console warWhether we like it or not, this is part of the cultural imagination of the video game industry. While not a recent phenomenon, it is far from the case, it is thanks to the internet and social media in particular that it has reached its peak impact. Today we are witnessing conflicts between “players” who voluntarily accept the Xbox or PlayStation flag to expand with toxic comments. Unfortunately, in many cases they go beyond the acceptable limits until they cause really serious problems.
We know that the console war, at least for the most recent generations, has been largely focused on two sides: Xbox and PlayStation. It’s a natural rivalry, of course. born in 2001 with the advent of the first Xboxbecause both Microsoft and Sony pursued – and continue to pursue – a common goal.
Have you ever wondered what position Microsoft, a newcomer to the sector, took when it saw war brew while its console was taking its first steps? It would be normal to think that they would try to calm the water to avoid the toxic environment around their new equipment. Nonetheless, they had a different idea: ignite a console war.
In an interview with IGN, Peter Moore, who was a key player in the development and launch of the Xbox and Xbox 360, acknowledged that the Redmond natives didn’t stop the console war, quite the opposite. Of course, the former Microsoft manager clarifies that their goal was not to create a division between the communitybut to have a reason that makes them better.
“We fomented console wars not to create division, but to challenge each other. And when I talk to each other, I mean Microsoft and Sony. If Microsoft didn’t stay on course after the Xbox, after the Red Ring of Death, games would be a poorer place for it, you wouldn’t have the competition you have today. If we hadn’t resolved the Red Ring of Death the way we did, I know full well there wouldn’t be an Xbox today.”
Moore’s statements, although they could be considered controversial – and to a certain extent they are – are also partly true. The rivalry between Xbox and PlayStation has grown beyond the two brands; out of your control. The fact that thousands of players protect their console as if it were their mother encouraged companies offer products worth making a strong statement, even if it means attacking competitors.
Competition between Xbox and PlayStation is good for all of us
Has this strategy worked for Microsoft? Well, it depends on which generation we are analyzing. But in a general context, and given the current state of the Xbox, we can say yes. Currently, Microsoft and its video game division are in great shape. They have two consoles (Xbox Series X|S) that are selling like hotcakes and a very attractive service that keeps growing (Xbox Game Pass).
But be careful, because the growth that the Xbox has had since the last years of the previous generation is also pushed PlayStation to redouble its efforts to keep growing. The reality is that both offerings, while clearly different in their philosophy and product offerings, make the majority of their consumers happy. In the end, this competition has benefited us all.
The only problem, of course, is that Microsoft certainly didn’t realize that many years later the console war would escalate and divide a certain sector of the community. And I say “true” because not everyone is involved. The video games can be fully enjoyed without having to take sides with one platform or another.. In fact, the Xbox and PlayStation had many gestures of respect for their rival; making it clear that they can coexist.
Source: Hiper Textual
