10 Ways That Microsoft Can Win Back Fans

Less Corporate Arrogance

Aside from a few frustrating E3 reports, the most common thing to see in the gaming news at the moment is some kind of display of arrogance from Microsoft regarding the Xbox One. Yusuf Mehdi claiming Microsoft “found a great balance across” with Xbox One’s online policies, Don Mattrick arguing that Microsoft made a good and “future proof” choice by shutting out those without reliable internet connections etc. All of these press statements do little but give the sense that the MS higher ups don’t really care about those of us who can’t enjoy the new Xbox experience.

Less Reliance on the Xbox 360

Just as MS press releases are rubbing salt into the wound, Don Pattrick’s views on those who are completely offline were equally insulting. Speaking to GTTV the Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business president argued that “we have a product for people who aren’t able to get some form of connectivity, it’s called Xbox 360. If you have zero access to the internet, that is an offline device.” Gee, thanks Don. Instead of giving us a real solution, you tell us to stick with the same device we’ve been using for nearly eight years now. Hell no! If we want next gen, we should be able to get it without internet restrictions. Those who can’t connect every 24 hours shouldn’t be left in the dark ages. MS need to stop pretending that the 360 is an alternative to the Xbox One, as it just reeks of ignorance.

Supporting Independent Game Stores

The whole used game issue has been a big downer for the Xbox One, but it’s obvious MS are trying to make amends with consumers who are used to disc-based media. You can digitally rent game licenses to those on your friends list, and select retailers will be able to sell your game licenses for cash as it was with the old trade-in method. The problem is how these stores will need to be approved by Microsoft themselves. I live in Cornwall, the southern most county in the UK and, aside from a few supermarkets, we are totally reliant on independent game stores. None of the major UK chains like Game or Gamestation operate in the entire county, so where would I be able to sell my Xbox One games? If Microsoft can sort out deals with local stores, both consumers and independent businesses will be happy. If not, folks in my kind of position will be ignoring the Xbox One faster than you can say “boycott.”

Get More Exclusive Content

With their used games limitations and online DRM checks, Microsoft have gone down a path that is anti-consumer. That said, it will clearly be well received by publishers who have lost profits to piracy and the second hand games market for years. With this new favour Microsoft have curried with third party publishers, they really need to push for exclusive content for their games Xbox One. Though their E3 conference focused heavily on exclusive games, Xbox only DLC and timed exclusives will be necessary to justify their publisher-centric design choices for the new system.