Microsoft need to stop coping final fantasy

[Dodece]

@OP

Most posters in these forums are not going to understand what you are trying to say. I can help you with that. What the original poster is trying to say is that Microsoft being a genre specialist is less effective then being a market generalist. The original poster feels that if Microsoft spread their exclusivity cash across multiple genres that are popular in Japan they would do better for themselves.

I cannot say the argument is without merit. Microsoft hasn't reaped major rewards for their genre determination. They have the largest selection of the genre, and the best games in the genre this generation. Nintendo and Sony are almost laughable in comparison. Yet Microsoft is in a distant third place.

The reality is that Microsoft nor any manufacturer for that matter can cover the spread in Japan merely with financial expenditure. Ironically being a smaller market then both North America and Europe. Japan actually sees larger game development by bulk. Who has the most must have titles in Japan is in direct correlation to the size of the install base. There is no way for Microsoft to spread a large enough net to get the needed effect.

Microsoft has the further stigma of not being a domestic brand, nor having valued brand recognition within Japan. That is a handicap a shameful one but a handicap none the less. So Microsoft must penetrate the market in such a way to overcome these negative effects.

Microsoft has actually adopted a wonderful strategy. Better to win one small critical battle, and establish a dedicated niche audience. That will give them a beach head to expand from, and it gives their console in the market a decided direction. They chose a wonderful strategy to do so as well. That has real benefits in the rest of their markets.

I think Microsoft would have done worse for spreading a thin net, because it would have gone completely unnoticed by consumers. However by focusing their efforts in one direction they are bound to attract attention to their product. Having a fighter while everyone else has a fighter is one thing. Having seven turn based games while everyone else has only one is another thing entirely. They should probably generate a loyal if not small fan base this generation and that is what they need.