Simon Says: Does Microsoft Even Know What They Want From The Xbox One

GameNTrain's Simon Marshal writes: As news broke on Wednesday (24th July) about the Xbox One’s ability to act as a development kit for indie developers, it was met with various reactions throughout the gaming community. Many were glad that Microsoft had finally made a decision which benefited indie developers while others were frustrated that this hadn’t been revealed at E3 or at the original Xbox One reveal. As good as this decision may seem, I believe that Microsoft don’t really know what they want from the Xbox One. Even after two months have passed since the Xbox One was unveiled to the world, there are still some issues which seem to cast doubt over the future of the console and the feeling that they are merely adding features to the console based on what Sony is doing with the PS4.

[dedicatedtogamers]

I can only speak for myself, but I don't buy a console because of launch library. Sure, I make certain there are a handful of games I want, but a more important factor is the company's reputation.

That's why - even though I loved the Wii and still play the Wii quite often - I had no interest in Wii-U at launch, because Nintendo basically abandoned the Wii post-2010. I had no confidence that Nintendo was going to give the Wii-U a rich and diverse library of games.

If Microsoft knows their strategy, they sure aren't communicating it. Amid Microsoft's company reorg, Mattrick leaving, the policy reversal (which gutted half of the Xbox One's vision) and the resulting scramble to "fix" the system for launch now that half of the features are gone, it's really difficult to parse what their ultimate strategy is. And that's a big reason why PS4 is looking so "perfect" in some people's eyes, not because sony or PS4 are literally perfect, but because their message, focus, and goals are 1,000x times clearer and better-expressed than Microsoft's.

I know the disagree-Fairies are going to be hard at work, but I'd love an explanation from anyone, anyone at all, who would like to prove to me that Microsoft's messaging regarding Xbox One has been clear, cohesive, and understandable from the start.

[Need4Game]

Microsoft wants more money from All-in-One Xbox One Console.

Sony wants to stop losing money by making the simple PS4 console.

[HammadTheBeast]

It's funny, because so far it's going the other way around.

[FarCryLover182]

Black Tusk probably won't be showing anything off. Their project is in very early stages.

[Skips]

"Gamers poked fun at 360's games, MS listened and announced more exclusives in the history of E3."

By scrapping pretty much all 360's core exclusives to try and fluff their next gen launch lineup...

Talk about giving your current fanbase the shaft. lol

http://i.imgur.com/zl10SZ0....

"-Gamers poked fun at DRM, region locking, and used games policy, MS listened"

Think THIS had more to do with it than them actually "listening". lol http://www.ibtimes.com/ps4-...

Anways, if Kinect is pretty much MANDATORY. You can sure bet they'll devote at least one of their major conferences on showing off nothing but exclusive titles for it... E3 wasn't the right place to do it, considering the MASSIVE backlash they got after the reveal.

So Gamescom seems like a good bet...

"Black Tusk probably won't be showing anything off. Their project is in very early stages."

^^^ This.

[scott182]

@thestreets

That's actually what I don't like about Microsoft right now, they have such crap ideas. The only reason they are backing out on a lot of those ideas is because the PS4 is so popular. You really think they wanted to get rid of all that junk because they love their fans? It would be a bad day if Microsoft had a console monopoly.

[evilhasitsway]

a lot of times simple is better you want a next gen gaming system not a next gen mulitimedia system I buy systems to play games not watch tv that's what I got tv for simple is easy its about the games sony knows what there doing and it shows they haven't kicked this much ass since ps2 days its exciting to see the king of gaming take its crown back.

[H0RSE]

@scott182

"That's actually what I don't like about Microsoft right now, they have such crap ideas. The only reason they are backing out on a lot of those ideas is because the PS4 is so popular. You really think they wanted to get rid of all that junk because they love their fans? It would be a bad day if Microsoft had a console monopoly."

I see this rebuttal a lot - the whole "MS didn't change their ways for gamers," argument, and I have to say, who cares? Who cares why they changed their minds? Do you really think Sony or Nintendo or virtually any corporation, gaming related or otherwise, make hard decisions based around their love or respect for you, the consumer? I doubt it... MS and Sony are running businesses, and therefore, they make business decisions, which is what this was. Are you really gonna sit here and huff and puff at MS's change in stance, based off the principle of the matter? I mean, step back and look at exactly what happened:

- MS reveals the initial details of the Xbox One, and through miscommunication and poor PR, completely misses the point they set out to make and pisses off a lot of people in the process.

- After an overwhelming amount of backlash, bad press, and likely poor pre-order/sales results, MS rescinds on virtually every point the community had a problem with, from the used game policy to the DRM protocols and the need to always be connected to the internet, essentially pulling a 180, and turning features the community hated into ones they actually wanted in the first place.

So a bad thing not only gets changed into a good thing, but the good thing many were hoping it would be from the beginning, and people like yourself remain mad because of the reasons it got changed...the reasons are irrelevant. There's no malicious or criminal activity as a result of their decisions, therefore the end result should be the focal point, not the reasons for arriving at it. A good thing happened for many in the gaming community. Are you really gonna sit here and remain bitter because it was a result of a business decision and not a humanitarian one? Well, you're more than welcome to play "Freedom Fighter" all you want, but personally, I have more important issues to devote my time and passion to...

[MWong]

@ dedicatedtogamers

I couldn't agree with you more. I have felt the same way about M$ this entire next-gen pre-launch. I don't think M$ knows their own strategy besides patching up their holes they caused. Their entire message this next-gen has not been communicated.

[maniacmayhem]

I don't understand this message everyone is trying to figure out?

On one hand I keep seeing people post "I WANT TO JUST PLAY GAMES" then in the next instance they are confused with MS's message and want their entire agenda explained to them.

Does the Xbox One play games: YES!

Just like how the RAM issue with the PS4 shouldn't be an issue the message from MS shouldn't be an issue also.

Will the Xbox One play games: YES!

A lot of people are finding any and every excuse to keep a bad taste from MS in their mouth. We should be comparing the consoles features and games not analyzing and decoding some message or hidden agenda from MS.

And I thought MS's agenda was pretty clear to everyone? They want to be able to have an all in one set top box. A box that has all your living room needs. What more do you want them to say?

[dedicatedtogamers]

Maria, while there's nothing wrong with wanting an Xbox, you're being willfully obtuse if you think it was the internet - not Microsoft - who fabricated all the confusion.

Microsoft's agenda seemed to be about an all-in-one TV, Internet, and gaming machine (where gaming took a backseat, based on the May 21st reveal).

And then we learned about the always-online, no used games because "its good for developers", and family sharing.

Then Microsoft backpedaled and said "wait, guys. We're all about the games. Wait until E3".

And then the internet continued the hate-wagon against the DRM while Microsoft insisted they were listening.

Then Microsoft didn't listen. The confirmed each and every one of the DRM rumors on June 7th. Then E3 hit and they had a great show, but not before cancelling all of the post-show interviews.

And then Mattrick came out with his "buy a 360" comment and Major Nelson ripped into Angry Joe for implying DRM could just be "switched off".

Then 4 days later DRM got switched off, and since then Microsoft has been constantly clarifying, adjusting, and reiterating their message now that 50% of the original Xbox One vision (revealed just a few months ago) is gone.

And then Microsoft said "We're not taking out Kinect. It's an integral part of the system".

And then not long after they delay the only Kinect-exclusive launch title until Spring (Sports Rivals).

And then there's the most recent story with Microsoft adjusting their policies about indies, even though this policy won't take place until some time after launch.

Are people "finding any and every excuse to keep a bad taste from MS in their mouth"? Well, setting aside the fact that it was MS who put that taste there, you could also call it "waiting patiently to see what happens" or "choosing not to forget Microsoft's behavior" or "holding a grudge against Microsoft".

Seems silly to paint any and every MS detractor with the same broad brush. Even if we're talking about N4G and N4G only, there's a diverse array of reasons why people aren't interested in what Microsoft is offering.

[maniacmayhem]

Did you just call me Maria?

What does any of what you just posted have anything to do with what the Xbox One does,
And that is to play games.

That is my whole point.

MS reversed their DRM and changed their Indie policy for the better (at least the DRM IMO was for the better). So why should that confuse or worry any gamer? It shouldn't in fact it should be cause for celebration but for some reason it is constantly brought up as if it is a bad thing that they changed up their policies.

"And then Microsoft said "We're not taking out Kinect. It's an integral part of the system"."

I don't understand what Kinect Sports being delayed has to do with Kinect 2 being an integral feature to the Xbox One. All the games will have Kinect features and the X1 itself will have Kinect features and there will be Kinect only games. Why with one Kinect title being delayed effect or make this "message" unclear? It is still an integral part of the system.

And who cares what Nelson or Mattrick said. There was a ton of stupid stuff that came out of Kaz and other sony heads said at the beginning of the PS3. But all seems to be forgiven.

"...there's a diverse array of reasons why people aren't interested in what Microsoft is offering."

There's a difference between not being interested in what MS is offering and trying to figure out some message as I asked in my first post.

If you are not interested in what MS is offering with the X1, then that is fine with me. But just coming in and making unrelated excuses and findings is just plain ridiculous.
And I'm not just singling you out on this matter also.

[dedicatedtogamers]

I see your point, I do. The article is not about "does it play games?" The article is about the messaging and vision of the Xbox One.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are some people who still don't believe Microsoft's messaging? Perhaps that's another point altogether, or maybe another way to say it is that I'm hearing the messaging, but it still isn't presenting a convincing, cohesive vision of what the Xbox One represents. And when I mean "vision" I mean "this is what the system will look like in 3 years".

Not that it will quell the moniker of "DedicatedToSony" (though I am not accusing you) by admitting this, but if Microsoft cleans up their messaging and demonstrates good behavior, I'm willing to extend some goodwill their way, perhaps even *gasp* buying an Xbox One in one or two years. That's the crux of what I'm saying. Microsoft had 100% terrible messaging from the start, and while that messaging is drastically improving, some people (me) are wanting to see that messaging and behavior improve over the course of several months, not just several weeks. Fair enough?

(p.s My apologies for calling you Maria. Got my tabs mixed up but no one deserves to be mistaken for MariaHelFutura, not even Maria...)

[creatchee]

@dedicatedtogamers

"I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are some people who still don't believe Microsoft's messaging? Perhaps that's another point altogether, or maybe another way to say it is that I'm hearing the messaging, but it still isn't presenting a convincing, cohesive vision of what the Xbox One represents. And when I mean "vision" I mean "this is what the system will look like in 3 years"."

I understand what you're saying and do agree with you in part. Nobody can accuse Microsoft of being clear with their messaging about the Xbox One thus far. Yes, they've changed their stances. Yes, they've contradicted themselves at times. And yes, people have reconsidered their purchase of a One or are still on the fence.

However, they're trying. They have taken away restrictions that gamers disliked and added features that gamers and developers like. And I'm sure that they have more news to come in the future. Whether their motivations were pure or not is besides the point. If the end result is a console that even you might consider buying down the road, then the motivations are unimportant compared to the results.

As for what their vision is for 3 years down the road, I ask - do we know any console's plans that far out of launch? I mean, we haven't even gotten our hands on the initial hardware yet, so how could anybody draw such a conclusion. Take the NES. Take the PS1. Take the Dreamcast. From the time each of these consoles were launched to the end of their lifecycle, was there ever some grand scheme that could have been gathered from it all?

It's not about RAM or clouds or Kinect or tech demos. The real 3 year vision can only be ascertained once consumers get the console and dictate its direction. That's the power that we will always have that they can't take away from us. We make games popular. We ask for features for better experiences. Sure, they have to be provided to us in the end, but we are the providers of the direction that gaming goes.

Would there be the glut of console FPS's if Halo and COD4 didn't strike it big? Would racing sims strive to go further than just realistic engine sounds if Gran Turismo wasn't a hit with fans? Would party chat be a PS4 function if people hated it on the 360? Manufacturers, publishers and developers give us what they want at first, but we show them what we want and dictate what will be in the future.

We are the vision.

[evilhasitsway]

will they focus on games no ms wont they will throw a few good games out and that's it just like 360 as sony just keeps putting really good games out you think the last two yrs of xbox exclusives compare them to the ps3 ones yah I know sony won that hands down and they haven't even slowed down matter affect they just keep picking up more steam. fist I think wiiu will drown because of both next gen systems and if ms doenst get there head on right you could possible see ms xbox drown as well.

[Funnymonkey013]

I think ur missing the point even though ms had done a 180 it still doesn't help them as they lost trust by many people and there r things still that aren't solved like the price and y can't they make a X1 without kenect and try to explain y the 500$ is a good deal cause to me kenect is not worth 4 extra 100 dollars especially when ps4 is 50% more powerful then X1 not only that the whole thing about TV features r not that great cause A everybody owns a cable box B tablets C phones anyway my point is all the stuff x1 does u can do them already on other things if not better 2. Plus I find this funny PS4 is a lot easier to makes games 4 it then X1.

[Bigpappy]

@ dedicated: I agree with the statement that M$ had bad messaging and seemed confused while Mattrick was running the show. But recently they have been very good at releasing tidbits about X1's feature and countering what Sony is trying to throw at them. They are beginning to let people who have the facts do the talking instead of the guy in the office who has no clue (Mattrick).

That said I find that you guys in trying to make a good point, are too biased to make it objectively. Like Maniac (not Maria) said, you willfully ignore that the X1 is in fact a formidable gaming console, and that Kinect has many functions outside being for Kinect only games. M$ has focused on what a lot of core gamers have been asking Kinect to be (an enhancement to the controller). Most Kinect games with now be hybrids. You play the game sitting on the couch with the controller, and add nuance to the gameplay using what motions the developer chooses to add (touching the temple, shifting body to dodge, throw an elbow, toss a grenade, give signals to squad mates, cast a spell...). So yeah, it is a big part of gaming with or with out Kinect Sports at launch.

Mattrick's biggest failure was that he could not counter the fact that Sony was using his unpopular policy delivery against him. They let him talk and fight with the vocal community, then sided with what ever that community said they wanted.

Sony played a good boxing match against Mattrick, and he kept getting countered but still walked right into them. That was what really made him look so stupid. He was not prepared for those obvious counters, and had none of his own.

So now we are getting to find out that X1 is not Mattrick's plan, but that there are many visions, in the box, that are managed by different teams. When you hear those people speak about what the system will do, you get to understand that they do know exactly what they are doing. And a big part of that is trying to impress gamers. The other part is to try and expand the base.

[dedicatedtogamers]

Indulge me for a momemt:

Even in my worst 'fanboy rants' I never said "hurr hurr Xbox One isn't even a gaming console PS4 has the best console lineup, no question. You're a fanboy if you think the Xbox One is about gaming" or anything to that effect. I think you know the sort of people who make such comments on N4G. They're pretty easy to spot.

It's not about ignoring Xbox One as a gaming machine. It's about discussing Microsoft's behavior. Though I can't post a link to prove it, I was calling Sony out on their crap back in 2006, too. Die-hards were saying the exact same things "It's still a gaming console. Ken Kutaragi is being misquoted. Their messaging is getting better" to which I replied "okay, but it's still $600. It's still a Blu Ray trojan". And in the end, this didn't prevent me from getting a PS3 (got one in 2008) but my point is that I don't see much value in going to bat for a company when they're making significant mistakes. For what it's worth, I don't see the value of holding an eternal grudge either, as long as they prove themselves over the course of time. It took Sony 2 years to do that for me. I am, at the end of the day, still a customer.

[rela82me]

No one can argue, and even Microsoft stated it, that they effectively displayed their aspirations for the console. However, if the past few weeks are any indication, they are certainly clearing their throats and working their vision out.

I think it's just hard for people to invest their money in a company that is able to adjust so publicly and quick. The way I see it though, all these quick changes and the ability to alter their strategy quickly shows strength. They were able to admit that they made a mistake, they manned up and fixed their problems. The community spoke and were able to tell them with their wallets we don't want [insert feature].

Any company that is willing to change millions of dollars worth of research so quickly and recover as quick as they have from the mighty blows they have taken deserves SOME kudos. Sure they shouldn't have made the mistake, but that happens from time to time. Sony, Nintendo, sega, EVERYONE has made some ill-conceived choices. However, the thing that separates MS from those other companies is their ability to adapt.

They aren't afraid to experiment, and that is what the entire company was founded on, taking a huge risk and investment in personal computing that MAY turn out to be a huge mistake. Look where it got them. AT LEAST they tried, that is one part where I feel Sony falls short on. What risks are they taking? What are they trying to do to make things BETTER, not just an update in horsepower.

The Kinect is another example of the risk they are taking. This is ill-conceived by majority of hardcore gamers. Albeit it is the most successful of the camera-based motion controls on the market, they still fail based on community expectations. This iteration they put almost ALL The chips in the Kinect which TRULY could work for or against them. We will have to wait and see if it is just a gimmick or feel like a natural step forward in system control.

I know this is opinion, but thats what comments are for, not everything on paper is always better than what gets delivered. I know that Microsoft hasn't lost most respect and neither has Sony. I simply want to applaud MS.

[jessupj]

I find anyone that says 'MS listened to their fans' to be incredibly niave. There was a tonne of back lash, and I mean A TONNE of back lash from the first day of reveal right up until past E3. MS only changed their pathetic and anti-gamer policies a few days after the pre-orders started, so it's blatently obvious that the only reason MS changed their policies was because of the money and not because they realised they would have ruined gaming on their console.

My theory is MS thought they could get away with it. They knew dam well how horrible and greedy their policies were, but because of their arrogance they thought MS customers would still adopt the X1. They wanted to control the industry as much as possible and would make rules for every one else to follow.

And now they do another 180 and free their grip on indies. The X1 is still very unpopular atm compared to the PS4. Just look at this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/be...

So again, do you think MS realised how childish they were being, wanting to control indies, or did they review the pre-orders and change another policy to fall in line with gamers interests?

So as a gamer, coming into next gen, I have to ask myself. Do I foolishly only look 2 centermeters infront and just look at the launch line up

OR

Do I look into the future (because, you know, we'll be playing our console for years) and look at both companies and choose the one that, while also wanting to make a profit, has absolutely and unequivocally been for the gamers from day 1 of reveal?

[Spoons]

Uhm, sure, I agree MS is a little muddled at the current point in time.

But, I think they are getting back on track to giving consumers what they want with their recent statements.

-Apps used to tie in with games. Good example of this could maybe be a stock market app that ties in with a game world.
-Free Unlimited cloud HDD storage (no need to buy a new hard drive if it runs out of space).
-Every xbox one is a developer kit (no need to buy it).
- Modding capabilities hinted at.

[HammadTheBeast]

There's no unlimited storage. You can't just store full games and play them off the "cloud" without the game being on your HDD. Gmail also has unlimited storage, does that mean I can store everything I want? Nope.

Saved game files, profiles, etc I understand,

But if there truly was a "unlimited HDD in the Cloud" why is there a 500 GB physical drive? They should be able to cut costs right?

Dev kits not at launch, I'm hoping for more info on it soon.

[NewsForge]

...

http://imageshack.us/a/img8...

[mwjw696]

...

http://www.destructoid.com/...

[B-radical]

Im hoping they put more effort into kinnect this time around....i want a game that will give me some good cardio

Also am waiting for game announcements from ps4 and xbox one at gamescom although i already have my xbox one pre ordered and dont see it changing who knows

[FarCryLover182]

A jump rope is quite sufficient for cardio. It costs about $5.00.

[RememberThe357]

Matter of fact a jump rope is more than sufficient. Honestly, the best cardio work out I do is jump rope. I f*ckin hate long distance running.

[B-radical]

haha mate i got a gym membership but if i wanna play a game while doing some cardio then kinnect seems like a good choice if they put effort into it ahah jump rope is good tho you have a point

Kinnect adventures was fun and a bit of a work out

[n4rc]

Blah blah blah..

You think Microsoft is just pulling these changes out of their ass? Its plan b and was always on the table if I were to bet money

They tested the water well before launch.. And have done everything their customers ask of them.. Nothing but props to them

[Hicken]

Given how poorly these changes are being implemented, how unclear their message at every turn, yes: I DO think they're pulling these changes out of their asses.

Testing the waters is saying, "What do you guys think about this idea?" It's not, "We're implementing this idea... no, who cares if you like it? This is our vision... okay, okay, we won't do it."

That doesn't deserve props. It deserves suspicion. And that's what they're getting.

[Gridloc]

How soon you forget MIcrosofts plan A didn't include what gamers wanted, but later did a 180 after seeing Sonys E3 announcements. If they were testing the waters ( your words ) you should have noticed they were standing in a cesspool. Sony caught MS with their pants down in Feb and have yet to pull them back up....

[n4rc]

I was fine with it.. So were many many others.. A vocal minority doesn't equal all gamers.

[RememberThe357]

Our assumption that MS doesn't have a vision of what the Xbone is supposed to be has more backing it than your assumption that this was all a part of the plan. They had their response from gamers when the always online requirement leaked. "Deal with it"

[n4rc]

Funny how you made up that response.. Nobody ever said that

I didn't say it was part of the ideal plan.. But it was planned for.. You don't make massive changes out of the blue with zero planning..

They released there ideal vision.. It didn't go over well (again..not everyone was against it..far from it) so they resorted to alternate plans..

That's logical business.. Plan for the worst.. That's why its all being done 3 months prior to launch..

If you think they are planning on the fly.. Then I'm sorry, but you know jack shit about how big business operates.

[RememberThe357]

My point is your making an assumption too. Get off your own d*ck.

[jessupj]

I am absolutely sick of people defending a company the blatantly doesn't care about gamers.

It's obvious MS is panicking from the pre-order numbers and so keeps back tracking on their anti gamer policies to desperately try to gain popularity with the gamers.

They're not back tracking because their interests suddenly lie in the gamer, they're just following the money, it's the only thing they care about.

[Narutone66]

Those people are called Corporate Shill or Reputation Managers.
Ever since Steve Ballmer took over Microsoft, it's on a downward spiral. Look at their other business:
http://www.theregister.co.u...

[Pancit_Canton]

It's called Mirroring Strategy. I just made that up. Don't copy it lol

[karl]

i thought it was backpedaling strategy ...

[iceman06]

I don't know if it has a name, but it IS a strategy in business. However, it usually leads to undesirable results. First, it leads to confusion. People that thought that they knew the brand are now questioning the brand. Secondly, it leads to brand dilution because of that confusion and lack of clear, original focus. Finally, at worst, it leads to decrease in market share. Many have tried (see McDonald's value menu vs. everybody), but rarely if ever succeed simply because it actually makes the brand that is copied look stronger.

[ABeastNamedTariq]

They knew what they wanted at the time of the initial reveal. To me it seemed like more control and to fight used games. To others it was the "future". (I personally don't think we've developed the Internet enough to get to the all-digital future that MS was hoping for - but 1 GB+ Internet speeds are a great start. If they really wanted to go all-digital, they would need to make the hard drive a lot bigger. Games aren't getting smaller.) After they changed up, it seems like they lost focus for a while (180s), but are steadily regaining momentum and are focusing on how to market the console to the consumer (and selling the Kinect to the wavering).

[Funantic1]

Who the heck is Simon? Next

[KillrateOmega]

He is the one who says.

[gamertk421]

He may be simple, though.

[KillrateOmega]

Answer: Money

Anyways, I feel like they're starting to get their heads back in the game now that the post-'Xbox 180' dust has settled. They're no longer burning at the stake like they were pre-'Xbox 180'; however, you still have many uninformed people who are not aware of the policy reversal.

[theWB27]

Is Sony working for hugs and kisses? There's a reason they stated they built the PS4 better than the PS3. One reason in case you didn't hear, to not lose the amount of money they did with the PS3.

http://www.tomshardware.com...

Sony likes money too.

[KillrateOmega]

Please re-read my comment. At any point, do I say something to the effect of 'only Microsoft wants money'?

The answer to that question is 'no'.

I'm well aware that every business is out to make money. One would have to be naive to think otherwise. The only reason that I mentioned just Microsoft is because this is a Xbox One article and I felt no need to bring up Sony and/or the PS4.

[NewsForge]

No they don't. That's why they've been copying every move Sony made since May.

[theWB27]

Gaming journalism is getting worse and worse. They tend to feed the people who don't know the slightest about business strategy that Microsoft really is just pulling this stuff out of their bums and announcing on the fly stuff.

This stuff is planned. They wanted DRM. But you don't think they had a plan B at all? I'm sorry, a business like them isn't built without having backup plan after backup plan. That goes for Sony too. They had just-in-case scenarios too. So far they've been hitting the right notes and haven't had to resort to plan B.

These feature aren't developed at the last minute. That's not how technology works. Gaming journalism is just rubbish to say the least.

[Gridloc]

You know why Sony has yet to backtrack on any thing they've announced. Because they listened to the gamers, publishers and developers. See when you don't dictate but instead facilitate, you will be rewarded by consumers.

[theWB27]

Kinda crazy how I already included that point huh? See, I knew that 19 mins before you had to tell me.

AND I qoute-" That goes for Sony too. They had just-in-case scenarios too. So far they've been hitting the right notes and haven't had to resort to plan B. "

But thanks anyway

[dredgewalker]

I don't think so, these changes were made after MS restructured and fired Mattrick. They had a lot of time to address the issue before announcing the Xbox One. Also in business if you're launching a new product you need first good impressions or else you'd be doing damage control for a while which is what happened with the Xbox One. I do hope that the person that replaced Don makes better decisions in order for the Xbox One to be competitive with the PS4 because having a competition on consoles would benefit us all.

[supes_24]

I do plan on getting an Xbox One in a year or so after developers learn how to use the Kinect 2.0 to its full potential. In the mean time I'll be playing the other console. I love the idea of a stronger Kinect but I want to wait for a little while for the real good stuff to be released.

[iBlackyi]

No they have no idea what they want. They changed their whole policies completely because otherwise no one would have bought their fucking console.

[kewlkat007]

Pointless rehashed article....everybody thinks their devs or game journalists...

[MultiConsoleGamer]

Microsoft knows exactly what they want from the Xbox One.

[iBlackyi]

Hahaha, i needed some time, but i got the joke :). Nice one!

[classic19]

na they don't know what they won't, boris carloft, facts, but we shell see, what happens, Y.B. carloft.

[Grown Folks Talk]

They know. People just bitched & complained it away. Now they bitch because they changed.

[vigilante_man]

It seems MS did not expect Sony to come out so strong this time around. Sony have been wiping the floor with XB1 so MS have been doing all they can to be just like PS4.

I guess flattery is a compliment after all.

Proof that we always need healthy competition!