Developer and Content Creator friendly

Google are establishing Stadia as a platform that is very developer friendly by offering their data centre as the platform, thus removing the limitations of the computing power offered within a box.

For gamers, this would mean high quality games which are ready in the datacentre and could be accessed instantly avoiding download and install times. This can be done on a multitude of devices like a tablet, PC, smartphone or Smart TV. And google have gone all the way to ensure that these games can be accessed from anywhere, quite literally. You can instantly play the game right after watching a trailer, or after doing a search on it, or while going through the game’s website. Google seemed to have been on a mission to offer the game to you right when your mind says “I wish I could play this” without having to go through the process of getting to a particular console/PC platform, loading it and then getting to play. Because, you know, you could drift away in to something else in the process and the business opportunity for that game is then lost. And Hey, who doesn’t like such ease of access.

The same amount of focus and effort can be seen in the integration of Content creator friendly options. The platform enables a more comprehensive interaction between content creators and their community, with options like having the community play with the creators in the same session. And having the ability to stream simultaneously while playing without any compromise in quality, within the same platform.

Backed by Impressive Tech, Partnerships and Hardware

Google claims that the Stadia features 10.7 GPU teraflops per instance which is more powerful than XB1 and PS4 pro combined. This no doubt will result in great looking games and it would be interesting to see how the games of the future will use the extra horsepower. The platform was tested back in October last year by the name of Project stream, where a resolution of 1080p was achieved with 60FPS on a graphics heavy AAA title (AC Odyssey) without any latency. Google promises that this will be bumped up to 4K @ 60FPS at launch with support for 8K @ 120FPS coming in the future. They also threw in the fact they will embrace full cross platform support (yet another slap on the wrist for Sony).

To help facilitate these games, Google announced that they have partnered with Unreal and Unity for game engines and several other middleware providers. Googles claims to have sent development hardware to more than 100 studios with over a 1000 creatives and engineers working on games for the platform. ID software was on the show floor to announce Doom Eternal on Stadia, which would run at 4K @ 60FPS. Google also announced, “Stadia games and entertainment studios”, an in house games studio headed by none other than Jade Raymond which will not only focus on first party games but also provide support to partner studios.

While these games can be played using any controller or keyboard, they also unveiled a new hardware in the form of the Stadia controller. Unlike conventional controllers, the Stadia controllers connects through wi-fi and directly accesses the data centre which runs the game, thus reducing latency. The controller also features a dedicated capture button to instantly share your play sessions on YouTube, and a Google Assist button to help you with the game on the fly, without having to look elsewhere.

More Google like than ever before…

Of course, no Google product is complete without its set of unique tools and Stadia is no different as it offers various options to devs, gamers and content creators. Below is the list of a few notable tools.

Stream Connect brings couch multiplayer back but with different stadia instances. This means that resources need not be shared by a single session there by compromising on quality. Instead each player on the screen will have their own play sessions, sort of like a LAN setup where multiple consoles work on their own sessions, but while displaying on a single screen.

State Share helps players share a playable moment from a precise point in a game including world state, player position inventory etc, all of which can be encoded with a link that can be shared with any number of people over the internet and not just your friends list.

Style transfer ML, uses machine learning to help save time on art. This was demoed on stage with a Dev explaining how it helps save time through the development process. And honestly, it was quite impressive.

Crowd Play helps you connect with content creators like never before, by letting you take part in the game session that is being streamed live.

And that was the conference in a nutshell. Admittedly this did not receive as much hype or attention prior to the showcase, but what was shown sure has the potential to change gaming as we know it. Google has managed to get everybody’s attention as a result. That’s not to say it looks perfect. There are quite a few questions looming over Stadia and it is yet to be seen how everything will be executed. However, let’s wear our positive hats on and stay excited for what is to come. All the best to Google. Keep us enthralled through your games.

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