Tomorrow Night (Wednesday, February 20, 2008 ) is Microsoft's last stand for the Xbox 360. They will send their LIVE VP, John Schappert, up to the stage to discuss some huge things.
There have been a lot of rumors - LIVE dedicated servers, LIVE overhaul, 3D virtual-world LIVE interface, free LIVE, new 360 SKUs, and a price cut, all floating around. However, what is becoming clear is that something must happen.
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Sony isn't going to win the war because of Blu-Ray winning the format war, they're not going to win simply because of MGS4, they're not simply going to win because of more reliable hardware. They're going to win because, despite all odds, despite running on hot air and potential for the past year, they've managed to sell units at a remarkable rate. Despite what common sense and the "gamer inside us" would suggest, Sony sells units with nothing going for them. With things actually on their side? They'll tie Microsoft.
It doesn't hurt that Sony sells well in three major markets, whereas Microsoft only sells well in two.
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What does all this mean?
The GTA IV launch is coming - it's significant - it's one of, if not the, biggest game to drop in a long time. It's a system selling game, a household name, and the turning point (possibly) for the System War. Microsoft has a golden opportunity - a chance to finish off Sony before they get a chance to fully spread their wings. Microsoft can, tomorrow night, make a real announcement - and do *everything* we've heard rumored, and more. They can make the 360 win over the PS3 tomorrow.
The war could literally be over in a one hour keynote.
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And if it's not? If Microsoft fails to act? We'll spend the next two years watching Sony slowly gain on them until Sony and Microsoft are neck-and-neck, and then watch the PS3 pass the 360 due to superior hardware, features, and international appeal.
Microsoft has one chance tomorrow folks - like it or not, Microsoft is making the call that seals their fate in a little over twenty-four hours. I wish them the best of luck...
subrosian
An excellent post. And I fully agree. MS has had the chance all along to squash their competitor when they started slow out of the gate. I feel they will regret standing still and not doing anything.
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