A tectonic shift is occurring in the video games industry. The current generation of video game consoles has been on the market for over half a decade, an unprecedented length of time without replacement. With this passage of time, we have been brought some of the highest quality interactive experiences that have yet to grace our television screens. More critically, a siege has been becoming more and more apparent: a siege enabled by the proliferation of mobile devices and their ability to take time away from the consoles and other platforms that we used to solely rely on for our gaming.
What is Microsofts response? A tech titan that has few, if any, equals, it was wildly castigated for picking a fight with Playstation 2. Its first attempt was a moderate success, but the Xbox 360 was when things really picked up. Cheaper than the Playstation 3 and integrating an online network that enabled quality multiplayer experiences and constantly evolved to be more and more capable, the Xbox 360 became the most flexible product of its category. Now, Microsoft has its sights on building on the lead that it had with gamers and introducing even more of its technologies to create a product that any consumer would want next to their television.
And that brings us to the Xbox One. Just revealed by Microsoft, the Xbox One is the third generation of Xbox. It means a lot of things for a lot of people, but lets focus on three in particular: the Gamer, the Consumer, and the Investor.
The Gamer
Going into this conference, most gamers had an idea that this wasnt going to be any sort of massive blowout event for the next generation of gaming. The fortunes of the gaming industry, for better or worse, are tied to what is announced at every annual E3 convention. Perhaps incorrectly described as the Super Bowl of gaming, it is when the eyes of every gamer who cares are focused on what is to be announced. As such, we werent expecting much, but there were some details to be gleaned.
Immediacy - Although dealing with movies and TV and all of the things we say we dont care about when watching these conferences, gamers are sure to be impressed by the sheer snappiness of the Xbox Ones navigation. It can switch between menus and different entertainment options at the snap of a finger (or the wave of a hand). This means well be able to navigate friends lists faster, switch from games to any other feature, and expect much more seamless updates.
Kinect - Yes, it wasnt exactly a big hit with the hardcore when it was introduced. This time, though, its going to be included with every console. That means developers can actually spend time with it and hopefully come up with some great ways for it to be implemented.
No Always Online Requirement This would have been a catastrophe if true. The PR headache would have perhaps surpassed that of Windows Vistas launch.
Games Shown Ok, so I know that FIFA and Call of Duty are coming. And, yes they are OBVIOUSLY going to look better. Just like they shall on the Playstation 4. The promise of exclusives was quite hollow, as there was no timetable or scale given on how big these new games and IPs would be.
Price - I want to know how much this costs. If Microsoft had told me and given me a reasonable price tag, I would be looking to Sony to measure up. Now, I have to wait until E3 to see who outwits the other
Used Game Charges - A worrying description of the Xbox Ones requirement for the installation of used games would mean that publishers would be able to charge for usage of a game after its first installation. This could destroy the used games market. Critics point to the Playstation 4 as an alternative, but they must remember that Sony was almost as coy when answering whether used games would be playable on the system. If either Microsoft or Sony implement this, therell be huge backlash and support for the opposing platform. If they both do, then the console market could undergo a tremendous shift and lend more traction to PC and mobile gaming.
2/5
It was kind of expected, but it would have been nice if Microsoft had at least TRIED to blow us away with an exclusive Now, well just have to wait for E3 and see which, if either of the two consoles, is going to be less draconian.
The Consumer
Most consumers probably didnt watch this conference and are going to learn more about the Xbox One as the marketing ramps up, but there were some positives and negatives to taken from what Microsoft showed to make its case for the Xbox One being a general entertainment device.
Live TV Integration with Kinect Ok, honestly, all of that Kinect navigation stuff was pretty cool. Just doing everything that I can possibly do with my TV using my voice and hands? Its approaching Apple-level qualities of simplicity.
Price, Date Perhaps more important for consumers is the date. If its coming for the holiday season, whos to say that some competitor wont come out with a device that does much of they want without the supposedly high price? And if this is going to be expensive, could you at least make a deal with internet providers or somehow offer a subsidized deal? We really, really, like subsidized devices
Integration With Other Devices Ok, we get it. This works well with Smartglass. Which is obviously the best on a Windows 8 or Windows Phone device. But what about my iPhone? My Galaxy?
3/5
The beginning half of this conference was obviously more focused on the consumer. But, like us gamers, well have to wait until the price and how thisll fit with our other devices before committing.
The Investor
Owning the Television I get it. The smoothness of the experience. The ability to browse TV guides without using a different device. As soon as this console is in a home and working, theres little reason for anyone to ever switch to anything else. At least when looking at current competitors. And, knowing Microsoft, therell be software updates that keep it ahead of the curve if executed properly.
Profit Margin vs. Volume So, I see more and more players in the tech industry gunning for the television. Microsoft is in an incredibly strong position. HOWEVER, how much is this going to cost? How is it going to be distributed? This is a race against time, and it doesnt involve just Sony and Nintendo. Google is always active. Apple is ever the silent threat.
Going against popular wisdom, it could be beneficial Microsoft sacrificed its short-term profits for quick market penetration. The strength of the Xbox One is going to be built on its ecosystem, and the more content is sold, the better the long-term financial health of Microsofts entertainment division. Has Microsoft pulled off a subsidy deal with an internet provider? Is this going to be cheaper than a Playstation 4?
3.5/5
We always knew that it was going to be long rollout of details. Thats just how the console industry works. The tech is all there, its up to Microsoft to execute.
General Score
3/5
Microsoft showed just enough today to go into E3 on an equal footing with Sony. Both consoles are going to be duking it out, and its going to come down to two factors that might decide the generation: the price tag and the exclusive games. They could have done more, but now theyre leaving it all for E3 to shape the public image of their product. Grab your popcorn, June 10 is just around the corner.
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