The experienced game designer Tadhg Kelly published a critical analysis of Xbox’s current strategy on LinkedIn. He received support from a former long-time PlayStation head.
What is Xbox doing wrong right now? According to Kelly on LinkedIn, there are several things that Xbox is currently doing wrong. This includes a rebranding that is essentially just the old brand, or the fact that new games are being presented while the studios developing these games are being closed.
Industry expert Jason Schreier also explained in a nearly half-hour video on YouTube why Xbox is currently in a crisis. According to him, the following points come into play:
- Within the development of games, there have been fatal strategic shifts. Developers could initially be creatively free, but then had to be profitable after some time in development.
- The acquisition of Activision Blizzard came far too late, namely when the Corona gaming boom was over. Xbox brought in tens of thousands of new employees into the system, who cost far too much in salary, office space, and benefits.
- The departments for hardware, software, and subscription services have been working against each other. This internal Game Pass war has led to deep distrust and political trench battles within the company.
- Due to disappointing sales figures, failed cloud gaming, and brand dilution, game quality would suffer. These points have led to a toxic uncertainty within management that would not allow for any creative masterpieces anymore.
And it’s not just within Xbox that there seems to be a console war. Sony and Microsoft are also competing across the board for the favor of gamers. A former PlayStation head has therefore joined the discussion.
Former PlayStation head receives a lot of support
What does the former PlayStation head think about it? Shawn Layden is the former chairman of Sony Worldwide Studios and was a long-time PlayStation head. He agrees with Kelly in the LinkedIn discussion linked above and comments that Xbox’s current steps show a fundamental misunderstanding
of how the entertainment industry works.
With his statement, he receives as much support as no other participant in the discussion. He has received 27 likes, hearts, and light bulbs from different parts of the industry.
What do you think? Has Xbox really failed, and if so, why? What do you think about the arguments of the industry veterans? Feel free to write it to us in the comments!
Speaking of the console war: Another industry insider recently spoke about the price of games and what budget would be appropriate for a new title. It’s about the new installment of Gears of War, which will be released exclusively on Xbox consoles: The game that sparked the console war between Xbox and PlayStation is said to have cost a fortune
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