America’s System is back. Rejoice!
Microsoft’s XBox One, spurned by a great price cut, some awesome third-party games, Nintendo’s foot-shooting strategy with Smash Bros., the awesomely-valued Halo Collection, a wonderful Black Friday performance, and the gaming industry enjoying its everlasting growth, has finally come full circle and eliminated the demons from Summer 2013 shenanigans. It is now the highest-selling system in North America and although its still leagues behind Sony in Europe and will never make an impact in Japan, the fourth quarter of the year has been kind to the Green Machine.
Microsoft has learned to embrace its image of being America’s gaming system as opposed to its weak strategy of marketing itself as an “entertainment machine.” The XBox 360 outperformed the Wii AND the PS3 during the seventh generation, while the original XBox survived solely because of American gamers’ love for the Halo. But the company took a serious hit when it attempted to implement a DRM/strong individualized system that sounded very bad on paper for a community of consumers that is extremely social within its circle. Sony took off running by repeating its PS2 strategy, leaving Microsoft scrambling to develop a new image.
Now with the Tony Hawk-inspired and American-appealing Sunset Overdrive, third-party hits GTA V, Assassin’s Creed, Call of Duty and Destiny (some of these sell better in the XBox as opposed to the PS4), and the high value Halo Collection, the attractive games are now flowing to the stores and a stronger resume is building for XBox One. Granted the price cut (which did wonders for Black Friday) stays, its officially the best deal in the business as it has stronger online support (despite Sony having the far better reward system), similar game lineup to PS4 (although the first-party aspect needs some overhauling), and it’s just a smidge more expensive than the underpowered WiiU. It developed the right price tag and although it won’t make as much of a dent in Europe, things are looking good in the rest of the Western Hemisphere.
In order for the success to continue, the first and second party department needs to step its game up. Rareware needs to open up its vault and unveil some Blast Corps, Jet Force Gemini, LEGIT Banjo-Kazzoie, and lastly some Perfect Dark. Halo cannot be the only rider guiding this ship (Master Chief Collection hasn’t broken 500,000 despite the awesome positive press), we need more shooters and action games to continue the Blockbuster image. And then maintain good relations with third-party developers (Nintendo….take notes) and the indie industry. Hey, Puerto Rico is trying to chime in on the industry by providing tax benefits. Just saying.
To make things short, the XBox One has officially entered the race by conquering Black Friday, gaining some life, and creeping up 10 million in sales thanks to a boost in American support. Sony pretty much owns everything east of the Atlantic Ocean currently but that doesn’t have to be bad news. Microsoft can run after the rising Hispanic community, and even take on South America. Then of course slowly keep pace with Sony in Europe and who knows. Do recall the PS3 was in dead last until the final two years of its run—and wound up just 6% market share underneath the Nintendo Wii (when at one point everyone was trailing by at least 20-25% market share). They are a few good decisions and a few big games from potentially turning the tide in their favor.
The XBox One after a poor start is back. Definitely officially back.
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