When news recently broke that Microsoft would not be unveiling or even discussing the successor to the Xbox 360 (aka Project Durango) at this year’s E3 event in June, it left many people scratching their heads and asking the question why. Afterall, we’re not talking about the release of the console, just an announcement or brief mention to reassure us that a more powerful Xbox console is in the works (PS – for those of you seriously wondering, of course it is!).
Well, we all know that nothing has been said since, but Gamesindustry have pointed out a number of reasons why Microsoft might be choosing not to discuss the Xbox Next just yet, and what the implications of that decision could be. Check out the article at the link above, or read on for a brief rundown on the main points.
- Games not ready: Developers haven’t had enough time to prepare for the final specifications of the Xbox 720 and with the rapidly changing technological landscape these days, games need drop jaws straight from launch. Delaying any talk gives everyone a little more time to ensure this happens.
- The Xbox 360: The Xbox 360 is kicking butt in the current generation of consoles so why stifle its success with the announcement of a new console just yet?
- Wii U: Nintendo’s Wii U received a somewhat lackluster reception when it was announced in June last year and Microsoft probably don’t see it as much of a challenger to the next Xbox, so no need to rush on its account.
- Xbox 720: The Xbox 720 rumor mill is turning over pretty quickly these days, so why do Microsoft need to rush in and kill all this free publicity they are getting? Keep people in the dark, wondering when it’s gonna happen, and then smack in the face with a Xbox 720 announcement when they least expect it…
Gamesindustry also point out the potential implications of the delayed announcement, and it all pretty much centers around competition (as you would expect). Any announcement in the reveal/launch of the Xbox Next gives Microsoft’s competitors (Nintendo, Sony and maybe even Apple?) time to get the jump on Microsoft in the next-gen stakes.
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