If you're one of those who makes it a point to ignore all gaming news, you probably missed the announcement that Microsoft dropped some of its more controversial policies after E3. Namely, the new system will no longer require "always online," and the used game market will remain as it is, allowing us to buy, sell, and trade games at our leisure.
This decision is likely the result of the huge wave of support Sony received, and in hindsight it really explains why everything Microsoft said at E3 was so vague. They knew they had to change their strategy - whether or not it was going to revolutionize gaming, gamers weren't ready to give up what we've always had. Some are mocking Microsoft, but their past and current decisions were based solely on business, and they can't be faulted for it.
That being said, what does all this mean? For the most part, it means gamers are once again left to choose a console based on specs, exclusive games, and perks of siding with one over the other (especially regarding their premium subscription services). However, Sony still has the upper hand because Microsoft is still going forward with their mandatory peripheral device, which puts the cost of the system $100 more than the PS4. Is that enough to make PS4 the dominant system? Probably not, because many see the Kinect as such a minor quibble that the extra $100 isn't a big deal in light of being able to play their console as they always have.
Unfortunately it also alienates the more "hardcore" gamers who don't want to pay $100 for something they'll never use. I had a conversation with a friend today who said that if he buys a new console, it's definitely a PS4 unless Microsoft removes the need for a Kinect. From the comments I've seen, that seems to be the sentiment shared by many gamers. And while I do use my Kinect on occasion, I side with them for one reason - the Kinect isn't necessary for the console to function, yet Microsoft is arbitrarily designing it that way. It's not a power cord, or a controller required to play every game. It's a bonus device that can enhance the experience for those who like to flails their arms or talk to their TV.
If you're curious, here's an interesting take on why the Kinect is required. In short, he theorizes that making it a requirement gives game developers confidence that they can try to make a AAA Kinect title because every Xbox One owner will have one. That makes the most sense to me, but why not give the Kinect away for free? It will result in a loss, but it will retain more customers while making Kinect gaming a more viable option.
So as it stands, I'm still siding with Sony. Microsoft made strides toward fixing the wedge they put between themselves and the gaming community, but I just don't think it's enough yet. The Kinect needs to be dropped, the price needs to be competitive with the PS4 (read: not $100 more expensive), and we need assurances that their premium subscription services can at least compete with what Sony does, which is giving good games to their customers every month, for free.
What about you? What's your take on Microsoft changing their strategy after E3? I'm really curious to see if minds were changed by this, or if Microsoft's image is irreparably tainted by their original strategy.
See you tomorrow!
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I am saddened by Microsoft's reversal. Some of the most exciting features of the Xbox One are now gone. I am not nearly as excited for the Xbox One now. I would have preferred that Microsoft just kept with there same policies and allowed for certain games to be played off line based on the publisher's choice. If Activision wanted to make CoD playable offline for people in the military than Activison could make that playable. I also think Microsoft could have kept everything intact but just made some tweaks. For instance people have a choice to install the game to the hard drive and make digital. If they do they lose the ability to sell the game as a used copy. If they choose not to install and play off the disc than the game is sell able. Hopefully this will be what Microsoft transitions to in the future as I would really like to see the policies Microsoft gave up yesterday to return. Let the flaming of my post by all you whiny gamers out there commence (this post is not trolling but my honest view).
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