This is a pretty short video but I put this in the gaming section because the lesson from this video applies to all brands. Half way through the video it gets straight to the point and quits the rant.
http://www.gamespot.com/shows/the-point/?event=why-the-xbox-is-losing-20130814&tag=Topslot;Slot6
I don't agree with everything he said but one line did grab my attention, that Microsoft "took the enthusiast gamers for granted" when they went after the casual/soft-core/mid-core/whatever crowd. I think that's pretty much true.
The thing is, had they gone after the core crowd first, had they shown off all those games from the very start, I think a lot of core gamers would have been much less pissed off. As it was, however, their message was kind of, "uh, yeah, you gamers just wait your turn, we're more interested in other demographics right now, we'll get to you when we're ready."
As the video says, that was a big mistake, because we're the ones paying attention RIGHT NOW. We're the ones who are going to make pre-orders and provide word-of-mouth advertising, we're the ones who are going to tell our cousins, co-workers, and friends which system they should buy if they want to play CoD or FIFA with us.
Basically, Microsoft put the cart before the horse. Unfortunately for them, inverted horse-carts don't draw big pre-order numbers.
| pokoko said: I don't agree with everything he said but one line did grab my attention, that Microsoft "took the enthusiast gamers for granted" when they went after the casual/soft-core/mid-core/whatever crowd. I think that's pretty much true. The thing is, had they gone after the core crowd first, had they shown off all those games from the very start, I think a lot of core gamers would have been much less pissed off. As it was, however, their message was kind of, "uh, yeah, you gamers just wait your turn, we're more interested in other demographics right now, we'll get to you when we're ready." As the video says, that was a big mistake, because we're the ones paying attention RIGHT NOW. We're the ones who are going to make pre-orders and provide word-of-mouth advertising, we're the ones who are going to tell our cousins, co-workers, and friends which system they should buy if they want to play CoD or FIFA with us. Basically, Microsoft put the cart before the horse. Unfortunately for them, inverted horse-carts don't draw big pre-order numbers. |
Yep, the whole point is don't piss off the hardcore gamers, because that "mid-core" crowd who plays COD, Madden, NBA 2K and all the yearly franchises follow them. They follow the crowd. Even though later on it may seem like the hardcore are insignificant (especially the way guys like Yusuf made it seem), they tell their friends the 'good word' about the consoles. If the chances are higher that if the hardcore initially choose one brand when their party buddies who game part time follow thats the console they have the highest chance of buying. That is something that cannot be taken for granted. Microsoft and Sony share 90% the same library, so those "soft-core" will follow the leader. They are the majority who make games like COD sell so well, but if their friends aren't where they expected, they will mostly go where they expect their friends to be.
| RolStoppable said: Interesting video. It's fascinating to get some insight in how hardcore gamers view the world of video games now. |
How does the hardcore gamer view the world?
Danny O'Dwyer did a great job articulating exactly how different the big three's strategies were with their new consoles.
| RolStoppable said: Didn't you watch the video? Come on, you posted it. The hardcore gamer sees himself as the most important person in the market, as the guy who decides where things are heading by making an educated purchase decision very early in a generation. Afterwards the so-called softcore will follow him, because they can't really make a decision for themselves. What's the problem with the above? The assumption that the softcore would buy a $100 more expensive console when both systems have practically identical software libraries. That wouldn't happen. You can remove the hardcore gamer and the result (Xbox loses) would still be the same, therefore a hardcore gamer isn't any more important than a softcore gamer. |
Touche,
But what happens when Microsoft quickly equates the price? Those "softcore" will look at the bottomline and the superficial aspects still of gaming. Price will be the issue for a short period, but Microsoft has already set themself up to slowly close that chapter of the book....possibly quicker than you think. When it comes right down to it, he who has the mass of the games will gain the core, whom will follow and from that comes the branches.
This gen is going to be very decisive as to who is the stronger brand, period based on internal offerings. First time ever that two titans go head to head instead of one generation after the other since Sony expanded the industry from the Sega/Nintendo marketshare.
Sony brought it down to that towards the end of this generation...did they not?
I wish he'd gone with a different title. I don't agree with "Xbox One is losing". It's still going to be successful for Microsoft and the gamers won by getting the product they wanted. He made a lot of good points and some good jokes, but he's ignoring the real loser. The Wii U. The Xbox One seems to be in a competitive 2nd place at the moment and gaining momentum everyday.
I think thar the only problem they had were those policies any "hardcore gamer" knew from the beggining that MS was going to have 2 conferences,one for media and the other for games and to be honest their lineup of games speaks volumes to their commitment to their core audience.
RolStoppable said:
The same thing that always happens when there is no significant price difference: The decision-making process will shift first and foremost to the exclusives that people want to play. The availability of sequels to softcore games like Halo and Gran Turismo will be important. Games aren't the superficial aspects of gaming. The hardcore are actually more prone to look at the superficial aspects, i.e. engage in discussions about processing power or non-gaming features that come with your subscription to an online service. |
Your description of the core, including (much like yourself) resembles an intellectual rather than the superficial. In every aspect of society you will always have a vocal minority who are passionate about their hobby. The superficial crowd responds only to the commercial aspects of gaming. We know better....don't we Rol.
Correct though, it will come down to the exclusives. The beginning always featured a lot of the games for the 360, but somewhere MS now knows they cannot just drop out on development even towards the end.
This means more for us. I'm betting on the horse with the track record. But I am open to what Microsoft has to offer that is new.
All companies should respect their hardcore.
| PeterSilenced said: I think thar the only problem they had were those policies any "hardcore gamer" knew from the beggining that MS was going to have 2 conferences,one for media and the other for games and to be honest their lineup of games speaks volumes to their commitment to their core audience. |
You're right, the nightmare they created is over. Their launch lineup was decent. Can't wait until Gamescom to see the real stuff from all the companies because nothing has blown my hair back from anyone just yet. If they truly dont have full exclusivity over Titanfall, their edge is over.
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