What does Microsoft have to say about Sony's Xbox One "shifting message" dig?

In an interview with Eurogamer Microsoft Studios boss Phil Spencer accused “certain people” of trying to turn these policy changes into “a bad thing”, insisting the company's ability to react to feedback was “a strength”

[HammadTheBeast]

I'm sure it also had something to do with a few people's job on the line, but whatever.

[jackanderson1985]

ha most likely but that sounds pretty crappy from a PR point of view

[golding89]

"Other people will do and say what they're going to say. Fine. We're running our program. That's a strength of who we are."

Well said. No matter what happens xbox one will sell like hotcakes when it is out. but I have no doubt ps4 will sell more hence in more countries though.

[LostDjinn]

If you read the interview he says it's because of community feedback. Does this douche seriously think nobody remembers all the smack-talk from MS to gamers? All the "you can't just flick a switch", "Buy a 360", "it can't be turned off" crap the spewed? Preorder numbers is what frightened them. Gamers spoke with their wallets and gamers know this is the only reason MS did anything.

This is why MS can't gain any traction with the gaming community. They treat gamers as retards and MS zealots just reinforce the view that MS aren't to be trusted. Every stupid thing they do has (many recently joined members and ancient (2006-7) accounts) message spamming following it about how it "doesn't matter" or some other such feeble damage control.

Till MS give gamers the respect they deserve I can't see it getting much better for them.

[abzdine]

they've nothing to say it's the simple truth.

[ABizzel1]

"We built a platform for gamers."

No you tried to finish your goal of building a multimedia device for everyone, but gamers (your bread and butter that got the Xbox brand where it is) backlashed and now you're trying to get the gamers back on your side.

That being said the changes M$ made are commendable (most, because they took some things that shouldn't have been affected at all). But on the flip-side everything Sony said is true, you blundered you're reveal and everything but games regarding the XB1. Sony has stuck with their message of being for developers and for gamers, while M$ has backtracked on unfair policies, restrictions for gamers, developers, and forced Kinect on core gamers (the least likely to care) bring the XB1 a $500 price point compared to a $400 PS4.

Again the XB1 has had a turned around, but it should have never happened to begin with.

[Gazondaily]

YES, you can criticise Microsoft for their u turns. Clearly they were out of touch with their customer's needs. So were Sony back when the PS3 launched. But the fact that people criticise Microsoft for listening, and that is what they did, regardless of whether or not poor pre order numbers were a motivating factor, is just silly and childish.

You hated DRM. Fine. You were vocal in how much you despised it.
Microsoft hold their hands up and say, fine, no DRM. You then complain about their u turn?

You complained about the indie policies. Microsoft then worked hard to rectify their publishing policies, made the X1 a dev kit and gave out free devkits. Still complaining?

You wanted a chat headset. You got it. You scoff at this move and say "oh another 180?".

You get a free game of Fifa. People here, in what I have to say is such a desperate and fanboyish manner, play this down. "Oh Microsoft are buying their fan base or its for pre orders only". I mean....this is an unprecedented move on their part. Read the comments by people who mocked this when it was a mere rumour. Should I link the article so you guys can read the comments which got loads of agrees? They said it was just wishful thinking and it wouldn't happen. But it DID happen but instead of having the humility to admit that you were wrong you carry on with your silly tirade.

At this point I just think there's nothing Microsoft could do to silence some of these haters, who, let it be known, have been haters of the Xbox brand for quite some time now.

If you're going to adopt such a conflict approach and be so critical, apply the same standards to Sony too. I hardly hear about the requirement to pay to play online now but prior to the announcement, all I read was how people would never pay to play online.

The difference between Sony's E3 snub and Gamescom is that, inthe former instance, it wasjustified as it was a new announcement tackling a very divisive issue that needed to be clarified and addressed.Yesterday, Sony were just being petty. By all means mention your unflinching focus as a strength. But dont do it in such a childish way. The fact that many users on here defend the statement says more about them than it does about Microsoft and their obvious shortcomings. Phil is absolutely correct here.

[gaffyh]

@Septic - I think it's more to do with the fact that these policies weren't there in the first place. We had to scream and shout, and finally not buy the system before they even listened. THAT is Microsoft's biggest problem, they waited too long, they should have reversed everything BEFORE E3, but they waited because they thought that they could gloss over it and that people would forget because they showed some games.

It breeds mistrust, you can't blame people from being wary of every move they make.

[mistertwoturbo]

Sure Microsoft, the lopsided Pre-order numbers on Amazon and other retailers absolutely has nothing to do with it. *Rolls eyes*

[Ritsujun]

Mindless sbillyblindb0ts have in denial since forever. =/

[xRedline]

@gaffy

The console isn't even out yet. They fixed the policies before the launch. They didn't wait too long.

What makes me laugh is that you say we as if you're actually someone who would have bought the console. We both know you never planned on it. You may be a consumer, but you're so far into your hatred of a company and love for another that your wallet was never a factor.

[MysticStrummer]

I guess their "program" is to react in panic when their stated plans don't go over well.

They can't deny that their message has shifted.

[UltimateMaster]

insisting the company's ability to react to feedback was “a strength”.
Yeah, a big strength for Sony.

[DragonKnight]

I find it very interesting that, in terms of PR, the roles have been reversed from the previous paradigm to the current one. It used to be MS that ragged on Sony and Sony replied with a standard response, now it's the other way around. There are of course monumental differences, but it's still interesting.

[trafalger]

"It used to be MS that ragged on Sony and Sony replied with a standard response, now it's the other way around."

lol

“We want to pack everything in today and future-proof this as much as possible,” said Kazuo Hirai, the head of Sony’s U.S. game unit, in an interview. “It’s a box made of future technology as opposed to Xbox 1.5, which seems to be a combination of things available today,” added Hirai, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America."

is that a standard response? it was this arrogance that got sony into trouble early on with the ps3. that was from 2005. but i guess when some members view things that must make m$ look worse 24/7 what do you expect?

[IceKoldKilla]

Can't find reply on the otehr guy so here:
@Septic You are right only to those who probably aren't even buying one or just hate. Anyways here are some thing you need to keep in mind. M$ is one of those companies that clearly are just about money. The reason why it might seems Xbox 360 was good to its gamers is because of the money coming in. Yes all companies are in it for the money but nothing like M$ and (Apple). I'm not stupid Sony fanboy so don't comeback with bullshit like that. Reason why Xbox One changed even putting complaints aside is also due to the fact of Sony. Sony as the competition made it clear what it had over the Xbox One and listened to complaints from the PS3 days and integrated more than what Xbox One did with their complaints. So far that pre-orders went through the roof and seems PS4 will take over #1 but maybe X1 will be not far behind, we'll see because poor # of launch countries and PS being # in EU and Asia. Yeah people continue to talk trash and sometimes for no real reason but some are true man. Like how they don't respect their consumers that are the ones to thank for becoming who they are now (Xbox team I mean and by that I mean how big the brand is). One half is thanks to the company with their moves and the other half is thanks to the consumers. If you do opposite of what people want from the start and insult them then you lose a lot of trust and have to gain it back. 180 on things that were suppose to be there from Day 1 shows they made mistakes which is ok but not ok when you realise it's only because Sony did want people wanted. If Sony wasn't here or did something bad and didn't have support from people worldwide like they did for PS4 then I'm sorry to say but M$ would have continued to ignore fans and consumers and maybe even continue to say thing like "Well don't like it? Buy our old console. Oh not in your country? Too bad!" Not that they said it like that or at all but it would have gone down that road so when they show their true colors, they have to gain trust back. Also need to stop being so greedy! Company is in top of the world yet they need to get every penny from their consumers still! WTF? Give shit for free! Make stuff less expensive overall (not about console price). You know? Still might get a X1 in a couple years if it goes well and..if I have money :)

[dantesparda]

"Microsoft Studios boss Phil Spencer accused “certain people” of trying to turn these policy changes into “a bad thing”, insisting the company's ability to react to feedback was “a strength”

My head is dizzy from all that spinning

[JokesOnYou]

Great response. Let the X1 exclusive games do the talking....and apparently X1 games are what everybody is talking about.

[tordavis]

@septic BRAVO MAN! BRAAAVO!!!

[rainslacker]

@golding

Don't forget this gem

"The two-way conversation that we have with gamers is critical"

So critical they shut down their facebook and youtube comments.

Sometimes....actions speak louder than words.

@Jokes

I agree. The games should do the talking. MS Execs apparently aren't very good at talking. Even when they do it's condescending. Even when they do, it goes against what they actually do. For the people that love to throw around the term "hypocrisy" on a daily basis, I'm surprised you don't do so for the execs of your beloved console.

[Gaming101]

Phil Spencer, Boss at Microsoft Studios is on record as saying 'the concept of a digital ecosystem “remains a core philosophy” for the console as it evolves over time.'

That's code for "Our DRM policies will slowly but surely return in hopes that customers won't take notice/won't want to trade up for a different console when they've already invested tons of money in games and accessories for their X-bone"

You will never escape those policies, Microsoft even said the infrastructure of their DRM policies were hard wired, they can easily adjust and go back to some version of those policies anytime they want to. That's capitalism for you, so don't be fooled!

[insomnium2]

@septic

"You hated DRM. Fine. You were vocal in how much you despised it.
Microsoft hold their hands up and say, fine, no DRM. You then complain about their u turn? "

No. We complained and they still said FU.

"You complained about the indie policies. Microsoft then worked hard to rectify their publishing policies, made the X1 a dev kit and gave out free devkits. Still complaining?

You wanted a chat headset. You got it. You scoff at this move and say "oh another 180?"."

Everything they've done has been in the name of profits and trying to take Sony's thunder away. Not out of good and fair policies or kindness of their heart.

"I hardly hear about the requirement to pay to play online now but prior to the announcement, all I read was how people would never pay to play online."

With Sony it's a choise wether to pay since you ONLY pay for the multiplayer. Everything else is free. Had MS done something similar like EVER I don't think XBLG would've gotten so much hate. Everyone on gold pay only for multiplayer mostly but there are many gamers out there who would quit paying for it if the situation was the same as it is with Sony's end with PS4 and PS+. Netflix is very popular on PS3 and there is a reason why.

It doesn't hurt that Sony offers free games with PS+. I myself have subbed on PS+ for a while now solely cause of the perks it gives me. But hey that's just me.

" By all means mention your unflinching focus as a strength. But dont do it in such a childish way. The fact that many users on here defend the statement says more about them than it does about Microsoft and their obvious shortcomings. Phil is absolutely correct here."

Have you ever heard about Aaron Greenburg? He gets off the hook with x360 fans but House should get ripped a new one? Everything else was perfectly fine by me except the smirk he let out after the reaction of the crowd. He should've restrained himself in not smirking to it. That was the only negative imo. The message itself said with a completely professional face would've been ok.

[gaffyh]

@xRedline - I would have bought the system if the price was right. I'm not buying it at £429 because the only game I am looking forward to is TitanFall, which I can just play on my 360. Although Ryse does look good, its not going to make me buy the console for it.

What makes me laugh is that you think people who are a little negative on N4G won't buy Xbones. I will buy one, but at the right price and time now. I would NOT have bought one EVER if they had not reversed their policies.

This is the difference, many people here applauded when MS announced game industry-breaking DRM for the Xbone, whereas a few vocal users complained and improved the console FOR EVERYONE. Now people will actually buy the console at some point, some at launch, before it would have failed so badly, that nobody would support the system.

[Animal Mutha 76]

@ Septic

Bubble up for one of the most sensible and reasoned comments I've read on here in ages.

Completely agree with every point you make. MS can do no right in many peoples eyes here on N4Sony.

I'm happy for all the changes they have made and its made me now seriously consider Xbox One. They screwed up but they have made massive strides to try and put that right.

That's just not good enough for some people.

[The_Con-Sept]

PlayStation and Sony have kept their message consistent. Patents may have come out showing some grim images for games but now that the release date of 11.15.2013 has been revealed I am excited! Nothing but rock solid confidence coming from everyone in the PS4 camp.

It is just sad that there is so much scrutiny happening to the competition over every aspect of their product. But in this crowd it is anyone's game. And this time Sony kept a secret a true secret until the reveal.

In other words corporate espionage was either mislead, or never executed. 11.15.2013.

[Perjoss]

"xbox one will sell like hotcakes"

thanks, but I'd rather not burn my fingers.

[kariyanine]

@insomnium2

"Everything they've done has been in the name of profits and trying to take Sony's thunder away. Not out of good and fair policies or kindness of their heart."

If you think anything Sony has done hasn't been in the name of maximizing profits and taking Microsoft's thunder away, I have a bridge I'd like to sell you. Neither company is doing anything out of the fairness of their hearts, Sony has just done a better job of getting consumers to understand their approach.

[malokevi]

If Xbox had been a flop, EVERYONES jobs would be on the line.

I don't understand how people aren't getting this.

MS is a consumer electronics/software company. As if they aren't "allowed" to adjust their policies in order to better fit consumer expectations.

The only people who perceive this negatively are the people who want Microsoft to fail. Sony included. And not because Microsoft is "bad", but because they are so dedicated to Sony.

Sony can continue to try and leverage every morsel of Xbox One news in their favor... for all the good it will do them.

I smell fear.

[nightfallfilms]

Well said!!! The hate that these Sony Kids have for MS is so funny. Sony the saint of all companies can do no wrong. Ms changes policy's for the better before the product is released and Trolls find a way to spin it into a negative. Yet Sony on the other hand have screwed its customers before, lets see hidden DRM on its music CD's that they denied and didn't fix until lawsuits started. But I guess Sony is a Saint of company. All companies make mistakes as long as they learn from it and make changes for the better its all good.

[pyramidshead]

Maybe you farted?

Sony isn't in fear at all.. I would admit they're maybe riding hard on the thrill from E3(and possibly trying to recreate it) and spreading it a little too thin now by the comment but in no way are they in fear.

The PS4 it seems has great potential, and I know they might not amount to much in your eyes, but if over 1million people have already put down an interest to pre-order(I'm aware these are subject to change constantly)would you be in fear of your next product failing?
http://i.minus.com/ibryYmcJ...

[malokevi]

I'm extremely excited to get a PS4 before holidays end, actually. Very, very excited...

But I am looking forward to Ms' console, as well, and I hate this attitude Sony has taken. Riding on the high-horse, spitting at the competition.

I have great respect for Microsoft after this whole debacle. Not so much for Sony. They will need to prove themselves to me.

[Magicite]

Yes I also smell fear. Fear that comes from all the pathetic xbots who still are claiming that xbox is a true next gen.

[malokevi]

Well that's just a silly little thing to say, lil buddy! Any person on this planet who has the resources to invest in any piece of gaming hardware, this generation or next, has nothing to fear... only good times to be had!

Your perspective is laudable.

[nukeitall]

I think Sony's comment is exactly what is the problem with Sony.

They consistently stick with their plan, and don't react to feedback. Instead, they are proud of it.

However, if you look at their product line. It took them over a year to react to the slow sales of the PS Vita or the overcharging of their memory card.

Remember the PS3? They rode the entire generation with little changes.

The only time Sony got a hit is when they decided to give or lend if you may free games with PS+. Of course everybody loves free access to games.

So what you should take from all this is, MS attempted to make radical changes, didn't forsee the backlash and ended up reacting very nimbly. Whereas Sony is this slow thudding company that hasn't changed much and it's claim to fame is it stuck by it's guns.

Big companies need to stay nimble, and not be afraid of making radical changes. If you don't, others will and you will loose eventually!

[BlueBlood17]

I smell fear from Microsoft...

Hence the 180s on almost every policy to match PS4 (CBA with a list) because their preorders were 8:1.

Hence the copying of Sony's marketing slogans ("Made by gamers for gamers" and "The best place to play")

Hence the copying of the style Sony made the conversations with creators vids, only Microsoft put THEIR OWN EMPLOYEES in and got them to take a dig at Sony about their indie policy which made absolutely no sense whatsoever and made the two who said it look like a pair of imbeciles.

Hence the desperate attempt to do the usual and throw money at the problems until they go away with the last minute inclusion of a headset and trying to create the illusion of value by packing in a free FIFA 14 with every preordered console.

Xbox, go home.

[MysticStrummer]

The company in fear is the one that changes their stated plans considerably over a span of a few months based on consumer reaction.

That's not what Sony has done.

[MrBeatdown]

@nukeitall

"They consistently stick with their plan, and don't react to feedback. Instead, they are proud of it."

It's amazing how consistently full of it you are.

Don't react to feedback? The PS4 was designed entirely with developer feedback in mind, based on criticism of the PS3 and what developers wanted to see in a next-gen console. Sony sought out feedback, and developers praised them for it.

Sony listened, and responded to every criticism they could with the PS3. They dropped the price dramatically. They beefed up first-party support in response to "PS3 haz no games". They improved the interface and online features in every way they could, and even addressed criticism like cross-game chat as being impossible.

You act like Microsoft is more receptive, but the reality is, as much as you want to pretend it's Sony sticking to their guns, to a fault, what Sony has done have made them the leader in this race, and left MS playing catch-up since day one.

Sony didn't have to be reactive in the face of extreme consumer backlash. They listened first. Built the PS4 second. They got it right the first time, by paying attention the first time.

MS built a turd that was met with widespread disappointment, and had game journalists cheering when Sony made the announcements everybody wanted to hear at E3.

Sony listened the first time, and debuted their console to widespread praise. MS did what they wanted, fell flat on their face, and are now changing policy to save the sinking ship that Captain Oblivious plowed right into an iceberg.

Pretend all you want that MS's response puts them above Sony, but being receptive enough to criticism and consumer wants and needs to nail it on day one is better than spending months reacting to a PR trainwreck no matter how you want to spin it.

[Ritsujun]

MK and NFF are mad.

[4me2]

@malokevi

"While others have shifted their message and changed their story, we were consistent in maintaining [our] message"

After looking at XBOne at April, May and present can you honestly say that above statement is not correct?

[malokevi]

@4me2

Absolutely not! I don't think anybody can deny that MS has been making a lot of changes, many of them reactionary. But the real question is... does it matter? Mistakes were made, and then rectified.

None of this has any impact on my ability to play and enjoy the games I love on the console that I choose, and therein lies the difference.

To some people, it matters on principal. To me, it's Christmas eve. Nothing can shake my anticipation, because its been building since I could hold a controller, and principals and opinions don't even factor in. That obviously doesn't go for everyone, but there it is.

[DragonKnight]

@malokevi: "Riding on the high-horse, spitting at the competition."

Do you want me to show you examples from this gen of Microsoft doing exactly that?

"I have great respect for Microsoft after this whole debacle. Not so much for Sony. They will need to prove themselves to me."

This is a laughable response. You have respect for a company that only changed policies because they saw a humongous hole in their money bag thanks to said policies? After the way Microsoft have treated gamers, and acted this entire generation, there is no way anyone can make the claim that Microsoft are on any moral highground and deserving of respect for anything other than finally making the common sense moves they should have been making from the very start.

@nukeitall: "I think Sony's comment is exactly what is the problem with Sony. They consistently stick with their plan, and don't react to feedback. Instead, they are proud of it."

Are you serious? The PS4 is the result of listening to the feedback of 8 years of PS3 life. Of having to deal with the trolls complaining about B.S. like PSN maintenance and download speeds. About having to deal with people who aren't developers, and people who are, saying that the PS3 was too difficult to develop for. The PS4 has everything a gamer could possibly want, and everything a developer needs, to be great. Exactly what feedback have Sony not listened to in development of the PS4?

"However, if you look at their product line. It took them over a year to react to the slow sales of the PS Vita or the overcharging of their memory card."

The thing that dismantles your argument here is that people were whining about the Vita's price from day two. On day one, that is the day of the price's reveal, everyone was cheering about the price and then, because Nintendo reduced the price of the 3DS, the hate began. People were comparing the Vita to the 3DS and complaining within those parameters. What feedback did Sony ignore that was legitimately about the Vita and was something they could directly control and NOT in relation to the 3DS?

"Remember the PS3? They rode the entire generation with little changes."

You've been blind for years if you actually think this. The quality of games, and the changes to their online offerings, changed dramatically from when the PS3 launched. You have to be trolling with this one.

"The only time Sony got a hit is when they decided to give or lend if you may free games with PS+. Of course everybody loves free access to games."

Refer to my above response.

"So what you should take from all this is, MS attempted to make radical changes, didn't forsee the backlash and ended up reacting very nimbly. Whereas Sony is this slow thudding company that hasn't changed much and it's claim to fame is it stuck by it's guns."

That's what an Xbox fanboy takes from it. Reality is different. Reality is that MS attempted to act in a purely corporate interest mindset and were beaten back by the consumers. They reacted out of necessity, not because of flexibility. Sony offered what everyone asked for and hasn't had to change anything because the only people with a problem with the PS4 are Xbox One fanboys who never liked it to begin with. This is backed up by reality as you see that Sony has been receiving nothing but praise since February and Microsoft.. well...

"Big companies need to stay nimble, and not be afraid of making radical changes. If you don't, others will and you will loose eventually!"

You mean like the Cell processor? Yeah.

**EDIT** @Mr. Beatdown: +Bubbles for Well Said.

[trafalger]

dragonknight,
"The PS4 is the result of listening to the feedback of 8 years of PS3 life. Of having to deal with the trolls complaining about B.S. like PSN maintenance and download speeds. About having to deal with people who aren't developers, and people who are, saying that the PS3 was too difficult to develop for. The PS4 has everything a gamer could possibly want, and everything a developer needs, to be great. Exactly what feedback have Sony not listened to in development of the PS4?"

why do you think sony finally listened? money. it is about money and marketshare. the ps2 was also very difficult for developers but sony didn't care, they dominated. then they took this arrogant attitude designing the ps3 and trying to get loyal gamers to shell out $600 for a game system and using that large userbase they acquired over the years to fight hddvd. again, it's about money.

its funny how you think m$ only cares about filling there own pockets yet you think sony only cares about you. as a ps3 gamer we got shafted early on with multiplat games because sony didnt give out great developer tools and made a system that benefited them. the ps4 would also follow the same philosophy if it wasn't from losing faith from 3rd party developers and losing a lot of their previous marketshare. again it is also about money.

when the ps2 was the lead platform why would sony care how difficult the system was to make games on? did sony care the ps3 was difficult and cost more money for game developers? no, not until gamers started to complain why a more expensive system got an inferior product (not talking about exclusives) and saw 3rd party publishers favor the x360. what a coincidence, the ps4 is the first console of theres where they talk to game developers of how to build a game system. it just so happened to be in a generation where competition was way more fierce. if the ps3 dominated the ps4 would not have a pc type of architecture.

why is sony being so indie friendly? its because they want exclusive deals. again its about money. the same tricks m$ pulls with dlc and times exclusive deals your so eager to blast them for.

http://www.forbes.com/sites...

sony is paying for exclusivity rights.

they are all in it for the money.

"Of having to deal with the trolls complaining about B.S. like PSN maintenance and download speeds"

so anyone who questions why downloads take longer on the ps3 compared to there x360 are trolls? anyone who asks why psn has so many maintenance downtimes compared to xbox live are trolls? any developer who struggles on the ps3 are trolls too? wow, you really do live in a glass house.

what i find most interesting of all is after all of these changes m$ has done, after all of the games being shown they thought m$ never cared about, that sony fanboys still have nothing good to say about it. if sony fanboys care so much about games being the main focus of what a game system should have why do we rarely if ever see any comments from sony fanboys actually talk about xbone games? this goal posts shifting all over the place is getting old.

you would think that now that we are getting down to crunch time, the systems are coming that all of this nonsense would cease. that the games being shown would be what the talks would be now. but no, fanboys still have wounds that apparently never heal.

[rainslacker]

No one is saying they aren't allowed to adjust their policies. People are just saying they shouldn't have had the polices in the first place.

In this article, Spencer goes on about how the course of discussion between the customer and themselves is paramount. However, if that were the case, MS would have known what the consumer expectations were. What we got though was MS making their own expectations, with the consumer having very little part in it.

People, and Spencer himself, are infering that MS is an agile company. One that is able to quickly respond to consumer demands. However, the month between their reveal and E3 saw not a single shred of evidence that they were even considering it. Even their post conference interviews insisted it would be impossible. Then it took another month or so for them to realize they were going to fail with them in place.

I don't blame MS for trying to do the whole PR positive image thing now. Saying they're for the gamer and have our best interest in mind is pretty much par for the course. However, past actions go against this mindset in a very glaring way. The fact that Xbox fans themselves don't even notice it and only blame Sony fans for all of MS misfortunes is just enabling MS to act this way. Companies need to be held accountable for their actions, and it takes more than a couple positive press releases or contradictory interviews, which are easily scrutinized, to wash away the negatives.

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

Wow, extremely well said MrBeatdown and lmao @ nukeitall!

[madpuppy]

@nightfallfilms, malokevi

All corporations are cold, uncaring entities that care only about the bottom line. Sony is no better than any other successful company but, their climb was and is still in an environment of healthy competition with other companies vying for a chunk of market share in all their divisions, they learned that to get the most profit (eg= sales) they needed to understand their customers and "cater" to their needs. Microsoft, on the other hand was nurtured and hand held to a position of prominence by the worlds first high-tech monopoly IBM. until they bit the hand that fed them and became a monopoly themselves. most of their history is rife with either buying out competitors or crushing them with back door deals. they never had to compete on a level playing field with anybody and they never had to cater to customers because they were the only game in town (in the software industry) when they stated branching out into different industries they discovered that it is much more difficult to compete without a monopoly handicap. catering to customers needs is an alien concept to them. For MS, all this flip-floping is just growing pains while they learn how to function in a competitive environment with a strong willed consumer base (gamers) that will not tolerate corporate shenanigans.
They will stumble and fall, like they are doing now, but eventually, in time, they will become a company that will cater to the consumer.

and besides, all this is moot, Sony, MS, Nintendo, steam box, oyua and whatever other companies enter the gaming market are a good thing, they need each other for all the benefits that healthy competition brings to the table, keeps everybody on their toes and gives the gamers (us) the best value and variety.

[ForgivenZombie]

Competition is good for everyone, I hope both systems do well because it will be good for gamers all around. The gaming industry would really be crap if any one console/company had a monopoly. Then they could dictate to us any changes they wanted to make.

[Consoldtobots]

@mad puppy

I like your explanation of how the PC market IBM created is what allowed MS to grow well beyond it's ability to compete in the industry. I disagree in them eventually becoming a consumer friendly company. I don't think they will survive all their blunders in the long run. THINK ABOUT IT, the only mild success they have had with any product in the last 10 years is the 360 and that's only AFTER throwing piles of cash at the division to first keep it afloat during the RROD fiasco and ultimately to compete with Sony by making the development community drunk with the wine of their timed exclusivity strategy. Windows 8 is an utter failure. If I were an investor my money would be headed a 1000 miles in the opposite direction from MS.

[Sarick]

That's not 100% true. Some people don't like the policies and methods Microsoft have used. It's not always about loving one brand or another.

When I look at the Sony brand I'm not totally in love or complacent to everything they've done either.

Does this mean other people are investing as in the same values I follow? No, I didn't like several changes and policy practices Sony made either. I liked plus when it was optional now that it's being changed I'm not to found of that.

So whats the difference? After all, I'm still swayed to the PS4. The difference is despite all the negatives there are ONLY 3 big name gaming consoles to choose from.

Microsoft
I think of Microsoft as the rich bully who looks for ways to constantly take my money. The one who changes tactics then when caught. This guy likes to cause trouble and uses every advantage possible to take out his rivals.

Nintendo
I see Nintendo as the guardian. They have their little house that I live in. They provide me with entertainment on a level that offers some protection from the harsh online environment. It's truly a unique as it limits the online experience. I love them as a whole, they do seem most fair in professional policy of the three. Unfortunately, I would like a more robust experience then their limited environment offers.

Last gen Nintendo simply didn't have much to offer me. It felt their agenda lacked enthusiasm for their products. Overall a I respect Nintendo this company. They try to be more like a family entertainment company then anyone else. Sometimes a little to much.

Sony
I see Sony as a charmer that's a nerd. He likes to make money but his methods aren't giving me a bloody nose. In fact I kind of like the guys style most of the time. When he wants to make money he chooses to weigh the factors of cost to quality. He always seems to add something of value for increasing the cost. Sometimes his ego gets inflated but hes a geek and all geeks like fancy or overpriced toys. He does like money but seems less aggressive. I see him as a valuable because he seems to have what I want.

Overall all companies are in it to make money. What is really upsetting is if the greedy anti-consumer monopoly duopoly or whatever succeeds. When we're given no choice but to follow that standard it'll be a sad day. I myself don't want standardized greedy policies that disrupt my hobby in a negative way.

I'm looking for a balance in value and content. I don't want useless gimmicks. I want to choose a product that produces content I enjoy. I don't want to deal companies that lie to get ahead through deceptive aggressive business practices, Want to milk every penny I have because they can, or one that tells me, "This is how we're doing and it's the future it DEAL WITH IT!"

Hopefully after reading this you have more insight. It's not always because of blind brand love and hate. There are legitimate factors that cause people to react. Some people don't want a bad influence taking a dominating foothold in the gaming market.

Ye,s there are gamers with insecurities (fanboys) but think about it. They love gaming and because they care about its future they feel the need to defend it.

This is just my two cents of an opinion. Don't take it personally because these feelings aren't after any single individual.

[firelogic]

MS: Always online
Sony: Not always online
MS: nevermind, not always online

MS: strict DRM
Sony: no DRM at all
MS: nevermind, no DRM at all

MS: No headset in box
Sony: Headset in every box
MS: nevermind, headset in every box

MS: Kinect is mandatory
Sony: PSEye is optional
MS: nevermind, Kinect is optional

MS: Indies can't self-publish
Sony: Indies can self-publish
MS: nevermind, indies can self-publish

Yup, you're a really strong company. I'd respect you more if you actually stuck to the vision you had in place that took well over 5 years to plan and implement than to just turn around and scrap everything you worked for.

[Kryptix]

Well said, to say that Microsoft did the 180s for the fans is being delusional. First it was the low pre-order numbers and then because Sony had a clear vision with many aspects of their future. I didn't agree with what Microsoft was doing because of the confusion and barely any explanation to their choices, but they blindly let their plan get blurred and forgotten and ran with what Sony is doing instead. Rather go with the console that is always one step ahead, than the one that goes 2 steps backwards.

[kenshiro100]

Agreed 100%.

[darthv72]

Its like sony did some kind of jedi mind trick on MS.

MS: Let me see some identification

Sony: You dont need to see his identification

MS: We dont need to see his identification

lol

[Freedomland]

@firelogic

Man, you shot in between the legs.
Who will not agree to this even X1 fanboys know it.

[Unlimax]

This proves how cheap this company is when it comes to where the gamers money goes .. Thank you Sony for showing their true colors !

[madpuppy]

I think that when Steve Ballmer looked over the pre-order numbers, he visited the Xbox campus personally to give them a pep talk, let's just say that if Ballmer is upset 5 year plans mean nothing. I mean, look at him, imagine having to calm a raging Steve Ballmer?!?!

http://androidandme.com/wp-...

[insomnium2]

@firelogic

Great comment! Bubs up

@darth

AHHHAAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAAAA!!! Thank you for the laugh. Bubs up for funny.

[pyramidshead]

It doesn't honestly get any clearer than that to be honest.

While the tone a little harsh the statement held merit.

Also can people stop reading this N4g post sick of seeing Spencer's gurn on the top row, it's unsettling :/

[2cents]

Stay classy Microsoft. Good to hear some decent comments instead of trying to sling the filth back over the wall at Sony.

[Biggest]

If they had it to fling, they'd be flinging.

Speaking of flinging. . . Fighter Within gameplay.

[ziggurcat]

it's amazing that people criticizing sony for gettign a few jabs in here, and there forget this:

http://files.xboxic.com/xbo...

so, yeah... "stay classy microsoft."

[MRMagoo123]

classy microsoft lol if they had anything at all bad to point out about the ps4 it would be the hot topic in every gamer site in the world but alas MS has no ammo

@biggest

"Speaking of flinging. . . Fighter Within gameplay." that comment there made me laugh so much i wheezed like an old man loli bubbled you up for funny.

[2cents]

This is going to be a very interesting generation of console gaming indeed.

Sony have set the tone and the Sony minions are in full swing, lol at all of ya.

While your all stupidly and blindly follow the PS4, I will be in gamer heaven with both!

Haha. Sucks to be so narrow minded.

Ryse
Forza
Halo
Quantum break
Sunset OD
DR3
project spark
Kinect sports

Oh and a little game called Titanfall

Oh oh... And a certain free game called Fifa14

Plus the PS4 selection that you all know by heart.

Hmm who has the last laugh now.

But but but

[Godmars290]

More to so with pre-orders than "reacting to feedback".

I they had reacted to feedback changes would have been made before E3. Not after.

[ZombieKiller]

I don't listen to MS when they talk about anything other than their games. Even then its tough to listen to people like Major Nelson...ugh. Major douche more like it....

Who cares? Honestly. Who cares about their opinion? I don't give them money for their opinion. I gave em money because I'm a gamer and like some games on that are on the 360. Could you guys imagine what the XBOne will be like with an expired Live subscription? When that thing expires you won't even be able to watch TV!

They're just finding more and more excuses to build their paywall higher. Can't watch TV? Renew! Can't play games? Renew! Can use Internet Explorer? RENEW! Renew renew renew....

Everyone acts like paying for online on ps4 is something we should be mad at...I call that damage control from butthurt fanboys. Why? Because the console isn't a paperweight without a subscription like the Xbox. You dont pay for PS+? Fine. You can still play certain games without it not to mention use all of the consoles features. Without Xbox live, you can't do anything with the 360 except SP games. YouTube doesn't even work ffs....AND YOUTUBE IS FUCKING FREE....seriously how retarded is that?! Yet Xbox fanboys are all over us about paying to play online...haha OK. Keep trolling us while we all play the free games that Sony has been giving us....oh and it isn't a measly 2 free old games every month riddled with ads for dlc. This month being a PRIMARY EXAMPLE. PS+ gave me hitman absolution. Xbox live: Dead Rising 2...really? I bought and beat that game years ago. The only reason they gave that game out is because they believe in DR3 pushing sales next gen due to its "exclusivity."

[corvusmd]

You have proven over and over that you're just a troll, nothing more. You never have anything factual or intelligent to say, you always just want to talk trash based on nothing. Were you not hugged enough as a child or something? Do you need attention? Or are you really just so intimidated by people actually liking the XB1 that you feel you need to constantly try to brainwash people with false trash talk so that they do not disagree with your "perfect" opinion? If you really felt that MS/XB1 was as doomed as you say they are, you wouldn't feel the need to kick them while they were down...it'd be like kicking a mentally handicapped kid after he fell and broke his helmet....in all honestly you just come off as pathetic and threatened.

[HammadTheBeast]

All that stood out from that wall was that you compared MS/XBO to a mentally handicapped kid....

What is wrong with you?

Xbox One day One.

[ZombieKiller]

No because being handicapped isn't the persons fault. Xbox knocked themselves down dude. For years its been about money to them more than its been about games.
The only time Microsoft changes policies or gives out free games is when it feels threatened by Sony doing it "just because"

[corvusmd]

ZombieKiller, is this your first generation being a gamer? And are you really that blind to think that Sony gives away games and systems for free? And that Sony does the bare minimum that it can to get gamers to like them...instead of making a good network, they will give away old games that no one liked or already beat years ago for free....pay attention to Sony, it's all about numbers...the bigger numbers they can throw into your face the better...when you look at the details, the DEAL really isn't that great.

[Hicken]

Of all people, corvus saying someone is a troll with nothing factual or intelligent to say?

I've seen more BS in your comments than the last five presidential elections combined.

[ZombieKiller]

Your comments fail miserably Corvus. How can you call me blind and say I have no factual evidence when in my last comment I STATED what each system gives me? As a matter of fact nimrod, I stated alot in my comment with my YEARS (since before the NES) of experience as backup to my opinion. Hence my bubbles vs yours. Guess thats "everyone elses fault" huh? Douche. Then you go on to call me a fanboy after saying I have both and pretty much "proving" it by stating those facts? Seriously dude, what the hell are you so butthurt about that you have to comment on something someone said over the internet like that? Did I hurt your precious lil xbox's feelings? Did it go running to hide behind a paywall? How is the value of the ps+ vs xbl NOT an obvious fact proving my point? Instead of presenting a REAL argument, you mindlessly insult me with half assed, wanna be jokes that have been recycled more times than the COD engine....How does not getting hugged enough as a kid warrant a valid opinion abut gaming? You KNOW what I said was true and so does everyone else in here. Hence the agrees.
I don't hate the Xbox because I'm a gamer, I hate microsoft for knowing I'm a gamer and taking advantage of me. YOU are the one here without any factual evidence here, YOU are the one that has nothing intelligent to say, and you are the one coming across as being the douche...or should I say "pathetic and threatened".

[showtimefolks]

i am a sony fan and laughed when andrew house took that jab, but if MS truly believed in their original vision than they should have stuck with it. Yes early on it would have been tough but you advertise and deliver a clear message

but like MS's old habits the moment they saw sony/ps4 dominating they gave up their vision and now xbox one is a less powerful version of PS4 but costs $100 more

[ZombieKiller]

Corvus your reply to my message was so retarded I won't even reply with a real reply. I'll just let all the disagrees and depleting bubbles on your behalf, do the talking for me.

You are seriously retarded. PLEASE do NOT buy a ps4. We don't need idiots like you on the PSN.

By the way, I've probably been gaming since you we're a mistake in your mothers eyes. Don't act like you know me or anything about gaming after that comment.

[Retroman]

gamers not blind damn sheeps anymore.

anyone buy x1 is a DAMN fool
enough said.

[donman1]

Plus the fact they were... still are getting killed with the majority of early adapters pre-ordering the PS4 over the XboxOne. So yes, they were forced to change directions to stop the bleeding or try to.

[sak500]

LOL look at the SDF trying desperately to negate anything related to MS.

Back in 2006, Ken said, People will do 2 jobs to be able to afford Ps3..None of these blind followers said anything but general non sheep gaming public showed them with their wallets. Sony started offering free HDTVs with ps3, then not one but 2 price drops even before 360 had a price drop. Ports were removed, things were cut down from ps3 and yet the above sheep keeps following their cult leaders blindly.

MS preempts the complaints of people before launch and yet these idiots like ham-mad are criticizing MS's decisions.

GO MS throw some more crying sdf kiddies in fire.

[HammadTheBeast]

Shouldn't you be buying a 360 or petitioning for DRM back or something?

[sak500]

I already have 2 xbox360 and petitioning for bringing DRM back on XBOXone was being done by u guys the SDF loyalists as the new changes by MS made your uber super duper computer entertainment sytem/hybrid world peace negotitor, technological marvel superior being/cyborg PS4 look like gameboy.

[Jazz4108]

Sony has the most to be afraid of as they have made so many mistakes latley the ps4 if it fails even with vita numbers would be the end of sony. Sony has to much riding on this gen and there fans are feeling it to. Im so sick of hearing the negative rudder about ms I canceled my ps4 preodder yestersay along with kz and put the money on my xboxone preoreder and more games and guess what I will not look back as I enjoy games not listening to hate especially coming from sony on the main stage. I hope the ps4 does well for the industry and my story here is how sony and its fans talked me out of a paid preorder.

[ZombieKiller]

Dude you not getting a ps4 because of fanboy attitude not only makes you look like a fanboy, but is no loss to anyone but you. Seriously, is that supposed to punish us or something? That's like your kid doing something bad, and you beating the shit out of someone else in front of him saying "let this be a lesson to you"
SMFH. Do YOU. Don't let others influence you like that.

[user7402931]

i dont call humiliation upon yourself strength received.

[iamnsuperman]

I am sorry but this irritated me

"We built a platform for gamers"

After a huge backlash for a policy that wasn't really for us and the fact that your first Xbox One showing had the multimedia functionality as its focus. It may be a platform for gamers now but it wasn't built like that from day one

[LOGICWINS]

Microsoft cares more about how the Xbox One sells during the next 6-7 years as opposed to how it does Day 1. The general public that will be buying an Xbox One in 2014 and beyond will have no idea these changes occurred. Whether it was built for gamers Day 1 or not, 98% of the people who buy this thing will believe the way it is Day 1 is the way its always been.

Perception is reality.

What WILL hurt MS however is that they aren't reaching as many territories as Sony...and the fact that PS Plus offers a much better value to gamers.

[Xsilver]

tell that to the Xbox fanboys who ill say it was the future of gaming u know lets take away ur rights because that's what i want from the future less freedom.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

The idea of being able to access your entire game library on any console was the vision. DRM is required but what MS proposed was a bad idea.

I think they need to follow more of what Steam is doing.

[Xsilver]

an option would of just been better that forcing it.

[Biggest]

Just out of curiosity, GiantEnemyCrab, whats is keeping people from accessing their entire download library from any console? I've been doing that for 6+ years on the PS3. How is that a vision and past/present reality at the same time?

[JamieL]

@ Biggest
What are you talking about?
You're saying you can come to my house and access and play all of you disk based games? Or even the ones on your hard drive simple from signing in as yourself? I have never seen this happen, I think that's a BS lie.

[Anon1974]

I agree with iamnsuperman.

In the long run I think it's a good thing that Microsoft has been listening to feedback. That's great, as Logicwins pointed out. The long game needs to be considered.

But consider this. If you hire two contractors to do a job, which one is better? The one that does the job right the first time or the one that get's it wrong multiple times, but accepts feedback well, takes it to heart and shows improvement?

Which one are you going to trust with your investment in the long term? The point isn't that Microsoft is showing that they're flexible, the point is they're only being flexible out of necessity because they keep botching subsequent tries. It doesn't exactly instill confidence in those paying attention, and those paying attention are the early adopters. While the long game is important, the console that looks the strongest out of the gate can help shape consumer opinion going forward.

[darthv72]

I will agree but, the phrase, 'you want something done right...do it yourself' could fit in there at some point.

As a contractor, you dont really know if its done right the first time without knowing what the customer really wants. They can change their view at any time.

So being able to listen to feedback and make changes per the feedback and still finish the job is good too.

[Sitdown]

Your scenario needs to be adjusted the contractors never did the job, they were on the blueprint phase.... nothing has been built.

[Biggest]

I'm pretty sure they're already building PS4s. The consumer may not have access, but it's already built.

[Mr-Dude]

Indeed, if gamers, media (and also thanks to Sony) hadden't reacted like they did on their old policies (DRM, Always Online etc) then things wouldn't have changed like it did, and the XBONE would still be what MS first intention was...

That's what keeps bothering me, that they even tried to do these things.

[corvusmd]

Take a step back maybe...I like the way that someone else put it about a week ago. When you go to a car dealer, they don't tell you that the car can go from point A to point B...that's a given...what they do tell you about is all the new bells and whistles...maybe how it gets better gas mileage, or more horsepower, or that it has GPS...etc. When MS revealed it's console, maybe they were taking a similar approach....it's not that they didn't show games or talk about it's ability to do so...in fact they did quite a bit, people are just blowing how much they talked about other stuff out of proportion...maybe watch it again. That'd be like judging PS4 for only showing a controller.

[ZBlacktt]

Nice super spin explanation by him, lol. Yeah, for the gamers. Until we looked at our pre order sales charts.

Can't be honest not even once... Use high end computers to show their games at E3. Plant people in the audience to clap...

oh, butt hurt disagreeing Xbox person.... it doesn't matter the console you like. But be honest with yourself first.

[negative]

you people really need to get over yourselves

[Clarence]

He's full of $h!t. The feedback from gamers came way before E3, yet they did not change their policies. It wasn't until xbox 1 preorders looked dismal that M$ started back tracking. They didn't listen to the gamers feedback.

[Ripsta7th]

tell me who pre orders? not gamers? So people werent pre ordering and decided to change a few things. SO THEY do listen to the gamers

[Clarence]

What!
http://m.ign.com/articles/2...

http://www.vg247.com/2013/0...

I'm a gamer and I pre ordered every console that I cared to purchase.

[MRMagoo123]

i think you missed his point clarence, even tho you did miss it the point was still wrong, they wherent listening to gamers as in their opinions they where listening to the sound of all the money sony was getting instead of them.

[No_Limit]

Agreed with Spencer. Let the games and actions do all the talking. Taking cheap shot at competitors is very unprofessional in any industry. I had lost respect for Sony for it.

[falviousuk]

With the way sony are acting its no wonder the sony fanboy brigade act the way they do online. Cheap shots, unprofeddionsl digs and talk crap.

[Mr-Dude]

And MS and Xbox fans doesn't do or did these things?

Remember Aaron Greenberg? Or the "We are going to kill Sony"?

Everybody does it

[MRMagoo123]

yes MS doesnt do anything like what sony did they do things far far far worse take this pic someone linked up above http://files.xboxic.com/xbo... that was MS not taking "cheap shots" at the ps3 launch huh you xboners really do forgot things fast huh, lucky ppl like to save links to all the sh!t that happens. I have also saved the link to AMD saying the ps4 is a lot more powerful than the xbone.

[Drekken]

I lost respect for MS trying to bend us over and take advantage of us... but yeah, it makes total sense to lose respect for the company that made sure that didn't happen (Sony).

[Mikelarry]

but its ok for MS to talk smack

http://n4g.com/news/1335840...

"He further addded that people should wait for the Xbox One, because the PS4 is only a more powerfull PS3, while the Xbox One is a whole new thing, which brings an entire entertainment system into your home."

they are both as bad as each other just because MS is in a bad place with all their 180 don't act like they are saints

edit @ falviousuk: so then why is the xbox 1 trying to be more like the ps4 with all the changes.

[falviousuk]

What is the ps4 doing now that the ps3 isnt. This is why people are saying that the ps4 is just a more powerful ps3

[Consoldtobots]

these kids say it like its a bad thing to be a more powerful ps3.

[MasterCornholio]

"Taking cheap shot at competitors is very unprofessional in any industry. I had lost respect for Sony for it."

And you hate Microsoft for attacking Sony right before E3.

"Xbox One will surprise the world during E3." Ending with a resounding "We will kill Sony at E3".

http://www.giantbomb.com/xb...

I hope you enjoy your Wii U.

[roboteye]

"We are going to kill Sony at E3"

- Totally not arrogant MS.

[pyramidshead]

You'll be applying that same logic to Microsoft then I assume? Doubtful :P.

[Clarence]

Who are u kidding u never respected Sony.
If that's the case all the $h!t talking M$ has done you should be spitting on them. Aron Greenberg favorite thing to do besides eating is $h!t talking.

[MysticStrummer]

"Taking cheap shot at competitors is very unprofessional in any industry. I had lost respect for Sony for it."

Then you lost respect for all console makers about 30 years ago. Microsoft hasn't been in the game nearly that long but they are no angel when it comes to cheap shots.

[tarbis]

Indeed. I agree.
http://files.xboxic.com/xbo...

[falviousuk]

The initial idea was the system was able to have a library of games and yhe ability to play them without having to use the disc. This was an excellent idea, but a lot of people found fault with the online checkin to prevent piracy.

Ms adapted to what people wanted, and still grt stick about it, mostly from sony fanboys of course. And we know how they behave online

[cell989]

very naive for you to say that

[ziggurcat]

actually, the majority of people who spoke out against their policies were xbox supporters, so...

[JamieL]

Proof? And I'm talking to all of you.

[ziggurcat]

to suggest that the policy changes were because of sony fanboys is ridiculous.

and the pre-order disparity is enough proof to tell you that xbox fans did *not* like the initial direction of the console.

[Ripsta7th]

NOTHING! lol, MS will make its money, idk why people think it wont sell, Its MS were talking about. ONce the ads start rolling out everywhere people will notice

[Clarence]

Xbox didnt sell, surface isn't doing well, and we all know what happen Zune. Anything is possible. I think the Xbox 1 will sell but it won't outsell the PS4.

[MysticStrummer]

MS has put out more than a few failed products.

[christocolus]

Other people will do and say what they're going to say. Fine. We're running our program. That's a strength of who we are."
–
Microsoft Studios boss Phil Spencer

.....................thats a focused and more mature rsponse imo..I have been saying it..you and the rest of the xbox team are doing great..keep it up.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

This is getting ridiculous. MS has some bad ideas and changed them. Invent whatever reason you want for the change but the fact is the console is not coming with the DRM, check-ins and will support used games like before.

Spin it as a negative but it is not.

[Mikelarry]

only a few fanboys see it as a negative, but Ms should not act like they had the gamers best intention at heart with all those policies and some gamers who defend ms should know that if it were Ms in Sony position you know they will dedicate banners and ads just to take the piss.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

Agreed. Neither is above taking advantage of a perceived weakness in their competitor.

I think this was a good win for consumers and proves some push back can work when gamers unite their voice against a policy.

[Reborn]

When money is on the line, it will prompt a change in attitude from any company. MS is no different.

If pre-orders remained strong, potential consumers weren't up in arms... you'd still be getting told "Buy a 360".

It's good they changed their ways, but calm down Phil.. market research should have told you, your initial plans were horrendous.

[cell989]

lol "buy a 360" best PR response ever

[roboteye]

I wonder if MS leaking personal information to the NSA was a 2 way conversation with their customer as well.

[cell989]

when a company lacks identity and has no clue as to what their "customers" want, and you have to rely on the other company's users to tell you what to do, thats a weakness to me. It means your company is run by money hungry executives who want more of our money and more control, while Sony seems to be run by actual gamers that understand what we gamers want

[Magicite]

Company of swith-flippers or maybe flip-switchers?

[Funnymonkey013]

I can go on and on about y ps4 is 100% better then X1 but I'm going to put it in simple ways back then Sony has made a big mistake releasing ps3 for 600$ now they learned their mistake by making it more easly friendlier powerful console with a what i call the best price I could ever c on a game console 4 what it does. Back then MS has release a pretty good value and cheaper hd console despite that it had loads of RROD over the years until finally make a reliable system in 2010. But they gotten really bad with making lots of good games 4 it and just milking halo games to no end and others with also time dlcs I mean come on I would've been piss that my hard earned money I pay every year goes to dlcs but not on new and fun ips 4 the system like Sony has over the years infamous uncharted the last of us beyond two souls I mean those game were if not the best games ever made this gen. My point is MS has gotten really cocky over the years while Sony has been doing what's best making amazing ips 4 the ps3 and its still going that I call system support unlike MS just abandons their system and leave to 3rd party games to keep it alive. And 4 those of u Xbox morons saying X1 has more launch first party games on it well guess what y u think that is? It's cause like I said Sony still supports the ps3 while their first party devs r working on games 4 the ps4 by second teams. MS has gotten so bad with everything that I'm not surprise their stock gotten really bad with W8 360 and X1.

[quenomamen]

First they where all like " We don't care bout what Sony say !"
Then they where all " lol it's all good, we doing what we do "
Later they all " Sony aint got nothing on us, Eff Sony "
Then it was " Naah bro, we cool man. That was pretty funny "
Then " Yo, real talk, Sony bout to get dealt with "
Later they was all " I got a PS3 at home, we aint mad "
Then it was ......................

[KillrateOmega]

You wouldn't have had to react at all if you had gotten it right off the bat. Even if you didn't get it right off the bat, which you clearly didn't, you could've just stuck by your guns instead of steadily becoming less unique from your main competitor's product...

[okmrman]

getting an xbox one :)
my money not anyone else's

[WeaseL]

They did not listen they just reacted. When you have to put a free AAA game with your console at launch you now your in trouble. Pre-orders must have been bad.

[Trekster_Gamer]

Sony is full of it. So it is bad for Microsoft to listen to their customers and do What there customers want? Unlike Sony whos system was hacked and its users was left in the for over a month as there a credit cards was compromised??? Sony removing features??? whats up ps2 compatibility, what about dual booting?? At least MS added features over the years and Sony lied and removed them!!!

[Funnymonkey013]

Dude just shut up and stop defending MS I can tell u MS can care less about ur feedback and everything else the real reason they did a 180 is of preorders and how much the ps4 has of preorders beating it. heck 1 million is insane 4 console preorders in history no console has every had that many preorders before im guessing X1 is 100 or if lucky 200 thousand at max preorders. And ur still going on about the hack dude it's done time to move on really. As the ps2 thing who cares the old models had it just not the newer ones plus with genki u can play ur old games by streaming problem solved. And about MS adding features care to tell me what they added besides TV cause I don't c anything different they have besides more TV stuff they have then ps3 and ps4. Now shut it and keep ur lame fanboy away as u sound retarded with ur comment:)

[gamer2013]

He obviously hurt you're fanboy feelings with his opinion. Go out and get some fresh air it's good for you.

[Mr-Dude]

Indeed they did those things, but in the end they didn't do a 180... People where pissed, media had their pitchforks ready but Sony stayed with their policies!

[GoodnessGreatness]

lol pathetic Microsoft just copying Sony's directions.

[kenshiro100]

Microsoft needs to cut the crap. They changed their policies because of Sony. If they truly had gamers in mind, they would have never adopted these policies in the first place.

[Gardenia]

I cant help but when looking at this guys face i just want to kick him square in the nuts

[hairy]

Sadly this is business as usual, they launched the xbone the same way they launched the 360, with lies, payouts and shit talking the competitiors, they just didn't realize that this is not the same age as when their 360 launched, i was still buying game magazines for information 8yrs ago. now i know almost every bit of information I want in no time. you tried to hornswaggle us M$ but people are 10 times smarter now,

[ghostrider32]

MS and Sony fanboys, meet up and fight or shut the hell up! Stop defending these companies. None of them care about you, they don't love you. They only want your Debit card you goddamn Kaz and Phil Spencer stunt dummies!

[assdan]

They should be ashamed of themselves for insulting us for so long. Don't people remember the period between the announcement and the policy change where MS just called us idiots for thinking their idea was dumb? When they said that, and reversed their policies, it proved that only money talks with them.

[TrevZ_514]

I lost all respect for Microsoft when they decided to stop supporting the 360 the last few years... Sony manages to support three different consoles right now, and still have 5 main studios to announce games.... It's crazy

[thehitman]

The reason why I support Sony and not Nintendo/MS. I use to be a Nintendo fanboy back in the n64 days and bought a gamecube, but was terribly dissapointed after it had just the same rehash of games while Sony was putting out games like Socom etc for ps2. Quickly bought a ps2 and never looked back. Out of all the console makers Sony easily trumps both companies in producing quality games that you can only get on their platforms. I am not sure how u can produce 3 AAA titles in the year that your releasing the next-gen version of your console and still have more titles to throw around.

[gamer2013]

Nobody cares

[listenkids]

I can't stand Phil Spencer, not from any form of fan boy view, his attitude just really get's under my skin, over confident and arrogant, comes across like a dick.

[Ashlen]

Despite the criticism Microsoft has received for its Xbox One policies, Spencer said the firm remains steadfast in its commitment to a digital future. And while for the launch of Xbox One many of its digital-focused features have been scaled back, Spencer said the concept of a digital ecosystem “remains a core philosophy” for the console as it evolves over time.

So basically "we removed DRM to increase pre-orders but we still plan to force it on people eventually".

[Godz Kastro]

@Ashlen

Het buddy, don't take bits and pieces in an attempt to spin into negative. How about you add some context.

“Now, we have a vision, and we've stayed on that vision around the digital ecosystem we want to put on Xbox Live,” he said. “It remains a core philosophy. We heard people valued some of the existing generation's disc-based DRM, so we said we're going to add that to the digital ecosystem we're building.

[Godz Kastro]

I like Phil, classy guy. Way not to sling mud as it only dirties you as well.

[Aleithian]

Keep talking Phil. I don't trust you or Microsoft and I won't be buying any more XBOX products.

[chamber]

Well Microsoft does have a fragmented vision of what this coming generation should be. Its definitely not what they envisioned it was going to be 3 months ago.

I think the only reason they changed tunes was because of the pre-order numbers before the change so i don't trust Microsoft enough to not do some other 180's when they feel they have an established base already.

[_FantasmA_]

We're running our program. That's a strength of who we are."

You're program is to try and and limit gamers' choices and freedom by forcing garbage and recycled games with hidden fees everywhere. Changing your policies was not a strength, it was done out fear of losing money. Just keep your mouth shut and continue fooling the sheep because every time and Xbot worker opens his mouth, they show disrespect for the common people and gamers.

[buynit]

You sound so ignorant...

[Jamaicangmr]

Just competion. Hell look at that Jab Ms made in there indie developer vid, even though personally i think that was more a shot at Ms than Sony but hell they saw it fit to include it in their video. It's a two way street, deal with it.

[buynit]

Omg.. The stuff i read from sony fanatics..

"ms took too long to change stuff we didnt like" the fvcking thing isnt even out yet! How is it too late?

Anyway this guy sucks he could have said something like, well we tried to do something new and different but no one liked it cause they prefered the old ways of the ps4 so its not like we are copying them cause its nothing different then what current consoles can do...

[arbitor365]

"“It remains a core philosophy. We heard people valued some of the existing generation's disc-based DRM, so we said we're going to add that to the digital ecosystem we're building."

who? who the hell "valued" disk based DRM?

ah Phil. a duplicitous dirtbag as always

[buynit]

I dont know who valued it but i do know its not just ms with the db drm

[Godz Kastro]

I did?

[fsfsxii]

Sometimes idiots boggle my mind with their stupidity.

[JediDiah]

He should have said,"At least OUR servers are secure and don't let customers personal info get hacked!'.

[RytGear]

Except that they do... do some more research into that.

[porkChop]

What? Dude, Xbox Live has been hacked several times throughout this generation. Wth are you talking about?

[porkChop]

Typical PR talk. He talks about their 2-way conversation with gamers, and listening to feedback, etc. BS! If you actually had a 2-way conversation with your fans and cared about what gamers wanted then you wouldn't have gotten yourselves in so much trouble in the first place! The only reason MS changed their policies is because the Xbox One preorders were insanely low, they only started coming up after all the 180's.

[ChickenOfTheCaveMan]

Such an hypocrite reply.

They tried to impose some unrealistic concepts in their console, got told it was stupid and self-destructive and crawled back.

If they're so in touch with their fans, how could they ditch indies, impose an internet connection to run games you paid for, avoid friends sharing their physical games, impose their lame Kinect, talk more about tv than what a console is actually expected to do at the first reveal!!

"We're running our program", what is that program? Suck, get told that you suck and than try not to suck. You're right, Sony should be ashamed to have a solid plan they can follow.

[SonyPS4]

Their original intentions for the XOne were to screw every Xbox die-hard over. That was their vision. They wanted a future of doom and gloom for gaming in favor of short term gain.

[robotgargoyle]

It's the popular thing to hate MS. Big corporation, big money, and recent big blunders. MS has provided the noose to hang itself, but wait.......... they changed. Not entirely and probably reactively to the competition, but why hang em?

I hear a lot of "I would have respected them more if they didn't change their policies, at least Sony had a clear vision, etc". Yeah sure, but the other 9/10 would complain about the original policies.

Sony trolls, just admit you hate just to hate.

[cunnilumpkin]

no one even knows or cares about these consoles at all yet

I have tons of casual gamer friends/co-workers/neighbors that know next to nothing about ps4/xbox1

the average consumer doesn't even know they exist and won't until they are on display at best buy/ target/ walmart

then they will start to pay attention

ms could completely change again and it wouldn't matter

the 1 million hardcore nerds that are following everthing ps4 and xbox1 are not even the target audience, they only care about you right now, to generate the pre-hype

the soccer moms, the 8-17 year olds, the 40 somethings, that's the real target audience, because they are who take a console from selling 10 million is 8 years to selling 75 million in 8 years

nerds like us don't even matter to ps4/xbox1

they pander to us now, but in a year it'll be Kinect and move, and pseye, and mini games, and skylanders and cod

and get ready to be nickel and dimed for EVERYTHING next gen

you though last gen was bad (and it was) its only going to get worse

[plmkoh]

The most important form of marketing is the tried and true 'word of mouth' method which comes from, yep you guessed it, early adopters. The Wii wasn't the runaway success with "the soccer moms, the 8-17 year olds, the 40 somethings" because they were displayed at "best buy/ target/ walmart " (Nintendo didn't even bother to release an official trial display unit.

Not that you'd want to know that, after all, every single thing you've posted on anything console related has been has been nothing but spite, or should I say anything 'Sony' related.

If you don't like it, stick to the PC and tell yourself "steam, origin, uplay" is perfect so you can sleep at night.

[rigbybot127]

Microsoft has listened to gamers (wallets), and they fixed their system, for the better. Now it's looking extremely attractive, and if it wasn't for Naughty Dog being PS exclusive, I would definitely have been going with the Xbox One.

[NeloAnjelo]

The reversal wasn't a bad thing... But thinking about implementing these polices, lying about them being irreversible to our faces, and forcing Kinect down our throats WAS!!! Get that in your head MS. After all this time they still don't get the point!

[Harpers_Ferry]

Anyone who thinks Sony's Gamescom dig at MS was anything other than fan service is delusional. They do it because the people love it. There is a reason people remember, "Sega does what Nintendon't", and that's because its fun and stupid, so long as you don't that stuff too seriously. Think of it like professional wrestling. Sure, there are those that take the whole thing terribly seriously, and even believe the fights are real, but for the most part people are in it for the spectacle. They like to see someone come out, speak with bravado, and not think twice while doing it.

If there is anyone who believes things would be different if the tables were turned, you are simply lying to yourself.

[Picnic]

Phil Spencer loves the word 'ecosystem'.

[generalthadeape]

The ONLY way that Xbox Ones will "fly off the shelves" is for Microsoft to release a Kinect-less SKU, copy PS+ game for game, and sell it for $50 less than the PS4.

Do it Microsoft-- DO IT!!!

[RytGear]

So, you are saying to make it "fly off the shelves" it effectively has to be a PS4 with an Xbox logo on it?

[JohnS1313]

Even that wouldn't be enough. If they gave them away for free I wouldn't take one of those crappy things.

[JohnS1313]

Sony was 100% right. That's why the Xbone is now known as the Xbox 180. Bwahaha. Microsoft can't even design a console people want. Just change everything to how Sony did it.

[Akuma2K]

Hey Microsoft, 3 words for you..... one million preorders.

Nuff said.