It seems obvious to me, that in the last 6 months MS has really cleared the path for having a good clear message at their E3 conference Let's look at what they have done:
1. Released the detailed specs of the Scorpio
a. This allows all of the talk after E3 to be about the product, not the specs
2. Cancelled a number of games that people were waiting for
a. This allows all of the negative press about this to have died down
b. This also allows the information regarding other games to be the focus
3. Announced VR is not coming to the XB1 this year
a. Instead of everyone talking about what is missing from their E3 show, they eliminate the talk before it even starts
b. Again, people stay focused on what they are bringing this year, not what isn't coming
4. Totally landed the "Premium Price" message to gamers with people think $499-$699
a. If the rumor is true at $399, people will be dancing in the streets if it is priced this way
b. Now, the price seems reasonable if not cheap for what you get
It is clear that MS has put a lot of effort into making sure that whatever their message is going to be on Sunday at the E3, it will have a positive spin or outcome.
They should get credit for this after the way the original XB1 launch was totally screwed up. I know people will say that they shouldn't get credit for not screwing up, but this seems like more than that. This seems like an extremely well executed plan. They don't seem to be counting on the usual new console buzz to give them anything... I guess we will know on Sunday.
It is near the end of the end....
