Sony may rock the video game world next week, but Microsoft really isn't concerned.
In fact, they believe the majority of consumers won't even be aware of the February 20 announcement, as Xbox senior regional director Jonathan Grimes told MCV :
"Whatever gets announced on February 20th, the majority of consumers in the UK won’t know."
That's an interesting statement. On the one hand, he's probably right, in that the majority of consumers in this industry are purely casual nowadays. And let's face it, the casuals buy Xbox and likely aren't aware – and don't care – what Sony reveals next week. On the other hand, is he implying that consumers won't know about it because it's Sony, and that if Microsoft had a similar event, they would know…?
Anyway, Grimes added that it will be Microsoft's job to make sure customers don't get "lost" in all the hype following February 20.
"They’ll still want to buy the devices out there. So in terms of noise our job will be to ensure that the consumers that are going into stores, going online, still see and experience Xbox, rather than get lost in the industry chatter. Whatever is announced is important from an industry perspective, but we must remember who is buying right now."
Later, Grimes warned gamers against constantly wanting something new. In fact, he said- "We should look at how we can benefit from what is already out." Man, if that doesn't sound like Microsoft, I don't know what does.
In the UK?
Since when are "most consumers" in the UK?
I don't think he meant it like that but this is how i took it,consumers in the UK of which most of them wouldn't know about it. 🙂
Should I really care what MS thinks?
Microsoft seems to be really bothered, i have noticed a lot of their "filler" articles running around but this is the first time they've directly referenced their agenda. Trying to redirect the heat never works.
Nice avatar. Excellent episode.
Jonathan who?
Everyone just remember to tune in to their live stream. I'm sure they'll be monitoring the statistics.
Oh MS… Cowering in fear because your next console is beyond broken and not ready to launch doesn't mean everyone else has to stay with you. There doesn't have to be anything new? Then why did you try and launch the 720 last year? Sigh… I watched ninty's press this morning. What is going on with them? DLC for 3ds games? Really?
So funny!!! They are feeling the pressure now! I read this and thought Microsoft must think all gamers are stupid and don't have the internet. Also, our media options are enormous! Everyone will know about this. Last but not least…..all Microsoft gamers who didn't know, now know!! 🙂
Last edited by CrusaderForever on 2/14/2013 12:02:44 PM
Marketing speech. They want to downgrade the significance of this event as much as possible, of course.
Last edited by Beamboom on 2/14/2013 12:04:53 PM
…and the comments suggested to me that MS is not terribly ready to move from the 360.
"We should look at how we can benefit from what is already out."
I really hope 360 owners like what they have, because Microsoft doesn't seem to want to upgrade it any time soon. Then again, they (Microsoft) have bigger fish to fry with Surface falling flat on it's face and Windows 8 not really getting a positive reception from their cash cow corporate customers.
Bah, Sony said something similar just a few weeks ago. "Why be first with revealing the next console? We are in no rush. There's plenty life left in our current console" etc.
Really, this is just marketing speeches. Strategic moves. Just empty words. Not to be translated into anything else than white noise. Best just ignored.
Last edited by Beamboom on 2/14/2013 2:52:19 PM
Sony was careful, they didn't say 'why reveal first?' or 'why release first?'
I wonder if Sony is going to broadcast the event in Playstation Home?
Most consumers without the interwebs
Outside Gears of War and Halo I can't name another popular exclusive that console has.
Forza. But that's about it.
I think they also got a stunt-bike/bmx extreme sport style game, don't remember it's name but it's quite popular. Reason I know about it is cause there is a very similar game on it's way to PSN now. Accused of being a plagiarism.
Trials HD, perhaps.
What about Lost Odyssey , it s one of the best rpg out there this generation in my opinion .
That's the one, brighat. It looked quite fun too.
Lost Odyssey is my personal favorite but it's HARDLY one of the "popular" exclusives on the 360.
I think this guy is being very specific, most consumers in the UK wont know on February 20th what will be announced because it'll be 11 pm when Sony's presentation starts, so most will probably either in bed or getting ready for it. They'll probably find out February 21st.
I was thinking the same exact thing, lol!
Microsoft is so out of touch with reality that it's almost comical to behold.
Ha!!
Since Halo 4 nothing new is coming for a while.
He really should have added that since many of our customers have bought 2-5 360's, our customer base won't notice due the monetary investment they have made in our brand.
I could have accepted that, because coming in last place in another console generation has to bother the company. It would bother mine.
Well not exactly, they sold slightly more X-Box than Game Cube.
Just Microsoft trying to set everyones mind at ease. All this means is that they're about as intrigued with these news as the general pop is. Even more obvious, though, is that they're a little worried.
Obviously people don't want anything new. Doesn't everyone want to beat a game then buy another copy of the same game? Wait…
It's kinda fun to watch them squirm
They want a new 360 though, their old one RROD'd and then the refurb E74'd, time for a Kinect bundle… LOL!
So which is it? He first says that nobody will know about it, then proceeds to talk about how Microsoft will rise above industry chatter. Make up your mind.
It's easy for me to remember that date. Girlfriends birthday.
You mean it's easy to remember your girlfriend's birthday because of the Sony announcement right?
Is that your girlfriend in your avatar?
Ouch, World…..
just razzin him 🙂
Typically arrogant pr*ck. The kind u associate with an ultra greedy corporation like Micro$oft. How dare he speak for UK gamers.
Jonathan Grimes must be the British version of Aaron Greenberg.
Lol I was just thinking that too.
I was thinking more like that dipshite….piers morgan
He needs to be more concerned about their next console… If the rumors are true about no used games and mandatory kinnect the 720 will be a tough sell for core gamers.
It may also have to be online all the time.
Sounds scared.
I like escalation between a scared company
Funny because a friend of mine who never had a Playstation knew about this date and actually he advised to me to check if Sony was going to show the PS4.
shame on him for not having a ps
MS is jealous they can't pump out any masterpieces.
I'll say they are right on this one, but everyone in japan are aware and if they try to announce xbox720 there. No one would care :).
Xbox would obviously do better than PS in america.
Last edited by Ydobon on 2/14/2013 9:31:29 PM
Sure, this statement rings true in this current age of media saturation…
he makes it sound like no one wants a new system yet.
ahhhhh, yes, yes they most certainly do!
whats with the sudden influx of eh its good enough, what happened to the sense of wonder and what is and can be possible.
you have to look forward to the future, otherwise you end up like nintendo!