The Ps4 Rabbit Hole

I know. I know. Bare with me here.

I've been wondering, much as many of us have, about what has been going on with Bungie and Sony. Well in my absorption of all things gaming I came across a relevant post by Techradar. At first I was reluctant to even post this seeing as we only just entered the acceptance phase here. Be Brave DBO.

I concluded that at this point the article would act more as way to best fill in the gaps of all we have found already. No harm done.

Here is the link.

The PS4 Controller apparently got a number of its upgrade ideas from Bungie. (Psst - Hey Bungie. Could we have one with bigger sides please)

Continuing onward, apparently a sort of karma is upon us. Part of the rational, presumeing I am interpreting one of the articles passages correctly, is since Bungie has been essentially an Xbox Brand for so long they wanted to show the Sony fans some love and help entice them into the fold. Those of use who have been on the Xbox (or even Mac) already know what Bungie can do, so now it is the turn of those under the Sony umbrella. To quote urk:

"But specifically with Sony we have some work to do in terms of awareness and getting people excited about a Bungie game."

We'll see what Bungie does of all this.

This also helps answer why the Ps4 the lead development platform for Destiny. So yea. That is that.

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Indeed it makes sense for them to try to gain awareness in the Playstation community. Unfortunately the problem is a section of their existing fan base then feels alienated.

At any rate, this is partly up to their publisher, Activision, who likely would have cut the deal with Sony. I will point out though, that this feeling of "betrayal" that some people feel is kind of unwarranted. I mean, I'm guessing the main reason Halo was developed solely for the Xbox was because Microsoft essentially secured that exclusivity; not because Bungie just had some specific love for Xbox owners.

Note: I was a Halo fan on Xbox and Xbox 360, but I'm now a PS4 user. Deals like this swing both ways and it's just an unfortunate part of the industry (for now). Regarding Destiny's PS4 content, it's fair that Xbox folks are disappointed about missing out on the extra Strike and Multiplayer map. As a PS4 owner, I still feel pretty stink about that; I'd rather us all be able to share the same experiences.

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I mean, I'm guessing the main reason Halo was developed solely for the Xbox was because Microsoft essentially secured that exclusivity; not because Bungie just had some specific love for Xbox owners.

Yes, by buying the whole company and all their IP.

Mac users were pissed (I think we still have some around here).

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I was disappointed with the decision initially. By the time Halo's release came around, I was fully convinced that they were delivering something they were proud of and couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

This is sooooo different in my opinion. I see this as a campaign to expand their user base, in comparison to being forcefully moved to make another one (Mac -> XBox).

As someone who owns a PS4 and an XB1, I don't care too much about what's going on with Destiny on PS4. I'm still XBox first, especially for multiplayer games, and Destiny looks set to be amazing on XB1 just as I'm sure it'll be amazing on PS4. I'm excited to see how the playstation community rallies around a developer that had previously been off limits to them and I see everything they've done as making up for lost time in that regard.

I'm getting the sense that the scope of Destiny is so massive (from the taste we got from the Alpha) that I can not imagine spending another moment considering what content I may or may not have while I'm running around with my Fireteam. I do hope that eventually there'll be content parity, but it'll have very little impact on my enjoyment of the game.

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This is sooooo different in my opinion. I see this as a campaign to expand their user base, in comparison to being forcefully moved to make another one (Mac -> XBox).

Exactly this.

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This is sooooo different in my opinion. I see this as a campaign to expand their user base, in comparison to being forcefully moved to make another one (Mac -> XBox).

Exactly this.

"Forcefully moved?" So, Bungie didn't ok Microsoft taking control of them, and their IP? Sounds like to me they are, justifiably, comfortable with dealing with the devil.

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This is sooooo different in my opinion. I see this as a campaign to expand their user base, in comparison to being forcefully moved to make another one (Mac -> XBox).

Exactly this.

"Forcefully moved?" So, Bungie didn't ok Microsoft taking control of them, and their IP? Sounds like to me they are, justifiably, comfortable with dealing with the devil.

No, you're absolutely correct, should have clarified that part, hasty posting gets me again.

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This is sooooo different in my opinion. I see this as a campaign to expand their user base, in comparison to being forcefully moved to make another one (Mac -> XBox).

Exactly this.

"Forcefully moved?" So, Bungie didn't ok Microsoft taking control of them, and their IP? Sounds like to me they are, justifiably, comfortable with dealing with the devil.

Yeah, in retrospect, I'd use a less harsh term for what happened. I would have preferred to say that they completely moved, not forced.

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This is sooooo different in my opinion. I see this as a campaign to expand their user base, in comparison to being forcefully moved to make another one (Mac -> XBox).

Exactly this.

"Forcefully moved?" So, Bungie didn't ok Microsoft taking control of them, and their IP? Sounds like to me they are, justifiably, comfortable with dealing with the devil.

Yeah, in retrospect, I'd use a less harsh term for what happened. I would have preferred to say that they completely moved, not forced.

I misread your first post and thought you were talking about it from a user's point of view. No, Bungie wasn't forced to move, but Bungie's fans were, and yes, it hurt at the time.

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I misread your first post and thought you were talking about it from a user's point of view. No, Bungie wasn't forced to move, but Bungie's fans were, and yes, it hurt at the time.

I think it's wise remembering that Bungie's choices are not always benevolent towards fans; and they don't always have an alternative.

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Regarding Destiny's PS4 content, it's fair that Xbox folks are disappointed about missing out on the extra Strike and Multiplayer map. As a PS4 owner, I still feel pretty stink about that; I'd rather us all be able to share the same experiences.

It's my understanding that all of the PS4 exclusives are timed exclusives. They'll all be making their way to Xbox eventually.

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It's my understanding that all of the PS4 exclusives are timed exclusives. They'll all be making their way to Xbox eventually.

As far as I'm aware, that's true. Unless you count the Alpha, I guess. :P

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Continuing onward, apparently a sort of karma is upon us. Part of the rational, presumeing I am interpreting one of the articles passages correctly, is since Bungie has been essentially an Xbox Brand for so long they wanted to show the Sony fans some love and help entice them into the fold. Those of use who have been on the Xbox (or even Mac) already know what Bungie can do, so now it is the turn of those under the Sony umbrella. To quote urk:

"But specifically with Sony we have some work to do in terms of awareness and getting people excited about a Bungie game."

We'll see what Bungie does of all this.

This also helps answer why the Ps4 the lead development platform for Destiny. So yea. That is that.

I also think that it is likely that MS perceives Destiny, as a sci-fi shooter made by the studio that brought you Halo, is a direct threat to Halo on their platform.

Of course, they wouldn't just deny it entrance to the platform, as they'd be handing Sony an exclusive, and that would hurt MS if the game sells well.

But if people don't decide they need to have both games, and end up choosing between them, I'm guessing MS gets more out of each unit sold of the Halo franchise as a first party title. And if MS had believed in the idea of Destiny as a new franchise for Bungie, it occurs to me that they could have remained a first party developer. with Halo handed over to 343, and no version of Destiny for Sony anything.

When you add to that the fact that many at E3, even those complimentary of Destiny, thought it felt, looked, and sounded a lot like Halo, you're forced to conclude that Bungie proposed wiping the slate clean to make a new game that was sort of like, but not exactly like, Halo, with a cooperative focus and some RPG elements, and MS considered this too much of a risk to take.

Interesting.

So I don't know what other considerations Activision and Bungie get from Sony, but there is probably a perception from the MS side that they have little incentive to match it.

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And if MS had believed in the idea of Destiny as a new franchise for Bungie, it occurs to me that they could have remained a first party developer. with Halo handed over to 343, and no version of Destiny for Sony anything.

Dude, it's pretty much an open secret that Bungie was dissatisfied with their situation under MS for a variety of reasons. I very much doubt they wanted to stay that way.

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And if MS had believed in the idea of Destiny as a new franchise for Bungie, it occurs to me that they could have remained a first party developer. with Halo handed over to 343, and no version of Destiny for Sony anything.

Dude, it's pretty much an open secret that Bungie was dissatisfied with their situation under MS for a variety of reasons. I very much doubt they wanted to stay that way.

There's an "I'm unfulfilled creatively in my job" level of dissatisfaction, and then there's an "I'm bringing in millions of outside financing and taking a lot of risk on my shoulders to go independent so I can make the bet that lightning might strike twice" level of dissatisfied.

I am sure there are quite a number of things about the situation that were less than ideal-- many of which were probably guessed at by employees and fans alike when the purchase happened, and many more that weren't.

But I also honestly think that if Bungie had simply had more creative control-- the ability to choose what projects to work on, instead of becoming a Halo mill, it seems likely to me that they might have remained a first party developer. I have some doubts, all things considered, that all the rest of the variety of reasons combined add up to that single essential one.

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I also think that it is likely that MS perceives Destiny, as a sci-fi shooter made by the studio that brought you Halo, is a direct threat to Halo on their platform.

Here at last, is an elephant in the room. I'm certainly going to get the Halo MCC this fall. I spend a lot of time in "closed-world RPGs" like Skyrim, DragonAge, Witcher, etc. At this point in my life, I don't honestly know where I'll find the time for both Halo and Destiny.

So, maybe the competition is more of a factor than I've given it credit for. It's possible that I will not play Destiny, though it depends on my Beta experience. Now, at 41, I know I'm not the core gamer demographic, but I wonder how this affects Bungie's strategy?

If Halo is their primary competitor, then the PS represents a "protected environment" of sorts, although one they are likewise new to. I've been assuming that the PS community would flock en masse to a Bungie game, but maybe I've overestimated?

In this context, focusing heavily (very heavily) on the PS would make all sorts of sense. Take what you'll get (almost for free) from existing XBox base but strive for a dedicated, protected PS fan base.

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So, maybe the competition is more of a factor than I've given it credit for. It's possible that I will not play Destiny, though it depends on my Beta experience. Now, at 41, I know I'm not the core gamer demographic, but I wonder how this affects Bungie's strategy?

Eh, you're just a kid!

Based on my alpha experience, I suspect you'll want to play Destiny, but I have similar fears about the time commitment. The good news is that you will be able to play on the Xbox One.

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So, maybe the competition is more of a factor than I've given it credit for. It's possible that I will not play Destiny, though it depends on my Beta experience. Now, at 41, I know I'm not the core gamer demographic, but I wonder how this affects Bungie's strategy?

Eh, you're just a kid!

Gosh, mister, I'm glad you think so. :)

Based on my alpha experience, I suspect you'll want to play Destiny, but I have similar fears about the time commitment. The good news is that you will be able to play on the Xbox One.

Yes - from what I saw, it looked pretty impressive. I'm worried some about how much I will fall behind if I don't play like crazy, but I guess I'll just cross that bridge when I get to it.

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Yes - from what I saw, it looked pretty impressive. I'm worried some about how much I will fall behind if I don't play like crazy, but I guess I'll just cross that bridge when I get to it.

I think this is a big part of the reason why the indications point to a small level cap.

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"Well, we're making a game for the Xbox guys," he began, echoing an official site update from April. "Any suggestion that we're ostracising or alienating the Xbox community - I mean, we are making a game for the Xbox One and the Xbox 360.

Total XBox's latest news brief.

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"Well, we're making a game for the Xbox guys," he began, echoing an official site update from April. "Any suggestion that we're ostracising or alienating the Xbox community - I mean, we are making a game for the Xbox One and the Xbox 360.

Total XBox's latest news brief.

Heh - that's just a summary of the Angry Joe interview. I'm of two minds about 'news' like this; on the one hand, sometimes it's nice when someone pulls out key pieces from a longer interview and highlights them... but on the other hand, it seems like straight-up hit-seeking.

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it seems like straight-up hit-seeking.

Of that, I'm in no doubt.

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The news here is that Sony got feedback from Bungie while they were developing the PS4, and that's just smart on Sony's part. I mean, Bungie helped design the Xboxes and Xbox Live. They know a thing or two.

Regarding the rest, Activision and Bungie still have work to do. On the Xbox and (further back) Mac platforms, Bungie has a core fan base who will buy anything with Bungie's logo on it. Many Playstation users have, for the most part, spent a decade trying to ignore the appeal of Halo, much as Xbox fan boys have spent that time trying to ignore Uncharted.

I've been listening to more playstation podcasts over the last several months, and Destiny is still just a blip to many people. They talk about it because they have to, but it's in the same way they talk about COD, wondering how successful it will be, etc. There are playstation thought-leaders out there who are not breathlessly excited about the game itself. I'm hoping that changes. It'll be good for Bungie's world domination plans. :)

Also, Bungie is in a better place. They're not owned by Sony or Microsoft or even Activision.

I think the future is bright for all Bungie fans and soon-to-be Bungie fans.

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I think the future is bright for all Bungie fans and soon-to-be Bungie fans.

This this this

My official opinion is I'm happy to sacrifice (though it's really no sacrifice at all) privilege as a long time XBOXer and Bungie fan if it means others will get to experience the joy I have in playing their games.

Many should consider this position, too. Throw those tent poles out long and wide, friends, and prepare the party!

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I'd love to be able to login to different versions of Destiny and pick up where I left off with each character.

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It really would. Then I wouldn't be so torn over which console I play on.

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I'd love to be able to login to different versions of Destiny and pick up where I left off with each character.

Are they? I didn't know that. This gives me much hope.

I'm thinking this issue will become clearer as we get closer to the beta because it kind of has to.

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I'd like to think they wouldn't make it a big secret if it was [or more likely wasn't] still on the "nice to have" cards.
My only hope being that they're still unsure / working out the details and don't want to state publicly either way.

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I'd like to think they wouldn't make it a big secret if it was [or more likely wasn't] still on the "nice to have" cards.
My only hope being that they're still unsure / working out the details and don't want to state publicly either way.

Tell me more about how this works with GTAV, though. I can't find any info on it.

It would be a dream if I could launch Destiny on any console and my guy would just be there!

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Tell me more about how this works with GTAV, though. I can't find any info on it.

It would be a dream if I could launch Destiny on any console and my guy would just be there!

They announced it partially at the Sony E3 Press Conference.
Basically, you can transfer your existing online character from the 360/PS3 to the One/PS4 version.

The details as to whether it's only one way and a one off are still unknown.

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Tell me more about how this works with GTAV, though. I can't find any info on it.

Basically, all of your character info is stored on Rockstar's servers, much in the way that your CoD:Ghosts stats line up across multiple consoles.

Theoretically speaking, your 360 data for GTA V can easily be applied to your PC version, and you just continue play from there, assuming you have content parity.

Since BNet lets you link your PSN and Live accounts to a single profile, and all of your character data is stored on their servers (the Alphanet even let you mess with your character's loadout directly), it would theoretically be no problem to simply update your profile whenever you jumped from console to console, since Bungie has said that content-wise, there's no difference between last-gen and current gen versions of the game. If for whatever reason you want to go to the Xbox versions of the game (lol), it could just say "some content is either missing, or will not load" and leave the exclusive content in a grayed-out slot in your inventory. (Battlefield 4 does this if you're suddenly missing DLC content)

PS3 has the cross-save functionality with the Vita, and it works in very much this same way (sans servers, since the save data is transferred directly).

The ONLY hindrance to this would be Microsoft, since Sony's pretty open-minded when it comes to cross-platforming (Shadowrun aside)...

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since Sony's pretty open-minded when it comes to cross-platforming (Shadowrun aside)...

Oh yeah? Show me where they said that.

It's my understanding that neither MS nor Sony wants this kind of "you got your chocolate in my peanut butter" type cross compatibility.

I've read where that question has been asked to the powers that be, and they just dance around the question like a politician.

I feel you're letting your bias get in the way again, munkus.

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It's my understanding that neither MS nor Sony wants this kind of "you got your chocolate in my peanut butter" type cross compatibility.

If you're going to ask him for links to backup that, then you'll have to like wise for your "understandings".

Not I think you're wrong per say.

I do think Rockstar [and Bungie with Destiny] is a special case, who if they made it a requirement [and I don't see why Activision wouldn't want to incentivise multiple copy purchases if possible] Sony, and ultimately MS would buckle.

Edit: I do think it is and isn't simple.
The idea of a cloud based character does not seem like too much of an ask [as someone who develops web applications, not games, storing data is storing data].
Hell, it has been part of PC based MMOs for yonks.

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Oh yeah? Show me where they said that.

They've shown that they're not stingy with it before, and as someone else has pointed out, War Thunder is the most recent game to have cross-platform saves between PS4 and PC.

It's my understanding that neither MS nor Sony wants this kind of "you got your chocolate in my peanut butter" type cross compatibility.

See above. Also, according to their FAQs, "The functionality (cross-generational play) is technically possible and some developers may choose to support it for their titles."

I've read where that question has been asked to the powers that be, and they just dance around the question like a politician.

Sony seems to point to the developers more on this front, but who really knows.

I feel you're letting your bias get in the way again, munkus.

Never been a fan of Sony until the PS4, but I've definitely been paying attention all these years.

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Oh yeah? Show me where they said that.

They've shown that they're not stingy with it before, and as someone else has pointed out, War Thunder is the most recent game to have cross-platform saves between PS4 and PC.

Its simple then. Tell Sony and Microsoft separately that the games saves will be available from console to PC. Don't tell them that you could go PS4 > PC > Xbox. Ask for forgiveness once the masses figure it out. Spin it to the press as MS and Sony working together for the betterment of mankind. Feature becomes standard for non-exclusive games going forward. Everybody wins. ;)

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I'm not 100% sure on this, but I believe Sony has a policy related to cross-platform play or cross-platform accounts that basically dictates that it's okay, as long as the account was originally created through/for the PS4 version of the game.

An example of this would be War Thunder, which does not allow PC accounts to play on the PS4, but does allow PS4 accounts to play on the PC.

This would complicate any sort of cross-platform sharing for Destiny.

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That's not the case for GTAV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HdkoZmyEl8&t=1m28s

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This BETAMAX/VHS bullshit has to go, but UNTIL then anyway.

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Many should consider this position, too. Throw those tent poles out long and wide, friends, and prepare the party!

No. You should consider being more grumpy and entitled. Burn those tents down. Buuuurn.

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Many should consider this position, too. Throw those tent poles out long and wide, friends, and prepare the party!

No. You should consider being more grumpy and entitled. Burn those tents down. Buuuurn.

Sorry my duck, don't have time or energy to deliver rage at this. There are way more important things to burn.

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