Microsoft: Sony Has More European Staying Power

Jeff Bell, head of global marketing for Microsoft's games business has let rip with the plan for next year; Europe is going to be the battle and Sony the main contender.

"Europe for us is still the swing," Bell said. "The biggest challenge is that Sony as a brand has had greater staying power than in other areas. Not just PlayStation 3, but Sony as a brand", said Jeff before coming over all feisty like. Actually before that... what the hell does "...is still the swing" actually mean? Can any of our North American SPOnGregation enlighten us? Does it mean that Asia is the 'roundabout'? Or does it simply mean that Jeff thinks that Europe is the last place to conquer? In which case, a quick look at Japan might be in order.

Geography lessons aside, Jeff's in fighting mood, claiming that, ""We will sell more consoles next year than this year." Excellent news, Jeff. Let's hope that your supply chain organisation can book 360s where your mouth is.

Speaking of Nintendo (joke!) Bell was also keen to business-speak regarding the competition from Minami-ku. When asked if Microsoft had benefited from Ninty's failure to supply, he smarmed as follows, "Sometimes you're good, sometimes you're lucky, and it's wonderful when you're both."

He then proceeded to have a dig at the idea that the only good Wii game is a Nintendo-developed one; that, in fact, third-parties don't want to play, saying, "Clearly, we have a competitor where they win and no one else wins. That is not sustainable, it's never been sustainable."

Sorry, a Microsoft executive is saying that? Surely a piece of Xmas merriment? Your thoughts in the Forum please.

^{Source: Reuters}