Mainstream Media Reacts to the Xbox One

Mark Serrels: "It’s bizarre. On my Twitter feed ( https://twitter.com/Serrels ), in the Kotaku comments and from what I've heard from people involved in the games industry, the reaction the Xbox One reveal has been overwhelmingly negative. But the mainstream media? They seem to have missed the memo.

While we've been spending the last five hours complaining about the lack of new titles and issues with used games, they’ve been praising the design, the ethos and—yes—the games.

Are gamers living in some weird echo chamber? Execs at the Microsoft event in the US believe the reaction has been mostly positive. Aaron Greenberg mentioned to Kotaku Editor Stephen Totilo that Twitter’s reaction to Xbox One was roughly 40% positive, 40% indifferent, 20% negative. When I heard this I almost burst into laughter - that can't be possible. But then I did a brief check of multiple different mainstream media outlets - how had they reacted to the Xbox One news?

The answer may surprise you.

Are we the 20%?"

[Philoctetes]

Hardcore gamers like us are in the minority, but we're the early adopters and the people who establish buzz around this sort of tech. Microsoft is just whistling past the graveyard if they think they can alienate actual gamers and still successfully market a gaming console.

[Qrphe]

Mainstream media doesn't know about all the negative attributes of the console because Microsoft has not officially talked about them. You can bet Fox News will talk about the Xbox and how it infringes upon the rights of Americans once Americans start complaining about used games, Kinect spying, etc.

[dedicatedtogamers]

Hahah, I didn't think of this, but you're probably right. I also imagine a lot of "fringe" commenters like Alex Jones (isn't that his name?) who think the government is after them are going to raise a big stink about the Kinect watching you.

[MasterCornholio]

I can imagine a lot of lawsuits coming from this which is why Microsoft has to inform consumers sooner or later about the negative aspects of the XBONER.

Its like selling an MMO game that requires a subscription and not putting anything on the box that says that.

[Christopher]

***In a sense mainstream media reports err on side of caution, particularly when it comes to products they don’t quite understand, but I found it difficult to find a single negative comment.***

It's a major Microsoft project being reported on stations or sites that rely a lot on Microsoft ad revenue.

You're not going to hear any bad press from major sources unless it's already mainstream. Kind of like how Apple bad press didn't get reported by mainstream media until it was already mainstream.

[cyguration]

Dang, dude...it's nice to see admins on here talking honestly about media slants.

Totally agree.

I would also add that there were no negative comments because most mainstream media reports were from "tech enthusiast" not people necessarily informed about video game tech, just as that comment from The Sun remarks "glorious" footage of Forza 5 even though it was all CG. They were just going through the ropes as advertorialists.

[Donnieboi]

I don't give a damn what mainstream media thinks. Mainstream media is a handful of people compared to the millions of potential customers who must do the ACTUAL purchasing.

[Christopher]

Mainstream media controls most people who buy things. While you may not care about them, they do affect practically everything that comes out in today's market. This is more true in the U.S. than most other places.

[akbennyewu]

Its the same mainstream media that overwhelmingly bombards and desensitizes those millions of consumers you speak of.

[Donnieboi]

@cgoodno and akbennyewu:

You guys are right. That's why I think that Sony needs to not only advertise the reasons why people should buy a PS4, but also show people why getting an Xbox One is a scam (if u wan't gaming, as opposed to a second-rate cable box).

[VoiceMale]

there it is again...just like the article says u r the first commenter right on time digging out some way to turn anything positive to something negative there is never face value with anything with u guys....

with ur logic of early adopters being the core gamers then.who bought the Wii early?was it the core? I mean c'mon give it rest for a few days....yea I like Xbox but do I have to hate on ps or Nintendo while am at it?no it gives me no more leverage over ur preferences...I challenge u look at my history I never once posted anything negative about ps or Nintendo and its not cause I don't have things things about them I don't like but like my grandmother used to say to me"if u don't have anything good to say at all don't saying anything at all "

we used the word gamer as if our preferences should exceed that of any other person's like that keeps economics of a business alive....u ppl.don't get it core gamers alone.can't keep a console alive to remain profitable....

the market has changed so has gaming its no longer about us core gamers alone...heck the first Nintendo was directed at families living room entertainment NES(Nintendo entertainment system) Key word 'entertainment' not gaming system.....it was called famicom in Japan
my point is this the market at that time was not about gaming but entertainment and as gaming became more mainstream gaming was the focus like ps1....well now the market has changed some and like or not core gamers alone will not get it done at the end of the day...
u know what keeps the world centered?balance nothing is sustainable without balance.....too much of one thing is good for nothing...everything needs balance

[BlmThug]

We hardcore gamers are, sadly, in the minority :( atleast Sony still recognises and focuses on us.

[Statix]

Wii U was/is supposed to be the universally beloved machine for casuals, the mainstream media, and the whole family. Didn't exactly help the sales too much, did it?

All these tepid expressions of enthusiasm by the "mainstream media" don't matter a whole lot if the intent to ultimately purchase the system by said group isn't there.

But who knows. Maybe the general public really is as dumb, gullible, and ill-informed as we think they are, and will buy the latest Xbox and latest Kinect regardless of their (good and bad) features. These are people that probably thought all that crowd cheering in the audience was real.

[Statix]

The fact that this "Xbox One Highlights" Youtube video:

http://youtu.be/KbWgUO-Rqcw

has over 2.5 million views, and 99% likes, should tell you that even the mainstream population and (semi)casual gamers have some inkling as to just how shitty the Xbox One reveal event was.

[dedicatedtogamers]

Mainstream media went crazy over Kinect, too. Mainstream media goes crazy over everything. You think the mainstream media is going to give a critical eye to the downsides of Xbox One? No. Of course not. Their only concern is "Microsoft is releasing a new console" and that's it.

[swishersweets20031]

mainstream media lost touch with reality years ago.

[wishingW3L]

mainstream media loves the Xbox.

[Mario18]

'

[NateCole]

It's exactly the mainstream that MS is targeting. Not surprised.

It does make me wonder if MS will back down or not. Seems unlikely now if they think the reaction has been positive.

[Jek_Porkins]

I saw the same thing, CNN and my local news were both very much praising Microsoft yesterday. Depending on price point, it could do very well this holiday... The Xbox 360 could do well with a price cut as well.

[Riderz1337]

Hardcore gamers are the early adopters. With Kinect bundled into the system I expect a 400$+ price point which will cause the more "casual" audience to not buy it.

[Jek_Porkins]

Kinect isn't going to cost a lot, there are no motors or moving parts, if MS wants these in all homes I see a $299 price point. DDR3 isn't expensive, there's nothing really expensive in the console.

[M-M]

@Jek_Porkins

You're right about DDR3 not being expensive, but saying Kinect 2.0 isn't going to cost a lot because it doesn't have moving parts is just arrogant. The first Kinect already costs $130, do you really think they're going to make Kinect 2.0 cheaper than it's predecessor? I would guess that the price would be from $350-$450, unless they start to go with subscription based packages.

[SexyGamerDude]

Don't worry, buudy. I'm still trying to find a cure for that curse MS has put on you.

[Riderz1337]

The original Kinect was 150$. This is a "new and improved" Kinect( W.E that means) so I'm going to be generous and say that it'll cost MS ~125$ (Don't know why but I'm putting it at a lower price). Now let's say the actual console itself is 275-300$ that comes up to 400-425. If you actually believe the Xbox One will be 299$, you are very delusional.

[Jek_Porkins]

They will take a loss on the console, Kinect had motors and moving parts, Kinect 2 doesn't. I'd seriously be shocked if it were more than $350, my guess is $299

[maniacmayhem]

This is what I was worried about too. Hardcore gamers and gamers in general are in the minority and don't make up a lot of the sales.

Because of this I really don't think MS will back down or change anything no matter what.

[jc48573]

you know, the moment they revealed xbozone, I felt this urge to hug the 360. I'm also considering on getting the WiiU cause I miss Luigi. screw xbozone.

[KillrateOmega]

And this is why I never care for what the mainstream media has to say about these types of things. They're too out of touch with the industry and its lesser news to look at it deeper and see anything past what they have been directly told by the supplier. Doing so would require an actual passion for the medium, something they distinctly lack.

There also lies the real possibility that the mainstream media can be paid off or is only providing a certain take on the medium because it may be good for business.

Besides, the mainstream is exactly the demographic that MS seems to be targeting with the Xbox One.

And yes, we hardcore gamers are in the minority. The less deluded of us have never thought otherwise. If the opposite was true, then gaming news sites and channels would see A LOT more activity.

"Flat and rectangular like a cable box..."
This quote from CNN made me laugh XD

[JeffGUNZ]

So what happens if MS announces a solid launch lineup with some new IPs and groundbreaking exclusives? I am not saying they will, but their has been multiple articles stating that this was more of the hardware itself and E3 is the games conference. Did anyone really expect to see their full launch lineup? I felt like the reveal was good, pretty much what most of us expected. The real decision maker will come in a few weeks at E3.

[SexyGamerDude]

Their line up won't matter. The restrictions that will be put on One owners are a turn off from the system.

[Count]

Of course their line up matters. You think gamers will value their silly pride over good video games?

[I_LOVE_MYSELF]

@count

The line up may matter for YOU, but it doesn't matter for everyone. People can make their choice on the company alone if they wish.

[glennco]

It is about MS being anti-consumer to me.

[M-M]

If they revealed the console like they did now, said that their system did not support a used game fee as well as other pointless features that should be present, had new IPs shown at E3, then heck yeah it would be worth getting. Thing is, there are features like a used game fee, required internet, and other things that are just too anti consumer so you can't really argue that point.

[JeffGUNZ]

For most of us, the internet issues isn't a major concern. For me, I have internet and it's not a big deal. MS knows its target territories and they have internet. Yes I agree, there are things I was kinda like "eh" but to me its about the games. If MS has a solid launch lineup and a reasonable launch price, I'll get it. Same goes for PS4, I need to see more of what they will be offering and less of what they just talk about. Games are the deciding factor for me.

[cee773]

heres what the mainstream think of xbox one

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[DivineAssault]

damn casuals lol

[N4g_null]

This will sell to kids. Developers will love it. Tessalation day one? Did you see those particle effects and the lighting system? Please pray those are bull shots and the price is not low. I mean writers I actually respect making my game stories? This is what a mature audience always wanted is it not.

Yet every thing has a price. I never thought gamers would pay $600 for a bluray player, I never though they would pay an extra fee to play on line. Then Xbox live came and ps plus was even touted by ps fans WTF! We told you some thing was going to have to be given up to sustain what you al clamored for.

I don't like the used games or no backward compatibility. Or the lack of console games. But this is the end product of hd console gaming catering to the graphic whores. This is pc gaming minus steam. In my eyes Sony is no different and will adapt the same tactic just like live because they went for too much power it seems with a risky price overhead.

I'm you all wanted this. Also the power is useless if it can not be accesses example ps3. That is not the case with the Xbox one we just saw almost pc level rendering on way less hardware. Most games will only need 4 gigs of ram anyway. We don't have 128 bit chips yet only 64 bit.

This is also why the wiiu may win again. Sony will also have to find revenue to pay for all that gddr ram. Unfortunately a boring cod and halo tv looked better than any ps4 demo. Once Sony fixes there game play we will have a return to the golden age. God of war is there best playing game right now also. Yet the console publishers will start rallying around the wiiu after this.

[one2thr]

"Also the power is useless if it can not be accesses example ps3."

So MotorStorm, LBP, MAG, Uncharted, GOW, WipeOut, Heavy Rain, The last of us, and beyond two souls, etc... Are great examples of useless power, no?

[N4g_null]

Your exaggerating a little. What ms showed on their Xbox one is unfortunately possible. They showed the wireframes of the tessalation. That was actualy in engine display real time very much like unreal 4 engine. How do I know because this has been possible in pc gaming for a while yet console gamers thought we where just being elitist.

Yet it could be this was all running on a pc, yet isn't that what the Xbox one really is? I'm sorry killzone s story still sucks and drive club looks worst the project cars really. Yet those are only preferences.

Xbox one is looking to be an adult console that kids will be buying simply because of graphics live and cod. Then you have real talent creating stories on this console not some guy getting caught in a riot.

Ps fans are stuck between Nintendo and Xbox right now. Yet Sony is dabbling too much into the ms waters for my liking. Ill go pc and wiiu. Ill have 64 gigs of ram and a Titan card for my high end reader games. Along with the wiiu for the real console games.

[one2thr]

64 gigs of RAM and a Titan card for high end reader games...

Ok, the rest of what you said doesnt make any sense, well not to me at least and what game(s) if any within the next 10 years is going to require 64gigs of ram, if/when ram speeds are expected to increase, which will compensate for the lack of needed RAM capacity?

[N4g_null]

What game on ps4 will require 5 gigs? Only 4 gigs is addressable. Ram is a none factor. Rending the GDR us less as a spec one up.

Oh and that's render not reader but you knew that.

[glennco]

Mainstream media does not report the truth, it has a more prioritised agenda than truth. You only have yourself to blame if you listen to their bullshit.

[VoiceMale]

hmmm but we should listen to yours?interesting .....

[QuickdrawMcgraw]

It's simple.Find out who owns the main stream media.Then you will know that when they sit down for dinner with Bill on a Friday night they will print what he ask them to.Just as he does favors they ask of him.

[Isis06]

Only reason that I am not buying this is because I'm not going to pay for online play and for thous controller battery packs n crap... what is up with that... just put a battery in the controller charged via whatever you want and let us play online!

[Tundra]

Mainstream media is on a payroll. They always have been and they will, more than likely, always will be.

[cyhm3112]

it won't fail horribly, it just won't do nearly as good as PS4 at least globally. People paying $400 plus for a machine want to play games not just watching TV an sports. And xbone is inferior in that aspect.

[kevinsheeks]

Then it stands to use to make them see if we keep our word and don't purchase their console that still matters hard core gamers do matter so lets show them what happens when you abandon the core

[KingKevo]

As usual, mainstream media doesn't know anything at all. Where did they look for actual feedback?! Not on the internet I guess. They've probably been asking MS... or got paid by them. I'm definately part of the 20%!!!

[MultiConsoleGamer]

The reaction from the people in the gaming press was overwhelmingly negative towards the Nintendo DS, Wii, Wii U, 3DS, original Xbox and the Xbox 360. In fact, most of them predicted these products would be failures.

IRL, the mainstream press and the general public are loving the Xbox One. I've never seen so much hype.

[flavo]

It's hardly surprising that people in the gaming press are wary of biting the hand that feeds. They have a symbiotic relationship with companies such as Microsoft that they can not afford to sour. These companies are usually the first and only source for most of the information (and ad revenue) that 'gaming journalism' vendors need to survive. There is an inherent conflict of interest here which effectively prohibits negativity (from some vendors) concerning new console or game launches from particular companies.