X-Box Production Delay

Time for a mini-rant... As much as I'd like to see three successful console systems out there for competition (PS2, Gamecube, Xbox), it's evident to me that the Xbox just won't make it. Know why? Microsoft just doesn't understand the console market. They think that snazzy graphics and big name sequels are the secret to success. Microsoft is banking on name recognition and powerful hardware.

What about Sony? The Playstation 1 was probably the most successful hardware platform ever! Know why? Huge game support. Even though half of all the games sucked, when you have over 500 titles, that's still an awful lot of content. Plus you can see the effects of next generation software development-- compare FF7 with FF8 and FFT, or GT1 with GT2. Admittedly Sony dropped the ball on game support with the PS2, but it didn't hurt them because they were the first to market. Microsoft, famed for slipping schedules, just won't have enough games to compete with Sony.

What about Nintendo? Nintendo just doesn't produce as many games, but one thing is sure. Nintendo *really* understands game design. Look at classics like Super Mario Brothers 3 and Legend of Zelda. Then look at how well Nintendo transitioned the ideas into Mario 64 and Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. Look at instant hit classics like Mario Kart and Mario Kart 64. What about Conker's Bad Fur Day? Even if the Gamecube isn't the fastest system on the block, I know that there will be a ton of fun games to play.

What successful games has microsoft made? You can make an argument for stuff like Age of Empires/Kings, or Asheron's Call, but those games are much slower paced-- not suited for consoles. Microsoft doesn't know how to make games that are just moment after moment of pure fun.

Add to this the fact that first generation Xbox and Gamecube games will have to compete with third generation Playstation 2 games and you have a real problem for Microsoft. Microsoft hasn't even designed a console before!

So here's how it stacks up for the Xbox:

- Microsoft has never designed a console before
- Entering a market where for once, Microsoft is not a monopoly (and Microsoft's whole strategy is based on being a monopoly)
- Microsoft only successful games have ranged in pace from Age of Kings (slow) to Flight Simulator (monotonous) and are not suited to consoles
- First generation Xbox games will have to compete with third generation PS2 games, a veritable hell for developers.
- Microsoft routinely slips schedule because it could, as a monopoly. This is no longer acceptable.

-Ted

PS: Actually, my idea console world would be PS2, Gamecube, and Dreamcast 2. Oh well. :(