Microsoft: Come On Then Nintendo... Outside!
Wii copyists or natural progression into casual market?
Microsoft has announced that it plans to make a full-scale assault on the casual gaming space. This is according to an interview with the company’s regional vice president of the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) home and entertainment division, Chris Lewis today - the man effectively the man in charge of Xbox strategy in Europe.
Lewis told MCV that,“Our drive is to appeal to a wider genre with more casual types of gaming… Clearly we need to continue toward more casual-based gaming experiences, and more peripheral-based gaming experiences in front of the screen.”
Lewis continued, "You’re going to hear more about that at E3. For 360 to appeal in the way we want it to and for us to achieve our aspirations, we need to be in the broader space as well as investing in the core element.”
Of course, the company has already made moves into the younger gaming market with Rare’s superbly executed Viva Piñata late last year, but this latest news really does indicate that Microsoft is serious about stepping up its game in the casual (or ‘non-core’) market. It’s almost unashamedly saying “Okay, we’ve pretty much got the hardcore now, lets have a look at what Nintendo is doing and see what we can learn from that.”
No doubt we will see a slew of new titles making use of the Xbox Vision Camera and – perhaps – some announcements relating to motion-sensing control for Xbox 360. Suddenly we’re getting just a little bit more excited about this year’s min-E3 in two weeks time.
“Nintendo occupies a very specific space and I genuinely think we co-exist with Nintendo very well,” added Lewis, “Having said that, it is interesting for us to continue to work on games and experiences that appeal to a broader demographic base.”
We love the phrase, "genuinely think", as it assumes that there are occasions where a person (or persons unnamed might be genuine) - 1 SPOnG Industry Index point to Microsoft.
source:MCV
Lewis told MCV that,“Our drive is to appeal to a wider genre with more casual types of gaming… Clearly we need to continue toward more casual-based gaming experiences, and more peripheral-based gaming experiences in front of the screen.”
Lewis continued, "You’re going to hear more about that at E3. For 360 to appeal in the way we want it to and for us to achieve our aspirations, we need to be in the broader space as well as investing in the core element.”
Of course, the company has already made moves into the younger gaming market with Rare’s superbly executed Viva Piñata late last year, but this latest news really does indicate that Microsoft is serious about stepping up its game in the casual (or ‘non-core’) market. It’s almost unashamedly saying “Okay, we’ve pretty much got the hardcore now, lets have a look at what Nintendo is doing and see what we can learn from that.”
No doubt we will see a slew of new titles making use of the Xbox Vision Camera and – perhaps – some announcements relating to motion-sensing control for Xbox 360. Suddenly we’re getting just a little bit more excited about this year’s min-E3 in two weeks time.
“Nintendo occupies a very specific space and I genuinely think we co-exist with Nintendo very well,” added Lewis, “Having said that, it is interesting for us to continue to work on games and experiences that appeal to a broader demographic base.”
We love the phrase, "genuinely think", as it assumes that there are occasions where a person (or persons unnamed might be genuine) - 1 SPOnG Industry Index point to Microsoft.
source:MCV
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Comments
Captain Chaos 28 Jun 2007 13:43
1/5
"genuinely think" lol
I think this is a mistake on microsofts part. Theres no way on earth they can compete with Nintendo now for this casual gamer market - you have to be creative and its a move too late. It reminds me of when Sony tacked on tilt senstivity to the PS3 controller.
A wiser move would be to concentrate their efforts on beating the PS3 - which as far as I can see will probably not even do as well as the PSP. Both the 360 and ps3 are battling it out for the same market. Also sony keep losing their exclusives (GTA4, Final Fantasy) to others.
Why bother chasing the bullish Nintendo, go for the wounded Sony.
I think this is a mistake on microsofts part. Theres no way on earth they can compete with Nintendo now for this casual gamer market - you have to be creative and its a move too late. It reminds me of when Sony tacked on tilt senstivity to the PS3 controller.
A wiser move would be to concentrate their efforts on beating the PS3 - which as far as I can see will probably not even do as well as the PSP. Both the 360 and ps3 are battling it out for the same market. Also sony keep losing their exclusives (GTA4, Final Fantasy) to others.
Why bother chasing the bullish Nintendo, go for the wounded Sony.
OptimusP 28 Jun 2007 13:50
2/5
MS, pay attention!
Step 1: price drops, you're going to go mass-market with those kind prices, Drop the damn price!!!
Step 2: prepare casual games so that you launch every two months one. And not some copy cookie-cutter s**t, something real noticeable.
Step 3: avoid copying Nintendo's casual concepts blatanly...unless you're cheaper...which you aren't, so don't!
Step 1: price drops, you're going to go mass-market with those kind prices, Drop the damn price!!!
Step 2: prepare casual games so that you launch every two months one. And not some copy cookie-cutter s**t, something real noticeable.
Step 3: avoid copying Nintendo's casual concepts blatanly...unless you're cheaper...which you aren't, so don't!
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Zoot Alors 28 Jun 2007 13:51
3/5
Captain Chaos wrote:
Why bother chasing the bullish Nintendo, go for the wounded Sony.
Here's a freakishly out of the box (out of the Xbox, yeah? Yeah!) idea, let's hoist it up the flagpole and see if the cat licks it up (24/7 going forward): don't go after either Sony or Nintendo, do something original.
Blue sky thinking, I know, but no one ever got sacked for shooting for the moon - and, hey, I genuinely mean that in an honest sense.
Cia bambinos!
hollywooda 28 Jun 2007 14:58
4/5
WOW!, I dont think i've ever read so many "buzz words" in one post!,...... "shoot for the moon", "think outside the box", "blue sky"..... haha
Modhabobo 28 Jun 2007 16:29
5/5
I remember the ridicule Nintendo got for bringing an underpowered console to the arena, and now look at everyone. Copying away like a remedial kid in an exam. I am glad the big N are doing well, but what both Sony and Microsoft have to realise is they need to innovate for themselves rather than tack on poor copies.