The Xbox One Launch That Never Happened
Posted on June 6, 2016
In December 2013 Microsoft’s Xbox One enjoyed one of the most successful video game device launches in the medium’s history. Releasing a record breaking amount of exclusive titles that put gamers on notice that Microsoft was making a commitment to the gamers. The Xbox One sold 3 million within its first month and a half on sale. The irony of this phenomenal achievement is that fact that 6 months prior to the consoles release Microsoft was hell bent on redefining their presence in the gaming landscape. Creating a revolutionary console with some questionable features, and others that were more innovative than the competition. Gamers rebuked the console. Claiming that Microsoft wanted to destroy the gaming industry. Online DRM, lack of used games, weak hardware, forced Kinect, and hostility toward indie developers. All claims that have an interesting, and complex context that both are hyperbolic, as well as outright lies. Rather than defend it’s vision Microsoft took most of their ideas and features back. Launching a system that was much more streamlined in approach. Yet, if you go on-line, or speak to people who don’t know any better they will tell you that in fact that the console they purchased had all these renounced features. That my fair friends is how horrible marketing propaganda, and bad PR become your brand.
