Ugh, I am so beyond tired of Microsoft misrepresenting themselves. What happened to the sleek, future gamer ideal that was doing so well for them? I remember the Xbox debut fondly, thinking WOW, now this is a console.
yeah, i remember you, you clunky motherfucker
istilloveyou
I was never too keen on Sony, and to be honest, I can't remember why I established that opinion in the first place. I remember thinking that they seemed more money hungry than anything--but looking at the practices that Microsoft has adopted as of late, I feel like it is harder than ever to be an Xbox fangirl (or Xbro, which I think is really cute for whatever reason). There are some fundamental issues with Microsoft's handling of the Xbox system as it is currently, and it's downright flabbergasting that they don't seem to pick up on these crucial flaws that are straight up detrimental to their cause and completely fueling Sonyboys.
exactly.
In order to set your shit straight Microsoft, you need to:
- Stop charging for every little thing people want to do online. Get rid of the paid aspect of Xbox Live. Sony has an immense lead on you for offering free online connectivity; hell, people can't even watch NETFLIX on your console without having an Xbox Live Gold account regardless of their having an existing Netflix account. Sony straight beats you into the ground there considering that now I have to pay for two subscriptions to enjoy tv show/movie streaming at my console.
- Stop with the cheesy family oriented advertising. This is gaming you're trying to promote, as this is a gaming console first and foremost. A perfect example would be how Razer keeps their look sleek, edgy, and tailored for the pro gamer. While I realize that Xbox is for more than just the hardcore enthusiast, that should be your main focus and your other aims should be addressed sparingly. After all, it's not like you have THAT many family oriented titles, and they're nowhere near your main money makers. Family people go to Nintendo, and everyone knows that.
- You need to make your presentations feel younger. Get these tired looking forty somethings off the damn stage and hire presenters that are energetic, fun, and in tune with the gamer subculture. Watching your presentations is literally like watching those old "I'm a PC, I'm a Mac!" commercials. Not to mention, can they PLEASE get their damn hands out of their pockets and have open body language? Nothing says "I have no idea what I'm doing," like a presenter having one leading hand waving around maniacally and the other bashfully stowed away with accompanying forced excitement spewing out of their mouths.
- Pay. Attention. To. Your. Consumer. Base. DAMMIT. It's not like you can't scope out what people are saying. Literally, go to IGN, Kotaku, GameSpot, a-n-y-w-h-e-r-e and witness what people are saying. Consumers are afraid of the used game dilemma and always online requirements? Well, ANSWER their questions. Don't be so damned dodgy, it only fuels resentment. Be straightforward and confident in your decisions and people will hop onto the acceptance train. I thought this was common business knowledge?
- Refresh your business. Hire younger people to run your social media and graphic design. Your look is old and tired, and people notice.
- Last but most likely most important: stop your draconian business practices man! What the hell is going on with your lack of used games and your always online connectivity? Not to mention, DO NOT TELL THOSE OF US WHO DO NOT HAVE CONSISTENT INTERNET ACCESS TO STICK TO THE XBOX 360. WTF MICROSOFT?! Do you WANT to alienate your fanbase?!
Phew.
seriously.
While people may not agree with me on some points, I think if those six elements were changed Microsoft would see a major difference and get some hate off their back. After all, we really don't need anymore pro-Sony memes and gifs.
wholesome.
MAJOR EDIT: I really, really liked Microsoft's E3 conference. Again, great console, shitty practices.
Video at the end -->
ANOTHER EDIT: Microsoft just announced that they have revoked their always online (or rather, every 24 hour online check) and used game policies. Things resume as normal.
See guys? I have some massive pull.
no not really.
:(
You know, I felt exactly the same way as you did about Sony when the first Xbox came out, and I don't know why.
ReplyDeleteI ended up getting the original Xbox because at that time I was heading to college, and all my friends were playing Halo.
How do you feel about the Xbox One now that Microsoft reversed the drm stuff? I guess for me I still sorta lean to the PS4 because I don't know if Microsoft will try to pull that crap again after launch.
Personally, I'm very glad they did.
DeleteI think it was a smart move on their part, and a sign that they indeed listened to the consumer base instead of thinking of the lining of their pockets.
Do I think they'll turn around and screw us after purchase? God, I hope not; but I choose to have faith that the company I've known and love won't become a total parade of assbags. :) I will try and purchase both the XOne and the PS4.