Microsoft playing Nintendo's game?

From CNET:

"With Microsoft's announcement of the Xbox 360 Arcade, the anticipated device looks to be changing how Xbox targets consumers. And while I applaud Microsoft for making the jump to children's games and attempting to attract the all-too-evasive "non-traditional gamer," isn't it playing a game that Nintendo already knows the secret to? And if so, is Microsoft barking up the wrong tree?

It may surprise you, but the answer is simply no. Microsoft is on to something with this new focus..." More within...

[RiceFiend]

Microsoft will always be a follower and never a leader.

[AngryTypingGuy]

Wow, Microsoft sure is aggressive for being a follower.

Seriously, Microsoft caters to the hardcore gamers, but what's wrong with trying to increase your fanbase? What makes them a follower? Is it because they got into the industry after the other two? I don't think that makes them a follower. Sony has been known to borrow an idea or two.

If Microsoft is investing all this money in the 360, I can't think of a good reason not to pursue audiences of all ages, can you?

[TheMART]

Ah right. That's why the XBOX 1 has changed the industry that much, right?

That's why introducing Xbox Live has changed the way of console gaming. That's why with 360 Live they took it further and the PS3 is still trying to catch up... Right?

It seems Sony is following this time around.

[Leg-End]

the question is, what IS the question?

[Bubble Buddy]

all companies steal from each other. thats how the industry works.

[Rooftrellen]

"Microsoft is on to something with this new focus and whether or not you are a Nintendo zealot to the end, you need to realize that Microsoft may start attracting the younger crowd more effectively than you think."

Getting the kids is easy. You have to get the parents, too.

That's not easy with the reputation MS has.

"Microsoft wants to attract consumers by offering well known franchises and providing the new gaming crowd with a host of fun and entertaining games. On the other hand, Nintendo's main selling point this time around is its hardware."

Confused much? Mario, Mario Kart, Smash Bros., Metroid...that's well known. Halo is a fledgling game, and MS has all fledgling IPs, not well know franchises.

MS has the more powerful hardware to try to pull in the casual with multiple features, not just games.

Another blog by another person who knows not of which he speaks?

[RiceFiend]

I meant what I meant; Microsoft tends to leech off of ideas from the success of other companies, or when it really does lead in a field, it's only because it has monopolized it(which is not technically considered leading). Allow me to provide the facts and analysis. In the wake of the Google's success in becoming the world's most popular search engine, Microsoft created their their own search engine dubbed MSN Search Engine. With Apple's runaway success with iPod, Microsoft decided to join in with their Zune MP3 players. Now with Nintendo's immense success in attracting a non-traditional gamer audience, Microsoft apts to do the same. I don't blame Microsoft for trying; as we all know that all enterprises and companies are driven by profit.

Given the trend, Microsoft probably would continue their trend of accentuating on hardcore, traditional gamers were it not for the competition asserted by Nintendo. It's no surprise that when Microsoft saw how effective Nintendo's gaming market strategy was, they decided to immitate Nintendo. This "new focus" however you see it, is really just a masked reiteration of Nintendo's strategy and not something new. Consider Nintendo a catalyst of the gaming market as opposed to the tried-and-true strategy that Microsoft utilizes(innovation vs. tradition).

[gogators]

then you'll only end up getting buried. It's way to hard to be successful and single minded. If this is how MS feels they can be competitive with the Wii, then go for it. It doesn't hurt me any and can only help if developers see a larger install base.

[RiceFiend]

I'm all for Microsoft trying to adapt to a successful idea. However, credit must be given where due.

[wil4hire]

Let little johnny play Halo3 with some of the locals. See how quickly his ears are covered.

[BLaZiN PRopHeT]

i guess adding Blue clues, dora,and all the other kid shows along with the disney movies isnt family?

[ActionBastard]

I thought the 360 was about games. Why focus on children's shows?

[Proxy]

I was all ready to respond by point out that I'm playing Nintendo games emulated on Linux on my PS3.

But then I relized that has nothing to do with this post.

As for the XBox Arcade. Who wants a system without a HDD? And who wants to add the "special" HDD seperately? However, you can't go wrong by offering a wide selection of games.

[ActionBastard]

The problem is there really aren't any "casual" games on 360. If we were talking about a console that had, at a MINIMUM, the same or similar offerings as the Wii, the Arcade might be something to watch. But the reality is...it's a 360. I feel most gamers interested in this are looking for a cheap way to play Bioshock, Mass Effect, Halo 3, etc. That is more compelling than Boom Boom Rocket or Pac-man.

[Close_Second]

...of games. Although I don't think the MS "casual" line-up is as strong as Nintendo's it still has some great "casual" fun to be had.

XBLA is packed with games I consider are aimed at the casual gamer, e.g. Uno, Solitaire, Pac-Man, Catan, E4, etc. You also have Viva Pinata, Viva Pinata: Party Animals, Cars, Guitar Hero II and any other title you can pick up and play for 5 mins at a time.

Again, may not be as strong as what Nintendo offers but to say MS offers nothing is not quite correct.

[ActionBastard]

Any game on any system you can effectively pick up and play for 5 minutes at a time. That's not what defines a casual game. That is what the Wii pretty much has on lock-down. Just this year, Microsoft started trying to focus on a segment of gamers Nintendo has gotten rich off of. Scene IT! and VP: Party Animals are really their first true attempt tapping that market. It is not accurate to lump GH 2 and card/board game remakes in with a Wii Sports, Wario Ware, Mario Party, Rayman or casual games in general, whose sole purpose is to give you miniature doses of gaming (i.e. mini games). The market is saturated with 360s. To try and change the perception that this hardcore, Halo 3/Bioshock/PGR4/Gears console (after 2yrs in the market as a hardcore machine) is a bad idea. Stick to what is working, to what your userbase is buying.

[Azurite]

It's about games for all ages.

[DJ]

Their bread and butter has been hardcore gamers, so it doesn't make sense for them to try and be Sony or Nintendo. The Arcade SKU is about as worthless as the Core SKU. They should only have the Premium and Elite models available for purchase instead of trying to hit the Wii's price point.

[skagrerrrr]

but shouldn't we ask bill gates to answer that question for us?

[power of Green]

#1, Sure is alot of hating going on in here. PS3's design in made in the 360's image everything the PS3 can do and will be doing in the future is based from the Xbox from this generation and the last. Everybodies playing catch up its not the other way around.

Selling baby games is hardly copying Nintendo they're just trying to tap into a diferent demographic but what Sony's doing is sitting back waiting for others to inovate for them only to add others ideas from this generation and the last in a half assed fashion.

Its not like your anti MSFT biased opinions that no one cares about will change the consumers minds.

[mighty_douche]

yeah there very simaliar huh,

apart from design
colour
HDMI support
All have Hard drives
Web browser
HD movie playback
Free online
Controllers WITH rechargable batts
bluetooth
Wireless networking
Different CPU
Different GPU
Upgradeable Hard drive

shall i carry on? i never realised until you said it but looking at it now its obvious that Sont just took the 360 and put it in a black rapper huh.

[RiceFiend]

Again, the point is not whether or not I like or dislike Microsoft, the point is this: Microsoft likes to follow persuit and that is evidential; the "new focus" they claim is really an attempt to combat Nintendo's effectiveness in the non-traditional market.

FYI, your remarks hold about as much credibility as anyone else. The same goes for me; if my remarks don't make a difference, be assured that neither does yours. And judging from your remarks, you seem quite ignorant in believing that the PS3 is essentially just a redesign of the Xbox 360; your remarks appear anything but credible .

[MK_Red]

I pray that MS doesn't go the Nintendo way. The reason that I bought 360 was it's hardcore direction.

[mighty_douche]

..its catalogue of M rated games by any chance :)

[predator]

Mk red, i dont think ms will leave its hardcore base, not a chance, they just trying to boarden there install base, just like sony did with the ps2 with singstar and buzz games. i say go for it. all companys are trying to do this.

[texism]

MS wouldn't be doing all this if Nintendo's strategy didn't succeed. That's a FACT and you know it. Whether MS is following Nintendo or not is debatable.

[DeckUKold]

How did you think Microsoft became Microsoft because they take ideas and mixing it with they're ideas and make it better it's no surprise they did this with windows Microsoft has the potential to make the ultimate console and i believe that one day they'll make it they the type of company that pushes limits that's why bill is my idol so far i'm disappointed by the xbox it shouldn't even have a failure rate