So it's been a while since the initial reveal of the Xbox One and just recently the PS4. Microsoft came out and presented the new console with the up most confidence promising all kinds of awesome stuff like, needing to have mandatory internet connection, Kinnect would always be on watching you, Mandatory Kinnect installation in order for the system to work and if any of that wasn't awesome enough they also released info regarding indie game dev and the overall gaming experience on the X1. Indie Gamers would no longer be able to sell their games on Xbox Live, Games were to be downloaded and installed into the systems memory when placed into the system for the first time rendering the disc useless. No longer would you be able share games with friends or play used games for that matter AND without an internet connection you would not be able to play the disc based content such as SP campaigns. This system is awesome!!!
Said no gamer ever.
The X1 was a colossal failure on Microsoft's part. The system is pretty much like having controlled parental custody with supervised visits, the X1 being the child and Microsoft being the supervisor. The fact that the X1 required a mandatory installation of Kinnect and that it always was on watching your every move, needless to say it freaked people out. The amount of Terminator jokes that spawned because of it was pretty ridiculous (However very very funny). No one could even say that the X1 had potential, it was a whole lotta bad in one system. You had a new game policy that restrained you from being able to play used games, share games with friends and even buy or rent games from Gamefly, Redbox, Blockbuster (THEY STILL EXIST!) etc. The indie game developers were at a loss because no longer could they self publish and sell their creations on XBL. After the X1 Reveal, Sony's stock shot up with a 8% increase and didn't stop there. The stock continued to rise shortly after the PS4 reveal. As of May 22nd 2013 the stock had again increased by a total of 9%, documented by IGN. The amount of XB fans who converted to Sony was amazing, It was downright insane, The XB/Sony conversion was soooo huge that the Jehovah Witnesses started taking notes. This fan base shift was a huge deal and it showed in the system pre-orders. Up until the week ending June 15 the PlayStation 4 currently leads in the total number of pre-orders with about 75,000 (Rounded number). The Xbox One is lagging behind with 45,000 (Rounded number) pre-orders.
In recent events, Don Mattrick the head boss on the X1 revealed to fans that Microsoft would be changing the systems restrictions in certain areas to cater to what fans they had left. Here is what Mattrick had to say on the matter:
"An Internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games. After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One, you can play any disc-based game without ever connecting online again. There is no 24-hour connection requirement and you can take your Xbox One anywhere you want and play your games, just like on Xbox 360.Trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc based games just like you do today. There will be no limitations to using and sharing games; it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360.In addition to buying a disc from a retailer, you can also download games from Xbox Live on day of release. If you choose to download your games, you will be able to play them offline just like you do today. Xbox One games will be playable on any Xbox One console--there will be no regional restrictions. We appreciate your passion, support and willingness to challenge the assumptions of digital licensing and connectivity," Mattrick said. "While we believe that the majority of people will play games online and access the cloud for both games and entertainment, we will give consumers the choice of both physical and digital content. We have listened and we have heard loud and clear from your feedback that you want the best of both worlds."
Through out all of the major social networking sites everyone is talking about the new systems and where they stand as gamers. After both reveals and even the X1 make over announcement it still remains that the majority of Xbox fans who have converted to Sony say they will stick around with Sony. Those wanting both consoles were happy to hear about the policy changes and will proceed with the dual purchase and of course XB fanboys and Sony Fanboys will stick to their individual systems. Only time will tell how good Microsoft makes on their promise and just how dominant the PS4 really is. Which system will be the best? You decide.
Derek~
-GameSomniac™
Article References
Gamespot.com
Ign.com
Vgchartz.com
Vg247.com
Sidequesting.com
