Japanese Microsoft chief on Eastern Xbox
Can Xbox survive in Japan? Square support discussed.
In an interview with Japanese games bible Famitsu, Hirohisa Oura, regional director for Microsoft in Japan, shares his thoughts on the Xbox in the region.
When asked for his initial reaction to the Xbox, Oura-san said, “There were rumours for months regarding plans to develop a game console or a set-top box. To be honest, I was totally against the idea. I firmly believed Microsoft should remain a software company, and not dabble in the hardware business. We dismissed the rumours initially because we couldn't believe the name 'Xbox' was real.” A striking difference from the official company line.
Oura-san’s honest response continued when addressing the hardware set-up of Xbox. “I was shocked at the size of the American controller. The console was also large, but I didn't view that negatively. It was like pairing a Cadillac with a Ferrari. However, I was happy we were able to persuade the American side to redesign the controller for the Japanese market.” He continues, “My biggest concern was whether we could convey the most appealing aspects of the Xbox to the average Japanese consumer. It was difficult because the consumers look at the Xbox priced at 34800 yen with 20 software titles available, compared to the PlayStation 2 priced at 29800 yen with 300 software titles available. Based on that data, players wouldn't buy the system unless they understood the leap in graphics, sound, and online capabilities the Xbox has to offer. Even with that information, players are unsure of our online plans, which won't be fully disclosed until E3.”
Then on possible SquareSoft support for Xbox, Oura-san made a very interesting comment. “The chances of Square games appearing on Xbox anytime soon are unlikely. We're still discussing possibilities, but even if they decide not to release any packaged software, perhaps they'll consider releasing online games in the future.”
We will have full coverage of Microsoft’s online announcement from LA later this month.
When asked for his initial reaction to the Xbox, Oura-san said, “There were rumours for months regarding plans to develop a game console or a set-top box. To be honest, I was totally against the idea. I firmly believed Microsoft should remain a software company, and not dabble in the hardware business. We dismissed the rumours initially because we couldn't believe the name 'Xbox' was real.” A striking difference from the official company line.
Oura-san’s honest response continued when addressing the hardware set-up of Xbox. “I was shocked at the size of the American controller. The console was also large, but I didn't view that negatively. It was like pairing a Cadillac with a Ferrari. However, I was happy we were able to persuade the American side to redesign the controller for the Japanese market.” He continues, “My biggest concern was whether we could convey the most appealing aspects of the Xbox to the average Japanese consumer. It was difficult because the consumers look at the Xbox priced at 34800 yen with 20 software titles available, compared to the PlayStation 2 priced at 29800 yen with 300 software titles available. Based on that data, players wouldn't buy the system unless they understood the leap in graphics, sound, and online capabilities the Xbox has to offer. Even with that information, players are unsure of our online plans, which won't be fully disclosed until E3.”
Then on possible SquareSoft support for Xbox, Oura-san made a very interesting comment. “The chances of Square games appearing on Xbox anytime soon are unlikely. We're still discussing possibilities, but even if they decide not to release any packaged software, perhaps they'll consider releasing online games in the future.”
We will have full coverage of Microsoft’s online announcement from LA later this month.
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