Why The Desires Of Gamers Are Driving Xbox One's New Direction

This time last year, Microsoft's gaming arm looked to be weakening. That's when it turned to the fans--and flipped a switch on change.

[NextLevel]

It's because they are getting outsold everywhere. That's why the changed everything. The new Microsoft is a better Microsoft, but don't confuse yourselves to why it happened.

[JBSleek]

So you think other companies do things out of the kindness of their hearts and not the shareholders?

Lol. While true it's the same as any other company. No one does anything for the consumer.

[rarity]

Where did he say they did?

[Utalkin2me]

While all companies are in business to make money. Some companies are more consumer friendly and have a better track record of being such.

[KinjoTakemura]

They actually do offer incentives to consumers in order to get you to spend your money. Lower prices, bundles, free games, and rebates are all incentives to get you to spend more of your money on their products. Anyone who has deluded themselves into thinking that these companies are your friends needs a wake up call. What can be said is that one company is more gamer oriented than the other because in reality, pandering to some of the demands of gamers is great advertising and free PR. Microsoft is beginning to understand that you can't bully people into spending money, but you can coax them, cajole them, nudge them, and tip the scales in your favor all with some incentives and good PR. But in the end, we all must understand that goal of all of these incentives and PR campaigns is to get gamers to spend money on their products and services, nothing more.

[harrisk954]

@JBSleek...

Want an example? When Steve Jobs was alive, he ran Apple based upon HIS vision. He believed that his vision dictated what the consumer wanted, even if the consumer was unaware of it. He was uncompromising in his vision, no matter what the rest of the Apple Board believed or what the shareholders wanted. That is changing now since his death.

Jeff Bezos runs Amazon similarly. He has a vision and will lost money or sacrifice profit, to the detriment and chagrin of shareholders at times.

MS has always appeared have no set vision. They change with the tide. They tried to be "Jobs-like" when they introduced the XB1 -- new features that would "take over" the living room... But changed it after they lost some market share to Sony. Even though, by the numbers, the XB1 was selling well.

So, because of short term bad press and sales, MS made the XB1 more like the PS4. MS compromised its vision, just like they did with other products, such as their original tablets, like they did with the Zune, the Kin, etc., etc., etc. MS does not innovate. Rather, MS tries to copy successful products and does not do it very well. This is why MS's stock has been flat for so many years. They are still, by pedigree, a PC OS developer. Their bread and butter is still Windows, even though they did screw up with Windows 8, a bit.

MS had a HUGE hit with the 360 and then it screwed up a bit on the launch of the XB1. But, over time, the XB1's features might have proved themselves worthy of consumer's trust. Instead, MS made a giant pivot and changed almost everything that made the XB1 unique, or at least different from the PS4. Steve Jobs, Larry Ellison, Jeff Bezos... hell, BILL GATES ... would not have made the wholesale changes and compromises on their visions that the current leadership at MS did on the XB1... At least not so quickly. That is why I think that MS is having such a tough time righting the ship in many gamer's minds -- even with what many call "positive" changes. Perhaps the new leadership will be better than MS was under Balmer. We shall see.

[Spotie]

Other companies aren't as hostile to their consumers as Microsoft. And IF they are, it's just as bad.

Microsoft not being the only company that's an ass to their consumers doesn't make it okay.

And not every company does things the same way. Yes, they are all after your money, but don't go confusing that for them all doing the same thing. Of course, you know this; you're just trying to offset some of the blame so Microsoft doesn't look as bad.

Stop defending them when they do stupid stuff.

[MysticStrummer]

Auto defense activated.

OT - Because $$$$ < $$$$$$$$

[4Sh0w]

I don't care why, they are doing a great job listening to the fans and that's all I want. Also micro has been listening to fans and making huge changes to their strategy before either console had sold 1 unit, so the first comment above doesnt make sense in that context.

I do think they should be careful not to listen to all the complaints because you can't please everybody and some complaints while true for some individuals don't improve the overall brand or what's best for the platform/games going forward.

[Foxhound922]

@4show

Haha you always crack me up. Ever hear the word "preorder" and "press"?

It wasn't sales at first, but preorders were in Sony's favor at a ratio of 5 to 1, maybe even higher. If you really think MS has or is changing, solely based on what gamers want, then you are just as delusional as truefan. If they were were truly listening to their fans, they would have changed when there was a massive internet backlash, even from diehard Xbox fans. They told everyone to "deal with it" or "buy a 360". It wasn't until they saw the preorders and all the love Sony was getting did they change their tune. The same thing with the higher price and bundled kinect. Gamers from all over the world complained and moaned becuase they didn't want to be forced to pay more for a peripheral they didn't want to use. MS response? "Kinect is Xbox one, Xbox one is kinect, the kinect is a core an integral part of the Xbox experience and CANNOT BE UNBUNDLED." Of course I'm paraphrasing, but these were actual quotes from actual MS suits. Again, they didn't care until they realized they were getting outsold by a ratio of over 2 to 1.

All companies want our money, but some do a hell of a lot better job at keeping us happy and giving us what we want in the first place.

[NegativeCreep427]

Exactly what I said. Granted it is still a step forward for Xbox gamers, the change in direction was clearly made for MS shareholders. Microsofts image/reputation and Xbox sales were clearly at a serious low and shareholders demanded changes. That's it.

[mcstorm]

@NextLevel Microsoft are doing what Sony did last gen when they were behind. Its good to have one doing well and then the next time they swap around as this keeps them all needing to deliver great games and services.

[JasonKCK]

"It's because they are getting outsold everywhere"

They started changing things at E3 before the console was even launched. Some people have selective short term memories.

[Foxhound922]

Preorders were in Sony's favor by 5 to 1 at times. It seems like you have a selective memory as well

[miyamoto]

Like they always did since the first Xbox, M$ is just trying hard to copy or gravitate to the principle & blueprint of the PlayStation brand since the original PS One. Simple.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[Half_Minute_Hero]

no.

[60FramesPerSecond]

Gamers buy game consoles. Nobody else. Its simple. While the XB1 has comparable specs to PS4 (especially considering other generations), now is the time to show games. Resolution doesnt matter, just show games. Good games. Games without 2d crowds and tree leaves. Those games.

[Utalkin2me]

Gamers do buy consoles. And as a consumer i going to pick which is right for me and the company that hasn't treated me poorly as a consumer.

Lol @ Xbox1 having comparable specs.

[60FramesPerSecond]

you ever compare xbox original specs to ps2? massive difference. not even funny.

[Half_Minute_Hero]

Yeah, actually they ARE comparable. 900P to 1080P is within the realm of "comparable". 60 frames is right, original xbox vs ps2 was massive, this gen is comparable.

[KinjoTakemura]

@"While the XB1 has comparable specs to PS4"

The only similarity between the Xbox One and PS4 is the AMD based architecture and that is truly where the similarities end.

[Half_Minute_Hero]

Most developers say otherwise. One is slightly quicker than the other, but they are very similar. But hey, I'm sure YOU'RE the one that knows best..

[StifflerK]

I'm happy with the changes they've made over time , I like the fan feedback website , the monthly updates , new apps and features - and of course the games.

I liked a lot of what I saw at E3 also - hopefully if MS can keep up this level of quality releases then I'd be very happy.

It's also nice to see them still supporting the X360 as well.

[christocolus]

Well that's what you get when you put a former game developer in charge of the division. As good as MS E3 2014 was,I'm expecting next years show to be way way better.

[truefan1]

"And when we look at the top ten things they are asking for, they are all on the road map of things we are already working on." Now lets look at the Top 10.

1.Lower Price for Digital Games-11207
2.Background Image on the Dashboard-9931
3.Backwards Compatibility-8568
4.Pre-Order/Pre-Load Digital Games-7953
5.Xbox Music in Background w/o having to snap-7648
6."Low Battery" Notification for Controllers-7383
7.Pre-Order Bonuses for Digital Games-7292
8.3D BluRay Support-5234
9.Gears of War Collection-4979
10.Better integrated DLNA Support-4876

I also hope the next 6 are being worked on as well

11.Description of Updates-4673
12.Reboot Banjo-Kazooie, Conker, and Viva Pinata-4267
13.Cortana on Xbox-4113
14.Access full XBOX store from Smartglass-4033
15.Movies with Gold-3683
16.User Chosen Games with Gold-3673

Overall this is a very good start, It will be cool to see all the recommendations implemented over the next few years.

[christocolus]

The xbox one might just end up being the best xbox yet(games related).original xbox had some great games and 360 did too but MS seems to be putting a lot more effort into xbox one. Games, updates, apps, xbx live,xbox tv etc... In the first year alone ryse,forza5,forza horizon2,titanfall,sunset overdrive,dead rising3, halo mcc,d4,project spark,zoo tycoon,kinect sports,dance central,killer instinct sn1&2,ori.there's something for everyone.it would be awesome if they continue this way. I honestly can't wait to see the full line up of games for next year and 2016. I'm sure sadya will be approving another $1B very soon.

[Artista]

I would love a Gears Collection.

[PlaystationSquuad]

The Xbone still doesn't impress me in the least bit. The Xbone is continuing on as the go to "Bro shooter and TV" console. They really need to invest in more exclusive games that arn't all hardcore shooters

[Picnic]

They have : Sunset Overdrive and D4. Even Quantum Break isn't a 'bro shooter'. And of course Forza, Kinect Sports and Project Spark aren't hardcore shooters- not that I particularly care about those 3. Then they have a timed exclusive on indie game Inside by Limbo-maker Playdead Games. And an indie-style platform game of their own Ori and the Blind Forest.

But they didn't get off to a good start with me by saying they were spending so much money on American sports rights, Gears of War and a Halo TV programme.

I can't be the only person interested in an Xbox One who has never been interested in Halo or Titanfall. Just like not everyone who buys a PS4 is interested in Killzone : Shadow Fall.

[PlaystationSquuad]

I'm sorry but both Sunset Overdrive and D4 look boring. Sunset overdrive looks way too easy and D4 looks just plain stupid (just my opinion ofcourse) . Forza looks brilliant but it's more of the same. The only game I'm interested in for the Xbone is Ori and the Blind Forest but that looks like it will eventually come to the PS4.

[Fireseed]

@PlaystationSquad

0/10 Try harder next time.

[Bryanarchy101]

@PlaystationSquuad

Lol do you even game, bro?

[Gameplay999]

Voice recognition impresses me and the kinect impresses me, makes it feel futuristic. The Snap feature anyone?

[MysticStrummer]

You mean picture in picture… that thing my TV could do back when I had a PS2?

[Half_Minute_Hero]

Mystic - your TV could run an app and a game at the same time a decade ago? Fascinating.

[Illusive_Man]

Xbox One has a feedback community like none other. Microsoft actually reads the boards.

[Picnic]

PlaystationSquuad, although Ori and the Blind Forest might look like a Sony-type game, it is made by Moon Studios who have become a Microsoft First Party Developer.

It's unlikely to come out for the PS4 unless Microsoft lets it. But as it is clearly Microsoft's attempt to be more Sony-like in its indie line up they're not likely to want to even if it doesn't sell well.

[Artista]

What's a "Sony-type game"? An indie game? There are games, now there are "Sony-type" games lol.

The 360 is known for sporting great indie games. You shouldn't have such a narrow perspective on things.

Just one non-rhetoric question, What's a "Microsoft-type" game?

[SINISTERGENESIS]

Lmao

[Picnic]

'Sony-type game' is my shorthand for saying that on PS3 Sony had console exclusives such as The Unfinished Swan and Papo and Yo - artsy story meets puzzle games - and Microsoft had fewer such indie games apart from indie multiformats such as Limbo and quick reflex Super Meat Boy.

[in_for_the_win]

MS @ E3 '13: "boo this is terrible, they didn't listen to what gamers want at all, they're giving us TV and stuff!"

M @ E3 '14: "boo this is terrible, they listened to what gamers want and changed stuff, they have no soul, they're only after our money!"

Seriously, you can't have it both ways.

[hello12]

Its so early in the console race. I wonder in two years will Sony be still leading? Microsoft is releasing in 54 more countries this September see what happens. Microsoft selling in 13 countries compared to 72 for Sony is a big difference.

People on N4G claimed they wouldn't do well in Japan seems they were wrong, so far.

[MysticStrummer]

"I wonder in two years will Sony be still leading?"

Barring a meltdown on Sony's part, they'll still be leading.

[GW212]

That 13 vs 72 thing doesn't really hold water. It would be a different story if MS was outselling Sony in those 13 markets. Then your logic would make some sense. The issue is that Sony is outselling MS in those 13 countries. A portion of those countries represent MS historical "strongholds" where they should be outselling Sony but aren't (US and UK for example).

The additional countries where XB1 will be released, almost all of them small or smaller market territories, won't close the gap or make a material difference.

[Chevalier]

http://arstechnica.com/gami...

Nope. See how 2/3 of sales for 360 out of 75 million units sold, 2/3 were in the U.K. and U.S. only 1/3 were outside those 2 countries. So mighty wishful thinking on your part. You think more countries will help, but, fail to see that Xbox brand is not worldwide like Playstation and they've never come close to beating Sony in any of those countries. Also which One country is Xbone beating PlayStation? None. You think selling in more countries will change that?

[SINISTERGENESIS]

As a ps4 only user ( only for the moment because I will be getting an X1 for Gears),
I'd say I'm actually happy with the direction that MS has taken since Phil Spencer took over... Mind you I have not forgotten their original E3 BS and haven't forgotten how they basically gave up after Gears 3 in terms of exclusives... Don't forget that when PS3 launched it was a disaster with the 600$ price tag , the shaky online features ,etc ...But I've gotten over it and so should all of you... I mean damn, can you say twat hurt or what?! All you KIDS ( the term applies to you adults on here too) is wait for an article to drop and spout the same dumb garbage over and over when more often than not, you don't even own the opposite console! So why the f*ck are you even worried about it?!

A reality check is what you need... Look in the mirror and say the comments you guys type on here so you can see how pathetic you look. OT, both companies listen to their consumers to an extent but it's really a 40/60 basis because yeah they all want to please their consumers by listening to feedback but if it's not best for business then it's not gonna happen , that goes for both Sony and MS.

[Goku781]

I will be the first to tell any the first Xbox was a great machine and the advent of Halo changed everything along with networking. MS needs to get rid of Xbox One, start over start fresh with much better specs and no excuses for short comings at reasonable pricing. No gimics, just true innovation that the first Xbox and Halo represented. That is how they could truly turn the tide.

[SINISTERGENESIS]

That'd cost too much money, they just need to go in the direction Phil Spencer has been guiding them towards, & that is more aaa exclusives

[RosweeSon]

Because they don't have a choice and are on the back foot.

[GW212]

Seriously? Why?

Um, because that's what companies that sell consumer products typically do...

Guessing some on here think it's because they are just really nice guys who care about more than your wallet. Ahh, the naivete of youth and ignorance.

[jnemesh]

I keep hearing how MS is "listening" to gamers. FALSE. They aren't listening to you any more than they are listening to Windows users these days. What they ARE listening to is the sound of cash registers ringing up sales for their competitor, while all they hear on their side is the sound of crickets!

It really doesn't matter WHAT they do from here on out guys. They made their bed THREE YEARS AGO when they started designing the Xbox One to "take over the living room" instead of designing it to PLAY GAMES!

They can shuffle and dance around the main issue all they want, but the FACT, this generation, is that their console is UNDERPOWERED compared to the competition. The FACT is that they have fewer studios producing exclusive games for their console. And the FACT is that gamers know where "the best place to play" is, and it's not on the X1!