Microsoft Hypes New Console, Forgets About Games

The gaming industry is known for its fast pace and constant focus on the future. However, it's also important to learn from the past. In this monthly feature, we take a look at significant events in gaming history, exactly a decade ago. Last month, we discussed Microsoft's misstep with the Xbox One, specifically the attempted introduction of daily online check-ins. This decision was widely criticized and ultimately proved to be a mistake. Today, we're going to examine another Xbox One strategy that backfired. Microsoft's original Xbox One reveal was supposed to be a grand unveiling of the company's latest console. Instead, it focused on the system's entertainment capabilities, leaving gamers feeling neglected. The event kicked off with a monologue featuring clips from developers, players, and celebrities, including Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams. However, the tone quickly shifted to a discussion of the console's non-gaming features, such as its ability to control TV shows and movies. Microsoft's interactive entertainment business president, Don Mattrick, introduced the Xbox One as an "all-in-one home entertainment system." The audience was shown demos of the console's TV capabilities, including the ability to watch sports and order movie tickets. However, the focus on non-gaming features left many feeling underwhelmed. It wasn't until 33 minutes into the event that the first game, EA Sports' lineup, was showcased. The event continued to struggle, with a lack of focus on gaming and too much emphasis on TV and entertainment. The Xbox One reveal was widely criticized, with many feeling that Microsoft had misread the room and neglected the gaming community. In retrospect, it's clear that Microsoft's strategy was flawed, and the company would have been better off focusing on the console's gaming capabilities. Despite this, Microsoft did have some successes, such as the announcement of exclusive games like Titanfall and Ryse: Son of Rome. However, the damage had already been done, and the Xbox One reveal is still remembered as one of the biggest missteps in gaming history. Other notable events from the same time period include EA's search for a new CEO, the dissolution of the FIFA-EA partnership, and Blizzard's cancellation of its MMO project, Titan. Additionally, Microsoft made some questionable decisions, such as claiming monetization rights on YouTube videos featuring its games and predicting that the Xbox One would sell over 400 million units. Overall, the Xbox One reveal was a disappointment, and Microsoft's strategy has been widely criticized. The company has since learned from its mistakes and has made efforts to regain the trust of the gaming community.