“Those business models exist today and they’ll exist in the future”
Following this morning’s eventful Microsoft conference, Microsoft president of interactive entertainment, Don Mattrick, stepped to the side to speak with BBC News on all things Xbox One. He tried to calm our nerves regarding the consoles major roadblocks — namely price and used games restrictions — but what came out of his mouth sounded more like, “Deal with it.”
On the $499 price tag, Mattrick explained, “We’re giving great value to consumers, and this is our launch window. We know that millions of people are super interested in what we’re bringing to market, and this is how we’re starting this next generation.” That word, “value,” is such a funny little bugger, isn’t it? Companies like to tout “value” as though they are doing a great service to consumers, but true value must be earned.
Speaking of “value,” how about those suffocating pre-owned software measures? According to Mattrick, “We have to come up with a set of policies that harmonize the interests of everyone that will allow us to work together. We have been working with our key retail partners. They’re pleased with what we’re doing. I think they’re a great barometer for what I perceive consumers are going to take a look at. We’ve given a lot of detail about what people can do, we support resale… I don’t know what to tell you. Those business models exist today and they’ll exist in the future.”
Somebody sounds fed up talking about it, but saying it’ll “exist in the future” insinuates that we’ll all just give in and accept it as the standard going forward. Ha! No. Be prepared to keep getting pressured all the way until release.
Microsoft announces on sale date for Xbox One console [BBC News via NeoGAF]
