Midway's executive vice president for international Martin Spiess has suggested that Microsoft's position in Europe is concerning. Comparing Microsoft's performance to Sony and Nintendo, Spiess states that the Xbox is "lagging behind" in certain territories.
"I don't know what it's like for other companies, but the market is not as big as the US market, so naturally we have lower attachment rates," Spiess claims. "But it could be growing to the same size as the US - the only problem we have right now is that we see in certain territories Microsoft is lagging behind. Sony has become very strong, Nintendo has become very strong, but the Microsoft market in certain territories is concerning."
Considering Europe is still treated as an afterthought despite its large market, I don't think Microsoft will make any dramatic leaps forward this generation. It so far refuses to cut console prices in Europe, and the company seems far more concerned with winning over Japan than trying to gain ground in a market that potentially gives a damn.
Microsoft consistently talks about how it wants to win in Europe, but so far it's done nothing to fight for the market.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
Likes
PS2, iPod Touch, Silent Hill 2, Metal Gear Solid, Dynasty Warriors 3
Meet the rest of the team
| BBcode help |
| [b]Bold text[/b] |
Bold text |
| [i]Italic text[/i] |
Italic text |
| [url]http://www.dtoid.com/[/url] |
http://www.dtoid.com |
| [url=http://www.dtoid.com/]Web link[/url] |
Web link |
|
| [img]http://www.example.com/robot.jpg[/img] |
 |
Post a comment! You can also post a photo below:
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
16 comments | showing # 1 to 16
|
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
Comments policy
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?
Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!
Contest:
3:52 AM on 09.09.2008
| 
1. Fix the RROD
2. Better Pricing on games and marketplace
3. Fire everyone at the Eastern Service Center in Germany and hire new ones that do their work like supposed professionals instead of slacking around
4. Make LIVE available to ALL EUROPEAN TERITORIES
Brits love what's shiny and new.
I'd like to say the same for you but you are not the ones who have the problem.
talking from the safe side is cool huh?
also, we love 360. 360 does not love us though...
- Most if not all "exclusives" eventually come out on PC.
- I don't like paying to play online, I already pay my ISP thank you very much.
- I don't like paying for updates and new maps that I can get for free on other platforms.
- RROD.
But I suspect the woeful state of Live and the fact that marketplace is not as compelling is a significant factor. Marketplace needs a lot of work in European territories to get it to acceptability. Not just in content (yes, the studios might not licence it. That's why you have to ask *local* studios, who will licence for their own territory...), but in simple things like moving into the 1980s and accepting payment by Maestro.
Phazer