The biggest game so far this gen and Microsoft's hope to turn the console war is incoming…
Pac-Man & The Ghostly Adventures.
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Titanfall is also out this week.
Xbox One's UK price cut was Microsoft's most notable move since the arrival of the Xbone and PlayStation 4. Adding more indignation to early adopters, Microsoft also announced a Titanfall bundle. The current price cut only applies to the UK but don't be surprised if Microsoft slashes prices of Xbox One's globally; Sony's PS4 has out-sold Microsoft's console 2-to-1
It was clear this was going to be an intense battle; the Xbox One and PS4 launched a mere seven days apart. Boasting an almost identical line-up, specs and design, it's hard for general consumers to differentiate between the consoles.
Bad press has blighted The Xbox One from early on; the backlash Microsoft had to endure after gamers roundly rejected their always-online policy made the PSN hack story seem a million years ago. The issue over Xbox One's inability to play games at 1080p was another – albeit minor – bullet in the brand. Ultimately, the critical difference between the two machines has been the PlayStation 4's lower price. So when presented with two parallel machines, it's no surprise that shoppers have opted for the lower-priced model.
While Sony has other interests, such as their electronic and movie divisions, the PlayStation brand has always been a focal point in Sony's portfolio. The company's CEO, Kazuo Hirai (he of "RIIIIDGE RACER!" fame), obtained his position on the strength of his work on the PlayStation. Hirai is always seated front row for Sony's annual E3 conference; his commitment to PlayStation is firm.
The Xbox, in contrast, is treated like the red-headed step-child of the Microsoft family. Overshadowed by the lofty Windows, the Xbox has never been able to shake the 'novelty' project label. Investors have urged new CEO Satya Nadella to abandon the Xbox brand. Nadella's stance on the Xbox remains to be seen; he had little interaction with the brand on his ascend. Phil Spencer has stated that Nadella is a "supporter" of Xbox, but Nadella has not gone on record expressing his views on the gaming device. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen is convinced that the company should sell the Xbox brand.
The Xbox, in contrast, is treated like the red-headed step-child of the Microsoft family. Overshadowed by the lofty Windows, the Xbox has never been able to shake the 'novelty' project label. Investors have urged new CEO Satya Nadella to abandon the Xbox brand. Nadella's stance on the Xbox remains to be seen; he had little interaction with the brand on his ascend. Phil Spencer has stated that Nadella is a "supporter" of Xbox, but Nadella has not gone on record expressing his views on the gaming device. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen is convinced that the company should sell the Xbox brand.
Analysts estimate that the Xbox brand loses $2 Billion annually. With Microsoft losing money elsewhere, the Entertainment division (which includes the Xbox) would be the first to taste the sword.
Titanfall drops this week on Xbox One and PC, followed by an Xbox 360 release next week (Yes, Titanfall is on Xbox 360). In promotional material, Microsoft is touting the Xbox One version of the game as the lead platform.
Open betas, bundles, limited edition console, Microsoft has put their promotional muscle behind Titanfall. The reaction to the game has been unanimously positive. The hype behind Titanfall is reminiscent of the furore surrounding another First Person Shooter that Microsoft was banking on kick-starting a console, Halo. Whilst Halo and its sequel sold exceptionally well and helped MS sell thousands of Xboxes, the original Xbox didn't come close to the overall sales figure of the PS2. As a result, the machine lost a staggering $4 billion.
The exclusives will decide this console generation; HDD space and 1080p are fringe issues. Microsoft snatched up many of Sony's gems last-gen; Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy and even Tekken made the trip to Seattle. The only series Sony can rely on is their first-party games, which are a mixed bag. As fun as Infamous and God of War are, neither will convince fence-sitting gamers to hop over. Gran Turismo has lost its spark and is released too infrequently to make a difference. And no, those extra 60 minutes of Watch Dogs isn't going to be a gen-winner.
Sony's ace is undoubtedly Naughty Dog; the studio has delivered many of Sony's greatest games and arguably the best overall game last-gen, The Last of Us. Despite the strength of Naughty Dog, recent history has shown that it's FPS's that sell consoles – Not action-adventures games. Sony should focus on obtaining the rights to Titanfall's inevitable sequel.
With Nintendo getting out of the console race, it's a two-way battle between Microsoft and Sony. Both consoles are very similar and expensive; it's likely consumers will only pick one. If Titanfall doesn't shift as many Xbox One's as MS requires, it doesn't automatically spell the end, but it'll be a blow the Xbox will be hard-pressed to come back from.
