Microsoft isn't all bad, especially in the entertainment business. Here are 3 reasons to thank Microsoft this generation.

Three

They released excellent tools for their console - this means that developers can get down to creating better games, faster and at a lower cost. This means for that for us - the consumer we're getting more games than we otherwise would have. Theres nothing wrong with having a greater abundance of choice games.

Two

They have supported the JRPG genre this generation like no other console manufacturer has. So for anyone who is a fan of the genre, how can you fault them for this? They even supported Hironobu Sakaguchi the main man behind the Final Fantasy games and gave him money and support so he could start making games again. Without Microsoft would we be getting anymore games from the famed Final Fantasy producer? Where would the JRPG genre be on the HD consoles without the patronage of the Microsoft Entertainment division?

One

Competition! They have ruthlessly pushed the prices of Consoles down and the competition has driven both Microsoft and Sony to really push hard to please you - the consumer in every way possible. They are hungry for the next big game to offer you, and they're pushing themselves and each other harder to produce better and more engaging games. Competition is always a good thing, 3rd party developers cannot think that they can rest on their laurels when every year the bar gets set higher and higher and we can see from the quality of the games coming out that it is working to our benifit.

:) Thats all folks.

true, also cant forget achievements. without those sales for games and some not so known games wouldnt have the sales they do, if it wasnt for theses achievements.

My List...

3 - Gamer Profile: The idea of a gamer profile, rating system, ranked matches, achievements, mottos, etc. are great and add to the gaming experience.

2 - In game custom music tracks and chat. I like to listen to my own music library in games when playing alone... And when I go online, I love the in game chat for co-op and multiplayer games.

1 - The Games: Their are more games on 360 then any other console, and even after being out one year more, there continues to be more new releases on 360 then any other console.

I put down the three main things MS has offered this console generation.
1. Achievement points.
2. Good games library to maintain gamers interest.
3. XBox Live continues to go from strength to strength.

1. Xbox LIVE
2. Achievements
3. Amazing library of games and exclusives


Runnerup: Saving JRPGs from being nearly nonexistant on a home console this gen.

Bah bad reasons: Buying exclusives for their console is bad for gamers and has no advantages whatsoever. Its especially idiotic when these are japanese-targeted games for a console that doesn't exist in Japan.

I thank them for

1) Bringing more PC developers to the consoles

2) Bringing PC features like VoiceChat, IM etc. to the consoles and forcing Sony to follow

3) Competing with Sony in the media feature set

Competition is good thats true.

Haha #1 on your list bro is done by anyone who simply competes in the market. Why should I only thank MS for that when they all do it.

I agree with #3 however, but #2 is not necessarily thx to them. Not like JRPG's would have stopped releasing on consoles.

I personally thank them for Xlive, XNA, and continuously expanding the online market in video games to new heights.

Even though im not a Microsoft fan at all.

I must say they have gotten themselves quite a nice gaming libary.

Yea,those are pretty good points.However,there is about these 3 only as good think, and there is lot of bad think. And when it comes to PS3 and Wii there is more good thinks than bad thinks.At least ps3..

Your title should read "3 things Microsoft fans should thank Microsoft for"

Why would I thank them for getting more games out for a console I don't own?

Why would I thank them for having JRPG support on a console I don't own?

The only good point is the last one, but there are many better things Microsoft has done than this, see Kyros' post.