Will it or won't it? It's a question that can be asked in regards to many a topic, but one that has been focused on the used games market — specifically in regards to the next generation of consoles — as of late.
While Sony deftly dodged any used game talk during their PS4 unveiling, Microsoft hasn't shown quite as much tact. Instead, the company has come under fire for their mixed messages regarding used games, and whether or not the Xbox One will charge to play them.
Since then, Microsoft has been in full damage control mode, and that continues with a message from Microsoft's Major Nelson (a.k.a. Larry Hyrb). In a blog post offering a chance to attend Microsoft's E3 Media Briefing, a commenter cited the Twitter storm that has building since the Xbox One event, and urged Microsoft to respond. Not to be outdone, Hyrb did, saying:
"We're fully aware of what is going on. I am also working on a few things to address it. I can't say much more right now. But we ARE listening."
Based on Hyrb's message alone, it's hard to tell how exactly Microsoft plans to address the issue of DRM, and whether or not their forthcoming announcement will be what gamers want to hear. Although we expect Microsoft to set the record straight regarding the Xbox One's used games support, that doesn't mean they will nix the idea of "pay to play" completely.
The hope is that Microsoft has some big plans for E3, and that they will build on the foundation of their Xbox One unveiling. That presumably will include a wealth of game reveals — like a historic Rare franchise — and maybe even a price or release date.
Whatever they plan to announce, Microsoft's Craig Davidson, as he tells IGN Spain, believes his company will not only "surprise the world," but "will kill Sony at E3." Those are some lofty ambitions to say the least.
If Microsoft wants to "kill Sony" they're going to need to move fast, as the ball is slowly drifting further and further into the PS4's court. One could cite any number of reasons for the shift — a lack of game reveals from Microsoft, DRM issues (both physical and visual), and far too many mixed messages — but it's still too early to say Microsoft can't rebound. And a good start would be not charging for used games.
We'll allegedly know more in less than two weeks, when Microsoft takes the stage at the Galen Center and gives gamers a closer look at the Xbox One.
How will Microsoft "surprise the world" and "kill Sony?" If the Xbox One doesn't charge to play used games, will your interest in the console increase?
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Source: IGN, Major Nelson