Microsoft: What’s Not to Trust?

Unanswered Questions

After months of speculation about Microsoft’s next generation console, it was finally unveiled. The new console named “Xbox One” opened up with new features from the Kinect 2.0, new Call of Duty: Ghosts footage, and lots of dodged questions.

Critics and fans alike became suspicions about the questions left unanswered. 

Will the console need an internet connection?

Will it work if the Kinect 2.0 breaks?

Can we still use physical discs? 

These concerns festered among the internet and the gaming communities for a few weeks (which is like years in internet time), until E3.

E3 opened it’s doors to thousands upon thousands of fans, journalists, developers, publishers, CEO’s, CFO’s, and just about everyone in between. Everyone gathered around when it was time for Microsoft to take the stage. Microsoft presented lots of games, information about what the XboxOne would be capable of, and how Kinect 2.0 enhanced the experience – both with the gaming and media consumption perspectives.

Trouble is, Microsoft never really gave a straight answer all day about any of the questions people were asking. The few times they did give a direct answer,  it was rare the same answer was given consistently.

What the XboxOne offered vs. the Playstation 4:

Microsoft Fumbles

Not long after the dust settled at E3, Playstation came out with an ingenious YouTube video where they show how “simple” it is to trade games on the PlayStation 4.  Petitions to have most, if not all, the new requirements and features for the XboxOne removed,  accompanied by the onslaught of comments and articles reflecting how Microsoft wasn’t able to give any consistent answers. 

It got to the point where Microsoft even asked the press to stop quoting their interviews.  Things did NOT look good for Microsoft.  Shortly after the press conference was over, GameStop’s market share’s took a hit.  GameStop is one of, if not the largest console retailer.  Was Microsoft alienating the largest supporter in the retail space?  Why would the company that helped revolutionize the use of household DSL and independent studios want to sever ties with GameStop?

A Complete 180

People seem concerned that Microsoft will one day, roll out of bed and instead of hitting the snooze button, may instead hit that “always online” button. 

It is now mid-October and the release of the consoles are just days away.  One question that is still looming over some consumers is, can we trust Microsoft? 

What is it to trust a corporation? There are some seriously bogus things companies do; child labor, safety conditions, low wages, embezzlement, you get the picture.  What we’re talking about here is a company who again, was attempting to take the bull by the horns and have a “once a day” check in and a digital future. The debate over the rights of digital content is a conversation we need to have, but we will not address it in this article. 

People seem concerned that Microsoft will one day, roll out of bed and instead of hitting the snooze button, may instead hit that “always online” button.  I find that to be very unlikely.  I do find it reasonable to think having an all digital library is very practical, if not well on its way.  With a large amount of digital only content we use like music, iOS games, books, personal pictures, etc, I think physical copies will be a thing of the past.

The use of DSL for consoles were for multiplayer/online matches. Games like Braid and Shadow Complex showed big studios/publishers like Epic, Ubisoft, and Electronic Arts that money could be made with low-budget games. Gamers can benefit from these things. Gamers can benefit from always being online.

Is this a different company than what it was eight years ago? 

It seems to me, they’re listening to the consumer, listening to investors, listening to the data.  They’re giving us a product we asked for… what’s not to trust.  Were the last 12 years for nothing, did the good times and endless play sessions mean nothing? No, the answer for me is no. 

The same company that gave us Halo and Fusion Frenzy is still here and trying to improve upon itself one step at a time. If what you’re looking for is a way to entertain yourself with an interactive medium, then is “trust” what we need for that relationship. If so, I find it funny the moment Microsoft wanted to do something different, They couldn’t “trust” us.

I personally can’t tell you who or what to trust, but I can tell you I trust people, not corporations. It’s strictly sustained by a toxic relationship, it only exists if one is getting something from the other. As soon as you don’t have money the corporation wants, it no longer wants you; it’s a two way street though, if the company doesn’t have something you want, why in the world would you pay for it. 

-Greg Magee

@Coatedpolecat