Former Xbox Boss Thinks Xbox One Launch Woes Were Predictable and Preventable

Though Microsoft made a quick recovery from the disastrous launch of the Xbox One, the console continues to suffer from the stigma that it garnered during its initial reveal- misinformation about the console and its DRM continues to proliferate among the less informed, and the lack of early momentum has made the PlayStation 4 the go to console this generation.

However, original Xbox boss Robbie Bach – dating all the way back to the very first Xbox console – has said that the problems that Microsoft ran into during the Xbox One launch were entirely predictable, and moreover, preventable.

“I think I have two thoughts,” he told Geekwire. “The first is, gosh, I think some of that was predictable and preventable. If I’m just honest I would say that. These console competitions last 5, 6, 7, 8 years. I think it shows in the marketplace today.

“I think Xbox One has put almost all of that behind itself. They’ve got a great holiday lineup. They’re gaining share and volume. … The amazing thing is the console market is bigger now than it’s ever been before. Both companies are selling more units.”

While he was critical of how the Xbox one was originally handled, he was all praises for Xbox’s suite of services, such as Xbox Live.

“You would have liked to have seen them done more with the momentum we had. On the other hand, look at what’s going on on Xbox Live. Incredible momentum on Xbox Live. I think it’s a balance thing.

“I could also say that the team did what they needed to do,” he added. “They persevered through a rocky patch, and they’re now on the path to making this a very competitive market.”

I agree, and I certainly think the Xbox One is a very desirable console today, and one that will hopefully manage to carve a niche of success for itself, even against stacked odds.