Microsoft’s public relations has changed significantly from the Xbox 360 generation, and it’s not afraid to compliment its competitor anymore. Chatting with MCV as part of a wide-ranging interview, Xbox Game Studios boss Matt Booty said that PlayStation’s doing a “fantastic job” and that he tries to stay away from “head-to-head” bouts.
“Sony’s done a fantastic job just across the board in terms of what they’ve done with building an audience, selling consoles, obviously, a number of amazing, great games that have come out of their first-party teams,” he said. “I try to stay away from framing things as a head-to-head bout with Sony.”
He went on to explain that, rather than engage in competition with PlayStation, the Redmond firm is focusing on its own objectives. We reckon both organisations are on unique paths at this point, so that’s probably for the best – although comparisons between the two brands will always be made, seeing as they’re coveting similar audiences.
We can probably all agree that it’s best for the executives to keep the console wars in the boardroom, though.
[source mcvuk.com]
Comments 13
What else could he really say? It's the truth
I think sony, nintendo, and now microsoft is parting way in this game consoles business, sony with traditional game console, nintendo with portable oriented hybird, and now microsoft with netflix like subscription. I don't think it's weird if sometime in the future microsoft sells their games on playstation hardware and make their hardware optional like their surface line-up computer.
I see comments like these from company heads all the time and still wonder why people want to be fanboys and start fights over consoles. Just play whatever you like and go.
let's be real if they said the opposite it would be a lie & they would look stupid so...
@Akurusu yea for real. I will say Xbox1 is the first purchase i regret (i get them all lol) in my entire gaming life. The only way Xbox gets me back next gen is an irresistible Fable title. As bad as Halo 5 campaign was i cant even get excited about Infinite. Gears is Marcus, Dom and Cole Train. New just isnt the same for me😐. MS desperately needs a few new single player AAA IPs. What im seeing from acquired studios is all MP/GaaS titles so far. The GamePass model has to lessen the budget for in house devs...
It’s a great attitude for MS to have, however I really wonder, if Xbox was still neck and neck with PS4 and not being outsold nearly 3-1 on consoles would they have the same message/attitude? Sounds like they’ve been beaten that badly they just want no part of a fight and want to focus on “their own objectives”. I would bet if the sales were a lot closer like 360/PS3 days they would still be talking smack.
@Akurusu I think because we all know this is pretty much BS and the moment they gain an Advantage MS will change their tune.
My toilet roll is better than your toilet roll.
So desperate to preserve the hardware buying ethos that they're now leaping into bed with each other.
The desperation is palpable 🤣
I think Xbox are trying to kill off the console wars completely and just try to make it buy and play the system you want. But I don't think it will ever go away they've screwed up a little with this gen when it comes to games. Yes they've bought studios but that payback won't come till 2022 at best for its next Xbox for 1st party games
Lets be honest, MS has been very different with Phil Spencer who got slated for saying he was enjoying playing Uncharted on his twitter and has come out and congratulated Sony's devs on their games. Its clear MS have their own agenda that is not purely locked to a console and whilst the media (and fanboys) will still argue about which is best, which has the most and/or best exclusives, which has the best sales, both Sony and MS have different paths. The main thing they have in common is that they both have hardware and studio's developing games.
Both companies have come up with great ideas, great features etc that have found their way onto their competitors too. However, Sony are reliant on their own hardware to sell their games but MS are not - not with their PC market dominance and streaming service that enables gamers to play anywhere on a mobile phone or tablet and that will be expanded to more OS's. Its more important for Sony to sell their hardware to sell their games but you don't 'need' an Xbox Console to play Xbox games.
The fact that both Sony and MS will have hardware that is 'relatively' comparable and give their owners access to the majority of the same games will put them into 'direct' competition in the eyes of the media but I expect that Sony and MS will have a healthy respect for each other internally. That too leads to a healthy competition which in turn benefits us as gamers. You may not like the fact that MS acquired a lot of new studios to 'compete' with Sony's output but as a gamer, that helps those companies - a lot that were struggling with the budgets of making quality games so could improve their titles. So you may need some device (other than a Sony console) to play them on but the end benefit is better games in the long run. If you really don't want an Xbox console, you can play them on PC or your phone...
Anyway, I am looking forward to the new hardware from both and the games too. As a gamer, the only thing that matters to me is the games, not the name on the box I play them on.
I think Xbox just knows that they are never going to be competing at the level PlayStation is at. I would just love for them to say ‘if we can’t beat them, lets join them’ and for them to just work with Sony to bring their first party games over on a PS console and work together to create the ultimate gaming console. I can’t see Sony allowing GamePass on their console though. It’ll never happen anyway but it would be great for us all if it did.
Said it before in years past and still holds true today. I miss the days of the 16-bit and 32-bit eras more and more as time goes on. When competitors are out to crush eachother is when things are best for the consumer.
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