After some major details about Microsoft’s next console – codenamed Durango – leaked onto the internet, the company was presumably worried about gamers discovering too much too early. However since the leak, not much has been revealed about the Xbox 720, and that’s apparently for good reason.
As the company significantly ramps up development on its next-gen console, Microsoft has reportedly beefed up security to the point that only specific employees are allowed unvetted access to four key Xbox and Interactive Entertainment Business buildings. Those vendors and employees without pre-approved access will have to be escorted through the facility, in order to ensure they don’t lay eyes on any confidential documents or tech.
All of this information comes to us by way of Geek Wire who hypothesizes that this ramp up in security could suggest Microsoft is targeting a late 2013 release for the Xbox 720. While Sony seems to be looking towards, at the earliest, 2014 as the time to release, both companies are rumored to be unveiling their consoles at next year’s E3.
Though Nintendo was unable to keep all details about the Wii U under wraps, their E3 2011 unveiling was met with a significant amount of surprise, and unfortunately a lot of negative fan reactions. Microsoft’s Xbox 720 is being met with similar claims of inadequacy (that is, if the dev kit that made the rounds is legitimate), but fans are nonetheless excited to see what the publisher is cooking up.
Leaks are part of the business, and we won’t be surprised when parts of this security initiative fall apart, but at least Microsoft is taking steps to ensure the real surprises take place in June of 2013. Whether or not fans will be happy with what they see is another issue, but at least we’ll get our first look at next-gen technology.
Do you think that Microsoft’s increased security will prevent Xbox 720 details from leaking out? Does a leak help a company feel out fan response before actually making an announcement?
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Source: Geek Wire
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Look, if the leak came from inside, the stuff’s gonna come out no matter what. I seriously doubt any gamer fan can just casually walk in and get information–even before MS adjusted their security.
Do you think that Microsoft’s increased security will prevent Xbox 720 details from leaking out?
No, it will just delay the leak.
Does a leak help a company feel out fan response before actually making an announcement?
Yes. Leaks aren’t always bad.
I hope that PS4 and Xbox 720 release a significant time apart, I plan on buying both. Still not sure if it’ll be at launch, I wanna beef up my pc to be a huge leap over this next-gen.
I wouldnt buy them at launch if i were you. Youll most likely be paying the most money for the versions with the most defects. I will personally wait until their prices drop and everything is good to go no glitches until i buy a ps3 or 720.
Ps4 *
I am also not a launch buyer, I always feel out the system for a while, let them get a decent stable of games & work out the inevitable bugs – then I can make the best most informed decision.
Good point. Remember what happened to the numerous amount of gamers that bought the 360 at launch and the astronomical failure rate that followed which only got fully resolved maybe a couple years ago. I’m certain many do not wish to repeat that experience.