During this past week, our own Paul Tamburro put out another edition of “Gaming Weekly.” This time around, Paul’s article asked a simple question, ”Is it Okay to be Excited for the Xbox One?”
If you’ve been around CraveOnline’s Gaming channel long enough, you probably expected a response article from me. Paul says something, normally in his British accent whilst drinking tea and nibbling on bangers, and it’s often been my pleasure to offer a retort.
This time around, though, I don’t think Paul’s assessment of the situation is wrong. You should absolutely read the article, but the general gist is that Microsoft has listened to consumers on major problems and adjusted their stance accordingly. Paul offers up that, as long as the games are good, he’ll be in on the ride when the Xbox One drops.
I tend to agree; however, of course, that comes with a major caveat. I’m cautiously optimistic, and I don’t think I’m alone.
From Negativity to Trepidation
First, let’s deal with the negative connotations that will sit on Microsoft’s shoulder in the immediate future. Gamers, regardless of whether or not Microsoft has backed down on certain silly positions, are frustrated. The vibe coming off of both the Xbox One and Microsoft’s gaming division at large is a negative one.
As a tiny consumer demographic, we’re reluctant to forgive. Gamers get riled up over even a scent of negativity, it’s what makes this genre of media so interesting to follow on a day-to-day basis. That ease to anger and difficulty to forgive is what’s making the Xbox One seem so negative, in spite of the fact that Microsoft’s starting to do the right thing.
Paul was absolutely right: when all is said in done with each console, it’s the games that matter most. Bring out great, original and clever games and players will eventually come. They’ll see through the current negative cloud over the Xbox One and buy the console.
In the here and now, though, diehard gamers typically fall on the Xbox One opinion spectrum between “no f-ing way” and “trepidation.” Microsoft’s recent moves have pushed us more towards the latter, but it’ll take consistency to keep us there.
Living With The Vocal Minority
Here’s something that we need to realize, though. We’re the vocal minority. We live amongst the vocal minority. The vast majority of folks with gaming consoles will never read articles like this one. They buy their Madden or Call of Duty box and enjoy life.
Regardless of whether or not us diehards are on the fence about the Xbox One, the system will be a success simply because it plays the latest and greatest games. Do you really think career FIFA and Tiger Woods fans are upset by the fact that Microsoft was once ignoring indie developers?
No.
All the majority cares about is price and content. Microsoft will have the content for the Xbox One, that much is basically a given. The price? You average consumer who is sitting on the fence between the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will see the $100 difference between the systems and likely go for the more affordable PlayStation 4.
But, don’t think for even a second that your everyday gamer cares one iota about online check-ins, DRM, self-publishing or replaceable hard drives.
Microsoft Needs to Stay the Course
For my money, Microsoft just needs to stay the course with the Xbox One. The current trajectory that they’ve assumed is much better than the one they started to pitch in May.
Focus on great games, keeping diehard consumers happy and offering a stable product. It’ll take awhile to get the current negative stink off of the machine when it comes to folks leaving comments, frequenting message boards and posting YouTube reactions.
Stay the course. Keep making decisions that the vocal minority likes and it’ll be smooth sailing for the Xbox One. This cautious optimism will eventually fade into just plain ol’ optimism
