What if XBOX actually knows what it’s doing with its new ‘selective’ XBOX approach? There is much online discourse around how Sony fans are disappointed with XBOX’s new strategy. However, the build up to the next generation has begun. Exclusives will be needed to make the platform viable. Not only that, could we see an XBOX approach actually work really well going into the next generation when we know the big games are coming? You know, the ones that could make you consider XBOX?
Say what you want about XBOX being all over the place over the last few years, but I really feel, that this shock and awe is what is needed to actually bring competition back again directly between Sony and XBOX. After the PS3 generation, Sony was pushed to be better in the PS4 generation and had incredible success. Its success was also based on its incredible leadership team and the ability to read what their fans wanted.
XBOX lost its way in the XBOX One era, and with that, the industry started to lose competition and ultimately, we’re seeing a brand now trying to recover and regain the trust of its fans from an absolute behemoth brand in PlayStation. Will that sell XBOX more consoles, maybe. Will it get Sony fans to switch to PlayStation? I think that moment has passed unless the big calls are made around their juggernaut IPs. Asha is showing the desired leadership required to at least make XBOX competitive though, and maybe, just being in the conversation with the fans is all they need to be until they can regain a stronger footing.
XBOX has the fire-power within its XBOX Game Studios to deliver on that ambition. If they so wish to use it.