10 Years On: PS4 and Xbox One Launches Defied Expectations

The gaming industry's rapid evolution often leads to a focus on what's next, but reflecting on the past can provide valuable insights. This monthly feature highlights key events in gaming from 10 years ago. November 2013 was a pivotal month, with the launch of the PS4 and Xbox One, two major consoles that debuted after years of speculation about the console market's potential decline. The main factors driving this discourse were the rise of mobile gaming and the prolonged lifespan of the previous console generation. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 generation was the longest in the industry's history, with the original Xbox being discontinued just four years after its launch, and the Xbox 360 lasting eight years before the Xbox One's arrival. Motion control features like Kinect helped extend the 360's lifespan, while Sony's growing market share with the PS3 led to a more patient approach. The PS3 arrived six years after the PS2 and remained the flagship console for seven years until the PS4's launch. The industry had never been this deep into a console cycle before, and enthusiasm typically waned towards the end of a cycle. The Wii U's underwhelming debut the previous year added to the skepticism. However, the PS4 and Xbox One launches sparked considerable interest, with the PS4 debuting in North America on November 15 and the Xbox One following a week later. Hundreds of people waited in line at various stores, and both launches featured notable events, with Microsoft's launch including celebrity appearances. Despite the initial excitement, the launch games for both consoles were not particularly impressive, with the PS4's standout title being the downloadable game Resogun, and the Xbox One's best exclusives being Forza Motorsport 5 and Dead Rising 3. The promise of upcoming games helped offset the lackluster launches, and both consoles sold over 1 million units in their first 24 hours. The next-gen launches quickly dispelled concerns about the console market's demise, instead signaling the evolution of consoles. The ability to download games on the day of release became standard, marking a significant shift in the industry. This change had a profound impact on the industry, with digital distribution becoming a major part of the market. In 2017, digital sales accounted for a significant portion of the console industry, with some publishers reporting that physical sales made up less than 5% of their business. The shift towards digital distribution has continued, with many publishers now generating most of their revenue from digital sales. The rise of digital distribution has also led to changes in the way games are marketed and sold, with many publishers focusing on online stores and digital storefronts. The decline of physical media has been a significant trend in the industry, with many retailers stopping the sale of physical games and consoles. The shift towards digital distribution has also raised questions about the future of physical media and the role of disc drives in consoles. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how publishers and console manufacturers adapt to the changing landscape. Other notable events from 10 years ago include the announcement of John Carmack's departure from id Software to focus on Oculus VR, and the prediction by some industry experts that the Xbox One and PS4 would struggle to compete with mobile and PC gaming. However, the launches of the PS4 and Xbox One proved to be a significant success, and the console market has continued to thrive. In hindsight, some predictions made at the time have proven to be accurate, while others have not. The industry's ability to adapt to changing trends and technologies has been a key factor in its continued success.